JOANIDES OUTDUELS MICHELS IN IRWINDALE FEATURE

IRWINDALE - Super Late Model racing fans had to wait 27 laps for the first showdown of the 2009 season.

That would be Nick Joanides against Rip Michels at Toyota Speedway at Irwindale in the track's signature ACDelco series; the winners of the last two titles. Michels is the all-time win leader at Irwindale with 57 victories.

It did not happen on opening weekend two weeks ago, and it took the series' third race of the season, the second Twin 25 on Saturday night, for the two drivers to be running 1-2. Joanides, from Woodland Hills, and Michels, from San Fernando, both passed Scott Dodd of Mira Loma on the second lap. But it wasn't much of a duel as Joanides easily pulled away for his second victory of this season, and the 20th of his career at Irwindale in just over two seasons.

There was good-natured jawing between the pair. They continually needled each other Saturday.

"Rip was talking smack about us on the internet," Joanides said. "He said he was home building his shocks all week and I was home playing my PlayStation all week. I think I'll stay with my PlayStation. It’s worked pretty good for me after winning 3 of 4 races this season."

Joanides has won three of the four races he has run this season.

"It's bitter," Michels joked. "I have my work cut out for me. Joanides put it to us. He pretty much schooled us. I thought I was going to kick his butt, but it's not going to happen. He's definitely the guy to beat right now. My hat's off to him."

Dodd pulled off an early surprise in the first race, with a victory in front of approximately 1,500. He trailed outside pole sitter, Michels on the first lap, but had the inside line and got by him a lap later. Michels later got loose and fell to fourth place. Joanides, who is still the series points leader, started third and blew by Michels on lap 3. Dodd and Joanides pulled away from Michels and Travis Thirkettle. Joanides finished second, trailing by just 0.120 seconds.

Because of the five-car invert, Dodd had the pole with Davis Ross of Colton. But Ross had trouble getting going on the start, eventually there was an accident and Michels gained an outside spot on the front row. But he could not hold on.

BACK