Tracks: Harbin Gets First Win of 1999 at Auburndale Speedway
30 August 1999
By Gene CraneAuburndale, FL--Ollie Harbin took the lead from Ray Cuzzone on lap 14 and never looked back to score his first win of 1999 in the Limited Late Model division at Auburndale Speedway. Cuzzone who led the way in heat race action for the win, started from the pole and seemed to have things in hand as Harbin and Von Pope battled for second. Last week's winner, Robbie Storer, moved in to make it a three-way battle for third with Harbin prevailing. With Harbin checked out and gone Storer got around Von Pope for second at the finish. Pope settled for third and Keith Simpson recovered from a shoving match with Tommy King for fourth. Wendell Guy was fifth. Storer continues to dominate in the points battle ahead of Harbin who takes over the second spot.
Johnny Gamble and Donnie Harp jumped out into the early lead and missed some of best racing of the night as two separate packs of cars ran three wide during the opening four laps of the 25 lap Street Stock feature. The pair would go on to finish one and two with Gamble receiving the larger paycheck this night. Larry Chumney, the only driver in the top five in points to finish in the top five in the feature, survived the slugfest for third. Completing the first five were Richard Hight and Michael King.
For the tenth time this season Mike Rudder piloted his Mopar to the finish strip first in the 25 lap Modified Mini Stock feature. Rudder, who took over the point lead one week ago, padded his point advantage over second place point man Tony Davidson. Davidson battled but could not best Jason Rendell for second. Rendell is part of a three-way battle in points for the fourth, fifth and sixth spots with only three points between fourth and sixth. Rendell's second place run gained him the points to move from sixth to fourth in that point tally. Completing the top five were Tim Reynolds and Wayne Weaver.
The drop of the green flag began what appeared to be an ill-fated attempt at synchronized bronco busting using the V8 Pure Stock division as Rick Bacon would finally move his car into the lead and eventual win in the 20 lap rodeo. Bacon's win propelled him into second in the points battle behind another member of the Bacon clan, Greg. Ron Reed split the pair at the finish as Greg was able to successfully grab third in the final lap. Bob Gorsuch and David Thompson rounded out the top five.
George Gorham became the man of the night in 4 Cylinder Pure Stock action by winning the 15 lap feature. Randy King was second followed by Mark Soule, Joe Thomas and Matthew Craig.
The Dwarf Car Racing Association once again paid a visit to Auburndale Speedway with Don Hess leading the entire way to checkers in the 20 lap feature. Fred Brunson gave chase and attempted to get around the Geneva, Florida driver but came up short at the finish and settled for second. Rick Lundeen brought his ride home third followed by Paul Hunsberger and John Godwin.
The Racing for Kids Club took their turn on the track just prior to intermission and Chris Narramore Jr. posted his first ever win in just his second outing. Sean Bass moved up to finish second with Al Abbott coming home third in Junior Division action. Richie Acres claimed victory in the Senior Division.
Next Saturday night September 4th the Auburndale Speedway will be closed for racing at the USA International Speedway featuring the USAR Hooters ProCup Series and SARA Sportsman division. Racing will resume at Auburndale Speedway on Saturday night September 11th. Schedule for that evening are all five regular divisions to Limited Late Model Sportsman, Street Stock, Modified Mini Stock, V8 Pure Stock and 4 Cylinder Pure Stock. The Dwarf Car Racing Association will also be present along with Super Mini Cup and the Kids Club once again tackles the quarter mile. Race time is 7 PM and grandstand gates open at 5 PM.
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