Columbus Speedway
Johnson dedicates victory to crew member
By Roby Helm
NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series
Ronnie Johnson earned $2,500. (mikessportsimages.com)
COLUMBUS, Miss. (Feb. 2) — Taking the lead on the second lap, veteran Ronnie Johnson of Chattanooga, Tenn., led the remainder of the 40-lap Crate Late Model portion of Columbus Speedway's Carl Hogan Honda Winter Classic for a $3,000 victory on the NeSmith Chevrolet Late Model Series. Johnson dedicated the victory to crew member John Leatherwood, who suffered an injury earlier in the day and was treated at a nearby hospital before returning with his arm in a sling and a bandaged hand to join the team's victory celebration.
“Running 40 laps in the Super Late Model feature before this race was a big help in learning where the grooves were,” said Johnson, who was only challenged in lapped traffic. “I knew if I could stick to the bottom groove, I could move up from the third starting spot, and that’s pretty much how I got the lead early in the race.” Hometown driver Brian Rickman, the event's fast qualifier with a time that bested the Super Late Model division's fast time, finished seven lengths behind in second. Jason Hiett of Lincoln, Ala., was third followed by 15th-starting Jeff Smith of Rocky Face, Ga., and Chris Tays of Corinth, Miss. Polesitter Don Farmer, the fastest of 49 entrants, led the first lap but got out of shape on the third lap to bring out the first of five caution flags.
The series moves next to East Bay Raceway Park near Tampa, Fla., with events Feb. 21-23.
Carl Hogan Honda Winter Classic: (1) Ronnie Johnson, (2) Brian Rickman, (3) Jason Hiett, (4) Jeff Smith, (5) Chris Tays, (6) Shawn Edwards, (7) Rick Rickman, (8) Carlton Freeman, (9) Johnny Stokes, (10) Ted Lackey, (11) Jay Blair, (12) Jeff Fields, (13) Josh Morrow, (14) Blake Stewart, (15) Steve Godsey, (16) Larry Boutwell, (17) Scott Knowles, (18) Don Farmer, (19) Mike Boland, (20) Matthew Turner, (21) Stephen Brantley, (22) Chip Brindle, (23) Richard Stephens, (24) John Ownbey.
