The Final 2010 AABLM race at Lakeport Speedway went as smoothly as any race we’ve had, with only a few cautions and 11 of the 12 qualifying cars finishing the race. Kevin Ostern (#39) family hosted a tri tip BBQ for the drivers and crew, we appreciate you Earlene, Cheryl and Leanne. You could tell that the AABLM were in town, everywhere you looked you could see the retro AABLM shirts and even some of last years shirts were seen. The season is winding down and the talk is who is going to make the top 15 for the 2011 season shirts. Mike Bourbon returned after a hiatus in the Black #4, he was welcomed back by both the competitors and staff. Berndt Akerstrom, sporting the blue #37 also returned to Lakeport Speedway for the first time this year. This is why the AABLM is a fun class to race in, the drivers can have time with their family and race at different the facilities.

The fast time plaque sponsored by Speedy Signs went to Corey James, who qualified first quick with an 11.981. Next was Mike Lovell, who brought an 11.998. Mike Doss with a 12.006, Kevin Ostern with 12.081 and Jeremy Hopkins rounded out the top five with 12.115.

Clay Caturegli won the B dash over Berndt Akerstrom, Dallas Shane, and Mike Bourbon. Mike Lovell won the A Dash, followed by Corey James, Mike Doss, Eric Graham, Jeremy Hopkins and Kevin Ostern

Airport Auto Brokers Late Models return to Lakeport Speedway for the “Treasure Cove Pizza 75 laps Feature Event”. Akerstrom had the pole and Jim Stillman Jr. on his outside. Stillman got the jump on the start and led the first 4 laps. On lap 5, we saw Hopkins take the lead over from Stillman. The first yellow was for Graham, who spun in turn one, at the start finish line racing to the yellow. Lovell was able to pass Doss for second. On the restart, Hopkins led the field to the green followed by Lovell, Doss, Ostern and Stillman Hopkins and Lovell were battling for the lead, when on lap 26 they both spun in turn 3, Ostern inherited the lead after Doss checked up for Hopkins and Lovell. It was Déjà vu again on lap 37, Hopkins and Lovell spun again, but it in turn 4. Speaking of Déjà vu, last year this time is where the big rivalry started between Hopkins and Lovell, and it been fun for all us including Hopkins and Lovell. It looked like AABLM’s version of NASCAR’s Kurt Busch & Tony Stewart rivalry, but a lot friendlier. Ostern led the field to the green, followed by Doss, James, Stillman and Akerstrom rounding out the top 5. Doss took over the lead on lap 41 and led the next 34 laps while Lovell moved quickly through the field on a mission. By lap 69, Lovell passed Ostern for 2nd and was gaining on Doss, but ran out of time. Doss took his 3rd win of the season, Lovell finished 2nd, followed by Ostern, James and Hopkins.

Our next race is at Ukiah Speedway featuring Rental Solutions Modifieds, Bud Bombers Street Stocks and of course the Airport auto Brokers Late Models. It is also Fan Appreciation Night

On a side note, a year ago intern Caity jumped into her first race car after spending the season watching the AABLM action got her first taste of a circle track and drove in the Jammer division. What a difference a year makes; she just won her 6th feature event in the Jammer and now races a bomber. Caity would like to say thanks to all the AABLM drivers and crew for their help and encouragement.

See You at the Track
Bob Cook

We were all glad to see each other and catch up after 5 weeks off. It was a typical Eureka summer day, with afternoon sunshine and fog again by dark, most of us were happy to cool off. 18 late models made the trip over the hill for 8th race in our 2010 season. You could really tell the AABLM drivers were glad to get back at it, there was never a dull moment in the pits with all camaraderie between the teams.

The fast time plaque sponsored by Speedy Signs went to Jeremy Hopkins, who qualified first quick with a 15.739. Next was Randy Houston, who brought a 15.781. Alan Cress with a 15.846, Mike Doss with 15.908 and Eric Graham rounded out the top five with 15.918.

Rookie driver Dallas Shane won the B dash over Allen Gibney, Larry Pries, Joe McDonald, Berndt Akerstrom and Kevin Estep. Hopkins won the A Dash, followed by Eric Graham, Dave Miller, Houston, and Cress

After a 5 week break for our late models, we knew the feature race was going to be an exciting “Affordable Auto Body 75 laps Feature Event”. Joining the AABLM regulars were a few of Redwood Acres Raceway’s own. Joe McDonald, Larry Pries and Jimmy Walker. Also joining us was Howard Ford, Randy Huston, Dave Miller and Alan Cress. Kevin Ostern had the pole and Cory James on his outside, Ostern got the jump on the start and led wire to wire. On lap 2 we saw the 1st caution for Hopkins and Cress. Fast qualifier Hopkins went to the pits for repairs as his luck ran out for the evening, Hopkins was able to return but his car was not the same and he finished 11th. The next two cautions were for Gibney on laps 12 and 20. On the lap 20 restart, Ostern led the field and started putting car lengths between him and James for the next 39 green flag laps. On lap 59 Jimmy Walker, Redwood Acres Raceway’s most all time favorite driver, slammed into the front straight wall bringing out the final caution and grouping up the field. Point leader Mike Doss checked up for the safety crew, but the car behind him did not, jacking the rear of his car and tearing up the rear suspension ending his night early. This cut his point lead in half; he’s only 29 markers away from 2nd overall. AABLM was able to get all 75 laps in under curfew with 1 minute to spare. Ostern took the checker flag with James finishing second, Mike Lovell finished 3rd, Ford finished 4th, and Huston brought in 5th. Once again, a big thank you to Redwood Acres Raceway for hosting us; we all felt welcomed.

See You at the Track
Bob Cook