It has been well documented that the weather has kicked Lakeside Speedway right in the butt for the beginning of the 2010 season. Last Friday night was the first time in over a month Lakeside was able to produce some racing action. Three drivers in particular were excited with the night and the outcome.
Cody Agler started racing just a year ago. Fifteen years on the moto cross circuit left him wanting a less strenuous future on his body. A decision was made to go dirt track racing. It was a move that they had seen done before with a friend of theirs, Clint Bowyer.
Bowyer made the successful leap from moto cross to the dirt. Not only did he make the jump, he hopped all the way to the big leagues. Any Saturday or Sunday you can see Bowyer, a former Lakeside Speedway track champion, competing at the highest level of stock car racing the Nationwide and Sprint Cup. Agler, a longtime friend is hoping for the same.
Last Friday night, the surface at Lakeside Speedway was dry slick. A characteristic that doesn't come around very much. Agler took advantage of this. He ran a strong race, didn't use up his tires and when the opportunity presented itself, he drove past John O'Neal Jr. for the win. It was the first win of his career.
John O'Neal Jr. might have not been happy with a runner-up finish, but he can take pride in the fact that early in the season he now holds the point lead in the Modified division. The next few weeks should shape up rather well in the point standings. Several drivers are on O'Neal's heels and looking to take what he currently has.
The Grand National class is steadily picking up new competitors on the 2010 season. Twenty-two cars made up last Friday night's field. Just two shy of being a full-field. Chad Shaw is one of those new drivers to Lakeside and so far he has enjoyed some success.
After having some problems the first night out Shaw has been steadily improving before landing in victory lane last Friday night. As the track conditions changed, Shaw pointed out just how much he liked last week's track and hoped for it to continue.
One of the big things that Shaw wanted to point out was how tough it was to win at Lakeside in the Grand National class. The competition is so good, it's a feat to get a win. Shaw had to drive past a former Grand National track champion, Tim Billings, to get the win. As well as Billings there are other former track champions and some strong up and comers looking to get back into the winner's circle.
The Factory Stock class is filled with a mixture of drivers. Youngsters, rookies, young-rookies, veterans and then there is the seasoned veteran.
Last week's winner, Marshall Jewett, would go in the seasoned veteran category. No stranger to the checkered flag, Jewett pulled off an impressive win last Friday night. He wasn't challenged much through the entire race. A hard thing to do considering just how competitive this class is.
Wait, I guess we can't say un-challenged, because another seasoned veteran was right behind him most of the race, Darrin Christy.
Christy is one of those drivers that had a bad first two races this season and is looking to rebound and climb the points ladder. Christy and several other drivers are in a tight battle with only 30 points separating the top 10 drivers in the class.
This factoid should see the class becoming more competitive as the year goes on.
All in all this week will be just like any other racing weekend at Lakeside Speedway. It will be one that will be chalked full of excitement. There will be winners and there will the ones that don't win, but in the end EXCITEMENT is what you will see.
Spectator gates will open up at 5:00 p.m. Hot laps will be at 7:00 p.m. and the first race will go green at 7:30 p.m.
Adult tickets are $12.00, kids 8 to 14 are $6.00 and kids 7 and under are always FREE!
For more information visit Lakeside Speedway's website http://www.lakesidespeedway.net.
