DENAIR, California — 18 year-old Bobby Runyan, Jr. won the biggest race, so far, in his young career by topping a 26 field to win the NASCAR Modified feature at All American Speedway on Saturday night. The Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle driver not only won the 50 lap contest, but also came home fifth in the second 50 lap event on the evening to move into the top-five in the standings.
Runyan drives the #21 K&N Filters RaceCar Factory Modified for Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle, which develops race car drivers with the talent and potential for a career in motorsports.
After three consecutive top-five finishes and a pair of trophy dash wins in the month of July, Runyan had quickly established himself as one of the top competitors in the NASCAR Modified division. With a strong 26 car field on hand Runyan qualified seventh quick but less than two tenths off of fast-time.
A seven car invert placed Runyan on the pole but he would have to contend with points leader Dan Jinkerson early in the race. Runyan finally broke free with the lead on lap three and he began to pull away from the field. Throughout a series of restarts, Runyan maintained the lead before finally being challenged in the closing laps.
Defending track champion Scott Winters gave the rookie Runyan all he could handle, making contact with Runyan’s rear bumper several times over the last two laps. But Runyan was resilient in the lead and was able to hold off the veteran to take his first career Modified feature win.
The thrilling night was capped off when Runyan scored a fifth place finish in the second 50 lap main event after starting fifth and running a strong and consistent race.
“Bobby’s maturity and patience really showed through tonight,” Team Manager Jason Houghtaling said. “We have made so many improvements on this RaceCar Factory car since we started in the spring and Bobby’s feedback has been a huge part of that process. We are definitely in the position to get more victories!”
Runyan was very appreciative of the efforts of his Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle team in making the win possible, thanking them after the race.
“I've learned so much this first half of the season, and tonight I was able to put it all together,” Runyan said. “Ron Sutton and Jason Houghtaling brought me a good car, and I was able to capitalize on that. I also had a fantastic spotter in veteran Chris Nelle, who kept me calm there at the end. I couldn't have done this without all of their help!”
Runyan’s run to the top of the points will continue this Saturday night at All American Speedway with a 40 lap main event on tap. Runyan is now fifth in the points standings and just 15 points out of fourth.
Bobby Runyan, Jr. and Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle thank partners: K&N Filters, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Raging Bull Motorsports, Brown’s Shop Support, Scribner Plastics, Allstar Performance, Sunoco Race Fuels and Star Racing Supply.
Race fans can learn more about Bobby Runyan Jr. Racing at his website www.bobbyrunyan.com
For more information on Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle, log on to www.winners-circle-racing.com
About Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle:
Ron Sutton's Winner's Circle is an established talent scout and development program, providing long term, comprehensive racing and career development for up and coming drivers focused on professional Stock Car careers. RSWC drivers are raced, coached, groomed, trained and molded, within a professional racing environment, into what top teams look for when hiring drivers. Drivers involved in the program race in a variety of cars, including USAC Young Guns Focus Midgets, USAC Ford Focus Midgets, NASCAR Grand American Modifieds, NASCAR Late Model stock cars and NASCAR K&N Pro Series stock cars.
