Greenville Pickens race report 2002-06-01

Porter puts an end to Bishop's GPS win streak.

GREENVILLE, SC (June 1, 2002)- Just when it seemed Marty Ward had found the perfect way to outrun Donnie Bishop Saturday night at Greenville-Pickens Speedway, the combination of a leaking rear end and heavy competition took it's toll.

Ward had the lead in the early going during the main event, with Toby Porter in second, Bishop running third, and Gene Morgan in fourth.        But, when the caution flag came out on the 11th lap, it was discovered that Ward's night was getting ready to take a tumble. Track officials waved Ward into the pits to correct a rear end oil leak. Ward came out on the rear of the field and managed to work his way back up to sixth, but the finish put a new twist on the points race.        Ward's trip back into the rear of the field put a new twist on the race. Toby Porter was suddenly out front, where he managed to stay the rest of the race, and Gene Morgan battled him the entire way only to settle for third.

Ward still maintains the lead, but Bishop and Morgan are tired for second, only  eight points behind.         After winning, Porter said, "I was driving Jack Ingram's car tonight,and it is a good race car. Gene (Morgan) was right behind me, and I managed to hold him off, but he has a good racer, too.'        This was the second straight win for Porter at GPS this season, with the first coming in the All-Pro race. Then he went to Birmingham the next week and won the All-Pro race there.        "We are planning to run the All-Pro race in Nashville, this coming Friday night, and then drive back her to run next Saturday," Porter said.         Brandon McCarson was fifth, followed by Ward, Kenneth Headen, David Roberts, Brian Conner, and Ron Hall. Kevin McCarson was 11th, followed by Tony Williams, Thomas Jackson, Randy Porter, R.A. Brown, and Jay White.        C.M, Knight was declared the winner in the Super Stock division with Robby Robbins taking second, Ken Guthrie third, and Greg Dodgens fourth. Jon Martin rounded out the top five.        Tim Sams was the Street Stock winner, followed by Bubba Horton, Chris Meinders, Travis Allen, and Red Ables.        In the first Charger race, Robert Jackson won, followed by Shane Gentry; Kevin Sanders, John Weathers, and Frank Dean.        Nathan Bagwell was the winner in the second Charger main event, followed by Eddie Trammel; Roger Knight; John Cordell, and Dale Anders.

-gps-