May 15, 2017 Montgomery, Al: Many times the final product does not live up to the hype. That was not the case this past Saturday night as the Bandit big rig series presented by Minimizer invaded Montgomery Motor Speedway. 16 Big rigs rolled through the gate and thrilled the sold-out crowd. Kids of all ages were delighted to witness these 12,000 lb. trucks racing 3 wide and billowing black smoke as they roared down the front stretch. Some fans took advantage of the trackside parking in the pits and were able to see the racing up close and personal.
The evening also featured 3 other divisions of racing. Fans were treated to a 75 lap Late model sportsman race, Modified minis and the Pure Stock / Roadrunner class.
Budweiser Qualifying kicked off the night with the Late Model Sportsman Powered by WCI Parts.com. Fast time was set by Bill Bethea III at 21.105 followed by #51 Perry Patino 21.310, Dennis Reno 21.360, Dave Mader 21.374 and rounding out the top 5 #21 Jason Furrow 21.492.
Following Qualifying the Bandit Big Rig trucks hit the track for their heat races. The first heat was won by the #01 truck of Chris Kieklhan, followed by #3 Alan Boles in second and #27 Darren Profit in third. Second heat winner was Ricky Rude in the #14 ride with Justin Ball #17 and Mike Morgan #88 in third.
In the Modified Minis Rusty Alverson started on the pole but was passed by the #22 of David Davis by the time the field crossed the line on lap 1. Morrow Georgia driver Joe Joe Wingard made hard contact with the back stretch wall and ended his night early. Davis held the point until lap 6 when a mechanical failure sent him to the pits. Alverson took over the point and never looked back with #21 Steve looney hot in his tracks.
Modified Mini finish (Unofficial)
- Rusty Alverson #7
- Steve Looney #21
- David Davis #22
- Joe Wingard #33
The next feature hit the track and gave the fans a chance to see some cars that race at South Alabama Speedway and 5 Flags Speedway. It was a combined race for the Roadrunners and the Pure Stock / Bomber class. Car #325 Chance Imel took the lead and was looking strong as he led the field around Montgomery’s Historic oval. Lap 6 saw the #3 of Jason Kendrick move to the point and lock in to the top spot. The #4 car of Zack Butts from Red Level, Alabama moved his way to second and #17 Johnathan “Chuck”Johnson grabbed the third spot in his 1986 Chevy Caprice Classic.
Road Runners Pure Stocks Finish (Unofficial)
- Jason Kendrick #3
- Zack Butts #4
- Johnathon Johnson #17
- Chance Imel #325
- Daniel Parker #18
- Joey Deaton #55
- John Singletary #27
The Staff of MMS would like to thank all the Roadrunner / Pure Stock drivers for their support.
Next up were the Bandit Big Rig Series challenge Heats. The Bandit teams were working hard to repair some trucks that had damage from the first heats but were ready to go as flagman John Midkiff waved the green.
Challenge race #1 winner Chris Kieklham #01
Challenge race #2 winner Ricky Rude #14
Next to hit the track were the Late Model Sportsman powered by WCI Part.com in the Hauling Asphalt 75. The inversion roll put Dave Mader III on the pole with 17 cars taking the green. Caution came out immediately as oil from the #4jr of Jered James sent the cleanup crew into action. Caution flew on lap 2 for a spin and bunched the field up for the restart. #18 Mader III got loose in turn 4 bringing out the yellow. Bethea III #13 took over the point and looked strong. Multiple leaders took the top spot during the 75 lap event and thrilled the crowd with a spectacular event.NOTE : Belter #21 failed post race inspection
Late Model Sportsman Powered by WCI Parts.com
- Dave Mader III #18
- Jeff Dawkins #2
- Joe Hudson #88
- Aiden Eldrige #8x
- Travis Cleckler #5
- Chance Atkins #17
- Jason Furrow #21
- Dennis Reno #1x
- Mikell Rawls #8r
- Bill Bethea III #13
- Perry Patino #51
- Kieth Joiner #17
- John Adams #19
- Dustin Knowles #92
- Jered James #4jr
- Larry Speakman #8s
- Bert Belter #21 dq
The Bandit Big Rig series hit the track 16 strong and thrilled the fans with one of the most exciting races we have seen in many years. Fans had the opportunity to meet the driver and see these rigs up close and personal during the on-track autograph session. At the drop of the green flag Alan Boles #3 jumped out to a big lead as the other trucks battled for position. Lap 8 saw the first truck to leave the track as the #29 of Joey Seaman had to retire with mechanical issues. Lap 15 the caution flew for the #01 of Chris Kiekklan as his truck lost a right front tire as he hit the front stretch wall. Darren Profit also headed to the pits during this caution. On the restart the truck drivers knew it was time to go and the racing really heated up. Mike Morgan #88 took his truck to the high side and showed that the Bandits could race in the third groove. Ricky Rude #14 showed his muscle by holding off the field as he collected the Trophy and the big check as he bested the field to the checkered flag.
- Ricky Rude #14
- Alan Boles #3
- Mike Morgan #88
- Justin Ball #14
- Tommy Boileau #16
- Trevor Kreckeburg #54
- John Lisenbee #7
- Travis Buckner #26
- Scott Treadway #4
- Robbi Decker #6
- Chris Kieklhan #01
- Darren Profit #27
- Joey Seaman # 29
- Craig Kreckeburg #56
- Travis Kreckeburg #55
Montgomery Motor Speedway will be back in action May 27th as the “Show me the Money” Pro Late Models hit the track for the Memorial 100.Fans will also have the opportunity to Meet Mrs. Alabama United States Courtney Grill and Miss Alabama United States Sarah Wilkes as they will be our honorary trophy presenters The undercard will feature the Pro Trucks and the fan favorite Coca Cola Street Stocks. For more Information call the track at 334-262-6101 or visit our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/montgomeryspeedway.
