Clayton News Daily

Photo by Heather Middleton

By Doug Gorman

dgorman@news-daily.com

After tonight's Thursday Thunder races, there will be only one week left in the summer racing series at Atlanta Motor Speedway, and one thing is certain, the next two weeks should produce some dramatic finishes.

Heading for another showdown: Last year's Semi-Pro Division came down to a two-driver race between Luke Behnke and William Plemons III.

Some things never change. The two drivers are heading for another dramatic finish. Although Plemons has won four of the eight races so far, Behnke (779 points) clings to a seven point lead over Plemons (772). Behnke enters the race with three victories.

Mr. Consistency: Sean Rayhall has won three of his eight races this season, but it's his steady racing that has pushed him to the top of the leaderboard in the Pro Division. In all, Rayall has turned in a top five in each of the eight races.

Can't get any closer: With two weeks remaining in the Thursday Thunder season, there's a tie for the lead in the Masters Division between Skip Nichols and Bill Plemons Jr. Each driver enters Week No. 9 of the season with 758 points each. Nichols has won three times this year and Plemons once.

Plenty of Buzz: Eleven different drivers have raced in the Buzz Car Series this year, and so far Michael Karp (767 points) appears well on his way to capturing the championship in the division that started this year.

Karp won the first ever Buzz Car race, and has won three other times.

He also has five finished in the top five each week. Buddy Brewer is still looking for his first checkered flag, but with six top fives, he trails Karp by 36 points and his in second place.

Running order: Semi-Pro, Masters, Morley Company Outlaws, Roadsters, INTERMISSION: Papa John's Bandits, Young Lions, Pro, Buzz Cars