Racer pulls ahead in the Bullring

By Sean Ammerman

Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008 | midnight

Going into the season finale Sept. 13 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway's racing series at The Bullring, super late model points leader Scott Gafforini had one concern — finishing last in the field of 14 racers.

The concern was eliminated when a driver bowed out at the last minute to secure the championship for Gafforini, a Green Valley resident. The 23-year racing veteran was able to relax during his championship ride to finish seventh. He had enough points entering the race to win the title with any finish except coming in last.

The win made Gafforini, 41, the first two-time season winner since the Bullring opened in 2000.

"I had a lot more fun this last race without all the pressure," Gafforini said. "This one ranks up there with everything I've won. I never thought I'd have a points championship fall together like this."

Gafforini won the 2006 points title by one point. This year's title was by a comfortable 31 points over second place Jeff Conners.

The super late model division uses the NASCAR scoring system based on the number of drivers. First place can get no more than 55 points.

"It was very satisfying," Gafforini said. "It was a tough year financially. We had to make do with what we had and make it last. It was tough on everyone, but the ones who were at the track were top notch."

Gafforini, who runs SG Speedshop out of his garage in Green Valley, said he had a lucky year in keeping his car consistent.

He won two of the series' 19 races this year and took second in another seven races.

Perhaps Gafforini's biggest push came from SG Speedshop teammate and friend, Dennis Rock Jr.

Rock, who also competes with Gafforini, let his friend compete in his Monte Carlo for two features while Gafforini's Camry was being repaired.

"If it wasn't for Dennis, we wouldn't have been able to do it," said Gafforini, who built both vehicles.

Rock won the race Sept. 13 by half a car length past Bear Rzesnowiecky to earn enough points to take third in the points standings.

The win was Rock's first in 12 years of local racing.

"It was very cool to finally win one," Rock said. "We had come close several times but never got a win. Overall, the car has been running better."

Rock and Gafforini will take a short break until Oct. 25 when the Bullring holds annual its Fall Classic.

"I'm feeling pretty confident going into it," Rock said. "They say you're only as good as your last race. Well I won my last one, so I'm feeling pretty good."

Sean Ammerman can be reached at 990-2661 or [email protected].