Monday, September 22, 2008 Checkered Flag Sprints Thrill charlotte Fans Checkered Flag Sprints Thrill Charlotte Fans By Curtis Whalin The Checkered Flag Sprint Series (CFSS) returned to Charlotte County Motorsports Park on Saturday September 20. A car count of 18 set them up for 3 heat races and a 30 lap feature. Each heat race had six cars in it. Third place was apparently the best place to start the heat race, as each of the heats was won by the car that started in third position. Scott Adema in the 22 took the first heat, David Slawiak in the 79 car claimed the second heat and Bryan Riddle in the 11X took the third. Just before 8pm, all of the cars were pushed onto the front straightway for an autograph session before the start of the feature race. About 10 minutes into the session, a transformer at the entrance to the speedway blew putting the track into total darkness. It was closer to 10pm before the lights came back up and the cars were fired off for the feature race. Stephen Sinwald in the 5s held the pole for the start of the feature race, with Tim George in the 1 car alongside on the front row. The 5s held onto the lead as the race went green. There was an early caution on lap 3 when the 79 driven by David Slawiak spun between turns 3 and 4 after contact with another car. He rejoined at the back of the pack for the restart. The 55 of Tommy Nichols pulled off on lap 8 with motor problems. Lap 11 gave us a leader change when Gary Gimmler, who had started in 6th place took the lead from the 5s. The 29 started to pull away from the pack with his brother Mark in the 51 car in hot pursuit. Mark Whitney retired the 15 car to the infield on lap 11 followed by Dustin Henderson in the 2 car on lap 14. On lap 29, the 21 car driven by Darrin Miller hit the wall at turn 3 bringing out the second caution of the race. The 21 was unable to restart the race, but the restart did bring the field together to provide an exciting last 2 laps of the race. Gary Gimmler took the win in the 29 with his brother Mark hot on his heels in the 51 car. Scott Adema took third place in the number 22 car, followed by Keith Butler in the 19 car with David Slawiak in the 79 car rounding out the top 5. Mark Gimmler in the 51 car won the Real Racin USA hard charged award. CFSS will be back at Charlotte County Motorsports Park in 3 weeks on October 11th. Thanks to the fans and the racers for their continued support.