Sunoco Race Sets Stage for Smith's Historical Night

BOONE, Iowa (Sept. 8) – After third- and second-place finishes in his first two Sunoco Race Fuels Race of Champions outings, Donavon Smith finally got that much hoped-for trophy.

Smith led from start to finish in winning Saturday’s Stock Car RoC at the IMCA Speedway Motors Super Nationals. With lap money included, the victory was good for $1,250.

Equally notable, it made Smith the third member of his family to win the event. He joins brothers David (2005 and 2007) and Dustin (2009) in the accomplishment. “This is a race I’ve always wanted to win,” said Smith, third in 2009 and the runner-up last year. “It’s special to be able to do that.” Smith was pulling away from the rest of the field three circuits into the 10-lapper. Dustin Larson took over second on lap seven and Brandon Czarapata settled into third on lap nine.

The top two finishers in each of five qualifying heats on Friday comprised the Race of Champions show. Fifty-six drivers, including former national, regional and Super Nationals champions, former race winners and 2012 track champions or point leaders, were in those heats. Smith would return to victory lane later Saturday, becoming the first driver to win the Sunoco RoC and the main event at the same Super Nationals.

Feature results – 1. Donavon Smith, Lake City; 2. Dustin Larson, Worthington, Minn.; 3. Brandon Czarapata, Appleton, Wis.; 4. Chad Palmer, Renwick; 5. Kenneth Tietz, Belle Plaine, Minn.; 6. Brian Irvine, Oelwein; 7. Keith Knop, Avoca; 8. Wayne Gifford, Boone; 9. Robby Rosselli, Minot, N.D.; 10. Mike Nichols, Harlan.