Pounds continues his domination on dirt
| Saturday, Jul 24 2010 10:38 PM
Last Updated Saturday, Jul 24 2010 10:38 PM
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Brad Pounds drives through a turn during an IMCA Modified hot lap session Saturday at Bakersfield Speedway.
Brad Pounds lived up to his nickname once again Saturday night at Bakersfield Speedway.
The "Dominator" won his heat race before stretching his IMCA Modified points lead with a series-leading fifth feature win of the season.
Three different drivers led the 25-lap main event before Pounds used the high groove to get around Nick Sylvester coming out of turn four with eight circuits remaining.
"As the green flag dropped my car was pretty free," Pounds said. "I didn't have as much grip as those other guys down on the bottom. The last race out here I got run by on the top and lost the race to Jay (Marks) ... I knew the bottom was going wear off and the top was going to be the way around."
Sylvester, who led from lap eight through 17, finished second. Robby Sawyer was third followed by Justin Schweitzer and Larry Wise.
A last-lap spin by leader Lee Jensen allowed Bruce Johnson to become the first Hobby Stock main event repeat winner of the year.
Jensen made a late-race pass of Wayne Dotson and appeared to be headed for the victory. But on the final lap Dotson made contact and turned Jensen in turn two. The incident allowed Johnson to pass both cars and take the win.
Eric Cimental was second followed by Lloyd Wren Jr. and Roy Degeer Jr.
"I feel really bad for Lee Jensen," Johnson said. "He did a heck of a job up there ... I was sitting there going there's a pretty good chance I might sneak away with this thing. Thanks, Wayne."
Dotson led the entire caution-filled 25-lap event before Jensen powered past him on lap 22. After the race, he was penalized for rough driving due to the contact with Jensen.
Mike Pilatti made the most of his first Mini Stock start of the season. Pilatti started on the outside of the front row and led all 20 laps in winning the division's feature race.
Nathan Flud, who entered the night third in points behind brothers Jordan and Dylan Hagar, finished second. Jeff Gamboa was third and pole sitter Tina Wheeler took fourth.
"I just have to remember to breathe," an excited Pilatti said from Victory Lane after the race. "We had a great car here tonight."
Chuck West of Clovis dominated the 25-lap National Midget Racing Association main event.
Amanda Thomas started on the pole and led two different times including the first five laps.
But midway through West took over the point and then quickly pulled out to a big lead before the race was called when West Evans flipped with one lap remaining.
"The car was running great," West said following his second feature win of the year.
Jimmy Dodson was second followed by Dakota Schweitzer and Dave Lambert.
Before the start of the feature races, the track held a tribute to former long-time Bakersfield Speedway and Mesa Marin flagman Ron Ybarra who passed away recently.
In other action, Jacob Shepherd won the Dirt Go-Kart main event and Desiree Luna finished first in the Lawnmower feature race.
