Ward and Taylor Take Important Wins at Bowman Gray

Ward and Taylor Take Important Wins at Bowman Gray

Story By: Loren Pinillis/Bowman Gray Stadium

Photos By: Eric Hylton/Bowman Gray Stadium

(Bowman Gray Stadium, Winston-Salem, NC) “It’s good to be back.”
That’s what Brandon Ward of Winston-Salem said after taking the
checkered in Saturday’s first scheduled 25-lapper for the Brad’s Golf
Cars Modified Series.
“We didn’t get to race over here a lot last year. We ran into some
problems, but we’re glad to be back full time this year,” said Ward.
Jason Myers of Walnut Cove was the fastest qualifier and started on the
pole, with Ward starting outside of him in second. When the green flag
fell, Ward leaped out into the lead and never looked back.
“It’s all about the initial start with these twin 25s,” said Ward.
“It’s kinda a game. You’re trying to go as soon as you can and not jump
the start. It was pretty even between me and Jason. The outside was
good. I was able to get a good launch off of four and just barely get
him cleared.”
Ward was particularly pleased to take his first win in a 25-lap race.
“The other wins we’ve had over here have been these long distance races.
So if we’ve struggled anywhere, I feel that it’s been in the twin 25s,”
said Ward. “So to come over here and finally get one of these races so
early in the season – it shows we’re headed in the right direction.”
Jason Myers finished on his bumper in second. Danny Bohn of
Huntersville took third.

Saturday was the Midway Mobile Storage Sportsman 100 for the McDowell
Heating & Air Sportsman Series – one of their long-distance races and
always a showcase of racing action. Dylan Ward of Winston-Salem started
on the pole after being the fastest qualifier. Second-place started
Derek Stoltz of Walkertown was soon knocking on his door, taking the
lead away on lap 7.
Stoltz then immediately had to contend with veteran Tommy Neal of
Walkertown. Neal moved out into the top spot on lap 14 and then fended
off challenge after challenge for the next 70 laps. John Holleman of
Winston-Salem gave Neal a run for his money but the caution flag came
out on lap 93 while Neal was still ahead.
That caution flag would be the last where Neal would lead. Dylan Ward
chose the outside during the double-file restart to challenge Neal for
the top spot. As Ward and Neal headed into turn one as the green flag
was waving, a massive crash ensued. Much of the field was collected in
the wreckage – but Justin Taylor of King was able to make it out to take
over the head position.
An abrupt storm began to pelt the cars with rain, leading to the event
being shortened due to weather. On lap 96, Taylor was declared the
unofficial winner of the race. The results are pending review by NASCAR
Officials.
“I really don’t have a clue what happened – I saw them all pile up and
I hammered down,” said Taylor about the massive wreck where he claimed
the lead. “That’s why I went in the corner sideways – I didn’t really
care what the outcome was as long as I was the first one out the other
corner.”

“That’s the biggest race of the year and to come over here and win it –
we’re the smallest budget team. We have worked on this car every single
week – week-in and week-out,” said Taylor.
The victory, if declared official, would give him a strong lead in the
points standings – but Taylor doesn’t pay attention. “Everybody keeps
messaging me about a championship, championship, championship,” said
Taylor. “That’s the last thing on my mind. This year I’m winning the Top
Gun Award [for most wins] and that’s a fact. You can take it to the
bank.”
In the Law Offices of John Barrow Street Stock Series, Jeremy Warren of
Winston-Salem powered by Fletcher Whaley of Advance to take the win.
Randy Butner of Pfafftown was slated to start on the pole for the start
of the second race, but the rain led to an early end to the night. The
Q104.1 Stadium Stock Series was also unable to race – but they will
return next week with double points at stake.

Race Results

Brad’s Golf Cars Modified Series
Modified Race: 25 laps

FINISH CAR DRIVER HOMETOWN
1 04 Brandon Ward Winston-Salem, NC
2 4 Jason Myers Walnut Cove, NC
3 65 Danny Bohn Huntersville, NC
4 1 Burt Myers Walnut Cove, NC
5 79 James Civali Davidson, NC
6 83 Tim Brown Tobaccoville, NC
7 12 Dean Ward Winston-Salem, NC
8 5 Randy Butner Pfafftown, NC
9 18 Daniel Yates Lexington, NC
10 31 Zach Brewer Winston-Salem, NC
11 22 Jonathan Brown Winston-Salem, NC
12 44 Daniel Beeson Kernersville, NC
13 81 Zack Clifton Walkertown, NC
14 24 Andrew Harrah Greensboro, NC
15 17 Zack Staley Winston-Salem, NC
16 16 Chris Fleming Mount Airy, NC
17 8 Darin Redmon Walnut Cove, NC
18 75 Lee Jeffreys Wallburg, NC
19 66 Ronnie Clifton Walkertown, NC
20 53 John Smith Mount Airy, NC
21 77 Susan Harwell Jonesville, NC
22 41 Cory Lovette Winston-Salem, NC
23 6 Marty Butner East Bend, NC
24 78 Jody Fritts Winston-Salem, NC