DEERING – First, Tim Robinson paid his dues.

Saturday, October 14, 2000

DEERING – First, Tim Robinson paid his dues. Now, he’s cashing in.

After five years of driving and honing his craft, Robinson is sitting in the winner’s circle by capturing the Street Stock class championship this season at Portsmouth Raceway Park.

Robinson edged friend John Melvin to claim the title after finishing runner-up to Melvin last season. Melvin has won the previous two track championships.

Robinson, who had only a 10-point lead going into the final race, won the season’s last event to get the title.

"(Melvin has) won the last two championships, so I felt like it was my turn. He was rooting for me, too. John didn’t care which way it came out, but he wasn’t going to give it to me. He told me before the last race that he hoped I won (the title), but he was going to try and beat me," Robinson said.

"I was only up 10 points and that’s just two positions, so if I finished two places back he beats me after my leading the whole season."

Beating Melvin was bittersweet for Robinson. When he began racing, it was Melvin who helped jump start his career and has continued to be his mentor.

"John helped me pick out my first car and he hauled it home for me. We put a new body on it and he helped me rebuild it. He’s bee a lot of help," Robinson said.

"When we got tore up at the beginning of the year, he helped us get put back together. That’s the kind of guy he is."

Robinson began driving five years ago, but his interest was kindled prior to that when he used to tinker around in the garage of the late Fred Dillow.

"I used to go over and watch Fred and try to help. I didn’t help much. After he passed away, we adopted his number (83). He’s the reason I went to the race track to start with. It’s something I wanted to do for years," Robinson said.

With the help of Dillow and Melvin, Robinson began racing and learning.

"John got his title the fifth or sixth year. It takes a lot of heat time. You have to make a lot of laps and learn. It’s like going to school," Robinson said.

Robinson said auto racing is an expensive business. Creative Possibilities of Portsmouth is one of Robinson’s top sponsors and the company does a promotion each race in conjunction with Robinson’s place of finish.

"If people pick the right position that I’ll finish, they get a prize award. It’s a pretty neat sponsorship," Robinson said.

Other sponsorships include Tim Logan Racing, Midway Paint Supply, Carey Tire, Arrick’s Bottled Gas, First Federal Savings & Loan, Giovanni’s Pizza, WEMM and WDGG radio stations, Cropper Automotive AC Engines, Terry’s Glass, Cardinal Cleaners, Mark’s Photos, and Powerline Auto Parts.

"It’s about money, and it’s a shame because it’s a lot of fun," Robinson said.

Robinson and his wife, the former Mary Lee Sark, have a daughter, Brianna Faith, 17 months. Robinson wasn’t sure how his wife would accept his racing, but he said she enjoys going to the track.

"She likes it. She’s been real supportive. A lot of wives don’t like it, but she goes every chance she gets," Robinson. "She said I could do what ever I want to do, just as long as I don’t spend grocery money."

Fans can get more information about the Robinson racing by logging onto his web site at www.83racing.homestead.com