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Photos by Davy Thomas
Despite mechanical issue, Stephen Allard re-takes Chico point lead
By Gary Thomas
Chico, CA - August 6, 2007... Chico’s Stephen Allard was on his way to another solid finish when hopes were dashed by mechanical issues that put him out of contention during the feature. Despite that however, he was able to re-claim the Silver Dollar Speedway point lead and not lose to many points to his closest rival Sean Becker.
Something positive to take away from the night is that the performance level for Stephen and the team remained very high as SA was as fast as anybody during the evening. To begin Miller’s Glass night at the races he turned his first fast time of the season with a lap of 13.042 aboard the Johnny’s Lock & Safe, Miller’s Glass, Platinum Powder Coating, Chico Bail Bonds No. 1m.
A fourth place finish in the opening heat race set Stephen up for the main event where he pulled the number eight pill for the inversion. An extremely fast race surface meant that Stephen would have to get up on the wheel if he wanted to move forward. The 34 year-old driver did just that as he abused the cushion on the 1/4 mile bullring and was marching his way towards the front when he slowed to a stop in turn two with mechanical issues. The problem was too severe to continue and he retired from the race. It was a tough break as Stephen had just made a pass and was solidly in the top five with 12 laps still remaining in the race.
A bit of luck shined on Stephen and 1m Racing though as Sean Becker had a tough night and wasn’t able to capitalize too much on the dnf. Stephen will go into this Friday’s point race at Silver Dollar Speedway with a 41 point lead over Becker. The event on Friday will be the start of three to go before the track champion is crowned at the end of the month.
For all the latest news and updates on Stephen Allard and 1m Racing log onto http://www.stephenallard.com
www.sprintcarchallengetour.com
www.placervillespeedway.com
www.stocktondirttrack.com
www.thunderbowlraceway.com
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