DeGRAFF – Shady Bowl Speedway hosted a full program of stock car racing on Saturday. The rural oval hosted the All- American Challenge for the front wheel drive cars. The feature was 100 laps and turned out to be a crowd pleasing event with cars racing side by side and bumper to bumper all the way. New Carlisle driver Josh Foltz debuted a new car and right off the trailer it was fast. The race came down to a two car battle between Foltz and Nick Barrett. Kevin McCoy paced the 25 car field the first 27 circuits before giving way to Barrett. Barrett battled with Foltz until Foltz got by. It was smooth sailing for Foltz after that as he put his Ramrod Motorsports ride in victory lane. The win was the fourth of the season in the division for Foltz. Barrett finished second, with fast qualifier Jimmy McElfresh, Ryan Smith and Larry Adams rounding out the top five. Adams was crowned as track champion. Foltz was the dash winner.
The newly formed COLA late model series was also on hand. It was the third race of the season for the series. The event got off to a rough start as early leader Tyler Mahaffey had a suspension issue and crashed hard in turn two. Mahaffey was not injured, but the car suffered heavy damage. Cody Robinson of Dayton took over the lead on the restart and pushed his Miami Valley Mfg. sponsored ride to his first Shady Bowl win. Buck Purtee, Jim Lewis Jr. Don Mahaffey Jr and Matt Parsons claimed second through fifth. Mahaffey Jr. was fast qualifier. Purtee took the dash win and Parsons the heat race.
In tuner racing Austin Eaton of Belle Center had his DeGraff Service Center sponsored Honda running strong, as he set fast time and won the feature. The win was the second of the season for the talented youngster. Bo Hoelsher was second after leading in the early stages of the race. Third through fifth went to Terry Eaton, Matt Jackson and Brad Worley. Jackson took the dash win and wrapped up the track championship.
The 50 lap “Run What Ya Brung” street stock feature had a different look for fans. Cars sported roof wings and side boards in an effort to gain an edge in aerodynamics. Quincy driver Josh Smith dominated the event in his Camaro sponsored by N&W Garage. Smith dedicated his win to his dad Jerry who will celebrate his 50th birthday this week. Shawn Stansell, Jim Lewis Jr., Josh Sage and Kyle Stager took second through fifth. Stansell was the dash winner, with Josh Longstreth taking the heat. Purtee was fast qualifier.
The pure stock main capped off the night’s action, with Sidney’s Rob Bryant winning his sixth feature of the season in his McIntire Painting backed Chevy. Jason Purtee was second, and locked up the championship for the division. Zack Doolin was third, Rodney Roush was fourth with John Eastman fifth. Purtee carried the checkered for the dash.
Scott Marquis was the winner of the spectator drag race.
Shady Bowl will resume racing on Oct. 22, when “Monster Madness” will take place.
