Ellis Win a Dandy, Gallaher Goes Last to First

By Ken de la Bastide

(August 13, 2012) – The IOFS Front Wheel Drive Figure-8 feature turned out to be the best race of the night on Lawrence Lubricants Night of the Races last Saturday at Anderson Speedway.

With eight laps remaining there was a three way battle for the lead with Donnie Ellis Jr., Josh Tharp and Mark Allman all taking a turn on the point.

Mike Alley took the early lead after setting quick time but on lap seven his night went up in a puff of smoke.

That put Allman on the lead chased by Tharp and Ellis. While all that was happening on lap eight James Frawley spun on the back straight, coming to a stop in front of the leaders.

Only Ellis made slight contact and was able to continue.

On the restart Tharp took the point and Elllis got inside of Allman on the back straight. The three ran in a tight formation for the next six laps.

Ellis was able to get inside of Tharp entering turn three on the final lap to record the win. Tharp finished .295-seconds back with Allman, Ricky Craig and Harry Lashure rounding out the top five.

After being disqualified for failing technical inspection after qualifying, Don Gallaher started on the tail of the G.W. Pierce Front Wheel Drive Oval feature.

Ron Phipps had to early lead but it was Gallaher on the move. He passed David Powell on the second circuit to move into the fourth position and five laps later used an inside move to claim the third spot from Paul Phipps.

Marshall Clark Jr. slowed on lap nine while running in the second spot and on lap 13 Gallaher took over the point with an inside move of Ron Phipps entering turn one.

The only caution flag waved on lap 14 for debris, but Gallaher was not to be denied a second feature win.

He finished 3.3-seconds ahead of Ron Phipps with Paul Phipps coming home in third with Trevin Henson and Ronnie Phipps rounding out the top five.

It was Henson’s fifth consecutive fourth-place finish in the division.

For additional information on Anderson Speedway, visit www.andersonspeedway.com or contact Anderson Speedway at (765) 642-0206.























































 
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