By Chad Buford
California, MO(June 9th, 2012)-On a special Saturday night for racing at Double X Speedway instead of their usual Sunday, there would be two repeat winners and two first-time winners.
In the Xxtreme Glass 360 winged sprint cars, Jonathan Cornell of Sedalia made it two in a row and three wins on the season at Double X. The win was not easy as Cornell spent time battling Lone Jack’s Cody Baker early for second and then chased down race –long leader Tyler Blank, California, on lap ten to take over the lead. Once in front, Cornell would not be headed as he was followed by Blank and a charging Adam Jones of Wright City, who excited the crowd with his rim-riding driving style. Finishing fourth was Baker with Curtis Boyer of New Haven rounding out the top five. Brad Graham of Springfield was sixth with Warrensburg’s Taylor Walton, Faron Crank and T.J. Muths, both of Sedalia and California’s Tyler Elliott rounding out the top ten. Heat races were won by Blank, Cornell, Baker. Only two points separate the top two point leaders: Tyler Blank 544, Jonathan Cornell 542, Gabe Maycock 393, T.J. Muths and Evan Martin are tied at 338.
Wingless Auto Racing (W.A.R) made their second appearance of the season at XX with point leader Austin Alumbaugh of Higginsville picking up his first career non-winged win. Alumbaugh was chased to the checkered by Mitchell Moore of Edgerton KS and Chris Parkinson of Gladstone. Kearney’s John Helm and Josh Stephens of Bucker were fourth and fifth. Higginsville’s Brad Ryun was sixth as he was followed by Taylor Walton, Clinton’s Steven Cross, Lane Stone of Concordia, and Steve Stroud of St. Charles. Taylor Walton and Josh Stephens won the heat races. Double-X does not keep points for the W.A.R. series.
It was a first time win for a 3rd generation racer in the Cooper Racing street stocks as Russellville’s Derek Henson picked up the win in the feature and in his heat race. During the main event Henson was followed by John Clancy Jr. of California. Henley’s Andrew Roark, Tipton’s Tim Cressley, and Eldon’s Keeth Strange rounded out the top five. The second heat was won by Andrew Roark. Point leaders are Derek Henson 417, Keeth Strange 391, John Clancy Jr. 371, Jim Keeran 331, Andrew Roark 294.
Sedalia’s Will Register continued his mastery at XX as he picked up his third win of the season in the hobby stocks. Jeff Buford of Alma was second, followed by the California trio of A.J. Wirts, Rudy Wirts, and Kurtis Pace. Jeff Buford won the heat race. Top five in points are Will Register 469, Rudy Wirts 337, Seth Jacobs 282, Jeff Buford 271, A.J. Wirts 233.
Double X will be back in action on Father’s Day next Sunday night June 17th as the ULMA late models make their first appearance of 2012. Also in action will be the 360 winged sprints, street stocks, and hobby stocks. Grandstand $12 and pit passes $25.
Please go to www.xxspeedway.com for schedule information, updated point standings, or any other information you might need.