Santa Maria Raceway
Bartels captures Santa Maria's Simkins Memorial
From track reports
Ron Bartels takes the checkered flag. (K.C. Rooney)
SANTA MARIA, Calif. (Aug. 31) — Ron Bartels of El Segundo, Calif., regaining the lead when Mike Johnson of Lompoc, Calif., tangled with a slower car, won the 15th annual Danny Simkins Memorial at Santa Maria Speedway. Bartels took the checkered flag in one of California's most prestigious events ahead of A.J. Kirkpatrick of Castroville, Calif., who was looking for his second victory of the weekend following a Western Allstars win the previous night in Bakersfield. | Slideshow
Johnson, a former Santa Maria champion, appeared to have the field covered as he built a half-track margin lead. But midway through the race, Johnson got together with Johnny Cardoza of Caruthers, Calif., forcing Johnson to pit several times for repairs.
Bartels and Kirkpatrick were followed by Andy Obertello of Hollister, Calif., the winner's son Nick Bartels and Billy Griffin of Buena Park, Calif. Johnson ended up 14th.
Notes: Ron Bartels drives a Rayburn Race Car sponsored by Bartels Harley-Davidson and Laney Performance. ... Mike Johnson was driving the No. 77 normally driven by Bill Bartels, the winner's father. ... Steve Drake lowered the track record in time trials and won a heat race, but he managed just a sixth-place finish in the feature. ... Steve Drake lowered the track record in time trials. ... Drake leads Santa Maria's weekly standings (377 points) over Devin Crockett (321) and Billy Griffin (297). ... Late Models run twice more in 2008 at Santa Maria: Sept. 13 and Sept. 27.
Danny Simkins Memorial: (1) Ron Bartels, (2) A.J. Kirkpatrick, (3) Andy Obertello, (4) Nick Bartels, (5) Billy Griffin, (6) Steve Drake, (7) Chris Shannon, (8) John Lowrey, (9) Phil Barrow, (10) Carla Laney, (11) John Piker, (12) Dana Beattie, (13) David Childress, (14) Mike Johnson, (15) Johnny Cardoz, (16) Devin Crockett, (17) Zack Forster, (18) Willy Oathout, (19) Anthony Barket, (20) Dino Napier, (21) Mike Riccardi. Fast qualifier: Drake, 13.860 seconds. Dash winner: N. Bartels. Heat race winners: Drake, Johnson, Kirkpatrick.
