Modified title is now Pro Stock driver's goal

There is no better way to sell a race car than by driving it to a feature-race win in front of 3,000 people.

As Stanley Reed Jr. drove his blue and white pro stock over the scales after his win Friday night at State Fair Speedway, the black and orange "For Sale” sign could be seen behind the passenger-side window.

After the race, Reed seemed indifferent to his victory, and eager to start receiving offers for his car. Reed once dreamed of a pro stock points title. Even a tie with Mark Brill two seasons ago wasn't enough. Reed stated many times he wanted a pro stock championship all his own.The USA modified Reed also races at the Speedway was priority No. 2.

Now things have changed. Reed is focused on winning his third modified title, and the pro stock class could be losing one of its most recognized drivers. The fact that Reed, who has been racing pro stocks since 1991, is eager to leave a division with an already troubled car count leads to questions about the future of the division.

"The pro stock class is dying out,” Reed said from the pits. "I am tired of racing against the same five people every night.”

Of course, the pro stocks have more than five cars. Seventeen showed up Friday night. But each feature race usually comes down to a handful of likely winners.

Losing an accomplished driver like Reed would take a cut out of the division's appeal and drama. And Reed said even if he got an offer while in contention for a pro stock title with just a week left in the season he would still sell the car and walk away.

"Absolutely,” Reed said.

Ouch.

Unfortunately for Reed, he broke the car he is planning to keep. Reed was running second in the USA modified feature race behind Randy Timms when he clipped one of the tractor tires marking the infield from the track. Reed broke the front end and couldn't finish.

Timms went on to win his first feature race at the Speedway this season.

•Former Speedway sprint car champion Bruce Jennings gave fans a blast from the past in his bid to win the super sprint feature race. On a dry and slick track, the veteran Jennings found himself in first place, holding off defending point champion Chris Burns.

Jennings, who races at the speedway only periodically in recent seasons, was holding his own until a bobble between turns one and two on lap 15. The slip was enough for Burns to get the win.

Burns then turned around and won the championship sprint feature. He leads both sprint car divisions in points.