The hottest day of 2016, with temperatures hovering near 100, led to some hot tempers in Saturday’s action at Bowman Gray Stadium. Since the races were rained out last week after just 1 lap of the Street Stock race, all divisions except the Stadium Stocks would keep their starting positions from last week. The Stadium Stocks qualified for their longest race of the year, the Winston Salem Journal 50. Brandon Brendle won the pole with a 15.7, Andrew Durham was 2nd quickest. 30 years ago a 15.7 would have been the pole for the modifieds.

The night started with a moment of silence for longtime NASCAR and stadium official Kay Whittemore who had passed away during the week. Kay had worked the sign in booth for over 30 years. She always had kind words for you and always wanted to know how the family was doing. Her husband, the late Jim Whittemore, was the track steward when I raced in 1979 and 80. Then in the early 90’s when I was promoting racing collectible shows along with NASCAR events, Kay would bring Jim to browse all day and she ran the ticket booth for me. She would always ask me about my 2 children, both of whom were born during the times she helped. She was a sweet lady and will surely be missed.

The first event was the completion of the Street Stock race. Since a lap had been completed, the start was single file and Taylor Robbins jumped out to the lead. This was a night of cautions though as it seemed one came out about every 2 laps. 2nd starting Kevin Gilbert was involved in the first caution, allowing Aaron Hylton to move up to 2nd. With 6 laps left a caution came out for contact between the 24 and 07 cars. When the signal 1 to go was given, Robbins car stalled in turn 1 and would not refire. She was dejectedly pushed to the pits giving the lead to Hylton who survived another caution and got the win when the time limit ran out. It was the young Hylton’s first win of the year.

The first 20 lap race for the Sportsman cars had Robbie Brewer and Michael Adams on the front row followed by Rob Knabel and John Holleman IV. Adams would grab the lead and win with Brewer, Holleman, Zack Clifton, and Dylan Ward rounding out the top 5.

The NASCAR Hall of Fame 100 for the Modifieds, rescheduled from last week, was led to the line by Tim Brown, Ronnie Clifton, Michael Clifton, Jonathan Brown, and Jason Myers. Brown surged to the lead and survived 2 restarts with Ronnie Clifton on the outside, 1 with Michael Clifton on the outside, and 4 with Burt Myers on the outside. The last caution and restart came with 4 laps left which led the race to be finished with a green white checkered. Brown was undaunted by the restarts and drove away each time.

That Rahmoc power was obvious Saturday night. The cars of Daniel Yates and Jonathan Brown were involved in separate but bone jarring crashes into the 4th turn guardrail, but neither was injured.
Michael Adams had drawn the number 16 starting spot for the 2nd race which put Jeff Garrison and DJ Moore on the front row for the 2nd race. It wasn’t but a few laps until Dylan Ward took over the lead. During a caution that involved quite a few cars, there was confusion lining them up for the restart.

Once the lineup was straightened out, John Holleman IV drove from 14th to 3rd on the outside seemingly passing cars with ease. As Robbie Brewer and Dylan Ward were battling for the lead, Holleman attempted to get past Brewer but the two cars collided and slammed into the turn 1 wall, their nights over. Brewer exited his car and had to be restrained by track crew and police as Holleman was escorted to the pits. On the restart Ward drifted high and that allowed Zack Clifton the opportunity to dive inside and take the lead and the win.
The WS Journal 50 was up next and Brandon Brendle led the entire race weathering a few cautions to capture the win. Shane Southard was second, with AJ Sanders, Chuck Wall, and Andrew Durham completing the top 5.

Adam Moore won a 10 lap chain race.

This week will be twin 50 lap races for the Modifieds, twin 20 lap races for the Sportsman, a 20 lap Street Stock race, two 15 lap Stadium Stock races, and a skid race.