North Georgia Speedway
R.J. rings up fourth VRS victory at North Georgia
Runner-up Ray Cook (left) congratulates Ronnie Johnson. (mikessportsimages.com)
CHATSWORTH, Ga. (Oct. 23) — Hall of Famer Ronnie Johnson of Chattanooga, Tenn., completed his four-race sweep of Volunteer Racing Series events at North Georgia Speedway, earning $3,000 Saturday for leading the last 25 laps of a 40-lapper on the first-year tour.
Johnson took the lead from Jake Knowles of Tyrone, Ga., on the 16th lap and led the rest of the way, holding off a late challenge from 10th-starting Ray Cook of Brasstown, N.C.
Knowles settled for third ahead of David Payne of Murphy, N.C., and Kevin Gibson of Ringgold, Ga. Mike Weeks of Friendsville, Tenn., who was honored before the event for capturing the series championship, finished ninth in a race slowed by five caution flags.
Notes: Johnson's MasterSbilt Race Car is sponsored by Miller Bros. Coal, Simmon’s Lawn Care and Koontz Plumbing & Construction. ... Johnson had five victories overall on the series. ... Ross White finished second in points and won Cruise with the Champions Rookie of the Year honors. ... Drivers failing to make the feature: Rodney Weeks, Ronnie Payne and Brad Coffey. ... Ray Cook's 10th-to-second run earned him PPM Racing Products Hard Charger honors.
VRS @ North Georgia: (1) Ronnie Johnson, (2) Ray Cook, (3) Jake Knowles, (4) David Payne, (5) Kevin Gibson, (6) Vic Hill, (7) Brandon Kinzer, (8) Derek Ellis, (9) Mike Weeks, (10) Frank Ingram, (11) Tony Knowles, (12) Johnny Chastain, (13) Ross White, (14) Tyler Millwood, (15) Robert Gant, (16) Ray Jarnigan, (17) Aaron Ridley, (18) Riley Hickman, (19) Gary McPherson, (20) Steve Smith, (21) Dan Tipton, (22) Billy Ogle Jr. Fast qualifier (among 25 cars): Hill, 13.383 seconds. Heat race winners: J. Knowles, Smith, Gibson. Consolation winner: T. Knowles. Provisional starters: Jarnigan, Ridley.
