Wheelersburg, OH-Eighteen of the fastest winged-warriors in the southern portion of the state packed the field for an action packed Friday night of racing at Southern Ohio Speedway. Beneath a bright orange sky, the cars took to the smooth and carefully prepped surface for qualifications. Track promoter, TJ Layne explained that track crew’s worked hard to prevent the mid week’s storms from affecting the much anticipated event. Fast time was set by fan favorite Jim Neir with a 14.980. Neir joined OVSCA announcer Bruce Hines on the front stretch for a quick interview and to draw the inversion pill for heat race lineups. With increased odds for a four car inversion, Neir drew against the odds for a two position invert. As a result, Neir was set to start on the outside pole of the Alky Race Alcohol sponsored heat race one. With Josh Davis starting on the inside, as the green flag dropped, Jim Nier jumped out front to an early lead. Although Davis worked several angles to advance to the lead for the first four laps, Nier was able to stretch his command by a couple car lengths. The battle for second developed as Aaron Higgins moved in on Davis. By lap five, the field aligned with Dave Dickson, Andre Layfield and Adam Strausser falling in behind Higgins. As the checkers flew, the field remained and Neir claimed the win locking him into the pole starting position for the feature event. The second heat, sponsored by Racegear by Impact, lined up with Nathan Skaggs and Kory Crabtree on the front row. Crabtree jumped to a commanding lead from the initial start while Skaggs defended his second position as Jesse McCreary followed close in tow. By lap three, Trey Gustin moved in on McCreary and put the pressure on for third. Working the low line, Gustin was able to claim the position by the halfway mark. As Crabtree stretched his lead to nearly an entire straight away, McCreary attempted a move on the high side, spinning out and bringing out the caution in turn two. This allowed Ryan Broughton to move into fourth followed by Greg Mitchell. This is how the field would remain for the final three laps. Sam Ashworth and Jim Stinson rolled the third heat brought to action by Octane Racing Products, to the starting line followed by Lance Webb and Rick Fraley. Ashworth took the lead as the race began, and until held Stinson off until lap seven. Stinson worked high and low, lap after lap but until Ashtworth got just a hair too high and losing a bit of momentum, was unable to advance. Stinson took advantage and lead through the remainder of the race. Lance Webb followed close behind in third as Wes McGlumphy, Fraley and John Shewbrooks rounded out the field. The feature event lined up and continued with Jim Nier holding tight to the lead through the early laps. With Kory Crabtree, Josh Davis and Jim Stinson close in tow, the leaders approached lap traffic by lap three. John Shewbrooks brought out the first caution of the event restacking the field for a single-file backstretch restart. As Nier quickly the field to the cone, he was able to maintain and stretch his lead immediately. However, just five laps later he was closing in on lap traffic and Kory Crabtree was looking in from second to take advantage of the opportunity. Jim Stinson, Aaron Higgins and Nathan Skaggs were all battling for the top five positions. As exciting as the race was among the leaders, Josh Davis, Trey Gustin, Sam Ashworth, Aaron Higgins and Dave Dickson also provided constant passing action and a show of their own. By lap thirteen, the race intensified as Crabtree was finally able to utilize lap traffic and take the lead over Neir. Just three laps later, the racing was three wide for position not only in the front of the pack but throughout the entire field. The ever changing track surface provided 25 laps of total excitement. With five laps to go, the race was in any of the top five competitors hands. Adam Strausser went down with three laps to go and allowed Stinson to pass teammate Jim Nier for second. As the white flag flew, Rick Fraley tagged the front-stretch wall creating havoc among the field. The hard hit forced his machine to dart across the front stretch collecting Stinson as he was passing for the lead. Crabtree escaped unscathed while Strausser, and Skaggs were not so lucky. Although the action was hardly visible through the dust, it was obvious the impact was severe on everyone involved. Following the incident, Aaron Higgins and Lance Webb also exited the track due to mechanical issues. With yet one more back stretch restart, Andre Layfield managed to pass Sam Ashworth for fifth while Ryan Broughton moved ahead of Dave Dickson who suffered a flat tire on the start. Kory Crabtree claimed his second win at Southern Ohio Speedway with NIer finishing in second. Jim Stinson may have pulled off the win, but after the white flag incident was forced pitside. The Ohio Valley Sprint Car Association will return to Southern Ohio Speedway August 9th. SOUTHERN OHIO SPEEDWAY, COMPLETE RUNDOWN: Kory Crabtree, Jim Nier, Josh Davis, Trey Gustin, Andre Layfield, Sam Ashworth, Nathan Skaggs, Ryan Broughton, Dave Dickson, Wes McGlumphy, Greg Mitchell, John Shewbrooks, Aaron Higgins, Lance Webb, Rick Fraley, Jim Stinson, Adam Strausser, Jesse McCreary SITKA, KY-The Ohio Valley Sprint Car Association traveled straight from southern Ohio and into Kentucky for perhaps the most currently anticipated event of the season at 201 Speedway. Unfortunately, as a result of Friday night’s crashes, Adam Strausser and Rick Fraley were unable to make the trip. However, additional cars that weren’t in attendance Friday night made the trek to compete for the $3000 to win show on Saturday. The old strip mine transformed to dirt track was among the most unique and beautiful facilities to which the series has ever traveled. Fans lined the brim of the “bowl-like” seating early in the afternoon tailgating and anxiously awaiting the show. Before the driver’s meeting, several of the sprints lined the front stretch where gates were opened and fans were welcomed to participate in a meet and greet/autograph session. OVSCA announcer Bruce Hines joined the drivers for some Q&A to answer questions and educate the fans on just exactly what is so special about these awesome machines, drivers and crews. This was a first time visit to 201 Speedway for OVSCA and the first ever sprint car event for the track as well. As the stands filled and cars returned to the pits, former OVSCA champions, Dave Dickson and Jim Stinson joined Hines for a group interview. The two discussed their personal racing experiences, history and touched on the highs and lows throughout their careers. The “family-like” attitude among everyone involved with OVSCA was displayed as the two poked fun toward each other while also recognizing and appreciating the talent and competition within the OVSCA community. Twenty of Ohio Valley Sprint Car Association’s best of the best were in the house at 201 Speedway. Although the standard number of participants for a feature event is 18, 201 Speedway agreed to start everyone in attendance and ensure the best possible experience for everyone involved. As the cars lined up for qualifications, the small, yet wide turned bullring provided an awesome racey surface for just the beginning of what the 410 winged warriors had in store. Cole Duncan set a new track record of 11.656 and drew a “four” pill for heat race inversion. Alky Racing Alcohol, Heat Race 1 lined up with young guns, Lance Webb and Trey Gustin on the front row. Gustin dove from his outside starting position and claimed the low line over Webb where he was able to maintain the lead from green t checker. Webb was passed on lap two when he tried to reclaim the lead on the high side by Nathan Skaggs and again on lap three by Cole Duncan. The first race was completed in less than two minutes with Greg Mitchell, Chuck Waddell and John Shewbrooks rounding out the running order. The second heat race was made possible by Racegear by Impact. Chris Myers and Dave Dickson started on the front row. Ron Blair blasted through the middle groove and took an early lead from Myers on lap two. Blair held on through lap five until Stinson worked his way around the leader and took control. Myers and Dickson followed close behind until the final lap when Jesse McCreary spun bringing out a caution and resulting in a one-lap shootout. Stinson maintained the lead, followed by Blair. Dickson got the run on Myers and acquired the third place position. Finishing behind Myers were also Wes McGlumphy and McCreary. The third and final heat race brought to action by Octane Racing Products was started, and dominated by Josh Davis. From his pole position start to the checkered flag, Davis never looked back. Brian Benson started on the outside pole but faded as Ryan Broughton and Andre Layfield charged to the front. As the sun began to set, the track slicked over and this race was completed nearly the same as it started. Behind Davis, Broughton and Layfield was Kory Crabtree. Crabtree managed to still make the qualification cut after rolling on his side and suffering wing damage in turn two during hotlaps. Benson, Eddie Slone, and Jeff Conrad completed the heat three finish. Trey Gustin and Jim Stinson led twenty of the fastest guys on a dirt oval to the green flag start for the first time ever sprint race at 201 Speedway. Jim Stinson jumped out to the lead until the first caution came out on lap three. Andre Layfield, Chris Myers and Brain Benson were collected in a turn four scuffle. Benson was able to tack the tail and continue through the show. Myers and Layfield both suffered insurmountable damage, preventing them from completing the event. Stinson rolled to the start cone and maintained his lead position, but Josh Davis was on a move working his way from his sixth starting position. Davis moved in and claimed the lead on lap six, dropping Stinson to second followed by Nathan Skaggs, Ron Blair, and Trey Gustin. On lap 10, Gustin spun bringing out the second caution and two laps later Wes McGlumphy did the same. Between laps 10 and 15, Davis dominated the lead while the battle behind him continued to develop. Skaggs and Stinson swapped positions four times until Stinson managed to settle into second. Lance Webb worked every angle, looking into third for an impressive run after starting 10th. As the track changed, Ron Blair Kory Crabtree and Cole Duncan were able to work their way back to the front and around Webb followed by Ryan Broughton and Dave Dickson. With eight laps to go, Stinson reclaimed the race lead and brought the field to the checkered flags. From lead changes, mid race battles and lap traffic excitement, the feature provided some of the best racing yet this season. Stinson commended Davis on a great run, thanked Billy Jarrell and Gary Hall for a great car as well as OVSCA and 201 Speedway for the opportunity to race. Stinson explained 201 to be a “fun little racey track with a lot of grooves and room for passing.” Miss Kentucky, Whittney Allen presented Stinson with his winning trophy. In addition to the opportunity to race at their facility, OVSCA also wishes to thank and recognize 201 Speedway staff, fans and participants for their exceptional hospitality and support. Although OVSCA does not have any future events scheduled at 201 Speedway, there is already talk and excitement for the next “road trip” south for a repeat event. COMPLETE FINISH: Jim Stinson, Josh Davis, Ron Blair, Cole Duncan, Nathan Skaggs, Kory Crabtree, Ryan Broughton, Lance Webb, Wes McGlumphy, Dave Dickson, Greg Mitchell, Eddie Slone, Trey Gutsin, Brian Benson, Chuck Waddell, Jeff Conrad, John Shewbrooks, Jesse McCreary, Chris Myers, Andre Layfield UPCOMING SCHEDULE Friday, June 14, Skyline Speedway Saturday, June 15, Ohio Valley Speedway Friday, June 21, Skyline Speedway CONTACT ToddFrye: 304-428-5000 [email protected] KatieDickson: 740-525-2500 [email protected] SERIES SPONSORS Hoosier Tire and Hoosier Tire Ohio Valley is the title sponsor of the series. Among the series sponsors are Dave Poske'sPerformance Parts www.poske.com >> ; Hoosier Tirehttps://www.hoosiertire.com >> ;; ASI Racewear http://www.asiwear.com/racewear.html >>; Racegear by Impact www.impactracing.com ; Fisher Alky Racing Alochol www.bazellracefuels.com>> ; Octane Race Products www.octaneraceproducts.com>> ; Fisher Performance,330-798-5420; B&J Contracting; Wetzel’s Racing Collectibles.