by Rick Perry

Willie Thompson battled from the back of the pack twice to win the Modified division main event Saturday at the Douglas Coutny Speedway.  Due to qualifying with the fastest time, Thompson started the main in the back of the field.  During his bid for the lead, he and race leader Greg Saily made contact that took out approximately half the field of cars.  The contact ended Saily’s night and four others while forcing Thompson to the back once again.  Saily showed his displeasure with Thompson as he swerved at Thompson in passing on his way to the pits.  Thompson then began his charge forward to claim his second win out of only two Modified events this year.

Donnie Moore also continued his win streak in the Super Stock class in a spectacular three-wide photo finish.  Moore, Doug Risley, and Dan Fouts came off of the last turn bidding for the win.  Risley and Fouts sandwiched Moore as all three crossed the line with less than a car length between the three of them.  Risley brought home the second place run with Fouts winding out the top 3.

Dale Roth returned to the BC Auto Parts Mini Stock division for the first time of the year in winning form.  In the main event, Roth battled hard against Jim Smith and Jason Gotz to take home the hardware.  Smith claimed the second place finish while Gotz returned home to Portland with a top three finish.  Point leader Dale Yarbrough battled back from a hard hit in the backstretch wall to finish fourth.

The J-car division had one of its best turn outs in quite some time as it saw the return of drivers such as “Crazy” Craig Senger, Jim Scarbrough, and Clarence Senger.  Newcomer Schylar Powers took a hard hit in the heat race that ended his night.  John Cornilsen continued his streak as well, taking home his second main event win, followed by Craig Senger and Jim Scarbrough.

The Taco Bell Hornets were creating their own buzz with a huge field of cars for the night.  Jeff Solburg took home his first main event of the year along with a win in the fast heat race.  In the main event, Solburg held off youngsters Monte Cox Jr. and Michael Beals, who was filling in for his dad, Dave Beals, while he gave his try at driving a BC Auto Parts Mini Stock.

Racing resumes May 15th for Boy Scout Night at the races.  All scouts in uniform receive free admission to the races.  On the schedule is the Snapware Glasslock Late Models, Street Stocks, Old Time Racers of Oregon, and the Taco Bell Hornets.  Taking the track for the first time of the year will also be the Junior and Lady Stingers.  Gates open at 4PM, qualifying at 5PM, and racing begins at 6:30PM.

For full results, please visit www.dcspeedway.com.