Gallardo, Flores garner glory at Southern New Mexico Speedway

  • July 26, 2014
  • by Brandi Parrell

LAS CRUCES, N.M. -- It was the second round of the Mini-Sprint Showdown at the Southern New Mexico Speedway on Saturday with the USRA Stock Cars and USRA B-Mods tearing up the track.

Next up the USRA Stock Cars battled it out on the track. There was a quick exchange of leaders but before anyone could pull too far into the lead there was a spin out in turn four and a caution on the track. With the waive of the green flag Noah Hollingshead pulled into the lead with Donovan Flores right on his bumper. Flores took to the highline trying to get around Hollingshead and with 12 laps left to go he pushed his way into the lead. In the meantime Justin Lasiter was making his way up the ranks until he was right behind Flores. Flores laid down on the gas and put some distance between himself and Lasiter. With the waive of the checker flag Flores was able to clean sweep the weekend after a win last night in El Paso.

The USRA B-Mods were up next and it didn’t take long before Michael Gonzales pulled into the lead with Alex Gonzalez right behind him. Three laps into the race back to back cautions as Cory Brownwood spun out in turn four and then John Carney Sr. spun out in two. Once they got going again Michael Gonzales held down the lead but Alex Gonzales lost his second place position to Donavon Flores. With 10 laps to go Paddy Rush moved into the second position and set his sights on Michael Gonzales. With Rylyn Phillips spinning in turn two it brought everyone back together. With the green flag Rush went side by side for the leave and with seven to go he finally got around him. They went door to door and then Michael Gonzales pulled back into the lead. Another caution in turn two with six to go after Alex Gonzales spun. Michael Gonzales held the lead and the Rush pushed past him for the lead. With three laps left to go Michael Gonzales made contact with Rush sending both leaders to the back. This let third place driver Fito Gallardo, who started 12th, take the lead with Donavon Flores moving into the second position. Rush was able to move all the way back up to third, but did not have enough time to get back into the lead, leaving the win to Gallardo.

Next week you will not want to miss the return of the Southwest Late Models, USRA Modifieds, USRA Stock Cars, Hornets and Bombers. See you next week at the races.