Manzanita Speedway
Parker fends off Kirby for Manzanita victory
By M.J. Anderson
DirtonDirt.com correspondentPHOENIX, Ariz. (Sept. 13) — Lonnie Parker Jr. of El Mirage, Ariz., fought off challenges from Mike Kirby of Torrance, Calif., for a 25-lap Southwest DIRTcar Late Model Series victory on the half-mile oval at Manzanita Speedway. Parker, who started outside the front row and led every lap, earned $2,000 for his second series victory of the season.
Kirby, making a rare series started, started third and chased Parker throughout the race in settling for second. Brad Williams of Tucson, Ariz., rallying from his 11th starting spot, was third followed by Tucson's Mark Fowler and Tommy Hussak III of Picacho, Ariz. Polesitter Mike Tahtinen dropped out with a 10th-place finish after engine problems stuck on lap 20.
SWDLMS @ Manzanita: (1) Lonnie Parker Jr., (2) Mike Kirby, (3) Brad Williams, (4) Mark Fowler, (5) Tommy Hussak III, (6) Jerry Fincher, (7) Mike Brigner, (8) Keith James, (9) Wes Hall, (10) Mike Tahtinen, (11) Keith McKinney, (12) Andy Rudy, (13) John Romero, (14) Keith Noyes, (15) Joey Moriarty, (16) Art Lacy. Scratched: John Crow. Heat race winners (among 17 cars): Kirby, Parker.