Recreation
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – Residents in the Redbud area of Clearlake are used to an occasional bass fishermen launching from the multi-lane ramps located at the end of the park.
And what they have heard all this week in terms of anglers launching from the park’s ramps to pre-fish, pales in comparison to what they are going to hear this Saturday morning, Aug. 14, just before the dawn, as well over 100 high-powered (and low-powered) bass boats kick their rigs into hi-gear to grab what could be their piece of a very nice “stash of cash” in the fifth event of the 2010 Future Pro Tour’s season, dubbed the Thunder Valley Outdoors – “Big Bass Brawl.”
Although this is a regular season event, a unique twist has been added to challenge anglers, as there will be two weigh-in periods – 5 a.m. to 11 a.m., and 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Only the top 40 teams with the heaviest weights will participate in the second period, and will have the opportunity to fish amongst themselves during some prime late evening hours for the hefty cash purse, and a chance at winning a coveted FPT Open title.
For those that desire to be better prepared for this elimination-style event, on Friday, beginning promptly at 4 p.m., at Clearlake Bait and Tackle (707-994-1499), the FPT will host an optional pre-registration seminar featuring some of the top pros that fish Clearlake almost exclusively.
Multi-Pro-Am champion Wayne Brazele, 13-time -West Coast Bass Classic Qualifier (and 2x WCB Classic Champion) Jerry “the Godfather” Tilton, FLW Champion Mark Crutcher, as well as “big fish” hunter and local guide Larry Hemphill, will be on hand to share with everyone, how to catch bass in the summertime heat.
Larry Hemphill will offer some special advice on how to effectively fish thru the heavy algae deposits that are currently prevalent on Clearlake, so you don’t want to miss out on what he has to say.
Len Vinci, of Johnson Outdoors, will also be on hand to help you adjust/program your fish-finders, and has some very effective techniques he would like to show you on how to use Humminbird’s Side-Imaging feature to locate fish on Clearlake!
Don’t forget on Saturday, between the two weigh-in periods (11 a.m. to 2 p.m.), the Clearlake Chamber of Commerce will host a free barbecue for all FPT participants – those who will be moving onto the second round, as well as those that won’t be moving on.
While you enjoy the barbecue, a big raffle will be held, and Marine Unlimited’s Scott Green, will be on-site offering free demo rides in the new Ranger 520 series boat, where you will have the opportunity to see – firsthand, why Ranger Boats is still at the top of the pyramid in the bass boat business.
Not a Future Pro Tour member?
No problem. Remember, you can always pay the limited membership fee of just $5 dollars per person, and get in on all the fun for just $90 per team. Late registrations will be taken the morning of the event at Redbud from 4 a.m. to 7 a.m.
Visit www.futureprotour.net.
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- Written by: Editor
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.
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- Written by: Bob Cook
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