Lowden captures Late Model championship

The showdown came to an end Saturday night before a record 1,400 fans at Las Vegas Motor Speedway's 3/8-mile paved oval when Chris Lowden was crowned track champion in the NASCAR Late Model division.

Lowden trailed Scott Gafforini by 10 points going into the season finale. He needed to finish seven places ahead of Gafforini to earn the title.

The feat seemed impossible after Lowden spun early in the 40-lap feature and was forced to the pit area with suspension damage. Thanks to another caution, his crew was able to fix the No. 11 machine and get it back on the track without losing a lap.

"We never really gave up," said Lowden. "At first, we wanted to hurry up and get it fixed, and we did. But it was luck that gave us the extra time to get back out without losing a lap."

Lowden charged through the pack seeking the title, but Gafforini was racing strong in the fourth-place position. The scene changed drastically at halfway when Ken Holt hit the rear of Gafforini's car forcing the points leader out of the race.

"It was unfortunate that this event happened. We worked really hard for this championship for Fletcher Jones Jr., and to lose it on the final night is unfortunate," said Gafforini. "For as young as they are, my team has been very dedicated and professional this whole year. Regardless of what happened, we know that we are a championship level team."

Kurt Busch, winner of the main event, shared victory lane with Lowden as he celebrated his first championship of his three-year racing career.

"When I saw that Gafforini-Holt incident unfold, I just couldn't believe it,' said Lowden. "I asked my crew how far back Scotty was, and they wouldn't tell me. When the checkered fell I asked them again and they said he had parked it a long time ago. I just couldn't believe it.

"I feel lucky most of all. Scotty has worked very hard this year. At the end of the day it is perhaps racing luck. You could not have asked for a more dramatic finish to a season."

In the Grand American Modified division, Fabian Bray and Rick Rochelle took home feature wins while Doug Hamm captured the title.

"It was good to win the championship, but I want to support all of the people who have supported me," Hamm said. "My family, friends and sponsors made me the 1999 track champion."

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