LAKEPORT, Calif. – The final 2010 AABLM race at Lakeport Speedway went as smoothly as any race the track has had, with only a few cautions and 11 of the 12 qualifying cars finishing the race.

Kevin Ostern's (#39) family hosted a tri tip barbecue for the drivers and crew.

The season is winding down and the talk is who is going to make the top 15 for the 2011 season shirts.

Mike Bourbon returned after a hiatus in the Black No. 4. He was welcomed back both by the competitors and staff.

Berndt Akerstrom, sporting the blue No. 37, also returned to Lakeport Speedway for the first time this year. This is why the AABLM is a fun class to race in, the drivers can have time with their family and race at different the facilities.

The fast time plaque sponsored by Speedy Signs went to Corey James, who qualified first quick with an 11.981. Next was Mike Lovell, who brought an 11.998, Mike Doss with a 12.006, Kevin Ostern with 12.081 and Jeremy Hopkins rounded out the top five with 12.115.

Clay Caturegli won the B dash over Berndt Akerstrom, Dallas Shane and Mike Bourbon. Mike Lovell won the A Dash, followed by Corey James, Mike Doss, Eric Graham, Jeremy Hopkins and Kevin Ostern.

Airport Auto Brokers Late Models returned to Lakeport Speedway for the “Treasure Cove Pizza 75 laps Feature Event.”

Akerstrom had the pole with Jim Stillman Jr. on his outside. Stillman got the jump on the start and led the first four laps. On lap five, Hopkins took the lead over from Stillman.

The first yellow was for Graham, who spun in turn one, at the start finish line racing to the yellow. Lovell was able to pass Doss for second. On the restart, Hopkins led the field to the green followed by Lovell, Doss, Ostern and Stillman.

Hopkins and Lovell were battling for the lead, when on lap 26 they both spun in turn 3. Ostern inherited the lead after Doss checked up for Hopkins and Lovell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was déjà vu again on lap 37 when Hopkins and Lovell spun again, but this time in turn 4.

Speaking of déjà vu, last year at this time is when the big rivalry started between Hopkins and Lovell. It looked like AABLM’s version of NASCAR’s Kurt Busch and Tony Stewart rivalry, but a lot friendlier.

Ostern led the field to the green, followed by Doss, James, Stillman and Akerstrom.

Doss took over the lead on lap 41 and led the next 34 laps while Lovell moved quickly through the field on a mission. By lap 69, Lovell passed Ostern for second and was gaining on Doss, but ran out of time.

Doss took his third win of the season and Lovell finished second, followed by Ostern, James and Hopkins.

The next race is at Ukiah Speedway featuring Rental Solutions Modifieds, Bud Bombers Street Stocks and of course the Airport auto Brokers Late Models. It is also fan appreciation night

On a side note, a year ago intern Caity Miller jumped into her first race car after spending the season watching the AABLM action an got her first taste of a circle track and drove in the Jammer division.

What a difference a year makes; she just won her sixth feature event in the Jammer and now races a bomber.

Miller would like to say thanks to all the AABLM drivers and crew for their help and encouragement.