The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

ARCA Trucks: Kasmierski Thumps Thunderbird ARCA Trucks

29 June 1999

Muskegon, Michigan - The versatile ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series made its first appearance on clay Saturday night at Thunderbird Raceway in Muskegon, Michigan where John Kasmierski drove his Mississippi BBQ-M&M Heating & Cooling Chevy S-10 to victory lane in the 50 lap main event becoming the fourth different winner in as many races in the new touring series.

Kasmierski, who started third, overhauled early race leader Bill Withers on the third lap, stretched his advantage to a full straightaway and never looked back to earn his first career ARCA Truck win in his first attempt. "I cant believe it," said the Toledo, Ohio driver. "We were hoping for a good finish in our first start in this series but to bring home the win is more than I expected. After it rained, the track got stickier and it seemed to fit the handle on our truck a little better. Anyway, theres a lot of nice trucks here tonight and a lot of talented drivers, and Im proud to beat em. Gimme something to drink."

Withers, in his Auto Driveline Ford, fought of continual charges from Jack Weethee for the duration and finished second. Weethee finished third ahead of new point leader Aaron Hulings and Johnny Witham to complete the top five.

Spangler Candy Chevy Truck driver Tully Esterline earned the Ed & Company Hard Charger Award for advancing the most positions, from 16th to sixth in the final running order. Bobby Marvin, Bob Mikolajczyk, David Clay and Dave Reeb rounded out the top ten. Kasmierski also picked up the Cloyes Gear Halfway Leader honors, and the Hoosier Tire Pole Award went to Aaron Hulings who established a new track record at 17.316 seconds. Heat winners were Kendra Lake in the Target Expediting Ford and local favorite Troy Marciniak. Marciniak hustled his Chevy S-10 Truck from the eighth starting position to challenge the leaders until engine problems stopped his spirited charge after 35 laps relegating the Muskegon, Michigan driver to 12th in the final running order.

The ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series next travels to Flat Rock Speedway on July 3rd for a 100 lap main event to be televised on SPEEDVISION.

SERIES POINT LEADER: Aaron Hulings 940, Jack Weethee 935, David Clay 885, Johnny Witham 875, Bill Withers 855, Robbin Slaughter 815, Troy Marciniak 815, Bobby Marvin 805, Gregg Vasko 795, Tully Esterline 780.

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.