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Bodenhamer Nabs Bob Ramey, Sr., Memorial Event and CMS Win for Double-Whammy Weekend in ULMA Action! By Sam Stoecklin Warrensburg, MO WARRENSBURG, MO (May 6) - For the first time ever the ULMA took part in a race event at Sedalia’s State Fair Speedway. This special race was the annual Bob Ramey, Sr., Memorial, which is now in its third year of existence. Ramey’s son, Bob, has worked extremely hard over the last few years putting on this event and the ULMA drivers in attendance were all extremely grateful to have been given the chance to compete in this event. Although many of the ULMA drivers have storied histories at the track, several others had not competed on the big half mile in many years and some never at all. Nineteen late models were on hand for two eight-lap heat races and a 20-lap main event. James Rutledge of California, Missouri, who was competing at the track for the first time since driving a “bomber” fourteen years ago looked like a seasoned pro as he cruised to victory in heat number one ahead of long-time half-mile competitor Randy McGraw in second, last year’s ULMA Rookie of the Year Brett Wood finished third, CRATE late model driver Steve Beach was fourth, and another driver who has turned many laps at the track, Bryon Allison of Marshall, Missouri, finished fifth. Oak Grove, Missouri driver Shad Badder led the rest of the drivers to the checkered flag in heat two in convincing fashion. Jason ‘Bodee’ Bodenhamer, a veteran of the track finished second, Chad Clark, another strong runner from Marshall came home third while another half-mile regular, David Barker of Kingsville, Missouri finished fourth as Grain Valley driver Joe Walkenhorst brought his machine home in fifth. All nineteen competitors made the call for the start of the race as the enthusiastic crowd cheered the drivers on after the call to “Feel the Steel” of the Advantage Metals Recycling ULMA Late Models. Early on, Rutledge and Badder looked extremely strong as Bodenhamer, McGraw and Allison all tried to make their way to the front. Badder got out to the lead and appeared to have things going his way until Bodenhamer charged his way to the front of the field leaving Badder to have a lap-after-lap and side-by-side battle with Clark for the second position. Barker experienced mechanical troubles while running up front and had to exit the race early. The only caution of the event flew on lap 15 and after a quick restart it was Bodenhamer who sailed on to his second-consecutive ULMA feature victory of the weekend, which ultimately took him to the front of the ULMA point standings after the race ended. Badder and Clark brought their battle for the runner-up spot right to the line with Badder ultimately taking the position ahead of Clark in third. Bryon Allison had a nice run from his ninth-starting position up to fourth. Pole-sitter Rutledge could not keep his car on the low side but was able to hold on to fifth at the checkers. Rounding at the top ten at the line were McGraw, Wood, Walkenhorst, defending ULMA champion Brett Rollert and Jon Binning. ULMA drivers return to the half mile again on Thursday, August 14th as part of the Missouri State Fair. As previously mentioned, Bodenhamer also grabbed the victory at Central Missouri Speedway last Saturday night. David Angell and Jon Binning continued their early season strong runs at CMS. Down at Lucas Oil Speedway it was Rylan Long taking his second ULMA feature victory of the season ahead of Rutledge and J.D. Hubert. Bodenhamer is the new points leader after weekend action just ahead of Rutledge in second, leader with Binning, Barker and Wood rounding out the top five. For a complete rundown of ULMA points and results visit www.ulmaracing.com . Both Friday night ULMA tracks have experienced repeated rainouts from the onset of the 2008 season and have not been able to get in any racing. LA Raceway in LaMonte, Missouri will try for the fifth time this Friday, May 9th to get their season kicked off and Callaway Raceway in Fulton, Missouri is also scheduled to open with a special $650-to-win track-sponsored event for the late models. Due to a special event of their own, Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland will not be running ULMA late models this weekend. Central Missouri Speedway in Warrensburg is running May 10th, meaning there are three chances to earn valuable points between the Friday and Saturday night action. Over the weekend at the State Fair half mile, the association picked up Rod End Supply as its newest contingency sponsor. “Since 1989, Rod End Supply has provided superior products priced competitively, with prompt and courteous service.” Their promise is to continue to provide superior products that will keep racers at the front of the field. Rod End Supply has the unique opportunity to be involved with all sorts of auto racing and performance related industries including farm equipment. Whether you’re running a go-cart, micro, mini-sprint, midget, modified, late model, sprint or a tractor, Rod End Supply has the assortment of rod ends, radius rods, and specialty products that will help you lead the field in performing at your maximum potential. Rod End Supply doesn’t just sell ‘em, they race ‘em! For more information call Bob Douglas, President, at (800) 284-2902 or e-mail him at bob@rodendsupply.com. Stay up to date on all the latest from the association by logging onto
the official ULMA Website at
www.ulmaracing.com . Questions or concerns regarding sponsorship or
membership to ULMA may be sent to
unitedlatemodelassociation@hotmail.com . Membership for the drivers
remains at just $50 this year. Affiliate membership for the fans is
available for fans at just $10 via our Website. We look forward to seeing
all the great sponsors, track personnel and race fans throughout 2008.
Remember, don’t get left behind in the dust … racing with ULMA is a must! |