ERIE, Colorado -- Jerry Robertson picked up his eighth Horizon Banks Late Model trophy this year on Saturday night at Colorado National Speedway, as he turned in a dominating performance to win the “Paradise Unlimited Shoot-Out” NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series event. A somber mood prevailed throughout the facility after John Black, 54, lost his life due to a medical condition while competing in the Sportsman division race. During an unrelated red-flagged caution period, Black’s car rolled into the infield, where he was given prompt medical attention. Black, a longtime competitor from Commerce City, CO, had a known heart condition.
Robertson, who captured seven of the first nine races in 2004, has had a tough bout in recent weeks at the 3/8 mile paved oval. For this 40 lapper however, he looked perhaps more overwhelming than at any other time during the season. The 42-year-old Arvada, CO driver powered away from the field, and owned nearly a full-straightaway lead on Rick Smith at the checkered flag.
Starting eighth on the grid, Robertson gained ground in big chunks to get to the front of the pack early. By lap five he was in second, and then effortlessly got past Smith for the top spot during the seventh circuit. Robertson and his Dunlap’s Trailers Chevrolet Monte Carlo went unchallenged the rest of the way. Smith settled with second, marking the fourth time over the last five events that he has finished in the top-two. Cris Muhler took third, and moved ahead of Ronnie Hults in their battle for Rookie of the Year. Scotty Backman and Bruce Yackey filled out the first-five.
The championship chase saw Robertson move up to second, and he now trails leader Backman by just eight points (714 to 706). Yackey fell to third, but is only 12 marks out of first place.
In respect of John Black, the Dunlap’s Trailers Sportsman event was declared official after 14 of the 25 laps were completed. Race-long leader Daren Gailey was awarded first place laurels to earn his fifth win of the year. Brad Groff, Davin Fisbeck, Tommy Roe, and point leader Jim Bob Rogers followed.
For the third time in 2004, Harry Bragg captured the honors in the Four Seasons Heating Figure-Eights. Bragg took the top spot away from Ted Gastineau during the early stages, with Joe Martinez and Dave Smith in tow. Smith eventually went past Martinez but could not offer a serious challenge for the leader, as Bragg crossed the stripe owning a four length advantage. Smith took the runner-up prize, while Jared Wall made a late charge to claim third. Top rookie candidate Martinez fell to fourth, with J.D. Hafemeister coming from tenth at the onset of the 20 lap contest to finish fifth.
In the Renegade Promotions Super Stocks, Lance Bailey outran Brad Herch for the victory. Working through heavy lapped traffic, Bailey stretched the gap to six lengths at the end. Robbie Schneider took third, trailed by Matthew Long and Jeff Sluss.
The “Children’s Hospital Race of Champions” will be the next event at the speedway, with two nights of NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series action slated for the Labor Day holiday program. Saturday night's line-up will include the Snap-On Tools ProTrucks, the Sunoco Grand American Modifieds, the Super Modifieds, qualifying events for the Dunlap’s Trailers Sportsman, and another running of the Trains. On Sunday evening, the Horizon Banks Late Models will be featured, along with the Legends Car Series, the Four Seasons Heating Figure-Eights, and the finals for the Sportsman. A fireworks show will be on the schedule for both nights, along with many fund-raising activities for Children’s Hospital.
2. Rick Smith, Gering, NE
3. Cris Muhler, Erie
4. Scotty Backman Parker
5. Bruce Yackey, Greeley
6. Roger Avants, Littleton
7. Dan Savage, Aurora
8. Steve Yackey, Greeley
9. Ron Van Briggle, Eaton
10. Darren Crocker, Littleton
1. Daren Gailey, Aurora
2. Brad Groff, Ft. Lupton
3. Davin Fisbeck, Thornton
4. Tommy Roe, Thornton
5. Jim Bob Rogers, Erie
6. John Baker, Cheyenne, WY
7. J.R. Davis, Loveland
8. Darren Bucklen, Greeley
9. Tom Powers, Aurora
10. Rick Hunt, Arvada
1. Harry Bragg, Castle Rock
2. Dave Smith, Englewood
3. Jared Wall, Commerce City
4. Joe Martinez, Littleton
5. J.D. Hafemeister, Commerce City
6. Lance Proctor, Arvada
7. Joe Matlock, Aurora
8. Daniel Martinez, Thornton
9. Ted Gastineau, Denver
10. Nick Martinez, Morrison
1. Lance Bailey, Longmont
2. Brad Herch, Arvada
3. Robbie Schneider, Gilcrest
4. Matthew Long, Longmont
5. Jeff Sluss, Northglenn
6. Darrell Smith, Littleton
7. Russ Middaugh, Arvada
8. Dennis Edwards, Golden
9. Bruce Borchardt, Broomfield
10. Jeffrey Quinn, Arvada
