Idaho Racing News

FULL MOON TAKES TOLL
By Pauline Calkins, Idaho Racing News

Meridian, Idaho - Full moon mayhem took its toll at ASA member track, Meridian Speedway, Saturday night. Racing action started at 5pm with the qualifying. Kenny Hamilton was quick time for the fifth time this year with a time of 11.592. Three other Winged Sprint drivers had times under the 12 second mark as well, Cory Lockwood, Mike Cullum and Sierra Jackson. Chris Rattarree came in fifth highest in qualifying with a time of 12.000. It was sure to be an exciting main event.

There were 28 Debt Reduction Inc. Hornets that qualified to race in the main event as well. Because of the size of the class the 10 lowest qualifiers raced in a B Main. They lined up side by side to take the green flag. At the drop of the green Kyle Burrill jumped ahead of the field with Mike Hampton, Fred Nagele, and Tanner Broome right behind him. Mike Hale moved up from a ninth place start to fourth by the second lap. The fifteen-lap B Main was run without one caution. Burrill took the checkered with Nagele, Hampton and Hale transferring to the A main scheduled for later in the evening.

The Thunder Stocks qualified nine cars. Seventy-four year old Verlon Wright led the field in the five-lap trophy dash and took home the hardware. He also pulled out a win in his eight-lap heat race.

In the main event Wright started eighth behind hard charging RJ Lewis, Bill Lacy, Bill Lawrence and Tommy White. At the green White jumped out ahead of the field with Dan Tyler and Lawrence right behind, Lewis and Lowell Heath a close fifth and sixth. On lap four Tyler spun on the backstretch. Everyone raced by and no caution was thrown, but Lewis got around Lawrence for second leaving Lawrence in third and Lacy in fourth. By lap eleven the leaders were coming up on lapped traffic. Hard charging Lawrence and Lacy bumped as they came around turn three but they were able to control the hit and no caution was thrown. Lacy went to the pits on lap 16 with a tire issue. On lap 20 Lewis took the lead from White and two laps later Brice McKracken spun in turn four causing White to slam hard on his breaks to avoid hitting him, bringing out the first and only caution of the race. The restart saw Lewis in the lead with White, Heath, Lawrence, and Wright rounding out the top five. At the checkered flag Lawrence went high to complete the pass on Heath for third behind Lewis and White.

The Grand American Modifieds qualified 11 cars. The driver of the #33, Troy Ermish, got rained out in Colorado, jumped on a plane and was in his seat ready to race in Meridian ID. Ermish, a regular racer in the Camping World West series, has been helping young Meridian Speedway drivers get their feet wet in the racing world.

The Grand Americans had lined up on the front stretch for introductions when the full moon began to rise. The introductions were made and flagman Brandon stepped up to get the race started. When the switch was flipped to light the track the backstretch remained dark. Crews worked to bring light to the track but to no avail. The backstretch remained dark.

To keep the drivers safe the race was called. The spectators were given a voucher for another regular race day and those who paid admission at the back gate were given a rain check for the next event.

Next week Curtis Clean Sweep, Stout Creations, Hugo’s Deli and Hobby Town USA present Late Models, Non Winged Sprints, Super Stocks, Legends and Hornets. Gates open at 4:00 pm with time trials and racing starting at 5 and 6. Come out for an evening of fun and excitement. For more information contact the speedway office at (208) 888-2813 or on the web at www.meridianspeedway.com.