Hughes dominates modified main event

By Cheryl Licklider, Commentary

May 12, 2008 12:22 am

— Kip Hughes dominated in racing action with a victory in the modified main event aboard his Precision Wireline-sponsored, Dunsworth Machine powered Kraft car at Enid Speedway Park Saturday night.
“Jim Fornier is the best sponsor you can get, and I appreciate his help,” said Hughes.
Hughes exploded off the pole to the lead in a single lap. A yellow flag waved at the race’s midpoint as three cars piled up in turn one. Hughes resumed command when the race went green and despite a lap-15 caution looked to be the man to beat. Hughes put his ride out front on the restart and made his way to the winner’s circle uncontested.
Joe Adams raced to second, trailed by Greg Burt, Mark Smith and Brendon Gemmill.
Brendon Gemmill found the trip from Ponca City profitable, as he won his season debut in limited modified.
“Ross McCartney had his car set-up great,” said Gemmill.
Justin Patocka showed the way in the quick-paced race. His luck ran out the second time around as he spun in turn two.
Randy Miller took the “hot seat” when the track went green and sported a 10-car length lead in a single lap. His run was cut short when a second caution flag flew in lap four.
Miller showed the way on the restart with Gemmill in pursuit. Gemmill made his move in lap seven and wasted no time in setting up a commanding lead. With a clear track in front of him, Gemmill was unstoppable on his route to the checkers.
Veteran Jerry Derr continued his run in street stock as he put his Tools Plus/R&R Oilfield Rental-sponsored Chevy in victory lane for the third time this year.
Kenny Adams accelerated off the outside of the second row and led the start. A yellow flag came out in lap four as Cliff Morrow and James Lott, Jr. spun in turn one. Adams picked up where he left off with Derr in the chase. They traded the lead back and forth, with Derr making a clean break in lap 13 and taking an advantage to the checkered flag.
Adam Schrag made a late charge to capture second.
Persistence paid off for Ronnie Ramer as he posted his first win of the season in factory stock.
A yellow flag came before a single lap was complete. Ramer seized the point on the restart and sported nearly a straightaway advantage when a caution came out in lap eight.
Ramer headed up the field on the restart, with Earl Whitley in the hunt. It was a drag race for several laps, with Ramer holding fast to the lead. Whitley settled for second.
Michael Meek continued his reign over pure stock, as he put his Dirt Performance sponsored Monte Carlo in victory lane for the fourth time this season.
Dustin McNamara led the early going. The restart for a lap two yellow flag put Meek on his bumper. Meek charged back to the front with McNamara in pursuit when the green flag waved. Meek found the quick way around, with McNamara holding onto second.
Heat winners in modified were Troy Gemmill, Allen Chickering and Hughes.
Brendon Gemmill, Miller, Nick Shenberger and David Givens won their heats in limited modified. Street stock heat winners were Lance Sessions and Herring. Costello and Whitley won the factory stock heats with McNamara taking the honors in pure stock. Damon Seiger won the limited modified “B” feature.
Enid Speedway Park’s next racing card features the NCRA modifieds at 7 p.m. Saturday.

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