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Ramirez posts first win of season
By Cheryl Licklider, Staff Writer
Woodward’s Derek Ramirez was in the right place at the right time as he piloted his Boomer Well Service/Midwest Refrige-ration/KODA Service-sponsored Ramirez modified to the winner’s circle for the first time this season in the final points card at Enid Speedway Park Saturday night.
“The car ran awesome tonight,” said Ramirez.
Pacesetter Mark Smith showed the way early. But the man on the move was Tommy Weder Jr., who went from sixth to taking the lead in lap eight.
His run was cut short when his motor blew and brought him to a halt on the front straight, bringing out a yellow flag.
Smith headed up the restart with Ramirez in hot pursuit. It was a heated duel until the white flag lap when Smith fell off the pace and put the track back under caution.
Ramirez shot away from the field like a rocket when the track went green and was unstoppable on his route to the checkered flag.
Kip Hughes captured second, followed by Joe Adams, Alan Chickering and Bud Longpine.
Jon Herring Sr., of Woodward, found track conditions to his liking as he put his DWL Supply/Duggins Equipment/Herring Service-sponsored Ford in victory lane for the first time this year in the street stock main event.
“The track was real good tonight,” said Herring. “This is a great way to end the season.”
Derek King hurried off the front and headed up the 20-lap feature, only to see a caution wave the second lap. King showed the way on the restart, but the man on the move was Travis Johnson.
Johnson took the lead in lap 13 and set up a commanding lead, but blew his motor in lap 18. Herring exploded into the lead on the restart and was never challenged.
King settled for second, trailed by Ryan Bohnstedt, Mike Isom and Bill Beebe.
Robert Elliott posted his second win in a row in limited modified.
Dustin Schoonover raced off the outside pole and showed the way on the start. Milt David took command in lap four and looked to be the man to beat until Elliott took the lead at the race’s mid-point.
David regained the lead after a caution, but Elliott seized the lead two laps later and skillfully lapped his way through the field and to win with a straight away advantage.
The win was bittersweet as his motor blew crossing the line.
David held onto second with Randy Sallee, Greg Deterding and Ross McCartney rounding out the top five.
Brad “The Bullet’’ Costello displayed his winning style as he raced his Rocket Signs and Designs/A & A Automotive-sponsored factory stock to his sixth “A” feature win of the year.
“This is the first season I’ve ever won that many features,’’ said Costello. “I want to thank my grandma, grandpa and dad. The car felt good and it was fast tonight.’’
James Mayhugh hustled off the second row and led the early goings. He faded off the pace a few laps later and opened the door for Costello, who had skillfully navigated from the third row to capture control in lap 12.
The hard-charging Costello was unyielding on his victory run. John Whitley went in hot pursuit, but settled for second, followed by R.J. Ramer, Ronnie Ramer and Myron Lustfield.
Michael Smith led 10 laps of the 12-lap pure stock feature to wrap up his first of the year aboard his Platinum Motorsports-sponsored ride. Smith charged past pacesetter Dustin Schoonover the second time around.
Kenny Adams, Smith’s teammate, took the lead in lap four. Adams’ axle snapped a few laps later, putting Smith back on the point to take the win.
Michael Meek posted second, followed by Schoonover, Tim Smart and Earl Hansen.
Heat winners in modified were Mark Smith and Dusty Robbins.
Ryan Parli, Casey Lustfield and Nick Shenberger won their heats in limited modified.
Street Stock heat winners were Jerry Derr, King and Johnson.
Factory stock heat wins went to Costello and Mayhugh. Michael Smith and Adams won heats in pure stock.
Winter Nationals begin Friday
Enid Speedway will host the 43rd annual Winter Nationals this week.
Action will kick off with a test and tune session with free admission to the grandstands at 6 p.m. Friday.
The first green flag will wave at 7 p.m. Saturday for the OCRS sprint cars, along will all five of the tracks regular divisions.
The NCRA late models will race at 2 p.m. Sunday, along with the track’s regular classes.
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