|
Traditional Sprint Car FanSite |
See You At The Races!!! |
| Gary Koster Triumphs in
Chowchilla Sizzler by Debbie Shipherd |
|
|
|
CSRA Wingless Sprints |
|
(July 16, 2005- Chowchilla, CA)...Woodland's Gary Koster
blazed to victory in the 20 lap feature on Saturday July 16 at
Chowchilla Speedway's 1/3 mile track. Coming from a 2nd row start, Koster displayed the cunning patience of the veteran he is as he stealthily dogged and then passed front row starter J.A.G. Construction's David Goodwill of Napa. Pole starter Ed Amador chased Koster to the checkers followed by Goodwill, Rods R Us' Patrick Russum of Citrus Heights, and Hester Roofing's Scott Pierson of Elke Grove. A 20 car field of Wingless Sprints comprised of the CSRA teams along with the NCMA sought shelter from the sizzling 108 degree afternoon temperature under shade canopies and track misters. The week long hot spell took it's toll on the track even though track promoter Tom Sagmiller spent week nights grooming and watering the track to the point that steam was rising from the surface. The heat affected Gary Koster who had been recovering from an early season injury and he wisely opted to sit out the dash to rest and rehydrate. Sierra Towing's Sacramento's Sam Fries took the 1st heat race win, running flag to flag with a staightaway lead over Koster and Patrick Russum. David Goodwill won heat 2 from a front row start over Concord's Burt Siverling and Harris Decals' Larry Nelson of Valley Springs. New drivers Denny Burrell of Ripon and Dusty Renteria tagged the rear of heat 2 and held their lines well. Ed Amador won heat 3 over Hale Lumber's Rob Hammond and Scott Pierson. In a gesture of appreciation to the Chowchilla fans, CSRA teams donated toys, candy and club tee shirts. Dash winner David Goodwill generously donated his trophy to long time race fan Alvin Love who has befriended several Wingless Sprint teams. A special thanks to Mike Hardy who kindly suggested the donation to Mr. Love. As the green flag flew for the feature, 2nd row starter Sam Fries' car popped out of gear for the 1st yellow, and he was relegated to the rear. Front row starter Goodwill took the point followed by pole starter Ed Amador and Gary Koster. An early yellow flew for some contact which ended Livermore's Doug Brewer's night with a broken jacobs ladder, and Rob Hammond restarted at the back. Goodwill continued his lead as Koster blazed his tires to overtake Amador, followed by Russum, Pierson, and Shipherd. A caution flew for a spun car and as the field went green then yellow again, the tight group of leaders made contact and deftly avoided mishap. Koster patiently waited for an opening and on lap 12 made the
pass on Goodwill for the lead. At the checkers it was Koster,
Amador, Goodwill, Russum, and Pierson in the top 5. Shipherd
diligently piloted to a 6th finish from a 12th start, hard charger
Sam Fries rebounded from the back to finish 7th, and Folsom's Jerry
Kobza, Chico's Don Emery, and Michael Zarevich rounded out the top
10. |
