Christmas comes early for Sheppard at NES

NEW EGYPT - Matt Sheppard of Waterloo, N.Y., did not expect to receive any Christmas gifts on Saturday when Advantage Financial presented their annual "Christmas in July" program at New Egypt Speedway.

However, that is exactly what happened, to the tune of $3,000, when defending track champ Jimmy Horton broke with just four laps to go. Sheppard inherited the lead and went on to claim his fifth victory of the season.

"I lost the power steering about halfway through the race," stated a fluid-soaked Sheppard in victory lane. "I really had nothing for Jimmy and felt lucky if we could hold on for second. When I saw him slow, I thought the yellow had come out, but when I saw the green lights were still on, I just stayed in the throttle. We are very fortunate to come away with a win tonight."

John Keller took the lead from Jim Robertson in the early stages of the race and looked very impressive. Horton, who started fourth, was quickly all over Keller but unable to pull off a pass. Keller could no longer keep him back on lap 10 as Horton assumed command.

Sheppard, who started 16th, was working his way up through the field and was already in the top five. Sheppard seemed to be getting quicker every lap as he took second from Keller by the halfway sign. Horton was flying high out in front when the second and final yellow of the event appeared on lap 21 for Tom Carberry. On the restart Horton surprisingly pulled away with ease and seemed headed for his third win of 2007, but it was not to be. When Horton pulled up lame on the front stretch with four to go, Sheppard flew by and went on to record the win. Tim Tanner Jr. grabbed second on the final lap from Keller, who finished a career-best third. Ryan Godown stayed just 20 points behind Sheppard in the championship points race by finishing fourth, while Bucky Kell posted his second straight top five, finishing fifth.

Gary Butler of Phillipsburg won the 30-lap double-point Sportsman feature event. Butler drove a smart race, picking his moves carefully as he got to the lead before halfway. Once in front, Butler was never headed as he won the eighth feature of his career at NES, his first of 2007. Art Liedl came home second, followed by Gene Stravinsky on his sponsorship night, Willie Osmun and Mike Krachun.

Point leader George Quinlan of Brick won his third of the season in the Super Stock 25-lap feature. Billy Bauer, Matt Kall, George Marerro and Don Shipley completed the top five. In the Outlaw Stocks, Brian Ludwig won his second of the year, while Richie Cass Sr. started last and won the Crate 1 Sportsman feature in impressive fashion.

Advantage Financial Mortgage Bankers of Robbinsville sponsored its annual "Christmas in July" blowout by giving away over $10,000 in prizes. In the process, they helped raise over $5,500 in cash and 3,000 toys for the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots Foundation

This Saturday night it will be "Friends of Mike" night at New Egypt Speedway as friends and fans will celebrate the memory of one of their good friends by posting big bucks into the night's purse for all four divisions. The DIRTcar Big-Block Modifieds will compete in a special tribute 38-lap feature paying $7,286 to win with $500 being paid to win a heat race. The Sportsman will compete for $2,200 to win their 20-lapper and will also compete for $500 to win in their heat races as well. The Super Stocks & SS Sprints will see $1,500 going to the winner of their respective features along with the top three in each heat walking away with money as each will pay $300 to win, $200 for second and $100 for third. The Super Stocks will run three heats if they have at least 27 cars in attendance. This will also mark the first time the SS Sprints will compete in heat races rather than their usual timed qualifying. Many other bonuses are planned for all four of the divisions' features as well. Adult admission will be $16, children 7-12 will be $5.50 and kids 6 and under are always free. Gates will open early at 2 p.m. with the first race at 6 p.m.

Also remember that coming up on Wednesday night, Aug. 1, will be the "Midsummers Night Madness" as the Big Block Modifieds will run 50 laps for $8,000 to win. SS Sprints will join the Mods on the card with adult admission for this show being $10. For more information, call the speedway office at (609) 758-1900 or log on to www.newegyptspeedway.net.