John Wes Townley will compete for a championship in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series in 2013 for Red Horse Racing but he opened the season, and Daytona Speedweeks, with a victory in Saturday’s ARCA Racing Series Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona International Speedway.
John Wes Townley ‘inspires’ in ARCA Daytona 200 victory
Matt Weaver
Townley held off a furious charge – in deep lap traffic on the final lap – from super-prospect Kyle Larson and pulled away down the frontstetch to collect his first major victory in professional stock car racing. It’s a moment that hasn’t quite sunk in yet for the 23-year-old Georgia-native.
“It’s one thing to win in the ARCA Series and another entirely to win it at Daytona,” Townley said. “Just wow. When I took the checkered flag, I didn’t know if I had really taken it. I was prepared to go another lap and still worry about fuel if I needed to. What an exciting day.”
The embattled Townley has often been criticized by both fans and motorsport insiders for his long history of getting caught up in accidents while in the Nationwide Series. Some felt that he advanced far too quickly at such an early age and Townley even spent considerable time away from the sport before returning to the Truck Series last season.
That made his victory on Sunday all the sweeter.
I missed (racing) so much,” Townley said. “It’s really inspiration to come back. I’m glad I have come back. I’m proud of my improvements – not just in my racing career but my physical shape too. I’m in the best shape of my life. It’s just really inspirational to turn it all around like this…
“Personally, this is priceless. I wouldn’t trade it for most anything in the world – besides my family – and it’s an honor to come through at here at Daytona.”
Kyle Larson finished second, Ricky Ehhrgot third and Frank Kimmel fourth. Sean Corr came in fifth.
Townley passed eight-time Daytona winner Bobby Gerhart with seven laps to go when Gerhart slowed and eventually moved off the track.
Here’s the complete finishing order of Saturday’s ARCA season-opener:
1. John Wes Townley
2. Kyle Larson
3. Ricky Ehrgott
4. Frank Kimmel
5. Sean Corr
6. Brennan Newberry
7. Mason Mingus
8. Mark Thompson
9. Matt Kurzejewski
10. Chad Boat
11. Michel Disdier
12. Tom Hessert
13. Mason Mitchell
14. Clay Campbell
15. Josh Williams
16. Bo Lemastus
17. Buster Graham
18. Donnie Neuenberger
19. Benny Chastain
20. Dexter Stacy
21. Spencer Gallagher
22. Thomas Praytor
23. Rick Clifton
24. Terry Jones
25. Ed Pompa
26. James Hylton
27. Roger Carter
28. Milka Duno
29. Bobby Gerhart
30. Chris Buescher
31. Justin Boston
32. Galen Hassler
33. Will Kimmel
34. Caleb Armstrong
35. Darrell Wallace Jr.
36. Brett Hudson
37. Steve Kemp
38. Drew Charlson
39. Grant Enfinger
40. Julien Jousse
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