It was a beautiful day in the Ukiah valley, a reminder of why we live and race in Northern Calif. The pit row was full of Airport Auto Brokers Late Models; it was a sight to behold. There were 21 in all for the Anderson Logging sponsored event; it was one of the biggest turnouts we have seen so far. With all 21 qualifying, a B main was called for, as 18 is a full field for this track.
The fast time plaque sponsored by Speedy Signs went to Trevor Cristiani who qualified first quick with a 12.574, less than 1/10th of a second from last years record for this track. Next was Mike Lovell, who brought a 12.585. Mike Doss with a 12.675, Eric Graham with 12.686, and Hopland’s Dallas Shane rounded out the top five with 12.727.
Eric Gannon of Redding won the B dash in his yellow # 2. Following Gannon were #28 Miles Anderson, #98 Joe Aiken, #24 Trent Campbell #84 Rod Skidmore and #47 Mike Bourbon.
The pit side stands were full of crew and families as they watched last years top rivals, Jeremy Hopkins and Mike Lovell, on the front row competing side by side for the fast dash trophy. #15j Hopkins took the honor this time, followed by #15 Lovell, #35 Doss, # 90 Christiani, # 7 Shane and #57 Graham.
Seven cars lined up for the B main, and only four were going to transfer. Kevin Estep took the win over Gannon, Followed by Aikens and Bourbon, who all transferred to the feature event.
With a full field, we knew the feature race was going to be exciting. There was still some oil on the track from an earlier incident, which only added to the drama as the race unfolded. With a 12 invert, Ken Gifford had the pole and Cory James was on his outside. There was a yellow thrown on lap 1, where Clay Caturegli and Gifford tangled in turn 4, collecting Lovell, Gannon and Graham who were unable to restart the event. The second yellow came out on lap 11 for rookie driver Dallas Shane’s solo spin in turn 2, which gave Jim Stillman the chance to pit and change a tire without losing a lap. The 3rd caution came out in lap 22 for a turn 2 tangle with Aikens and Caturegli. James and Hopkins, who were putting pressure on the leader Ostern after a long green flag run, ran out of time as the race was shortened to 50 laps. Ostern took the win, followed by James, Hopkins, Doss, Estep and Forrest Kuecker rounding out the top six.
See You at the Track
Bob Cook
Mother Nature may have won the AABLM opener at Lakeport’s Speedway and put a damper on the event, but the AABLM drivers were prepared to put on a show for the fans. 18 late models showed up with the best equipment in Northern California. Jeremy Hopkins qualified the fastest with his time of 11.955 and won the first ever AABLM Fast Time Award receiving a plaque and a hat sponsored by speedy signs. Following was Kevin Ostern with 11.999, Mike Doss 12.086, Eric Graham 12.095, Cory James 12.137 and Mike Lovell with a 12.141 rounding out the top 6. Kevin Ostern won the best appearing late model, and I am glad they let the fans decide because all the late models showed up looking their best.
There was Forrest Kuecker of Forrest’s North River Guides in the Black #79 event sponsor car. Kevin Estep in his Red #21, Clay Caturegli, white and orange #55, Dallas Shane in the Monster black and green #7 and Rod Skidmore’s black #84. We had Eric Gannon’s black and yellow #2 towing from Redding, Mike Bourbon’s white #47 from Piercy and Allen Gibney’s black and yellow along with Myles Anderson copper #28 from Fort Bragg, Ca. Jim Stillman, and Ken Giffford sported their signature number and colors and Mike Doss with a new car number of 35. We had Tony Ramazzotti in the 55x as a newcomer to the AABLM series.
See You at the Track
Bob Cook
You had to be at the AABLM banquet to know why we are calling it the Super Speedway; we even have the promoter’s following suit. Opening night and AABLM’s first points’ race is going to be an event you should plan on attending. We have Kevin Ostern defending his Championship; also there will be Mike Lovell, Jim Stillman, Eric Graham, Forrest Kuecker and Allen Gibney not going not making it easy on him. The same goes for Corey James, Jeremy Hopkins and Ken Gifford, they not going to race for 2nd. We have the 2009 rookie, Myles Anderson, who spent all winter dialing in his late model, as well Mike Bourbon and Rod Skidmore. Shasta Raceway Park has adapted to AABLM rules so do not be surprised if there are a few SRP late models. According to Mike Doss, we have a new line up of rookies we will all get to meet. Speaking of Mike Doss, will he exchange his promoter’s hat for a helmet and race his Blue Rocket? Then there’s the Caturegli’s, who dominated Ukiah Speedway, will they expand their horizon and do the same at Lakeport Speedway?
We all know at Lakeport Speedway anything can happen and will. So pack your coolers, load the hauler and gather up your crew and head down to Lakeport Speedway for a fun night of side by side short track racing.
See You at the Track
Bob Cook
