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Poll Position: Clanton, Brindle enter rankings
May 31, 2011, 7:04 am
Welcome to one of the newest DirtonDirt.com features, Poll Position, as DirtonDirt.com staffers Michael Rigsby, Todd Turner and Joshua Joiner rank the nation's top 25 Dirt Late Model racers by consensus. Future rankings will appear every Tuesday at DirtonDirt.com.
1. Scott Bloomquist, Mooresburg, Tenn.
- Comment: Last-lap charge at Show-Me falls short, but never worse than second in sixth straight Lucas Oil events. Series points: First (Lucas Oil). Last week's ranking: 1st (nc)
2. Jimmy Owens, Newport, Tenn.
- Comment: Clicks off another crown jewel with never-say-die Show-Me victory. Series points: Second (Lucas Oil). Last week's ranking: 4th (+2)
3. Darrell Lanigan, Union, Ky.
- Comment: Picks up home-track victory at Florence with last-lap pass. Series points: Third (World of Outlaws). Last week's ranking: 3rd (nc)
4. Billy Moyer, Batesville, Ark.
- Comment: Three-time Show-Me winner fails to make main event. Series points: None. Last week's ranking: 4th (-2)
5. Steve Shaver, Vienna, W.Va.
- Comment: Part-time Rumley Enterprises team finding full-time success. Series points: None. Last week's ranking: 5th (nc)
6. Rick Eckert, York, Pa.
- Comment: Rallies from tail to eighth at Hagerstown in lone weekend start. Series points: First (World of Outlaws). Last week's ranking: 6th (nc)
7. Don O'Neal, Martinsville, Ind.
- Comment: Led most laps at Show-Me for second straight year without a victory. Series points: Third (Lucas Oil). Last week's ranking: 7th (+1)
8. Brian Birkhofer, Muscatine, Iowa
- Comment: Couldn't quite get to the front at Show-Me. Series points: None. Last week's ranking: 8th (+2)
9. Josh Richards, Shinnston, W.Va.
- Comment: Flat tire robs him chance to victory in Eldora tuneup. Series points: Second (World of Outlaws). Last week's ranking: 9th (-2)
10. Jonathan Davenport, Blairsville, Ga.
- Comment: Spotty at big races, salvages weekend with victory at Tri-County. Series points: Fourth (Ultimate). Last week's ranking: 9th (-1)
11. Chris Madden, Gray Court, S.C.
- Comment: Sits out Memorial Day weekend action. Series points: Seventh (Ultimate). Last week's ranking: 11th (nc)
12. Ronnie Johnson, Chattanooga, Tenn.
- Comment: Clicks off another SRRS victory at Boyd's. Series points: Third (SRRS). Last week's ranking: 12th (nc)
13. Jason Feger, Bloomington, Ill.
- Comment: Impressive charge with $10,000 Tri-City victory. Series points: None. Last week's ranking: 13th (+9)
14. Steve Francis, Ashland, Ky.
- Comment: Still getting new MasterSbilt under him. Series points: Fourth (Lucas Oil). Last week's ranking: 16th (+2)
15. Shane Clanton, Fayettteville, Ga.
- Comment: Up-and-down season back up with Magnolia victory. Series points: Eighth (World of Outlaws). Last week's ranking: Not ranked
16. Shannon Babb, Moweaqua, Ill.
- Comment: Consolation wreck ends chances of making Show-Me. Series points: None. Last week's ranking: 15th (-1)
17. Tim McCreadie, Watertown, N.Y.
- Comment: Didn't put Victory Circle into Show-Me 100. Series points: Fifth (World of Outlaws). Last week's ranking: 14th (-3)
18. Earl Pearson Jr., Jacksonville, Fla.
- Comment: Twice a winner at Wheatland but no factor this time. Series points: Sixth (Lucas Oil). Last week's ranking: 17th (-1)
19. Eddie Carrier Jr., Salt Rock, W.Va.
- Comment: Fails to make feature in first visit to Wheatland. Series points: First (O'Reilly All Stars). Last week's ranking: 19th (-1)
20. Chip Brindle, Chatsworth, Ga.
- Comment: Steady season gets better with solid showings at Show-Me, Magnolia. Series points: Second (Ultimate). Last week's ranking: Not ranked
21. Billy Moyer Jr., Batesville, Ark.
- Comment: Not a factor at Show-Me or Tri-City. Series points: First (CCSDS). Last week's ranking: 21st (nc)
22. Bub McCool, Vicksburg, Miss.
- Comment: Still looking to regain early-season success. Series points: 10th (Lucas Oil). Last week's ranking: 20th (-2)
23. Jesse Stovall, Galena, Mo.
- Comment: Ends up taking provisional at Show-Me; not a factor. Series points: Third (MARS). Last week's ranking: 23rd (nc)
24. Al Purkey, Coffeyville, Kan.
- Comment: Disappointing at Show-Me but 16th-to-third charge at I-80. Series points: First (MLRA). Last week's ranking: 19th (-5)
25. Klint Byars, Carrollton, Miss.
- Comment: Best career weekend with victories at Hattiesburg (MSCCS) and Whynot (SAS). Series points: First (MSCCS). Last week's ranking: Not ranked
OUTSIDE LOOKING IN: Morgan Bagley, Brad Looney, Jimmy Mars.
