THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 5, 1995 TAG: 9505050706
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK VEHORN, STAFF WRITER
LENGTH: Medium: 70 lines
Late Model Stock driver Buddy Dozier wasn't thinking about making a run for the championship when the season began at Langley Speedway last month. The veteran driver from Virginia Beach really was thinking about an easy summer during which he would take occasional weekends off from the track to enjoy a few other hobbies.
``But look what's happened,'' a smiling Dozier said. ``Here I am caught up in the championship points race.''
After five weeks and six races, Dozier is second in the standings, trailing five-time winner Phil Warren of Norfolk by 37 points.
``The car really has been running good, and I am having more fun than I've had in racing for a long time,'' Dozier said. ``As long as things stay the way they are, I'll stay in the (title) chase.''
Mike Buffkin, the only driver in the division with a victory other than Warren, says he hasn't decided if he will go for the title or not. Buffkin is third in the standings, only two points behind Dozier.
He has won championships at Dixieland Speedway, Virginia Raceway, and South Boston.
``Langley is the only track I've run this season so far,'' Buffkin said after finishing second to Warren last week. ``But I haven't decided what I am going to do the rest of the year.''
Late Model Stock rookie Charlie Bryant Jr., is fourth in the standings, 69 points behind Warren, who is seeking his second straight championship.
Late Model drivers will compete in a 100-lap feature Saturday night at the Hampton track.
Don Beverley's Busch Grand National hauler and race car also will be at the track and open for fans to view. Time trials begin at 5 p.m., and racing at 7.
AT SOUTHAMPTON: Hobby Stock driver Irvin Stephens, Jr., of Franklin will be in the spotlight Saturday night when he tries for the second time this year to tie the division record for most consecutive victories. Stuart Slagle of Emporia set the record in 1993 with four straight wins.
Stephens has five overall wins this season.
The 3/8-mile dirt track near Capron last week observed its 5,000th mile of competition midway through the 40-lap Late Model Sportsman feature. Since the track opened on March 29, 1992, 13,354 laps have been run.
Late Model Sportsman, Sportsman, Limited Stock, Mini Stock, Hobby Stock, and Enduro races are scheduled for Saturday. Time trials begin at 5:45 p.m., followed by qualifying heat races at 7.
AT DIXIELAND: Bobby Webb won his first feature of the season in the Budweiser All-Stars division last week, finishing ahead of James Bray, David Pearce, and J.D. Sanders.
Todd Smith of Edenton won for the third straight week in the Bombers division. A $100 bounty will be placed on Smith in tonight's races.
Other winners last week included Mini Stocker Buzzy Williamson, B-Bomber Mike Sullivan, and motorcyclist Mike Hacker,
Tonight's races begin at 8 p.m. Gates will open at 5. Kids will be invited to ride around the track in race cars before the competition begins.
OTHER TRACKS: ProStar Motorcycle drag racing highlights the weekend at Virginia Motorsports Park. Gates open at 10 a.m. today, Saturday, and Sunday. Competition also is scheduled in regular events. Jerry Loan leads the Super Pro points and Chris Smyer top the Pro standings.
Virginia Raceway near Saluda will host 140 laps of racing, beginning at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Events include Unlimited Late Models, Mini Stocks, Street Stock, and a pair of Enduro features.
East Carolina Motor Speedway in Robersonville, N.C., has scheduled five events, topped by a 75-lap Late Model Stock Car feature. Tommy Cherry of South Mills, N.C., leads the division points standings. by CNB