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Steve Hixson
RINGGOLD, Ga. (April 16) - The CHATTANOOGA FLASH Ronnie Johnson made it 2 for 2 Friday night at his home track, winning the inaugural Volunteer Racing Series event; The E.A. Boyd Anniversary Classic 40 lap $3,000 to-WIN feature at Boyd's Speedway. RJ piloting the familiar black # 5 "Miller Bros. Coal Inc., Simmons Lawn Care, American Billett, Transport One" sponsored MasterSbilt / Vinson Racing Engines, using SPEC motor power led start to finish holding off charges by both Randy Weaver and North Georgia Motorsports fast qualifier Billy Ogle Jr. Setting fast time among the 28 entries, Ogle rocked the clock with a 14:492 which gave him the pole for Heat #1. The MILKMAN Mike Weeks went out of turn in qualifying after pre-qualifying tire check and offically turned a quicker time than Ogle Jr.(14:436), but VRS rules stipulate an out of turn qualifying lap deems a 50% +1 position time penality which set Weeks back to 13th on the grid. Event Images
Heat #1 Ogle held firm holding off Kentucky's Eric Wells and Weaver for the victory. RJ defeated the ranks of heat #2 that saw outside pole sitter William Thomas have trouble at the opening bell. Brandon Kinzer (also from KY) finished second with Vic Hill marking his Boyd's Speedway debut in 3rd. In heat #3 the POWELL PREDATOR Mark Vineyard defeated Rick Rogers. Local racer Jeff Smith also earned a transfer spot finishing 3rd. In the Last Chance consi. Jake Knowles took the win over Mike Marlar. The Fisher Paint, Body & Frame Shop redraw set Vineyard and Johnson as the FRONT ROW JOE starters winning the bonus $50. After two failed starts, both courtsey of Vineyard, Johnson set off on a torrid pace with Weaver making quick work of Kinzer, Hill and Wells, whom were all caught up in the early scuffles. Vineyard's first yellow went back to a complete restart, due to a pre-mature caution and Rogers was unable to continue after yellow #2.
As RJ showed the way Ogle Jr. slipped past Weaver for the runner-up spot, only to give it rite back a few laps later in heavy traffic. Lap 9 saw a glimpse of disaster when the leaders hit water splashed up on the track in turn four. RJ and Weaver found themselves up against the wall momentarily, but were able to continue without severe damage to their machines. Johnson continued to distance himself from the pack, not even slowing up for back-marker traffic. Vineyard was settling for a strong top 5 after the disasterious starts as Wells and Hill battled for the final Top 5 finishing spot. Jeff Smith headed up the charge of local BOYD's BRUISERS that run weekly in the Steel-Head class. Jake Knowles studded the finish in 10th after starting 19th on the grid. Racers failing to make the field included; David Payne, Brian Hickman, Chris Noah, Ray Jarnigan, Denny Slayton and Jason Welshan. Boyd's Speedway will see Super Late Models return in three (3) weeks when the S.R.R.S. touring group sanctions the 2nd Annual MAYHEM SHORTY 40, Friday night May 7th. for a $3,000 to-WIN feature. Further info. on results from the local Boyd's Speedway classes will be posted on the web-site www.boydsspeedway.com.
Unofficial Finish
4/16/10 - Volunteer Racing Series
E.A. Boyd Anniversary Classic
1 Ronnie Johnson (# 5) Chattanooga, TN
2 Randy Weaver (# 116) Crossville, TN
3 Billy Ogle JR (# 201) Knoxville, TN
4 Eric Wells (# 18) Hazard, KY
5 Mark Vineyard (# 4) Powell, TN
6 Jeff Smith (# 00) Villnow, GA
7 Mike Marlar (# 157) Winfield, TN
8 Vic Hill (# 1v) Morristown, TN
9 Rick Hixson (# 16) Soddy Daisy, TN
10 Jake Knowles (# 66) Tyrone, GA
11 Mike Weeks (# 22) Friendsville, TN
12 Kayne Hickman (# H3) Soddy Daisy, TN
13 Todd Morrow (# T1) Cleveland, TN
14 Chad Ogle (# 10) Knoxville, TN
15 Tommy Kerr (# 4T) Rockford, TN
16 Tony Knowles (# 26) Tyrone, GA
17 Ross White (# 0) Knoxville, TN
18 William Thomas (# 22) Phenix City, AL
19 Brandon Kinzer (# 18) Allen, KY
20 Riley Hickman (# R1) Ooltewah, TN
21 Derek Ellis (# 99) Chatsworth, GA
22 Rick Rogers (# 44) Knoxville, TN
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