Potts is Seventh Winner in 2008 for GAS Series at The Melon

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by Allen Hastings

CORDELE, Ga. -- The competition in the Georgia Asphalt Series hasreached a new level in 2008. Not only has there been seven winnersin eight events, but five of those were first time winners. GASSeries Veteran Nick Potts of Jefferson, Georgia added his name tothe winners list at Watermelon Capital Speedway in Cordele, GeorgiaSaturday night. Potts is one of GAS Series most dedicatedcompetitors and it also was his first win with the series.

GAS Series Rookie T.J. Reaid of Acworth, Georgia won the Bearen OilCompany Pole position in qualifying. Reaid drew an eight out of thehat, sending Potts to the pole position. This was Reaid's forthBearen Oil Company Pole position in 2008.

When the green flag dropped, Potts took the lead followed closelyby rookie Max Gresham and veteran Ronnie Sanders. In the meantime,Sanders is making a run to the front. Sanders passed Gresham andset his sites on Potts. On lap 13, Sanders passed Potts in turn 3.The caution flag flew on lap 16 when GAS Series first timer StevenBloodworth of McIntyre, Georgia spun off the track on the backstretch. Bloodworth was able to continue.

On the restart, Potts got back around Sanders on the backstraightaway and was able to maintain the lead until the checkeredflag in The Straw Lot/ Game Ready Sportswear Ford Fusion. "I knowit was going to be tough to get back around Ronnie (Sanders)because he is a tough competitor," said Potts. "His tires seemed tobe getting hot and I took advantage of that." Rounding out the topfive were Gresham, Sanders, Russell Fleeman and current GAS Seriespoints leader Ryan Sieg. "This is what it's all about," said Pottsin victory lane. "I want to thank my wife for her support and myCrew Chief Josh McCoy. Josh is on to something to make this car sogood."

Potts will be looking to make it two in a row at the next GASSeries event on Saturday, August 16th and New Senoia Speedway inSenoia, Georgia.

NOTES FROM THE MELON:

NEWCOMERS... Brothers Rusty and Jared Evans of Cairo, Georgia andSteven Bloodworth of McIntyre, Georgia made their first ever startswith the GAS Series. The Evans brothers began their racing careersat Albany (GA) Motor Speedway. They are currently competing atSouth Georgia Motorsports Park in their Late Model class.Bloodworth is a Legends competitor at The Melon. He was making hisfirst Late Model start.

TOP TEN FINISH.... GAS Series regular and former Watermelon CapitalSpeedway Mini Stock Champion Billy Chancy of nearby Kathleen,Georgia, had a top 10 finish in his Chancy Auto racer.

RETURN... Former GAS Series regular Scotty Ellis of Juliette,Georgia made his first GAS Series start of 2008. Ellis has beencompeting with the ASA Southeast late model touring series thisseason. Ellis finished 8th on the lead lap.

WORLD CROWN COMING... Plans are currently being put together forthis year's World Crown 300 at Peach State Speedway in Jefferson,Georgia on November 6-9. The GAS Series style Pro Late Models,Super Late Models, Outlaw Late Models, Open Wheel Modifieds, SuperTrucks, Pro Challenge and all other local classes will be competingduring the weekend. For entry and info, log ontowww.peachstspeedway.com.

RESULTS

Watermelon Capital Speedway

Cordele, GA

August 2nd

Georgia Asphalt Series 100

Official Race Results
Position-Driver-Hometown-Laps Completed
1) Nick Potts Jefferson, GA 100
2) Max Gresham Griffin, GA 100
3) Ronnie Sanders Fayetteville, GA 100
4) Russell Fleeman Dacula, GA 100
5) Ryan Sieg Decatur, GA 100
6) Beau Slocomb Macon, GA 100
7) TJ Reaid Acworth, GA 100
8) Scott Ellis Juliette, GA 100
9) Steven Bloodworth McIntyre, GA 97
10) Billy Chancy Kathleen, GA 96
11) Jared Evans Cairo, GA 28
12) Rusty Evans Cairo, GA 20

Race time 42 minutes

Next GAS Series event: New Senoia Raceway -Senoia, GA Saturday,August 16th

For more information, log onto www.georgiaasphaltseries.com