Gibson Tops Classics In Winternationals Action at Speedworld

Larry Gibson had it all together Thursday night at Orlando Speedworld as the Maryville, TN driver led every lap of competition he was in as the Classic Auto Racing Series ran night number one of the Florida Winternationals. Gibson took the first heat race in dominating fashion to earn the pole for the feature, which was scheduled for 25 laps. Ed Yates claimed the win in heat two while Gary Kelley of Knoxville, TN took the victory in heat three. Gibson immediately pulled away from the field on the start, but only two green flag laps were recorded before Russ Antonucci lost handle of his sedan in turn one to bring out the caution. Gibson was flying again on the restart as Jim Rahman and Ed Yates were trying to hold off a hard-charging Robbie Sands. Al Hagan and George Mooneyham tangled on lap nine to bring out the second caution. Following the restart, Mooneyham began a wild charge back through the field, but he got out of shape in turn four, slid down on the apron, then back up and over the car of Harvey Ewing, finally slamming with brutal force drivers side first into the turn four wall. Mooneyham was knocked out momentarily and complained of neck pain once he came to. Orange County Fire-Rescue Personnel were called and they requested helicopter transport to Orlando Regional Healthcare. A 45-minute red-flag situation was needed to extract Mooneyham from his car and place him into the helicopter, however, after a thorough check-over; Mooneyham was released with no serious injuries. Due to time constraints, the feature was reduced to 20-laps and Gibson led the rest of the way to take the checker. Sands made a late charge over the final eight laps to claim second over Ed Yates, Jim Rahman and Fred McArthur. Wayne Dukes; Dennis Gilliam, Don Kirk, Simeon Spagnuolo and E.T. McGhee rounded out the top ten.