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 LAKEVILLE,
IN -- Two of the five NASCAR divisions that Hoosier exclusively
provides tires for were in action over the weekend. In the NASCAR
Southeast Series, Brian Hoppe, who normally competes in the NASCAR
Midwest Series, captured the win over 29 other drivers in Saturday's
series opening AutoZone Spring Classic 150, at Nashville's Music City
Motorplex. Hoppe won $4,000 after starting fourth in the 150-lap race.
While in the NASCAR Featherlite Modified Series, there was controversy
in the season-opening Icebreaker 2004, at Connecticut's Thompson
International Speedway on Sunday. Defending series champion Todd
Szegedy actually crossed the line first, but a post-race inspection
found his rear end gear outside the specifications allowed for the
series and Teddy Christopher (photo) was declared the race winner. It
was Christopher's 14th win in the NASCAR Featherlite Modified Series.
The Plainville, CT driver earned $4,800 and was one of 21 cars to
finish the eventful race on the lead lap. After being disqualified,
Szegedy was scored last in the 38-car field.
NASCAR SOUTHEAST SERIES
NASHVILLE, TN (April 17) -- Thirty cars started the NASCAR Southeast
Series season-opening race at Music City Motorplex on Saturday. J.R.
Norris won the Bud Pole Award for the AutoZone Spring Classic 150, but
started eight after an eight-car invert which placed Greg Pope on the
pole and Erik Darnell alongside.
The race began with Pope taking the early lead with
eventual race winner Brian Hoppe, who started fourth, opting to let
others dictate the race pace while he saved his equipment for later in
the race. His strategy worked to perfection as he moved into the lead
on the 57th circuit and led the remainder of the 150-lap
distance.
Jason Hogan finished in second place after starting in
tenth. Jeff Fultz rounded out the top three after starting ninth.
Eddie Hoffman and Erik Darnell rounded out the top five. Darnell was
coming off a season-opening Wisconsin Challenge Series win a week
earlier.
Nine cars finished the race on the lead lap including
George Vincent in sixth, A.J. Frank, Cecil Chunn and Allen Carnes in
seventh through ninth, respectively. The race had 7 cautions for 37
laps. All of Saturday's competitors were riding on Hoosier 2220 left
side and Hoosier 2240 right side tires.
The next event in the series is April 24, at Hickory
(NC) Motor Speedway.
NASCAR FEATHERLITE MODIFIED SERIES
THOMPSON, CT (April 18) -- Originally scheduled for April 4th, the
Icebreaker 2004 was rescheduled for Sunday after poor weather pushed
the season-opening date back two weeks. Todd Szegedy won the Bud Pole
Award for the race and started second with Tony Hirschman starting on
the pole after the invert.
The exciting 150-lap race featured ten race leaders
before it was all over. Despite crossing the finish line first, Todd
Szegedy was scored with a last place (38th) finish after a post-race
inspection found his rear end gear outside the series rule book. The
decision handed tenth starting Teddy Christopher his 14th career win
and the $4,800 payout.
Finishing in second place was Ed Flemke, Jr. Flemke
started the race 11th. Chuck Hossfeld rounded out the top three after
charging from way back in the 34th starting position.
Amazingly, 21 of the 38 race starters finished the
race on the lead lap. Zack Sylvester finished fourth followed by Tony
Hirschman, Jr., Anthony Ferrante, Jr., Thomas Bolles, Charles
Pasteryak, Jamie Tomiano and Bob Polverari in fifth through tenth,
respectively.
The NASCAR Featherlite Modified Series will contest
its second race of the season this weekend (April 25) at Stafford
Motor Speedway in Connecticut.
Hoosier Racing Tire Corp. is proud to have been chosen
by NASCAR to be the exclusive tire provider for both the NASCAR
Southeast Series and the NASCAR Featherlite Modified Series for the
2004 racing season.
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