By: T. J. Layne
COAL GROVE, OHIO-With beautiful weather and one of the largest crowds in Rocky Top Raceway history on hand, the fourth season of racing at the track began on Friday night, April 20th. Cars from three states invaded the pits including National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame driver Delmas Conley.
In the Late Model A-Main, Rod Conley took the lead from Josh Bocook from the start. As Conley stretched out his lead, the best battle on track was for the second position as Josh Bocook, Casey Vitale, and Shawn Holliday battled two and three wide for the position. That battle stayed close until Bocook spun around the halfway point. In the second half of the race, Rod Conley proved to be unbeatable as he took his first career Rocky Top Raceway victory over Casey Vitale in second, Delmas Conley in third, Shawn Holliday in fourth, and Nick Bocook in fifth. Rod Conley was fast qualifier while Josh Bocook won the dash race. Carl Grover Motorsports heat races were won by Delmas Conley and Nick Bocook.
In the Modified A-Main, Todd Robinson took the lead at the start and dominated to take the season opener win. Behind Robinson was David McWilliams in second, Jason Perry in third, Greg Thompson in fourth, and Craig Christian in fifth. Greg Thompson was fast qualifier while Todd Robinson and David McWilliams won Carl Grover Motorsports heat races.
In the Bomber A-Main, Jeremie Bretz took the lead at the start as the best battle early on was for second between Brett Carey and Wayne Hughes. Carey would get by Hughes around the halfway mark and set his sights on Bretz. Carey and Bretz battled hard, even making contact at points throughout the race. On a restart with one lap to go, Carey tried his hardest to get by Bretz but was a car length short as Jeremie Bretz took the season opening win. Brett Carey finished second with Wayne Hughes in third, Nub Ross in fourth, and David Dunn in fifth. Jeremie Bretz and Brett Carey won Carl Grover Motorsports heat races.
In the Mod Lite A-Main, Mike Weaver took the lead at the start as the field battled two and three wide behind him. Nobody would have anything for Weaver though as Mike Weaver took the win in the inaugural Mod Lite race at Rocky Top. Dennis Lampheir finished second with Kevin Spencer in third, #222 Cossin in fourth, and the #5c in fifth. Mike Weaver and Kevin Spencer won Carl Grover Motorsports heat races.
Make sure to join us next Friday night, April 27th as “the most exciting, action packed show in town” at Rocky Top continues with a complete racing program of Late Models, Modifieds, and Bombers. General Admission is only $12 with Pit Admission $25. The Rocky Top Raceway features grandstand seating along with several places for fans to bring lawn chairs or watch races from their vehicle. For more information visit us on the web at www.rockytopraceway.net.