Bakersfield Speedway
Johnson's slide helps Kirkpatrick win at Bakersfield
From series and correspondent reports
A.J. Kirkpatrick celebrates at Bakersfield. (K.C. Rooney)
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (July 5) — A.J. Kirkpatrick's high-side move on Bobby Hogge IV of Salinas, Calif., after a late restart at Bakersfield Speedway gave the Castroville, Calif., driver his third Western Allstars DIRTcar Late Model Series victory of the season. Kirkpatrick earned $2,000 in finishing ahead of Hogge, polesitter Brad Pounds of Bakersfield, Mike Kirby of Torrance, Calif., and Nick Bartels of El Segundo, Calif. Reigning series champion Mike Johnson of Lompoc was in command of the race through 27 laps, but when two lapped cars spun and virtually blocked the track, Johnson slid to a stop. He was pointed to the rear of the field but decided to park instead.
Notes: Kirkpatrick's winning car is sponsored by Pro Power Race Engines and Little Darlin's Childcare. ... John Lowrey broke an engine. ... Teams tied to the Bartels (grandfather Bill, father Ron and son Kirby; additionally Mike Kirby and John Crow) made up a quarter of the 20-car turnout. ... With the series still in flux after squabbles over series ownership, Bakersfield dates and the direction under the DIRTcar organization, there was a lengthy discussion at the pre-race meeting.
Western Allstars @ Bakersfield: (1) A.J. Kirkpatrick, (2) Bobby Hogge IV, (3) Brad Pounds, (4) Mike Kirby, (5) Nick Bartels, (6) Robert Sanders, (7) Chris Shannon, (8) Ron Bartels, (9) Zack Forster, (10) John Piker, (11) David Childress, (12) Dino Napier, (13) Bill Bartels, (14) John Lowrey, (15) Mike Johnson, (16) Chet Buckley, (17) Anthony Barkett, (18) John Crow, (19) Kevin Nichols, (20) Jason Selvidge. Heat race winners (among 20 cars): Hogge, Kirkpatrick, Pounds. Dash winner: Pounds.
