Branham Takes First Win of the Season at Florence

Story by: Chris Owens ~ chris@RACE22.com

Florence, SC(June 7th, 2010) -- After getting moved to the back last week, Rudy Branham looked to return to victory lane Friday night at the Florence Motor Speedway.

Last week's winner, Raef Judd set fast time over the field of nine cars and looked strong in the early going. But, Branham would have the last say as he took the checkered flag in what was a caution filled forty lap feature event.

Judd would get the jump over Justin Shorter as the field quickly moved down the backstretch. The first caution of the night would fly just one lap in when RJ West, Strom Altman Jr, and Donnie Johnson were all collected in an accident on the front stretch. Altman Jr. was done for the night the other two continued on without heavy damage.

Judd once again got the jump on the restart and quickly pulled Shorter down the backstretch. West and Johnson would be involved in yet another caution on lap two when they both went spinning in turn one. West was done for the night this team and Johnson continued on running off the pace for majority of the event.

Judd would again get the jump on the restart. Rudy Branham was now all over the back of the Shorter's car and looked to get by in a hurry. Jordan Smith brought out the third caution when he slowed down the backstretch with a locked up rear end. His crew would be able to get him back out but his night was pretty much done.

Debris would be the cause of the caution on lap thirty three. The top five was, Justin Shorter, Raef Judd, Rudy Branham, Archie Adams Jr., and Archie Adams Sr.

On the restart, the top three would battle hot and heavy going into turn three. Braham got into the back of Judd and sent Judd into Shorter. Shorter would go around but Judd and Branham continued on. The officials then decided under the caution to move Judd to the rear for bring out the caution but not Branham. This move would have Raef Judd completely upset.

Judd now had just twelve laps to get back to the front. He quickly moved around Shorter and the Adams family and now set his sights on the leader Branham. Donnie Johnson was finally done for the night when he went off the backstretch. His car was not damaged but he was done for the night for bringing out three cautions. Judd now had what he wanted. To be upfront with just five laps left. Branham got the jump and Judd never challenged for the lead. This allowed Rudy Branham to check out and take the victory.

After the race Judd had a few words to say to Branham on the front stretch. "This is the last time Branham." said Judd who was still upset over the lap thirty three accident in turn three. The two continued to "discuss" the incident under the tech shed. The Late Models will once again be back in action next week.

The Southeast Limited Late Model Series rolls into town on July 3-4th for their inaugural event. The one hundred lap $5000 to win race will be the first in a five race series for 2010. RACE22.com will be there with LIVE "At the Track" coverage of all the action.

Late Model Stock Cars (40 Laps)
1. #28 Rudy Branham
2. #34 Raef Judd
3. #45 Justin Shorter
4. #17 Archie Adams Jr.
5. #1 Archie Adams Sr.
6. #29 Donnie Johnson
7. #00 Jordan Smith
8. #04 R.J. West
9. #7 Strom Altman Jr.
 

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