THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 24, 1996 TAG: 9605240741
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JAMI FRANKENBERRY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 42 lines
Late Model Stock driver Jody McCormick has mixed emotions about his performance this season at Langley Speedway. The Hampton native is happy to have finished second in four of the first five races. But second is, well, second.
``We're having a pretty fine season. Of course, you'd like to get a couple of those wins, though,'' McCormick said. ``But second place sure does pay the bills as far as week-to-week racing goes.''
Competing each week has gotten easier for McCormick, who is in his fourth season of Late Model Stock driving. Before that he raced Grand Stock and Mini Stock for two years each and Mid-Atlantic Modified for one.
``I'm driving the car better because I have experience,'' the 24-year-old said. ``When I first started (Late Model Stock) I was used to running 40-lap Grand Stock, where you had to push it through the whole race. You've got to pace yourself (in Late Model Stock).''
McCormick is third in the point standings behind leader Mike Buffkin of Tabb and Poquoson's Greg Edwards.
NEW TREADS? Promoter Wayne Wyatt expected to test a new tire for the Late Model Stock cars Thursday at Langley. Hoosier 2035 tires have been used all season, but 2045s will be tested.
``It's just to satisfy my curiosity,'' Wyatt said. ``They're exactly the same, except they're a tad bit harder. I just want to see how they react. Most of the drivers are saying to stick with what we have.''
DOUBLE TIME: This week at Southampton Speedway, the Pure Stock class will run the season's first double-points event. Drivers will also have their first time-trial session after lining up for the first four races using a handicap system.
FAMILY MAN: Winston Cup driver Ted Musgrave and his No. 16 car will be part of the Family Channel's NASCAR Appreciation Day on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at the company's headquarters, located off Lynnhaven Parkway in Virginia Beach.
Musgrave and the team's crew chief, Howard Comstock, will sign autographs and hold a benefit raffle for the National Head Injury Foundation. Raffle winners get a chance to race Musgrave in a virtual driving arcade game.
Musgrave is ninth in Winston Cup points with five top-10 finishes in 10 races. by CNB