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NCMA Sprints - Altamont Raceway Park
Tracy, CA - September 27, 2008
Rob Hammond, the diligent sprint car driver from Morgan Hill finally hit the jackpot at Altamont Raceway Park. Hammond has been right there many times but every lesson he has learned paid off today.
Napa’s Gentleman Driver, David Goodwill set the time to beat today, with Pat Ariaz of Manteca only 17 thousandth of a second behind him for second quick; Seemed that the day was set up for the race that’s been going on all season. Goodwill vs. Ariaz. But here came quiet,” one man show”, “Hot Rod” Hammond having the race of his total career with NCMA. When the green flag was thrown, Burt Siverling of Concord and Ripon’s Denny Burrell set the pace. Burrell took the lead at the start, but Hammond, starting behind Burrell, was the leader of the first lap. Ariaz, who started next to last, had worked his way to second on the paved half mile and Burrell was holding down third. And this was only the first lap of thirty! It wasn’t long before Jerry Kobza of Folsom, was behind Ariaz. Goodwill was on the move from his last place start. Hammond just kept motoring. Ariaz was good in the corners, but Hammond left him on the straights. Goodwill just kept coming. About midway, Kobza retired to the pits and Goodwill took over third. Jeff Burrows and Burrell were duking it out for fourth and David Burchett, Ed Amador and Siverling were in their own little race. You weren’t quite sure where to look for the action! NCMA Sprint always put on a race you are glad you have seen. Thirty laps with no cautions, and Hammond held on for the best error free race we have seen to date. No bobbles, no wobbles, and he took home the well earned trophy. Ariaz placed second with Goodwill finishing third. Burrows had a great fourth place finish and Burrell, with only three races under his belt, finish fifth. It was later learned that Kobza had a heating problem and pulled off.
NCMA Sprints will conclude their 2008 season next Saturday, October 4 at Altamont Raceway Park. Join us for our last action packed Saturday at the races.
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