Mickey Gibbs
Miller, who was the fastest qualifier but elected to start on the outside of the front row, gained the lead on the opening lap as he outran polesitter Steve Grissom. Miller would dominate the early portion of the race while Gibbs worked his way up from his 15th starting spot and Keene from his 35th starting position.
Keene moved into the top 15 by lap 50 and broke into the top 10 by the 100th circuit but tangled with Harold Fair, Russ Irlin, Donnie Strickland and Mike Eddy in turn two on lap 111. Keene was able to return after the mishap but lost his top 10 ranking.
Gibbs gained the lead from Miller on lap 137 when Miller pitted during the 11th caution of the race. When the green returned, Gibbs continued to lead the pack.
On lap 168, Dick Trickle tangled with Brett Miles, sending Trickle’s car to the infield where he slammed into a light pole causing a spectacular fireworks display. After the yellow flag waved, the track’s lights dimmed, forcing a red flag. During the red, rain began to fall heavily and when the track’s lighting returned to normal, the rain continued.
Officials declared the race complete at 171 laps, giving Gibbs the victory ahead of Keene and Miller.
“You bet I’ve been doing a rain dance,” said an elated Gibbs. “I hated to see Trickle tear his car up, but his bead break was a good one for us.”
Keene earned runner-up honors followed by Miller, Billy Bigley Jr., and Ted Musgrave.
NASCAR star Bobby Allison, a former owner of the track, completed only 27 laps before the ignition in his car died.
More than 16,000 fans showed up for the event, the largest crowd in more than 15 years of the 63-year-old facility.
Results –
1. Mickey Gibbs
2. Daniel Keene
3. Butch Miller
4. Bill Bigley Jr.
5. Ted Musgrave
6. Tom Jones
7. Bobby Dotter
8. Bob Senneker
9. Tommy Evans
10.Harold Fair
11.Darrell Brown
12.Jody Ridley
13.Ricky Crawford
14.Mike Eddy
15.Bret Miles
16.Dave Jackson
17.Dennis Lampman
18.Kent Stauffer
19.Bobby Gill
20.Mike Harmon
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