By Sara Page, Midlothian Exchange
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Chris Dodson and Brandon Hendrick dominated the field in the Late Model race at Southside Speedway Friday night. The 100-lap race got its final decision in lap 81 as Dodson overtook Hendrick and sailed to his second win in a row.

On lap 78, Hendrick blocked the high line in turns three and four, so Dodson broke low as the two came around again. He didn’t catch the lead but got an edge and the two went door-to-door in turn one and stayed that way on the back stretch. The cars made contact but the drivers stayed in control and went for the finish line. Dodson took the lead coming out of turn four and maintained his momentum to the official finish.

“I could see he was getting a little bit looser and looser, the back end of the car was getting out on him. The longer we ran, the harder we ran, and I knew if I was patient, I’d get my chance,” Dodson said. “He slipped over there a little bit and I got up under him … I love to get up side-by-side, I love it. That’s a good race.”

Jeff Oakley took third in the race, which saw just two cautions early and flew under green-flag conditions for 87 laps.

“We had a really good car, and I knew it would be a long race tonight and there wouldn’t be many cautions,” Dodson said. “I knew that if we could get a long green-flag run, I could do some damage … Brandon Hendrick drove a great race tonight.”

In the Grand Stock 100-lap feature, Keith Mackta, Tommie Tatum and Donnie Newman started as the top three and it was an unfortunate night for all but one.

Tatum worked his way up to first by the fourth lap but by lap 12, smoke was pouring out from under the car. Tatum still led by a car length though and was doing what he could to keep going. By lap 20, Tatum was still running but the no. 69 car of Newman was right on his heels. Newman took the lead in lap 23 and opened up a two-car-length gap by lap 30.

A caution in lap 32 brought the pack in close and gave Tatum a chance to pit. Officials forced him to call it a night when the problem causing the smoke turned into a puddle in the pits from what was determined to be a transmission leak.

Keith Mackta took advantage of the caution and got on the bumper of the no. 69 car on the restart, and by lap 41 had taken the lead where he stayed through another caution.
Meanwhile, Mark Simpson in the no. 36 car worked his way through the pack, taking over the second spot by lap 86. By lap 94, Simpson could smell victory.

As Simpson and Mackta crossed the start/finish line with two to go, Mackta appeared to check up. Simpson nearly caught his back bumper but kept control and went high for the pass. Mackta stayed ahead, but the two were still neck-and-neck as the white flag fell. Side-by-side in the back straight away, Simpson tried to cross over but was blocked by Mackta, who took the low side top spot.

However, Mackta’s high from the win quickly turned sour. The car was disqualified in post-race tech inspections for extra weight behind the rear axle. According to officials, extra weight on the axles is allowed but it has to be securely fastened in front of the rear axle.

The DQ gave Simpson the win Newman in second and Justin Brown taking third.

In the other races, Jason Marshall, Frank Silva and Charlie Simons took the top spots in the 25-lap U-Car race and Buzz Moore, Wes Simmons and Brad Davis were the top finishers in the 20-lap Champ Kart division race. Full race results and standings at Southside Speedway’s Web site.

Girl and Boy Scouts and their leaders and parents were on hand for pre-race ceremonies. Pack 2874 won a Vocelli pizza party for having the best attendance.

The fun continues this week Vocelli Pizza Family Night at the track. All fans in attendance at the July 10 races can present their ticket stubs for $1 off front gate admission. In addition, all residents of Powhatan, Nottoway and Amelia counties get in for half price with a valid state photo id. July 17 action on the track includes triple 30-lap features for the Modified Division, a 25-lap race for the U-Cars, a 50-lap race for the Street Stock Division; and a 20-lap race for the Champ Karts. Racing kicks off at 7:30 p.m.