Hinton, Robertson, Poore, Jennings and Owen Win Spring Championships

By Tom Hammond
Photos by Dave Sink

Anderson Speedway returned to racing action on Friday, May 21, with the MAX/WLBC Friday Night Summer Series launching the Spring Championships.

Josh Poore set the top mark during qualifying for the Insight ThunderCar Oval feature, touring the quarter-mile oval in 15.567, setting a new track record. Poore started fourth in the ThunderCar main event and took over the lead on the fourth lap when leaders Paris Swallows and Rick Trueblood collided on the back stretch. Swallows was finished for the evening with Trueblood relegated to the back of the pack because of the incident.

Poore coasted to the feature win with Dustin Tomlinson crossing the line in second position in the 30-lap event. Ranny Hinton placed third with Donnie Ellis and Jim Brown rounding out the top-five finishers. Hinton and Roy Grissom Sr. won ThunderCar oval heat races.

In the first Chappy's Rent to Own Front Wheel Drive feature, Chris Teepe sailed into the lead position on lap 13 and appeared to be heading to the winner's circle. However, Chris Jennings passed Teepe on the 21st circuit and pulled away for the win. Teepe held on for second at the checkers with David Baker, Kreigh Leever and Sam Folsom comprising the top five.

In the second Front Wheel Drive feature, Randy Owen took advantage of lapped traffic to pick up the win. Kevin Rhodus led the opening 10 laps, but took the wrong line heading into the third turn. Rhodus drove low and found his path blocked by slower cars. Owen took the high line, finding open track and surged into the lead.

Andy Jennings, Rhodus, Robert Moreland and Shantell Banks completed the top five. The large field of Front Wheel Drive cars prompted three heat races. Winners were Sam Folsom, Travis Erhart and Ricky Craig.

Points leader Ranny Hinton picked up his first feature win of the year in the Insight ThunderCar Figure 8 feature. Hinton led flag-to-flag for the victory. Donnie Ellis Jr. was second, followed by Tim Brown, Elliott McKinney and Jim Brown rounded out the top five.

James Robertson took advantage of a straight-up start to win the McCrocklin Ford and Mobility Legends feature. Robertson was the fastest qualifier earlier in the night and then held on for a flag-to-flag triumph. He was pushed most of the way by Wes Russell Jr. Third-place was awarded to Daniel Russell with Homer Adams Jr. and Mark Sullivan filling out the top performers.

The Spring Championships continue Saturday night for the Ed Martin SuperTrucks, the Terry's RV Sales and Service Street Stocks and the Boss Hogg Catering and Jerky Figure 8 cars. Gates open at 5 p.m., followed by qualifying at 6:30 and racing at 8:00. Admission is $10 for adults, $4 for children ages 6-12 and free for kids five and under.

For additional information, contact Anderson Speedway at (765) 642-0206.