Akulis Fantastic At Five Mile Point
Five Mile Point Speedway was finally able to get in a complete show in the 1984 season. Despite a heavy thunderstorm in the after- noon, the track was worked in and the show started with a high number of cars signed in to the pits. There were 18 mini-modi- fieds, 20 6-cylinder late models and 44 modifieds. Four heats and 2 consolation races were run in the modified division. The show, sponsored by Russ's Garage, started with the rained-out 6- cylinder feature from last week. Rich Cornell of Harpursville won, followed by Jim Sherman, Ron Tiffany, Mike Buchek and Jerry Whitmarsh.
Following this, the postposed modified feature was run. This event was won by Windsor's Chuck Akulis, followed by Don Slack, Carl Nagle, Mike Colsten and Mark Terry.
Following this, a complete regu- lar show was run. Despite the curfew, track promoter Jim Ran- dall decided the fans would see the complete show.
Chuck Akulis in now 3 for 3 as he won the regular modified feature. He took the lead from Scranton Pa's Carl Reynolds on the 28th lap when Reynolds was sidelined with mechanical problems. Bingham- ton's Mike Colsten held the lead for several laps until Reynolds finally was able to overtake him.
FEATURE: CHUCK AKULIS, Mike Colsten, Lynn Highhouse, Carl Nagel, Don Slack, Doug Worthing.
The 6-cylinder late model class has many fine-looking machines in competition this year. One of the top machines is piloted by Har- pursville's Rich Cornell. The Z28 is a 1972 Camaro-bodied, Chevy powered car that has already taken
2 feature wins at the Point this yea The car is sponsored by Stu's Automotive, Tri Town Auto, Rus- sell's Garage and Bill's Sawdust. Despite the fact that Rich did not debut the car until 6 weeks into the season last year, he managed to break the top 5 in points for the year. Rich has been competing for 9 years in several classes, including a very brief stint in a modified. It appears from the way things are going, Rich will be in close contention for the point title this year.
On Saturday, May 19 the first extra distance event for the mini-modifieds will be held as it is their Spring Championship. Also, the amateurs will be joining the regular program. The show will be sponsored by Country Touch Floral Shop. Also, Five Mile Point will again be host to the March of Dimes Goodwill Ambassador Jimmy Miller. Jimmy is 10-years- old, and has been the ambassador for several years. Raffle tickets will be sold and the prize will be the Mountain Dew 3-hp gasoline-pow- ered miniature race car. The car has been donated by Pepsi, and all proceeds from the raffle tickets will go to the March of Dimes. The winning ticket for the car will be drawn at the March of Dimes Telethone which will be on June 30 and July 1. The telethon will be broadcast on WGMC-TV in Bing- hamton and WENY-TV in Elmira.
On May 26, the late models will have their spring championship. The show will be sponsored by Baron's Cloverleaf Tavern.
Gates open at 4:30 P.M., with warm-ups at 6:30 and the show starting at 7:00. Five Mile Point is located just south of Binghamton at the junctions of 1-81 and 17. For further information call the track at (607) 775-2376 or business at (607) 655-2243. See you there!!!! MINI MODIFIEDS
Ht. #1 Dick Smith, Don Griffith, Jeff Sempler, Steve Owens, Rick Willsey. Ht. #2 Bob Hackel, Ken Taylor, Dan Ody, Jerry Martinda- le, Chet Carr. FEATURE: BOB HACKEL, Dan Ody, Bob Ogren, Ken Taylor, Don Griffith.
6-CYLINDER LATE MODELS Ht #1 Rich Cornell, Jerry Whitmarsh, Kon Tiffany. Ht. #2 Curt Tunillo, Ron Ford, Jim ShermanFEATURE: RICH CORNELL, Tim Olenske, Curt Tunillo, JIm Sherman, Ron Ford, Don Stevens.
MODIFIEDS
Ht. #1 Lynn Highhouse, Carl Raynolds, Mike Colsten, Howard Buchanan, Jim Gabriel, Ht. #2 Dick Sundgren, Carl Nagel, Ralph Heotzler, Charlie Castle, Dan Spratt. Ht. #3 Don Slack, Bernie Griffen, Glenn Knapp. Gary Mann, Dave Jenkins. Ht. #4 Chuck Akulis, Doug Worthing, Mark Terry, Rick Verkitis, Larry Dilello. Consi 1 Matt Solomon, Tim Olenski. Consi 2 Brian Weaver, Gary Griffen.