No stopping Mike Ricci at Accord
by Brett Deyo
ACCORD, N.Y. (May 11, 2001) - Mike Ricci is on a roll early this season. Ricci, of Rosendale, NY, captured the 30-lap DIRT 358 Modified feature this past Friday night at Accord Speedway, continuing his streak of early season victories. After starting from the pole, Ricci jumped out into the top spot with the drop of the green, then survived numerous restarts for the win.
Ricci led the field to the green flag, with Robbie Green up alongside. As Ricci edged into the top spot for the completion of the first lap, the caution lights flickered on for Joe Winne, Jr., who slowed in the second turn. On the restart, Green slipped a bit high, allowing Rick Mill to power into the runner up spot. However, Chris Moore looped his Downes Racing No. 40 in the first turn, necessitating another caution flag.
Ricci and Mill moved back out in front, while fourth place Doug Tyler, Jr. broke in turn two, causing a major chain reaction through the pack. Rich Ricci, Jr. got collected in the mix and suffered a flat tire, bringing out the yellow from starter Randy Filipowski. After two more quick cautions, Ricci and Mill began their battle at the front of the field.
By the halfway point, the steady Mill, of New Windsor, NY, started applying heavy pressure for the top spot.
Ricci kept his Gen-Plus No. 76 tight around the inside groove while Mill looked high lap after lap in a crowd pleasing battle for the lead. Henry Sherman got turned around on lap 22, bringing the field together for an eight lap shootout. This time, Mill was not able to close on Ricci, who put some distance between himself and the rest of the field, then took the checkered by about five car lengths.
"I guess we're on the ball this season," said Ricci, whose five victories this season have come at Accord, Moc A Tek, Five Mile Point, and Afton. "The car got a little better as the track got slicker, that's when I started to pull away from Rick (Mill)."
Mill ran a strong race for second spot in the CV Auto Machine No. 77, ahead of Jackie Brown, Jr., who advanced from eighth spot to third. Barry Davis had a great run in fourth spot, and Green filled out the top five.
In a caution filled 25-lap DIRT Sportsman feature, Jay Haviland of Dover Plains, NY took the win after leading every lap. Despite numerous restarts, the determined Haviland, returning from a year off, hung valiantly to the top spot, then fought off the late race charges of Jim Fugel for a hard earned victory.
The final of some sixteen caution flags took place on the twentieth circuit, setting up a five lap dash to the finish, Haviland got a good jump, but Jim Fugel, aboard his trusty No, 2, made several bids for the lead to the inside groove.
With two laps to go, Haviland slipped a bit high off of turn two, allowing Fugel to get a strong run on the inside line, but Haviland shut the door aboard his No. 78. He then held his line for the remaining two circuits and secured his first win since late 1999. "What a long race," he exclaimed. "I'd have to search for a line and get my rhythm going, then the yellow would come out and I'd lose my concentration. It was aggravating."
Fugel, of Olive Bridge, NY, had his best Accord finish in nearly twenty years with his No. 2 in second, while Jimmy Johnson fought his way from twelfth starting position to third spot. Bill Papula of Port Jervis, NY had a strong run in fourth aboard his Peerless Cast Iron Boilers No. 1, and opening night winner Harry Baldwin completed the top five.
In a very exciting 20-lap Street Stock feature, Tommy Byrne of Clintondale, NY picked up his second win in a row aboard his Byrne's Towing No. 7. This time, though, he started from thirteenth position, and in an incredible effort, made the move past Al Christiana with only three laps to go for the lead.
"Wow, I had to work for this one tonight," the personable veteran said afterwards. Christiana held on for second ahead of George Christiana. Larry Temple, Jr. finished fourth and the ageless Eugene Palmer filled out the top five.
Bobby Brown of Old Greenwich, Conn. earned the victory in the 15-lap Strictly Stock feature after taking over the lead on the high side with only six laps remaining. From that point on, he held onto the top spot for a much deserved victory. Ray Tarantino, Jr. finished a steady second, ahead of George Decker, Kevin Schlossareck, and 1999 Orange County Fair Speedway Pure Stock champion Al D'Antonio.
The Vintage Modifieds made a return to the speedway and Jeff Richardson of Goshen, NY took home top honors in the 15-lap feature. After starting eighth, Richardson moved his beautifully restored No. 50 Pinto into the top spot on lap 7, then never looked back after taking command. Former Street Stock racer Edgar Hedges finished second, ahead of a returning Doug Tyler, Sr. in the No. 252. Paul DeMott and Ray Checke rounded out the top five.
The all new Accord Speedway will return to action on Friday evening with a full show of DIRT 358 Modifieds, DIRT Sportsmans, Street Stocks and Strictly Stocks. Hot laps will take to the track at 6 p.m., with the first green flag flying at 7 p.m. For more information, contact the track at (845) 626-DIRT or check out www.accordspeedway.com.
RESULTS
DIRT 358 Modified
Feature: Mike Ricci, Rick Mill, Jackie Brown, Jr., Barry Davis, Robbie Green, Jeremy Markle, Chris Moore, Brian Cobb, Rich Ricci, Jr., Burt Irwin, Jr., Mark Pullen, Don Goodrich, Henry Sherman, Joe Winne, Jr., Mike Murphy, Doug Tyler, Jr.
DIRT Sportsman
Feature: Jay Haviland, Jim Fugel, Jimmy Johnson, Bill Papula, Harry Baldwin, Jim Winchell, Rich Oxford, Mike Van Pelt, George MacDonald, Tom Athanas, Neil Van Buren, Chris Adams, Pete Booth, Pete Gardiner, Ken Moulton, Rich Hansen, Alan Houghtaling.
Street Stock
Feature: Tom Byrne, Al Christiana, George Christiana, Larry Temple, Jr., Gene Palmer, Joe Rohacevich, Scott Liese, Steve Williams, Chrissy Ryder, Gary Dew, Mike Dutka, Hank Morin, Don Williams, John Rood, Clarence Palmer, Gene Temple.
Strictly Stock
Feature: Bob Brown, Ray Tarantino, George Decker, Kevin Schlosserack, Al D'Antonio, Dave Gerard, Scott Hornbeck, Jay Smalley, Joseph Narok, Lars Petri, Kenny Hopper, Billy Degraw, Sharon Byrne, Larry Pregent, Jr., Trevor Waterman.
Vintage Modified
Feature: Jeff Richardson, Edgar Hedges, Doug Tyler, Sr., Paul DeMott, Ray Checke, Tim Toombs, Mike Cole, Walt Dingman. DNS: Art Parker.