RJ Takes Triple Crown Opener At Boyd's Speedway

Ronnie Johnson

Labor Day weekend was kicked off in High-5 Fashion Friday night as Dirt Track Hall of Famer and two-time Dirt Track World Champion Ronnie Johnson took the $3,000 payday of "National Boiler Service 50" at his home track Boyd's Speedway in Chattanooga.

The unsanctioned Super Late Model event drew 44 cars all vying for a spot in the 24-starting field. Ray Cook led at the start when 2nd-fastest overall qualifier Derek Ellis failed to make the start. Cook set sail on pole sitter Josh Putnam at the start leaving RJ to battle with Robert Gant, Skip Arp and Ivadent Lloyd Jr. of Ocala, Fla.

Halfway home in the shortened feature due to Catoosa County curfew, Putnam, while running sixth, got collected by back-marker Bobby Giffen for the race's first yellow. After a few other minor cautions, Cook's left rear let go and Johnson inherited the leader's position. Cleveland's Riley Hickman overpowered Lloyd for second leaving Arp and Lloyd to battle it out.

With Gant also out of the action, Jamie Perry of Ringgold, GA and Jake Knowles of Tyrone, GA brought their race-long battle into the Top 5 once Arp ended his night. RJ in the Richard Austin-owned # A-19 "Austin Trucking, Tindell & Sons Carpet, KC Graphics, Vinson Racing Engines, Gene's Racing Parts, Tripla A Farms" sponsored GRT machine, had no issue collecting the checkers.

In the special Crate Late Model feature, former Track Champion Jason Welshan #29 of Maryville, TN had no problem dominating the $1,000 to-WIN race against 26 other competitors. Ryan Gifford of Winchester, TN made it back to back bride's maid finishes for the second consecutive week. Pole sitter Ethan Hunter of Tiger, GA held off a hard-charging Jeff Smith of Villanow for third. Jerry Coffman of Soddy Daisy rounded out the Top 5 behind Welshan's "Ronald Sexton Construction, Hidden Hollow Motorsports, PMI Race Engines" sponsored MasterSbilt racecar.

Eric Hughes won the B-Hobby feature for the second week in a row. The A-Hobby feature couldn't be run due to the aforementioned curfew and will be run Saturday, Sept. 6, along with a second A-Hobby feature. Night #2 of the 3-race mini series is Saturday 8/30 in Fort Payne (AL) Motor Speedway and the 3rd and final race is Sunday in Middle TN at Duck River Raceway Park on Sunday night.

Jason Welshan