ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Sunday, October 13, 1996 TAG: 9610150036
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
DATELINE: MARTINSVILLE
SOURCE: CHAD WILLIS STAFF WRITER
Floyd driver Jeff Agnew has said on more than one occasion that winning the fall Late Model Stock race at Martinsville Speedway would be the crowning achievement of any race season.
Agnew, who hasn't had the best of luck in past attempts at Martinsville, put himself in prime position Saturday for his first victory at the speedway, grabbing the pole for today's Taco Bell 300. NASCAR's richest Late Model race features a total purse of $90,320, including a $25,000 payday to the winner.
He claimed the top spot with the help of Martinsville racing legend Clarence Pickurel. Agnew traded in his familiar Shelor-sponsored Chevrolet Monte Carlo ride for the opportunity to drive a Pontiac owned by Pickurel, who has been bringing cars to 49-year-old Martinsville Speedway since the early days of Modified racing.
Agnew turned in a qualifying lap of 21.305 seconds (88.881 mph), edging New River Valley Speedway rival Philip Morris (21.360 seconds, 88.652 mph). David Hyder of High Point, N.C., placed third, Todd Massey of Haw River, N.C., was fourth and Durham, N.C., driver Jay Fogleman completed the top five qualifiers.
Four Martinsville winners qualified in the top 20 on Saturday, led by David Blankenship (Moseley) in 15th, Barry Beggarly (Pelham, N.C.) in 16th, Phil Warren (Norfolk) in 17th and defending champion Tony McGuire (Roanoke) in 18th place. In all, 112 cars attempted to qualify for 20 positions. The remaining 16 positions on the starting grid will be filled starting at 12:30 p.m. today with four 25-lap heat races and four provisional slots.
``That's a lot of cars to beat, so you know we're happy,'' Agnew said. ``And I'm really glad we got the pole for Clarence.''
Scott Kilby (Statesville, N.C.), Elliot Sadler (Emporia), Greg Edwards (Poquoson), Wes Troup (Riverdale, Md.) and Billy Morris (Richmond) completed the top 10. A mere 0.192 seconds separated the top 10 qualifiers.
Taco Bell 300 activities kick off at 11 a.m. today with an autograph and picture session for fans and drivers. The final 200-lap event starts approximately 30 minutes after the completion of the final heat race.
LENGTH: Short : 46 lines KEYWORDS: AUTO RACINGby CNB