RACE RECAP
The New Afton Raceway opened its season before a standing room only crowd which saw Mitch Gibbs, Jeff Holt, Marty Goodwin and Russell Hendrickson, Jr. pick up feature wins in their respective divisions.
Mitch Gibbs capitalized on his pole position starting spot to take the Modified feature win. Outside front row starter Robbie Green took the early lead until Steve Cummings took over the top spot on the sixth circuit. Cummings hold on first was short-lived as Gibbs powered his way to the point on the very next lap. Hot on Gibbs rear bumper was Afton newcomer Chuck Akulis. That set the stage for the battle that raged for the remainder of the race. Akulis continued to pressure the defending Modified track champion through lapped traffic. Despite pulling along side Gibb's #7, Akulis was unable to make a pass for the lead and Gibbs held on to take the opening night victory. Chuck Akulis finished in second with Jamie Page third, Jerry Higbie fourth and Robbie Green nosing out Jeff Sheely in a photo finish for fifth.
In the inaugural event for the Sportmen Wink Hinkley and Dave Calaman led the field to starter Dick Sweet's green flag. Hinkley jumped out to the early lead until Jeff Holt moved into the lead on the third lap. Hinkley fought back to regain the lead on the fourth lap. Holt, in his first trip to Afton moved back into the lead for good on the sixth lap. Hinkley continued to pressure Holt until the latter stages of the race when Holt pulled out to a substantial lead before the checkers fell. Hinkley held on to take second with Jim Gabriel, Jr. putting in an impressive charge from a fifteenth starting position to take third. Jerry Northrup and Dave Calaman rounded out the top five.
In what had to be the most exciting race of the evening Gary Card took the lead on the first lap of the Street Stock feature. Card quickly relinquished the lead to Gary Smith on the second lap. Smith then led until lap fifteen when Card recaptured the lead. Marty Goodwin followed Card by Smith into second. A caution with one lap to go put Card in first and Goodwin in second. On the restart Goodwin grabbed the lead going through turns one and two and took the thrilling win. Gary Card held on to finish second, holding off a charging Gary Smith. Herm Slack finished fourth with Arnie Slade crossing the line in fifth.
In the Four Cylinder Stock feature Russell Hendrickson, Jr. lead all but one lap after starting on the pole. Rich Rought finished in second with Bill Bailey third, Jamie Hurlburt fourth and Rich Watson fifth.
AFTON EXTRAS. The season apparently snuck up on a number of drivers as many that had indicated they would be in action didn't make the show. The packed grandstand should be a little less congested with additional seating being added. The fast paced show was completed before 10:30. Tonight is Al MacRabie Memorial Night with racing scheduled to begin at 7:15 pm.