CASCAR: Bumper to Bumper 150; Dowler dominates en route to win in Hythe
20 June 2000
GRANDE PRAIRIE, AB - The CASCAR Castrol Super Series West held its third race in as many weeks, on Saturday night (June 17), at Hythe Motor Speedway, located 50 kilometers from Grande Prairie, AB. During qualifying for the Bumper to Bumper 150, 13 of the 17 drivers bested the former CASCAR track record for the fast, 3/8-mile oval. Edmonton native Kevin Dowler drove like a man on a mission in his Ford Quality Care Taurus. Starting fourth in the field for the 150-lap race, Dowler powered into the lead on lap 29 and never looked back for his first victory of the season. The race was slowed by just two cautions - the second of which turned into a red flag stoppage - when polesitter and early race leader Kim Richard was involved in a scary crash on lap 139. The Calgarian slammed into the outside retaining wall in turn 3, totally destroying his Chevrolet in the process. Richard emerged shaken and was taken to hospital for examination before being released later in the evening. Second place in the Bumper to Bumper 150 went to Don Sales of Quesnel, BC. The Skoal Inc. Chevy driver was in good position to challenge Dowler during the final sprint to the finish, but a deflating right-front tire with just a few laps remaining left him limping to the finish; the second of only two competitors to complete all 150 laps. The third and final podium position was earned by reigning CASCAR Castrol Super Series West champion Steve Jefferson, of Prince George, BC. The Mopar Batteries Intrepid driver was pleased with the result in his quest for another CASCAR crown. CASCAR Castrol Super Series East Point Standings (After 4 events / As of June 17, 2000) Position, Car #, Driver (Hometown / Car Make / Points) 1. #4 Don Thomson Jr. (Hamilton, ON / Chevrolet / 649 points); 2. #1 Peter Gibbons (Stouffville, ON / Chevrolet 610); 2. #02 Kerry Micks (Mt Albert, ON / Ford / 610); 4. #88 Dave Jacombs (Mt Hope, ON / Ford / 594); 5. #64 Mark Dilley (Barrie, ON / Ford / 576); 6. #33 Neil Fair (Ancaster, ON / Chevrolet / 575); 7. #17 DJ Kennington (St Thomas, ON / Intrepid / 560); 8. #76 Al Turner (Barrie, ON / Intrepid / 545); 9. #22 Scott Steckly (Milverton, ON / Pontiac / 538); 10. #98 Dave Whitlock (Petrolia, ON / Ford / 522); 11. #14 John Fitzpatrick (Ayr, ON / Chevrolet / 521); 12. #77 Pete Vanderwyst (St Thomas, ON / Chevrolet / 498); 13. #99 Brad Jacques (Mt Brydges, ON / Intrepid / 484); 14. #66 Robin Buck (Oakville, ON / Pontiac / 482); 15. #04 Andy Farr (Chesterfield, MI / Dodge / 480); 16. #5 Nik Lapcevich (Hamilton, ON / Chevrolet / 468); 17. #51 Al Long (Ottawa, ON / Chevrolet / 465); 18. #60 Ron Beauchamp Jr. (Windsor, ON / Intrepid / 454); 19. #57 Joe Gonsalves (Concord, ON / Chevrolet / 452); 20. #03 Jason McLellan (Mount Forest, ON / Dodge / 438); 21. #80 Donald Theetge (Boischatel, QC / Chevrolet / 410); 22. #48 Doug Cathcart (Carp, ON / Chevrolet / 398); 22. #3 Chris Fowler (Stirling, ON / Chevrolet / 398); 24. #31 Kelly Williams (Inglewood, ON / Ford / 394); 25. #27 John Restemeyer (Ottawa, ON / Chevrolet / 392); 26. #25 Jim Lapcevich (Hamilton, ON / Chevrolet / 388); 27. #07 Sean Dupuis (Windsor, ON / Chevrolet / 368); 28. #74 Richard Beauchamp (Ormstown, QC / Ford / 329); 29. #67 Derrick Tiemersma (Newmarket, ON / Pontiac / 311); 30. #23 Jeff Lapcevich (Ancaster, ON / Ford / 310) * Note: Western Super Series points, after three rounds, will be distributed shortly.