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(Photo courtesy L&J Photography)

Bring Out the Broom, Tommy Tarlton Sweeps 49^th Annual Johnny Key Classic

By Gary Costa

Watsonville, CA – (August 29, 2009) – Tommy Tarlton will now be able to put his name with the roster of heavy-hitters that have won the prestigious Johnny Key Classic. Tarlton held off major pressure that was being applied from Kyle Larson and Bud Kaeding throughout the evening to go on and win the 49^th Annual Johnny Key Classic held at Ocean Speedway. The victory also marked the 12^th win of the season for Tarlton Motorsports. Tarlton and Non-Wing driver, Peter Murphy each have six wins.

"That was fun. Larson was fast in his dash, and he carried it into the main event; he's one tough competitor," a jubilant Tarlton said. "I was having a blast with the battle that Bud and me were having. He would slide me, and I would slide him right back; that was pretty cool."

Tarlton wheeled the Paul Baines wrenched, Tarlton & Son, Inc., Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino No. 21 Maxim to quick time leading the way for the 14 pre-qualified drivers. Tarlton's time was a quick 11.857 qualifying effort and his time would put him on the inside of the front row of the evening's first 6 lap dash.

When the green lights flashed to start the dash, Tarlton drag raced into Turn 1, and would carry the lead down the backstretch and never looked back taking the win. The win would put the Tom Tarlton owned mount on the inside of the front row for the 50 lap 49^th Annual Johnny Key Classic.

"The car felt pretty good in the dash, but I knew it was going to be a tough race," he said. "We made some changes before the main event, and I just put all my faith in my team."

Tarlton moved into his inside front row starting spot with fellow front row starter, Kyle Larson next to him for the first of two 25 lap segments. When the green flag waved, Tarlton would get the jump with Larson in tow. Larson applied heavy pressure, getting by Tarlton, but Tarlton would wrestle the lead back. The checkered flag was thrown on the first 25 lap segment with Tarlton taking the win.

"Paul and the guys made some changes to the car. It was good, but somehow they made it better," he said referring to changes made to the car during the mandatory 25 lap red. "I don't know what they were doing, I was just getting myself mentally prepared for the next segment, because I knew that Larson was real racy, and guys like Bud and Brent were moving up."

Larson would line-up behind Tarlton for the final 25 lap segment. When the green came out, Larson would follow Tarlton around the racetrack waiting to make his move. Bud Kaeding threw himself in the mix after getting around Larson. Kaeding was pounding the cushion winding-up the No.19. Kaeding worked his way under Tarlton in turns 1 & 2, and Tarlton would dive right back under Kaeding. The pair exchanged positions many times, with Tarlton eventually pulling away for his first Johnny Key Classic win, and his fourth win in GLR Investments Series competition.

The victory was Tarlton's second straight in GLR Investments Series competition, and his fourth out of the last seven GLR Series races. In addition to Tarlton's win, he has also wrestled the point lead away from Brent Kaeding, and now sits atop of the GLR Investments Series point standings by eight points.

"Bud was fast. He is a great competitor, and we raced each other hard, but clean. Winning this race means a lot to me and my team," he said. "I would like to thank the Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino, and everyone who supports Tarlton Motorsports. I've been working a lot, and I'm not going to do anything next weekend; I'm just going to relax and savor this win."

The next race for Tommy Tarlton will come at the 56th Annual Gold Cup Race of Champions at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, CA.

Tarlton Motorsports efforts are supported by: The Tachi Palace Hotel & Casino, Ridgeline Framing, Shark Racing Engines, Matt & Glass, M & S Motorsports, Sharp Insurance, McLellan Equipment, Elite Racing, BG Products, Pro Signs, VMAC, Kaeding Performance, Pro Shocks, Sander Engineering, Astro Titanium, Simpson, BR Motorsports, Willwood, and Brown & Miller Racing Solutions.

Be sure to follow Tarlton Motorsports on the web at www.tarltonandson.com