April 23rd Race Report

RJ Steals the Show from Payne

 A great crowd got to witness some of the best racing of the 2011 season so far at North Georgia Speedway this past Saturday night. The fans were on their feet for most of the 30 lap Super Late Model main attraction. Defending track champion David Payne jumped out to an early lead over former Dirt Track World Champion Ronnie Johnson, and the remainder of the 23-car field. RJ, tactfully and skillfully as always, overtook the lead from Payne, but it was short-lived as Payne battled back to the top spot. Shawn Chastain and Shane Clanton had a great view of the race for first, as they were in their own war for second. In the closing laps, Johnson took the lead for good, with Payne settling in for second. Shane Clanton took the 3^rd spot, followed by Shawn Chastain, Gary McPherson, and Gar Dickson.

 In the Limited Late Models, James Gamble wrangled the lead from Bran Burke to take his first NGS win of the season. Burke got the runner-up spot, followed by last week’s winner Spencer Singleton, Tod Hernandez, and Shannon Bearden.

Jeff Smith captured his 3^rd win of the season in the Crate Late Models. Smith was the first recipient of the Jody Millard Pest Control “Bug Man Bonus Money”, which goes to any racer who wins 3 races at the track. Smith barely held off a hard charging Craig Burrows at the finish line. Kenny Kizzar ran 3^rd, followed by Craig Reece, and Darel Ownbey.

Larry Higgins captured the checkers in the Modified Hobby class. He held off the 21 car starting field, with Jordan Rodabaugh finishing 2^nd. Tim Ford was 3^rd, followed by Delbert Haynes, and Jr. Whitener.

The Modified Pony class saw Billy Callahan run off and hide from the rest of the field. Evan Lancaster was a distant 2^nd, and Adam James was the 3^rd place car.

Another great battle that came right down to the wire was the Stock Pony race. Ralph Langston put a late race pass on Jeremy Milsap to claim his 3^rd victory, and also the “Bug Man Bonus Money”. Milsap took the 2^nd spot, followed by Grady Garrett, Jeremy Ray, and Donald Stone.

North Georgia Speedway resumes racing action Saturday night April 30^th. The headliner will be a Stock Pony Championship race. The Super Late Models will have the weekend off, and all other classes will be racing. For more information visit www.northgaspeedway.net.