Jim Moody
John Brooks
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By Troy Harrison
Jim Moody wanted very badly to repeat his 2008 AAA Insurance Missouri State Fair Modified title, and it showed Thursday night, as he led every lap en route to repeating his win. By virtue of passing points, Moody started on the pole, outran outside front row starter Jason Thompson into the first turn, pulled out to a six car length lead at the end of the first lap, and was never headed as he cruised to the victory.
Moody’s biggest challenge came not from the outstanding field of Modifieds, but from the five yellow flag restarts he had to endure before the 20 laps were complete. The closest anyone got to him was Jamie Ragland after the fourth yellow, but Ragland himself was the fifth yellow. Behind Moody, a changing pack of cars kept the race exciting for the fans by dueling for 2nd through 5th spots. Although Tony Jackson Jr., Thompson, Chad Lyle, Johnny Fennewald, and others were involved in that battle, they all either dropped out or faded, with Curt Potter emerging in second place, followed by Terry Schultz, Ragland, Mark Dotson, Gary Blackburn, Dennis Walrath, Jason Bodenhamer, Joe Walker, and Aaron Poe to round out the top ten.
The night was less kind to other former winners, as both 2005/6 winner Justin Boney (driving the car normally driven by Gene Claxton) and 2007 winner Bodenhamer had to qualify for the feature through the B-features. Both advanced through the field, with Bodenhamer cracking the top five for a few laps – but Boney dropped out with mechanical issues and Bodenhamer brushed the guardrail in turn three late in the race, causing him to fade to eighth.
In supporting Street Stock action, State Fair Speedway’s winningest Street Stock driver, John Brooks, added another trophy to his collection. Brooks started inside second row and passed Ted Welschmeyer for the lead on lap three. Behind him, the race was caution-filled, resulting in only seven official laps being completed before the race was given the checkered flag due to time constraints. Welschmeyer bobbled on the white flag lap, handing second to Brian Johnson. Troy Reasoner Jr. came home third, followed by Jerry Schmidt, Michael Mullins, Chad Eickleberry, Clayton Campbell, Jason Ryun, Justin Metzner, and Welschmeyer.
A total of 45 Modifieds and 26 Street Stocks checked in at the back gate.
The AAA Insurance Missouri State Championships close on Sunday night with the Late Models of the O’Reilly Automotive Midwest Late Model Association sharing the bill with a Sprint Car Challenge race pitting the Winged Outlaw Warriors against the American Sprint Car Series. Gates open at 5:00, hot laps at 6:30, with races at 7:00 PM. Adult tickets are $15.00, with seniors and military pricing at $12.00, 7-12 $10.00, and 6 and under free. Tickets do not include grandstand admission; however, Fair officials will not charge Fair admission after 4:00 PM. Pit passes are $25.00, including Fair admission.
For more information, visit www.sedaliastatefairspeedway.com. For ticket information including Fair admission, visit mostatefair.com. Tickets can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or by calling 800-745-3000. Tickets can also be purchased at the Missouri State Fair Ticket Office. Ticket Office hours are Noon – 6 PM M-F until August 12, and 9 AM – 9 PM during the Fair.
RESULTS
Modified A Feature
1. Jim Moody
2. Curt Potter
3. Terry Schultz
4. Jamie Ragland
5. Mark Dotson
6. Gary Blackburn
7. Dennis Walrath
8. Jason Bodenhamer
9. Joe Walker
10. Aaron Poe
11. Jason Russell
12. Howard Hall
13. Kirby Stein
14. Jason Thompson
15. Chad Lyle
16. Johnny Fennewald
17. Daulton Greven
18. Kerry Davis
19. Jimmy Dowell
20. Justin Boney
21. Porter Collins
22. Tony Jackson, Jr.
23. Jesse Stovall
24. Kevin Blackburn
Street Stock A Feature
1. John Brooks
2. Brian Johnson
3. Troy Reasoner, Jr.
4. Jerry Schmidt
5. Michael Mullins
6. Chad Eickleberry
7. Clayton Campbell
8. Jason Ryun
9. Justin Metzner
10. Ted Welschmeyer
11. Chad Eckhoff
12. Earl Sullins
13. Jeff Lazenby
14. Kiel Morton
15. Marc Carter
16. Carl Lewis
17. Bobby Shane
18. Danny Carroll
19. Noah Killion
20. Jay Prevete
21. Herb Danner
22. Toby Morrill
23. Bryan Arnold
24. Kevin Perkins – DNQ
25. Roy Smith – DNQ
26. Tim Casskell - DNS
