7/3/2016
Delaware International Speedway
H.J. BUNTING SWEEPS TWIN 20’S IN DELAWARE BIG BLOCK MODIFIEDS
By CHARLIE BROWN, DELMAR, DE – H.J. Bunting decided to try something different and it paid off big as he swept the Twin 20 features for the NAPA Big Block Modifieds Saturday night at the Delaware International Speedway.
In the first 20 lap feature Clay Tatman looked impressive taking a commanding lead from his pole starting position. Matt Hawkins was back after last week’s nasty spill and was back in top form working past Michael White for second. While Tatman continued to pace the field, last week’s winner, Scott VanGorder was hooked up taking second by lap six.
VanGorden pulled out front at halfway as H.J. Bunting moved into third behind Tatman. Bunting went to the top to take second with five to go and one lap late continued his change from eighth to take the lead. Bunting went on to take the checkered with VanGorder second and Tatman posting a personal best in third.
“I’m trying to find a car that suits my driving style,� said Bunting after switching to his Teo chassis and swapping out the small block for his big block. “So far it seems to be working pretty good.�
The lead lap field was inverted to start the second 20 putting Eric Vent on the pole. Vent did a super job up front leading the first six laps. Bunting, who started in 11th was in the top groove again and up to fourth by lap four. One lap later he got by Kevin Sockriter for third and on the next lap dropped Howard O’Neal to third.
Bunting continued his charge into the lead pulling past Vent on lap seven. Matt Hawkins regained his composure and got by Vent for second with seven to go. Bunting was a full straight ahead in the final laps and posted his second win of the night and the fourth of his season. Hawkins finished second and Vent ended a great run in third. O’Neal finished in fourth and Sockriter rounded out the top five. Heats were won by Matt Hawkins and Bunting.
Bunting was surprised when he found out that he had earned a $500 bonus for sweeping the features. “That’s great. I have never won Twin 20’s before!�
NAPA Big Block 1st 20 Finish: 1. H.J. Bunting; 2. Scott VanGorder; 3. Clay Tatman; 4. Dave Dissinger; 5. Michael White; 6. Kevin Sockriter; 7. Richie Pratt, Jr.; 8. Kevin Gardner; 9. Matt Hawkins; 10. Howard O’Neal; 11. Eric Vent; 12. Carson Wright; 13. Dale Hawkins; 14. Brandon Watkins; 15. Trent Willey; 16. Drew Simmons; 17. Kyle Fuller.
NAPA Big Block 2nd 20 Finish: 1. H.J. Bunting; 2. Matt Hawkins; 3. Eric Vent; 4. Howard O’Neal; 5. Kevin Sockriter; 6. Clay Tatman; 7. Michael White; 8. Kyle Fuller; 9. Dave Dissinger; 10. Carson Wright; 11. Kevin Gardner; 12. Richie Pratt, Jr.; 13. Scott VanGorder; DNS: Dale Hawkins; Brandon Watkins; Trent Willey; Drew Simmons.
