Martin Masters East Bay

TAMPA, FL. 1/30/09…..(QUICK STORY & STATS – Full story to follow shortly)

“It was a last minute thing. I brought the car I ran last year with the same tires on it,” confessed Danny Martin, Jr. in his victory lane interview with Scott McAllister after collecting $l,500 for the kick-off race to the 33rd Anniversary Winternationals at East Bay Raceway Park.

The 11th Annual King of 360’s got underway Friday night with a strong field of 47 cars on hand for the event sanctioned, for the first time, by the ASCS Rebel Region. The first night of the scheduled three-day show was lost to heavy rains that dumped two inches on the Tampa track in 24 hours.

Martin led all 25 laps from his pole position, despite serious challenges in the last 10 laps from Gary Wright who finished second. Gene Lasker had a great run from eighth starting position, utilizing the high groove, to finish a solid third. Tony Bruce, Jr. ranked fourth ahead of 14th place starter Travis Rilat who came all the way up to fifth.

A pill draw determined the lineups for five eight-lap heat races which were won by Tyler Godwin, Jason Sides, R.J. Johnson, Lou Kennedy and Jesse Hockett.

Passing points were awarded and the top 12 in points after heats were locked into the A-Main with the top eight redrawing for positions. Four B-Mains each qualified two more for the feature to make a 20-car field.

Saturday’s 40-lap 8th Ronald Laney Memorial feature will determine who will wear the “King’s” crown and earn $10,000 plus a $2,500 bonus from Ronald’s father Marcus, for a total of $12,500.

Jean Lynch for East Bay Raceway Park