5 WEEKEND AFTER-THOUGHTS: Power Outages, Pontoons, & Big Paydays

(Jeremey Rhoades photo)

1. Finally blessed with another nice weekend, local tracks Oakshade and Waynesfield both got to swing open their gates.  From what I've heard, Oakshade's Late Model feature was a dandy with Ryan Missler narrowly edging out Brian Ruhlman at the finish line.  Waynesfield, unfortunately, fell victim to a power outage just as the green flag waved on the first A-Main.

2.  One story you probably missed this weekend was the fact that Eldora Stock racer Paul Pardo had to pull the motor out of his car after last week's race.  His replacement engine? The motor out of his pontoon jet.  Pardo wheeled the fresh power plant to a heat race victory and and second place A-Main finish Saturday night at the Big E.

3.  In a weekend full of drivers with excellent finishes, perhaps no two-day run was stronger than Jon Henry's.  "The Steel Driver" captured two wins and a second place finish in a 24-hour span by wheeling the Dean Miracle-owned 23J to a win Saturday night at Eldora, which was preceded by a win and a runner-up finish the night before in Limaland's UMP Modified "Double Down" show.  Speaking of solid UMP Modified runs, Joey Kramer picked up back-to-back wins at Southern Ohio Speedway this weekend.

4.  Anybody remember when I said Doug Drown would get himself a big payday this year?  Okay, actually what I said was that Drown would get a national touring series win this year.  But, Saturday's $12,000 victory in the Southern 100 is just as good with several national stars, regional hotshoes, and local warriors in the house.  Kudos to him on the big win.

5.  Last but not least, get well wishes go out to Barry Doss.  The veteran southwest Ohio driver suffered a heart attacked in the pits at Moler Friday night and is currently in a medically-induced coma.  Thoughts and prayers here...