Owen, Cooper, Conquest, and Stalnaker on Top at Bronson
By Rick Warren
Once again, it was great weather and a great night of racing at Bronson Motor Speedway. There was a good number of racers in the pit area, a good crowd was on hand, and a large number of kids had signed up for the bicycle races to be held during intermission. After an exciting round of heat races , and some very competitive bicycle racing, it was time for the feature events. First up were the Open Wheel Modifieds. Monty Morgan took the early lead, and was challenged at every corner by Gene Owen and Gary Southard. Owen slipped slightly getting in turn 1, allowing Southard to go to work on Morgan. Southard and Morgan raced each other hard, neither one giving an inch. On lap 17 Morgan and Southard made big contact with each other, causing Morgan to spin and bringing out the caution flag. It was ruled that both drivers would restart on the rear, giving the lead to Owen. Shortly after the restart, Morgan and Southard got together again, causing Southard to once again start on the rear. Attrition had shortened the field, allowing Morgan and Southard to work back thru the field, and take up pursuit of Owen again. With Owen in the lead, Gene showed why he had been the points champion at Bronson two different times, by driving fast, consistent laps, and not allowing those chasing him an opportunity to pass. Owen went on to take the checkered flag, followed by Southard and Owen.
Next up were the Sportsman, and it looked like it had the making of a barn burner. Gary Southard was racing in the # 30 car that he had built for Doug Anderson, and in warm ups and the heat race, the car was pretty quick. When the race started, Rob Cooper shot to the lead, with Southard pushing hard right behind. The first couple of laps, Cooper had his hands full as Southard stayed tied to his bumper, with a few gentle nudges to remind Cooper that he was there. As the race progressed, the #30 car started to lose the handle a little bit, and Cooper took full advantage and ran hard to the checkered flag. Southard brought Andersons car home with a strong second place finish, Followed by Darrin Kimball.
Next up were the always competitive and popular Pure Stock Division. This was a great race. 16 cars took the Green Flag, and the race was on! For the first few laps, you could have covered the first 8 cars with a blanket. As the field sorted itself out, the racing got even more intense. Arthur Conquest came from his third row starting position, passing cars on the inside, on the outside, and on the straights. Corky Miley, Bobby Johnson, and Tommy Ausburn were in tough competition, fighting for second place. With the race being almost caution free, the fans were treated to some fierce battles all over the race track. When the Checkered flag fell, Conquest came home with the win, followed by a fast closing Bobby Johnson, Corky Miley, And Tommy Ausburn.
The Mini Stock Division was next out of the gate, and another good race was on tap. Jeff Stalnaker and Don Faunce occupied the front row as the green flag waved, and raced side by side for several laps, before Stalnaker pulled out to a slight lead. Second row starter Billy Smith had his racer in fine form, and managed to catch and pass Faunce for second position, and set out to catch Stalnaker. As Smith drew closer to Stalnaker, Lady Luck frowned on Billy, and his Racer dropped a cylinder, ending his charge toward the front. However, even on three cyls. his car was still pretty quick. Faunce did go back by Smith, but Smith held on to finish the race. Stalnaker came in with the victory, followed by Faunce, Smith and Morris Richardson.
The V8 Bombers hit the track next, and were very anxious to race. After some difficulties getting a clean start, the race finally got under way, with Emmitt Bottoms taking the lead, in pursuit of his first ever feature win. There was some serious racing at every corner of the track. Amid some rubbing, a little banging, and some good driving, the racers were giving it all they had, trying to get the best finish. With 2 laps to go, Stir Fry Padgett managed to catch Bottoms, and slip under him going into the third turn. When the racers came under the white flag, Padgett had taken the lead, and held on for the win. Bottoms finished second, followed by Kevin Hodge and Laura Fletcher.
The 4 cyl bombers ran a quick race as well, with Jeff Stalnaker Jr. driving his brothers car to the win. HE was followed by J. Durbin and T. Dunbar.
Be sure to join us next Saturday night as the Late Models return to Bronson Motor Speedway.
