By Robert Walden

BULLS GAP, Tenn.- July 23.  The Ray Cook-promoted Southern Nationals Series, which features 10 events in the span of 13 days around the Southeast, made its fifth stop at Volunteer Speedway on Friday for a $5,300-to-win show presented by Tri-Am RV Center. In a race won twice each by Jimmy Owens and Tommy Kerr in previous years, Jonathan Davenport can add his name to the speedway's history books.

Davenport claimed the pole position after setting fast time at 12.460 seconds among 34 entries, with five-time track champion Vic Hill second quickest at 12.527 to earn the outside front row starting berth for the main event.  Davenport, of Blairsville, Ga., then won in impressive fashion by leading flag-to-flag to record his first-ever victory on the famed high banks. 

	Southern Nationals - Volunteer Speedway 1) Jonathan Davenport, 2) Chris Madden, 3) Vic Hill, 4) Billy Ogle, Jr., 5) Shannon Buckingham, 6) Eric Wells, 7) Rick Rogers, 8) Tommy Kerr, 9) Mark Douglas, 10) Chris Brown, 11) Shane Clanton, 12) Mike Smith, 13) Jeff Smith, 14) Tony Knowles, 15) Terry Wolfenbarger, 16) Clint Smith, 17) Chad Ogle, 18) Jeff Wolfenbarger, 19) Chris Wall, 20) Jeff Maupin, 21) Mike Collins (prov.), 22) Donald Bradsher, 23) Mark Vineyard, 24) Brian Booze (prov.) Fast Time (34 entries): Davenport (12.460 secs.); B-Main winners: Kerr, Rogers, Wolfenbarger
George Missita photo