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Chastain Back in Points Race with Late Model Win at Lanier

Braselton, GA (June 23, 2001) - Last week Shane Chastain crashed while = battling Mike Love for the race lead and promptly slipped from first to fifth in late model points. He made up for last week's miscue by smoking the field enroute to victory in Saturday night's 50-lap Budweiser Pro Late model race at Lanier National Speedway. His win puts him back in the mix for a run at the track's late model championship.

Jamie Stephens, Jr was the Sunclear Water fast qualifier but rolled a four during inversion putting Tony Bennett on the pole. Chastain began second and outhustled Bennett at the start as they sailed into turn one. It then became a follow the black No. 3 game the rest of the evening as no one made a legitimate run at the eventual race winner.

Stephens, Jr - who unofficially grabbed the points lead Saturday evening - had his opportunity to pressure Chastain on a restart coming off a caution on lap 14. But Chastain drove away and finished seven car-lengths ahead of the runner-up at the conclusion.

Chastain said afterwards, "I knew the key to the race would be the first lap and I was able to get around Tony. He gave me room to race and I appreciate that."

While many figured Bennett - who entered the race with the points lead - would be hard to beat starting the inside front-row perch, his Pontiac developed a skip during the race and he faded to a sixth place finish.

"We changed the carburetor and fuel pump before the race. The car just would not go. I'd go half-way down the straightaway and the car acted like it had a governor on it."

Despite finishing second in Saturday's race, Stephens, Jr was pleased to take over the point lead but kept his success in perspective. "The points are week to week and they can change at any time. You really can't worry about that. You just go out and finish the best you can."

Wednesday July 4 all local divisions will be in action and running for double points. The feature event will be a 100 lap Budweiser Pro Late Model race. A huge fireworks show will follow...Suites are available for upcoming races. Call 770-967-8600 for more information...www.lanierspeedway.com is the official website of Lanier National Speedway.