By: Rob Staley — [email protected]

Danville, VA(April 15, 2009) — Just when it looked like car count at local tracks was fine, we ran into a couple of bumps in the road this past weekend.

In fairness to Franklin County Speedway, a multi-car practice crash and a couple of mechanical issues cut the field for their 50-lap late model feature. Travis Wheat topped a six car pack as he class continues to grow with a new crate engine rules package.

However, the half dozen that made Concord Speedway’s pro late grid was pretty much all that showed up. Daniel Johnson won. There is still optimism that this class will work out as many feel the PASS event at Hickory might have taken a potential straight rail car or two.

Also kudos to Robbie Brewer who took his new Camry to victory in the 30 lap sportsman feature at Caraway. Speaking of Robbie, he must be foaming at the mouth as his home track, Bowman-Gray Stadium, has announced plans for double file restarts at the 60 and 100 lap sportsman events this year.

Congrats to Justin Snow for his Limited Late Model win at South Boston. This was his first triumph in a brand new FDJ Motorsports chassis and marked a huge comeback from his opening day woes when he crashed out early in the race. Snow is a huge talent who deserves a good late model ride.

This weekend we’ll see the regular season opener at Orange County Speedway. Car count seems fine in limited and grand stock based on early registration, but late model stock is a question mark. Hopefully the late model teams that have expressed off season interest to compete there will show in full force.