Talladega Short Track
Weaver rallies from 12th to win Parker Memorial
By Chris Tilley
Southern All Stars
Randy Weaver (116) overtakes William Thomas (22) at Talladega. (Brian McLeod)
EASTABOGA, Ala. (June 23) — If there was any doubt if Randy Weaver of Crossville, Tenn., is eyeing his third Southern All Star Dirt Racing Series championship, he appeared to answer it Saturday night at Talladega Short Track.
The 42-year-old Weaver stormed from his 12th starting spot in the inaugural B.J. Parker Memorial for a victory worth $4,700, expanding his points lead with his third series victory in his last four starts. | Slideshow
Jason Heitt of Oxford, Ala., finished second at the third-mile oval with polesitter William Thomas of Phenix City, Ala., who led the first 30 laps, settling for third. Jake Knowles of Tyrone, Ga., came from 15th to finish fourth and Tim Busha of Boaz, Ala., who went to the tail after a lap-eight restart for his part in a tangle with Thomas, rallied to finish fifth.
Four cautions slowed the action, the first on lap-eight for a slowing Matt Dooley, and again on the restart for the Thomas-Busha collision when officials reinstated Thomas as the leader. Adam Martin spun on lap 36 for a yellow and his father Ross Martin had a flat tire on lap 44 for the fourth and final yellow flag.
Notes: Weaver’s GRT Race Car is powered by a Cornett Racing Engine and sponsored by Outlaw Race Parts. ... Weaver earned $3,500 from the winner’s purse and a $1,200 bonus for leading lap 42. ... The race honored the Southern All Star founder, who died in April 2011. ... Parker’s widow Gail was among those in victory lane with Weaver. ... The feature lasted just over a half-hour. ... Drivers failing to make the feature lineup: Todd Watson, Chad Wallace, Bo Shirley, Chris Thomas, Richie Stephens, Skip Freeman, Earl Smith and Stacy Holmes, who scratched from his consolation race. ... Next up for the Southern All Stars is the $3,500-to-win Stars and Stripes 40 at Cleveland (Tenn.) Speedway.
B.J. Parker Memorial: (1) Randy Weaver, (2) Jason Heitt, (3) William Thomas, (4) Jake Knowles, (5) Tim Busha, (6) Dingus Griffin, (7) Terry Smith, (8) Chris Mullinax, (9) Todd Morrow, (10) Tim Roszell, (11) Joe Armistead Jr., (12) Doug King, (13) Mike Weeks, (14) Shan Smith, (15) Scott Knowles, (16) Tony Knowles, (17) Ross Martin, (18) Adam Martin, (19) Buddy George, (20) Douglas Stewart, (21) Chad Winkles, (22) Matt Dooley, (23) Chris Jones, (24) Dylan Ames. Fast qualifier (among 32 cars): Thomas, 13.085 seconds. Consolation race winners: King, Weaver.
