Luck plays major roll on track

By By Steve Swogetinsky / Special to The Star
October 27, 2004
A good car and a good driver can do well in dirt track racing. But nothing is guaranteed.
Each week, luck plays a big part in this short-track sport.
Luck for the front runner might hold up and he leads all the way. However, a broken part, a blown engine, a flat tire, or getting caught up in somebody else's wreck can quickly finish an evening for the leader. Then it's anybody's race.
Known by his fans as the "Wild Child," Dean won this event three years ago and he wants to do it again.
Victories haven't come so easily for Dean this season. A few weeks ago at the Columbus Speedway, he tore his car up. He got it repaired and ran in the consolation race last weekend at the Magnolia Speedway, but luck wasn't with him.
Dean will be taking notes Thursday night when he practices at Queen City. The track is opened for practice from 7 p.m. until 10 p.m. The heat races and qualifying will be held Friday night, while the feature races will be held Saturday.
Chris McElhenney is another Newton County driver who will be looking for good luck this weekend. McElhenney, who won the track points championship at Queen City this past summer, hopes to cap his first season in the Late Model Division with the big payday.
McElhenney has had his challenges as of late, which included one torn up race car and two blown engines. He has replaced the blown motor with an engine he got in Mobile, but hopes to have a stronger motor in the car by Thursday, if he gets it in time.
A couple of popular names won't be making the Late Model race this weekend.
Lucky Keeton said he is focused on building a Pure Street car for his 17-year-old son, Brandon, who will be making his debut next year.
Scott Dedwylder of Quitman won't be racing in the Late Model division, but look for him in the Modified Division.
The gates will open at 3 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with the races slated to start around 7 p.m.