It was Jimmy Shampine night last Saturday here at the Oswego Speedway. The multi-time point champion and Classic winner looked about the best he has in several years as he completely dominated over a star-studded field of supermodifieds. Jim took first in both the annual invitational 25 lapper, as well as the regular 45 lap feature go. Jim picked up over $2,200 for his night's work.
The first race of the evening was the long awaited 25 lap invitational for the top 18 point men in Oswego. Shampine and Steve Gioia both shared the front row starting berths at the start of the race. It was Gioia into the first turn ahead of Shampine taking the early lead. Steve was running mighty smooth and looked to have everything well in hand. Shampine stayed right there not letting Gioia gain any ground whatsoever. On came Eddie Bellinger with his 02 and he joined the race for first.
On lap 17, Shampine powered right on by Gioia going down the backstretch and into the third turn. The two cars ran side by side with the 8ball pulling ahead while charging down the front chute. While in front Shampine continued his quick pace and opened a small advantage to the finish over Gioia and Bellinger.
It was Jimmy Shampine the winner (his first invitational win ever) with the 8 ball. Jim pocketed $700 for the win. Steve Gioia grabbed second spot with the number 9, while Eddie Bellinger placed his 02 into a good third place finish. Rounding out the top five were Kempton Dates in the 28 who just beat out Chargin Charlie Ciprich in the 36.
The balance of the 25 lap Invitational had the following finish: Denny Wheeler 96, Warren Coniam 52, Dick Batchelder 21, Jim Cheney 04, Bob Stelter 99, Norm Mackereth 5, Jim Thompson 18, Joe Paeno 06, Ron Graves 38, Ron Wallace 76, Mike Rizzo 37, Brian Herb 11, Jerry Buskey 68.
The 45 lap feature saw a hungry pack of 24 cars take the green flag. Eddie Thompson held the early lead in the 45 lap per with Dick Batchelder running the best so far this year in moving in to challenge. On came Norm Mackereth with the Flyin' 5 and he was running much better as well. Batchelder and Mackereth took over the front two positions. But not far behind came a strong running pack of machines consisting of Jim Cheney 04, Steve Gioia 9, Warren Coniam 52, and Jim Shampine's 8 ball. They all worked by Mackereth who began falling off the pace with tire problems. Cheney moved in quickly to challenge Batchelder. The tight pack followed close behind.
The leaders came up on a pack of eight slower cars and the real battle was on. In and out of traffic went the top seven running cars with Batchelder, Cheney, Coniam, Gioia, Shampine, Ciprich, and Mackereth all looking for the short way around. They were running so tight something had to happen - and it did as in the very heat of battle - the top two running cars Batchelder and Cheney locked wheels going into turn one. Cheney spun the 04 around and was narrowly missed by everyone.
On the restart, Shampine made his move to the outside and went right on by everyone on a well-planned maneuver. He took advantage of the situation and went on to another big feature win. Shampine had built up a good lead with his famed 8 ball and left Batchelder back to fight off the rest. Dick managed to hold on to second right up to lap 43 when Coniam slipped past to grab that position. It was the 52 of Coniam second, and the 21 of Batchelder third. Steve Gioia was fourth in the 9 while Chargin Charlie Ciprich took fifth in the 36.
The balance of the field included: Bob Stelter 99, Gary Allbritain 28, Ed Bellinger 02, Jim Cheney 04, Norm Mackereth 5, Jim Thompson 18, Denny Wheeler 96, Joe Paeno 06, Rick Batters 20, Russ Gray 27, Rex Kenney 15, Jamie Moore 44, Nolan Swift 10, Darl Harrison 98, Ron Matteson 80, Tommy Leeson 97, Ed Thompson 91, Ron Graves 38, Jim Muldoon 37.