Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, June 19, 1994 TAG: 9406190135
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C-11 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By M.J. DOUGHERTY STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD LENGTH: Medium
Ritch came from one lap down to win the the 200-lap Late Model Stock Car feature in the Shelor Chevrolet 300.
The Winston-Salem, N.C., driver lost a lap when he was ordered to the pits to fix an oil leak 27 laps into race. But Ritch didn't let that bother him.
"I didn't realize I was the one putting the oil out," said Ritch, who won for the second straight week. "Then I was kind of worried about burning up the rear end. I wanted to stay out there, but I wanted them [his team] to make the call."
Ritch got his wish to stay in the race granted. But never in his wildest dream would he have thought about wishing for what came next.
After the green flag came out, Ritch raced side-by-side with the leaders until he passed Johnny Rumley on lap 54 to get back on the lead lap.
Ritch used caution and the speed of his Chevrolet Lumina to work his way back to the front of the field for the next 90 laps.
"I don't know what to say - it was like it was on rails," Ritch said. "I could go high. I could go low. I could pass going into the turn, coming out of the turn. I had a little bit of trouble with the oil getting hot when I got behind someone. But once I got in the open, the oil temperature was fine and the car took off."
Finally, just as a caution flag came out on lap 144, Ritch nudged in front of the Chevrolet Lumina driven by Floyd's Jeff Agnew, who was then in front.
"He was extremely hooked up," Agnew said. "I've got to congratulate him. To make up a lap and win a race here - that is something."
Agnew held off a late charge by Roanoke's Tim McGuire, also in a Chevrolet, for second place.
Tony McGuire of Roanoke drove his Chevrolet to fourth. Next were Ray Young of Bassett in a Pontiac and Rick Sigmon of Rocky Mount in an Oldsmobile.
In other races:
Tommy Allie of Christiansburg took the lead on the first lap and pulled away for a six-second win in the caution-free 25-lap Pure Stock race. It was his third victory in as many starts this season. Ray Carter Jr. and Aaron Deplazes were second and third, respectively.
Kevin Light of Pilot took the lead on lap 15 and held on for his first victory of the year in the 25-lap Mini Stock race. Two accidents during the race eliminated many of the top challengers.
Pole-sitter Rock Harris of Yadkinsville, N.C., pulled away to an easy victory over Charlie Miles in the 35-lap Limited Sportsman race. Dean St. John, Dave Blessing and Eddie Walls rounded out the top five.
Keywords:
AUTO RACING
by CNB