Jax Raceways Results 1999-06-19

NEW FORMAT FOR LATE MODELS @ JAX …..SAME RESULTS

By Donnie Helmly

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, (June 21, 1999) In an attempt to increase the entertainment value of the premiere division at Jax Raceways NASCAR sanctioned track. Track promoter Roger Godbee and Larry Browning made a format change for the Winston Racing Series Late Model Division. The year started out with the Late Models qualifying every weekend, and starting the feature as they qualified. Last weekend the Late Models went back to heat races and a spinning wheel after the finish, to determine the starting spots for the 30 lap feature. The new format will allow one division per week to qualify every week, which will rotate throughout the five divisions, including the Late Models. "Its just a different way to help build excitement for the fans" said Godbee. "We tried it with them qualifying every week, and now we have decided to try it with the heat races. If it don't work, then we have to option of changing it back". The result of the format change didn't change the outcome however, as points leader Jeff Godbee once again, was the class of the field.

The night started out with the Late Model heat events, which produced no surprises, as points leader Jeff Godbee won his respected event, and Terry Pless having the chance to shine, by winning his as well.

With the spin of the wheel being a 4, moved Godbee and Pless back in the field a few spots, and placed Buddy Geiger on the point. Geiger coming of a disappointing double points event last week, needed a good finish to keep his championship hopes a live. Geiger took the lead at the drop of the green flag, and held on through lap 23. Godbee had made his way to the second spot by then, and made his move to the front on the 24th lap, and held on to win his ninth event of the year. Geiger followed to finish second, Pless was third, with former division champion Steve Whitener and Buster Delay finishing out the top five. Sixth through tenth was JO Nobles, Chuck Chitty, David Crews, Michael Murrer and Home Leonard.

The Hobby Stock Division had Bobby Padgett up front for the first few laps of their 25 lap feature event, until Randy Clark SR made his way to the front of the 20 car field to stay. Clark had his hands full with his son Randy Clark JR tied to his bumper, and applying pressure for the last few laps of competition. The Clark family celebrated in victory lane, and the younger of the two said, "I let dad win for a fathers day present". It was Randy Clark SR second win of the season. Third through tenth was David Ryals, Tony Callaway, Eddie Holton, Mark Beebe, Creg Hall, John Wood, Calvin Pike and Chuck Meredith.

The Open Wheel Modified division saw a change the front of the points standings at the end of the nights action, for the second week in a row. Kevin Bayless won the 20 lap event in flag to flag fashion, and took back over the points lead from Bobby Balkcom. Bayless took the lead from the pole position and never relinquished it. Second and third was a battle throughout the event with Ronnie Ponce beating out Dean Bennett for the spot. Fourth through tenth was made up of, Kenny Bayless, Eric Tatum, Merle Bayless, Anthony Stamps, Mitch McCoy, John Carlisle and Steve Whitener.

The Pure Stock feature had Ray Pruett taking home top honors for the second time in the 99 season. Pruett finished second to his sister in last week's action, and did one spot better this week, beating out current holder of the second spot in the points battle, Hardy Jarvis and last weeks winner Priscilla Yergy. Points leader Darren Greenslet and John Taylor rounded out the top five. Sixth through tenth was Bubba Watson, Bill Burkhart, James Martin, Wade McBride and Ron Doan.

The Powder Puff division was the final event of the night's action on the mile dirt track. When the race was finished it was points leader Cindy Holton in victory lane. Three time champion Karen Greenslet to the lead at the drop of the green flag, and despite an ill handling car, held it until the final lap, when Holton made her way to the front spot. Holton made the pass and led the most important lap, the last one, to claim her fourth win of the season. Greenslet held on for second, with Julia Callaway, Patty Duren and Shelly Petteway rounding out the top five. The rest of the field was made up of Jennifer Jones, Tammy Stone and Kim Lester.

(Donnie Helmly host "The Race Report" Monday nights @ 7PM on 1320 AM WJGR Jacksonville, Florida)