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Eldora Speedway...
Bowersock, Johnson
& Drook Beat Weather
Eldora Speedway press release from George Starks
ROSSBURG, OH (August 13) – Saturday’s racing program at Eldora Speedway
turned into a race within a race, as the biggest crowd in the history
of Family Fun Night cheered on. While Jerry Bowersock (Modified), Ed
Johnson (Stock Car) and Don Drook (Vores Welding Compacts) won the main
events they were collectively in a race against Mother Nature, which
was eventually won.
As the night unfolded under picture perfect skies, things began to
worsen as threatening weather began to loom over the horizon. The
drivers were alerted to the approaching weather, and their response was
a well orchestrated race meet, with some of the most competitive action
to date. A total of 15 races and a 20 minute fireworks display were
completed by 9:50, two minutes prior to the onset of the predicted
storms.
Shaun Smith sat on the pole of the UMP (United Midwestern Promoters)
main event, normally a comfortable position; however, outside of him
was veteran Jerry Bowersock. That spelled concern not only for Smith,
but for the balance of the field.
And rightfully so, as the green flag waved over the 24-car field,
Bowersock shot into the lead and the race for runner-up honors began.
Smith maintained that position through the early stages, with Brent
Hole and Josh Morton mounting their charge against Smith, while
Bowersock continued his torrid pace.
Lapped traffic did little to deter Bowersock, but it did bunch up the
balance of the pack, as Jeff Babcock and Scott Orr began to move
forward quickly.
Bowersock got by Smith for second near the mid-point of the 18-lap
chase, with Orr moving as high as fourth before slight contact with the
retaining wall found him diving into the pit area.
As the race wore down, Babcock reeled in Bowersock in a battle of the
veterans. A calculated slide job by Babcock, with one lap to go fell
short as Bowersock cruised to the win over Babcock, Smith, Jesse
Bitterling and Hole.
Like Bowersock, Johnson shot into the early lead of the Stock Car
finale, beating Shawn Phillippi and Kevin Gossard into the first turn.
Gossard got by Phillippi on lap four in search of Johnson; however a
right rear flat tire forced him into the pits. At the same time the
caution flew for another on-track incident which was a break for
Gossard, albeit another charge from the rear of the pack.
On the restart, Phillippi resumed the runner-up slot, with Earnie
Woodard and Barney Craig in pursuit. Craig was the fastest of the
group, but time ran short on his parade, as Johnson was the first under
the checkered flag, followed by Phillippi, Craig, Rob Trent and Woodard.
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