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April 27,
2002
WILSON REPEATS IN EROC SERIES
(Lakeland, FL, April 27, 2002) - If the first time wasn't proof
enough, Doug Wilson silenced any doubt that he has come to race in 2002.
Wilson of Cape Coral, Florida, snatched his second win in three races of
the Executive Race of Champions (EROC) Series.
Wilson set the stage by blistering the field
with the fast qualifying lap. The draw put him on the pole, giving the rest of
the field a little more trepidation. It proved to be the downfall of the rest of
the competitors as Wilson led every lap of the 35-lap main event.
The race was not without incident for the eventual winner. As the field neared
the halfway mark, Wilson had chased down the back of the pack. With his spotter
guiding him, Wilson got a bit anxious and tangled with Terry Schippers. Both
cars suffered minor damage. Wilson slid to the front stretch wall, but was able
to keep going and crossed the line ahead of his challengers.
Once the green flag returned, the car understandably took on some different
characteristics. Wilson fought the less-than-ideally handling machine for the
rest of the distance. The mid-day Florida sun helped make it a hot time in the
cockpit of the car, but Wilson prevailed.
Keith Perry, who had started the event from inside the second row, gave the best
effort at chasing down Wilson. Perry, a veteran of the dirt racing wars in
Oklahoma, eased past Aaron Dreher for second on lap 11. At times, Perry would
close the gap, but could never mount the needed challenge to earn the victory.
Teenaged Indiana racer Kris Deckard overcame a substandard qualifying effort to
earn a podium finish for the second consecutive race. Deckard started in
seventh, but had gained three spots in the first five laps. He shot into third
near the halfway mark and was closing on Perry at the checkered.
The third race of the series included two newcomers. Terry Schippers subbed for
his cousin Bob, who remained in Ohio for business. Bob Schippers, winner of the
second series race, was tied for the series point lead going into the Saturday
night contest. Making his first start of the 2002 campaign was Tampa radio
personality "Bubba The Love Sponge" Clem. After qualifying fourth,
Clem, who is a regular in area dirt racing competition, was locked in a constant
battle for position until spinning on the final turn of the final lap.
With his win, Wilson assumes a commanding lead in the season points. EROC
drivers will gather again at the USA International Speedway for their next event
on Saturday, June 1. Drivers are competing for a substantial season-ending point
fund.
The Executive Race of Champions provides excellent opportunities for experienced
racers to gain exposure on the -mile track and enhance their careers. For more
information about EROC, contact the Cale Yarborough Executive Racing School at
(800) 316-6985.
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