Mullins Wins Modified Feature - May 5, 2002
RAIN SHORTENS NIGHT'S RACING
By Charlie Brown, Delmar,. DE (5/4/02) –Defending two-time point champion, Craig Mullins got on the scoreboard early in the 2002 season by winning the 25-lap rained-out Modified feature. It was no easy win as Mullins was involved in an early race tangle that sent him to the rear of the field. The race was run as the first event on Saturday night’s program as had just been completed before the rains came once again, canceling the rest of the program that featured Bobcat Reader Night and the participation of the Delmar Elementary school.
The yellow was out before the first lap was complete as Rick Bishop spun off the top of the first turn. On the restart, Andy Best set the pace with Ricky Johnson and Adam Jarrell challenging. Kyle Strickler tried to make a move under Jarrell but had to back off in the fourth turn. Craig Mullins tried to shoot under Strickler and the two tangled bringing out the yellow and sending both to the rear of the field.
Best and Johnson continued to battle on the restart but the yellow was out once more when Cliff Foskey went off the turn. Johnson got by Best for the lead on lap seven with H.J. Bunting following into second. At the halfway sign the top five were Johnson, Bunting, Mullins, Jarrell, and Strickler. On lap 15, Johnson and Bunting rubbed with Bunting taking the lead going into the third turn. The brush took its tool as the right rear blew on Bunting’s car bringing out the yellow and sending him to the pits.
Johnson was back on top but Mullins made his charge complete as he moved by for the lead on lap 19. Johnson’s drive ended on the next lap as something broke on the car coming off turn two almost sending Johnson into the inside barrier. Stricker got by Jarrell for second but could not reel in the leader as Mullins took the checkered in the Gene’s Auto Sales/Troyer. Strickler finished .417 second back in second with Jarrell posted his best career finish in third. Mike Covey came on strong in the late stages to finish in fourth and Best rounded out the top five.
Sixth through tenth were Foskey, Bobby Watkins, Bishop, Robert Dutton, and Scott Irwin. Eleventh through 15th were Jim Carey Sparky White, Bunting, Daron Rust, and Johnson. Rounding out the field were Norman Short, Chad Marvel, Gary Simpson, Ellsey Conover, and Doug Rose.
The Delmar Elementary School band did a great job of playing the National Anthem and over 500 kids and their parents were guests of the speedway due to their participation in the Bobcat Readers Program. This Saturday night will kick off with the rained out Late Model feature from two weeks ago plus a full program that will include the Little Lincoln Vintage Cars. Gates open at 5 p.m. with warm-ups at 7 p.m.