Cherokee Speedway
Pursley tops Roberts, takes SAS East point lead
Johnny Pursley heads for victory. (George "Big Mack" Missita)
GAFFNEY, S.C. (Aug. 21) — Winning a battle of drivers who entered the event tied for the series points lead, Johnny Pursley of Clover, S.C., overtook Casey Roberts of Toccoa, Ga., on Saturday at Cherokee Speedway for a victory on the Southern All Star East circuit. Pursley earned $4,000 for his 40-lap triumph in the Rock Gault Memorial, a race honoring the memory of a former Cherokee owner and promoter. | Slideshow
Roberts, the reigning and three-time series champion, settled for second while Ohio invader Jim Rasey finished third at the 4/10-mile Upstate oval in an event postponed a week by rain.
Pursley's only previous series victory came at Cherokee on April 17 in the 2010 season opener.
Next up for Southern All Star East competitors is a doubleheader Labor Day weekend. Harris (N.C.) Motor Speedway hosts the tour with a $4,000-to-win event on Sept. 4 and the series returns to Cherokee on Sept. 5 for the $10,000-to-win Hall of Fame race.
Rock Gault Memorial: (1) Johnny Pursley, (2) Casey Roberts, (3) Jim Rasey, (4) Ross Bailes, (5) Brent Dixon, (6) Chris Ferguson, (7) Zack Mitchell, (8) Furman Parton, (9) Randy Adams, (10) Mike Fault, (11) John Pursley, (12) Keith Freeman, (13) Travis Leake. Fast qualifier (among 13 cars): Ross Bailes.
