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NASCAR SJAPS: Hansen Has His Way at Homestead

27 February 2000

Posted By Terry Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel

Homestead, Fla. - February 26, 2000 - Green Bay, Wis. native Scott Hansen powered to his fifth career Slim Jim All Pro Series, NASCAR Touring win as he bested 29 other drivers to win the $95,050 Miami 150 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on Saturday afternoon. The AFCO Racing Products/Structural Transport Ford driver pocketed $14,625 to kick off the 10th season for the touring late model series.

Hansen earned his second career Bud Pole as he blistered the track record set by Sean Studer in 1998. Hansen wheeled his Thunderbird to a new track record of 36.960 seconds at an average speed of 146.104 mph.

At the drop of the green Hansen shot into the early lead but was overtaken by Pensacola, Fla.'s Scott Carlson on lap 13. The Advance Construction Chevrolet driver set the pace until lap 32 when Hansen once again took command. On the 44th circuit Summerville, S.C.'s Benny Gordon took over the lead, but maintained the top spot for just four laps.

On lap 48 Hansen again assumed command as his Goodyear-shod car appeared to be the class of the field. He kept his car out front through the race's halfway point on lap 50, ultimately leading until lap 79 when he pitted for fuel and new right side tires. The caution waved when the gas catch can was not removed from the cars of Homestead, Fla.'s Mike Franklin, Jr. and Naples, Fla.'s Billy Bigley, Jr., with the catch cans dislodging from the cars when they returned to the track. Both drivers received stop and go penalties.

When green flag racing resumed Greer, S.C.'s Steven Howard, who had pitted earlier in the race, assumed command but was overhauled by Hansen, who restarted in the fifth position, in just two laps. From that point forward Hansen cruised to a 3.761 second victory over Gordon.

Gordon settled for second over Brian Smith and top finishing rookie David Stremme. All three drivers registered their best career finishes. Milford, Oh.'s Jeff Fultz rounded out the top five. Completing the top 10 were Bigley, Lee Tissot, David Reutimann, Conrad Burr and Carlson. All but Carlson completed all 100 laps.

The 100 lap, 150 mile race was completed in one hour, 19 minutes and 25 seconds with Hansen's winning average speed equating to 114.504 mph. There were a total of three caution periods for 18 laps and six lead changes among four drivers.

Hansen, although not expected to complete for the Slim Jim All Pro Series points title, takes the early lead in the Gatorade Front Runner Award standings, earning three points and $500 for leading the most laps. He paced the field for 68 laps while Carlson, Howard and Gordon each notched one point for leading 19, nine and four laps respectively Franklin, Wis.'s Craig Smokstad, having tuned Hansen's mount to perfection, earned the $300 Jasper Engines and Transmissions Crew-Chief-of-the-Race Award.

Elkhart, Ind.'s Stremme takes the early lead in the Moroso Rookie Standings and picked up an additional $250 for his top rookie finish of fourth. Carlson earned an additional $100 for winding up with the second best rookie finish.

The next race for the Slim Jim All Pro Series will take place on March 25 at Coastal Plains Raceway in Jacksonville, N.C.

Text provided by James F. Noltimier

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