TGSS Race Report – 07.27.09

DATE: July 25

SERIES: Top Gun Sprint Series

TRACK: Volusia Speedway Park

NUMBER OF SPRINT CARS: 20

WHO WON: Matt Kurtz

CROWD GRADE: D This one is hard to criticize because of the very inclement weather in the area…but I’ve been in the stands at Auburndale when the sprints didn’t even start heat races until after 10:00 PM and the place was packed. Why didn’t the fans pack the place for the wrestling alone? Shame…

TRACK GRADE: C The track prep crew did a great job doing their best with a really bad situation. I didn’t think there was any way that they were going to race, especially with that much water on a clay track.

SERIES GRADE: B The Top Gun Sprint Series is consistent with at least one thing, getting good car counts on a regular basis. Not only are there a good number of cars, but a lot of quality equipment.

FOOD AND DRINK GRADE: N/A    We actually swung by ol’ faithful (Mickey D’s) on the way to the track, sorry Volusia. But I did see that they brag about their sweet tea, so I look forward to trying it out.

NEWSWORTHY NOTES: Even with the due diligence of the VSP track prep crew, the racing surface was still a little slimy and slick. It seemed to be basically a one groove track for the most part. But there were some adventurous drivers that used all of the track to their advantage. As much as I would like to say everyone had a good night, it just wasn’t so.

After a pair of red flags and an ambulance ride, the race was shortened by four laps. The first red was brought out on lap 3 when the 27 car spun on the backstretch at the exit of turn two and was hit by the Wee3. Both cars were towed back to the pit area. The second, and more severe red, was brought out on lap 21. As a result of the 56 and the 02 making contact, the 56 took a series of tumbles on the front-stretch. While trying to avoid being collected in the debris, the 14 slammed into the inside retaining wall very hard. The driver of the 56 was taken away by ambulance.

As I watched the extraction of the driver, I had to cringe in disbelief at the techniques used to secure the drivers safety. I will address this issue soon in another report! We do wish the driver of the 56 a speedy recovery.

DRIVER OF THE RACE: After collaborating with a fellow FSCF.com staff member, we collectively choose Gene Lasker as the Driver of the Race. Gene, put us on your “we owe you one” list. I firmly believe that had the race went back green, we would have had different results to report.

HONORABLE MENTIONS: Bruce Durden and Keith Butler both received votes for the title. Kudos gentlemen.

RACE REPORTER: Josh