05/03/2003
BOB WEBER REBOUNDS FROM PRACTICE
MISFORTUNE TO VICTORY LANE
by Mark Southcott
The first Tops Late Model action of 2003 was kicked off by two
heats captured by Mark Krupczyk #15 and Todd Hoddick #99 who was fresh from
his second place Late Model finish at Lake Erie Speedway.
This set up the 13 car field that was depleted by one as the first
heat winner Mark Krupczyk faltered on the pace laps and never even started.
Mike Catalano had his new color scheme of yellow and black #64 on the pole
with Todd Hoddick starting outside him. Mike captured the top spot when the
green unfurled and led until the only caution of the event on lap 6. Mike
Davis #02 spun in turn three and defending champion Ron Nurmi #2 and Joe
Carbone #31 were swept up in it. Mark Pennell #18 got the worst of it as he
nosed into the foam wall. On the restart with the same row as the initial
start, Todd Hoddick nosed out to lead the 7th lap. Tom MacLeod #4 pushed his
way to the front spot on lap 8 after starting 10th. Rookie Karl Schafer
dropped out soon after as the lead pack contained Tom MacLeod, Bob Weber
#11, Todd Hoddick, Mike Catalano, John Julicher #09, and Ron Nurmi. The next
change for position was when Julicher and Nurmi slipped under Catalano just
before lap 15 went in the books. The last lead change came on lap 19 when Tom
MacLeod slipped high coming out of turn four and Bob Weber was there to
capitalize. Bob held Tom at bay the final six laps to record his second
consecutive win as he won the final race of last season at the U.S.
Open 75. Nine cars were still running at the checkers.
Bob Weber credited his crew after the race as he had backed
into the wall during the Wednesday night practice. Bob stated, "I can't
say enough for the crew. I couldn't do it without them as they do 90% of the
work." Bob is back with Stockmohr Roofing and Siding, Amsoil, Northeast
Caissons, the Pizza Inn, and Beaver Landscaping among the sponsors supporting
his efforts this season.
Sources: Mark
Southcott/NYRaceZone.com
Posted: May 3, 2003
