FF: C/V: South Boston recap, Stanley preview

RAY DIALED IN AT SOUTH BOSTON; SERIES RETURNS TO STANLEY

After nearly 20 attempts, Robbie Ray of Davenport, Iowa finally scored a victory in USAC Carolina/Virginia Ford Focus Midget Car Series competition Saturday at South Boston, Va., and is within 20 points of leader Chase Scott as the series heads to complete its first dirt race this Saturday at East Lincoln Speedway in Stanley, N.C.

Ray, the 2003 Midwest Ford Focus Midget Car Series titlist, led all 25 laps of the event at the 4/10-mile oval, and looks to overhaul Scott on the mudslinging surface. Ray has won the majority of his Midwest races on dirt -- including Sunday's event at Sun Prairie, Wis. -- while Scott has limited experience.

Ray's victory at South Boston came in the No. 11 Calico Coatings/Simpson Beast/Ford Focus, owned by Tracy Trotter, who also garnered his first car owner win in the series. He set fourth fast time and led Scott, Aron Oakley, Gary Winters and Michael Sboro across the stripe first.

"We made some changes to the car following hot laps, and it really paid off," Ray said. "The car was loose, but a manageable loose, but we were still able to pull off the win. I just want to thank my crew for their enthusiasm and dedication over the past two years."

The Stanley event was not originally on the series schedule, but was moved due to inclement weather May 14 following heat races. This weekend's event will be a complete program with heat races and a feature.

<pre> CAROLINA/VIRGINIA FORD FOCUS MIDGET CAR SERIES STANDINGS

1.      Chase Scott             221             6.      Michael Sboro           166
2.      Robbie Ray              201             7.      Stephanie Stevens       165
3.      Nick Wean               181             8.      Chris Meadows           155
4.      Aron Oakley             175             9.      Brit Andersen           140
5.      Gary Winters            168             10.     Lindsey Trausch         116

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