|
 CUMBERLAND,
MD (October 6) -- Steve Shaver captured his second United Dirt Track
Racing Association win of the season after leading the final 33-laps
of the 75-lap Big Kahuna at The Rock Allegheny County Speedway
Saturday. Shaver, in the Simonton Windows/Poske's Performance Rocket/Malcuit
Monte Carlo #30, also collected the $15,000 winner's check after
taking the checkered flag. The 2001 UDTRA season will now enter it's
final event this weekend at Dixie Speedway in Woodstock, Georgia with
the points championship still up for grabs between Steve Francis and
points leader, Rick Eckert. Eckert's lead was cut to just 27 points
heading into what will undoubtedly be an exciting finish to the 2001
UDTRA season.
Fifty-seven drivers were on hand for qualifying as
Matt Miller was fast qualifier after circling the 5/8-mile clay oval
in 21.013 seconds or 107.077 mph. Qualifying would also be an early
indication of Team Hoosier's dominance as the top 21 times were posted
by drivers on USA-made Hoosier tires. In the four preliminary 10-lap
heat races, Team Hoosier swept all four contests as Gary Stuhler,
Steve Shaver, Dale McDowell and Steve Francis each won their
respective heat races on Hoosier tires. In the feature race, the
25-car field was led to the starting line by Gary Stuhler who
immediately jumped out to the early race lead over outside pole
sitter, Steve Shaver. Unfortunately for Stuhler, he developed a severe
"throttle push" which caused the Greencastle, PA driver to
slide up the banking in the middle of the corners when he tried
picking up the throttle. Shaver would take advantage of
Stuhler's problem and make the pass for the lead on lap 43, driving to
the inside of Stuhler's #90 machine. From there, Shaver held off the
late race charges of Steve Francis to take the win, his second of the
season. All told, the top eight finishers were Team Hoosier members.
Following Shaver to the stripe was Steve Francis, Mike Balzano, Jimmy
Mars, Gary Stuhler, Chub Frank, Brian Birkhofer, and Scott Bloomquist. Francis
not only collected $7,500 for his runner-up finish, he also closed in
on Rick Eckert for the top spot in the points standings after Eckert
finished in twelfth place. The gap now stands at just 27 markers
heading into the season finale at Dixie this weekend, October 12, 13. Hoosier
Racing Tire Corp. would like to thank all the UDTRA teams and drivers
who have trusted the Hoosier brand during the 2001 season and those
who will do so in the future. |
