Austin Barnes Wins Big at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

Austin Barnes at LVMS

After winning the open comp race last year at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bullring , Austin Barnes had a good feeling when he returned looking for win number 2 of the 2012 season in the Lucas Oil Modified Series.

After winning the open comp race last year at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway Bullring, Austin Barnes had a good feeling when he returned looking for win number 2 of the 2012 season in the Lucas Oil Modified Series. Practice times on Friday showed Austin was less than .1 off his current track record at the Bullring. Saturday's qualifing was stellar as Austin captured his 11th pole in a row with a time of 15.479. During the pre race ceromonies Austin's unlucky inversion draw was a 6, still it was better than the prevoius 2 races where he drew 7 & 8. When interviewed Austin was concerned  that some of the best Modified drivers in the country were in front of him. Having Chris Gerchman, Aaron McMorran and Dylan Kwasniewski on a tough track like the Bullring he knew that getting to the front would be alot of work.

The Lucas Oil Modified Series unveiled its new double file restarts and it was only a matter of time to see how hard it was going to be. By lap 8 there had been 4 yellow flags thrown and the drivers were trying to sort out the restarts.

Austin had worked his way to 3rd by lap 4 but the restarts kept putting him on the outside lane. On lap 10 Austin and Chris Gerchman went wheel to wheel for 3 laps before Austin was able to clear Chris on the outside and now set his sights on a very talented Dylan Kwasniewski. On lap 16 Austin was able come off turn two just under Dylan for the pass going into turn 3 and was able to hold on to the lead for the rest of the night. Another yellow flag was thrown on lap 67 and with time running out for the first time the Lucas Oil Modified Series officials called for a green, white, checker finish and although Chris Gerchman posed a late race threat Austin was able to hold him off for the win. Austin was thrilled to have his 8th win in the last 9 races.

None of this would be possible without his Sponsors and crew, 1 800 LOAN MART, Mastercraft Safety products, Maxima Racing Oils, Electrotech Powdercoating, STR race cars, Machine Tech racing engines, PSS power steering solutions and About Service Automotive Repair. His talented crew chief Steve Teets, spotter and mentor Jimmy Dickerson, crew Eric Balders and Tedd Barnes. Follow austin on facebook @ Austin Barnes Racing , Austin Barnes racing.com or Youtube video's under Austin Barnes Racing.