Bragg Scores Two Victories During United States Air Force Night of
Thrills; Warner, Grissom, Peterson, Noel and Tharp Also Visit Winner's Circle
Kokomo driver Gary Bragg Jr. battled for several laps with Ryan Amonett
before finally making the high side work to take the lead with four laps
remaining to win the Front Wheel Drive feature at Anderson Speedway on Friday.
The United States Air Force sponsored the first of four Night of Thrills at
Anderson Speedway which included School Bus Figure 8’s, a Cork Screw Race and
the Culver’s Trailer race.
Amonett took the early lead and opened a sizeable lead while Bragg worked his
way through the field. At the halfway point Bragg moved up to the second spot
and was turning the fastest laps of the race as he closed on the leader.
For several laps Bragg attempted to get inside of Amonett, who held the low line
to maintain the lead. Bragg moved to the outside on the 16th lap to take the
lead on the front straight and went on to record his first win of the year.
Amonett came home in second followed by Josh Tharp, Nick Warner and Jared
Keller.
“I didn’t think I would catch him,” Bragg said of Amonett. “That was good
side-by-side racing. That’s the way it’s supposed to be, clean racing and with
give and take.”
Rob Noel caught Kenny Bickford on the final lap and used the high groove to
capture the Pure Stock feature. Bickford jumped out to the early lead but was
passed by Noel on the 10th of 20 circuits. Bickford charged back to take the
lead on lap 13 but was unable to keep Noel at bay and settled for second place.
Roxanne Grissom won the Power Puff School Bus Figure 8 with Teresa Dowden
passing Chrissy Tharp on the final turn and then held on at the finish line to
grab the second position.
Nick Warner captured the Cork Screw race leading all 10 laps and lapping the
entire field with Mike Alley claiming the second position.
Tony Peterson won the Roll Over Contest by making three runs at the ramp for a
total of 3-½ rolls. There was a tie for second place with Mike Alley and Bozo
Farley each recording 1-½ roll-overs. Nick Warner completed a half roll and
Craig Enterkin failed to complete a rollover during the competition.
Josh Tharp took the lead from Randy Owen in traffic on lap eight to win the
School Bus Figure-8 event.
Bragg captured the Culver’s trailer race after his main competitor Harry Lashure
got bogged down in the crossover and then was collected in turn one ending his
night.
Racing resumes tonight at Anderson Speedway with action in the Street Stocks,
Figure 8, Front Wheel Drive division off the high banks and on the Figure 8
track. Gates open at 5 p.m. and racing starts at 8 p.m.