Father-Son Duo Wins Back-To-Back at MCS

Hughes picks up second straight Nonwing crown
Written By: Matt "Night" Rider
Photos By: Fred Patton (www.fredericsphoto.com)

 PERU, IN.- On a day that marked the end of a magical month of May at the famed Yard of Bricks, Miami County Speedway had some magic of their own. Delphi, IN. family duo of Matt Johnson and his father Rob (Upper Middle) became the first father-son team, in recent memory to win back-to-back features in the same night at Miami County Speedway on Sunday night. "The Johnsons were the first father-son duo that I can remember to win back-to-back features here," MCS Track Owner Norm Bailey recalled.

After persistent rain showers closed out Saturday's racing action, Miami County Speedway weathered the afternoon rain, as they hosted the 2011 Denny Miller Memorial on Sunday night. The action kicked off with  Nonwing B-Main. Peru, IN. racer Braiden Black took the twelve lapper, to advance to Sunday's Nonwing A-Main. Kylee Brown, Travis Ray and Joe Taylor rounded out the top four transfers into Sunday's 25 lap Nonwing showdown.

The first of the five features came in the Junior Class. Kokomo, IN. native Kayaleb Bolton (Pictured Left) held off a hard-charging Jared Van Ness to take the Junior Class finale win. "It feels awesome to get my first feature win of 2011," Bolton said. "I'd like to thank my Dad, and my sponsors: Mouser Automative, Al Parigen Engines, Kline Chassises, and my Uncle Jimmy for all their support this season," Bolton added.

Garrett Jameson finished in third, behind Bolton and Van Ness. Seth Ireland and Jacob Bigger rounded out the top five finishers in Sunday's Junior A-Main.

Former USAC racer and Camden, IN. native Ron Dennis (Pictured Right) returned to victory lane, winning the 25 lap Wing Class A-Main on Sunday night. "It feels really cool to finally win again. It's about time we won. I haven't won a mini sprint feature since 2004. I'd like to thank the Merrell Brothers, my friends, family, and crew for all their support this season," Dennis explained.

Chase Mead scored a solid second place finish, while former USAC Mopar Midget Champion Bryan Stanfill recorded his first top three finish at Miami County Speedway. Ben Taylor and Kris Knox finished fourth and fifth respectfully.

The magical night for the entire Johnson family began with Sunday's Restrictor Class A-Main. Delphi, IN. racer Matt Johnson (Pictured Left)  raced Gary Miller's #19 Restrictor to his second consecutive feature win. Warsaw, IN.'s Jason Ormsby finished second, while Flora, IN. racer Cole Angle finished third. Fourth and fifth belonged to Dalton Walker and Braiden Black.

Matt's father Rob Johnson (Pictured Right) won the Senior feature from the pole position. Flora, IN. native Cory Angle finished second, while third went to Brookston, IN.'s Bob Harrington. Indianapolis, IN. native Jay Tutino finished fourth, while Bill Dubios rounded out the top five in Sunday's Senior Class A-Main.

"It's pretty awesome to be the first father-son duo to win back-to-back features here at Miami County Speedway. I'd like to thank Gary Miller for letting me drive his restrictor to another feature win," Matt explained. Matt's father Rob echoed the excitement. "It's really special to be the first father-son duo to win out here. It's also special to be able to get two P&D chassises in victory lane. I'd like to thank my wife for the food. I'd also like to thank Gary Miller for building this Senior Class rocket ship. I want to thank everyone at Miami County Speedway and you for coming out here and covering this," Rob explained.

Car owner/builder Gary Miller capped off the special night, by saying, "I think Matt and Rob did a great job tonight in winning back-to-back features. They made my chassis look good." 

Peru, IN. racer KC Hughes (Pictured Left) ended the magical night of racing, by winning his second consecutive feature in the Nonwing Class. "I thought this would never happen," an excited Hughes said, as he jumped out of his GRP Chassis Nonwing. "It's pretty cool to win two straight. I want to thank my Dad, my Wife, George and Tammi Gamester and everyone at GRP Chassis. I also want to thank all the MCS track officials and crews for all their hard work on the track prep," Hughes explained.

Another Peru native Brandon Rose raced his way to a strong second place finish. Third went to Mentone, IN. native Sam Kimmel. North Manchester's Jordan Lambert and Warsaw's Stuart Hanft rounded out the top five finishers in Sunday's 25 lap Nonwing finale.

It's these magical nights that make the micro sprint racing at Miami County Speedway so fun to cover. I want to thank everyone at Miami County Speedway for letting me come out each weekend and cover some awesome micro sprint racing action. This thank would include Track Owners Norm and Julie Bailey, Dwyane McIntire and Connie Edmisson. I'd also like to thank all the MCS track personnel, scorers, announcers, and the drivers for letting to come out each weekend. I can't wait for next Saturday's races.

More micro sprint racing action returns to Miami County Speedway next Saturday, June 4th, as MCS hosts their exciting five class regular micro sprint program. Hot laps start at 5:30 PM, with live heat races to follow. Come take part of more action packed micro sprint racing at Miami County Speedway next Saturday night. See you at the races!