Heveron Wins Thrilling Speedway Scene Feature

Lady Luck has not smiled on Ed Bellinger, Jr. during the majority of the 1981 season, but last Saturday on Speedway Scene Night it appeared it was going to be his turn to enjoy the fruits of victory.

Lap after lap he held off the challenges of multi-feature winner Doug Heveron. However, on lap 33 the leaders attempted to lap Joe Hawksby. The 22 slipped high just a bit coming out of turn two and Heveron took the low groove. Bellinger was caught up high momentarily, but it was enough time for the Young One to gain the lead.

Three laps later the right rear of the 02 gave out and Ed spun. He tried to restart, but the tire refused to let him and shredded itself in turn two. The fans displayed their appreciation for the great drive as they stood to give Ed Bellinger a sincere round of applause for his outstanding effort.

When the race had ended it was Doug Heveron in victory lane while Steve Gioia, Jr. had successfully held off every challenge the returning Chuck Ciprich could throw at him.

Following Doug Heveron, Steve Gioia, and Chuck Ciprich were Larry Record, Joe Gosek, Ray Sand, Gary Kelly, Dean Hoag, John Torrese, Jr. and Joe Hawksby for top ten positions. Filling the remainder of the field were Tom Johnson, Paul Castiglia, Brian Herb, Mike Rizzo, Hal LaTulip, Jim Muldoon, Jamie Moore, Terry Johnson, Jim Gray, Steve Miller and Don Hass.

In victory lane, Heveron, who also picked up a guaranteed spot in the Sandusky Nationals by virtue of the win, gave credit to his main challenger. He said, "Ed gave us a tough time tonight. I guess I was just patient enough. It feels great to win the Sandusky qualifier and I would really like to win the rest of 'em."

It was a tough night for some as the feature was slowed for six spins or disabled cars. Jamie Moore dropped out in the early going of the main while Rizzo went out in a puff of smoke when the power steering line decided it was time to leave. Mike did a masterful job of keeping the car off the wall. Herb was running in the top six when he exited in the late going.

Out of action with various problems were defending track champ Warren Coniam, who apparently suffered from motor problems, Mike Reuter, Doug Syer, Don Rammage and Tom Leeson (driving Steve Radley's 97).

Tonight is a 75 lap championship and many of the absent drivers will be back for what could be one of the top fields of the year.

It will be Northern Janitor Service Night and Doug Heveron will be looking for feature win number nine. Tomorrow will be B.R. DeWitt Night when the modifieds invade for a Sunday evening program on the last doubleheader before the Bud 200 and International Classic Weekend.