THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 31, 1996 TAG: 9605310663
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C4 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY JAMI FRANKENBERRY, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: 42 lines
A new engine meant success for a veteran driver in Saturday's Late Model Stock feature at Langley Speedway.
Hampton's Buddy Malish, who had finished no better than fourth this season, started seventh, passed points leader Michael Buffkin for second on lap 82 and held on behind Phil Warren for second place.
``We had a fresh engine and each week we've gotten better on the tires,'' said Malish, who finished 20th in the second race of the season. ``(The new engine) kind of picked us back up, but we're still not real comfortable on these tires. We feel like we're almost there now. This is a pretty good road to be on.''
Malish, in his ninth Late Model Stock season after winning two track championships in the Mini Stock division in 1986 and 1987, said last week's second-place finish doesn't put an end to tinkering with the car.
``We've moved some weights around in the car for this weekend's race,'' he said. ``They're mild changes, just things that should affect us from the middle of the race to the end. You can't stop changing. Just when you think you get it, it'll bite you.''
Malish moved up to seventh in the points standings with his second-place finish. Buffkin, who saw his win streak end at three, held on to the points-standings lead despite finishing 11th after tangling with Doug Godsey on lap 88.
Warren, of Norfolk, moved into second place, two points behind Buffkin, with his first victory.
RACING REVERENDS: Eight local ministers are expected to participate in Saturday's Chaplains' Challenge at Southampton Speedway, driving Pure Stock cars in a 10-lap feature.
All fans who present their church bulletin from May 26 services will get a $2 discount at the gate.
FAMILY FUN: Langley will hold the first of seven Family Fun nights tonight, continuing every other Friday.
USAC MADNESS: United States Auto Club Open Wheel Madness Night will be held June 15 at Richmond International Raceway. Silver Crown Series (134 laps), Skoal National Midget Series (34) and US Formula Ford 2000 Series (50) will be featured. Call (804) 345-RACE for details. by CNB