Merchant ends SUPR drought with Texas win
Story courtesy of Jason Wise

MESQUITE, Texas (July 3) — Kenny Merchant ended his dry spell on the O’Reilly Southern United Professional Racing (SUPR) tour by picking up his first win of the season Thursday night at Devil’s Bowl Speedway in Mesquite, Texas.  According to series records, Merchant's 41st career SUPR victory pulled him to within one of all-time series victories leader Doug Ingalls of Longview, Texas, who is on top with 42 career victories.


Merchant, who started on the pole for the 35-lap feature event, did not take the top spot until lap 25 when he shot past Ronny Adams. Adams, who started second, looked poised to capture his first SUPR victory of the season as the veteran driver led the first 25 circuits.

In the opening laps of the event, Adams, Merchant, David Ashley and Ray Moore put on a spirited battle for the lead with Adams fending off each challenger. With 10 laps remaining, Merchant was able to get by Adams down the backstretch of Devil’s Bowl Speedway and took command of the race. As Merchant began to check out, Adams found himself trying to hold off a hard-charging Patrick Daniel. Daniel would get past Adams as he set his sights on Merchant.

When the checkered flag waved, Merchant of Ruston, La., found himself celebrating in Victory Lane while Daniel of Wills Point, Texas, and Adams of Greenwood, La., had to settle for second and third-place honors, respectively.

NOTES: The race was slowed by three cautions. … Front-runner Ashley exited the event early with overheating. … Next up for the O’Reilly SUPR late models is Champion Park Speedway in Minden, La., Friday night, July 4.

SUPR @ Devil’s Bowl: (1) Kenny Merchant, (2) Patrick Daniel, (3) Ronny Adams, (4) Ray Moore, (5) Howard Willis, (6) Rob Litton, (7) Robbie Stuart, (8) Kyle Cummings, (9) Bob Ewell, (10) Tom Lorenz, (11) Allen Tippen, (12) Michael Coleman, (13) Michael Grubbs, (14) Jeff Chandler, (15) John Ewell, (16) Troy Tindall, (17) William Kenney, (18) Darin Ellis, (19) David Ashley, (20) Anthony Burrows, (21) Lee Davis, (22) Kevin Sitton. Heat race winners (among 32 cars): Merchant, Adams, Moore, Cummings. Consolation winners: John Ewell, Sitton.

Corporate sponsors of O’Reilly SUPR include: AFCO, Barber Specialties Inc., Bert Transmission, Brodix, BSB Manufacturing, Dura-Lite Racing Wheels, GRT Race Cars, Hinchman Uniforms, Hoosier Tire Southwest, J&J Motorsports, Keith Craft Inc., Larry Shaw Race Cars, Lile's Custom Home's, Master Vac, O'Reilly Auto Parts, PBM Performance Products, Peterson Aluminum, Trick Wild, Triple A Diesel Service, X-Treme Graphics and Wall 2 Wall Performance.