David Ashley takes night 2 of 4th Annual Mardi Gras Nationals

David Ashley takes night 2 of 4th Annual Mardi Gras Nationals

McComb, MS (March 1, 2003) – David Ashley led all 50-laps to claim the victory tonight in the 4^th Annual Mardi Gras Nationals held at Pike County Speedway. Ashley held off all of the challenges that Kenny Merchant had for him including a late charge that saw Merchant draw up to the rear of Ashley as they exited turn 4 with 1 to go. But Ashley was strong enough to hold Kenny back to take the win. Ashley dedicated the victory to his friend Chad Heckford, who died in a motorcycle accident last Sunday.

Prior to the racing season, David Ashley stated that 2003 would be a bout chasing victories and he sure proved it tonight as he grabbed the lead right from the start from his outside pole position and he made sure that no one was going to be able to get around him. He did it by running a clean fast line around the track and this was enough to hold off Merchant’s challenges that came early and often.

The Randy Cook owned team was quick to note that the victory came in a new Larry Shaw much like Ashley’s victory last summer at Lone Star and suggested that Larry should keep sending them new cars so that they can keep that streak alive. Ashley thanked Larry Shaw, Randy and Sherry Cook, Ace Storage and Wall2Wall Racing Engines for the support.

Ashley’s turning point may well have been when the crew elected to change his right rear tire on the front stretch during the driver introductions. Ashley switched to a slightly harder compound and the decision paid off with a $2500 first prize check. And while Ashley took home the money tonight, it was Kenny Merchant leaving Pike County Speedway with the early lead in the battle for the 2003 O’Reilly SUPR Late Model Championship.

Merchant started on the pole on opening night but suffered damage in the big first lap tangle that took out 8 cars. Merchant jumped into the pits to make quick repairs and stormed back to 5^th place. But while Merchant could pass cars last night, he was unable to make it past the one car he needed to tonight.

Kennith Crowe once again recorded a solid finish posting a third place coupled with last night’s 4^th place finish and he’s just one point behind Merchant in the point standings.

Crowe credits some off season racing as the basis for his strong start. “I went down to Georgia and got a little more experience under my belt and learned a few things.”

Larry Ritter, a former O’Reilly SUPR winner at Pike County Speedway finished 4^th in his first night out this season and 2002 Rookie of the Year James “Binky” Ward rounded out the top 5 despite some sheet metal damage on the right front of his car. “I over run the corner and got up in to Curt. I guess that sand on the bottom of the track got me. I went in there and I hit the brakes and I locked ‘em up but it just kept going.”

43 O’Reilly SUPR Late Models were on hand. James Ward, Kennith Crowe, Curt Lipsey, Scott Slay, Ryan Plaisance and Keith Craft won the heat races with Jon Mitchell and Chris Wall taking the 2 last chance races.

Unofficial Results:

1. David Ashley

2. Kenny Merchant

3. Kennith Crowe

4. Larry Ritter

5. James Ward

6. Keith Craft

7. Curt Lipsey

8. Rodney Wing

9. Mike Boland

10. Ryan Plaisance

11. Jon Mitchell

12. Tommy Surrett

13. Chris Wall

14. Dave Siegert

15. Robbie Starnes

16. Phil Cooper

17. Bill Gordon

18. Marlon Wild

19. Kevin Watts

20. Scott Slay

21. Davin Bates

22. Butch Jenkins

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