Tyler tops 358-Modifieds at Accord

by Debbie Gardner

ACCORD, NY (August 4, 2000) — Doug Tyler Jr. took the 358 DIRT Modified feature event at the Accord Speedway. Tyler was able to hold off Rich Ricci, Jr. for the coveted checkered flag. Henry Sherman took the green flag and managed to hold off Mike Ricci for 7 laps, but the two tangled and were sent to the rear of the field. Tyler and Ricci ran a very tight competition with Rick Mill vying for the top seat. At the drop of the checkered flag it was Doug Tyler Jr., Rich Ricci Jr., Rick Mill, Mike Ricci and Chris Moore in the top five.

The Sportsman division had a three car pile up on the start of the race, but Jim Fugel and George MacDonald maintained their starting 1st and 2nd positions until Jimmy Johnson passed them both on a restart at lap 5. Johnson then drove away with Jim Winchell catching up to him with only two laps to go. It wasn't enough and Johnson crossed the line ahead of Winchell, MacDonald 3rd, Larry Ricci 4th and Glenn Daley 5th.

The Street Stocks also had a caution on the first lap with the leader spinning in the front of the pack. Gene Palmer was able to start the next lap ahead of Gene Temple but was penalized two spots for jumping the start. Point leader, Rich Dymond had a tire go flat and was forced in to change it and start at the end on the restart. George Christiana took over on lap 7 and was challenged by Tom Dembeck for the remainder of the race. At the drop of the flag, it was Christiana, Bill Liese, Dembeck settled for 3rd, Ray See finished 4th and Rich Dymond was able to work his way back up to 5th. Unfortunately for Dymond, his point lead was turned over to Bill Liese.

The Strictly Stocks had a 12 car field and all cars finished on the lead lap. George Decker went flag to flag for the finish ahead of Scott Hornbeck and new comer Tom Harkins.

Green flag racing returns this Friday night at 7:30 with a 40 lap Street Stock event and a 30 lap Syracuse Qualifier for the 358s.