Richard Johnson extended his lead in the Barnett Modified Series point standings at Duke City Raceway by winning the main event Saturday night.
Just like he did the last time the Modifieds made the rounds at DCR’s three-eighths mile track, Johnson, of Los Lunas, held off Albuquerque’s Bo Martinez in a hard-fought race to the checkered flag. Bobby Bachechi of Los Lunas was third.
Entering the day, Johnson held a 56 point lead over Toby Herring of Albuquerque in the point standings. With the win, Johnson picked up 50 additional points. Herring earned just 26 points by finishing 13th.
In the Hobby Stock class, the Bonesteels of Albuquerque — Steve Sr. and Steve (J.R.) Jr. — are beginning to break up the dynasty Los Lunas drivers have had in the division all season long. Steve Bonesteel won the feature event Saturday and J.R. placed third to close the gap on the leaders. Ronnie Bell, who placed 15th, and Ron Leathem Jr., who finished fifth, are battling for first place in the point standings. Both drivers are from Los Lunas, as is Jeff Whyman, who is in third in the points race and held his ground by finishing second on Saturday.
Steve Bonesteel’s victory moved him into fourth in the point standings, passing Phil York of Los Lunas, who ran eighth. J.R. Bonesteel remained in sixth in the standings.
Randall Trujillo, yet another Los Lunas driver, finished fourth and remained in seventh place in the points race.
Valencia county drivers are trying to chase down Rio Rancho’s Robert Schorr in the Late Models division. Schorr won again on Saturday to increase his lead over Jim Willis of Belen, who ran third.
Ron Frazier Jr. of Los Lunas was second and remained in third in the point standings, ahead of John Aragon of Albuquerque, who ran second to Schorr on Saturday.
In the Sprint Car class, Tom Ball of Albuquerque took the lead on the 15th lap of the 20-lap feature race and held on to win. Steve Nix of Santa Fe was second, followed by Bo Baker of Grants.
Larry Stoerkel of Los Lunas was 12th. Miles Merritt of Jarales and Kristy Smith of Bosque Farms placed 15th and 16th respectively.
The Sprint Cars are back in action this Saturday night at DCR. Also running will be the Hobby Stock, Street Stock and Late Models divisions. Racing begins at 6:30 p.m.
The Valencia County News-Bulletin is a locally owned and operated community newspaper, dedicated to serving Valencia County since 1910 through the highest journalistic and professional business standards. The VCNB is published weekly on Thursdays, including holidays both in print and online.
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April 19, 2024
