by Ocala Speedway Media

Having never visited Ocala Speedway before, the majority of the drivers in the Goodyear Challenge Series were quite unfamiliar with the track's toughness. And probably the driver with the most experience with Ocala Speedway was 14 year old Drew Brannon, the youngest Goodyear driver.

Brannon had paid previous visits to the speedway when he was racing a truck with another racing series, and that experience undoubtedly helped him as the night wore on.

The 88 of Justin Larson started on the pole and held the lead solidly for quite a few laps until a slight error sent him high in turn 4. As he lifted the gas to straighten the car out, Rich Clouser ducked under him to gain the advantage and take the lead.

Closer never looked back while Larson later develop problems and fell far back in the field.

In the end it was Joe Winchell who applied the most pressure to Clouser, but was unable to make the pass.

Rich Closer took the win, followed by Winchell in second and Darren Brown in third place.

And Darren Brown overcame his own set of problems after he backed his car into the turn 4 wall on his second qualifying lap earlier in the evening. He and his crew made hasty repairs and the car returned for the main event as competitive as it ever was.


Goodyear Challenge Series 100
Ocala Speedway
July 20, 2007

1- 9 Rich Clouser
2- 57 Joe Winchell
3- 53 Darren Brown
4- 08 Drew Brannon
5- 46 Doug Moff
6- 31 Greg Kaouk
7- Jeremy Colangelo
8- 88 Justin Larson
9- 2 A. J. Currelli
10- 1x Chuck Burkhalter