ARCA TRUCKS: Witham wins at Winchester
9 May 2000
Posted By Terry
Callahan
Motorsports Editor, The Auto Channel
Winchester, IN--Johnny Witham, in AJ Pates Fab Shop Ford
Ranger, beat
the rain and continual pressure from Chad Guinn to win the season opener
for the ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series Sunday afternoon at Winchester
Speedway. With Guinn in his rear view mirror for the latter half, Witham
would not be relieved of Guinns grasp until the checkered flag fell.
Hoosier Tire Pole Award winner Jeff Speakman led at the onset with Witham, David Clay and Robbin Slaughter giving chase until mechanical difficulties dropped both Speakman and Clay from the line-up halfway in. From there, outside polesitter Witham took command ahead of Slaughter, Guinn, Bill Withers and John Toth. However, Slaughters day ended on lap 57 with ignition troubles setting up the battle between Witham and Guinn. Guinn got by Witham and led the 67th circuit until Witham charged back underneath for the duration. With Guinn pressing the eventual winner relentlessly, Witham kept the runner-up finisher at bay by a length at the final stripe. Defending champion Withers finished third in front of Toth and John Kasmierski, who won the Ed & Company Hard Charger Award for advancing the most positions, to complete the top five.
Veteran Jack Weethee finished sixth in front of Dave Reeb, Bobby Marvin, Slaughter and rookie Mike Carter rounding out the top-10.
Next action for the ARCA Lincoln Welders Truck Series will be Saturday, May 13 at Anderson Speedway in Anderson, Indiana.
Text provided by ARCA
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