Hot weather doesn't stop Blank at Double-X Speedway
California, MO - August 13, 2007
By: Double-X Speedway
PHOTO: California's Tyler Blank celebrates his 360 winged sprint feature victory with Double-X Speedway trophy girls Missy Gerhart and Haley Buschjost. Pictured left to right: Ernie Timbrook, Columbia; Eddie Hanhauer, Calif.; Gerhart; Blank; Buschjost; Brandon Porter, Calif.; Chris Shirley, Russellville-CREDIT: Carol Wirts
Neither heat, nor sweat, nor raging sunbeams shall stand between race teams and fans when it comes to Sunday Night Thunder at Double-X Speedway. As die-hard fans braved the heat to support their favorite race team the favor was returned as drivers, clad in full cover race suits, gloves, and helmets strapped in to please. And please they did as each class provided their own version of excitement and top notch entertainment for Mr. G’s night at the races.
California’s Tyler Blank turned the heat on with his 360 sprint during Sunday night’s feature event. Blank charged to victory with confidence and expertise. Centertown’s Jeff Wingate put fans on their feet with a low slide in turn four of the last lap as he stole a second place finish from Curtis Boyer, New Haven, who settled for third. Rob Rimel, California, put up a strong fight but placed fourth. Curtis Evans of Norborne finished fifth. Heat winners of the double heat race were Tyler Blank and Curtis Boyer. Points were awarded for each heat race. Points leaders are Blank 823, Boyer 757, Wingate 687, Mike White 506, Rimel 422.
The street stock feature witnessed Tipton’s Harlan Dowell drive to victory in a borrowed car from Duane Rambo. Dowell shot to the lead on the first lap but was overcome by Steve James of Gravois Mills. When James suffered a mechanical problem on lap eleven Dowell inherited the lead and claimed the trophy. The ‘Millersburg Rocket’ Jeff Duncan finished second with Greg Holdren of Tipton third. Double-X and race fans were happy to see Curtis Turpin of Jefferson City return to competition after being absent due to military duty. Turpin placed fourth with Chris Miller of Latham fifth. Heat winners were Duncan and James. Top five in points are Dowell 846, Holdren 786, Jim Turpin 757, Duncan 695, Miller 670.
The hobby stocks proved they are skillful competitors as a full field took the green feature flag and never paused until the double checkereds flew. In the end it was Jacob Everts of Knob Noster who took home the trophy with Cody Frazon of LaMonte second. Point leader Jeremy Stewart, Sedalia, settled for third while Jason Bond of Brazito finished fourth and Eldon’s Krissi Herrbach fifth. Heat winners were Everts and Bond. Point leaders are Stewart 954, Frazon 890, Bond 752, Herrbach 648, Henry Wray 598.
Missy Gerhart and Haley Buschjost presented trophies. Sabra Crawford sang the National Anthem. David Hoellering said the prayer. All are from California.
Race Kids were Johnna Dowell, Latham; Lane Peoples, Tipton; Tobias Brown, Clarksburg. Attendance prize winners were Kalie Hickman, Dana Moad, J. Vernon, Robin Ragland, and Doug Smithton all of J.C.; Barbara Purvis and Nik Moesch of Versailles; Haylee Dowell, Latham; Alara Wilbers, Centertown; Cody Hughey, Tipton; Abbie Heimericks, Calif.; John Burkle, Eldon; Pam Smith, Stover; Jessica Dunn, Syracuse.
With only one point race left on the 07 schedule race teams are scrambling to secure point positions. Next Sunday night will determine the season champions for each division. Awards will be given at the Speedway Friday, August 31 during the Putnam Chevrolet Labor Day Race. Powder puff and mechanics races will also be that night after the winged outlaw warriors A-Main event.
Next Sunday night is California Lanes night at the races and feature winged sprints, street stocks, and hobby stocks with an increased purse sponsored for each class. Gates open at 5:00, hot laps at 7:00 and racing at 7:30. For race or purse information call 573-796-4694.
