Bloomquist Back In Lucas Oil Victory Lane At East Bay

Scott Bloomquist won Tuesday night’s Lucas Oil feature event at East Bay Raceway Park by leading every lap. Photo courtesy EBRP

Just one night after coming within a single car-length of victory lane, 2-time Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion Scott Bloomquist led wire-to-wire to power his way to the $5,000 victory in night two of the 37th Annual DART Winternationals at East Bay Raceway Park in Tampa, FL Tuesday.

The win for Bloomquist marks his sixth career win at East Bay and extends his all-time LOLMDS series victory total to 46 wins. The 49-year-old Hall of Famer led Don O’Neal, Steve Francis, Dennis Erb Jr., and John Blankenship to the checkered flag.

Bloomquist quickly grabbed the lead at the start of the main event, keeping a comfortable lead for most of the race. The final caution came out with 2 laps to go, resetting and tightening the field back up. With a final two-lap dash standing between him and victory lane, Bloomquist held off the field to claim the prize. His self-designed chassis is powered by a Roush-Yates Ford Engine.

“The car has been spectacular all-week,” said Bloomquist.  “We came so close to winning last night, then tonight we got off to another great start. We were able to capitalize on the pole-starting spot.  Last year we were a little bit off. For a lot of drivers, it would have been a good year, but not for us. We have recently regrouped a little bit and the changes have meshed well together.”

After the race, O’Neal commented, “Scott was so good, there really wasn’t much left at the end to get up there and pass him. We are off to a good start this season, and when we start the points at the end of the week, we feel like we have the car to beat this year.” O’Neal piloted the Optima Batteries, MasterSbilt House Car.

Tyler Reddick (11) and Brandon Sheppard (5B) battle for position during Tuesday’s Feature. Photo courtesy EBRP

Francis came home third in the Georgia Boot, Clint Bowyer Racing, and Barry Wright Race Cars entry. “Tonight was a whole lot better than last night, that’s for sure,” he said.  “Someone got into us last night, but tonight we got to start closer to the front. When racing racing guys like Scott and Donnie, it really makes a difference.”

In preliminary action, Brandon Sheppard set the overall Red Buck Fast Time (Group B) amongst the 44 entrants, with a lap of 14.420 seconds. O’Neal set the fastest time in Group A with a time of 14.675 seconds. Bloomquist, Eric Jacobsen, Mike Marlar and Francis won their respective Heat Races. Devin Moran and Austin Hubbard won their respective B-Mains. Vic Coffey won the PRC Strawberry Dash.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt series will be back every night this week for more action from the 37th Annual DART Winternationals at East Bay Raceway Park. For more information on the event or EBRP, log onto www.eastbayracewaypark.com.

For the latest breaking news on the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, log onto www.lucasdirt.com.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
East Bay Raceway Park – Tampa, FL
37th Annual DART Winternationals – Feb. 12, 2013