Scattered showers and persistent rain throughout the day forced Bowman Gray Stadium management to postpone the Hayes Jewelers 200 event.
“Unfortunately, rain storms have led to the postponement of tonight’s racing at Bowman Gray Stadium,” a tweet from Bowman Gray Stadium read. “We hope to see you next week for the rescheduled Hayes Jewelers 200.”
There was a huge buzz heading into last week’s season opener, after last year’s great season that seen amazing battles, close finishes and the championship decided on the last lap of every race. Car counts last week were staggering, 30 modifieds were on hand with former NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Brennan Poole driving his On Point Motorsports mod. 26 Sportsman came through the gates with both 2018 Street Stock and Stadium Stock Champions practicing with the division.
The Street Stock had 22 cars that showed up led by former Champion Billy Gregg and five-time division championship contender Brian Wall. 33 Stadium Stocks filled the pit area across the street as former champions Jason Keaton, A.J. Sanders & Chuck Wall were among the drivers.
With the rainout occurring, it helped out some teams that didn’t make it to the track last week. The legendary Bob Nelson #27 car will return with former Stafford Motor Speedway driver Carlos Gray behind the wheel. Tim Tilley & his son Bubba (Timmy) Tilley will make the trek from the Mount Airy area. Ace Speedway Limited Late Model Champion Ross “Boo Boo” Dalton now has his shot at the legendary Madhouse as he’s made his intentions of being there.
The twin 25-lap Modified race alongside a pair of Sportsman 20-lap races that was supposed to take place this Saturday will be scrapped. The Hayes Jewelers 200 will be running this weekend instead, the 44th annual 200 lap affair will headline the event once again, the Sportsman will be running a 40-lap race, a 20-lap Street Stock race and a possible two 15-lap Stadium Stock races pending on car counts.
Cover photo by Brian Nagy.
