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Michael Nuchols
MARYVILLE, Tenn. (April 12) - Ray Cook of Brasstown,NC came to the Mountain Raceway just hoping to have a good run in the debut race of the Southern Regional Racing Series at the Mountain Raceway. With 51 teams showing up to try to make the 24 car starting field.
Cook who started second with a 18.08 sesond lap jumped out to the lead an early lead over pole sitter Bobby Giffin with a smooth pass on the high side on a very slick and demanding track. But with a 6 car crash before lap one was complete Cook would have to prove his self again also giving Giffin another chance at taking the lead. Once again Cook would show his strong hand and go by Giffin on the high side once again to take the lead. Cook quickly jumped out to a commanding straightway lead over Anthony White who was on the move passing several cars in the first few laps getting up to second.
While Cook was on cruise control out in front of the field, the racing in the middle of the field was tight and intense due to the slick track conditions with the high winds blowing across the track, with Mark Vinyard moving up though the field from his mid pack starting spot. Lap 25 Cook was getting into lapped traffic which was allowing White to get closer and try to put pressure on the ultra smooth Cook. Caution on lap 27 involving (52) Mark Douglas and (27) John Denby in turn one slowed the field allowing White to close up on Cook for another try. But ounce again Cook would pull away from the field.
Lap 31 the caution would fly again when John Gill made contact with John Denby resulting in Gill retiring from the race with a broken right from suspension part.
White would retire form the race on lap 42 with a broken rear-end, moving Giffin into the second place, Vic Hill third, Tommy Kerr fourth, Mark Vinyard fifth. Cook would go onto lead all 50 laps of the Southern Regional Racing Series event. The race was slowed by 7 cautions.
PPM Racing Products Southern Regional Racing Series
Mountain Raceway Park (Maryville, TN)
Saturday April 12, 2008
A-Main Finish:
1. Ray Cook-Brasstown, NC
2. Bobby Giffin-Maryville, TN
3. Vic Hill-Mosheim, TN
4. Tommy Kerr-Maryville, TN
5. Mark Vineyard-Powell, TN
6. Rick Rogers-Knoxville, TN
7. Tony Morris-Murfreesboro, TN
8. Riley Hickman-Cleveland, TN
9. Kelly Hanvey-Cullman, AL
10. Brett Wyatt-Crossville, TN
11. Brandon King-Decatur, AL
12. Mike Luna-Sparta, TN
13. Anthony White-Clinton, TN
14. Joe Denby-Tullahoma, TN
15. Jay Brinkley-Raus, TN
16. John Gill-Mitchell, IN
17. Billy Mayo-Cleveland, TN
18. Mike Weeks-Friendsville, TN
19. Mark Douglas-Knoxville, TN
20. Billy Ogle Jr.-Knoxville, TN
21. Chris Wilson-Louisa, KY
22. Michael Luna-Sparta, TN
23. David Crabtree-Maryville, TN
24. Mike Hill-Rockwood, TN
Entries: 51 among five states
Star Graphix Overall Fast Time: Bobby Giffin-18:01 seconds
Heat Winners: Mike Weeks, Mark Vineyard, Brandon King, Michael Luna, Tony Morris
B-Main Winners: Billy Mayo and Kelly Hanvey
Series Provisional Starters: Riley Hickman and Mike Luna
DBR Performance Starters 12th Place Award: Mike Luna
Brinkley Farms 10th Place Award: Brett Wyatt
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