Francis Takes I-77 Opener
4 min read
I-77 Speedway opened their season on.a crisp clear and hoodie wearing evening as 93 competitors brought their best to the greatest show on clay. The Mineral Wells Tire Center and Mikes Auto Body and Auto Express WRA Mini Wedges opened the show as Aiden Powell fought off 12 great competitors to take his first win of the season.
Final Results. 1. Aiden Powell 2. Mack Brookover 3. Cole Tasker 4. Blake Tasker 5. Gavin Casto 6. Wyatt Cale 7. The Flying Squirrel Stephen Sutler 8. Farrah Bailey 9. Johnny Bailey 10. Tanner Ritchea 11. Addison Tasker 12. Coltin Johnson 13. #47 Dns Caelyn Lambert
The Poor Boyz Motorsports Super Late Models were next as Brandon Francis set fast time. Heat races were won by Brandon Francis and Tyler Evans. In the 25 lap feature Brandon Francis led wire to wire followed by Tyler Evans, Pete Crum, Buddy Brogan, Zach Hill, Harold Redman Jr. , Kenny Rucker, Garet McCloud,Hall of Famer Steve Sabo, Chad Tasler, and C A Wentz.
The Mod Squad was up next. Fast time was set by Cruz Vandall. Heat races were won by Cruz Vandall and Coleman Evans. The UMP Modified feature was a closely competive event. Cruz Vandall led the first six circuits and then the cushion caught him and Booger Garnes took advantage of that little bobble to take an .8 second win. Cruz Vandall went on to finish second followed by Coleman Evans, TJ Roush, Vince Conrad, Brad Stone, Jaden Ritchea, Laif McKinney, Zachary Deaton, Issac Keneda. Mitchell Sharp and Jamie Mahon did not start.
The Quality Brothers Construction Steel Blocks were up next as Josh Gibson honored his father Terry Gibson who passed away in March. Josh came through for dad as he set fast time and then proceeded to win his heat. My Wild Irish Italian Billy Rose won heat number two. The feature was fast and furious and probably the most competitive of the night as Josh Gibson won his first ever feature event with Rapid Ryan Keckley only .134 seconds behind. My Wild Irish Italian Billy Rose was third followed by Zach Milbee Gary Wilcoxen, Chris Holley, Jason Salmons, Craig Haynes, Arthur Jarrett, Glenn Booth, Dustin Canfield, Jeffrey Wolford, Cory Workman and Lee Cornell.
22 competitors were next up for the Sonny’s Body and Paint Shop Sport Mods. Cruz Vandall dominated qualifying with fast time. Heat Winners were Cruz Vandall, Levi Wright and and Timothy Weekley. In the feature Cruz Vandall led the first 19 laps and then the Angels Expressway proved to be unkind. On lap number 20 he unfortunately got a flat tire and Levi Wright who had been following him closely managed to squeak out the win after a green white checker finish. Following Levi Wright were Timothy Weekley, Pat Garrett, Curtis Griffin, Cruz Vandall, Toby Wilson, Bryce Ryan, Alisha Hammond, Zach Sears, Montana Legg, Tyler Harper, Dustin Wheeler, Hunter McCloud, Roger Arix, Keith Bills, Ryan Yates, Jeffrey Gillman, Will Brogan Jr, Scottie Linville. Nic Green, Martin Crider, and Jacob Boyles did not start.
Because of the cold weather Mikes Auto Body and Auto Express Street Stocks only ran a feature. Setting fast time and winning the 147th feaure of his career was Mike Martin followed by John Powell Jr, Rodney Cole, Kevin Woodall, Caleb Dooley, Preston Ferrbary, Dawson Roton, Hunter New, Ferron Jett and Scott Levitt.
Also because of the cooler temperatures Wild Bills Performance and Repair FWD 4cyl only raced a feature. Sam Dickel set fast time and led the first six curcuits before lady luck gave him a flat tire. Colton St John led the rest ofvthe way for the victory followed by Jeff Rankin, James Hendershot, Patrick Fuzz Nuts Wilbarger, Eric Hamilton , Alexis Bird, Stenen Edwards, Sam Dickel, and Dan Moss. Gary Williams and Adam Miller did not start.
We want to thank all of the great fans and the 93 drivers who put on a great show for all of us. Thank you to our other sponsors as well, The Polo Club , Briscoe Run Land Surveying, Tri County Builders, Tri County Properties, Ripley Pets and Supplies, and Coopers Auction Services.
Join us again this Saturday night April 10. Regular admission prices as usual. Gates open at 3 Mini wedges hit the track at 630. Drivers Meeting is at 645. Hot laps begin at 7. There is a slight change to the schedule street stocks have requested the night off and 4 cyl will be taking their place.
Our track videographer Tim Rolfe has four more copies of last nights race for sale. They are 20 dollars each. You can message him on Messenger or let us know here.
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