PARTS Pro Trucks Return to Where it Started
10 July 1998
COLUMBUS, Ga. -- The Big Daddy's PARTS Pro Truck Series will return to where it all began this weekend for the Maalox 100, July 11 At Lanier National Speedway in Gainseville, Ga.The series was founded at the 3/8-mile oval last year and hosted the first race of the 10-race 1998 season. At that opener, a record field of 71 trucks showed up to qualify for the event.
Since that time, the tour has made stops in South Carolina, Florida, Alabama and another stop in Georgia. The last stop was across the street from the Lanier facility at Road Atlanta. It was the first and only road race on the 1998 schedule for the drivers.
Clay Young of Roswell, Ga. took command of that race, setting fast time in qualifying and leading flag-to-flag for the his first win of the season. The road racing expert was happy to win the event but can't wait until the series gets back on an oval.
"After competing in road racing for years, the win at Road Atlanta was nice, but I want to win on an oval track," Young said. "We have been close to winning on an oval, but my season won't be complete until I master one of these ovals and win."
The first time the Big Daddy's PARTS series visited Lanier Speedway in March, Young finished third behind current points leader Kevin Barrett and Coon Ayers. He followed that up with a strong second place at Concord Motor Speedway, once again finishing behind Barrett.
Young led most of the way at Concord before his tires gave out, letting Barrett pass for the win. Young sat on the pole for the start of the race and led the first 48 laps. The race was shortened when a midnight curfew was upheld, stopping the race after 54 laps, and before Young could get his tires cooled down for a run at the end.
Following the Concord race, Young has failed to finish in the top 10 until his win at Road Atlanta. He is hoping the momentum has shifted and that Lanier will hold the key to his mastering oval track racing.
In the meantime, Barrett of Cleveland, Ga. appears to be cruising to his first national championship. He has won three of the six races run this season and wasn't intimidated by racing in his first road race at Road Atlanta.
Barrett said he found the road racing fun after finishing third behind Young and David Elliott. With his string of wins this season and after winning the opener at Lanier earlier this season, Barrett has to be a favorite when the trucks return this weekend.
Another driver to look for at Lanier on July 11 is Tina Brown of Gainesville. Lanier is her home track and she is looking for a good run there. The Hoosier Tire Rookie of the Year last season had trouble the first time out at Lanier.
Her best finish this season came At Mobile International Speedway where she finished seventh, after qualifying fourth fastest.
Racing action will get underway at Lanier National Speedway with PARTS Pro Truck Series qualifying at 5:30 p.m. The PARTS Division 2 race will the first race on tap, scheduled to get the green at 7:20 p.m.
In addition to the Big Daddy's PARTS Pro Truck Series, the track will have a local division race for the Super Late Models and two divisions of the Legends cars will also be part of the show. For additional information, call the track at (770) 967-8600.
