Carolina Clash: Smith Reels in Roffers; First Win of 2011

Marion Limbaugh

MADISON, N.C. - Oct. 8. Jeff Smith took the lead from Luke Roffers on lap 32 and went on to take the $4,000 to win Caroilina Clash event Saturday night at 311 Speedway. It was Smith's first win on the tour this season, but his second of the weekend as he picked up the win in the NDRA crate event the previous night at Carolina Speedway.

Smith started fifth on the grid and settled into the fourth spot by the completion of lap one. Smith moved up to third on lap three as he made the pass on points leader Dennis Franklin. On lap 17, he made the move up to second when pole sitter Kenny Compton, Jr. went pitside. Smith moved past Roffers on lap 32 and led the remaining eight laps en-route to the win.

Points leader Dennis "Rambo" Franklin had his woes as he had to go pitside on lap 17 with a flat tire. Franklin's crew quickly went to work and Franklin rejoined the field without losing a lap. Franklin marched steadily through the field, taking advantage of the delaware double file restarts to make it back into the top five by race's end.

Kenny Compton, Jr. Set the XS Power Racing Batteries fast time in qualifying with a lap of 15.946 to earn the pole position for the main event. While running second, Compton ran over debris, which caused heavy damage to the rear end of his machine, sending him behind the wall for repairs. Compton was able to make repairs and return to the field a few laps later. Compton made as many laps as possible before race end and salvaged a 15th place finish. Compton lost valuable points to Franklin but was able to hold onto second place in points.

Roffers was the second fastest qualifier and took the lead from the drop of the green. Roffers appeared to be unbeatable as he dominated the first half of the race. He came into the race third in points, only seven points ahead of Jeff Smith. Smith's win moved him three points ahead of Roffers. Both drivers closed the gap on second place Compton leader Franklin.

Mike Gault and Scott Autry started the night tied for fifth in points. Autry went pitside on lap four with engine troubles ending his night early, while Gault started the event in 20th place and battle to a sixth place finish. Gault earned the Safety Kleen "Hard Charger of the race" as he gained 14 spots during the event.

In the Klotz Lubricants Rookie of the Year battle, Travis Yow has a commanding lead but Yow is also fighting to hold onto eighth in the chase points and maybe even advance a position. Tim Allen is only five points behind Travis and Scott Autry is only 14 points ahead after Yow's seventh place finish Saturday night. 

	Oct. 8 - Carolina Clash at 311 Motor Speedway 1) Jeff Smith, 2) Luke Roffers, 3) Dustin Mitchell, 4) Donald Bradsher, 5) Dennis Franklin, 6) Mike Gault, 7) Travis Yow, 8) Tim Allen, 9) Brain Ledbetter, 10) Kyle Pierce, 11) Chuck Smith, 12) Gary Mabe, 13) David Taylor, 14) Ross Bailes, 15) Kenny Compton, Jr, 16) Travis Greer, 17) Jay Sessoms, 18) Johnny Pursley, 19) Justin Labonte, 20) Ray Tucker, 21) Johnny Stovall, 22) Mike Parker, 23) Ricky Weeks, 24) Craig Shuffield, 25) Scott Autry
Missy Hendrickson photo