Jeff Russell Wins Shasta SMRA Feature
by Gerald Laurie
The Supermodified Racing Association rolled into Anderson, California’s Shasta Raceway Park for the first time since 2006 with gorgeous mid 70’s degree weather (it was 112 on the last visit) and a whole truckload of drama for the evening. There were six Supermods in the pits at the start of practice and the drama started immediately. First A.J. Russell of Clovis, California broke a drive shaft yoke before getting up to speed and retired to the pits for repairs.
A second practice session ended when Tony Thomas of Mill City, Oregon experienced a suspension failure at the start finish line and piled into the pit lane wall when the car wouldn’t turn. Early suspicion centered on the left front shock absorber. Although Tony wasn’t visibly injured, the car was terminal for the race and an already short car count became shorter. Remember what I said about drama.