July 10

July 10, 1999

Fairbury American Legion Speedway, Fairbury IL

by Darin Stewart

Professor Moyer teaches another lesson.

The Professor of Dirt, Billy Moyer Jr, taught yet another lesson here on Saturday night to claim his second staright, and eighth victory overall in the UMP Summernationals, and the $10,000 check that went with him. The win more importatntly placed Moyer within one win of the $100,000 bonus offered by UMP for any driver who wins 1/2 or more, or in the event of rainouts, 9 or more features. With the concluding races all happening on tracks that Moyer has previously taken victories, it seems very possible that he will claim the bonus check.

It has become routine this week for Billy Moyer to take his yellow and red, Petroff Towing/J&J Steel/Burroughs Diesel/Watters Autoland/Car City/Karl Chevrolet/GRT to the front about halfway through the feature, and take the victory. This night was no different. Pole sitter Rick Aukland, in the 10-10-220/GVS Racing/ Jerry Lippett's RV/ Ringers Resource/Rayburn jumped to the lead from the start. Aukland pulled away briefly while running the bottom, and Moyer working the top side. Working their way through lapped traffic on lap 26, Moyer darted around, and took the lead. For the next few laps, it looked as if Moyer would run away, then slowly Aukland began reeling him. Over the last few laps, Aukland got closer and closer, finally making a valiant effort on the last two laps, which came about 3 feet short of taking the checkered flag, for another 2nd place. Bob Pohlman Jr, ran a quiet third place aboard the Schroeder Firestone/Fox Valley Excavating/Federal Mogul/ Larry Shaw, in front of Billy Drake, and Shannon Babb. Drake piloting the Steidinger Construction #9, held off Babb in the 10-10-220/ G&C Enterprises/ Rayburn, and Tony Izzo in the Jeff's Enginemasters/Bart Wheels/ GRT. Rounding out the top ten were Kevin Weaver, Joe Ross Jr, Joe Harlan, and Gary May.

52 Late Models filled the pits, with Tony Izzo Jr of Bridgeview setting fast time.

The Dash went to Rick Aukland, while heat race winners were; Shannon Babb, Kevin Weaver, Joe Harlan, and Mark Anderson. The semi features were captured by Mike Glasscock, and Bob Thoennes.

Notes: Ironically it was the third time this week, that Moyer had taken the lead at the halfway point to go onto a victory. The pits were filled to capacity with several drivers making their first appearances with the series including Ohio Drivers, Matt Miller, and John Mason. Miller finished 2nd in semi, to transfer where he finished 19th. Miller, who recently switched to a Mastersbilt car for the Lo-Temp Brazing/ Air-Liquide/ Racing Team,has been very pleased with the new car's success. Mason who was in the dash, had a transfer spot in hand in his heat race, when a spin on turn four caused him to give that spot up. Indiana fan favorite John Gill, was in attendance, however suffered from severe handling problems in his Mastersbilt, and failed to make the feature. Also falling short of transferring was Robbie Starnes who for the third straight night, finished 3rd in the semi -feature, which transfers two to the feature. To follow up on a story reported here last night, Robbie's daughter, who had emergency surgery yesterday, will be going home on Sunday.Get Well Soon!...A huge crowd watched the entire of evening of racing, which was highlighted by the large 50+ car count for the first time in the series.