AABLM fans, drivers and crew came to Shasta Raceway Park with high expectations. With great weather, a good track and much appreciated hospitality, no one was disappointed. We had eighteen late models make the trip to the first of 2 AABLM races scheduled here for 2010. Randy Houston, driving at his home track, had the home track advantage over the AABLM regulars and swept all events, having fast time, winning the “A” dash and the feature event. It did not take long for the AABLM’ers to learn the track’s unique turns and by the end of the race, Doss and Lovell were moving to the front quickly.

The fast time plaque, sponsored by Speedy Signs went to Randy Houston, who qualified first quick with a 15.826. Next was Eric Gannon, who brought a 16.087. Mike Doss with a 16.127, Dave Miller with a 16.128 and Mike Lovell rounded out the top five with 16.153.

Houston won the A dash; followed by Doss, Gannon, Miller, Lovell and Kevin Ostern. Kevin Estep won the B dash; followed by Jeremy Donahoo, Dallas Shane, Brandon Szymczak, Jim Stillman and Clay Caturegli.

As the sun went down, the AABLM drivers jumped into their Late Models for the “All in one Stop 75 lap Feature Event.” With a 10 invert, Ken Gifford had the pole and last year’s winner, Eric Graham was on his outside. Graham got the jump on the start and it looked like it was going to be a repeat as Graham pulls ahead to a big lead. After the caution on lap 7 for lucky #7 Dallas Shane, Graham’s lead disappeared as Corey James was hot on his tail. Fast moving Houston was into the second spot by lap 13 and 3 laps later, took the lead over from Graham. Graham had mechanical issues on lap 22 and had to pit for repairs, ending his chance for a repeat of last year’s win. Rookie driver Shane brought out a few more yellow’s for solo spins while attempting to learn the track; by the end of the race we saw much improvement from him by staying on the lead lap. By lap 44 Lovell had moved in to second place, Doss was in third, followed by Corey, Miller and Gannon. On lap 50, Doss took second from Lovell and started making some gain on Houston. Miller and Gannon passed Corey for fourth and fifth. The final caution was on lap 71 for Estep and Gifford in turn two, giving us a four lap, green-green-white- checker. Houston took the checker with Doss and Lovell on his bumper, followed by Gannon and Shasta Raceway’s own David Braund in the # 88 I-5 Tire sponsored car finishing fifth. The AABLM is off for a much needed two week break.

Next race is Saturday June 26, 2010 at Ukiah Speedway for the second of four races scheduled for 2010. Ukiah Speedway will have a full night of entertainment featuring the Nor-Cal Pro 4 Modifieds, Legends, Modifieds, Street Stock, and AABLM.

See You at the Track
Bob Cook

A parade down Main Street in Lakeport Ca. kicked off the Memorial weekend for Lakeport Speedway and the AABLM. The Memorial Day point’s race had a lot to do with strategy and timing. The strategy before hand set up Mike Doss, Kevin Ostern, and Forrest Kuecker to increase their qualifying time, making them the top 3 qualifiers. The timing was either good, or not. Corey James and Kuecker were in the wrong spot at the wrong time and Eric Graham and Doss took advantage of timing to win.

The fast time plaque sponsored by Speedy Signs went to Doss who qualified first quick with an 11.890 (strategy). Next was Ostern, who brought an 11.939. Kuecker with 11.996, Graham with 12.023, Mike Lovell rounded out the top five with 12.033.

Now we know why they call it the fast dash. Kuecker and Lovell ran side by side at a very hard pace until the last lap when they tangled, James and Doss ran into the infield to avoid the collision, giving the victory to Graham. Graham won the trophy dash (timing), followed by Ostern, Kuecker, Corey James, Doss and Lovell

Every one was ready for another exciting “Marina Grill 75 laps Feature Event”. Joining the AABLM regulars were Sean Sweeney, driving David Furia’s #93, and Brandon Szymczak driving the #55x. Also back after a 2 race break was Myles Anderson of Anderson Logging. Before the evening started; we had 2 late models drop out due to mechanical issues; Clay Caturegli and Dallas Shane. Shane jumped into the #55x for the main, starting in the rear of the field. Allen Gibney had the pole and Kevin Estep was on his outside, Estep got the jump on the start and led the next 18 laps. The first of 3 cautions came out on lap 1 for Graham, Corey and Kuecker (wrong spot at the wrong time) The Forrest’s North River Guides #79 and Corey James #34 retired to the pits for the evening. On lap 15 Doss was already in second putting pressure on Estep, 4 laps later Doss took the lead. The second caution came out after a long green flag run on lap 42 for Shane, who spun in turn 1, and the final yellow came 10 laps later on lap 52 in turn 2, for Ostern’s solo spin. Doss took the checker flag, leading 56 of the 75 lap event. Graham finished 2nd, chasing Doss from lap 30, not making it an easy win for Doss. Lovell finished 3rd, Jim Stillman finished 4th, and Ostern pulled up 5th after his solo spin. Doss said that his crew is a big part of this win, with all the strategy and preparation that goes on at the race shop before hand. He also said his spotter Jeremy Doss was on his A game, letting him know when he could save his tires and when he needed to get up on the wheel and drive hard.

See You at the Track
Bob Cook