Jonathan Brown Battles to the Front to Win at Bowman Gray
Double-File Restarts led to an unforgettable race.
(Bowman Gray Stadium, Winston-Salem, NC) The highlight of Advance Auto Parts weekend at Bowman Gray Stadium is, of course, the Advance Auto Parts 199 for the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour. But before the tour cars hit the asphalt tonight, the Farm Bureau Insurance Modified Series had their turn around the bullring. And for fans of exciting Modified racing action, they set the bar pretty high.
Burt Myers of Walnut Cove qualified the fastest and then drew the pole when the top six qualifiers redrew for position. Tim Brown of Cana, VA started right beside Myers on the outside front row. But with last night’s 50-lapper using the Double-File “Choice” Restart Rule, starting at the front was far from a guarantee of a good finish.
When the green flag dropped, Myers and Brown fought fiercely for the lead. Perhaps as payback from an incident in a previous race, Myers bumped Brown a little wide as they battled side-by-side. Brown settled back into third place as Brent Elliott of Denton grabbed second place.
Even though he’s leading in the points with his eyes on the championship, Brown was not one to shy away from a fight: When a caution on lap 9 led to a double-file restart, Brown took to the outside to challenge Myers for the lead again.
Brown was slightly ahead of Myers as they entered turn one, but Brown was unable to make the pass from the outside lane. Once again, Brown filed into second behind Myers.
On lap 11, Jonathan Brown of Winston-Salem was caught up in an incident between Bobby Hutchens of Lexington and Lee Jeffreys of Wallburg. Jeffreys and Hutchens headed off to the pits with their cars severely damaged. Jonathan Brown was left with a tire that was losing air: although he continued to race, Jonathan Brown would be forced to pit later for a quick tire change.
Meanwhile, Jason Myers of Walnut Cove took to the outside with Junior Miller of Danbury right behind him. As Miller tried to slip past Jason Myers, the two collided – almost entangling Tim Brown in the incident as well.
For four restarts and 30 laps, Burt Myers and Tim Brown sailed on at the head of the pack. But the #53 car of Jonathan Brown, now with a new tire, was quickly making his way through the pack.
Another double-file restart gave Jonathan Brown the chance to pull to the outside of Burt Myers. The two have had many heated battles for the lead before, and this one proved to be no different. Myers held his ground, and Brown tried to move into the lead – but with neither car budging, the two became entangled and shoved each other into the guard rail.
“Jonathan just cut left and ran me down in the ripples - and ultimately took us out of the race for the win,” said Myers.
“I don’t know what happened to Burt back there. It looked like I was clear, and he tried driving up on in there,” said Jonathan Brown.
Myers headed off to the pits where his crew worked feverishly to repair his damaged car. Jonathan Brown stayed on the track but lost a few valuable positions. Tim Brown, who avoided becoming part of the jumble, took over the race lead.
Jonathan Brown knew his greatest chance to get back to the front was to go to the outside during the double-file restarts – and that’s exactly what he did for the final double-file restart of the night.
Amazingly, after that restart Jonathan Brown was running in third. With Junior Miller experiencing car troubles, Jonathan Brown slipped by to take over the second place spot – and that put him right on the bumper of race leader Tim Brown.
Not many cars can compete with the #83 rocket of Tim Brown, but Jonathan Brown was giving him some fierce taps to the rear bumper. On lap 47, Jonathan gave a particularly stout tap to Tim Brown, getting the #83 slightly sideways.
To the cheers and boos of the crowd, Jonathan Brown took over the lead with only two laps to go in the race. Tim Brown was able to steer back into the groove, falling back to sixth.
“I gave him a little shot because I wanted to get by him. That’s racing at Bowman Gray Stadium,” said Jonathan Brown. “Last time I heard: if you want friends at a race track, bring them with you.”
Tim Brown declined to comment.
Jonathan Brown held on for the final few laps to take the checkered flag – his third win at the Stadium. Junior Miller finished in second despite an ailing car. Robert Jeffreys of Winston-Salem took third.
For tonight’s Advance Auto Parts 199 for the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, Brian Loftin of Lexington qualified on the pole with a time of 13.597. When the fastest 10 qualifiers drew for starting positions, George Brunnhoelzl III of West Babylon, NY drew the pole.
Starting on the outside front row will be Burt Myers of Walnut Cove, with Brian Loftin starting third and Bobby Hutchens of Lexington fourth.
The Time Warner Cable Stadium Stock Series also competed last night. Mike McKnight of Pfafftown took the checkered flag for the 15-lap race. Jason Asbury of King claimed second. Jordan Fleming of Mount Airy finished third.
As part of the annual Friday night racing action on Advance Auto Parts weekend, the Legends, Bandoleros, and East Coast Flat Head Fords held races at the Stadium.
In the Bandits class of the Bandoleros, John Holleman IV of Winston-Salem brought home the win. In the Young Guns class, Justin Carroll of Concord was the winner. Chris Trivette of Advance took the checkered in the Outlaws class.
In the Legends Series, Bailey Currie of Driftwood, TX won the Pro class race. Hoyt Demis of Archdale notched a victory in the Master class. In the Semi-pro class, Chase Catania of El Cajon, CA was the victor, with Evan Swilling of Cohutta, GA winning the Young Lions class.
Stadium Legend Johnny Johnson of Tobaccoville was the winner of the Modified class of the East Coast Flathead Fords. John Barrow of Kernersville took the checkered in the Sportsman class.
Tonight is the Advance Auto Parts 199 for the NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour, plus racing for the Sportsman, Street Stock, and Stadium Stock Divisions. Gates open on both nights at 6:00 for practice, and the first race begins at 8:00 PM. Ticket prices, directions, and more information can be found online at www.bowmangrayracing.com or by calling (336) 723-1819.
Race Results
Farm Bureau Insurance Modified Series
Advance Auto Parts Night 50: 50 laps
FINISH |
CAR |
DRIVER |
HOMETOWN |
1 |
53 |
Jonathan Brown |
Kernersville, NC |
2 |
69 |
Junior Miller |
Danbury, NC |
3 |
75 |
Robert Jeffreys |
Winston-Salem, NC |
4 |
72 |
Brent Elliott |
Denton, NC |
5 |
40 |
Brad Robbins |
Winston-Salem, NC |
6 |
83 |
Tim Brown |
Cana, VA |
7 |
13 |
Chris Fleming |
Mount Airy, NC |
8 |
1 |
Burt Myers |
Walnut Cove, NC |
9 |
4 |
Jason Myers |
Walnut Cove, NC |
10 |
70 |
Alfred Hill |
Jonesville, NC |
11 |
31 |
Gene Pack |
Walkertown, NC |
12 |
81 |
Austin Pack |
Walkertown, NC |
13 |
21 |
Tommy Neal |
Walkertown, NC |
14 |
5 |
Randy Butner |
Pfafftown, NC |
15 |
50 |
Michael Clifton |
Walkertown, NC |
16 |
14 |
Bobby Hutchens |
Lexington, NC |
17 |
77 |
Lee Jeffreys |
High Point, NC |
18 |
12 |
Mike Norman |
Lewisville, NC |
Time Warner Cable Stadium Stock Series: 15 laps
FINISH |
CAR |
DRIVER |
HOMETOWN |
1 |
3 |
Mike McKnight |
Pfafftown, NC |
2 |
67 |
Jason Asbury |
King, NC |
3 |
99 |
Jordan Fleming |
Mount Airy, NC |
4 |
8 |
Shane Southard |
Yadkinville, NC |
5 |
42 |
Phillip Wright |
King, NC |
6 |
13 |
Matt Dillner |
Concord,NC |
7 |
04 |
Brian Hawks |
Advance, NC |
8 |
47 |
Kevin C. Neal |
Danbury, NC |
9 |
90 |
Brandon Crotts |
King, NC |
10 |
86 |
Tim Smith |
Kernersville, NC |
11 |
35 |
Steve Myers |
Pfafftown, NC |
12 |
36 |
William Chilton |
Eden, NC |
13 |
20 |
Bobby Harrison |
Walkertown, NC |
14 |
69 |
Matt Keller |
Advance, NC |
15 |
2 |
Brandon Lucas |
Asheboro,NC |
16 |
17 |
Andy Southern |
Winston-Salem, NC |
17 |
6 |
Dale Patterson |
Winston-Salem, NC |
18 |
93 |
Robert Collins |
Winston-Salem, NC |
19 |
71 |
Archie Sanders |
Mocksville, NC |
20 |
50 |
David Conner |
Sandy Ridge, NC |
21 |
84 |
Wesley Thompson |
Mocksville, NC |
NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour
Qualifying Results for the Advance Auto Parts 199
Top 10 Qualifiers redraw for starting position
Qualifying |
Car |
Driver |
Hometown |
Qualifying |
1 |
23 |
Brian Loftin |
Lexington, NC |
13.597 |
2 |
1 |
Burt Myers |
Walnut Cove, NC |
13.604 |
3 |
28 |
George Brunnhoelzl III |
West Babylon, NY |
13.669 |
4 |
40 |
Frank Fleming |
Mount Airy, NC |
13.688 |
5 |
14 |
Bobby Hutchens |
Lexington, NC |
13.735 |
6 |
4 |
Jason Myers |
Walnut Cove, NC |
13.752 |
7 |
47 |
Andy Seuss |
Hampstead, NH |
13.778 |
8 |
25 |
John Smith |
Mount Airy, NC |
13.790 |
9 |
18 |
Zach Brewer |
Winston-Salem, NC |
13.811 |
10 |
5 |
Randy Butner |
Pfafftown, NC |
13.843 |
11 |
02 |
Buddy Emory |
Petersburg, VA |
13.846 |
12 |
49 |
Scott Rigney |
Mount Airy, NC |
13.853 |
13 |
72 |
Brent Elliott |
Denton, NC |
13.868 |
14 |
36 |
L.W. Miller |
Dushore,PA |
13.902 |
15 |
31 |
Gene Pack |
Walkertown, NC |
13.985 |
16 |
71 |
Dean Ward |
Winston-Salem, NC |
14.070 |
17 |
44 |
Rich Kuiken, Jr |
Staffordville, NJ |
14.261 |
18 |
21 |
Tommy Neal |
Walkertown, NC |
14.271 |
19 |
13 |
Luke Fleming |
Mount Airy, NC |
14.276 |
20 |
97 |
Bryan Dauzat |
Midland,NC |
14.309 |
Starting Order for Advance Auto Parts 199 for the
NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified Tour
Position |
Car |
Driver |
Hometown |
1 |
28 |
George Brunnhoelzl III |
West Babylon, NY |
2 |
1 |
Burt Myers |
Walnut Cove, NC |
3 |
23 |
Brian Loftin |
Lexington, NC |
4 |
14 |
Bobby Hutchens |
Lexington, NC |
5 |
5 |
Randy Butner |
Pfafftown, NC |
6 |
4 |
Jason Myers |
Walnut Cove, NC |
7 |
40 |
Frank Fleming |
Mount Airy, NC |
8 |
47 |
Andy Seuss |
Hampstead, NH |
9 |
18 |
Zach Brewer |
Winston-Salem, NC |
10 |
25 |
John Smith |
Mount Airy, NC |
11 |
02 |
Buddy Emory |
Petersburg, VA |
12 |
49 |
Scott Rigney |
Mount Airy, NC |
13 |
72 |
Brent Elliott |
Denton, NC |
14 |
36 |
L.W. Miller |
Dushore,PA |
15 |
31 |
Gene Pack |
Walkertown, NC |
16 |
71 |
Dean Ward |
Winston-Salem, NC |
17 |
44 |
Rich Kuiken, Jr |
Staffordville, NJ |
18 |
21 |
Tommy Neal |
Walkertown, NC |
19 |
13 |
Luke Fleming |
Mount Airy, NC |
20 |
97 |
Bryan Dauzat |
Midland,NC |
Bandoleros (Bandits) Division
RANK |
DRIVER |
HOMETOWN |
1 |
John Holleman |
Winston-Salem, NC |
2 |
Brandon Bassett |
Winston-Salem, NC |
3 |
Kodie Conner |
Kannapolis, NC |
Bandoleros (Young Guns) Division
RANK |
DRIVER |
HOMETOWN |
1 |
Justin Carroll |
Concord,NC |
2 |
Luke Demis |
Archdale, NC |
3 |
Tristin Adams |
Winston-Salem, NC |
Bandoleros (Outlaws) Division
RANK |
DRIVER |
HOMETOWN |
1 |
Chris Trivette |
Advance,NC |
Legends (Pro) Division
RANK |
DRIVER |
HOMETOWN |
1 |
Bailey Currie |
Driftwood,TX |
2 |
Ronnie Bassett |
Winston-Salem, NC |
3 |
Thomas Hartensveld |
Ringwood, NJ |
Legends (Master) Division
RANK |
DRIVER |
HOMETOWN |
1 |
Hoyt Demis |
Archdale, NC |
2 |
Wayne Austin |
Trinity, NC |
3 |
Charles Kiser |
Walnut Cove, NC |
Legends (Semi-Pro) Division
RANK |
DRIVER |
HOMETOWN |
1 |
Chase Catania |
El Cajon, CA |
2 |
Tyler Kivett |
Kannapolis, NC |
3 |
Justin Grimes |
North Wilkesboro, NC |
Legends (Young Lions) Division
RANK |
DRIVER |
HOMETOWN |
1 |
Evan Swilling |
Cohutta, GA |
2 |
Blake Jones |
Sevierville, TN |
3 |
Harrison Rhodes |
High Point, NC |
East Coast Flathead Fords (Modified) Division
RANK |
DRIVER |
HOMETOWN |
1 |
Johnny Johnson |
Tobaccoville, NC |
2 |
Rik Newsom |
Lewisville, NC |
3 |
Jerry Tuttle |
Walkertown, NC |
East Coast Flathead Fords (Sportsman) Division
RANK |
DRIVER |
HOMETOWN |
1 |
John Barrow |
Kernersville, NC |
2 |
Kenneth Tuttle |
King, NC |
3 |
Clayton Smith |
King, NC |