MichiganCircleTrack.com is the online home of the MARC Times Racing News & Michigan Racing Scene and MARCTimesTV.

Owosso Speedway opened its gates to the track's 68th season Saturday night May 2, 2008. The Big O had beautiful sunshine, a full field of cars and lots of fans in the grandstand. You couldn't ask for more on this early spring day.

The group of four promoters at Fast Track Promotions, Rick and Jennie Miracle and Jeff and Pam Parish, were all happy this day had finally come. Jeff Parish stated “We are very encouraged by having the who's who of Owosso Speedway here." 

First to have problems was the No. 17 pro late model of Russ Cords with engine trouble. One of the youngest drivers, 12 year old Eric Jones had some timing issues and the No. 22 Pro Stock car driven by Don Riley had some traction and steering issues but was able to fix them and continue on with the night.

John Forsythe III had lost the engine in his Pro Stock the night before working on it in his garage. John was able to borrow a Pure Stock car to make some laps so he wouldn't be too far behind in the points.

A lot of attention was given to another young driver "Mad" Max Thompson.  At the age of 13, he has moved up this year from the pure stock division to the Pro Stock division. However this is no rookie. Mad Max has been driving for more than six years. He started out in the ¼ midgets until moving into the full body cars last year.

Both Leo Smith driving the No. 1B pro stock and Tony Basalone driving the No. 69 pro stock had front end issues early in the night but both were able to get them fixed and continue on with the race.

Talking early with Jerome (J.T.) Leach driver No. 96 Sport Stock and Garry Sanfilippo driver of  No. 7 Sport Stock I found they were both excited to get the season going at Owosso Speedway. Garry went on to finish second in the feature while J.T.’s night would end on a different note.

The first feature for the evening would see the Pro Late Models. The No. 00 of Mark Welch took the early lead and never let up. The battle for second between the No. 29 of 2008 track champion Dave Bigos and the No. 112 of Ed Young Jr. was tight to the finish with the No. 29 claiming second place and No. 112 ending up third. Mark Welch said from victory lane "It felt good out there. The front fenders were good, so we checked it out a few days ago and put some new tires on it. That's all we did and came out and won this thing.” 

The Pro Stocks were next to come out with the victory going to the No. 55 of Robby Johnston with the No. 01 of Jack Koone Jr. second and the No. 1B of Leo Smith finishing third.

Said Johnston of his win, “This feels great! It's a brand new car and to take it to victory lane the first night out is wonderful. It was a little tight but I am not complaining!” 

In the Pure Stock division fast qualifier Jimmy Straton in the No. 64 tried to beat the No. 17 Jeff Cummings filling in for the 2008 Champion Kevin Atkins, but it would be Cummings taking the win Straton in second and the No. 09 of Ricky Moore in third. Said Jeff Cummings, “This is good. I want to thank Kevin for letting me drive tonight."  Jeff will sub for Kevin Atkins a few races this year so Kevin will be able to take a well deserved vacation. 

Unfortunately, the Sport Stocks suffered the most carnage of the night with the No. 96 Jerome (J.T.) Leach and the No. 07 of Mathew (Rooster) Vainer ending their night early and with torn up race cars. Jerome stated “We've got another car in the shop if we can't get this one fixed, but we'll have to work long hours this week so we can be back at the track next weekend.”

Victory in the Sport Stocks would go to first time feature winner Marq Eaton No 12. Marq said of his win “It was exciting working my way through traffic to get the lead. The back tires wouldn't hook up and the car was loose." Marq also set fast time and won his heat race. 

“The night was fantastic ... Awesome!  It just doesn't get better than this.” said Rick Miracle. 

Next weekend at Owosso Speedway is MARFC Graduation night May 9th! Honoring High

School and College Graduates and Opening night part 2 with the Modifieds, Pro Stocks, Pure Stocks and Sport Stocks. Gates open at 4pm racing at 7pm. Adults $12 Seniors $10 Students $8 and children 8 and under FREE. 

Also coming in May: Civil Servant Night (Police, Fire, EMT) May 16, and Bike night May 30th. 

Pro Late Models

1. 00 Mark Welch

2. 29 Dave Bigos

3. 112 Ed Young, Jr.

4. B1 Leo Smith

5. 58 Mark Pettit 

Pro Stocks

1. 55 Robby Johnston

2. 01 Jack Koone, Jr.

3. B1 Leo Smith

4. 10 Tom Stone

5. 22 Don Riley 

Pure Stocks

1. 17 Jeff Cummings

2. 64 Jimmy Straton

3. 09 Ricky Moore

4. 1 Pat Standley

5. 89 Bob Kern 

Sport Stocks

1. 12 Marq Eaton

2. 7 Gary Sanfilippo

3. 62 Shaun Conner

4. 80 Bill McBride

5. 55 Mark Lawless