PARTS Trucks: Anderson is Next Stop for Gilbert Express
10 May 1999
ANDERSON, S.C. - The fourth race of the 1999 PARTS Pro Series season will be this weekend (May 14) at Anderson Motor Speedway, and the big question is, "Can anyone stop Randy Gilbert?" The Dallas, Ga. driver is on a three-race winning streak, taking wins in the first three races of the season. In the opener at Lanier National Speedway in Gainesville, Ga., Gilbert was in a class of his own. As long as the race stayed green, the #1 Lark Portable Buildings Chevrolet remained up front and continued to expand its lead. Caution periods only managed to close the gap for a short time before Gilbert would run away again. The second race of the season at USA International Speedway in Lakeland, Fla. was a repeat of the first race. But, when a caution came out with 10 laps to go, Butch Gafnea, last seasons Rookie of the Year, and Fredrick Moore were able to put some heavy pressure on Gilbert, but were unable to stop him from winning his second straight. In the last outing at Concord Motorsports Park in Concord, N.C., it was defending champion Kevin Barrett putting the heat on Gilbert in the closing laps. Once again, Gilbert was able to hold off the challenge for a victory. "That team (Gilbert) did its homework over the off-season," said Larry Evans, president of PARTS. "They opened the season ready to go racing, but I think some of the other teams are starting to catch up with them. "Hes not running away with the race like he did in the first race. We have some great drivers and teams, and if there is a way to beat Gilbert, they will figure it out. In the meantime, that team is sure showing its strength." Anderson Motor Speedway is a 3/8-mile high banked oval. Last season, it was Gafnea, of McCalla, Ala. scoring the victory. Jimmy Traywick, another driver who has been running up front this season, finished second in last years event. Practice will begin at 1:30 p.m. on Friday with the first race getting started at 6:00 p.m. For additional information, call (864) 882-0220 or (864) 226-5481.Editors Note: For hundreds of hot racing photos and racing art, be sure to visit The Racing ImageGalleries and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.