The New Putnam

The new Putnam Speedway...

A
new day and age dawned at the all new Putnam Speedway yesterday. New
owners Bob and Ingird McClellan (hope I got the last name right) made
they're debut as track entrepreneurs. With clear skies and cold, windy
conditions 30 thunder stocks and 11 open wheel modifieds made they're
way to the track for some action under the sun. Drivers came from all
over the state of florida and from as far away as kentucky. Fans from
near and far attened the event with an open mind and a need for racing
and all the sights and sounds that go along with it. Heavy rains had
plauged the area for a few days prior to saturdays racing which left the
track in dire straits due to the new clay surface that had been put
down. The track was very heavy and loose but never the less the drivers
made the best of it and took the track for a shot at the 2500.00 dollar
pay day that awaited the winner. The thunder stocks were greeted with
cheers and YEE HAWS from the fans as they took to the track for 3 heat
races. The top 2 from each heat advanced to a 5 lap dash for cash which
awarded the winner 100 dollars for besting the 6 car field. That $100.00
prize was picked up by Archer, Fl resident Kevin Durden who was pretty
much in command of the event from green to checker. Then it was on
the the open wheel modified division for a 35 lap $1000.00 pay day to
the victor for this event.Paul Sizemore jr. look to be a sure winner in
the race but while trying to negotiate lapped traffic Silver Spring, Fl
driver Jeff Bagent made use of a lap car and drove by Sizemore to take
the lead with about 15 laps remaining in the event. Sizemore seemed
poised and ready to take the lead back from Bagent but an engine failure
retired him for the day. Despite a valiant effort from Jacksonville,Fl
wheel man David Crews jr. Jeff Bagent went on to pick up the win and
all the accolades of the day. A very happy man exited the car in victory
lane and thanked all the fans for coming out and supporting the track
and, thanked new owners Bob and Ingrid for taking a chance on the
track.Then it was time for the big dance to take place, 30 drivers
poised and ready to take the green. Among the drivers was a notable
nascar competitor, K&N Seriers driver Micheal Cherry was in the
field driving an all grey camaro number 34. Up on the front row it was
to be a stellar duel of drivers. The pole position featured dash for
cash winner Kevin Durden and veteran dirt track ace Randy Strehle from
Deland, Fl leading the field to the green.