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Traditional Sprint Car FanSite |
See You At The Races!!! |
| MITCHELL CAPTURES FIRST
VICTORY AT PERRIS by Norm Bogan |
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Adam Mitchell, one of the really nice guys in sprint car racing has
been trying for twelve years to attain that first victory.
June 12, 2004, Mitchell finally broke through in fine style,
starting on the pole and leading all thirty laps.
With the heroes queuing up behind him, it was imperative for
Adam to make a strong takeoff on each of several restarts.
Mitchell was up to the challenge and held the front spot from
green to checkers.
This is the transitional time of year at the PAS.
The days are warm, but not too hot and the evenings are cool,
but not chilly. With
the school year ending, many families brought the kids to take
advantage of the “Kids Free” month of June.
The stands appeared to contain a fairly good crowd, as the
track management, has been aggressively pursuing new fans through a
number of discount programs and other promotional strategies. Twenty-nine sprinters were on hand, including some part-timers,
Rickie Gaunt, Charles Davis Jr., Seth Wilson and Alan Ballard.
Cory Kruseman and Bud Kaeding came back from Indiana and
Jeremy Sherman sat in Buzz Shoemaker’s #0 for tonight’s race.
Steve Ostling posted quick time in the Fischer #29 at 16.895. Heat race wins went to Davis, Wilson, Kruseman and Mitchell.
In the fourth heat, Rip Williams car appeared to fishtail on
the main straightaway, tagging the wall, then touching wheels with
Mike Spencer and ricocheting into the turn one wall and flipping
over. The car was
up-righted and pushed back to the work area with a flat left rear
tire. Quick service was made and Rip rejoined the field.
Missing a transfer, he would have to run the Semi.
Back in the pits, it was discovered that some front frame
damage had occurred, which required adjustments made to compensate
for the twisted frame. Rip came back to finish second to Mike Kirby in the “B”
Main. In the “A” feature, Mitchell stayed out front, but behind him
was some outstanding dicing for positions.
From second through about eighth, there was a lot of juggling
among the cars. Kruseman started fifteenth and came to second, Williams moved
from ninth to third with his ill-handling steed. Tony Jones claimed fourth and Mike Spencer was fifth.
The next five were Gardner, Gaunt, Davis, Ostling and Brian
Venard. Tonight’s
companion feature was the Ford Focus Midgets and former sprint car
driver, Bobby Michnowicz, claimed the victory.
After the races, many of the drivers stopped by to offer
congratulations to a very deserving Mitchell.
Adam’s racing operation has always been a family project,
with Mom, Dad, Brother, Wife and good friends performing the
necessary tasks to prepare the car each week.
It has been a tough season, with the team losing at least one
frame and suffering engine problems.
After being named Most Improved Driver, nagging problems
prevented Mitchell from experiencing the expected results this year.
This winning exercise gave the team renewed vigor in their
efforts for success. Fans were treated to some great racing this week.
For the old-timers, many rooted for Adam and newcomers found
a new hero. The Second Annual Legends of Ascot celebration is scheduled for
August 28, 2004 at Perris Auto Speedway.
Check out all the details on www.legendsofascot.com.
About a dozen new inductees are scheduled for enshrinement.
Make you reservations early to ensure your place at this
event. |
