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The  "Racing For Clean Air" Team Captain Andy SanterreWins Classic Battle With MacDonald At Beech Ridge June 14, 2003  |
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SCARBOROUGH, Me. - Defending champion and current point leader Andy Santerre came out on top in a classic, lead-swapping battle with Eddie MacDonald to win the NASCAR Grand National Division, Busch North Series Forest City Chevrolet 150 Saturday night at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway. The pair traded the lead seven times before Santerre made the winning pass with 14 laps remaining. Rookie Ryan Moore was a close third, with Mike Stefanik and Bobby Dragon completing the top five. Dale Quarterley, Matt Kobyluck, Dave Dion, Tim Andrews, and Carey Heath comprised the balance of the top ten. Twice during the 150 laps of the third-mile oval, MacDonald and Santerre raced side-by-side for extended stretches, bringing the crowd to its feet on the unseasonably cool evening. After Bud Pole winner Mike Johnson had become the first car out of the race after just 15 laps and Stefanik had enjoyed a brief lead, MacDonald took over at lap 29, looking for his second straight Beech Ridge win. Santerre, who qualified second but dropped back as far as fourth, moved into the runner-up spot at the 40 lap mark. Santerre challenged on the outside at lap 66 and the pair ran door-to-door for seven laps before MacDonald fought off the attack. Santerre made a successful bid on lap 84, but pitted for tires under caution seven laps later, joined by Ryan Moore. The pair flew through traffic together, with Santerre taking second from Stefanik just 19 laps after his stop. MacDonald, going the distance on one set of Goodyear Eagles, would be no easy prey, and the leaders staged a reprise of their earlier battle from lap 136 to 138. Santerre nailed down the spot just before the final caution was displayed when the turn four track lights flickered out. After power was restored there was one more moment of high drama on the lap 145 restart when Santerre spun his tires, but the champion recovered and MacDonald had to be content with second, .617 seconds behind. Johnson, the defending event winner, won the Bud Pole at a non-record 15.750 seconds, 76.590 miles per hour. Heath earned the Powerade Power Move of the Race Award for improving 14 spots from her qualifying position, while Ryan Moore was the Raybestos Rookie-of-the-Race for the third time in a row. The Clevite Engine Builder Award went to Santerre's car owner Joe Bessey. Santerre averaged 51.694 miles per hour as five caution periods consumed 34 laps. The were nine lead changes among four drivers, and the finish showed 14 cars on the lead lap, with 18 of 25 starters around to see the checkered flag. In additon to Johnson, top contenders Joey McCarthy, Kelly Moore, and Mike Olsen were sidelined by engne problems. Santerre extended his series lead to 85 points over Stefanik, with Ryan Moore third, 92 points behind. MacDonald advanced from tenth to fourth in the standings, with Kobyluck fifth. Click here to view the Aubuchon press release... |
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NASCAR Busch North Series 2003 Top 5 Point Standings: After Race #4 at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway, June 14, 2003.
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