KANSAS CITY, KAN. ? The World Dirt Racing League packed the pits at Lakeside Speedway on Wednesday, May 15, with a total of 86 competitors – 38 Super Late Models and 49 Modifieds. With the lead changing 3 times in the first 5 laps it was obvious the Price Chopper 50 was going to be superb.

Early leader Todd Gehl, Solon Springs, Wisc., quickly relinquished that position to Terry Phillips, Springfield, Mo. Phillips made a low pass from the third position around Gehl and Leslie Essary of Crane, Mo.

Essary, having witnessed the pass first hand, would duplicate it just laps later to take the top spot from Phillips.

However, it was obvious that Phillips had the best car in the corners, which would prove fatal for Essary. Phillips would be able to make better use of lapped cars, and on lap 44 retook the lead for the last time.

Essary finished an extremely close second. Chad Lyle, Lone Jack, Mo., Allen Vaughn, Belton, Mo., and Chad Clark, Marshall, Mo., rounded out the top five after battling for those positions the entire last half of the race.

It did not take long to decide if the local Modified contingent would generate any competition with the WDRL regulars. Tom Charles, Bonner Springs, Kan., started last in the first of five heats, but 8 laps later was the winner.

His passing points of 74.84 would hold up against the other 48 entrants, giving him the pole position for the feature.

The Price Chopper Modified 25 started with 8 Lakeside regulars in the first 5 rows. By lap-10 Clint Bowyer of Emporia, Kan., and Tim Karrick of Basehor were pulling away from the field when the second and final caution came out.

On the restart Bowyer dropped out due to mechanical problems, which opened the door for series point leader Ron Barker, from Dubuque, Iowa. Once in the lead, he would not be contested.

Karrick and Charles continued to battle for third as Chad Lyle, Lone Jack, snuck his way on the high side for second. Kerry Davis, Kansas City, who started 14th, would finish a strong 5th behind Charles.