Tracks: Hot NASCAR Super Late Models points chase gets even hotter at Irwindale
19 July 2000
HOT NASCAR SUPER LATE MODEL POINTS CHASE GETS EVEN HOTTER HEADING INTO 2000 SEASON HOME STRETCH MILLER LITE RACE AT IS Irwindale, Calif. - - The evening of July 22 at Irwindale Speedway will mark the beginning the home stretch for the track's premier NASCAR weekly racing division. With 11 of 18 points-paying events under their nomex belts, the Food 4 Less Super Late Models will fire off on Saturday night with season-long points leader Greg Voigt, still in the lead but with a whole pack of drivers hot on his heels and looking to get a jump on the black #89 car from Goleta. Miller Lite will be the night's sponsor as well as the title sponsor for the Super Late Models main event. Ben Walker, who has been fast AND consistent all season, is Voigt's nearest "tormentor" with 438 points. The always-smiling "kid" from North Hills wants this championship and has been the toughest guy (in a field of many) for Voigt at virtually every race. David Brandon from the high desert community of Palmdale lurks quietly (?) in third with 380, with Tim Woods III (Chino Hills) not far behind at 364. Tommy Fry Jr. ranks fifth in the points and must now be considered a dark horse in the annual points battle due to his third, third, second, and first-place showings in the last four races. The Canyon Country driver says that his team is, "…Going for wins and not the points championship.", but; if they happen to get one (a championship) going for the other, they'll take it. July 22 … Another F4LSLM open war. NASCAR Grand American Modifieds, Mechanix Wear Speed Trucks, and the MSRA Pro4 Modifieds are also on the ledger for this Saturday night. In the Grand Ams all eyes will be on Rip Michels the Mission Hills driver who has bagged six of the seven events for these wild competition coupes at Irwindale. The sheriff of Irwindale has yet to place a "bounty" on his head, but expect one soon. The flying Michels is a "marked man" for sure. LA talk radio host Rick Minyard (KRLA afternoons "Minyard & Minyard") will be back in his MSRA Pro4 machine after a nasty-looking rim-ride around the full length of the turn two crash wall which brought out the red flag but left the former college athlete with only a wrenched ankle which he was seen, "…Walking the sprain off just like in his playing days." after the races. PLEASE NOTE: This event is the fourth night of Irwindale Speedway's participation in the 8th annual "Spark of Love" Toy Drive sponsored by the Southern California Firefighters and ABC7. The object is to collect holiday toys for some of the less fortunate children throughout the area. Called "Christmas in July", all fans donating a new, unwrapped toy or sporting goods item will receive either a child's ticket to that night's event or a $5.00 gift certificate good at the track's souvenir stands. In addition, they'll receive a copy of that night's program book (a $4.00 value). Collection of toys and sporting good will continue throughout the month of July (all five racing events) at Irwindale Speedway. Tickets are available three ways. By phone (626) 358-1100, at the track's box office, and on the world wide web at: www.tickets.com. The gates open at 4:00pm and opening ceremonies will commence at 7:00 pm. But, fans are advised to get there early for the pre-race fun featuring a live band, a custom car club show, race car qualifying, and to scout out favorite viewing spots in the grandstands.