Jetmore Motoplex race report 2001-08-16

JETMORE, KS (August 16, 2001) - Lapped traffic and experience worked hand in hand to put Danny Smith into the winners circle in the fourth event of the O'Reilly NCRA/All Star sprint Thunder Through the Plains Series before a standing room only crowd Thursday at the new Jetmore Motorplex.

Smith, a veteran of 28 years, said experience was a factor in helping him pass Greg Wilson on lap 18 for the lead in lapped traffic. Smith went on to post his 20th career All Star victory and his 5th with NCRA.

Eight-time defending NCRA champion Gary Wright started on the ButlerBuilt Hot Seat pole next to Wilson and took the early lead in the 30-lapper. Just two laps into the race the yellow came out for Sean Walden. On the restart Wright continued to ride the high groove in the lead till he entered lapped traffic on lap 6. Wright tangled with Dan Oswalt and flipped hard in turn 3.

Wright was done for the night and Wilson took charge on the restart with Rodney Duncan and Brooke Tatnell holding down second and third.

Wilson had a straightaway lead before Smith chased him down. For the next three laps Wilson and Smith raced side-by-side before Smith finally pulled ahead with 12 laps remaining.

The final yellow flag fell on lap 25 for Wayne Johnson who went off the track in turn two. The final five laps saw Smith lead Wilson and Rodney Duncan to the finish. Kenny Jacobs, who won the first two Thunder Through the Plains events, finished fourth and Chad Kemenah rounded out the top five.

"Sometimes running second in lapped traffic pays off. Tonight was the case," an elated Smith said in victory lane.

The KT Equipment Rental went to hometown driver Steve King, the JB Enterprises heat to Larry Neighbors and the Crown Battery heat fell to Wayne Johnson. Rodney Duncan captured the Haulmark Dash and Kenny Jacobs was the B Main winner in addition to setting Kriner Engines fast time of 13.181 seconds for a new track record. Rob Chaney earned the TW Metals $100 nightly cash bonus by finishing ninth in the Denny Ashworth No. 92.

John and Connie Blurton are certainly building their "Field of Dreams" in the land of OZ. A sellout crowed viewed the event at the very impressive all-new facility.