INVERNESS - Hernando driver Robbie Yoakam, who dominated last year's Florida Mini Stock Challenge Series with nine wins en route to the 2003 championship, got off to a roaring start Saturday night by claiming the 50-lap FMSC opener.
Though the victory came by default, Yoakam's hard charge to the front of the 30-car field was among the most dramatic Mini Stock finishes in recent memory at Citrus County Speedway.
When the green flag dropped, pole-sitter Lee Davis began setting a blistering pace. Behind him, several drivers dueled for position in an attempt to find a clear shot to the front.
But in the end, it was Yoakam, who had started from the rear of the field in an effort to pocket bonus money, that fought his way to within inches of Davis' rear bumper.
Unfortunately for Yoakam, the laps ran out before he was able to summon the muscle to get by. Officials later awarded him the win after Davis refused a mandatory engine inspection on his car.
Defending Mini Stock champion Chris Hooker received the runnerup spot ahead of Dustin DesChamps, Rick Sirmons and David Curry.
Feature results
FLORIDA MINI STOCK CHALLENGE: 1. Robbie Yoakam. 2. Chris Hooker. 3. Dustin DesChamps. 4. Rick Sirmons. 5. David Curry.
SOUTHERN SPORTSMAN SERIES: 1. Aaron Williamson. 2. Frank Buchanan. 3. David Williamson. 4. Scott Holly. 5. Pete Close.
HOBBY STOCK: 1. David Chastain. 2. Bobby Taylor. 3. Doug Webster. 4. Richie Smith. 5. Curtis Neumann.
THUNDER STOCK: 1. Jared Kessler. 2. Pat Veltman. 3. Glen Colyer. 4. Rick Badessa. 5. Jerry Hoover.
FOUR-CYLINDER BOMBER: 1. Rick Fort. 2. Neal Durbin. 3. Joey Durbin. 4. Justin Durbin. 5. John DeGeorge.
