Brown Pulls Away Late at Spokane County Raceway
Andy Brown showed up late to the Spokane County Raceway Super Oval, nearly missing qualfying, but that didn't stop him from putting on a show in his #72 Zip's Pony Stock. Brown came within a 1/10th of a second of a new track record, qualifying fastest with a lap of 21.646 seconds. Brown edged out track record holder, 8th grader Nicole Behar, by 2/10th's. Early on it looked like it was going to be Rodney Sankey's show in his #2 Mustang. He won the trophy dash and heat race, then led the first thirteen laps of the 25 lap main, holding off early pressure from Ben Cramer in the #85. On a restart however, Brown got passed Sankey, and led the rest of the way. It was Andy's second win in as many starts, holding off Reesen Tarr, who won the second trophy dash, and Nicole Behar, both of whom managed to sneak past Sankey.
In the Hot 96.9 Road Runners, for the second straight week it was Armand Franzen out of East Wenatchee, WA taking fast time, clocking in at 23.51. The main event started off a little edgy. Two incidents in turn 1 on the first two starts caused several cars to drop out. Finally they were able to get a good start, as Dino Olson led the first lap. Ben Cramer was able to lead two laps before being passed by Rusty Webb. The Deer Park native was able to set sail from there, holding off the cousins Reesen Tarr and Cramer to win the 20 lap main event. KC Garber and Matt Hoyt rounded out the top 5.
In the Motion Auto Supply Bump to Pass, the crowd enjoyed a great field of 12 cars. It was Justin Kirk, making his first start of the year on the half mile oval, taking fast time. Kirk won the heat race en route to the main event. He held off Garrett Rupert and Glen Forcier to take home the main event victory. Darryl Carrilio had the hardest hit of the night, hitting the wall after a run in with Kirk on a restart. Carrilio was unharmed in the accident and was able to continue, but for just a little bit. In a surprise apperance, Deputy Donut made his return to the SCR Super Oval, playing enforcer in place of Officer Skidmark. The crowd loved it and are excited to see Donut back in action.
On Saturday the biggest crowd of the year enjoyed the big car Demolition Derby. All kinds of special events took place, including three Bump to Pass races, two of which were won by Kirk. Figure 8 racing made its debut on the half mile, Justin Kirk again taking the win. Kirk couldnt get enough, as he jumped over a Pontiac more than 100 feet off a ramp to a thunderous ovation from the crowd. Also Mr. Dizzy made his first appearance at the Spokane County Raceway, blowing up a van, with himself in it, only to emerge unscathed. Mr. Dizzy will be returning July 21st, in an event you just won't want to miss. In the Derby, it was Derek Shoemaker taking home the win, literally beating the 15 car field and taking the prize for most aggresive. Steven Kirk won best appearing car.
Next week it's another edition of Friday Night Fury, featuring the Hot 96.9 Road Runners, Zip's Pony Stocks, and Motion Auto Supply Bump to Pass. Then on Saturday, the big dogs come to town. It's the season opener of the Dr. Pepper Super Late Models in the Sunkist 100, featuring former NASCAR Northwest Champions Gary Lewis, Garrett Evans and Pete Harding, alongside defending series champion Erick Hargraves, two-time Apple Cup 125 winner Mike Longton, 2011 Montana 200 Champion Shane Mitchell, Blake Williams with defending Idaho 200 Champion Kevin Richards as his crew chief, four-time INSSA Champion David Garber, the defending Montana Raceway Park Champion Ryan Wells, PLUS MANY MORE. Advance tickets can be purchased at Towners Conoco for just SIX DOLLARS!!! That's half the price of tickets purchased at the gate. Children 12 and under are always free. Come on out for more racing Under the Lights, In Airway Heights.