Ricci nails down Syracuse Qualifier at Accord

by Debbie Gardner

ACCORD, NY (Aug. 18, 2000) — Mike Ricci was able to capture the 358 Modified Syracuse Qualifier feature on Friday night, but not without some challenges from fellow drivers. Jeremy Markle of Pond Eddy, took the green flag but after three laps was unable to keep Chris Moore and Ricci behind him. Moore lost the bid for the lead to Ricci after a bout with five cautions on three laps. Ricci then had to hold off the very strong Rick Mill's attempt to unseat him, but with 10 laps to go, it was Ricci, Mill, Rich Ricci Jr., Chris Moore and Doug Tyler Jr. The positions never changed, but good racing was seen as each strong contender gave it their all. Due to the rain outs, only 9 events are in the books. This late in the season, it is very important to gain points. The top five in tonight's event are also the top five in points in this division. Intense racing should be the key for the remainder of the season.

Points leader Jimmy Johnson in the Sportsman division, lost his role when a flat tire and the loss of a spring forced him to the infield. Harry Baldwin of Willow took the lead on lap two and was going very strong ahead of Jim Winchell. Winchell had taken the victory away from Baldwin once before, and a repeat performance was not what Harry was hoping for. Unfortunately, Winchell was able to pass by mid way, but Baldwin was very intent on not losing any further ground. Track champion, Jeff Hulseapple, who has returned to the racing circuit late in the season, was able to capture third ahead of Brian Cobb and Randy Banks, Jr. who finished his best yet in 4th. Larry Ricci rounded out the top five.

The 40-lap Street Stock feature started with cautions early in the race, but Rich Dymond was in the lead ahead of Tom Dembeck and maintained his position throughout. Bill Liese was able to jump into 2nd when Dembeck was forced to the rear after a spin. At the drop of the checker, it was Dymond, Liese, new comer John Roese finished an impressive 3rd, Ray See Jr. was 4th and Kenny Moulton Jr. topped off in fifth place.

12 Strictly Stocks took the green, BUT only five were left on the track after many cautions took out the contenders. Charlie Rose had the lead, but lost it to point leader Scott Kilmer coming off the 4th turn. Bobby Brown was able to finished 3rd.

The Vintage Modified feature event was taken by Mike Cole.

Next week the ESL Sprints return to the area's only ¼ mile dirt, oval in the area along with the regulars. Green flag racing begins at 7:30 p.m.