Myers Wins GMAC Insurance 200 At Bowman Gray
General
Bowman Gray Stadium, Winston-Salem, NC - A few weeks ago, Burt Myers of Walnut Cove was lying in a hospital bed. But on Saturday at Bowman Gray Stadium, Myers was standing in Winners Circle.Myers took the checkered in the season-opening GMAC Insurance 200, the longest and most prestigious race of the season for the GMAC Insurance Modified Series.A recent accident in competition outside of the Bowman Gray Stadium racing season left Myers with broken ribs and a potentially ruined 2011 championship. But after some quick healing and clearance from doctors, Myers is back at the Stadium to defend his Modified title.The stuff Ive been through in the last couple weeks, its just been overwhelming, said Myers.The 200-lapper started off with Tim Brown of Cana, VA on the pole after a blistering lap in qualifying sessions. Brown traded the lead back and forth with Lee Jeffreys of High Point during the early double-file restarts.Brian Loftin of Lexington used the outside lane in restarts to climb his way up from a seventh place start, challenging Jeffreys for the lead on lap 47. The two battled side-by-side for almost two laps until Loftin was able to complete the pass and slip by Jeffreys.John Smith of Mount Airy took to the outside during a restart to make his own claim for the top spot. Smith got ahead of Loftin but lost control as the cluttered cars at the front of the pack bumped him coming out of the turn.At about the 150-lap mark, Burt Myers made the decision that led to his victory: he pitted to put on a pair of fresh tires. We had about 50 to go, and I said You know what - lets get two, said Myers. It set me on fire.Myers took advantage of the double-file restarts to race back towards the front, giving Loftin a good fight for the lead. The 23 car of Loftins held off Myers the first time, but Myerss fresh tires allowed him to pull ahead a few laps later.It was a little frustrating giving up a win like that, said Brian Loftin. I felt like we had the best car. The tires fell right for Burt, and he was able to get back up there quickly. Our car was great. I dont know anything we couldve done to make it better.Jonathan Brown of Winston-Salem moved up to put the heat on the bumper of Myers. The number 53 of Brown delivered a few good shots to Myers but was unable to grab the win.Myers took the checkered with Jonathan Brown finishing in second. Brian Loftin claimed third, and John Smith took fourth. Tim Brown, who qualified on the pole, finished 11th after a last-lap confrontation with Jason Myers.In the Webb Heating & A/C Co. Sportsman Series, Luke Fleming of Mount Airy won the 40-lap race. Pole qualifier Tommy Neal of Walkertown finished second, with Kenny Bost of Kernersville finishing in third.David Sumner of Trinity brought home the victory in the 20-lapper for the 104.1 WTQR Street Stock Series. John McNeal of Winston-Salem and Randy Larimore of Walkertown finished second and third.In the Freemans Auto Center Stadium Stock Series, Wesley Thompson of Mocksville took the checkered in the first race. The second race was postponed due to curfew.
updated by @stars-radio: 12/05/16 04:02:07PM
