PORTSMOUTH, Ohio — Steve Francis picked up his first Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series victory of the season, winning the “Pepsi 75” Sunday night at Portsmouth Raceway Park.
Francis led all 75 laps of the main event for his fourth series victory and a $10,000 payday, but it wasn’t easy.
Francis fought off at least a dozen challenges from Billy Drake over the course of the race, but held him off at every encounter. Drake ended up settling for the runner-up position, followed by Jackie Boggs, Clint Smith and Rod Conley.
The finish:
Steve Francis, Billy Drake, Jackie Boggs, Clint Smith, Rod Conley, Brandon Kinzer, Scott James, Steve Casebolt, Chris Madden, Earl Pearson, Jr., R.J. Conley, Justin Rattliff, Tim Dohm, Terry English, Paul Harris, Donnie Morgan, Jason Montgomery, Damon Eller, Josh McGuire, Brian Birkhofer, Steve Shaver, Jimmy Owens, Jimmy Mars, Brian Shirley.Francis Fends Off Drake