Mark Whitener, Middleburg, FL, set fast time and was the fastest car all night en route to a big win at East Alabama Motor Speedway in Phenix City, AL. Saturday night.
Jay Johnson started outside pole, took the lead on lap 1 and held it for the first three laps, but Whitener drove to the front and lead the rest of the way.
Fourty-Seven cars came to race for the $4000 top prize at the 40 year old track, in the third race of the season for the United Dirt Late Model Challenge Series. The series ran qualifying laps, three “B” Mains and started 28 cars.
Ken Kinney, promoter of the series said, “East Alabama was one of the nicest dirt racing facilities I have ever been to, and kudos to the owners for their operation and their hospitailty to the United Dirt Late Model Challenge Series.”
Dana Eisland was the top local racer, giving Whitener a run for his money, but settling for second. Whitener, who calls Golden Isles Speedway in south Georgia his home track, was fifth in points going into the event.
Jacksonville, FL ace Johnny Collins placed third, his best to date in the young dirt late model series. Collins moved to 41st to 16th in the points standings.
Keith Nosbisch moved from from 13th in points, now tied for eighth coming into his home track at East Bay next week.
Top rookie of the race 16 year old, Evan Beckton closed within 10 points of Justin Choquette for Pace American Trailers for Rookie of the Year. Shan Smith took over the overall points lead for the series.
Full results, race story and photos to follow.
Next stop for the United Dirt Late Model Challenge Series will be back at East Bay Raceway Park to complete the rain shortened event of a few weeks ago. Saturday April 26, the series will run a 20 lap qualifying race to complete setting the field at East Bay and then run the 40 lap $3000.00 to win feature sponsored by Central Florida Sheds & Trailers and Central Florida Mobile Homes.
Ken Kinney will be on Tuesday Real Racin’ USA Live radio show with details about the first annual North Florida Late Model State Championship. The show can be heard on Tuesday night 7-9 PM www.realracinusa.com.