Johnny Clark Conquers White Mountain
Naples, ME — Johnny Clark charged from deep in the field and made his way past race leader Richie Dearborn on lap 111 to capture the win in Saturday night’s Pro All Stars Series 150 at North Woodstock New Hampshire’s White Mountain Motorsports Park. The defending series champion started the event in 17th and did a masterful job of working his way to the front without much help from the caution flag. It was Clark’s first ever win at White Mountain, a track that he has tried to conquer for twelve seasons.
Louie Mechalides made a successful return to PASS with a second place run and early leader Trevor Sanborn had to settle for third. Mike and Ben Rowe were fourth and fifth respectively.
It looked like series veteran Richie Dearborn might pick up where he left off last fall at White Mountain, the site of his last PASS victory. Dearborn snatched the lead from pole sitter Randy Turner on lap two and looked comfortable out in front for over fifty laps until Trevor Sanborn charged to the lead. Sanborn led at the half way mark with Dearborn in close pursuit, but Johnny Clark was already lurking in third after a hard charge up the outside to get in contention. Mechalides was riding in fourth with Ben Rowe fifth.
Dearborn reclaimed the lead from Sanborn on lap ninety after a little short track bump and run, and looked like he would build a lead once again. The races’ second caution at lap 110 would prove to be the deciding factor; Clark was up to second and it was clear that the front row was about to battle for the win. When the green flew Clark held a slight advantage over Dearborn and the pair got together in turn three on the next lap. Both drivers recovered but the contact led to an apparent flat tire for Dearborn, and his chance for victory was spoiled. After losing a lap Dearborn took his mount to the pits on lap 120.
Clark was in command to the checkers, leading Mechalides across the line with a one second advantage to record his first win of 2010, his first ever at White Mountain, and his 20th visit to PASS North victory lane.
Two cautions slowed the race, which took just thirty nine minutes to complete. Thirteen cars completed all 150 laps. Thirty four cars attempted to qualify for the twenty eight car field. Heat race winners were Randy Turner, Mike Rowe and Richie Dearborn. Derek Ramstrom and Cassius Clark won the last chance qualifiers.
PASS North is off to Frederickton New Brunswick Canada for 200 laps at Speedway 660.on June 12th. Visit the track on line at www.speedway660.com .
The PASS South super late models will tackle Concord (NC) Speedway on Saturday May 29. Admission to this Charlotte Speedweek event is free; the only charge is $10.00 per car for parking, but you must have a ticket for free admission.
Unofficial Finish – WMMP – 5/22/10
1 – 54 – Johnny Clark – 150
2 – 80 – Louis Mechalides – 150
3 – 44 – Trevor Sanborn -150
4 – 2 – Mike Rowe – 150
5 – 48 – Ben Rowe – 150
6 – 8 – Cassius Clark – 150
7 – 47 – Kelley Moore – 150
8 – 20 – Steve Legendre – 150
9 – 73 – Joey Doiron – 150
10 – 77 – Scott Chubbuck – 150
11 – 17a – Scott Alexander – 150
12 – 22r – Aaron Ricker – 150
13 – 75 – Gary Smith – 150
14 – 85 – Nick Ribbe – 149
15 – 10 – Scott Dragon – 149
16 – 71 – Gary Drew – 149
17 – 17 – Travis Benjamin – 149
18 – 7 – Donnie Whitten – 149
19 – 55 – Brad Leighton – 149
20 – 35 – Derek Ramstrom – 149
21 – 12 – Austin Theriault – 148
22 – 09 – Jeremy Davis – 148
23 – 33 – Richie Dearborn – 130
24 – 98 – Adam Bates – 116
25 – 14m – Matt Frahm – 108
26 – 21 – Dustin Hubbard – 101
27 – 1 – Randy Turner – 81
28 – 27qc – Alex Gingras – 59
Sources: PASS North PR