FRIENDSHIP MOTOR SPEEDWAY Weekly Article

Elkin, NC - The first round of the innaugural "Battle of the Blue Ridge is under way as the ASA Sanctioned Friendship Motor Speedway was back at it this week for our eighth event of the season and with a super crowd on had to witness exciting racing in all divisions. This week would once again show off the impressive work of the speedway staff as the track would really hold smooth all through the night. Great weather would be in store as the Fireworks flew and two new winners were crowned on this special Thursday night show for the celebration of Independence Day. Friendship Motor Speedway once again showed that this was the place to be to enjoy great dirt track racing action. This week featured all four of our regular divisions which are known as the GM Direct Automotive Crate Late Models, Super Street, Coffee House Four Cylinders, and the Southeastern Cars & Parts U-Cars.

In the GM Direct Automotive Crate Late Model event, regular driver Mitchell Coble would return to Friendship Motor Speedway after being out last week for sickness. As many drivers, Mitchell would return to show his true colors as he would set quick time and grab the DMC Auto Exchange, Steve Tate and Sons Plumbing, and Hicks Water Stoves Pole Position with a special monetary bonus for that effort. Outside pole would go to Jimmy Shilitz as he would return for a strong showing now for two events in a row. As the feature was underway it would be Mitchell Coble jumping out to an early lead in this twenty six car starting field. Jimmy Shilitz would drop in line to second while Keith Holder and Noel Tucker would run third and fourth. Jimmy Shiltz would make his move into the lead after just a few laps in the books. Mitchell Coble who has been getting better and better week after week would reach down and pull out all he had as he would do battle with Shilitz for the lead. Mitchell Coble would make his move and power by Shilitz. Noel Tucker would make his presence known once again as he would get by Keith Holder for third position. Fifteen year old Mitchell Coble out of Mount Airy, North Carolina would never look back as he would roll into the Neighbors Stores/100.9 WIFM Victory Lane to score his first ever win at Friendship Motor Speedway in his Sevierville Imports, Manchester Hydralics, Steve Tate & Sons Plumbing, Sowers Construction Chevrolet Impala Rocket Chassis machine. Jimmy Shilitz of Hickory, North Carolina would bring home his best finish of the season with a strong second. Noel Tucker would finish third with Keith Holder fourth. Points leader Chris Cheek would finish fifth to gain just a few points over Tony Hicks who finished tenth.

In the Super Street feature event, Jimmy Watson would return where he left off last week with his top starting position along side Andy Mathis. Andy Mathis would make a impressive run as he would lead the first half of the event. Jeff Parsons would look to be a factor once again this week but not for long as he would finish early with mechanical issues. A returning John Stamper would then make at Jimmy Watson for the win but just wouldn't have quite the muscle to catch Watson. Jimmy Watson of Ararat, North Carolina would roll up the victory to make his streak now four wins in a row as he looks to make up ground in the points chase. Hard charging John Stamper would bring his ride home in second. Daniel Moss would have a up and down night as he would get caught up in a incident but still manage to bring it home with a impressive run back to third and hang on to the points lead over Jimmy Watson.

In the Coffee House Four Cylinder event, Matthew Warden would return in style for this special Thursday show as he would lead them down on row number one along side points leader Robbie Brown. Robbie Brown would show his strenth once again this week as he would jump out to the lead early over Warden. Billy Robbins would make a run at Matthew Warden and pick up second. Robbie Brown continued to lead as most would beleive that he would score yet another victory as he is usually hard to beat after getting out front. Billy Robbins would show that all the hard work on the car week in and week out would pay off as he would run down Robbie Brown to take the lead halfway through the event. Robbie would continue his fall all the way back to fourth as Matthew Warden would get by bringing a hard charging Sandy Martin along for the ride. Billy Robbins of Hamptonville, North Carolina would lead all the way home to score his second victory of the season and picking up valuable points on Robbie Brown for that championship. Matthew Warden would end where he started in second with Sandy Martin rounding out the top three. Robbie Brown would hold on to fourth over Michael Wells in the Dirtdawg Racing machine.

In the Southeastern Cars & Parts U-Car feature event, Pie Short and Jack Eaton would make their season debut known as the would start on the front row. It would not be for long as a hard charging Barry Wilson would grab the lead quickly after the green flag. Barry Wilson would show to be one tough customer as he would lead to the checkers to score his first win on the new dirt of Frindship Motor Speedway. Points contender Matthew Barker would come home with a nice finish with his second place run and picking up some much needed points. Jake Eaton would fall to finish third but would be found not legal in post race inspections hand third to John Keys. C.J. Lyons would fail to start the race but hold on to the points lead now just two points over Barker.

Congrats to this weeks feature winners and thanks to all the dirt racing fans, drivers, and crewmen for your support as we head into the ninth event of the 2008 racing season next week. Coming up for our next event will be the Carolina Clash Super Late Model Series for a $4000.00 to win show as they make their first appearence on the new dirt of Friendship Motor Speedway. We will also be featuring three of our regular divisions known as the GM Direct Automotive Crate Late Models, Super Streets, and Coffee House Four Cylinders. This will be a exciting event that you just won't want to miss!

For information on the Carolina Clash Super Late Model Series just check out their website at www.CarolinaClash.com For complete results, and the latest on the happenings of Friendship Motor Speedway just log onto www.FriendshipRacing.com, the official website of Friendship Motor Speedway. Be sure to bring the family, friends, or whatever the case may be to the best dirt track racing in the south at Friendship Motor Speedway in Elkin, North Carolina.

(Article written on July 4th, 2008 by Corey M. Hensley)