With only a week to go before the Race for the Green, there were some fast drivers at Thunder Road on Saturday, trying to get dialed in for the big race. At the same time, a number of Thunder Road regulars were conspicuous by their absense. Were they finishing up the "honey do" list to get clear for next weekend's big race?
The Spec NasTruck heats pointed toward a fast Main; as Steve Kritikakos, aka Kriter, Robbie Bingler (Tripod), Steve Walker (Beach) and John Foster all put in fast performances. Several drivers were within a couple of seconds of the lap record throughout the night. When the A-Main rolled around, Tripod jumped Kriter at the start and lead the first few laps; before running into a slower car in turn two. The resulting spin dropped Tripod to the very back of the field; and he spent most of the race charging from the rear. Kriter assumed the lead, closely pursued by John Foster and Beach. Beach ran into traffic problems also; dropping out with a broken truck just after the halfway point. CJ (The racer formerly known as Charlie Johnson) and Mike Ruckle swapped fourth place repeatedly, until Steve Walker's abrupt departure turned their duel into a third place battle; just before both of them were overhauled by Tripod, as he stormed up from the rear.
Kriter slowly stretched his lead over John Foster; pulling away at a tenth a lap. John was finally overwhelmed by the storming Robbie Bingler in the last few laps; but Tripod ran out of time before he could get to leader Kriter. When the race ended, Robbie was only 1.3 seconds behind Kriter; as John Foster went a lap down to the leader in the last few laps. Kriter missed his assault on the lap record by less than two seconds; but promised to return next week for another shot at it.
The Stock heats pointed toward an interesting Main event, as Clayton Anderson (Big Clay), Lin Vaughn (McLin) and Steve Walker (Beach) all turned in fast performances. Harold Ruckle looked uncharateristically squirrely, with his car weaving on the straight parts and darting in the corners. Jimmy Zirk easily dominated his heats; and looked hopeful as he prepared for the Main.
In the Main, Harold Ruckle got a quick start; but McLin, Big Clay and Beach all got mixed up in traffic woes. Harold seemed to have found some extra speed, and ran like a thief all the way to the flag. McLin, Big Clay and Steve Walker continually bumped and pushed their way through traffic in an attempt to catch back up with the flying Harold. McLin finally broke something critical about 2/3 of the way along; and Steve Walker proved to be unable to mount a serious challenge for the lead. Big Clay tried hard to stay on the same lap; but finally went a lap down toward the end. Harold stroked his way to the flag, being careful in traffic and avoiding any problems.
Jimmy Zirk spun early, but recovered to finish a respectable fourth. Scott Gregory and Steve Simmons fought a race-long battle for fifth; with first one and then the other leading. In the end, Scott lead Steve by less than two seconds. At the buzzer, Harold lead Big Clay, Harold Walker and Jimmy Zirk. Scott Gregory, Steve Simmons and Bob Hall rounded out the field; as McLin was unable to repair his car in time to rejoin.
All in all, a good night at Thunder Road. The racers are all looking forward to the Race for the Green next weekend. We hope you will join us for the last big race of the season at Thunder Road. Thanks; Ernie P.
