LateModelStock.com - News

Morris Wins Again

Lizzie Starck 
NRVS Writer 

RADFORD- The New River Pontiac/Ginger's Jewelry 200 began with a lot of excitement when the rookies of the track took the spotlight. The rookies of all four divisions were featured in a relay race and a trivia contest. Also featured in tonight's festivities was Bob "Hardcore" Holly from WWF and Hermie Sadler with the Virginia Lottery. Holly drove the #5 car in the Late Model Stock Car division.

Holly was a strong driver in the field of 25 in the 100 lap race. He got tangled up with Matt Wolfe in the 99 car on lap 34 and spun in turn two on lap 84 when trying to make up some ground. Philip Morris (01) took yet another TnT Flinchum Pole Award this evening. Eric Sartin (40) started in the first position but in turn one Lee Blaker (32) claimed it until lap 9 when he spun in turn two. Caution flew again on lap 68 when Butch Hamlet (21) and Jason Merriman (2) hit the wall on the frontstretch. The encounter put Hamlet in the pit for the night. Chad Harris (02) stole the lead around lap 25 and held off Morris till the last seven laps. Morris took his eighth checkered flag this season with Harris right behind him. Wade Day (96) captured his third top three finish.

There was a field of 14 trucks in the 50 lap H&H Carpet Late Model Truck race. Strong racing took place with only two cautions thrown. After qualifying sixth, points leader, Rick Sigmon (45), finished a respectable third. Bo Howell (01) made a strong comeback from last week. Howell had an encounter with the wall last Saturday and pulled a second tonight after qualifying first. Aaron Deplazes (02) took his third win of the season.

The Blue Ridge Timberwright Pure Stocks provided excitement in their 25 lap race. The points leader, Mark Harris (45), qualified first but did not maintain the lead and tried to steal it back on the 23rd lap. However he was on the outside and spun on turn two causing him to finish third. Chester Linkous (8) captured his second top three finish and Dean Sutphin (11) took his fifth win.

The Mini Stock finish has been held up during post race inspections. The 76 of Freddie Taylor Jr. was DQ'ed, and the rest of the results will be available later in the week after further review by the NASCAR officials

A special race took place at the end of the evening. Select Late Model Truck drivers that had not won a race this season participated in a ten lap shoot out. Six trucks raced for the checkered flag. Caution was thrown on the eighth lap for debris, allowing Melvin Smith (10) to gain his first victory this season. Tears of joy filled Smith's eyes when he saw the whole grandstands cheering in his favor. Smith is 76 years old and is a legend at the New River Valley Speedway.

This Tuesday July 3rd, the gates open at 1:30 pm for the Duncan Automotive Monster Truck Show. BigFoot, Pure Adrenalin, Samson, Gravedigger, Back Draft and Virginia Giant will all be making appearances. The evening will end with a large fireworks display. Tickets are on sale now for ten dollars at the Dublin Pit Stop, Joco Mart in Christiansburg and by calling the speedway. Start your Independence Day celebration at the New River Valley Speedway.