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RUNYAN LEADS 20 LAPS FOR TOP-FIVE IN NASCAR MODIFIEDS

DENAIR, CALIFORNIA (July 19, 2011) – 18 year-old Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle driver Bobby Runyan, Jr. led 20 laps on Saturday night in the NASCAR Modifieds at All American Speedway before finishing fifth.  The fifth place finish is Runyan’s second straight top-five as a rookie in the hotly contested NASCAR Modified division at the one-third mile asphalt oval.

Runyan, a graduate of the USAC Ford Focus Midgets and SCCA Formula Fords, is a rookie driver in the #21 K&N Filters Modified for the Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle driver development team.  The youngster matched his previous best qualifying mark by qualifying fifth on the day.

A five car inversion placed Runyan on the pole for the 40 lap contest.  Leading early, Runyan ran consistently before being challenged by his teammate Steve Cote.  Cote closed down on Runyan in a thrilling battle that lasted to lap 21 when the caution came out.

Cote was scored ahead of Runyan by inches as the line before the yellow flag came out, forcing Runyan to restart on the outside in the double-file restart.  The outside line proved to be Runyan’s downfall, as he slid backwards to fifth.

Runyan was unable to recover the lost positions but maintained fifth to the finishline.  The top-five run was a crucial points day for Runyan as he tries to make up ground against a strong rookie class in 2011.

“Bobby has shown improvement every week and has adapted to these cars quickly,” Team Manager Jason Houghtaling said.  “He’s definitely knocking on the door for his first win!  Watching the RSWC Modifieds run 1-2 was very exciting.”

Runyan will continue his busy summer in the NASCAR Modifieds this weekend with races scheduled for Saturday night.  Runyan’s fans can follow the action live at www.bobbyrunyan.com starting at 6 p.m.

Bobby Runyan, Jr. and Ron Sutton’s Winner’s Circle thank partners:  K&N Filters, Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, Raging Bull Motorsports, Brown’s Shop Support, Scribner Plastics, Allstar Performance, Sunoco Race Fuels and Star Racing Supply.