Jax Raceways News 1999-11-24

JAX RACEWAYS ENDS 1999 SEASON by Donnie Helmly

(November 23, 1999) Jax Raceways ended their 1999 season last weekend with a 50 lap Powder Puff event, and a $1500 to win demolition derby.

Qualifying action began for the strong field of Powder Puff cars, and it was three- time division champion Karen Greenslet setting fast time. Greenslet turned in a lap of 22.656, with Robin Wilson setting second fastest with a 22.671. This would place the duo on the front row for the start of the 50-lap event. Current 1999-division champion Cindy Holton set third fastest time putting her in the third starting spot.

Greenslet took the lead from the drop of the green flag and lead all 50 laps, but not without a battle. Holton and Patty Duren got by Wilson and the race was on. Holton held onto the second spot until lap 49 when she pitted with a flat tire. Wilson moved up to the second spot and challenged for the front spot. Greenslet managed to hold off the late race charge to win by a mere 6 feet at the line, with Wilson in second. Patty Duren, Sandy McCoy, and Julia Callaway rounded out the top five.

The Demolition derby was the final event of the night as the 14-car field took to the wet track to see who could last the longest on the front straight-a-way. After all the smoke cleared it was Marshall Ratcliff winning the top prize money with Eddie Hall and Gordon Hall in second and third.

This ended the on track activities for the 1999 season. The annual NASCAR Winston Racing Series Banquet to crown the champions, as well as, the Hall of Fame Banquet will be held on December 4th at the Morocco Temple. Tickets are available at the track.

Donnie Helmly can be heard as the host of "The Race Report" Monday nights at 7:00 P.M. on 1320 A.M. WJGR, Jacksonville, Florida