Goodyear, Xtreme DirtCar Series race notes 2004-05-11

Dandy Don O'Neal Wins Twice in Stacker 2 Xtreme DirtCar Series Races

AKRON, Ohio (May 11, 2004) -- Don O'Neal won two straight Stacker 2 Xtreme DirtCar Series races over the weekend as the series raced on different tracks in different states on consecutive nights.

The Stacker 2 series races exclusively on Goodyear tires.

O'Neal's first win of the weekend came in the Battle at Benton 50 at the Auto Tire and Parts Race Park in Benton, Missouri. The second race, the YJ Stinger Illini Challenge 50, was held at LaSalle Speedway in LaSalle, Ill.

"The track slicked off and I wondered how the Goodyear Eagles would do and they worked absolutely great," O'Neal said after winning at LaSalle. "This is a good deal we have going with this series and I'm proud to be a part of it."

In the weeks prior to each Stacker 2 Xtreme DirtCar event, series officials announce which Goodyear tread compounds will be available at each event. Generally speaking, two compounds are available for each event.

Jimmy Mars, who now leads the series' championship standings, finished second at Benton. Brian Birkhofer, who is second in the standings, was third. Duke Whiseant took fourth and Darren Miller was fifth.

The race at Benton attracted 36 cars to the high-banked, 3/8-mile track. Billy Drake won the Gemini Car Care Centers Hard Charger Award by finishing ninth after starting 23rd. Birkhofer posted the best time in qualifying with a lap of 14.225 seconds (94.903 mph).

The race at LaSalle attracted 50 cars. Drake finished second to take the lead in the Rookie of the Year standings. Birkhofer finished third for the second straight night, Jeep Van Wormer took fourth and Shane Clanton was fifth.

Earl Pearson Jr. won two awards for his efforts. Pearson won the Gemini Car Care Centers Hard Charger Award for advancing 17 positions during the main event. He also posted the fastest time in qualifying with a lap of 14.492 seconds (62.103 mph) around the quarter-mile oval.

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