TWIN FALLS, Idaho-- Wilbur Bruce won the Magic Valley 200 presented by AutoZone in the NASCAR AutoZone Elite Division, Northwest Series at Magic Valley Speedway in Twin Falls, Idaho. It was Bruce’s first win in the series since 1998.
The race was historic from two points of view. It was the 300th race in the history of the Northwest Series. Also, the 202 laps made it the longest NASCAR event ever held in Idaho.
Bruce, out of Lakewood, Wash. took the lead on lap 195 and led the rest of the way. It was his first win of the season and the second of his Northwest Series career. His first win came in 1998 when he won Rookie of the Year honors.
Pete Harding finished second followed by John Bender, who won a week ago at Evergreen Speedway in Monroe, Wash. Brandon Riehl came home in fourth followed by Ed Watson in fifth.
Jeff Bailey, Bruce Quale, Zan Sharp, Garrett Evans and Jeff Bailey rounded out the top 10.
Jeff Jefferson won the Bud Pole for the event with a time of 14.298 (83.089 mph) around the 1/3-mile oval. It was his second pole of the season and the 14th of his Northwest Series career.
Jefferson led the points race by 86 heading into the event, but a 92nd lap crash due to a mechanical problem with the car relegated him to a 22nd place finish while Harding, who was second, finished in second. Jefferson’s lead was whittled to just 13 points.
The Northwest Series moves to Yakima (Wash.) Speedway for a big Labor Day weekend 200-lap race.
Magic Valley Pipe 200 presented by AutoZone
NASCAR AUTOZONE ELITE DIVISION, NORTHWEST SERIES
Magic Valley Speedway August 20, 2005
(Finishing Position, Starting Position, Driver, Hometown, Manufacturer, Laps Completed, Winner’s Avg. Speed, Reason Out-if any, Money won)
1. (6) Wilbur Bruce, Lakewood Wash., Chevrolet, 202, 50.468 mph, $2,700
2. (10) Pete Harding, Surrey B.C. Canada, Chevrolet, 202, $2,200
3. (11) John Bender, Snohomish Wash., Chevrolet, 202, $1,900
4. (7) Brandon Riehl, Boring Ore., Chevrolet, 202, $1,700
5. (12) Ed Watson, Mt. Vernon Wash., Chevrolet, 202, $1,600
6. (5) Jeff Bailey, Kennewick Wash., Chevrolet, 202, $1,700
7. (15) Bruce Quale, Twin Falls Idaho, Chevrolet, 202, $1,000
8. (20) Zan Sharp, Wellsville Utah, Chevrolet, 202, $1,850
9. (9) Garrett Evans, East Wenatchee Wash., Chevrolet, 202, $1,075
10. (4) Travis Bennett, Ellensburg Wash., Chevrolet, 201, $1,025
11. (18) Matt Hall, Spokane Wash., Chevrolet, 201, $1,000
12. (19) Cris Muhler, Denver Colo., Chevrolet, 201, $700
13. (3) John Dillon, Eagle Idaho, Chevrolet, 201, $850
14. (13) John Wood, Eagle Idaho, Chevrolet, 197, $600
15. (22) Darren Trimble, Snohomish Wash., Chevrolet, 197, $775
16. (17) Steven Howard, Roy Wash., Chevrolet, 195, $750
17. (16) Jeff Barkshire, Auburn Wash., Dodge, 194, Accident, $725
18. (2) Eddy McKean, Jerome Idaho, Chevrolet, 188, Accident, $500
19. (23) Ed Thomsen, Richland Wash., Chevrolet, 166, Accident, $700
20. (21) Jim McVey, Port Orchard Wash., Chevrolet, 163, Accident, $700
21. (1) Gary Lewis, Bothell Wash., Pontiac, 107, Motor, $700
22. (8) Jeff Jefferson, Naches Wash., Chevrolet, 92, Accident, $1,100
23. (14) Roger Habich, Monroe Wash., Chevrolet, 36, Accident, $700
24. (24) Michael Merry, Spokane Wash., Chevrolet, 33, Overheating, $700
Time of Race: 1 hrs., 19 mins, 15 secs Average Speed: 50.468 mph Margin of Victory: Caution
BUD POLE AWARD: Jeff Jefferson, 42 LeMay Museum/Morgan Transport Chevrolet
FEATHERLITE "MOST IMPROVED DRIVER" AWARD: Jeff Bailey, 27 S & P Construction/Craig Racing Engines Chevrolet
POWERADE "POWER MOVE OF THE RACE" AWARD: Zan Sharp, 84 Sharp Transportation Chevrolet
LUNATI “CREW CHIEF OF THE RACE” AWARD: Wally Lochrie, 8 Quality Rentals/Rent ‘N Roll Chevrolet
Caution Flags: Laps 37-39; 41-42; 77-83; 92-97; 108-113; 147-149; 168-177; 188-193; 195-199; 202. 10 for 49 laps.
Lap Leaders: Gary Lewis 0, Eddy McKean 1-86, Travis Bennett 87-145, Eddy McKean 146-187, John Dillon 188-194, Wilbur Bruce 195-202.
Total Laps Led: Eddy McKean 128, Travis Bennett 59, Wilbur Bruce 8, John Dillon 7. 5 changes involving 4 drivers.
Top 10 Driver Points: Jeff Jefferson 1113, Pete Harding 1100, Brandon Riehl 1077, Garrett Evans 1050, Wilbur Bruce 1029, John Bender 997, John
Dillon 978, Jeff Barkshire * 949, Jeff Bailey 941, Travis Bennett 931
Next Race: 9/4 at Yakima Speedway
