By Dustin Jarrett
BROWNSTOWN, IN – In a caution-free 23rd Annual Hoosier Dirt Classic at Brownstown Speedway Saturday night, Bedford, IN’s Greg Johnson led wire-to-wire to nab his first ever win in the prestigious event. Johnson becomes the second different winner in the first three races for the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series in 2006.
Tim Tungate and Greg Johnson brought the field down to the green flag with Johnson immediately darting ahead while Tungate, Scott James, Justin Rattliff, Brad Neat, and Bryan Barber battled for positions two through six. Tungate and James separated themselves from the others and swapped the bridesmaid position back and forth several times throughout the early laps of the race with James finally gaining control of 2nd by lap 8. Behind them, Brad Neat had sole possession of 4th and was reeling in Tungate looking for third.
Meanwhile, Johnson had managed to stretch his advantage to nearly a full straightaway. As he began slicing his way through the back of the field on lap 12, James and 3rd-running Neat slowly closed the gap between themselves the race leader. On back in the field, 9th-starting Mike Jewell found the high side of the track to his liking and was slowly gaining ground on everyone. Jewell moved into 7th at the race’s midway point on lap 20 and nabbed 6th from Rattliff just a few ticks later.
With half the fans watching Jewell work the rim, the other half was watching James and Neat continue to close in on Johnson. Although working through lapped traffic to near perfection, Johnson’s lead had dwindled down to mere car lengths as the leaders received the ten-to-go signal. The nail in the coffin was a swift move with 8 laps to go as Johnson methodically put three backmarkers between himself and James/Neat duo. As Neat applied heavy pressure to James in a bid for that runner-up spot, a now 4th-running Jewell was closing the gap quickly and looking to make it a three-way battle for second.
With no cautions to aid them, everyone seemingly ran out of time and, when the checkered flag flew, Bedford, IN’s Greg Johnson crossed the stripe first as he was crowned the winner of the 23rd Annual Hoosier Dirt Classic. The John Hall owned, Tim Hartley powered, Intimidator Grand Prix carries sponsorship from J&H Construction and Hall’s Angus Farms.
“We knew we were pretty good when we unloaded,” Johnson said in victory lane. “This track was in great shape tonight and I have to thank John Hall and everyone with this race team as they gave me a great car tonight.”
Greendale, IN hotshoe Scott James held on for 2nd in his Jay Dickens powered Rocket GTO. 3rd spot was Dunnville, KY’s Brad Neat in a Cornett/Rayburn Monte Carlo. Mike Jewell of Scottsburg, IN was 4th in his MasterSbilt Grand Prix powered by Bullock. Franklin, IN’s Steve Barnett crossed in 5th in his Clements Rayburn GTO.
Brad Neat set fast time during Racing Optics Time Trials with a quick lap of 14.722. Mason Racin’ Heat Race winners were Tim Tungate and Justin Rattliff while Greg Johnson and Scott James grabbed the wins in the Arizona Sport Shirt Heats. Brad Barrow and Steve Godsey were winners of the Design 500 B-Mains.
This week the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts visits the Richmond Raceway in Richmond, KY on Friday, April 28th and the Bluegrass Speedway in Bardstown, KY on Saturday, April 29th.
For more information on the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts, visit us on the web at www.battleofthebluegrass.com or call the Series office at (859) 433-5707.
Results Summary
O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts
Brownstown Speedway
Brownstown, IN
April 22, 2006
Racing Optics Fast Qualifier: Brad Neat/14.722
Mason Racin’ Heat #1: Tim Tungate, Brad Neat, Mike Jewell, Chris Combs, CJ Rayburn, Christian Rayburn, Brent Londeree, Mike Bowersox, Shannon Reed, Doug Ault
Mason Racin’ Heat #2: Justin Ratliff, Aaron Hatton, Mark Barber, Rohn Moon, Brad Barrow, Gary Hardin, Greg Ault, Daniel Bohall, Randy Riggle, Paul Crockett
Arizona Sport Shirts Heat #3: Greg Johnson, Steve Barnett, Bobby Wolter Jr, Marty O’Neal, Steve Godsey, Mike Bechelli, Mark Bechelli, Rickey Riggle, Jeremy Masters
Arizona Sport Shirts Heat #4: Scott James, Bryan Barber, Steve Hillard, Justin Blackwell, Tim Prince, Dan Deaton, Brian Wilhite, Mike Ruble, Rick Burton
Design 500 B-Main #1: Brad Barrow, Christian Rayburn, Brent Londeree, Greg Ault, Daniel Bohall, Gary Hardin, Randy Riggle, CJ Rayburn, Shannon Reed, Paul Crockett, Doug Ault
Design 500 B-Main #2: Steve Godsey, Tim Prince, Mark Bechelli, Mike Bechelli, Rickey Riggle, Jeremy Masters, Dan Deaton, Brian Wilhite, Mike Ruble, Rick Burton
23rd Annual Hoosier Dirt Classic: Greg Johnson, Scott James, Brad Neat, Mike Jewell, Steve Barnett, Bryan Barber, Steve Hillard, Justin Ratliff, Tim Tungate, Aaron Hatton, Mark Barber, Steve Godsey, Chris Combs, Rohn Moon, Brad Barrow, Tim Prince, Bobby Wolter Jr, Marty O’Neal, Justin Blackwell, Christian Rayburn, Dan Deaton
Race Statistics:
Entries: 38
Cautions: 0
Lap Leaders: Greg Johnson 1-40
PPM Racing Products Hard Charger of the Race: Steve Godsey
Cruise With The Champions Rookie of the race: Justin Rattliff
Series Provisionals: Dan Deaton
2006 O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Upcoming Schedule
April 28 - Richmond Raceway, Richmond, KY - $3,000 to Win (Spring Shootout)
April 29 - Bluegrass Speedway, Bardstown, KY - $3,000 to Win (9th Annual Spring Sizzler)
May 6 - 201 Speedway, Sitka, KY - $3000 to Win
May 12 - Ponderosa Speedway, Junction City, KY - $3,000 to Win (3rd Annual Spring 40)
May 13 - Ponderosa Speedway, Junction City, KY - $3,000 to Win (7th Annual Junebug Rowland Memorial)
May 20 - Lake Cumberland Speedway, Burnside, KY - $3000 to win (Coco-Cola 40)
2006 O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Dirt Car Series Sponsors
O’Reilly Auto Parts – Title Sponsor and “Official Auto Parts Retailer of the O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Dirt Car Series”
Arizona Sport Shirts – Presenting Sponsor and “Official Souvenir Manufacturer & Vendor of the O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Dirt Car Series”
Sunoco Race Fuels – “Official Race Fuel of the O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Dirt Car Series”
2006 O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Supporters Include: O’Reilly Auto Parts, Arizona Sport Shirts, Sunoco Race Fuels, DART Machinery, Lucas Oil Products, Hoosier Race Tires, American Race Tires, PPM Performance Products, Bazell Fuels, Cruise With the Champions, Wayne Bowen Racing Supply, Racing Optics, Mason Racin’, Design 500, Trailer Parts & Sales, Honda of Prestonsburg, Bullock Race Engines, CJ Rayburn Race Cars, Bert Transmissions, Rick Schwallie Photography, and Real Wheels
BROWNSTOWN, IN – In a caution-free 23rd Annual Hoosier Dirt Classic at Brownstown Speedway Saturday night, Bedford, IN’s Greg Johnson led wire-to-wire to nab his first ever win in the prestigious event. Johnson becomes the second different winner in the first three races for the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series in 2006.
Tim Tungate and Greg Johnson brought the field down to the green flag with Johnson immediately darting ahead while Tungate, Scott James, Justin Rattliff, Brad Neat, and Bryan Barber battled for positions two through six. Tungate and James separated themselves from the others and swapped the bridesmaid position back and forth several times throughout the early laps of the race with James finally gaining control of 2nd by lap 8. Behind them, Brad Neat had sole possession of 4th and was reeling in Tungate looking for third.
Meanwhile, Johnson had managed to stretch his advantage to nearly a full straightaway. As he began slicing his way through the back of the field on lap 12, James and 3rd-running Neat slowly closed the gap between themselves the race leader. On back in the field, 9th-starting Mike Jewell found the high side of the track to his liking and was slowly gaining ground on everyone. Jewell moved into 7th at the race’s midway point on lap 20 and nabbed 6th from Rattliff just a few ticks later.
With half the fans watching Jewell work the rim, the other half was watching James and Neat continue to close in on Johnson. Although working through lapped traffic to near perfection, Johnson’s lead had dwindled down to mere car lengths as the leaders received the ten-to-go signal. The nail in the coffin was a swift move with 8 laps to go as Johnson methodically put three backmarkers between himself and James/Neat duo. As Neat applied heavy pressure to James in a bid for that runner-up spot, a now 4th-running Jewell was closing the gap quickly and looking to make it a three-way battle for second.
With no cautions to aid them, everyone seemingly ran out of time and, when the checkered flag flew, Bedford, IN’s Greg Johnson crossed the stripe first as he was crowned the winner of the 23rd Annual Hoosier Dirt Classic. The John Hall owned, Tim Hartley powered, Intimidator Grand Prix carries sponsorship from J&H Construction and Hall’s Angus Farms.
“We knew we were pretty good when we unloaded,” Johnson said in victory lane. “This track was in great shape tonight and I have to thank John Hall and everyone with this race team as they gave me a great car tonight.”
Greendale, IN hotshoe Scott James held on for 2nd in his Jay Dickens powered Rocket GTO. 3rd spot was Dunnville, KY’s Brad Neat in a Cornett/Rayburn Monte Carlo. Mike Jewell of Scottsburg, IN was 4th in his MasterSbilt Grand Prix powered by Bullock. Franklin, IN’s Steve Barnett crossed in 5th in his Clements Rayburn GTO.
Brad Neat set fast time during Racing Optics Time Trials with a quick lap of 14.722. Mason Racin’ Heat Race winners were Tim Tungate and Justin Rattliff while Greg Johnson and Scott James grabbed the wins in the Arizona Sport Shirt Heats. Brad Barrow and Steve Godsey were winners of the Design 500 B-Mains.
This week the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts visits the Richmond Raceway in Richmond, KY on Friday, April 28th and the Bluegrass Speedway in Bardstown, KY on Saturday, April 29th.
For more information on the O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts, visit us on the web at www.battleofthebluegrass.com or call the Series office at (859) 433-5707.
Results Summary
O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series presented by Arizona Sport Shirts
Brownstown Speedway
Brownstown, IN
April 22, 2006
Racing Optics Fast Qualifier: Brad Neat/14.722
Mason Racin’ Heat #1: Tim Tungate, Brad Neat, Mike Jewell, Chris Combs, CJ Rayburn, Christian Rayburn, Brent Londeree, Mike Bowersox, Shannon Reed, Doug Ault
Mason Racin’ Heat #2: Justin Ratliff, Aaron Hatton, Mark Barber, Rohn Moon, Brad Barrow, Gary Hardin, Greg Ault, Daniel Bohall, Randy Riggle, Paul Crockett
Arizona Sport Shirts Heat #3: Greg Johnson, Steve Barnett, Bobby Wolter Jr, Marty O’Neal, Steve Godsey, Mike Bechelli, Mark Bechelli, Rickey Riggle, Jeremy Masters
Arizona Sport Shirts Heat #4: Scott James, Bryan Barber, Steve Hillard, Justin Blackwell, Tim Prince, Dan Deaton, Brian Wilhite, Mike Ruble, Rick Burton
Design 500 B-Main #1: Brad Barrow, Christian Rayburn, Brent Londeree, Greg Ault, Daniel Bohall, Gary Hardin, Randy Riggle, CJ Rayburn, Shannon Reed, Paul Crockett, Doug Ault
Design 500 B-Main #2: Steve Godsey, Tim Prince, Mark Bechelli, Mike Bechelli, Rickey Riggle, Jeremy Masters, Dan Deaton, Brian Wilhite, Mike Ruble, Rick Burton
23rd Annual Hoosier Dirt Classic: Greg Johnson, Scott James, Brad Neat, Mike Jewell, Steve Barnett, Bryan Barber, Steve Hillard, Justin Ratliff, Tim Tungate, Aaron Hatton, Mark Barber, Steve Godsey, Chris Combs, Rohn Moon, Brad Barrow, Tim Prince, Bobby Wolter Jr, Marty O’Neal, Justin Blackwell, Christian Rayburn, Dan Deaton
Race Statistics:
Entries: 38
Cautions: 0
Lap Leaders: Greg Johnson 1-40
PPM Racing Products Hard Charger of the Race: Steve Godsey
Cruise With The Champions Rookie of the race: Justin Rattliff
Series Provisionals: Dan Deaton
2006 O'Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Upcoming Schedule
April 28 - Richmond Raceway, Richmond, KY - $3,000 to Win (Spring Shootout)
April 29 - Bluegrass Speedway, Bardstown, KY - $3,000 to Win (9th Annual Spring Sizzler)
May 6 - 201 Speedway, Sitka, KY - $3000 to Win
May 12 - Ponderosa Speedway, Junction City, KY - $3,000 to Win (3rd Annual Spring 40)
May 13 - Ponderosa Speedway, Junction City, KY - $3,000 to Win (7th Annual Junebug Rowland Memorial)
May 20 - Lake Cumberland Speedway, Burnside, KY - $3000 to win (Coco-Cola 40)
2006 O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Dirt Car Series Sponsors
O’Reilly Auto Parts – Title Sponsor and “Official Auto Parts Retailer of the O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Dirt Car Series”
Arizona Sport Shirts – Presenting Sponsor and “Official Souvenir Manufacturer & Vendor of the O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Dirt Car Series”
Sunoco Race Fuels – “Official Race Fuel of the O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass Dirt Car Series”
2006 O’Reilly NARA Battle of the Bluegrass DirtCar Series Supporters Include: O’Reilly Auto Parts, Arizona Sport Shirts, Sunoco Race Fuels, DART Machinery, Lucas Oil Products, Hoosier Race Tires, American Race Tires, PPM Performance Products, Bazell Fuels, Cruise With the Champions, Wayne Bowen Racing Supply, Racing Optics, Mason Racin’, Design 500, Trailer Parts & Sales, Honda of Prestonsburg, Bullock Race Engines, CJ Rayburn Race Cars, Bert Transmissions, Rick Schwallie Photography, and Real Wheels
