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| Ariaz
Takes Lakeport Victory by Debbie Shipherd |
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(Lakeport, Ca…May 17, 2003) Pat Ariaz drove his Alum-Line NCMA sprinter to victory in the 25 lap main at Lakeport Speedway in the traveling club’s annual visit to the ¼ mile paved track. Ariaz, starting in the 5th spot, quickly took the lead from front row starters Russ Wullenwaber and Burt Siverling, and never looked back. Scott Holloway, driving the TBS #41, RPM #11Wullenwaber, OCR #77 Siverling, and Keith Shipherd in the Western Tile #20 rounded out the top five. Ed Amador drove his new Stinger asphalt Amador Farms #76 to take the trophy dash win, and delighted the fans when he presented his trophy to a young boy in the stands. The 8 lap heat races found Amador and Ariaz each taking wins, and both heats ran fast and flag to flag. Scott Holloway had his own victory by beating the previous track record with a fast qualifying time of 12.770. Holloway finished 2nd consistently in the heat and main to continue his point lead for the NCMA championship. Small victories were in order for other drivers, also. Rookie driver Mike Zarevich just finished repairs in time on his #42 after sustaining some damage at Marysville last week, and did a great job of holding his line all night. Russ Wullenwaber, who had a close encounter with the wall last year at Lakeport, was happy to complete the dash, heat and main cleanly. The #20 team discovered an oil leak during hot laps, the crew was able to make repairs, enabling Shipherd to make his first appearance on this track and show his steady progress on asphalt. Lakeport’s track has an interesting “D” shape which makes it a challenge to set up with only one visit per season, and there were several comments heard from drivers relating to the constant G-forces they experienced while driving. The track officials and the fans welcomed the NCMA teams warmly, which included special reserved pit spots, as well as videotaped driver interviews, and in turn the sprints gave them a fast, fun, and clean show. One young fan visiting the pits, Robert Hartzo, was the lucky recipient of an NCMA t-shirt autographed by drivers. It was a rewarding night for all, with the cars all loaded in trailers in one piece, and everyone having a good time. The NCMA teams have a week off and will take a fun trip to the large 3/8 mile dirt track in Fernley, Nevada on the 31st.We are grateful to club sponsors, Alum-Line and C.L.Bryant, who’s support enables our NCMA sprints to race. Drive safe, have fun, and take care,
Deb |
