Controversy seems to surround the Thunder Truck division at Three Palms Speedway in Punta Gorda, Florida. Saturday night was no different.
James Wright and Lance Sober have been battling back and forth all year. The result is a lot of twisted sheet metal.
The feature saw Lance Sober and Stuart VanDevender encounter each other through the first 17 circuits. Coming off of turn four Sober got into the back off of a loose VanDevender. VanDevender spun bringing out the caution.
Under the caution, Sober and Wright were exchanging pleasantries to each other. The trucks relined up and were coming down for the green to restart. As the trucks entered turn three Sober made an abrupt right into Wright driving him into the wall. Sober was disqualified for the evening. Wright had to be towed back to the pit area.
Once the race resumed Stuart VanDevender came back to hold on for the win over John Boyer.
Pure Stock feature action saw the drivers go three wide into turn one trying to go for the win on the first lap. The result was several cars received flat tires. The crews replaced the tires and the drivers rejoined the field.
Ryan Meiser in his Lehigh Septic sponsored car jumped out to the initial lead. By lap five Shane Leonard took the lead from Meiser. Lap seven saw the black flag fly for the 11 car of Mike Kohut.
Ryan Meiser saw his strong run end on lap 17 with mechanical issues ended his evening. With out a serious challenge Shane Leonard held on for the victory. Shane said in victory lane, ” Should be more cars here. This is the best paying track in the state of Florida and the promoters treat you right.”
Lonnie Retherford finished second. Kevin Cassaday who changed his car from a dirt car to asphalt was third. It was his first time on the pavement. He also said, “I will be back.”
Ernie Teed Jr took the first TQ Midget feature for his first career feature win in a TQ Midget.
The feature saw Mike Nelson drop out of the event and for the evening with mechanical issues.
Rob Kohler who was driving Mike Belusar’s car finished second. He is currently leading Florida TQ Midget Racing Association points and is trying to maintain his lead over rookie Mike Nelson. Kohler’s car has a blown engine and is waiting for a replacement.
Scott Robush and Sam Mancuso finished third and fourth repectively in the first feature.
The second TQ feature saw Rob Kohler come roaring back to take the win. Ernie Teed Jr was right on his tail tank for second. Robush and Mancuso again were third and fourth.
This weekend at Three Palms Speedway in Punta Gorda, Florida the Dwarf car back, along with the Outlaw 4’s, Sportsman, Street Stocks and Pure Stocks. Action gets under way at 6 P.M.
Don’t forget the 23rd of May the Southern Pro Am Truck Series returns to Three palms Speedway. Also on the card is Outlaw Modifieds, TQ Midgets, Outlaw 4’s, D.A.R.A. Series Rookie Pro Trucks.
