Bunting Dominates in Opener - April, 20,2002
By Charlie Brown, Delmar, DE (4/20/02) - H.J. Bunting, III gave himself an early birthday present as he dominated the Big Block Modified portion of the season opener, Saturday night at the Delaware International Speedway. Bunting won his heat and established a new one lap Modified track record of 18.807 as recorded by the AMB Track Timing system. He then led wire to wire to capture the 25-lap modified feature by 4.017 seconds over Rick Bishop of Greensboro, Md. Teenager, Landis Musser of Laurel, Del. drove the best race of his career as he piloted his new Pro Chassis Modified Lite to his first ever win in the 15-lap feature.
In the opening weeks, drivers start heads-up from their heat race finishes putting Bunting on the pole. Robert Dutton captured the second heat and started in the second spot. Bunting took off from the field at the drop of the green with Dutton in second and Kenny Pettyjohn shooting into third. Three cautions before the halfway point would keep the field tightly bunched and prevented Bunting from driving away.
By the halfway sign, Cliff Foskey had maneuvered into second with Dutton in third. Rick Bishop was on the move from eight and was now running in fourth and defending point champion, Craig Mullins was running in fifth. The final caution would fly on lap 19 when Andy Best spun in the first turn. On the restart, Bishop got by Foskey for second and Kyle Strickler moved into the fourth spot.
Bunting maintained his high line around the half-mile and opened up a comfortable margin at the checkered in his J & M Roofing & Builders/Sullivan's Landscaping/Speed Palace No. 91. "Everything was pretty much perfect," said Bunting. "The Speed Palace car worked great and we never touched it all night."
Bishop completed a great run finishing in second with Foskey, Strickler, and Mullins rounding out the top five. Sixth through tenth were Dutton, Ricky Johnson, Adam Jarrell, Scott Irwin, and Andy Best.
Mike Stratton started on the pole of the 15-lap Modified Lite feature but spun in the second turn to bring out the yellow on lap one. Nick Hendricks took control over Landis Musser and Dana Walker. Musser moved on top and coming to the halfway sign Hendricks tried to get back by on the outside and hit the wall at the starter's stand.
Tom Curtis was now running in second with Jon Callaway climbing to third. The yellow was out with two laps to go for a bumper on the track. On the restart, Callaway grabbed second but Musser was not to be denied as he drove to his first career win in the Carey's Towing/Elliott Farms/Pro Chassis.
Callaway finished 1.4 seconds back in second with Herb Tunis, Stratton, and Ron Riccio rounding out the top five. Sixth through tenth were Glen Richards, Lucky Kohland, Dana Walker, Tom Curtis, and George Richardson. Stratton and Musser won the heats.
This Saturday night will be the William J. Cathell Memorial with the United Racing Club Sprint Cars joining the four weekly divisions. Gates open at 4:30 p.m. with warm ups at 7 p.m.