THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, March 30, 1996 TAG: 9603300477
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK VEHORN, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 63 lines
The problem with the kind of season Late Model Stock driver Phil Warren had a year ago at Langley Speedway is that someone is always asking what he plans to do for an encore.
Warren, of Norfolk, dominated the premier division at the NASCAR-affiliated track in 1995, winning 19 races en route to the Langley championship. He also won NASCAR's Mid-Atlantic championship and was a finalist for the national title.
So, what does the 38-year-old veteran driver have planned for an encore when a new season begins Sunday at the Hampton track?
``I am expecting to run good, and it is a nice thought to think I can do as well as last year,'' Warren said. ``But to win that many races again, that is a lot to ask for. I'm sure some of my competitors have their own opinions of who is going to win the most races this year, too.''
Warren began last year with no idea he would have the most successful season in an 18-year career that includes three other Langley titles.
``I wouldn't have given five cents for my chances in the first race last year,'' he said.
Not only did he win the first race, he also posted victories in each of the first eight events.
``I guess my team found something that worked for us,'' he said. ``Hopefully, it will carry over to this season.''
Among those expecting to challenge Warren are Roger Sawyer, a former track champion, and Roger Bress, a newcomer to the division.
Sawyer spent most of last season as crew chief for Ashton Lewis Jr. He returns behind the wheel this season as the No. 1 driver for car owner Henry Klich.
Bress won the Grand Stock title last year and purchased a car from Warren to move up the the Late Model division. He drove the car to a fourth-place finish in the final race of the '95 season.
``Out of all the rookies coming up, Roger is definitely the guy to look out for,'' Warren said. ``He'll do well in the not-too-far-off future.''
Other new drivers in the division include Bubba Johnston, driving Klich's second car; Chip Rice, a former dirt-track driver; and Mike Gwaltney, who purchased a car from veteran driver Mike Buffkin.
Several drivers will be making their debuts in Grand Stock, the division just below Late Model. Kevin Adams, the '95 Limited Stock champion, and Tod Carson, the top Limited winner, both are moving up to Grand Stock. Trevor Falls, who purchased a car from Bress, is making the jump from Mini-Stock.
Nine drivers will be running for the rookie award in Limited Stock. Among them are former Mini-Stock champion Jimmy Adkins and Pure Stock champion Cory Fogleman.
Preseason entries indicate little change in the Mini-Stock ranks, but several new drivers are expected to compete in Pure Stock, the beginner's division.
In addition to the weekly Winston Series schedule, promoter Wayne Wyatt is planning events that feature the Mid-Atlantic Modified circuit, the Legends Series, and a new mini-truck class.
Enduro races will be scheduled one Sunday a month through November, and the track will host kart races from April 14 to Oct. 6. by CNB