MIKE DUNCAN WINS FIRST RACE OF COORS LIGHT CHALLENGE SERIES

Source: MMR MEDIA RELATIONS
Date: 04/07/2002

Mesa Marin Raceway – Mike Duncan won tonight’s NASCAR Super Late Model "Coors Light Challenge Series" in the same dominate fashion that won him the 2000 Super Late Model championship at Mesa Marin. With the win, Duncan is now eligible for a $10,000 payday if he wins the season ending October Classic 200.

Jeremy Salamacha and Rod Johnson lead the field the to the green flag of the 50-lap main event. Johnson pulled away to a quick lead with Jason Small following close behind. As the green flag flew for a restart, Small made contact with Johnson, which sent Small hard into the turn 4 wall.

Johnson then maintained the lead for more than ½ of the race, but Duncan was able to pull ahead after the two dueled side by side, as Johnson fought hard not to give up the lead. Duncan then pulled ahead and was able to maintain a solid lead to the checkers, followed by Johnson. Brandon Miller, who is pulling double driving duty this weekend, took third. Miller showed up just in time to qualify his Oakley sponsored Taurus, as he was at Irwindale Speedway most of the day attempting to qualify for Sunday’s ASA event. Miller will start 11th on Sunday. Barry Bradshaw finished 4th followed by Kevin Small in 5th place.

Bill Roope of the Kern County Building Department was the underdog in the 911 Race For Youth Series, but he was also the most consistent. He took an early lead starting on the pole and stayed ahead of the trouble behind him. The California Highway Patrol finished 2nd giving the 2001 champions the current lead in the series.

Dan Gates, who teaches the students at Camp Irwin Owen that build the 911 racecars, finished 3rd driving for the Superintendent of Schools. Sheriff Gary Rhodes finished 4th followed by David Cox of the Bakersfield Police Dept.

Valley Steel and Butler Manufacturing will host next Saturday night. The NASCAR Weekly Racing Series Late Models have twin events, plus Pro 4 Series, Street Stocks, W.R.A. Vintage Racing Series and the 911 Race For Youth. Gates open at 6pm. Racing starts at 7:30. General admission is $9 with kids 12 and under free.

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