Kenny Merchant opens SUPR Late Model season in victory lane!!

Magnolia, Mississippi (February 22, 2002) - The first thing Kenny had to say when the race was over was, "I want to thank my wife Wendy for allowing me to go racing this weekend."  Wendy just came home today after giving birth to their new son Ben on Wednesday.

Merchant started 3rd in the feature and grabbed 2nd at the start.  The J.D. Caver/Goddard Performance Kuntz & Company-powered Ford Mustang Warrior then charged by early leader Rodney Wing on lap 12 and Merchant pulled away to the convincing victory in the 25-lap feature.

Rodney Wing, once again behind the wheel of the B&K Underground/Styling Signs & Decals Keith Craft-powered Chevy Monte Carlo Rocket appeared the have the field covered early but as the race neared the mid-point it became clear that Rodney would have his hands full with Merchant.  Wing started on the outside pole and powered around pole sitter, Jeff Chanler to grab the lead after one.

Surprising rookie competitor James Ward, in only his second O’Reilly SUPR Late Model start, recorded a solid third place finish.  Ward, teaming with fellow competitor Kennith Crowe, started 5^th and ran in the 5^th spot through the first half of the race before moving by Steve Russell for 4^th on lap 16 and then Eric Courville for third on lap 19.

Steve Russell appeared to be on of the few cars capable of running with the lead duo.  Russell started 12^th but quickly stormed the low line around Pike County Speedway to grab 5^th place by lap 5.  Russell was in 4^th place next time by and was running a solid race until the ignition started to falter and Steve eventually parked the car for the night.

47 O’Reilly SUPR Late Models were on hand and six heat races were run to determine the starting lineup for the feature.  Marlon Wild, Kenny Merchant, Jeff Chanler, David Knight, Scott Slay and James Ward claimed the heat race victories with the Last Chance victories going to Larry Ritter and Chris Wall.  Jeff Chanler claimed the B&K Underground Top Qualifier award and the $100 that goes along with the honor.  In addition, Wall2Wall Performance Racing Engines posted an extra $100 for the Top Qualfier.

Odie Green passed 13 cars to finish 6^th and he earned the Lloyd Wild Jr. Logging Hard Charger award for his efforts.

Official Results:

1.      Kenny Merchant

2.      Rodney Wing

3.      James Ward

4.      David Ashley

5.      Eric Courville

6.      Odie Green

7.      Scott Slay

8.      Chris Wall

9.      Marlon Wild

10.  Sam Patrick

11.  Dennis Duncan

12.  Jeff Chanler

13.  Ryan Plaisance

14.  Jon Mitchell

15.  Delbert Smith

16.  Mike Sibley

17.  Keith Craft

18.  Steve Russell

19.  Ronny Adams

20.  David Knight

21.  Curt Lipsey

22.  Larry Ritter

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