Swearingin wins Grand
American Late Model feature at Speedway USA!
By Tim Berier
July 23, 1999; Bolivar, MO. - It was not his first feature win of the season, but it brought him closer to the track championship at Speedway USA in the NASCAR Grand American Late Model Division. As the season comes closer to an end with 8 remaining race nights, Swearengin knows that finishing ahead of current point leader Larry Phillips will make all the difference in the championship.
Swearengin, who battled his way to the front, making sure of passes, waiting for opportunities to get to the front, had Ricky Icenhower and Larry Phillips to contend with. But when the checkered flag fell, it was Swearengin in the O’Reilly Winners circle with the trophy. Phillips was second and Icenhower third. Steve Simmons, who has shown signs of placing his machine in the trophy arena, finished fourth and Steve Holt came in fifth. Jerry Kelly, Walnut Grove, finished in the sixth spot, Bobby Wood -7th, Jim Hunt -8th, Jim Chism -9th and Randy Besser -10th.
Leading with more than twenty points in the O’Reilly Auto Parts Modified Division, David Bates added more separation in the standings with his win on this night. Jim Hayes finished in the second spot and Brian Schutt finished third. Second in points, Jay Bates finished fourth and Brian Kapica brought home fifth. Springfield’s Lendall Alexander, who had motor problems finished sixth and Jim Cates, also suffering from motor problems finished seventh. The championship battle is not finished, as on any given night, David Bates, having any sort of problems, could possible leave the door open for his brother to sneak in and take the championship.
It’s his first year in the Street Stock Division, Steve Maddux put all the things together on this night to capture the feature race crown. Maddux finished ahead of Scott Johnson and Toby harden came home third. Andy Jenkins was fourth, Jered Brow -5th, Robert Claunch -6th,, Steve Bias -7th and Clyde Long -8th.
Point’s leader Jerry Garretson only widen the gap when he finished first in the Pure Street Division feature race. Ron Polodna, who had raced earlier in the Grand American Late Models, finished second. Capturing the third place Don Scroggins, Cleo Jasper -4th, Chuck Fers -5th, Greg Cherry - 6th and Leonard Underwood -7th.
The drivers liked it the fans liked it and it was the first time Speedway USA had done it. It’s called Double “O” racing. This is where the cars take the 3/8 mile oval on the first lap and then go on the go-kart track for lap two. Alternating each time that they go around. Coming home in this fun race was Richland’s Steve Maddux. Toby Harden finished second with Jerry Garretson third and Don Scroggins fourth. Chuck Fers finished fifth, Leonard Underwood -6th, Robert Claunch -7th, Cleo Jasper 8th, Ron Polodna - 9th and Greg Cherry -10th. Fans will see this type of racing again.
They are fast and for the Bolivar Kart Series, testing the oval at Speedway USA is like driving Talladega Speedway. Young Bryan Neely, second in points in the Heavy Division, was able to make his way to the O’Reilly Winner’s Circle. It was Brad Neely finishing second and Travis Jones taking the third spot. Chris Newman was able to take fourth, David Taylor -5th, Tony Johnson -6th, Jim Yates -7th, Matt Lakey -8th, Jon Cunningham -9th and Larry Taylor -10th.
Making it a clean sweep for the Neely family, Brad Neely finished ahead of Bryan for the win in the medium division. Tara Vaught finished third and Bill Goin took fourth. Fifth place went to Travis Jones, Troy Young -6th, Chance Hines -7th, Chris Newman -8th David Taylor -9th and Matt Lakey -10th.
John Gibson had the honors of recieving the trophy this night for his win in in the Junior II Division. Gibson finished ahead of Daniel Shirley-2nd, Robbie Bryant -3rd and Will Vaught -4th. Jacob Magnin took fifth, Cody Elliot -6th, J.J. Gumond -7th and Jeremy Kelly -8th.
Beginning this week, fans have the opportunity to win $100 each week. All
you have to do is fill out the entry form as you enter the gates, guess the feature
winners for the night and if you have them all
correct, the money is yours. This event is sponsored by Terry’s Towing and the
monies will be rolled over each week if there is not a winner. So, come and make your
guess on your favorite driver and you can go home a winner too. Gates open at 5:30 with
racing action beginning at 8 pm.
Also watch for drivers to be out and about in your area with discount tickets.
Heat One - Jim Hayes, David Bates, Jay Bates
Street Stock:
Heat One - Scott Johnson, Steve Maddux, Andy Jenkins
Pure Street:
Heat One - Jerry Garretson, Don Scroggins, Cleo Jasper
Additional information: Heat Race Results-
Street Stocks: Heat One: Scott Johnson, Steve Maddux, Andy Jenkins
O'Reilly Auto Parts Modifieds: Heat One: Jim Hayes, David Bates, Jay Bates
Grand American late Model: Heat One:
Ricky Icenhower,Randy Besser, Jim Hunt
Heat Two: Tim Swearengin, Larry Phillips, Steve Holt
Pure Street: Heat One: Jerry Garretson,
Don Scroggins, Cleo Jasper
Heat Two: Not held this evening