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Fastrak PR
MODOC, S.C. (March 5) - Now and again something comes along that works and this weekend proved just that from the successful results of the inaugural event of the SAS East/ULTIMATE SLM series. Even with the continuing forecast of 70% rain, there were 24 cars on hand and man did they ever put on a show!
Chris Madden took home the victory for the inaugural ULTIMATE super late model series event. Fans were going absolutely crazy in the stands as they were treated to one of the most exciting finishes in history. Fast qualifier Chris Ferguson led most of the way but with four to go, SAS East multiple time champion Casey Roberts of Toccoa GA passed Ferguson on the outside of turns 1 and 2 to take the lead. Chris Madden, who patiently observed the pass by Roberts, did the exact same thing on the last lap in turns one and two catching Roberts behind a lap car. Madden, making the high side move, made it three wide down the back stretch with Ferguson right behind him. Madden cleared them right at the end of the back stretch as Ferguson and Roberts touched coming off turn three and four with Ferguson edging Robert out for the runner up spot. What a race and what a finish!
Madden elaborated, "Our car was awesome tonight. I really appreciate my sponsors and everyone at the shop that makes this deal work. Scott and I did a lot of work over the winter. We were set up for the long runs and it worked into our favor." No doubt 24 cars for a brand new super late model series is huge and especially in this economy. With over $60,000 in cash and contingencies in the point fund for the first year of the newly established series, this might just be the perfect place for super late model teams in the SE United States. Considering travel is very limited for teams in these days of high fuel prices, the ULTIMATE super late model series has the opportunity to really become successful in year one. Once again Lester seems to have timed it right very much like the FASTRAK racing series he owns.
"I was nervous" said series Partner Stan Lester. "I'm always nervous though, and with the weather forecast I tried to remain as optimistic as possible. Keeping in mind when FASTRAK began there were only five cars at the first event, so yes I was on pins and needles waiting to see how many supers actually came. Having 24 entries was a blessing and I truly appreciate the teams that came. I know everyone for the most part thought we would cancel. I had no less than ten teams call me to say they were not coming because of the forecast and I can't really blame them as no one gave us a chance to get it in. Yet, we did and the fans were treated to one of the best races I have ever seen! I know it cost us 10 - 15 cars. I just appreciate all the teams putting their faith in us to represent them in super late model racing. If this race was anything indicative of what we are to see this year, the fans are in for a real treat".
The partnership between the SAS East and the management of the FASTRAK Racing Series seems to have enjoyed success right out of the box as they would say in motorsports circles. Lester said tracks have already been calling Monday morning wanting event dates so maybe, just maybe they have really hit on something special with very good timing. As they say in racing and in life in general, "timing is everything".
The ULTIMATE SLM series would like to thanks everyone involved in making this debut a huge success. Keep in mind that the second event for the ULTIMATE SLM series is scheduled for this Sunday as the series heads to Cherokee Speedway in Gaffney, SC for the prestigious $10,000 to win March Madness event.
Race results for the Super Late Model and Crate Late Model features of the Modoc 100 at Modoc Speedway.
Super Late Model
A-Main
1-44 Chris Madden
2-22 Chris Ferguson
3-101 Casey Roberts
4-21b Chip Brindle
5-2d Bob Roberton
6-18m Jeff Smith
7-87 Ross Bailes
8-49 Jonathan Davenport
9-71L Dennis Lunger Jr
10-09 Johnny Pursley
11-B4 Petey Ivey
12-4 Billy Rushton
13-21 Royce Bray
14-16 Daniel Baggerly
15-98 Casey Barrow
16-2x John Henderson Jr
17-93 Donald Bradshear
18-16n Brian Nuttal
19-16 Colby Cannon
20-a187 David McCoy
21-57 Zack Mitchell
22-42 Doug Sanders
23-27 Brandon Ifft
24- A1 Jimmy Ivester
Davenport Claims $5000 FASTRAK Victory At Modoc
Rebounding from the misfortune he suffered in Round 2 of the 2010 FASTRAK Grand Nationals at Modoc Speedway, Jonathan Davenport slid by early race leader Brandon Umberger and claimed the $5000 winner's check in the FASTRAK segment of the 3rd Annual Modoc 100. Modoc Speedway officials and the FASTRAK staff overcame morning showers and overcast skies to set the stage for an exciting feature event on a smooth racing surface.
Brandon Umberger and Lee Cooper led the field to the green for the 2011 FASTRAK season opener. Umberger grabbed the race lead from the outset with Cooper and Davenport in tow. The action heated up quickly as Parker Herring, Zack Mitchell, Bob Robertson, and Dennis Franklin battled just behind the lead trio. Umberger retained his lead early as Davenport, piloting Travis Blackwell's Barry Wright chassis, moved into the runner up spot. As Davenport looked to catch Umberger, Shannon Buckingham was moving up the ladder from his 11th starting position. Umberger and Davenport raced nosed to tail through heavy lap traffic at the bottom of the speedway. Davenport edged up beside Umberger, completed the pass, and captured the race lead. Davenport would lead the rest of the way to pick up the win. Umberger secured the runner up finish followed by Mitchell, Herring, and Buckingham.
Crate Late Model
A-Main
1- 27 Jonathan Davenport
2-54b Brandon Umberger
3-57 Zack Mitchell
4-117 Parker Herring
5-50 Shannon Buckingham
6-11 David Smith
7-57c Lee Cooper
8-2 Rambo Franklin
9-76 Brandon Overton
10-114 Chris Cantrell
11-25 Matt Long
12- A47 Bryan Nance
13- 20 Owen Osteen
14- A1 David McCoy
15-12 Blake Bentley
16-94 Wendell Chavous
17-16b Brandy Baker
18-42 Chris Usry
19-B4 Brandon Carpenter
20-444 Brian Ligon
21-18 Dalton Wilson
22-21x Bob Robertson
23-21b Chip Brindle
24-77 Brian Connor
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