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Jim Pluhar
SANTA MARIA, Calif. (May 7) - Late Model Stocks, D&S Automotive IMCA Modifieds, Factory Stocks and Mini Stocks take to the track Saturday night at Santa Maria Speedway.
After sweeping qualifying, a heat race and the main event April 26, San Luis Obispo's Steve Drake has the early point lead in the Late Model Stock division. Drake leads Arroyo Grande's Devin Crockett by 5 points and Bakersfield's John Lowrey by 9. Defending champion Billy Griffin, of Buena Park, and Mike Kirby, of Torrance, are tied for fourth, 11 markers off the pace.
Kenny Kirkpatrick's second and third place finishes in IMCA Modified feature events has given him the lead in their points chase. The Nipomo driver leads Santa Maria drivers Danny Lauer, Doug Thornton and Josh Vogt by 5, 7 and 8 points respectively. Rich Denman, of Coalinga, is 16 points out of the lead, in fifth.
Carpinteria's Theo Van De Sande has closed to within 6 points of Santa Maria's Kirk Morgan in the hunt for the 2008 Factory Stock crown, after winning the April 26 main event and a heat. Third place Michael Frazier, of Santa Maria, is 12 points back. Kevin Linson, Arroyo Grande; Glen Sparks, Santa Maria; and, Tim Bennett, Santa Maria; are tied for fourth place, 16 points behind the leader.
Nipomo's Justin Marsh, fresh off two main event victories, has served notice to the Mini Stock division that he is a serious threat for this year's championship. Marsh is out in front of second place Justin Crockett, of Arroyo Grande, by 11 markers. Jeremy Heroux is 1 point further back in third, followed by Frank Nyback (-20), of Santa Maria, and Matt Sweeney (-22) of Van Nuys.
Saturday's spectator gates will open at 3:00 p.m., with qualifying at 5:15 p.m. and racing at 6:00 p.m. Admission prices will be: $15.00 for adults, $11.00 for seniors (65+), $5.00 for children 6 to 12 and 5 and under free. The Speedway does not accept credit cards.
SMS is located 1/4-mile north of the 101/166 interchange on Hutton Road. For information call: 805-922-2233.
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