2003 Thunder Valley Track Champion

09/11/03
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Don Erickson
WiddisRacing.com

Bret Widdis was officially crowned 2003 Thunder Valley Raceway Track Champion this past Sunday afternoon.

After qualifying fast time in a 9 car field, Widdis would quickly gain a jump in the Dash for Cash which held a $50 purse. Scott Ely, driving his number 22 Dodge Avenger, would start on the pole giving him an advantage over Widdis, the points leader, who was destined to start back in traffic. The number 15 Oldsmobile quickly found a hole going into turn 3 as he flew by the 03 and the 93 cars. Widdis would soon find himself glued to the back bumper of Ely's Dodge. Going into turn 4 on the last lap Widdis would take the low side of the track as Ely pushed up the track. Ely would get wicked loose causing Widdis to slow for fear of wrecking both machines. Ely would go on to win the Dash after great door-to-door racing. We here at WiddisRacing.com salute Scott on his exciting win Sunday afternoon. Ely stated directly after the race, "When I looked in my mirror [after the first lap] I thought I was going to see Allen [Yelle] but there was the stars and stripes!"

Widdis would start in the rear of the field for the Heat race. He, again, quickly climbed to the front passing the most cars he's ever had to this entire season! After Widdis took over the lead position from Scott Ely there was no stopping the Northwest Racing Oldsmobile! He easily won the race!

For the last time this afternoon and for the last time this season Bret Widdis would start at the rear of the field. He would quickly pass 4 cars on the first lap. A few laps later Widdis would take over the lead and never give it back allowing him to take his 8th feature checkered flag this season! Widdis would lap nearly every car in the field during the feature race!

The following pictures illustrate victory lane after Bret's 8th and final feature win of the 2003 season.