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| Koster Claims Reno-Fernley
Win by Debbie Shipherd |
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Fernley, Nevada, Sept.18, 2004...Ramos Oil's Gary Koster
captured the 30 lap feature win at Reno-Fernley's 3/8 mile track on
Saturday Sept.18, overtaking Contra Costa Auto Parts' Keith Shipherd
on lap 10 as the top four dueled for position with Hale Lumber's Rob
Hammond and Kaeding Performance's David Goodwill thick in the mix.
The early battle for the lead was exciting, with lead changes back
and forth at each end of the track. Koster's smooth driving skills
paid off as he took the win with Rob Hammond and Gary's Mower Shop Rick Eversult rounding out the top three. Nineteen wingless Sprints made the trek to Fernley, Nevada for the final NCMA dirt track point race. The support of several teams from the CSRA, Marysville, and Orland wingless Sprint groups boosted the car count to an '04 season high for the NCMA. Don Hicks of Patterson appeared with a newly completed dirt car, and Shipherd returned after 3 weeks of rebuilding his totaled car. Just the trip to Fernley was a challenge for Antioch's Jim Janssen. The transmission in his tow vehicle went out near Truckee, but with the help from other racers and Fernley's promoter Chris Cable, he made it to the track in time for the feature. The Sprints were divided into 2 heat races, and some of the visiting drivers wisely opted to start in the back of the heats for their 1st time racing on Fernley's fast 3/8 mile track. Gary Koster took the win in heat 1 from a 3rd row start as RJB Engine Development's Sam Fries and David Goodwill chased him to the finish. Heat 2 was won by a happy Rob Hammond followed closely by Shipherd and OCR's Burt Siverling. This was Hammond's first heat race win in his first season of racing. The 30 lap feature began with Burt Siverling and Goodwill on the front row. Shipherd maneuvered into the lead by turn 2, followed by Koster, Hammond, and Goodwill. Koster took the point on lap 5 and Shipherd passed him back on the next lap. Goodwill challenged Hammond and moved into 3rd. Koster and Shipherd ran side by side and swapped spots for several laps, and after a lap 10 caution for a spun Goodwill, Koster took the lead again. Pizza Factory's Doug Gandy got sucked up into the wall when he got too high challenging Hammond for the 4th spot, and was unharmed but had to pit with a damaged axle. Koster held the lead while Hammond and Shipherd battled for the second spot, followed closely by Scalvini's Tire & Auto Josh Jacobo and Rick Eversult. Lap 25 saw Goodwill spin on the slick track and Shipherd pitted with rear end problems. Koster smoothly held the lead on the restart and took it all the way to the checkered flag followed by Hammond, Eversult, Michael Zarevich, and Sierra Towing's Scott Pierson. This victory was a special one for Koster, it was his 1st NCMA feature win as well as his 1st win at Reno-Fernley in a wingless Sprint. He graciously credited his engine builder, Richard Basden, and his sponsors for their help.This was the last of 12 NCMA dirt track races, and the night's race finishes resulted in an '04 season dirt track championship win for Napa's David Goodwill. The NCMA thanks Reno-Fernley's promoters, officials, and fans for their hospitality, and the teams that supported this race and helped to make it an exciting show of great racing as well as a fun way to end the dirt track season. Special thanks also to the sponsors of the club: McCoy Tires, CL Bryant/VP Racing Fuel, Bella's Expresso Shop, Vince's Take and Bake Pizza, and Santomauro Racing Products. The NCMA will be racing again at Altamont's 1/2 mile paved track on September 25 and Oct.16. Drive safe, have fun, and take care. Summary: Heat 1: Gary Koster, Sam Fries, David Goodwill, Rick Eversult, Scott Pierson, Don Hicks, George Terry, Jack Clark, Ed Amador (DNS) Heat 2: Rob Hammond, Keith Shipherd, Burt Siverling, Josh Jacobo, Michael Zarevich, Jim Steward, Steve Nelson, Doug Gandy, James Flynn Main: Gary Koster, Rob Hammond, Rick Eversult, Michael Zarevich, Scott Pierson, Steve Nelson, Don Hicks, Jim Janssen, Jim Steward, Burt Siverling, Jack Clark, Sam Fries, George Terry, Josh Jacobo, Ed Amador, Keith Shipherd, David Goodwill, Doug Gandy, James Flynn (DNS) |
