ERIE, Colorado -- Throughout much of 2004, Bear Lynch and his Dodge have been a powerful combination at Colorado National Speedway. Lynch, who won the 2004 season opener back on April 17th, has had several top-three finishes since. On Sunday evening, during the final-night segment of the “Children’s Hospital Race of Champions”, the 29-year-old driver overwhelmed the Horizon Banks Late Model field to easily score his second career feature victory in the division. Lynch, of Denver, owned a full-straightaway lead at the finish of the 40 lap NASCAR Dodge Weekly Series contest at the 3/8 mile paved oval.
Darren Crocker grabbed the top position from Roger Avants early on, with Rick Smith in pursuit. Lynch took the green flag from fifth on the grid, and was up to third by lap six. The Crocker-Smith-Lynch trio then quickly distanced themselves from the pack, and the eventual winner overhauled Smith for second on the 15th lap. Mounting a challenge on the leader, Lynch and Crocker staged a lengthy side by side battle, until Lynch finally secured first place for good on the 23rd circuit. Once in front, the Denver Truck Parts, Inc. Dodge Intrepid was untouchable, as Lynch covered the distance in the caution-free event in 11 minutes, 15.66 seconds for an average speed of 79.92 MPH. While his two-wide run with Crocker certainly slowed the pace, Lynch was still less than seven seconds off the 40 lap track record.
Following a long duel, Smith narrowly edged Crocker at the stripe to secure his fifth top-two showing over his past six starts; Crocker settled with third. In a heated encounter for fourth place, Jerry Robertson passed Scotty Backman near the mid-race mark, but Backman returned the favor in the closing laps to earn the spot.
With his move, Backman extended his lead by two more points on Robertson in the standings. Ten marks now separate the pair (Backman – 758, Robertson – 748). The next two are also in the midst of the hunt, as Bruce Yackey has 740 points, and Smith’s tally is 738.
The Dunlap’s Trailer Sportsman division held a special 40-lapper – the “John Black Memorial”. A hotly-contested thriller that went down to the wire was all for naught however, as apparent winner Brad Groff failed the post-race tech inspection. In the revision, Daren Gailey – who led much of the event and nearly re-claimed first place at the end – was awarded the trophy. Gailey has now won four of the last five races. Point leader Jim Bob Rogers took second, while leading rookie candidate Greg Nelson made another fine run to grab third. Stan Griffin and Davin Fisbeck completed the top five in the final official order.
Two-time defending Four Seasons Heating Figure-Eight champion Lance Proctor notched his fourth victory of the year to extend his immense point lead. For this round however, Proctor received plenty of help from Lady Luck. With five circuits remaining, leaders Al Duran and J.D. Hafemeister collided while attempting to lap a back marker; while both were able to continue, they fell from contention. Proctor took over, and owned a three-length margin on Dave Smith at the finish. Rookie Joe Martinez, who now sits second in the overall point standings, placed third, with Harry Bragg fourth and Nick Martinez fifth.
In all six previous Legends Car Series races this year, Danny Medina has taken the laurels, with Jay Sant a close second. In Sunday’s outing, Sant was in front of Medina when the pair tangled just prior to the halfway mark of the 25 lap contest. Both machines made a harmless spin as the pack went by, led by Barry Dykes. With a two-length advantage, Dykes secured the win ahead of Terry Plummer. Jon Krizman, Stacee Sparks, and Nick Rozack completed the top five.
Many fund raising activities were held during the two-night holiday weekend event to benefit Children’s Hospital. Through the generosity of fans, race teams, sponsors, and the track staff, over $6000 was collected.
The next event at the speedway will be the “Fan Appreciation Night” on Saturday, September 11th. The card will include the Horizon Banks Late Models, the Sunoco Grand American Modifieds, the Four Seasons Heating Figure-Eights, the Renegade Promotions Super Stocks, and the Legends Car Series. For the Legends, double points will be on the line as it will be their championship-deciding season finale, and just two points separate Medina and Sant at the top of the standings.
1. Bear Lynch, Denver
2. Rick Smith, Gering, NE
3. Darren Crocker, Littleton
4. Scotty Backman, Parker
5. Jerry Robertson, Arvada
6. Chris Archer, Denver
7. Bruce Yackey, Greeley
8. Dan Savage, Aurora
9. Roger Avants, Littleton
10. P.J. Mattorano, Trinidad
1. Daren Gailey, Aurora
2. Jim Bob Rogers, Erie
3. Greg Nelson, Ft. Collins
4. Stan Griffin, Brighton
5. Davin Fisbeck, Thornton
6. Darren Bucklen, Greeley
7. Tommy Roe, Thornton
8. Steve Green, Alma
9. Mark Lowe, Lakewood
10. Tom Powers, Aurora
1. Barry Dykes, Loveland
2. Terry Plummer, Loveland
3. Jon Krizman, Loveland
4. Stacee Sparks, Aurora
5. Nick Rozack, Denver
6. Anthony Medina, Colo. Springs
7. Michael Jones, Aurora
8. Chip Newman, Colo. Springs
9. Tom Milan, Arvada
10. Jerry Jackson, Parker
1. Lance Proctor, Arvada
2. Dave Smith, Englewood
3. Joe Martinez, Littleton
4. Harry Bragg, Castle Rock
5. Nick Martinez, Morrison
6. J.D. Hafemeister, Commerce City
7. Bobby Zike, Morrison
8. Al Duran, Lakewood
9. Joe Matlock, Aurora
10. Keith Swenson, Aurora
