Bonwell captures green flag in NAPA Thunder race at DCRP

    Western Beverage Appreciation and Ladies Night packed the stands of Dodge City Raceway Park on Saturday, and race fans were not disappointed. Great weather, a tacky track and a full field of race cars set the tone for a great night of racing. A total of 50 teams checked in on the night. Four classes of cars were in action — NAPA Thunder Cars, United Wireless IMCA Stocks, IMCA Modifieds and the Dodge City Harley Davidson Sprint Series.
    The fans got the good stuff when the NAPA Thunder cars rolled onto the oval for their main event. Josh Bonwell led the field to the green flag. A battle for the top position ensued among Bonwell, Tyler Dye and Brian Ghumm. Bonwell was able to hold off an early Dye charge and took the win.
    The fast pace continued when the United Wireless IMCA stocks hit the dirt. Angel Munoz methodically sliced his way through the field to pick up his second consecutive feature win of the 2008 season. But it wasn't easy as DCRP veterans Brian Sauser, Corey Chansler, Cole Wilson and Tony Corpening gave Munoz all he could handle.
    The Modified division of DCRP has changed gears for 2008, running under the sanctioning body of the IMCA. The response was evident, with 25 teams making the pull to Dodge City. The racing was fast and furious all night. Tim Leiker started on the pole and jumped out to an early lead. Hot on his heels were Dale Wanger and Clay Bontrager.
    A caution midway through the 25-lap main event would end Leiker's night, and Dale Wanger's D8 would take over the top position. The frantic pace would continue as Wanger and Bontrager battled for the top spot. Late cautions tightened the field and also saw Dodge City's Mike Martin and Jesse Smith crack the top five. A shootout to the finish saw fierce side-by-side racing action between Martin and Wanger. Wanger eventually held off Martin's late rally and a charge by Jesse Smith for his first feature win of 2008.
    Dodge City Harley Davidson Sprints capped the Wild West showdown. Kevin Smith led the winged warriors to the green. Keefe Hemel would use the high line and jet to an early lead from his outside row one starting position. Brandon “The Iceman” Fisher, Nick King, Ray “The Rain Man” Seemen and Jeff Crook would battle for the top five.
    “Flyin'” Brian Herbert lived up to his moniker. Herbert charged from a last-place starting position in a B-Main to qualify for an inside seventh-row starting position in the feature, and a frantic charge to the front followed. Crook would pull pitside and just as it looked like it was check-out time for last season's 305 points champion, Hemel jumped the right rear of Smith and pulled to the infield. Fisher seized the opportunity, but King, Seeman and Tyler Knight Turned the heat up on the Iceman. Knight, from an outside sixth-row starting position, skillfully piloted his 11K through the field and was into the top five.
    Back under green, Fisher led a four-car breakout including King, Seeman, and Knight. Not wanting to be left out, Herbert joined the fray as King and Knight battled for position. Despite fierce competition, Fisher, from Ensign, held on and drove to victory lane for his first win of the year.