ERIE, Colorado -- The Snap-On Tools ProTrucks headlined Friday’s opening-night segment of the “Dodge Magnum Mid-Season Championship Explosion” at Colorado National Speedway, and Paul Deines earned his second victory of the year in the division. Deines, of Longmont, CO, turned in a strong showing, as he held off a charge from leading championship contender John Luck during the 30 lap NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series event. With double points on the line, Deines climbed to second in the 2004 season standings at the 3/8 mile paved oval. The 32-year-old, who scored his ninth career triumph, also moved up into a tie for second on the ProTruck division’s all-time win list.
Starting in the fifth position, Deines gained ground quickly and overhauled Dave Johnson for the top spot on the sixth circuit, with Luck and Mike Bowen following soon after. Luck slowly closed in on the leader, until the pair encountered heavy lapped traffic in the closing stages. Deines maneuvered through the backmarkers flawlessly, while Luck was held up briefly and lost some ground. At the checkered flag, Deines’ Roof Check, Inc. Chevrolet Silverado owned a three truck-length advantage. Luck took the runner-up award – marking his fourth straight top-two finish – with Bowen third. Troy Witthar turned in his best showing of the year in fourth, with Billy Harkins in fifth.
Beau Kellogg, who finished sixth in the race, fell to third in the Snap-On Tools ProTruck standings. Luck now leads Deines by 40 points (290 to 240), and is ahead of Kellogg by 50.
In the Four Seasons Heating Figure-Eights, Dave Roe grabbed his second consecutive victory. Dennis Stepanich headed the pack at the onset of the 20 lapper, but surrendered the lead to Jared Wall on the sixth go-round. Wall spun just two laps later, allowing Roe – who had just passed Stepanich – to take over first place. Jim Egli charged up through the field after an early-race slide to briefly hold on to second, but point leader Lance Proctor eventually passed him. Proctor trailed Roe by four lengths at the stripe, followed by Egli, Stepanich, and J.D. Hafemeister.
The Legends Car Series ran a special 50 lap national qualifying race. The results however, were the same as all their regular 25 lap contests have been this year, with Danny Medina edging out Jay Sant. The pair ran nose-to-tail, well ahead of the rest of the pack, throughout most of the event. Sant mounted several charges, but could not find the power to get by and crossed the line glued to Medina’s rear bumper. A hard-fought battle for third between Jon Krizman and Barry Dykes ended on the final lap when they tangled and spun into the infield. Terry Plummer took over the position, with Michael Jones and Chip Newman completing the top five.
A superb drive by Brett Hajek in the Renegade Promotions Super Stock division was all for naught, as he failed the post-race tech inspection and the win was awarded to Lance Bailey. Hajek grabbed the lead from Bailey with just three laps remaining, and finished less than a car length ahead. In the final, official order, Bailey took the trophy, with Matthew Long, point leader Jeremiah Pepping, and Darrell Smith next. Mark Sopr took fifth after Robbie Schneider’s mount also failed to pass the tech inspection.
The “Dodge Magnum Mid-Season Championship Explosion” continues on Saturday night (July 3rd) with more double-point races. The evening will feature the Late Models in a special 125 lap race during round two of the Pepsi Super Series, accompanied by Grand American Modifieds, Sportsman, and the Trains, and will conclude with a spectacular fireworks display. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(July 2) - Results from night # 1 of the “Dodge Magnum Mid-Season Championship Explosion” NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series event, held Friday evening at Colorado National Speedway. (Night # 2 to be held on Saturday, July 3).
SNAP-ON TOOLS PROTRUCKS
QUICK TIME:
Steve Johnson, Windsor
TROPHY DASH:
Mike Bowen, Centennial
FEATURE:
1. Paul Deines, Longmont
2. John Luck, Colo. Springs
3. Mike Bowen, Centennial
4. Troy Witthar, Broomfield
5. Billy Harkins, Lakewood
6. Beau Kellogg, Parker
7. Tim Billinger, Denver
8. Rick Russolello, Thornton
9. Rick Runkle, Lakewood
10. Brian Pacheco, Elizabeth
LEGENDS CAR SERIES
QUICK TIME:
Jay Sant, Parker
TROPHY DASH:
Anthony Medina, Colo. Springs
FEATURE:
1. Danny Medina, Colo. Springs
2. Jay Sant, Parker
3. Terry Plummer, Loveland
4. Michael Jones, Aurora
5. Chip Newman, Colo. Springs
6. John Clute, Lakewood
7. Nick Rozack, Denver
8. Phil Peconi, Littleton
9. Stacee Sparks, Aurora
10. Anthony Medina, Colo. Springs
FOUR SEASONS HEATING FIGURE-EIGHTS
QUICK TIME:
Lance Proctor, Arvada
TROPHY DASH:
Joe Matlock, Aurora
FEATURE:
1. Dave Roe, Littleton
2. Lance Proctor, Arvada
3. Jim Egli, Denver
4. Dennis Stepanich, Arvada
5. J.D. Hafemeister, Commerce City
6. Al Duran, Lakewood
7. Dave Smith, Englewood
8. Joe Martinez, Littleton
9. Dennis Stepanich Jr., Arvada
10. Ted Gastineau, Denver
RENEGADE PROMOTIONS SUPER STOCKS
TROPHY DASH:
Bruce Borchardt, Broomfield
FEATURE:
1. Lance Bailey, Longmont
2. Matthew Long, Longmont
3. Jeremiah Pepping, Lakewood
4. Darrell Smith, Littleton
5. Mark Sopr, Cheyenne, WY
6. Eric Warrington, Ft. Collins
7. Bubba Willox, Cheyenne, WY
8. Russ Middaugh, Arvada
9. Bruce Borchardt, Broomfield
10. James Ham, Aurora
