6/25/2015
Delaware International Speedway
NO JOKE – MATT JESTER WINS $4250 WITH SMALL BLOCK IN CAMP BARNES BENEFIT
By CHARLIE BROWN, DELMAR, DE – Fans had to wait an extra night but the 43rd Annual Camp Barnes Benefit was worth the wait. On Wednesday night 132 cars filled the pits, fans filled the stands and witnessed a show that included skydivers, a canine demonstration, monster truck car crushing, special presentations and some great racing.
Prior to the feature events the Delaware State Police recognized Wall Breeding for his contributions to racing as a driver, fabricator, businessman, promoter and innovator. Employees of Taylor & Messick and Covey’s Car Care exhibited a replica of one of Breeding’s modifieds on the front straight surrounded by drivers, family and friends during the tribute.
Following the presentation four generations of the Dave White family joined together on the front straight with their race cars. Patriarch Dave White came out of a 25 year retirement to compete in the Little Lincoln feature in his grandson Matt’s car. His son Bunky also raced in the event and son Kevin and grandson Sparky ran in the Crate Model feature while son Tim competed in the Mod Lite main.
A solid field of 25 Big Block and Small Block Modified drivers turned out to support the event. Heat were won by Matt Jester, Jordan Watson and Beau Wilkins. Jester, sporting small block power jumped out to the early lead in the 30-lap main with Watson and Wilkins a close second and third.
Last year’s winner, Jamie Mills was on a mission charging from his ninth starting spot into the top five by lap two. Mills dropped invader, Dominic Buffalino to fifth one lap later and tucked in behind Wilkins. Craig Von Dohren was wheeling Dave Dissinger’s big block and locked into a good battle with Ryan Watt for fifth.
By lap nine the leaders were in heavy traffic with Jester threading his way through to perfection. The caution was out on lap 13 when Wilkins slowed with a flat after contact with Mills while battling for third. On the restart Mills got by Watson for second and Watt moved by VonDohren for fourth. Von Dohren would keep up the fight regaining the fourth spot just as the yellow flew for Brad Trice who stopped off the top side of turn three.
Jester opened a four car advantage on the restart as Von Dohren got by Watson for third. With five to go Watson got around trying to find some bite on the high side of turn two to bring out the final yellow. Jester remained flawless as he drove to his first win of the season at the track. The win was worth $3000 plus a $500 small block bonus and $750 in lap leader money. Mills ended a great charge in second with Von Dohren doing likewise to finish in third. Fourth went to Watt and Buffalino made the tow worthwhile finishing in fifth.
Camp Barnes Modified Finish: 1. Matt Jester; 2. Jamie Mills; 3. Craig Von Dohren; 4. Ryan Watt; 5. Dominic Buffalino; 6. H.J. Bunting; 7. Jimmy Horton; 8. Mike Gular; 9. Michael White; 10. Scott VanGorder; 11. Ron Roberts; 12. Shawn Ward; 13. Kyle Fuller; 14. Clay Tatman; 15. Kevin Gardner; 16. Bobby Watkins; 17. Jordan Watson; 18. Don Hallowell; 19. Brad Trice; 20. Robert Dutton; 21. Beau Wilkins; 22. Dale Hawkins; 23. Scottt Calhoun; 24. Scott Ambruster; DNS: Howard O’Neal.
