Gill Survives Sloppy Race to Win Ventura 15-Lap Mini Stock Main Event

It appeared to be the race that nobody could or would win, but eventually Tim Gill of Somis was lucky enough to win.

Gill won the accident-filled, yellow-flag-plagued and finally, officially shortened 15-lap Mini Stock oval main event at Ventura Raceway on Friday night before 1,678 by staying out in front of the field and away from trouble.

It had to be one of the sloppiest races this year. After 30 minutes, seven yellow flags, numerous other mishaps and 10 cars missing from the 17-car field, officials decided to throw the checkered flag five laps early to avoid any further delays and to bring to a stop what one official described as “the worst driving I’ve seen in a long time.”

Gill took the lead on a Lap 2 restart from Bill Hainline of Ventura and was able to avoid the rest of the mayhem and sloppiness by leading the pack.

Richard Webster was second, Jeff Drake of Fillmore third and Ernie Malone of Ojai was fourth.

The IMCA Modified and the Street Stock main events had not been run as this edition went to press.

Gary Hubert of Camarillo continues to impress in the Mini Stock division, driving to an eight-lap heat race victory. Marty Desbrow also won a Mini heat.

David Dickerson of Oxnard recorded his first Street Stock heat race win of the season. James Weston of Santa Barbara and Paul Moore of Oxnard also took checkered flags.

IMCA Modified heats were won by Jim Powell Sr. of Wilmington, his first of the season, and Don Keeter of Ventura.