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Jim Pluhar
SANTA MARIA, Calif. (April 23) - Late Model Stocks, D&S Automotive IMCA Modifieds, Fox 11 First at Ten Super Streets and Factory Stocks take to the 1/3-mile clay oval Saturday night at Santa Maria Speedway.
Billy Griffin, of Buena Park, will not only be defending his 2007 Late Model Stock championship but will be vying for the title in the IMCA Modified division. Griffin's opening night run in the Mods last Saturday left him tenth in points.
Laton's Jimmy Reeves, who captured the IMCA Modified crown in 2006, broke on top this season with a victory in the 25-lap feature event. Since IMCA awards points only in the main event, and there is a separation of just 1 point between positions, the top-five are five points apart. Reeves leads Nipomo's Kenny Kirkpatrick, Coalinga's Rich Denman, Tulare's Greg Mancebo, and Santa Maria's Doug Thornton.
For the first time since 1998 when Hobby Stocks became Street Stocks and evolved into Super Street Stocks, there will be no track champion in 2008. Due to the dwindling numbers of local Super Streets all seven local events will be a part of the seventeen race East vs. West Super Street Shootout. The schedule calls for seven events at SMS, seven at Bakersfield Speedway and three at Kings Speedway in Hanford. The Shootout finale will be September 27 at Santa Maria.
Last year's Factory Stock champion Kirk Morgan, of Santa Maria, took up where he left off last season, winning the first main event of the season, as-well-as a heat race, last Saturday night to take a five point lead over Michael Frazier, also of Santa Maria. Next in line are: Kevin Linson (-8), Arroyo Grande; Glen Sparks (-10), Santa Maria; and Theo Van De Sande (-11), Carpinteria.
Saturday night's spectator gates will open at three, with qualifying at five-fifteen and racing at six. Admission prices will be $18.00 for adults, $14.00 for seniors (65+), $5.00 for children 6 to 12 and 5 and under free. The Speedway does not accept credit cards.
Santa Maria Speedway is located 1/4-mile north of the 101/166 interchange on Hutton Road. For information call: 805-922-2233.
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