Page 2B THETHE TOWNS TOWNS COUNTY COUNTY HERALD HERALD July July 22, 202022, 2020 Towns County Sports Towns County’s Leader In Sports ooolgofk[gmflq`]jYd\f]lÛÝÛ<¤eYad‘Ûl[`]jYd\³oaf\klj]Yef]l Softball: GHSA mandates NASCAR 2020 By Gerald Hodges/the Racing Reporter physical distancing, masks optional Childress Teams Finish 1-2 At Texas By Todd Forrest FT. WORTH, TX - Aus- Towns County Herald tin Dillon came out of the Sports Editor pits first in the last round of pit stops then held off rookie teammate on Thomaston - The Geor- Sunday at Texas to get his first gia High School Association victory of the NASCAR Cup (GHSA) recently published a Series season, and give Rich- list of safety measures for the ard Childress Racing its first upcoming fall fast-pitch soft- 1-2 finish in nine years. ball season. “Not bad for a silver The GHSA’s “Special spoon kid,” said Dillon. “We Considerations and Rules Mod- knew a win was coming. This ifications” were released July 8 team has been getting better to apprise softball programs of and better. We could just feel the new criteria to be enforced it. Now, that we’ve made the by the host school at each cut and in the Chase hunt, there won’t be quite as much contest. pressure. The updated regulations “I was more worried are “designed to decrease po- about Tyler than the other tential exposure to respiratory guys. I knew he had a car just droplets by encouraging social about equal to me, and if I distancing, limiting participa- made one slip, he would be on Gets First All-Star Win tion in administrative tasks to me.” Smith-254, 6. Moffitt-253, 7. essential personnel and allow- It was his first win at the Enfinger-252, 8. Ankrum-248, ing for appropriate protective 1.5-mile Fort Worth track and 9. Gilliland-243, 10. Crafton- equipment during practice and third of his Cup Series career. 225. competition,” the statement Reddick led five laps and ELLIOTT GETS reads on the GHSA’s official came home in second place, FIRST ALL-STAR WIN Kennedi Henson during a game in 2019. Photo/Lowell Nicholson taking the checkered flag .149 Chase Elliott held off website. seconds behind Dillon. to get his first Some significant changes before continuing. physical distancing from any “Well, I had the gas NASCAR All-Star Race win fans can expect to see this fall Although not required, players in their starting posi- pedal down, but I think my Wednesday night at Bristol is the prohibition of public con- the GHSA advocates that play- tions and during rotations. teammate was running a little Motor Speedway. cession stands and mandatory ers use their own gloves and Additionally, the catcher and better line,” said Reddick. “I “There’s nothing like social-distancing by spectators bats as much as possible. All batter must keep their distance wanted the end to be between Bristol,” he said. “There’s in the bleachers and at facility equipment is to be sanitized while the umpire dusts off our teams. I didn’t want any of nothing like the lights here. entrances. before and after each game/ home plate. the other cars involved.” There’s nothing like racing Non-participating play- practice. Meanwhile, the shar- With most of the regular was third, here. I’ve never won here – ers must also adhere to social- ing of beverages, water bottles season scheduled to occur in followed by, Kyle Busch, Kev- what a race to do it. Just re- in Harvick, , Ryan ally proud of our team tonight distancing guidelines, resulting and the use of sunflower seeds late-summer, cloth masks are in an extension of the dugouts Blaney, , Brad Ke- and rebounding. We’ve had a are strictly prohibited. recommended but not manda- selowski, and Aric Almirola. really tough couple of weeks “We want the cars to to a clearly-marked “out-of- Long gone are the days of tory for players, coaches and led 11 and just felt like we had kind rely on horsepower, not aero- play” area. heated in-your-grill arguments officials. However, umpires are laps, had a fast car, but spun of gotten off base and I felt dynamics,” Evernham said. The rule changes also im- between coaches and umpires. encouraged to wear face shields out seven laps from the finish like I was struggling.” “It relies on mechanical grip, pact on-field interaction. Most If a coach requests a timeout and sanitation gloves. and wound up finishing 20th. Elliott led 60 of the driver ability, driver input, notably, players are no longer to discuss a call, they must If a player elects to wear If it weren’t for bad 140 laps en route to the $1.1 right? Steering wheel, ped- allowed to leave the dugout to maintain six-feet of separation a face covering, they must luck, Jimmie Johnson would million paycheck. He and his als, things like that. Possible celebrate home runs. at all times - this also applies be of a single color, without not have any luck. He spun father along with working with a crew chief to All team huddles must to scorekeepers during substi- symbols or lettering. Yellow- during lap 121, hit the wall, and Dale Earn- make a few changes. abide by physical-distancing tutions. tinted masks worn by pitchers and finished 26th. hardt Jr., are the only father/ “So as far as the tech- protocols, and charged de- The pregame conference are prohibited. Clear plastic won the son combinations to have won nology of the car, the techno- first two stages of the race fensive conferences will be is limited to one coach from face shields are permitted if the All-Star event. Interest- logical advancements would conducted on the outer edge of and led 150 laps of the 334 lap ingly, Bill Elliott won the race be obviously to help cover the each team and the officials. integrated into the fielding race. when it was held in Atlanta show and have fans be able to the pitching circle. Pitchers are Coaches must remain outside facemask, catching helmet, or The beginning of the and Chase’s victory at Bris- enjoy it better. But we want a prohibited from licking fingers, the batter’s box nearest their batting helmet. final stage got off to a bad tol are the only two times the very basic race car that is real- touching any part of their hands dugout, and umpires will stay The GHSA Board of start. During Lap 218, race event was held at a track other ly, again, about showing driver to the mouth, or blowing into behind the catcher’s box to Trustees met on Monday to leader Blaney got loose go- than Charlotte. ability.” their hands before delivering exchange lineup cards. further discuss the fall sports ing through Turn 4, causing Kyle Busch had to settle Racing Joke: Matt and a pitch. Any violation is in an Base coaches will main- season. As of press time, of- the field behind him to stack for second and is still winless his wife had prepared dinner immediate “dead ball” with the tain physical distancing to base ficial softball practice is slated up. As drivers tried to avoid this season in the Cup Series. for members of his family. ball removed from play. The runners. The plate umpire shall to begin Aug. 1, with Aug. 6 wrecking, at least 11 other cars “We’re trying hard and The doorbell rang, and their defensive team will provide position themselves deeper than listed as the earliest possible were involved. The race was we’re running okay, but it little boy greeted his aunt with another game ball, and the usual to call balls and strikes. game date. red flagged for 12 minutes. seemed like we were mired in a big hug and said, “I’m glad pitcher’s hand must be sanitized Blaney was fast, but a 10th place for much of that race to see you. Now maybe daddy Base umpires shall maintain decision to stay out on Lap tonight and the last couple of will do the trick he has been 246 as other drivers like Kevin adjustments really helped us,” promising to do.” Harvick and Joey Logano pit- Busch said. “Adam (Stevens) The aunt was curious. GHSA approves use of football helmets; ted ended up hurting him. did a great job helping the car “What trick is that?” Top-10 leaders: 1. Har- and making it better. You just The little boy replied, “I vick-721, 2. Blaney-630, 3. have to keep going.” heard daddy tell mommy that Board of Trustees weigh options for fall Keselowski-615, 4. Logano- Matt DiBenedetto won he would climb the walls if 607, 5. Elliott-604, 6. Hamlin- the All-Star Open, and joined you came to visit us again.” By Todd Forrest 578, 7. Truex Jr.-557, 8. Alm- stage winners Aric Almirola Weekend Racing: Towns County Herald irola-534, 9. Kurt Busch-533, and William Byron in clinch- Name the three drivers in the Sports Editor 10. Kyle Busch-520. ing starting spots in the All- Texas Cup Series race that CINDRIC DECLARED Star Race. competed against Dale Earn- WINNER IN TEXAS The final All-Star start- hardt Sr. in that series. Thomaston - The Geor- XFINITY RACE ing spot went to , Racing moves to the gia High School Association Kyle Busch took the who was the top eligible vote- 1.5-mile Kansas Speedway (GHSA) continues to inch checkered flag in Saturday’s getter in fan balloting. Both for four NASCAR events next forward, approving helmet Xfinity Series race at Texas, the All-Star race and All-Star weekend. use during summer football but his car failed a post-race Open were non-points events. Thurs., July 23; Cup Se- workouts beginning Monday, inspection and he was placed SUPERSTAR RACING ries race; Starting time: 7:30 July 20. last. The win went to runner- EXPERIENCE PM ET; TV: NBCSN. The decision followed up Austin Cindric. COMING TO TV Fri., July 24; Truck Se- Top-10 finishers: 1. and Ray ries race; Starting time: 7 PM the July 15 meeting between Austin Cindric, 2. Chase Bris- Evernham have signed a tele- ET; TV: FoxSports1. the GHSA and the Sports Medi- coe, 3. , 4. Har- vision deal for their new rac- Sat., July 25; Truck Se- cine Advisory Council. How- rison Burton, 5. Michael An- ing series, called Superstar ries race; Starting time: 1:30 ever, this next step doesn’t nett, 6. Jeb Burton, 7. Brandon Racing Experience or SRX. PM ET; TV: FoxSports1. come without limitations. Each Jones, 8. Justin Haley, 9. Ross The events will take Sat., July 25; Xfinity player must be issued a helmet, Chastain, 10. Brandon Brown. place on short tracks, dirt Series race; Starting time: 5 and schools must sanitize the Top-10 leaders: 1. Bris- tracks and maybe a road PM ET; TV: NBCSN. headgear before and after each coe-691, 2. Cindric-667, 3. course. All will be broadcast Racing Trivia Ques- workout. Gragson-643, 4. Chastain-614, on CBS and CBS All Access tion: Kansas Speedway Furthermore, the GHSA 5. Haley-550, 6. Allgaier-545, beginning in 2021. opened in 2001. Who won the requests that schools continue 7. H. Burton-536, 8. Annett- The drivers will com- first two Cup Series races? reporting all positive COVID- 481, 9. B. Jones-448, 10. pete in a specialized car de- Last Week’s Question: the current schedule will post Herbst-377. signed by Evernham for ex- Who was the 1960 NASCAR 19 cases. Reports must disclose The GHSA Board of TEXAS TRUCK RACE clusive use in the Superstar Series champion? Answer. the test date, the athlete or Trustees met at 1 p.m. Monday on social media via the Towns GOES TO “ROWDY” Racing Xperience. Evernham Rex White. He lives in Atlanta coach’s name and their sport. to discuss the opening of fall County Herald.) KYLE envisions a car where driver and continues to make selected The GHSA is also pro- sports. In national sports news, Top-10 finishers: 1. talent is emphasized more than personal appearances. viding schools will valuable Before the meeting, cross Virginia recently postponed its Kyle Busch, 2. Christian Eck- aerodynamics. Gerald Hodges is a resources and directions regard- country, softball and volleyball high school football season un- es, 3. Matt Crafton, 4. Stewart Even though Stewart syndicated NASCAR writer ing the sanitation of composite practice was slated to begin til the spring, but the remaining Friesen, 5. , 6. and Evernham maintain that and author. His books may be leather, PU leather, and leather Aug. 1, with football condition- fall sports are still on schedule. Tyler Ankrum, 7. Justin Haley, the SRX is not a competitor to viewed and ordered online at Wilson football care. ing underway on July 27. (For Meanwhile, other southern 8, , 9. Ben Rho- NASCAR, the concept is es- Amazon.com. You may con- All other football regula- additional information, visit states like Florida and Tennes- des, 10. . sentially a love letter to fans tact him by e-mail at: hodg- tions remain in effect at this the GHSA’s website at www. see have delayed the start of Top-10 leaders: 1. disillusioned by the low horse- [email protected]. time. ghsa.net. Any alterations to football until September. Hill-300, 2. Rhodes-278, 3. power, high downforce inter- Creed-268, 4. Eckes-267, 5. mediate track racing product. BUY FOUR SELECT TIRES MOTORCRAFT® GET UP TO $70 REBATE -OR- COMPLETE 25,000 Ford Pass BRAKE SERVICE Rewards Points Goodyear, Dunlop, Michelin, Pirelli, Bridgestone, Toyo - $70 Rebate OR 25,000 FordPass Rewards Points 4000 FordPass BFGoodirch, General, Yokohama, Firestone - $60 Rebate OR 23,000 FordPass Rewards Points Nitto - $50 Rebate OR 21,000 FordPass Rewards Points Kelly - $40 Rebate OR 20,001 FordPass Rewards Points Rewards Bonus Points *Exclusions apply. Taxes extra. 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