The first Airport Auto Brokers Late Model race is on the books with 18 cars qualifying for the event. The track record was set 3 different times. Jeremy Hopkins first and then Forrest Kuecker went out and set fast time of 12.340, but that was disallowed because he was too loud. Then Noel McCormack set the fastest time, with a new record of 12.326 seconds. Following was Jeremy Hopkins with a 12.350. Sean Caturegli made 12.370, Jimmy Stillman at 12.388, Forrest Kuecker on a 1 lap retry with 12.495 and finally Kevin Estep with a 12.504.

Lakeport track officials invited the Airport Auto Brokers Late Models to participate in the best appearing car contest, which was won by Eric Williamson, who was all smiles at the honor.

Mike Doss lined up the top 6 cars for a 6 lap trophy dash by having them draw a card. Noel McCormack would have drawn first, but as a rookie, he elected to be put to the back. Jeremy Hopkins pulled a 4, Sean pulled the ace, Jimmy a 5, Forrest a 3. That left the outside pole to Kevin Estep and he took advantage of that by winning the dash. He received the trophy and a one hundred dollar cash award. Following was Sean, Forrest, Jimmy, Jeremy and Noel.

At the pit meeting, the 10 ball was pulled lining the main event up with a 10 car invert. That put Allen Gibney on the pole and Jarred Beddow on the outside. All six of the rookies lined up in the back, with McCormack being the fastest he started 13th. The main event started with David Furia and Daniel McIntyre calling the Airport Auto Brokers Late Models to line up out on the front straight away so they could be introduced to the fans. It was a sight to see all 18 cars lined up for the fan photo op.

Themain event started with Bill McVey of Airport Auto Brokers waving the green flag. Bill McVey has supported the late models for many years and he didn’t hesitate to jump on board with Mike Doss as the new Airport Auto Brokers Late Model promoter by being the title sponsor.

Starting on the pole was Allen Gibney of Pacific Auto Body, the event sponsor, and Jarred Beddow. They ran side by side for 3 laps, Beddow pulled to the lead at lap 4, holding the lead for 8 more circuits. On lap 11, the yellow came out for Mikey Lovell when he hit the wall at turn 1 and he was done for the night. The race restarted with Beddow out front followed by Gibney, Mike Lovell Sr, Charlie Collins and Kevin Estep in single file. Lap 13 saw some front runners attempting three wide in turn 4 and they started checking up, resulting in a 7 car pileup. Hopkins had to be towed off and Steve Taylor, Eric Williamson, Lovell SR and Derek Lovell headed to the pits. Mike and Derek came back to restart in the back with Charlie Collins. The restart saw Beddow still in the lead, followed by Gibney, Estep, Bill Binns and Caturegli. On lap 15 Kevin Ostern loses it in turn 4, bringing out the yellow and Mike Martin headed to the pits for an early night. The next few circuits see Beddow fending off Estep and Binns on Esteps back bumper. On lap 18 Estep took the lead. Lap 20 the yellow came out for Charlie Collins’ spinout in turn 2. They restarted with Estep still leading and Binns 2nd. Beddow was put back 1 spot for blocking, followed by Caturegli and Gibney. On lap 25 the yellow was out for Caturegli when he got sideways in turn 3. Estep still lead on the restart with Binns, Beddow, Gibney and McCormack. Lap 27 Beddow spins, but no yellow. Lap 30 Binns and Estep battle up front while McCormack and Ostern move up to the top 5. Lap 33 with lappers to deal with, Binns takes the lead spot from Estep. Lap 45 Gibney brings out the final yellow and Kuecker heads to the pits with a flat. At the restart with 5 to go, Binns is still in front followed by Estep, McCormack, Ostern and Beddow. Estep tries to work under Binns while McCormack goes to the outside. Again McCormack heads for the outside, putting pressure on Estep. White flag lap, Binns is leading with McCormack in 2nd and Estep 3 rd Checkered flag; Bill Binns wins the Airport Auto Brokers Late Model Main Event. Top 5 finishers reported to tech where all passed tech inspection.

Reported by Bob Cook

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