Thursday, June 15, 2000

checkered flag
TMS’ Thursday Stampede opens tonight
By Ted Dunnam

Tonight’s racing at Texas Motor Speedway kicks off the Thursday night Stampede, featuring legends car and bandolero racing that will continue its once-a-week run through Aug. 17.

A ticket stub from Sunday’s Casino Magic 500 is good for free admission to this week’s event.

“We thought this would be a great way to say thank you to our fans,’’ said Eddie Gossage, speedway general manager. “The fans who saw last Sunday’s Casino Magic 500 saw arguably the best race in the history of the Indy Racing Northern Light Series. We want them to come out and enjoy another form of racing as our guest.’’

Gates open at 6 p.m. with races starting at 7 p.m.

TMS is also offering a family package for the Oct. 15 Mall.com 500 IRL series finale to be held at the speedway. The package includes four race tickets, four hot dogs, four cokes and a souvenir program for $79.99.

More information is available at (817) 215-8500.

Speedway titles decided

Mid-season championships were determined in all classes this past week at Abilene Speedway.

Class winners for the first half of the season were Vince Ogle of Lubbock in the IMCA modifieds, Alan Spry of Abilene in the IMCA sprints, Mike Lay Sr., of Abilene in the limited late models, Michael Sams of Brownwood in super stocks, Cory Colyer of Hawley in the street stocks, Terry Owen of Merkel in mini modifieds and Scott Beebe of Abilene in pure stocks.

The V-8 winged sprint cars return to the speedway Saturday night and a kids bicycle race sponsored by Max’s cycle shop will be held at intermission. Winners will receive trophies while all participants in the bike race will earn medals.

The first destruction derby of the year will be held July 1. Entry forms are available at the track or by calling (915) 692-8800 or (915) 698-4029.

The speedway is also working on beginning a junior mini-stock class for kids age 12-16. Anyone interested should contact Tommy Simons at 698-4029.

Drag strip discussion

For those interested in expressing thoughts on the well-documented drag racing issue involving Abilene and the Big Country, a discussion group is available on the web.

To join the discussion, access www.abilenemotorsports.com.

Taking a week off

Mesquite Hills Motocross Park will be closed this weekend because of Father’s Day, but practice will be held from 5-9 p.m. today.

Here are results from this past weekend’s go-cart and lawnmower races:

5HP live axle, 10-and-under — 1. Michael Colyer, 2. Stephen Robison, 3. Meaghan Benavides.

5HP single pull, 10-and-under — 1. Aaron Owen, 2. Danny Hogue Jr., 3. Kristian Heard

5HP live axle, 11-15 — 1. Robert Barnett, 2. John Lamb, 3. Bryan Dickerson

Lawn mowers, youth — 1. Leo Tulcus, 2. Cliff Kincheloe, 3. Bob Kincheloe

Lawnmowers, adult class — 1. Robert Barnett, Sr., 2. Malcolm Kill, 3. Jill Williams

Contact assistant sports editor Ted Dunnam at 676-6771 or dunnamt@abinews.com. We are on the Web at sports.texnews.com.