Another clean sweep for Wilson at Kinross

Kinross Speedpark weathered a late afternoon storm and a lightning strike in week eleven of the 2006 race season, before putting on a great show in front of what appeared to be the biggest crowd of the season.

Lightning took out the public address system in the main grandstand just hours before the race was to start. The P.A. system used in the pits was moved to the grandstand area in time for the start of the evenings races.

Qualifying was rained out, and for the second time this year, both racers and fans were treated to an extra round of heat races in place of the dash and pursuit races. Race starting positions were determined by the season point totals.

The Late Models took to the track for their first heat and saw some close racing between George Wilson and Robert Hiiemaa. Wilson eventually pulled away and took the win. Tim Aho finished second, and Kevin Jackson third.

The Factory Stock class had a different look as both the Kevin Johnson and Jared Nightlinger cars were missing from the action. Both cars had mechanical problems and were not able to make the show. Pee Wee Fountain ran a nice race and finished at the front in the first heat. Cecil Piche finished second, and Mike Fox third.

The first of four Pure Stock heats had some great side by side racing between Tony Rankin and Billy Cryderman. Rankin pulled off the victory with Cryderman second. Ken VanLuven finished third.

The second Pure Stock heat had John Clawson going to the front early and running away with the win. The cars were pretty evenly matched and ran single file most of the race. Mike Babcock finished second with Ray Golladay Jr. third.

The first 4 Cylinder heat had some close racing as Don Dangler held off Marko Howland, with Ron Etcher a close third.

The second heat was a different story as Adam Gardner checked out on the field and took the victory. John Gardner was second, and Dean Eggart third.

The second round of heat races began with the Late Models and George Wilson won his second of the evening. Kevin Jackson finished a distant second, and Tim Aho third.

Mike Fox got a well deserved victory in the second Factory Stock heat finishing ahead of Cecil Piche and Pee Wee Fountain.

The third Pure Stock heat race had one of the closest finishes in quite some time. Tony Rankin and Barry Glenn came across the line together with Rankin taking the victory. Ken VanLuven finished third.

The fourth Pure Stock heat race was a very nice race with some good clean racing. John Clawson battled Mike Babcock and Ray Golladay Jr., with Clawson taking the win. Babcock was second and Golladay Jr. third.

It was in the eleventh race of the evening that fans seen the first caution flag. A first lap mishap involved several cars and everyone was able to get lined up again for a complete restart. Don Dangler moved to the front and ran away with the win. Marko Howland finished second, and Ron Etcher third.

Dean Eggart went from last to first to lead lap number one in the fourth 4 Cylinder heat. John Gardner made a great last lap pass on Eggart and took the win. Adam Gardner finished third.

Intermission saw the return of "Kids Rides" with many youngsters taking laps around the track with their favorite racers. It was also "Rookie Flag Person Night" with a drawing for youngsters vying to become the starter of one of the four feature races.

The Late Model feature had more thunder than the storm that passed through earlier. Sam Bohling was leading the race when Tim Aho received a tap from George Wilson, bringing out the first yellow.

Wilson started the single file restart at the back and began his charge to the front again. Bohling went up the track in turn three and allowed Tim Aho to move in beside him. Bohling seemed to spin all by himself, bringing out another caution. He jumped out of his car and went out on the track to show his displeasure with another racer. He was promptly black flagged for leaving his car and was done for the evening.

After another restart, George Wilson tried to pass Tim Aho for the lead on the backstretch. Aho ran him up the track and off the racing surface causing Wilson to spin and another caution to be displayed. Wilson assumed the lead with Tim Aho starting at the back. George Wilson ran away with the victory. Robert Hiiemma finished second, and Tim Aho third.

The Factory Stock feature had single file racing before Cecil Piche made a move on Pee Wee Fountain for the lead. They ran door to door for several laps before touching and spinning in turn four. Fountain was sent to the back and Piche took over the lead. Cecil Piche was able to hold on the rest of the way and take the checkered flag. Paul Fox finished second, and Josh Ware third.

The 4 Cylinder feature, after running caution free last week, made thirteen laps before seeing a yellow flag. It was a spectacular race with lots of close action. Dean Eggart held off a charging Brandy Clawson for the victory. John Gardner finished third.

The Pure Stock feature had Barry Glenn moving into first early in the race. He led most of the race before Ray Golladay Jr. and John Clawson reeled him in. The three cars battled right down to the finish. Barry Glenn won by about a foot over Golladay Jr. John Clawson finished a close third.

Racing action resumes again this Friday at Kinross Speedpark. For more information, log onto www.kinrossspeedpark.com.

(Submitted by Steve Lawson)