Billy Moyer proves why smooth is the way to win at Lake Ozark Speedway Summernational show

By: Racenut
www.midwestdirttrackfacts.com

Eldon, MO (June 25, 2008) - Stop number ten on the 2008 UMP DirtCar Summernationals show was held Wednesday night, June 25. With thirtyone late models on hand, defending Summernationals champion Dennis Erb Jr turned in fast time at 14.995 seconds. The Ed Franko managed, Kevin and Tammy Gundaker owned third mile track was meticulously manicured for the special $6,000 to win late model show. The first heat went to Mark Burgtorf over current series point leader Brian Shirley. The second heat went to Dennis Erb Jr over Steve Sheppard Jr and Jeep VanWormer. The third heat went to Billy Moyer over Terry English and Darren Miller. Heat number four went to Wes Steidinger over Randy Korte. The semi feature went to Denny Woodworth. In the semi, Tim Lance put on a show coming from eleventh to second, only to get taken to the wall on the last lap to spoil a great run, finishing fourth.

Come feature time, Mark Burgtorf took the early lead from his third starting spot behind Erb Jr and Steidinger. Erb Jr got around him only to get passed by Billy Moyer a few laps, and a couple of yellow flags later. Billy Moyer went on to lead the remainder of the feature, followed by Erb Jr, Darren Miller, Brian Shirley, Randy Korte, Ryan Unzicker, Wes Steidinger and Denny Woodworth. As in the semi, one lone driver made a lot of movement on the top side, fourteenth place starter Don O'Neal. O'Neal worked his way into second place, bouncing off the walls and avoiding the cautions, until a lap thirty six caution that he brought out by slamming the turn four wall. O'Neal was unhurt, but the car was done for the evening.

The late models might have been the headliner, but the highlight of the evening was the run made by the youngster from suburban Chicago, Mike Spatola in his modified. After some heat race problems, Spatola started eleventh in the semi feature and won it, quite literally at the checkered flag. (Thanks to transponders) Spatola then started sixteenth in the modified feature and made an immediate jump to the high side and started picking off cars one at a time. Spatola would eventually finish second to the defending track champion Danny Crane, who finally won his first feature of 2008. Great show put on by these guys!!!

The street stock feature went to Eric Gustin.
There were a total of 81 cars in the pits in three classes. The late models were the last to run, and all racing action was complete at 11:05 pm

Every track needs one of these!!!! Transponders and a 20 position scoreboard....absolutely wonderful!!!

Special thanks go out to Ed Franko for the hospitality and the beautiful speedway!!!