Weekly Tracks Power Rankings -- May 2010 -- Drivers 12 - 22
Jay Payne isn't one of the most well known Late Model Stock Car drivers, in fact many of you may be asking "who?", but if you make a trip to Concord Speedway this season to race you'll find out just who he is. Payne so far this season has won three of four races there this season and he would be ranked higher if not for the level of competition there.
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#22 -- Jay Payne/Concord
#21 -- Mike Looney/Motor Mile
It's hard to place a driver of the caliber of Mike Looney, this low on the list, but the fact is it's an honor to even be considered as one of the top 22 Late Model Stock Car drivers anywhere. Looney, has had a great season so far in 2010, but has yet to capture a checkered flag despite strong runs at Motor Mile and Caraway Speedway. Look for Looney to move up next month as he's on the verge of a victory.
#20 -- Brad Kurth/Ace
Brad Kurth hasn't had much luck in his Late Model Stock Car career, that is until this season. Kurth has already visited victory lane at Ace Speedway against a very strong Rodney Cook, who's won every other race. Kurth has a great veteran in his pits in former Late Model Stock Car shoe, Dean Ward and could find himself climbing this list soon.
#19 -- Rusty Skewes/Motor Mile
Rusty Skewes isn't a name you'd expect to see on this list, but after opening the season with runs in the top five and top ten at Motor Mile Speedway, against the toughest weekly competition, the veteran of pit road has been running better than many young drivers. Skewes association with FDJ Motorsports has him in the mix for wins on the 4/10 mile track and he's inching closer to a victory.
#18 -- Rick Smith/Myrtle Beach
Rick Smith is no stranger to victory lane as through the years he's been one of the best at Myrtle Beach, winning multiple championships and races almost weekly. Smith is off to a good start at "the Beach" already this season driving again for veteran car owner, Tommy Byrd and he could well win another track title.
#17 -- Kevin Leicht/Tri-County
Though he missed the last race, Kevin Leicht has been one of the big dogs at Tri-County Motor Speedway this season along with his brother, Matt. Both drivers could have multiple wins at this point in the season and Kevin could have gave a run for the title, but missed the last race and isn't likely to return full time.
#16 -- Marty Ward/Greenville
Marty Ward, he's South Carolina's version of Philip Morris, but unfortunately the veteran driver isn't as far up this list as his Virginia counterpart due to the level of competition at his home track of Greenville Pickens Speedway. Ward already has four wins this season and after a track DQ cost him the title last season, he's poised to regain his spot at the top of UpState SC Late Model Stock Car racing.
#15 -- Grant Wimbish/Tri-County
Grant Wimbish got his season started off like every driver would want to get his started, taking home his first win in the season opening event. Wimbish then proceeded to back that first win up with another victory in the seasons next race, making him one of Tri-County's cars to beat. The thing that may keep this driver from climbing this list is the enemies he's made early on in the season, which may spill over later.
#14 -- Nick Smith/South Boston
Nick Smith was already going to make the Top 22 drivers in Late Model Stock Car racing, but his recent South Boston Speedway victory cemented his spot close to the top ten. Smith is one of the up and coming youngsters and if he can avoid a budding rivalry with Philip Morris, he'll be one of the guys to beat all season long.
#13 -- Dexter Canipe, Jr.
Dexter Canipe, Jr. started off this season looking like one of the guys who might not be beat, but since his first two victories in the Late Model Stock Car division, he's fallen off a little. Canipe still leads the points, but the veteran has rookie, Kyle Mansch and 2009 Champion, Andy Mercer nipping at his heels, with two wins each themselves.
#12 -- Ryan Wilson
Ryan Wilson is having a great season with a victory already at Caraway Speedway, his third career Late Model Stock Car triumph. Wilson, who has been progressing since last season is continuing to evolve into one of the young drivers to beat. Look for Wilson play a bigger factor as the season progresses.
