Bad Boys, Bad Boys

Turn 5
Season 1
Lap 5

"Four Drivers Handed Citations"

by Lug Turner
Locust Grove Sunday Democrat
Saturday, July 8, 2006

SALINA- Four economy modified drivers received citations for moving violations following Friday night's races at Salina Highbanks Speedway. Mike Collins, Travis Montgomery, Jeremy Ross, and Mike Northrup all received tickets for speeding, reckless driving, and evading an officer.

Collins, known as "the 'ol outlaw" in some racing circles, also received citations for littering and resisting arrest after he threw his first set of tickets out the window of his #2 economy modified car.

Oklahoma Highway Patrolman Roger Starling issued the citations as part of what he calls his "clean up the dirt" campaign.

"These guys come out here, week in and week out, and show no regard for traffic laws or respect for authority," Trooper Staring said.

"You have got to be kidding me!" Ross exclaimed. "I was in a great mood, I won the race, the car ran great. Then I pull off the track and 'boom' there's Starling blocking the road, and he gives me $423 worth of tickets."

Ross says he had to swerve to avoid the spike strips Starling had set up at the entrance to the pit area.

"I can't believe this," E-Mod points leader Mike Collins said. "I always thought we were allowed to drive fast as long as we're on the track, but then Rog' gives me a crapload of tickets."

Collins went on to explain his alleged littering violation.

"I thought Rog' was joking with me, so I crumpled the papers up and threw them out the window. Then he makes me get out of the car and pick them up, and then he writes me two more tickets. Unbelievable!"

“We were out there at the start of the feature, and I noticed that Starling had flashing lights and a siren on his car. I thought he was playing a prank on everybody. I am gonna lose my drivers license,” Montgomery said.

“I’m just trying to restore a little order to the E-mod division. It’s something I should have done a long time ago,” Starling said.

Starling says he will continue stopping speeders during next Friday’s race at Salina. The fate of the other four drivers now rests in the hands of the Oklahoma justice system.