West Plains, Missouri

and		Race Results

Batesville's Kevin Salter Wins Sunoco/Simons Firecracker Weekend Grand Finale
     at West Plains Motor Speedway

West Plains, MO The 8th Annual Sunoco & Simons Petroleum sponsored Firecracker Weekend at West Plains Motor Speedway, is now in the record book, and with the weather totally cooperative, it all went just as scheduled. A record number of participants for the weekend totalled 141, representing 6 states.

Seventy-five Super Stocks registering in for Round 1 on Thursday, then qualifying through 6 heats and the 25-lap nightly qualifier where the top 8 finishers transferred to the Main Event. Eighty registered in on Friday and on Saturday three more came in making the total 83 for the event.

Making that first transfer group was Claudie Cook of Portageville, MO, Jared Wagster of Scott City, MO, Chuck McGinty of Conway, AR, Kevin Salter of Batesville, AR, Stan Ellison of West Plains, Scooter Scruggs of Hensley, AR, Shawn Walsh of Ash Flat, AR, and Bobby Bryant of West Plains.

Friday's nightly feature provided the second 8 to transfer, and included Brandon Smith of Batesville, AR, Joe Payne of Concord, AR, Brian Ritchie of Newark, AR, Bobby Maggard of Republic, MO, Buddy Parks of Marshall, AR, Tim Brown of Stoutland, MO,. Bruce Busch of Mena, AR, and Jerry Buck of Moody, MO.

The final night's qualifier produced the balance of the field and included Robby Arnold of Paragould, AR, Hoser Howard of Hensley, AR, Jamel Korkis of Cave City, AR, Jimmy Douglas of Spiro, OK, Andy Clower of Grand Saline, TX, Derald Kelly of Birch Tree, MO, Tommy Porter of Ola, AR, and Craig Mintz of Humboldt, KS.

Kevin Salter finished 4th in the first qualifier, resulting in the 10th spot for the start. At the drop of the green Claudie Cook took the lead, but the lead was swapped back and forth between several drivers as Salter made his way through the field. With several cautions it was evident Salter had the field covered as he consistently lead the field once moved into the lead. As the checkered flag flew Salter was in the right spot to claim the top honors including the winner's check for $5,000.

Support class winners included Dexter Frost of West Plains, for Hobby Stock, and Austin White of Willow Springs, MO, for the Youth Hobby Stock Thursday night. Friday it was Bobby Skinner of Moody, MO, for Cruiser and Saturday night Brandon Ball of West Plains, for IMCA Modified.

The Air Magic Fireworks extravaganza was again a highlight of the evening and provided an inspiring salute as we celebrated Independence Day and all the service men and women, past and present, were recognized .

There will be no races at West Plains Motor Speedway on July 14, but competition will resume on July 21, with the KDY Race Night. Gates will open at 5 PM, hotlaps at 6:30 PM and racing is set for 7 PM. Adult admission will be $8, senior citizens $5, kids 7-11 $2, 6 and under are always admitted free.

Full Super Stock Finish:
Kevin Salter
Robby Arnold
Brandon Smith
Claudie Cook
Bobby Maggard, Jr.
Jared Wagster
Jerry Buck
Andy Clower
Scooter Scruggs
Bruce Busch
Brian Ritchie
Buddy Parks
Tim Brown
Tommy Porter
Bobby Bryant
Craig Mintz
Joe Payne
Jimmy Douglas
Stan Ellison
Hoser Howard
Derald Kelly
Shawn Walsh
Jamel Korkis
Chuck McGinty

ROUND 2 - Another clear, warm summer night drew the fans and more racers to compete in 8th Annual Sunoco & Simons Petroleum sponsored Firecracker Weekend here at West Plains Motor Speedway. Five new Super Stock drivers registered to run qualifying action making the event total to date, 80.

Support class tonight was the Cruiser class and 10 drivers ran their weekly heats and feature. Winner of the feature was Bobby Skinner of Moody, MO, followed by John Stiner and Clifford Collins,II, both of West Plains, Tyler Newcom of Hardy, AR, Sissy Ratliff Seamans of Imboden, AR, Rhonda Gunter, Mark Doiron, Clifford Collins, and Bill Harden, all of West Plains, and Adam Brown of Broseley, MO, rounded out the Cruiser field.

Making their way into the starting lineup tonight were Brandon Smith of Batesville,AR, Joe Payne of Concord, AR, Brian Ritchie of Newark, AR, Bobby Maggard, Jr. of Republic, MO, Bubby Parks of Marshall, AR, Tim Brown of Stoutland, MO, Bruce Busch of Mena, AR, and Jerry Buck of Paragould, AR.

Round 3 and the final nightly feature is set for Saturday night. Gates will open at 6, hotlaps at 7:30, with racing at 8 o'clock. Super Stock will run their final round of heats and the 25-lap nightly feature where the final 8 will advance to the championship event.

The IMCA Modified will run their heats and weekly points feature and Air Magic will present one of the biggest and most elaborate fireworks displays in the area entitled "A Salute to Our Troops", as we kick off the 40-lap Super Stock feature, where the winner will claim $5,000.

Adult admission Saturday night will be $15, kids 7-11 $5 and those 6 & under are always free. Pit admission is $30.