Moyer wins first-ever Baltes Classic race

ROSSBURG - If Sunday night's Baltes Classic yields any indication, competitors for the 42nd annual World 100 this weekend at Eldora Speedway should be worried about Batesville, Ark., veteran Billy Moyer.

Moyer, a former winner of the classic dirt late-model event created by Earl Baltes more than four decades ago, dominated Sunday night's Baltes Classic, winning his heat race and leading all 25 laps of the main event.

Moyer worked his way cautiously through the lapped cars, something uncharacteristic of the Arkansas driver. He noted the big payoff is the World 100 in a few days.

"I was trying to get out of here in one piece," said Moyer. "You know next weekend is when the big story is. I just wanted to make sure that I did everything right without scruffing stuff up. We have to freshen up the body a little bit, but we don't have to do no framework."

Moyer is a five-time winner of the World 100, his last victory coming in 2000. He has more victories than anyone else in the history of the event.

Larry Boos, track co-manager, noted in victory lane that on about seven occasions whoever won the race on the weekend prior to the World 100 found themselves in victory lane for the track's biggest event just a few days later. Moyer said he also won a race in Illinois on Saturday night and the last time that happened he also won the World 100.

"I sure would like to get it one more time," said Moyer. "It would mean everything to me... probably as much as the first one. I would just like to get that one more as I am just about ready to hang my hat up, help my son race and sell some of these race cars."

Matt Miller, the night's quickest qualifier finished second with Aaron Scott third, Greg Johnson fourth and Chad Ruhlman fifth.

In the Moser UMP Modified feature, Doug Adkins led the entire distance, but fought back challenges from Jerry Bowersock, Kent Robinson and Chad Ruhlman throughout the race. Robinson attempted repeated slide jobs in the second turn only to have Adkins pull ahead down the back stretch. It was Adkins first victory at Eldora Speedway.

Jeff Babcock won the Advanced Auto Parts Stock Car feature, the sixth win in the division this season.

It was the final points race of the season for the modified and stock car divisions.

More than $50,000 in cash and product was distributed to the fans, including Earl Baltes bobbleheads. In addition to $15,000 in cash, race fans won product and gift certificates from The Home Depot, NIKE, MAC Tools, Armor All, Old Spice, Sunoco, Advance Auto Parts and Play Station. The prize winning numbers were announced throughout the night.

A life-size statue of Earl and Bernice Baltes, unveiled earlier this summer, has been permanently placed at the base of the scoring tower. When fans enter the grandstands, the bronze likeness of the coupe greets them.