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TRACKS: Jax Raceways Continues Season Ending Events

12 November 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Jacksonville, Florida-- Jax Raceways played host to a pair of special events last weekend, as over 60 competitors in two divisions showed up for the two day event to take their chances at the increased purse to be paid out at the end of the weekend's activities.

Friday night's action saw qualifying and heats events for both the Hobby Stock and the Open Wheel modified divisions, which saw a record fall by the wayside.

Open Wheel Modified action saw former division champion Gary Porter turning in a time of 20.749 seconds for the 50-lap event. Steve Whitener set second fastest time with a 20.771 second lap, placing both drivers on the front row of the feature event.

Joey Miller set fast time in the Hobby Stock time trials turning the half mile "D" shaped oval in 21.352 seconds, setting a new track record, with Randy Clark Jr. setting second fastest with a 21.593.

Saturday night's action began with the 50-lap Open Wheel Modified event. Gary Porter took charge for the first three laps, until Whitener took the front spot and opened up an impressive lead over the 21-car field. Porter held onto second through lap 13, when he pitted with transmission trouble, which moved Keny Porter up to the second spot. That spot once again proved not the place to be, as he pitted on lap 36 with engine failure. Kenny Bayless moved up to the second spot, where he would stay, until race leader Whitener blew his engine and went to the pits for the night. Bayless would lead the remaining laps, taking home the $1,500 payday and the first place trophy. Jake Wood crossed the stripe for second, with Creg Hall, Jerry Campbell and Gary Porter making up the top five.

The Hobby Stock race saw racing action throughout the field, as the 28-car field took the green flag and settled in for 75 grueling laps. Pole-sitter Joey Miller wouldn't take the green flag as he broke an axle on the parade lap, moving 1999 Division Champion Eddie Holton to the front spot, with Clark on the outside.

Holton got the jump, and the race was on. Holton would pace the competitive group for 64 laps, when Lee Blackshear made his bump and run move on Holton for the lead. Holton fell to the second spot, and cooled his tires for a final chance to take the lead. Holton waited until the white flag lap. Holton made his move exiting the second corner, as he pulled to the bottom side of Blackshear's Camaro, and the two made contact. Blackshear spun, and Holton went on to take the win. Blackshear held on to the second spot, with Clark taking third. James Hanner and Rick Hutchinson made up the top five.

Jax Raceways will continue with their special events this weekend, as they host a 75-lap $4,000 to win Late Model event, and a 50-lap Pure Stock race. Tonight both divisions will qualify and run heat races, which will determine the starting line up for tomorrow night feature events.

Editors Note: To view hundreds of hot racing photos and art, visit The Racing Photo Museum and the Visions of Speed Art Gallery.