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Date Posted: May 30, 2010 |
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Great Night for 'Big Bad' |
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Two weeks ago 'Big Bad' Bob Chenoweth was racing through traffic in the black-tank #89, working his way to the front as he attempted back-to-back main event wins to start the season, when an accident in turn four ruined his night. After contact in a heated battle with Wasteco #27 driver 'Killer' Kevin Albers, a hard turn in corner four broke the wheel right out from under the #89 sending him spinning into further contact and retiring the ride from the night's main race. It was a disappointing and gut wrenching accident for the Chenoweth team who knew they had a lot of work to get the car race ready. But the racing Gods have so far favoured team Chenoweth to start this racing season, providing the week-off they needed to finish repairs. While many cursed the poor weather of May 22nd for dampening their long weekend festivities, it was a relief to the #89 team. When the green flag dropped on Saturday night's 25-lap main event #79 John Harper put his Grisdale race machine out in front in the early going, racing to the lead from his pole position starting spot. Rick Burbridge gave chase in the DGB Accouting Services #2, but was slowly shuffled backward along with the Ray's Towing #73 Nick Troback From 4th and 5th came #21 Matt Bentley and #89 Bob Chenoweth, swapping positions as Chenoweth lead the charge to the front. Deep in the field last week's feature race winner #13 Brad Collison was stuck in traffic along with 3-time division champion #72 Randy Rusnell. The handicap lineup put both top performers in the thick of things deep in the field, with many obstacles to overcome to race at the front. Their biggest obstacle was #48 Billy Zardo, currently battling with Rusnell for the top of the standings. The Holmes on Homes #48 stayed fast and wide to keep the two former champions behind his bumper, using their persistent push to drive his way into the top five. At the front of the field, after some intimidating maneuvers, Chenoweth overtook Harper for the lead and sped away from his second place challenger. At this point Bentley was caught in the third-fourth duel and lost ground. Now had things gone a little differently, the headline and glory would belong to Matt Bentley and the Bentley Motorsports #21. In qualifying the young driver tracked down 'The Rocket' Randy Rusnell and beat the champ in the closing laps to steal the checkered flag. He was poised for a similar take over now in the feature, breaking free from John Harper to run for a ticket to victory lane. Bob Chenoweth was only about three car lengths away, but the wily veteran doesn't give up the lead easily. With no help from cautions, Bentley tracked down the 'Big Bad' #89, gaining slowly every lap until he was parked on the bumper with just two laps to go. Up on the wheel and looking for the opportune moment, Bentley tried to squeeze low but couldn't open up a lane around Chenoweth. The two struggled in the final lap, but out of turn four for the final time it was Chenoweth who raced to the stripe first. In victory lane, the tired driver hoisted the checkers high and praised the efforts of his great crew for all the work they put in to get the #89 back race ready. When asked if this victory made up for the disappoint week's earlier, Chenoweth replied "It's close. We need one more win tonight to make good." And the racing Gods smiled in favour again, as son Shawn Chenoweth went out and raced to victory in the 75-lap Grisdale Late Model event. Back-to-back Chenoweths in the Winners' Circle made it a great night for 'Big Bad'. More Thunder Car thrills continue next week, and every Saturday night all summer long!
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