Story By: Steve Hixson
Photo's By: Larry Lovelady

July 22, 2000-Cleveland TN

In a double repeat performance (one from last year and one from last weekend) John Jones of Ringgold Georgia took the win in the biggest one night event in the history of Cleveland Speedway, the 10th Annual Jean Johnson Memorial. The $5,000 to win 50 lap "Budweiser / Tarver Distributing" sponsored event drew thirty-six Super Late Models from around the south to compete at the 1/3 mile clay banked oval. Jones driving his #J1 "Fisher Paint & Body, T&L Trucking, Hicks Specialty Welding" Chevrolet Monte Carlo set fast time and then drove to a flag to flag victory despite constant challenges from former track champion (1998) Kevin Gibson. Defending National Champion, Dale McDowell finished third with Ricky Holland fourth and Marshall Green fifth.

As the fifth racecar to take to the track for qualifying, all odds were on McDowell being the fastest of the field. That was not to be the case as Kevin Gibson first knocked McDowell form the top seed by one one-thousandth of a second. Jones the next driver after Gibson rattled off an even better lap burning a 15:221 time. Brian Hickman then took to the track to follow suit and get second quick time to Jones. Rounding out the top five qualifiers was this years "Shamrock 100" winner Ricky Holland.

In the first of two last chance consolation races Shane Tankersly of Morganton GA took the win over local racer Jeff Stansberry. Those top two finishers transferred to the "A" main reducing Jake Lowry, Craig Reece, and Dana Burrows (third thru fifth) and others to spectators. Southern All-Star points leader Clint Smith highlighted a rough night by winning the second consolation race. Former track champion (1997) DeWayne Wilson finished second earning the final transfer position. Rounding out the top five were; Pete Broughton, Kevin Gill, and Laddie Fultcher. Jeff Walker and John Llewellyn used S.A.S. provisionals to make up the twenty-four car starting field.

As the field roared down to the green flag Jones powered out front, bringing with him Gibson in the process. Hickman trapped on the high side for all of two laps reared the first caution stalling down the front straight-away with a slight fluid leak. Jones and Gibson would restart for what would be a race long battle for the top spot. Llewellyn would rear two cautions in turn four before a big entanglement of local racers Carson Burris and current Cleveland Speedway points leader Andy Dill. The incident would eventually sideline both late in the race. Lamar Scoggins passed by Mike Tinker and was working on fifth place Green when C. Smith and David Killian reared the final caution for a wreck in turn two. Wilson was also collected in the wreck. Jones would never falter under Gibson's constant pressure and in the end even began pulling away. Gibson, McDowell, Holland and Green followed Jones to the checkers. In victory lane Jones donated the "Budweiser" victory trophy back to Joe Lee Johnson and the fans of Cleveland Speedway "to be put on display for all to see and remember Ms. Jean."

Official Finish:

1.John Jones (# J1) of Ringgold GA
2.Kevin Gibson (# M45) of Ringgold GA
3.Dale McDowell (# 17M) of Rossville GA
4.Ricky Holland (# 42) of Ooltewah TN
5.Marshall Green (# 89) of Dalton GA
6.Mike Tinker (# 22) of Ringgold GA
7.Kent Hicks (# 15) of Cleveland TN
8.Dewayne Smith (# 21) of Cleveland TN
9.Patrick Duggan (# 15) of Lenior City TN
10.Shawn Chastain (# 15) of Murphy NC
11.Wesley Hood (# 57) of Spartianburg SC
12.Shane Tankersly (# T31) of Morganton GA
13.Jeff Walker (# 49) of McMinnville TN
14.Paul Tims (# 84) of Georgetown TN
15.John Llewellyn (# 1s) of Knoxville TN
16.Lamar Scoggins (# 32) of Georgetown TN
17.Andy Dill (# 39) of Georgetown TN
18.David Killian (# 25) of Murphy NC
19.Clint Smith (# 29) of Senoia GA
20.DeWayne Wilson (# 14) of Chattanooga TN
21.Carson Burris (# 00) of Cleveland TN
22.Mike Head (# 54) of Ellenwood GA
23.Jeff Stansberry (# J2) of Cleveland TN
24.Brian Hickman (# 41) of Soddy Daisy TN

Local Racing Divisions:

Claimer LM Winner: David Tinker (# 22) of Ringgold GA
2.James Gamble (# 27), 3.Nick Yancy (# Y7), 4.Chad Anderson (# 0), 5.Randy Dillard (# 51)

UMP Open Wheel Modified Winner: Jerry Coffman (# 30) of Soddy Daisy TN
2.Lance Johnson (# 0), 3.Chris Davis (# 281), 4.Lynn Roark (# 21L)

Hobby Winner: Kenny Scroggins (# 34) of Cleveland TN
2.Richard Dixon (# 3), 3.Dirk Carter (# 21), 4.Doug Works (# 35), 5.Glen Seaton Jr. (# 92)

Pony Stock Winner: Todd Morrow (# T1) of Cleveland TN (Career 1st Win for 14 Year Old)
2.Keith Jones (# J78), 3.Justin Winters (# J1), 4.Chad Prentice (# P16), 5.Tony Arthur (# 23)

Street Winner: Donald Forgey (# 71) of Cleveland TN
2.Will Swearengine (# R1), 3.Anthony Hawkins (# 3), 4.Herbert Chambers (# 31), 5.Tom Swearengine (# R2)