4/22/2013
Willamette Speedway
First Race In The Books
Willamette Gets First Race Of 2013 In The Books
By Ben Deatherage
(Photo Courtesy of Doc's Photos)
It was a wild night at Willamette Speedway for the first race of the season last Saturday night. Despite the cool temperatures once the sun went down racing on the 1/3-mile clay oval started to really heat up. On hand for the Season Opener were all six staple classes at the venue which included the DIRTcar Super Late Models, IMCA Modifieds, Super Sports, Sportsman, Street Stocks, and Mini Trucks.
In the DIRTcar Super Late Model feature it looked as if Russ Sell from Brownsville had it in the bag. That was until just passed lap twenty-five when he would get sideways and briefly lose control and spin out. The incident would bring about a lead change giving it to Joey Tanner of Portland.
Tanner would pace the field for the remaining circuits all while keeping seven-time champion Trevor Glaser of Tangent in check behind him. Glaser would search the track high and low to try and overtake Tanner but Tanner would hold on for the big win.
In IMCA Modified action it was the Mark Carrell show. The Redmond native would put a clinic on for the fans and competitors as he nailed the set up and would cruise to the win without any difficulty at all. It was Carrell’s first win in a while at Willamette Speedway.
The Super Sport class made their return to Willamette after a hiatus of a few years. And earning the victory would be three-time Super Sport champ Gil Pickett from Salem. Pickett would be the only driver to make the high side work and pass cars. A great multi-car battle occurred after a late restart with Pickett getting around Salem’s Chris Mott and Steve Moore of Scio. From there on Pickett would have no difficulties and would cross the line first.
In Sportsman action Phil Houseworth of Lebanon and Albany’s Todd Miller dueled one another for the lead for several circuits. As the laps continued to click away Houseworth, while leading, got sideways out of turn four which allowed space for Miller to make the pass for the lead. Once Miller took the lead he ran off with it and would earn the win.
Seven-time Willamette track champion David Cronk from Portland was mighty fast in Street Stock action. Cronk led the race from flag to flag for the win with Albany’s young Bricen James right behind him. James could stick with Cronk for the most part but couldn’t find a way around the veteran chauffer.
Domination was what occurred in the Mini Truck feature. Don Croy of Prineville was the truck to beat as he lapped several cars on his way to his first win of the season. Croy used full advantage of his front row starting position to perform the feat.
Willamette Speedway will have two nights of action next weekend. The first race of the year for the Karts will take place on Friday night April 26th. Saturday evening on the 27th will be the second race of the year for the 1/3-mile and will feature all six regular divisions which include the DIRTcar Super Late Models, IMCA Modifies, Super Sports, Sportsman, and Street Stocks. For latest news and stories regarding Willamette Speedway log on to www.trophymotorsports.com.
Submitted By: Ben Deatherage