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Tracks: Veterans Show the Way at Auburndale Speedway

16 November 1999

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Text provided by: Gene Crane

Auburndale, FL- Jimmy Castleberry cruised to his second win of the year in the 25 lap Limited Late Model feature at Auburndale Speedway. Castleberry was able to slip into the lead after a wild pair of opening laps with the field trying to run three wide around the quarter mile. Once clear of race traffic Castleberry opened up a sizable advantage over the competition while Dave Dunkin worked his way through the pack. Dunkin finally made his way to second and set out to catch Castleberry, which he eventually accomplished. Dunkin's charge was just a lap too late as he reeled in Castleberry in the final corner heading to the checkers. Following the duo across the line were Ollie Harbin, 1999 Limited Late Model Champion Richard Elkins Jr. and Ron Lofquist. Elkins' championship marks the third time the Haines City driver has captured the title.

The 25 lap Street Stock feature saw Michael King use the outside groove nearly exclusively all night to take the win. Thomas Barnhill dominated the first half of the event while King was working his way through the pack but could not hold back the charge from King and settled for second which was his best finish of the season. Jeff McCaw led Larry Chumney and Steve Ware back the finish to complete the top five. With his 1999 Street Stock championship already clinched, James Wright III could only manage a sixth place finish.

Leading into the final night of points racing the Modified Mini Stock division was the only championship that had not already been decided. Point leader Tony Davidson held an 11 point advantage over Wayne Weaver. After the 23 entries went 25 laps around the oval, defending champion Randy Storer took the checkers and Wayne Weaver had his first championship title. Jay Kaminski and Eugene Davidson finished second and third. Scott Sharpe and Shawn Williams completed the top five.

Carl Thompson scored his first win of the season in the 20 lap V8 Pure Stock feature. Thompson led Bob Gorsuch and 1999 V8 Pure Stock champion Greg Bacon to the stripe. Last week's winner Johnny Vaughn and Mike Peace were fourth and fifth.

4 Cylinder Pure Stock action was dominated by Randy King who scored his third win of 1999. Tim McKenzie settled in for second ahead of Matthew Craig, Joe Thomas and Mark Soule. Division champion Chris Narramore suffered engine problems on lap three and was forced to watch teammate King post the win.

The Racing for Kids Club was also on hand and the Junior division feature got off to exciting start as they youngsters went three wide heading to turn one. Once the dust settled Chris Narramore Jr. was the winner. Aaron Wiliamson ran away with the Senior division race in the finale night of racing for the Kids Club for 1999.

Paul Hunsberger proved his convincing heat race win was a indication of how he would perform in the 20 lap feature by leading every lap of the Dwarf Car Racing Association race. Bill Burback put his pickup truck body machine into second and was finish in that spot followed by John Godwin who recovered from an opening lap spin and altercation to claim third.

The final night of racing for 1999 is this Saturday night November 20 and features Street Stock, Modified Mini Stock, V8 Pure Stock, 4 Cylinder Pure Stock and Allison Legacy Car racing. The ladies will hit the track in a Powder Puff event and the finale will be a big demolition derby on the frontstretch. Tickets are available for the 1999 Awards Banquet on December 12 at the Auburndale Civic Center. Tickets must be ordered in advance and are available through December 7th from the Speedway office.

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