Short Track Roundup (11/26/97)
26 November 1997
Mobile, AL - Here it is late November and there are still races every weekend on the short tracks around the country. It might require a few extra clothes to be comfortable but as long as the fans keep coming out to watch, the tracks will keep bringing in the stars and cars for them to see. Both coasts were in action this past weekend as we take our weekly look back at the action that was. The USAC Midgets were in Bakersfield, CA for the Western States Midget Series and Jay Drake came out the winner in the 50 lap affair. Tony Elliott finished in second and Dave Darland came home third. John Griffin flipped during the Semi and in the feature there were three drivers that ended up on their heads including the usually stable Brian Gerster. No one was injured and the only thing hurt was their pride. Jason Leffler continues to lead the points as the series heads to Ventura, CA next weekend. *** The SCRA held their final race of the 1997 season at Perris Speedway in Perris, CA. The winner in the Jack Kindoll Classic was non other than Rip Williams who has dominated at this track all season. The big news was the second place finisher, Ron Shuman who made a dramatic last lap pass of two cars to take the spot and nail down the SCRA Championship for 1997. Shuman was able to pass Richard Griffin and Cory Kruseman in the final corner to win the title in his final sprint car race of his career. Kruseman held on to finish third in the 40 lap event. Shuman is one the most prolific winners in sprint car racing and he will be missed by his many fans and admirers as he settles into retirement. Myrtle Beach, SC was the site of the Myrtle Beach 400 and in the Late Model race it was Philip Morris who took the win and the $10,000. Greg Marlowe finished second and Robert Powell was third. Morris was fast right off the trailer as he was the quickest of over 100 Late Models who attempted to qualify for the annual event. There was also activity on the dirt Late Model scene as the STARS Racing Series held their final race of the 1997 season at Cherokee Speedway, Gaffney, SC. The Blue- Gray 100 was won by the Ford of Clint Smith with Ronnie Johnson and Ricky Weeks following him to the line. Smith collected $12,000 for his efforts. Jack Pennington, Scott Bloomquist, Mike Duvall and 1997 STARS Champion Steve Francis were all involved in a wreck in the early stages of the race. *** The 9th Annual Gobbler 100 was run at Cleveland Speedway, TN and Dale McDowell was the winner in a dominating performance as the Southern All Stars Super Late Model Series closed out its points season. Lamar Scoggins and John Jones trailed McDowell to the line. McDowell became the second driver to record multiple wins in the Gobbler. Ronnie Johnson has won three times. Roger Best wrapped up the 1997 SAS title with a tenth place finish when his nearest competitor, Bo Shirley, failed to make the feature lineup. *** At Delaware International Speedway David Hill was the winner in the twice delayed race with Kenny Pettyjohn second and Les Hare third. *** Golden Isle Speedway was the scene for the running of the 9th annual Turkey Run and Mike Carter of Blackshear, GA took the win in the 60 lap event with Eric Platt second and D.J. Braddock third. *** Hagerstown Speedway hosted the Hub City 150 and Rodney Franklin took the victory. *** On the banquet scene, the National Late Model Sportsman Southern Dirt Tour feted their 1997 champion Gene Maine at a combination golf tournament and Cookout in central Georgia. Word is that the golf course is still trying to get the golf carts back to their normal speed! This coming weekend promises more good racing action as the season continues. Grab yourself a super good Turkey dinner then head out to the race track as there will be action in many parts of the country. If you are in the Valdosta, GA area there is the Turkey Trot Shootout 100 at Thunderbowl Speedway for the dirt Late Models and the USAC Midgets are at Ventura, CA. Have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving with friends and family and we will be back next week to round up the action on the short tracks. Have a Ball, Ya'll! John Kaiser -- The Auto Channel