I-77 Speedway
Franklin capitalizes on Parker's flat tire at I-77
Dennis Franklin in victory lane at I-77. (Gary Laster)
CHESTER, S.C. (May 1) — Inheriting the lead after polesitter Ron Parker's mid-race flat tire, Dennis "Rambo" Franklin led the rest of the way at I-77 Speedway on Saturday for a $2,500 victory on the NDRA Heintz Brothers Performance Road Show.
Parker, of Lawndale, N.C., led 25 laps but saw his chances at a second consecutive NDRA touring victory end when a flat forced him to pit. Franklin led the rest of the way for the victory.
Jeff Cooke of Spartanburg, S.C., who started on the second row with Franklin, finished second while seventh-starting Ross Bailes of Clover, S.C., finished third in front of a near-capacity crowd.
Notes: Jeff Cooke leads the NDRA Road Show points. ... Josh Hartwell won the FK Rod Ends Hard Charger award. ... Round 3 of the Road Show is scheduled for June 4 at Cleveland County Speedway in Lawndale, N.C.
American Air 50: (1) Dennis Franklin, (2) Jeff Cooke, (3) Ross Bailes, (4) Zack Mitchell, (5) Brandon Overton, (6) Kent Peckham, (7) Timbo Mangum, (8) Mitchell Coble, (9) Matt Long, (10) Ron Parker, (11) Ronnie Mosley, (12) Josh Harwell, (13) Justin Hobgood, (14) Tyler Harvey, (15) Michael Stone. Fast qualifier (among 15 cars): Cooke.
