COLLINS WIN SCOTT THOMPSON MEMORIAL AT VSP
VSP 7-10-08 Results by Shelley Doyle

Fans flocked into the Volusia Speedway Park as the anticipation for this spectacular race was about to come alive. Fans watch 61 late model drivers qualify for the Daytona Dodge Chrysler / Scott Thompson Memorial event. Keith Nosbisch was the overall fastest qualifier. The field divided into 6 heats which took 3 to the main feature and the rest went to consolidation races for their last chance attempts to make the race. Thirty of the best dirt late model drivers took to the starting grid. Keith Nosbisch took the early lead only to have the “locomotive” Johnny Collins powered past him for the spot. It was a freight train of colors as the field battled 3 & 4 wide for positioning. The no holds bar type of racing produced nobody willing to give an inch to his competitor. Collins looked like he was on a Sunday drive as he started pulling away for the pack. Patrick Williams driving the #38 Scott Thompson car was making his way to the front after starting 21st, weaving in and out of traffic, petal to the metal. Collins was a man on a mission has he used the lap cars to keep the field battling hard behind him at bay. Adam Bedenbaugh, Mark Whitener, Bill Howard and the field was not going to detour Collins, as he used the entire track to his advantage until the checkered flag was dropped and the race won. The Thompson family was on hand as well as the NLMS, UDLMCS and VSP representatives, who helped make this race such a success. Top Ten: Johnny Collins, Adam Bedenbaugh, Patrick Williams, Mark Whitener, Keith Nosbisch, Bill Howard, Darrell Padgett, Russell Brown Jr, Jimmy Lee Davis, Josh Peacock.

The UMP Dirtcar Street Stock feature was won by Kevin Durden. Robert Hicks jumped to an early lead as the field took the green. Phillip Brown pulled up making it a 2 way battled for several laps for the lead. The side by side action allowed Durden to on their bumpers as the field battled 2 & 3 behind them. Durden, Brown & Hicks battled 3 wide for the top spot, each having their chance as the leader. Durden was strong, pushing past for the lead and holding on until the checkered was thrown. Top Ten: Kevin Durden, Alan Peacock, Robert Hicks, Richard Price, Randy Strehle, Phillip Brown, Chad Scranton, Mick Kulak, James Smith, Ken Noren.

Dan Kerr won the RBC Bank Mini Stock feature. Charlie Staats took the lead with Travis Staats, Dan Kerr, DJ Nobles and field on his bumper. Kerr was thirsty for a long overdue win as he powered past Staats, holding onto the lead until the checkered dropped. Top Eight: Dan Kerr, Charlie Staats, Tommy Saunders, Eddie Johnson, DJ Nobles, Travis Staats, Benita Allman, Blake Spencer Danny Lunn won the Aerotec Aluminum 4 cylinder feature in style with a green to checkered win. Lunn held off Jess Kerr, Mike Corcoran, Allen Espy, John Blood and the hard charging field of 21. The field battled 4 wide, swapping paint, losing bumpers as they fought for positions. Lunn keep a cool head, used the track to his advantage taking the win. Top Ten: Danny Lunn, Allen Espy, Jess Kerr, John Blood, Vinny Richards, Mike Bailey Jr., Ron Pal, Mike Corcoran, Gilford Williams, RJ Glaser