J-Town race Story

For Immediate Release

 

 

Tim Southers

USAR Media Relations

(770) 719-0204

usar@bellsouth.net

www.usarprocup.com

 

 

Lindley Returns to Victory Lane on Emotional Night
 

            Jennerstown, PA (April 14, 2002) - Mardy Lindley ended a 33-race winless streak Saturday night when he survived a caution-filled race to win the Naturally Fresh Foods 250 presented by Lucas Oil Products. Lindley held off a hard-charging Jay Fogleman on a four-lap dash for the win. The win was the first for Lindley with his team sporting the colors of new sponsor Hooters of America.
            "This win means an awful lot for me," said Lindley. "We had a really fast car tonight but we couldn't get a chance to break away from the pack because of the cautions. We are very happy to get this win for our sponsor Hooters and also a head start in defending our Northern Division top seeding going into the championship series."

            The night was also emotional for Lindley because April 13 is the anniversary of another day he will never forget.

            "Today is the 17th anniversary of the accident that eventually took my dad's life," Lindley added. "This is only the second time I have ever raced on this date. It means a little more to win on this day."

            Lindley was making reference to short track racing legend Butch Lindley. The elder Lindley suffered head injuries after hitting a wall, driver's side first, during a race in Florida and remained comatose until his death several years later.

            A trio of rookies followed Fogleman to complete the top-five. Forest Urban finished third and Brian Ross was fourth. Eric Corbett finished fifth.

            The race was slowed 24 times by caution with the most severe accident on lap 92 which brought out the first of two red flags during the race.

            Eight cars were involved in the accident in turn three with Todd Wier landing on his side in the middle of turn three. Other drivers involved were Jimmy Burns, Glenn Gault, Todd Peck, Danny Sammons, Eric Derosiers, Matt Parsons, and Grant Andrews.

            Canadian John Gaunt finished sixth and Jeff Agnew rebounded from an accident to finish seventh. Kyle Shoemaker and Jason McLellan were the final two cars to finish on the lead lap in seventh and eighth. Veteran Lonnie Rush, Sr. completed the top-10.

            The race was delayed a little over two hours due to rain Saturday afternoon in the area, which postponed qualifying. The first 15 positions in the starting lineup was determined by points earned in 2001 and rookies drew for starting position. The field featured 20 rookie drivers with the youngest being 16 year-old Todd Peck.

            The USAR Hooters ProCup Series Northern Division will return to action on Saturday April 27 at Illiana Motor Speedway in Schererville, Indiana.

 

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