Ricci strikes Accord
by Debbie Gardner
ACCORD, NY (June 23, 2000) — On Friday, June 23rd, the 358 DIRT Modified feature event saw Mike Ricci take the checkered flag, but not without racing action that kept the fans gnawing on their fingertips. There was a yellow on the first circuit as all 14 competitors were fast on the gas pedal with the drop of the green. Randy Dymond was forced to the infield along with Robert Gaetaniello to watch the race rather than compete.
By the end of the fourth lap, there were only 8 cars remaining after Doug Tyler, Jr. hit the 3rd turn wall extremely hard starting the drop of the yellow and collecting Tim Hindley. Unfortunately, the no changing tire rule forced Rich Ricci, Jr. and Rick Mill out with flat tires.
Mike Ricci was then out for a Sunday ride as Chris Moore worked every angle to catch up with him. With five to go, Moore and Barry Davis were both in contention for 2nd The two to go flags were displayed when Davis hit the backstretch wall and had to have his car picked up as its steering ability was null and was unable to maneuver on its own.
Ricci was the victor, Moore 2nd, Mark Pullen finished a very impressive 3rd, Jeremy Markle was 4th and Henry Sherman rounded out the top five.
The Eastern Limited Sprints visited the Accord Speedway with only a 6 car field. Unfortunately a pile up took four cars out of the field and left Rob Overton and Warren Alexson to provide the show. Alexson was the victor over Overton.
In the Sportsman Division, Jimmy Johnson made a turn four dive under Harry Baldwin and shattered Baldwin's dream of a first time win in this division. Baldwin, who has only been chauffeuring this car for four events, was hooked up and running the high groove ahead of the pack for the entire race.
At midway, Larry Ricci and Tom DeMarmels brought out the caution and the chase was on. Johnson was able to catch up to the leader with only 5 laps remaining in hopes of overtaking him. Glenn Daley was hot on Johnson's trail as these two veterans chased the new kid on the block.
It looked as if Baldwin would achieve his first win when with only a matter of seconds to take the checker, Johnson went low and Baldwin had to settle for 2nd. This division has action-packed racing at its best.
It was announced that Johnson would also represent the Accord Speedway at the July event at Syracuse next weekend. Daley finished 3rd ahead of Jim Winchell in 4th and Lem Atkins in 5th.
Six Vintage Modified cars were also at the track this week. Tim Toombs started last, but was the leader by lap three over Ray Checke and Art Parke. Ray DeMolia was forced out with a flat leaving Mike Cole and Paul Chiesa to duke it out like the old days for the feature win. Toombs was in victory lane ahead of Checke, Cole, Parker and Chiesa.
The Street Stocks began their event with a 15 car field, but the top 5 cars collected each other on the front stretch of lap three and Rich Dymond was the new leader after starting in 8th place. When the carnage was cleaned up, Dymond and Ray See Jr. were the stars to watch, but See and Kenny Moulton Jr. tangled in turns one and two forcing See to the infield.
Tom Dembeck entered the challenge for first, but was unable to take over as the event was shortened to 15 laps. Due to time constraints, each division is allowed one minute for every lap. Unfortunately, the cautions ran this class well over their allotted time and officials made the decision to shorten the race. Dymond was in victory lane, Dembeck 2nd, Liese 3rd, Moulton 4th and Gene Temple 5th.
Scott Hornbeck was in victory lane for the very first time in the Strictly Stock division. Hornbeck, who literally drives by feeling the rumble of the cars around him, as he is deaf, took the lead after four laps were recorded and kept Bobby Brown behind him at the finish. Charlie Rose finished 3rd.
Next week features a 50-lap event for the 358 Modifieds with $1,500 to win. Middletown Motorsports is sponsoring the night with a grand finale of fireworks provided by Telstar Display Fireworks, Inc.