March 16, 2005
Daytona, FL - Screamin' Eagle Performance Parts rider Rich King won his qualifying heat for the opening round of the AMA Ford Quality Checked Flat Track Championship at Municipal Stadium in Daytona Beach, Fla. but was unable to advance to the Grand National main aboard his Harley-Davidson short tracker.
King finished third in the second heat race of the evening, behind White’s Harley-Davidson/ Scott’s Powersports rider John Raun Wood and Honda Pro Oils rider Nicholas Cummings. The heat was red-flagged after seven of ten laps when Richard Winsett crashed in the racing line, robbing King of a chance to pass for a qualifying spot in the closing laps. King then placed fifth in his semi-final heat and was done for the night.
“It just wasn’t my night,” said Rich King. “I’m looking forward to Joliet.”
“This has always been a tough track for us,” said Harley-Davidson Racing Manager Anne Paluso. “We’ll be ready for the next round with the XR 750.”
The main was won by American Suzuki rider Jake Johnson, who was also the fastest qualifier for the event. Johnson passed Quality Checked Pre-Owned Ford/Lancaster Harley-Davidson rider Chris Carr on lap 6 of the 25-lap main and was never headed. Carr finished second on a KTM, followed by Mack Daddy/Kiesow Racing rider Henry Wiles on a Honda.
The next stop on the AMA Ford Quality Checked Flat Track Championship series is May 21 at Route 66 Speedway in Joliet, Ill.
