Darren Bowman Captures First Career URSS Win at Hutchinson

The United Rebel Sprint Series kick started a three-day run through the heartland Friday night in Hutchinson, Kansas, the first appearance in series history at Hutchinson Raceway Park. Twenty-one teams checked in for a twenty-five lap feature and as the dust settled, Kinsley’s Darren Bowman drove to victory lane for the first time since 2005 and the first time as a Rebel sprinter.

Kansas City’s Corey Lutters led the star studded field to the green with Wakeeney’s Willie Wynn on the outside of row one. Lutters would grab the lead on the opening circuit with Wynn, Keefe Hemel, Darren Bowman, and Tanner Mullens the top five. Bowman would test the high line in turns one and two on the second go around, shuffling Hemel to fourth.

The third lap was the charm and as the leaders flew into turns one and two, Bowman would hammer the high side once again to blast his way to the lead. Lutters would drop to second with Wynn a close third. Hemel and Mullens would check the top five. Laps would continue to wind away with Bowman continuing to pace the field. The battle for second would continue to be tight as Lutters continued to hold off a charging Wynn.

With fifteen laps to go, Hemel would loop in turn two, but disaster would be averted as a roar erupted from the crowd and the Dodge City driver was able to tuck his mount back in line only losing two positions. The Hemel miscue would open the door for Tanner Mullens and C.J. Johnson. 

With ten laps remaining the first caution of the night would see Michael Williams come to a stop in turn two. Lutters would also head pit side ending a top five run. This would form the field up nose to tail on Bowman’s backside with Wynn taking over the runner up slot followed by Mullens, Johnson, and Hemel.

Lurking just outside of the top five were Cody Salem, Ray Seemann, Jon Johnson, and Barry Crane. Crane had been quietly picking his way through the field after spinning in his heat race. After starting in the nineteenth slot Crane had driven his 30C to the top ten and wasn’t about to stop there.

Bowman would bring the field back to the green with Wynn, Mullens, C.J. Johnson, and Hemel the top five. Bowman would continue to stretch his advantage, a straightaway at times, as the field jockeyed for position. The battle for the runner up spot would be fierce with Mullens pulling out all the stops trying to make his way past Wynn. The battle for the fifth slot would see Hemel holding off Salem, Seemann, and Crane.

Just as it looked like Bowman would cruise to the A-main victory, the caution would fly one more time for Mike Spear on the front straightaway. Hemel would head pit side ending his night and a top five run. The late caution would set the stage for a frantic finish.

On the restart Bowman would mash the gas with Wynn, Mullens and Johnson hot on his heels. Crane and Seemann would pressure Salem for fifth. Crane would bust into the top five momentarily but Salem would cross him over retaking the position. But no one had anything for Bowman and the 9B would checkout of Hutchinson Raceway Park and into victory lane for the first time in 2009 and the first time as a Rebel. Wynn would hold onto second, with Mullens taking third. C.J. Johnson and Salem rounded out the top five.

The Keizer Aluminum Wheels “Hard Charger Award” was won by Barry Crane as he wove his way through the field from his nineteenth starting spot to finish in the sixth position.

Heat Race winners were #1-Craig Crossette, #2-Tanner Mullens, #3-Keefe Hemel

A Main: 1-Darren Bowman (9B), 2-Willie Wynn (36W), 3-Tanner Mullens (02), 4-CJ Johnson (45X), 5-Cody Salem (22), 6-Barry Crane (30C), 7-Ray Seemann (72), 8-Jon Johnson (86), 9-Josh Fairbank, 10-Smokey Fairbank (2), 11-Craig Jecha (17X), 12-Ken Lutters (79), 13-Craig Crossette (99C), 14-Reed Bernbeck (C3), 15-Keefe Hemel (11), 16-Mike Spear (54), 17-Corey Lutters (07), 18-Michael Williams (77W), 19-Bill Hartpence (11H), 20-Joe Herskowitz (36H)