Jim Crabtree Jr. Wins Sunoco 150

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By Kyle Larson
Public Relations

The Sunoco Super Series Late Models made a final visit to Anderson Speedway on Saturday, September 18, as the headline event in the Sunoco 150 presented by Great Deals Coupon Magazine. The Terry’s RV Sales & Service Street Stocks and Boss Hogg Catering & Jerky Figure 8 cars were also featured at the quarter-mile track.

Veteran racer Jim Crabtree Jr. took full advantage of his pole-starting position leading every lap of the Sunoco 150. The Muncie driver had to fight off defending series champion Bobby Parsley during much of the event to claim his second career Sunoco Super Series victory. This was Crabtree’s first victory since May 5, 2001 at Shady Bowl Speedway in Degraff, Ohio.

“It’s great to win this one so close to home,” commented Crabtree. “It’s been a while since our last one, I was really wondering when we would get another win. I want to thank all my crew and especially my mom and dad for helping me out with my racing!”

Parsley crossed the finish line in second position, his best performance of the 2004 Sunoco Series season. Parsley, who won three series events last season, pressed Crabtree Jr. hard through out the race trying to get his first win of the 2004 season. Several cautions and two red flags gave the 2003 NationsRent 400 winner several opportunities, but was never able to complete the winning pass on Crabtree.

Corteco Fast Qualifier Scott Hantz had the fastest car by far towards the end. The former series champion had moved to third position using the outside groove from his seventh place starting position when contact from fourth place running Rick Turner, sent Hantz hard into the third turn wall.

Hantz bounced off the wall, slid down the track and then had the rear end of the car taken off by Eddie Van Meter. Thankfully, Hantz climbed from his badly wrecked car with no injuries, but saw a chance for a possible third straight series win and an opportunity to narrow the series points battle go away.

The incident took place on lap 151 with three laps and involved several front-runners besides Hantz and Turner. Also involved were fifth place running Steve Moenck, sixth J.R. Roahrig, eighth Eddie Van Meter, and ninth Frank Kreyer. Turner and Moenck were able to continue but had to go to the tail of the field.

Finishing third in the Sunoco 150 and earning his fourth Backstretch Performance/Blake Carburetion/Reed Cams Rookie Of The Race Award of the season was Chris Gabehart. Canadian Legend Junior Hanley finished in fourth, earning the Lane Automotive/ISKY Racing Cams Hardcharger Award. Hanley came from 23 on the starting grid to finish fourth, it was the fifth time this season that Hanley has won that award.

Kenny Tweedy grabbed fifth-place honors in his second appearance in Floyd Fehl entry. The Greenfield competitor did a masterful job fighting off the challenges of several drivers during the event and avoiding several incident s on the track to earn the Sweet Manufacturing Sweet Move Of The Race Award.

In Terry’s RV Sales & Service Street Stock competition, Joe Beaver drove to an impressive victory after completing a last-lap pass on Darwin Blankenship. The 30-lap event began with Bruce McFall pacing the opening four circuits.

On the fifth go-around, Muncie’s Donnie Butler drove into leadership honors. He held the point for just two laps as Blankenship sailed into the first position. Following Blankenship by Butler, was new track record holder Joe Beaver, who advanced to second.

Beaver searched for a way around Blankenship the final 23 circuits. Two of the divisions most accomplished drivers put on an awesome show in the final stages of the event. Third-place running Jason Atkinson and Rod Phipps were able to make it a four-car breakaway towards the end.

On the final circuit, Beaver drove to the high lane and was able to complete the pass to score his second consecutive feature victory. Blankenship was second with Atkinson, Phipps and Curtis Chapman completing the top five.

Beaver posted the best time in qualifying with a lap of 14.160 seconds. It was the second straight week he set a new track record. Jeremy Threet and Abe Puckett were winners of Terry’s RV Sales & Service Street Stock heat races.

Ronnie Phipps drove into the Texas Roadhouse Winner’s Circle in the Boss Hogg Catering & Jerky Figure 8 event. Rob Allman sailed into the first spot at the drop of the green flag, leading the opening four circuits.

As Allman charged into the turn 3 on the fifth lap, he dropped off the pace with apparent mechanical problems. This handed the first position to point leader Jeff Swinford. After the lead change, a great battle developed between Swinford and Ronnie Phipps.

After some awesome action for first position, Phipps drove underneath Swinford on the 16th lap to sail into the top spot. He pulled away at the end to capture the feature victory. Swinford was second followed by former division titlist Mike Riddle Jr. Rounding out the top five were Johnny Magee and Rod Phipps.

Johnny Magee was the fastest qualifier with a time of 20.387 seconds. Rob Allman and James Peterson scored heat races victories.

Anderson Speedway returns to racing action on Friday, September 24, with The MAX/WLBC Friday Night Summer Series. The McCrocklin Ford & Mobility Legends, Insight ThunderCars on the Oval and Figure 8 and Chappy’s Rent to Own Front Wheel Drives be featured on Friday night.

On Saturday Night, September 25, season championships will take place for Ed Martin Auto Group Super Trucks, Terry’s RV Sales & Service Street Stocks and Boss Hogg Catering & Jerky Figure 8’s. The McCrocklin Ford & Mobility Legends will also compete at Anderson Speedway on Saturday Night.

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




 

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