Ron Singelton

ARCA/ReMax Eddie Gilstrap Motors 200 at Salem Speedway

The ARCA/ReMax Series fall race at historic Salem Speedway provided the expected level of excitement and then some for a full house of fans.  Area legend Frank Kimmel appeared on the way to victory until a late pass by rookie Blake Bjorklund, who took the checkered flag.  Bjorklund, of Isanti, Minnesota, is contending for Rookie-of-the-Year honors.  Kimmel increased his series lead to 290 points by finishing second, plus five bonus points for leading a lap and five points for leading the most laps.

Added excitement for the crowd was the entry of popular local racer Chuck Barnes, Jr.  Barnes, the day’s third fastest qualifier, ran his first ARCA race at Salem since joining the ARCA series on a part-time basis.  His first ARCA race was a win on September 6^th at Toledo.  Both Kimmel and Barnes are popular local drivers and drew a large number of vocal supporters.

Two races remain in the series.  The final race will be on October 15th at Iowa Speedway.  Next up is the Food World 250 at Talladega Speedway on Friday, October 3^rd.  The 4:30 p.m. race will be televised for showing at 8:00 p.m. Eastern the evening of race day on the SPEED channel.

Photos from the Eddie Gilstrap Motors 200 feature close-ups of ARCA drivers at the autograph session and in driver introductions.  www.LuvRacin.com, click Writers, then Ron Singleton, then click on the event name.

Ron Singleton, LuvRacin.com, r.singleton@insightbb.com