Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, September 12, 1994 TAG: 9409160014
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By M.J. DOUGHERTY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
McGuire started his Chevrolet Lumina from the outside of the front row, took the lead on the opening lap and easily won the first of the twin 75-lap Late Model Stock races of the RGM Erectors 250.
But after being sent to the back of the field for passing under the yellow caution flag in the second race, the Roanoke driver finished seventh.
Thomas found himself in an accident on the second lap of the first race and soon had to park his Buick LeSabre. But the Christiansburg driver fixed his car between the races and drove his way through the field to win the second 75-lapper.
For McGuire, the penalty took away some of the joy of his victory.
``We had the car hooked up today,'' said McGuire, who won for the fifth time this season. ``We were on our way to at least a third-place finish in the second race.''
McGuire's victory in the first race had cut 22 points from Jeff Agnew's points lead. The engine in Agnew's Chevrolet seized up after 35 laps and the Floyd driver finished 12th.
Agnew borrowed a car from Mike Porter of Princeton, W.Va., for the second race and moved ahead of McGuire when the penalty was assessed.
Overall, the races cut Agnew's points lead to 44 (638-594) with two races left. Agnew can clinch the points title with a top five finish in Saturday's double points race.
In the second race, Thomas quickly showed he had the strongest car.
On lap 54, Thomas passed leader Ray Young on the backstretch and held on when the two cars touched crossing the finish line.
``The key today was taking it nice and easy and not pushing the car too much,'' said Thomas, who won for the second time this year and the 48th time in his career at the track.
Finishing after McGuire in the first race were Stacy Compton of Hurt, Kenny Prillaman of Salem, Tink Reedy of Roanoke and Porter.
After Thomas in the second race were Young of Bassett, Prillaman, Reedy and Agnew.
Rock Harris won the 35-lap Limited Sportsman race. It was the 11th victory for the Yadkinville, N.C., driver. Pole-sitter Hank Turman was second, followed by Charlie Miles and Eddie Walls.
Tommy Alllie of Christiansburg started from the back of the field after his car was too light in qualifying, but still won the 25-lap Pure Stock race - his 11th victory of the year. Barry Nolen was second and Davis Phillips third.
Ray Sowers of Floyd took the lead at the start and won the 25-lap Mini Stock race, giving him five victories. Kevin Kenley was second and Gene Duncan third.
Tim Maiden of Salem jumped in front on the start and held on to win his first 25-lap Modified Mini Stock race of the season. K.J. Bishop was second and Tony Howell was third. By virtue of his third-place finish, Howell clinched the points championship in the division.
YOUNG WINS AWARD: Ray Young of Bassett has won the Curtis Turner Memorial Hard Charger Award for his performance in last week's Huff Petroleum/Chevron Late Model Stock Car race at the track.
Young started 14th and finished fourth as he picked up the award for the second time this year.
Keywords:
AUTO RACING
by CNB