Columbus Speedway
Friday, August 24, 2001
 By Larry Olson

COLUMBUS MS.  Bill Frye's fortunes in the O'Reilly Auto Parts Mid-America Racing Series continue to prosper, as he picked up his sixth feature event of the year Friday at the Columbus Speedway.  Frye took the lead from his nearest rival, pole sitter Terry Phillips, and went wire to wire in the 30 Lap Event.  Frye picked up $2,000 for his efforts.

Phillips and Frye shared the front row, and went side by side for most of the first lap before Frye edged ahead at the flag stand.  Steve Russell, Anthony Rushing, and Leslie Essary fell in behind.  Billy James and Jerry Buck brought out the caution in turn two on lap three.  Mike Boland and Brad Looney tangled in turn four one lap later, bringing out the yellow again.

  Frye was able to open a 5 carlength advantage by lap seven after the restart, then the caution re-appeared on lap nine, as Steve Russell was off the track in turn four.  Mike Bowers was able to move to fifth on lap 10 before Jamie Elam, Jerry Buck, and Gary Stolba all got together on the backstretch.

   Bill Frye came home with the win, with Terry Phillips, Anthony Rushing, Mike Bowers, and Jeff Floyd making up the top five.  Leslie Essary, Steve Rushin, David Gibson, Steve Russell, and Dan Leatherman rounded out the top ten.