Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 28, 1994 TAG: 9404280118
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: S-14 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: M.J. DOUGHERTY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Ronnie Thomas took the lead on the first lap of the Late Model Stock Car race and stayed out there almost half the race.
But alas, the hard luck that has plagued the Christiansburg driver and his Chrysler LeBaron so far this short season resurfaced.
"It's overheating again," said Thomas, who was the 1978 Winston Cup Rookie of the Year. "It really didn't get that hot - 200 degrees. But it was blowing out steam. It doesn't make sense. And the longer we ran, the weaker the engine got. We've got some problems to solve. But I still felt like it [the overheating] cost me a show tonight."
A top finish would have been a welcome sight for Thomas. The winningest Late Model driver in the history of the track - 46 victories including a record 12 last year, Thomas has not had a top 10 finish in four races.
His best finish was 13th in the season-opening race. Since then it's been 24th, 22nd and 20th - next-to-last, next-to-last and last.
Still, Thomas became the first non-General-Motors driver to lead a lap. He did qualify on the outside of the front row. And he led 49 laps. So that elusive top finish may be just around the corner for Thomas.
\ FIGURE THIS OUT: Franklin County Speedway competitors Marc Racel and Kenny Wilson have moved up to the Mini Stock division, claiming that the driving in the Rookie class was too erratic and accident-prone. But last Saturday, the Mini Stock race featured six caution flags, the most in any division.
\ HOW TO GET THERE: With the closing of the Memorial Bridge on U.S. 11 between Radford and Fairlawn, fans from the Roanoke Valley will have to take a different route to NRVS.
The most direct route is to take Exit 118 off of I-81. Go south on U.S. 11 for one mile, then turn right on U.S. 460 West. Follow U.S. 460 for about four miles. Turn left onto Virginia 114 West and go 10 miles (the entire length of the road). Then turn right to get back on U.S. 11 South and proceed the two miles to the speedway.
\ THIS WEEK AT THE TRACKS: At New River Valley Speedway, it's the New River Valley Mall 200 with a 100-lap Late Model Stock feature and a special 50-lap Limited Sportsman race. Gates open at 2 p.m., qualifying is at 6 and racing starts at 8. Tickets are $10 for adults and $1 for children 12 and under.
At Franklin County Speedway, it's the Hardee's/Big Brothers-Big Sisters Fundraiser 300. FCS promoter Whitey Taylor promises the $1,000 Any Car race, postponed because of curfew limitations last week, will be run.
Also there will be a hot-dog eating contest at the track. The entry fee is $10, with a prize of $100 going to the winner.
Gates open at noon with the green flag dropping at 8 p.m. - one hour later than last week. Tickets are $5 for adults and children 10 and under are free.
by CNB