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7.5.08:
Philpott takes
overall win, Hodges highest finishing Westcar driver at Altamont
Steven Blakesley
/ Westcar Late Model Series
 Tracy,
Calif.
– Justin Philpott of Tracy, CA claimed the overall win in the NASCAR
Whelen All-American Series Western Late Model 100 at Altamont
Motorsports Park, in the second round of the Tri-Holiday Classic
Series. Bobby Hodges of Carson City, NV led Westcar competitors to
finish second.
Philpott’s win in
the Western Late Models came after a late race restart with five
laps remaining. Due to a prolonged caution period on the opening lap
of the event, the 100 lap feature was shortened to 50.
The race staged
was an exciting duel, however, with Philpott emerging from the car
physically exhausted.
18 year-old Bobby
Hodges of
Carson City,
NV led the field to green, but racing was quickly halted by a ten
car melee in turn three. Points leaders Jason Gilbert and Guy Guibor
were involved but continued from the rear of the field.
A restart on lap
five saw
Danville’s
Tim Spurgeon assume the lead from Hodges. The lead was short-lived,
as Hodges moved back into the point on lap 11. Spurgeon was then
chased down by a barrage of young guns. 16 year-old Steven Cantrell
took second on lap 14 and Philpott moved into third two laps later.
After a lap 29
restart, Hodges and Cantrell began a torrid battle for the lead
position. Lap traffic became a factor, with Hodges darting in and
out of lap cars quickly to hold off Cantrell.
Cantrell made a
look to the inside in turn three on lap 46, and sent Hodges
spinning. A new regulation at
Altamont allowed Hodges to reassume his lead position while Cantrell was sent
to the rear.
But despite
Hodges earning the lead back, he still had to contend with Philpott.
Coming to the white flag, Philpott made the pass in stunning
fashion.
Philpott held on
for the close victory over Hodges, with Spurgeon, 2007 Rookie of the
Year Doff Cooksey of Brentwood, and Turlock’s Wes Miller the
top-five. Gilbert charged back through the 28 car pack to finish
sixth, with Guibor eighth.
Finishing results for Tri-Holiday Classic #2
Note:
Bolded entries are cars earning Westcar points
1. 05 Justin
Philpott
2. 89 Bobby
Hodges
Nevada
Automotive Test Center Carson City, NV
3. 86 Tim
Spurgeon Speedzorb Danville, CA
4. 57 Doff
Cooksey Ariel Control Brentwood, CA
5. 57m Wes Miller
6. 44 Jason
Gilbert AltamontRacingGear.com Pleasanton, CA
7. 35 Phil Perry
Allen’s Tire Lincoln, CA
8. 61 Guy Guibor
9. 51 Carlos
Vieira
10. 78 Tom Dyer
11. 6 Steven
Cantrell
12. 57x David
Hulsey Groth Bros. Chevrolet Manteca, CA
13. 31 Mark
Squadrito
14. 5 Brian Koski
Groth Bros. Chevrolet Pleasanton, CA
15. 4 Brandon
Trevethan
16. 3 Ron Robeck
Robeck’s Welding San Jose, CA
17. 4x Andrew
Livengood West Construction Richmond, CA
18. 15 James
Weston Auto Pro Racing Engines Goleta, CA
19. 9 Lisa
Riordan
Silicon Valley Express Scotts Valley, CA
20. 3x Chet
Danburg
Carson City,
NV
21. 35 Greg Hock
22. 14x Tony
D’Allesandro
23. 21 Greg Potts
Fairway Financial Manteca, CA
24. 50 Zack
Huffman
25. 73 Ken
Benhamou SAS German Auto San Ramon, CA
26. 28 Johnny
Morrissey RenoHiFi.com Tahoe City, CA
27. 11 Ryan
Thomasen Pete’s Gear Shop Castro Valley, CA
28. 12 Eric
Nascimento Fairway Financial Manteca, CA
DNS: 0 Mikey
Philpott, 14 Gary Franks |
