Story by: Rob Staley/RACE22.com Contributor
Danville, VA(September 25, 2009) — After two practice sessions the last two Wednesdays(one each for Limited Sportsman and Late Model Stocks) excitement is building for the racing that will take place the next two weekends at the Martinsville Speedway.
If you were lucky enough to attend either or both of the sessions, or even if you just followed along on RACE22.com, you know that there will be great racing with the Limiteds sharing the track with the mods this week and the annual Bailey’s 300 Late Model Stock extravaganza the following weekend. Look for 65-75 Limiteds and over 100 LMSC to compete on the historic half-mile.
Speaking of excitement, fans who attended the latest edition of racing at Orange County Speedway saw a real barnburner in the second of twin late model 75 lappers. With the top eight from race one inverted, newcomer Thomas Scott drew the the pole for race two with Aaron Dudley, mostly known for his road racing prowess , starting outside the front row. When the cars reached turn three on the opening lap., the front two were still side by side.
As they entered turn four LMSC points leader Stacy Puryear made it three wide getting his ill handling Chevy nearly sideways in the process. Luckily Puryear was able to right the machine or there would have been a real mess. First race winner David Triplett Jr. gradually made his way to the front and appeared on his way to a sweep until his Bailey’s mount got tight in the late stages. Hometown favorite Craig Moore closed to within a car length as they took the white flag , then got even with Triplett as they came off turn four.
Moore nudged inside of Triplett and took the checkered flag by a bumper. “Craig just did what he had to do” a gracious Triplett said after the race. Puryear still leads the points over Triplett by a dwindling eight points heading into the final two race cards on October 10 and 24.
The OCS quote of the night came from Grand Stock car owner Jerry Wikinson. His driver Eddie Capps finished fourth in the August 29, 50 lap event. He was leading the latest contest (a 35 lapper) after 25 laps when the car developed engine problems. Capps held on for another fourth place finish which led his car owner to state ” I wish it would have been a 25 lapper, but I’m glad it wasn’t a 50 lapper”. Keith Edwards got the victory. Tommy Chandler used a runnerup finish to strengthen his ponts lead in GS.
Michael McGuire continues to lead limited points after a third place run behind Donald Brace and Joey Throckmorton.
In the next ‘Rambling” I will name my picks for the best of 2009.
