Prestonsburg, KY--In a race that saw three different leaders in the end it was Jackie Boggs of Grayson, KY coming home the winner on Friday Night as the STARS Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts rolled into the Thunder Ridge Raceway in Prestonsburg, KY for the "Spring Thunder at the Ridge"
Saturday Night's $5000 to win event was called off when intermittent rain showers forced the event to be postponed until July 3.
Boggs became the sixth different winner in six races this season on Kentucky's Premier Dirt Late Model touring group. Bogg's third career STARS Battle of the Bluegrass win was behind the wheel of the Steve Cascio Racing out of Maysville, KY owned, McDonald's, Miller Brothers Coal, Hawkeye Trucking, Graphic Impressions, Richard A. Mitchell Inc., Pro Topline Cylinder Heads, Cropper Racing Engines, and Swartz Chassis #4B Monte Carlo. The 34 year old second generation driver earned $3000 for the win. Finishing in second was 2002 STARS Battle of the Bluegrass Series Champion, Eddie Carrier Jr of Ona, WV driving the Carl Grover Motorsports Rocket Ford Taurus. Third place went to Shannon Thornsberry of Martin, KY behind the wheel of his Miller Brothers Coal Rocket Monte Carlo. Paul Harris of Prestonsburg, KY took his Miller Brothers Coal Warrior Ford Taurus to fourth at the payoff and David Smith of St. Albans, WV finished in fifth driving his David Smith Frame and Body Shop Rocket Dodge Intrepid. A total of 40 cars from five states were on hand for the third ever visit by the Battle of the Bluegrass to the Eastern Kentucky speedplant.
Thornsberry would be the early race leader as the 30 lap main event would unfold. The first caution of the race occurred on the second circuit when a car spun in turn four resulting in a multi car pileup and the track being blocked. The red flag came out to clear the track and Wayne Hughes was the only car who went pit side out of the race. When the race resumed it was still Thornsberry on the point with carrier Jr running in second followed by the fourth place starting Jackie Boggs. Just when Carrier had passed Thornsberry for the lead a yellow flag would come back out negating Carrier's pass. Boggs would then put on a charge from his third place re-starting position taking the high side to get by both Carrier and Thornsberry to take over the lead. Thornsberry, who won the week prior at Thunder Ridge, would fall to second with Carrier slipping to third. Carrier then would be able to get by Thornsberry on the seventh circuit putting his car into second place. The race for first then would heat up between Boggs and Carrier. The two drivers with famous last names in the state of Kentucky would then put on a duel to the fans delight. Carrier would pass Boggs on one circuit but Boggs would come right back to retake the point soon thereafter. The two drivers kept the pressure on each other flying around the semi-banked 3/8ths mile track. It would get dicey a few times as the approached traffic, but only two drivers would end a lap down in the final results which helped the cause of the frontrunners who had a lot of clear race track in front of them to do battle. Carrier would try several times to overhaul Boggs but it was not good enough on this night as Boggs would go on to take the victory.
Carrier would equal his best BoB finish of 2003 as he also recorded a second place at Ponderosa on May 2. A strong effort by the Eastern Kentucky duo of Thornsberry and Paul Harris would see the mountain drivers grab an impressive third and fourth place in the final results. Mountaineer State driver David Smith would also have a strong showing taking the fifth spot.
Completing the top ten were David Powers, Michael Chilton, Raymond Nichols, Aaron Hatton and current STARS Battle of the Bluegrass Points leader, Scott James who finished 10th.
In preliminary events Eddie Carrier Jr was the Racing Optics Fast Timer at 17.87 seconds. Heat race winners were Carrier, Jr., Boggs, Nichols and Thornsberry. Brandon Kinzer and Scott James were AFCO B-main victors.
Race Results
Thunder Ridge Raceway
Prestonsburg, KY
STARS Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series
Event #6
Friday Night, May 30, 2003
Racing Optics Fast Time: Eddie Carrier Jr 17.87
First Heat: Eddie Carrier Jr., Paul Harris, Wayne Hughes, Herbie Barnett
Second Heat: Jackie Boggs, David Powers, Michael Chilton, Brandon Kinzer
Third Heat: Raymond Nichols, David Smith, R.J. Conley, Scott James
Fourth Heat: Shannon Thornsberry, Carnell Parker III, Chuckie May, Aaron Hatton
AFCO 1st B-Main: Brandon Kinzer, Herbie Barnett, Chuck Harper, Jimmy Owens
AFCO 2nd B-Main: Scott James, Aaron Hatton, Stanley Haddix, Tyrel Todd
PBM Performance Products A-Main: Jackie Boggs, Eddie Carrier Jr., Shannon Thornsberry, Paul Harris, David Smith, David Powers, Michael Chilton, Raymond Nichols, Aaron Hatton, Scott James, Brandon Kinzer, R.J. Conley, Tyrel Todd, Jimmy Owens, Herbie Barnett, Chuckie May, Johnny Wheeler, Jesse James Lay, Chuck Harper, Carnell Parker III, Mike Morris, Mike Marlar, Timmy Yeager, Tre Martin, Wayne Hughes
Race Statistics:
Entries: 40
Feature Lead Changes: 3 among 3 drivers
R&P Industrial Chimney Rookie of the Race: Chilton
PPM Racing Products/Outlaw Race Cars Hard Charger: Hatton
Racing Optics Time Trials Results
1. #28-Eddie Carrier Jr-Ona, WV 17.87
2. #4B-Jackie Boggs-Grayson, KY 18.01
3. #87-David Smith-St. Albans, WV 18.11
4. #28-Chuckie May-Allen, KY 18.25
5. #10-Paul Harris-Prestonsburg, KY 18.34
6. #20-Jimmy Owens-Newport, TN 18.37
7. #83-Scott James-Lawrenceburg, IN 18.54
8. #17-Shannon Thornsberry-Martin, KY 18.53
9. #37-Herbie Barnett-Jackson, KY 18.59
10. #97-Michael Chilton-Harrodsburg, KY 18.63
11. #38-Raymond Nichols-Jeremiah, KY 18.71
12. #7-Stanley Haddix-Hager Hill, KY 18.77
13. #98-Wayne Hughes-Mt. Hope, WV 18.77
14. #97-David Powers-Salyersville, KY 18.79
15. #23-Mike Morris-Hazard, KY 18.80
16. #75-Carnell Parker III-Clarksville, TN 18.84
17. #00-Chuck Harper-Beverly, WV 18.84
18. #1A-Audie Swartz-Minford, OH 18.88
19. #71C-R.J. Conley-Wheelersburg, OH 18.90
20. #33-Aaron Hatton-Mt. Sterling, KY 19.05
21. #157-Mike Marlar-Winfield, TN 19.05
22. #18-Brandon Kinzer-Allen, KY 19.12
23. #C1-Timmy Yeager-Harrodsburg, KY 19.14
24. #14-Tyrel Todd-Eubank, KY 19.18
25. #71-Delmas Conley-Wheelersburg, OH 19.19
26. #57-Johnny Wheeler-Campbellsville, KY 19.21
27. #10-Kennie Compton-Cool Ridge, WV 19.37
28. #97-Jim LeMaster-Falcon, KY 19.38
29. #16-Steven Ashby-Cunningham, TN 19.47
30. #7-Jim Curry-Norman, IN 19.52
31. #68-Tim Hitt-Weston, WV 19.53
32. #33-Jesse James Lay-Walton, KY 19.58
33. #17-Chris Wilson-Louisa KY 19.85
34. #23-John Blankenship-Williamson, WV 19.86
35. #13-David Webb-Nicholasville, KY 20.07
36. #C8-Jimmy Crabtree-Irvine, KY 20.13
37. #1-Tre Martin-Kenna, WV 20.22
38. #7M-Mark Morrison-Manchester, OH 20.83
39. #0H-Scott Hall-Drift, KY NT
40. #11 Bennie Butcher-Boones Camp, KY NT
Current STARS Battle of the Bluegrass Points
After 6 events
As of June 1, 2003
1. Scott James 1255
2. Mike Marlar 1110
3. Jesse James Lay 1040
4. Tyrel Todd 1015
5. Michael Chilton 1000
6. Johnny Wheeler 970
7. Jim Curry 930
8. Aaron Hatton 925
9. Timmy Yeager 880
10. Eddie Carrier Jr 875
11. Darrell Lanigan 830
12. Mike Jewell 825
13. Joey Kramer 720
14. Richard Smith 695
15. Steve Hillard 645
R&P Industrial Chimney Rookie of the Year Points
1. Mike Marlar 1110
2. Michael Chilton 1000
3. Joey Kramer 720
4. Chris Wilson 550
5. Larry Martin Jr 530
6. Steven Ashby 490
7. Carnell Parker III 415
8. Jeff Napper 400
Season Statistics So Far
Race Track-Winner-Car Count (in parenthesis)
Bardstown-Don O'Neal (50)
Ponderosa-Johnny Wheeler (34)
Richmond-Mike Marlar (34)
Glasgow-Darrell Lanigan (29)
Florence-Scott James (42)
Thunder Ridge-Jackie Boggs (40)
113 different drivers have raced with the Battle of the Bluegrass so far in 2003.
Saturday Night's $5000 to win event was called off when intermittent rain showers forced the event to be postponed until July 3.
Boggs became the sixth different winner in six races this season on Kentucky's Premier Dirt Late Model touring group. Bogg's third career STARS Battle of the Bluegrass win was behind the wheel of the Steve Cascio Racing out of Maysville, KY owned, McDonald's, Miller Brothers Coal, Hawkeye Trucking, Graphic Impressions, Richard A. Mitchell Inc., Pro Topline Cylinder Heads, Cropper Racing Engines, and Swartz Chassis #4B Monte Carlo. The 34 year old second generation driver earned $3000 for the win. Finishing in second was 2002 STARS Battle of the Bluegrass Series Champion, Eddie Carrier Jr of Ona, WV driving the Carl Grover Motorsports Rocket Ford Taurus. Third place went to Shannon Thornsberry of Martin, KY behind the wheel of his Miller Brothers Coal Rocket Monte Carlo. Paul Harris of Prestonsburg, KY took his Miller Brothers Coal Warrior Ford Taurus to fourth at the payoff and David Smith of St. Albans, WV finished in fifth driving his David Smith Frame and Body Shop Rocket Dodge Intrepid. A total of 40 cars from five states were on hand for the third ever visit by the Battle of the Bluegrass to the Eastern Kentucky speedplant.
Thornsberry would be the early race leader as the 30 lap main event would unfold. The first caution of the race occurred on the second circuit when a car spun in turn four resulting in a multi car pileup and the track being blocked. The red flag came out to clear the track and Wayne Hughes was the only car who went pit side out of the race. When the race resumed it was still Thornsberry on the point with carrier Jr running in second followed by the fourth place starting Jackie Boggs. Just when Carrier had passed Thornsberry for the lead a yellow flag would come back out negating Carrier's pass. Boggs would then put on a charge from his third place re-starting position taking the high side to get by both Carrier and Thornsberry to take over the lead. Thornsberry, who won the week prior at Thunder Ridge, would fall to second with Carrier slipping to third. Carrier then would be able to get by Thornsberry on the seventh circuit putting his car into second place. The race for first then would heat up between Boggs and Carrier. The two drivers with famous last names in the state of Kentucky would then put on a duel to the fans delight. Carrier would pass Boggs on one circuit but Boggs would come right back to retake the point soon thereafter. The two drivers kept the pressure on each other flying around the semi-banked 3/8ths mile track. It would get dicey a few times as the approached traffic, but only two drivers would end a lap down in the final results which helped the cause of the frontrunners who had a lot of clear race track in front of them to do battle. Carrier would try several times to overhaul Boggs but it was not good enough on this night as Boggs would go on to take the victory.
Carrier would equal his best BoB finish of 2003 as he also recorded a second place at Ponderosa on May 2. A strong effort by the Eastern Kentucky duo of Thornsberry and Paul Harris would see the mountain drivers grab an impressive third and fourth place in the final results. Mountaineer State driver David Smith would also have a strong showing taking the fifth spot.
Completing the top ten were David Powers, Michael Chilton, Raymond Nichols, Aaron Hatton and current STARS Battle of the Bluegrass Points leader, Scott James who finished 10th.
In preliminary events Eddie Carrier Jr was the Racing Optics Fast Timer at 17.87 seconds. Heat race winners were Carrier, Jr., Boggs, Nichols and Thornsberry. Brandon Kinzer and Scott James were AFCO B-main victors.
Race Results
Thunder Ridge Raceway
Prestonsburg, KY
STARS Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series
Event #6
Friday Night, May 30, 2003
Racing Optics Fast Time: Eddie Carrier Jr 17.87
First Heat: Eddie Carrier Jr., Paul Harris, Wayne Hughes, Herbie Barnett
Second Heat: Jackie Boggs, David Powers, Michael Chilton, Brandon Kinzer
Third Heat: Raymond Nichols, David Smith, R.J. Conley, Scott James
Fourth Heat: Shannon Thornsberry, Carnell Parker III, Chuckie May, Aaron Hatton
AFCO 1st B-Main: Brandon Kinzer, Herbie Barnett, Chuck Harper, Jimmy Owens
AFCO 2nd B-Main: Scott James, Aaron Hatton, Stanley Haddix, Tyrel Todd
PBM Performance Products A-Main: Jackie Boggs, Eddie Carrier Jr., Shannon Thornsberry, Paul Harris, David Smith, David Powers, Michael Chilton, Raymond Nichols, Aaron Hatton, Scott James, Brandon Kinzer, R.J. Conley, Tyrel Todd, Jimmy Owens, Herbie Barnett, Chuckie May, Johnny Wheeler, Jesse James Lay, Chuck Harper, Carnell Parker III, Mike Morris, Mike Marlar, Timmy Yeager, Tre Martin, Wayne Hughes
Race Statistics:
Entries: 40
Feature Lead Changes: 3 among 3 drivers
R&P Industrial Chimney Rookie of the Race: Chilton
PPM Racing Products/Outlaw Race Cars Hard Charger: Hatton
Racing Optics Time Trials Results
1. #28-Eddie Carrier Jr-Ona, WV 17.87
2. #4B-Jackie Boggs-Grayson, KY 18.01
3. #87-David Smith-St. Albans, WV 18.11
4. #28-Chuckie May-Allen, KY 18.25
5. #10-Paul Harris-Prestonsburg, KY 18.34
6. #20-Jimmy Owens-Newport, TN 18.37
7. #83-Scott James-Lawrenceburg, IN 18.54
8. #17-Shannon Thornsberry-Martin, KY 18.53
9. #37-Herbie Barnett-Jackson, KY 18.59
10. #97-Michael Chilton-Harrodsburg, KY 18.63
11. #38-Raymond Nichols-Jeremiah, KY 18.71
12. #7-Stanley Haddix-Hager Hill, KY 18.77
13. #98-Wayne Hughes-Mt. Hope, WV 18.77
14. #97-David Powers-Salyersville, KY 18.79
15. #23-Mike Morris-Hazard, KY 18.80
16. #75-Carnell Parker III-Clarksville, TN 18.84
17. #00-Chuck Harper-Beverly, WV 18.84
18. #1A-Audie Swartz-Minford, OH 18.88
19. #71C-R.J. Conley-Wheelersburg, OH 18.90
20. #33-Aaron Hatton-Mt. Sterling, KY 19.05
21. #157-Mike Marlar-Winfield, TN 19.05
22. #18-Brandon Kinzer-Allen, KY 19.12
23. #C1-Timmy Yeager-Harrodsburg, KY 19.14
24. #14-Tyrel Todd-Eubank, KY 19.18
25. #71-Delmas Conley-Wheelersburg, OH 19.19
26. #57-Johnny Wheeler-Campbellsville, KY 19.21
27. #10-Kennie Compton-Cool Ridge, WV 19.37
28. #97-Jim LeMaster-Falcon, KY 19.38
29. #16-Steven Ashby-Cunningham, TN 19.47
30. #7-Jim Curry-Norman, IN 19.52
31. #68-Tim Hitt-Weston, WV 19.53
32. #33-Jesse James Lay-Walton, KY 19.58
33. #17-Chris Wilson-Louisa KY 19.85
34. #23-John Blankenship-Williamson, WV 19.86
35. #13-David Webb-Nicholasville, KY 20.07
36. #C8-Jimmy Crabtree-Irvine, KY 20.13
37. #1-Tre Martin-Kenna, WV 20.22
38. #7M-Mark Morrison-Manchester, OH 20.83
39. #0H-Scott Hall-Drift, KY NT
40. #11 Bennie Butcher-Boones Camp, KY NT
Current STARS Battle of the Bluegrass Points
After 6 events
As of June 1, 2003
1. Scott James 1255
2. Mike Marlar 1110
3. Jesse James Lay 1040
4. Tyrel Todd 1015
5. Michael Chilton 1000
6. Johnny Wheeler 970
7. Jim Curry 930
8. Aaron Hatton 925
9. Timmy Yeager 880
10. Eddie Carrier Jr 875
11. Darrell Lanigan 830
12. Mike Jewell 825
13. Joey Kramer 720
14. Richard Smith 695
15. Steve Hillard 645
R&P Industrial Chimney Rookie of the Year Points
1. Mike Marlar 1110
2. Michael Chilton 1000
3. Joey Kramer 720
4. Chris Wilson 550
5. Larry Martin Jr 530
6. Steven Ashby 490
7. Carnell Parker III 415
8. Jeff Napper 400
Season Statistics So Far
Race Track-Winner-Car Count (in parenthesis)
Bardstown-Don O'Neal (50)
Ponderosa-Johnny Wheeler (34)
Richmond-Mike Marlar (34)
Glasgow-Darrell Lanigan (29)
Florence-Scott James (42)
Thunder Ridge-Jackie Boggs (40)
113 different drivers have raced with the Battle of the Bluegrass so far in 2003.
