Published: October 26, 2008 11:12 pm         

Rowland claims the win at main event at Winter Nationals

One hundred fifty-eight drivers made their way to Enid Speedway Park over the weekend for the 43rd annual Winter Nationals. However, only seven drivers could emerge victorious as 2008 Nationals’ champions.

Needing only to lead the last lap to win, Bryan Rowland posted the win in the main event and captured the title aboard his Road Runner Trucking sponsored Skyrocket modified in racing action at Enid Speedway Park Sunday afternoon.

“We got lucky tonight,” said Rowland. “I’m still happy to take the win.”

2007 Nationals champion Randy Timms launched his ride off the pole and took control of the fast and furious race. Timms clearly had the fastest car on the track as he sported over a straightaway advantage just a few laps into the race.

Timms hooked up smooth in the groove and was neatly lapping his way through the field when the track went under caution in lap 12. Mayhem in turn two on the restart brought the yellow back out. Timms resumed the point when the green flag waved but blew his motor and stalled in turn four, which saw the yellow flag fly.

Brendon Gemmill captured second with Thomas Tillison, Rick Taylor and Bud Longpine trailing at the finish.

Perseverance paid off for Travis Johnson as he piloted his BB Machine/Big O Tires sponsored Dunsworth Machine powered street stock to the Nationals’ crown.

“The car ran real good and it is for sale now,” said Johnson.

Bud Longpine hustled off the outside pole and showed the way. James Lott stalled at the top of turn three and brought out a yellow flag in lap six. Longpine sped away with Johnson in the hunt. It was a drag race until a four-car pile-up put the race back under yellow in lap 11.

Longpine raced away on the restart, and undaunted by four more cautions, looked unbeatable. But Johnson found the fast way around and put his ride out front with a daring outside challenge in lap 20. With a clear track in front of him Johnson was unstoppable on his path to the winner’s circle.

Longpine settled for second followed by Jerry Derr, Ray Nulf and Joel Lane.

Harley Manocker was in the right place at the right time as he chased down the feature win and wrapped up the championship in limited modified aboard his HDR built ride.

“HDR is the fastest way to the front,” said Manocker.

Frank Graven, Todd Decker, Ross McCartney and Tom Hogan rounded out the top five.

Defending champ John Anderson made his way to victory lane to claim his second crown in National Championship Racing Association late models. Al Purkey claimed second followed by Kelly Boen, Kyle Berck and Jimmy Seagraves. Boen’s finish gave the NCRA championship by 30 points.

Oil Capitol Sprint Car Racing Series rookie Matt Sherrell dominated in the “A” feature and posted the first win of his racing career aboard his Petrolift sponsored ride. Danny Smith raced to second trailed by Jamie Passemore, Johnny Kent and Rafe Essary.

Persistence paid off for Brad “The Bullet” Costello as he led all 20 laps to pick up the factory stock championship aboard his A & A Automotive sponsored car.

“The car was on a rail tonight,” said Costello. “I want to thank Johnny Rauschenberg and Whitley Racing for all of their help.”

Ryan Bohnstedt captured second with Tommy Johnson, Dustin McNamara and David Fisher trailing at the line.

Determination paid off for Willis Adams as he captured the title in pure stocks abaord his Platinum Pipe and Supply sponsored car.

“I want to thank Gene and Linda Richardson for providing me with an awesome ride and all the guys for their help,” said Adams.

James Goldman Jr., James Busler, Austin Lustfield and Keisha Whitfield rounded out the top five.

Modified heat winners were Timms, Jon Herring Jr., Ramirez and Weder. Graven, Elliott, Whitley and Mike Shenberger won their heats in limited modified. Late model heat wins went to Purkey, Boen and Shawn Hacker. Sherrell, Smith and Essary posted the heat wins in sprint cars.

Street stock heat wins went to Longpine, Lane, Derr and Adam Schrag. Costello and Marvin Allen won the heats in factory stock with Kenny Adams and Willis Adams taking the honors in pure stock. “B” feature winners were Brendon Gemmill in modified, Dustin Allen in street stock and Ross McCartney in limited modified.