Johnston Wins 10, Gemmill Wins 4 as Vaughn and Wheeler Win First
Rob Nugent, Track Announcer
POCOLA, OK (September 26TH, 2015) – I think we did it! I think we finally broke Mother Nature’s grip on summer and may have finally reached fall at the legendary high banks. Temperatures were in the mid 80’s at race time and quickly dropped off to the mid 70’s after sunset.
The night kicked off after hot laps with the invocation and a live rendition of the National Anthem.
Heat racing action for the 88 cars on hand was underway at 7:40 PM.
The intermission gave everyone a chance to stretch their legs and get some of the concession food, including some of the soon-to-be world famous Menasco BBQ, a walking taco and an ice-cold Coca-Cola beverage to wash it all down with. The trophy presentations for the previous week’s A feature winners (from September 12TH & 19TH, 2015) were up next with interviews, by Brian White, along with photo taking on the pass through in front of the grandstands. Several race fans and kids were also the lucky recipients of track giveaways, including free T-Shirts during the break in racing action
TOP THREE
The TSS Modified B Feature was up first after intermission and saw Ryan Taylor (1T – Muldrow, OK) take the win over Brandon Hunter (1/4 – Alma, AR) and Wayne Brooks (23G).
The Pure Stock “A” Feature were next and the 2015 Pure Stock Track Champion, Chris Perkins (88 – Rudy, AR), took home the win as JP Harris (00 – Bella Vista, AR) crossed the line in second ahead of Junior Grim (16 – Pocola, OK).
The IMCA Sport Mod A Feature saw Neil Johnston (17J – Fort Smith, AR) pick up his first win, in this class, as Logan Ellis (118) finished in second ahead of ken McCarty (1- Rogers, AR). The point leader coming into the last night of racing, Kayden Menasco (49 – Dora, AR), was able to close out the race with a strong top five finish and secure the 2015 IMCA Sport Mod Track Championship, as well as the Oklahoma State Championship.
The IMCA (Factory) Stock A Feature saw Kris Vaughn (35 – Spiro, OK) picking up his first win of the season ahead of Cecil Hayes (11H – Pocola, OK) and Jerome Heinrich (4+4 – Huntsville, AR).
The IIMCA Modifieds rolled out next for their A feature with Van Gemmill (21 –Ponca City, OK) winning for the fourth time in 2015 while Tate Cole (89 – Fort Gibson, OK) finishing in second ahead of previous winner, Jake Davis (7 – Hackett, AR).
The Super Stock A Feature saw the 2015 Super Stock Track Champion, Neil Johnston (17 – Fort Smith, AR), win his 10th feature in this class. Three time defending track champion, Dylan Davlin (26D – Shady Point, OK), and Kyle Slader (19S – Muskogee, OK) finished in second and third, respectively.
The TSS Modified A feature was up last with Chad Wheeler (88 – Muskogee, OK) taking home the checkers in front of Brent Holman (17 – Rogers, AR) and Mike Cook (7C – Community, AR) in third. In the closest point championship battle, Brandon Hunter (1/4 – Alma, AR) had to come through the B Feature and outran Jeremy Vaughn (8V – Pocola, OK) by three positions. With the point leader coming into the night, Jamie Hibbs (109 – Choctaw, OK) spinning early in the race, the championship was down to Vaughn and Hunter. Hunter entered the night five points behind Vaughn but was only able to make up three of them. Vaughn’s eighth place finish was enough to secure him the 2015 TSS Modified Track Championship.
After the race program, the second $2,000 to win, 100 lap Enduro was held. Brian White (Mountainburg, AR) picked up the win ahead of Jeremy Wilson (Humboldt, KS) and Alan Crawford (Enid, OK). The full results from this event will be posted in a separate article next week.
Complete race results, including heats, are available on the Results link. Current point standings are available by clicking on the Points link..
NEXT TIME
Tri-State Speedway will return to action again on October 3RD, 2015 with another night of racing in all six classes. It will be Fan Appreciation Night with several activities throughout the night and discounted grandstand admission. All grandstand tickets will only be $5!
Pit gates will open at 4:00 PM with the grandstands opening at 5:00 PM. Hot laps will begin at 7 PM with pre-race ceremonies to follow and green flag action at 7:30 PM. Information on admission pricing and our complete 2015 racing schedule can always be found by clickong on the Schedule link Also, be sure to stay up to date with us via our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube which can be found by clicking the icons on the bottom of our website home page or by adding a “/” plus “Facebook”, “Twitter”, “Google+” or “YouTube” at the end so it looks like www.Tri-StateSpeedway.com/Facebook, etc.
We will see YOU soon!
