SES: South Boston: Race report

SOUTH BOSTON, VA. (March 9 2002) - David Reutimann had to hold off a hard charging Billy Bigley Jr., and ensuing rain showers Saturday afternoon, before recording his first career NASCAR victory in winning the NASCAR All Pro 150 at Big Daddy's South Boston Speedway, South Boston, Va. Reutimann dominated the Hills Bros. Coffee All Pro Series, NASCAR Touring event winning his second career Bud Pole then leading all 140 laps of the rain shortened event. This was Reutimann's 89 career start with the series.

He won is first Bud Pole at Bristol Motor Speedway in 2001. "This is awesome," said Reutimann as he exited his Pennzoil Chevrolet.

"We have struggled for years and last year we were close twice before mechanical problems forced us to park the car." "I owe so much to so many people who have stuck with me through the years," continued Reutimann. "My dad, Buzzy, has been with me ever since I started racing and car owner Michael Wakely with the Pennzoil sponsorship has provided the team with the necessary equipment to have a winning car."

"We had a great short track race tonight. I knew Bigley (Billy) was strong but he ran me clean. His car was so strong and I just tried to keep a good line on the track so he couldn't get his car under mine. He was really strong in the corners. Sure he touched me a few times trying to make a pass but that is short track racing."

"I am glad for David getting his first win," said Bigley afterwards. "We rubbed a few times and I thought maybe I could get him in turn four a couple of times but he drove a solid race. I wasn't about to spin him.

I won't win a race that way." With laps winding down, the race was red-flagged at lap 140 due to heavy rain showers. NASCAR officials then called the race complete when rain continued.

Finishing behind the winner was Bigley, who is returning to the series after a year on the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, Eddie Hoffman in his

Salons/Appleton R & P Chevrolet, 2001 series rookie-of-the-year Charlie Bradberry in his Bradberry Racing Chevrolet, and 2001 series runnerup Randy Gentry with his Carolina Title Lending/Carolina Payday Chevrolet. Reutimann put his Pennzoil Chevrolet at the point for this first race in 2002 with a time 15.700 secs (91.429 mph) with Eddie Mercer in his Everwood/Phoenix Construction/Quality Body Shop Chevrolet outside front row.

The race produced 8 caution periods for 57 laps slowing Reutimann's winning average speed to 53.404 mph.

Rick Crawford, NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series competitor make his first series start since 1997. However his race ended after 24 laps when the engine on his Richie Wauters prepared Victor Ford broke.

Wayne Anderson, defending series champion had a strong race going from his 15th starting postion. He continually moved up in the field and was running fifth when the Michael Britt car spun on the frontstretch on lap 127 bringing out the eighth caution. Anderson has no place to go and hit the Britt car with Britt's car sliding down the track collecting Benny Gordon's Pontiac.

Mercer's night ended early when he took his Chevrolet to the garage after 98 laps with a broken rearend.

Rounding out the top ten drivers were Jeff Fultz, John Nutley, Shane Sieg, Ken Weaver and A. J. Frank.

Jason Hogan was the top finishing Rookie-of-the-Year candidate with his 11th place finish followed by other rookie contenders Dusty Williams, Jarob Robie and Joe Aramendia.

The next event for the Hills Bros Coffee All Pro Series will be the Ingles 200 on April 27 at Greenville-Pickens (SC) Speedway.

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