THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, April 21, 1996 TAG: 9604210241
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C9 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK VEHORN, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: HAMPTON LENGTH: Short : 41 lines
John Hicks is not accustomed to starting out front in NASCAR's Grand Stock division at Langley Speedway, but he considered himself fortunate to do so Saturday night.
Hicks started on the pole and led all the way to win a rough 40-lap feature that was slowed by six caution periods.
The 100-lap Late Model Stock feature was delayed by rain and results were not available at press time.
Hicks credited his victory in the first of five scheduled events with being ahead of the numerous wrecks exploding in his wake.
``This was the first pole I've won in two or three years, and it certainly was beneficial with all those cautions,'' Hicks said.
Tony Jolley, who started fifth, finished second, followed by Rick Hester and Kevin Goe.
While Jolley and Hester contested second place, Hicks maintained the lead by getting good jumps on the restarts.
``The car was really hooked up, and that allowed me to get a jump on the others,'' Hicks said.
Jim Kenney, last week's winner, was among the drivers eliminated by crashes.
In a 25-lap Limited Stock feature, Jerry Scott led all the way for his second victory in as many weeks.
Paul Lubno outdueled Kelly Carson for second place.
Greg Edwards started the Late Model Stock race on pole position in search of his second straight victory.
Edwards had not officially completed a lap before Barry Strathman and Craig Eastep spun in the first period to bring out a caution flag.
Rain began falling as speedway crews attempted to clear the wreckage. by CNB