The box score says that Clint Bowyer led all 30 laps in Wednesday nightÂs Prelude to the Dream all-star dirt Late Model race at Eldora Speedway, but the native of Emporia, Kan., had to fend off strong charges from J.J. Yeley and Aric Almirola to finally capture a victory in the prestigious race thatÂs a whoÂs who of racingÂs elite. After finishing second in the past two Prelude to the Dream events, Bowyer sealed his first Prelude triumph by .531 of a second over Yeley, a former USAC champion who has logged numerous laps at Eldora.
ÂItÂs just so much fun to be able to come here and compete, said Bowyer, whose victory was presented live to the entire nation on HBO Pay-Per-View, with the net proceeds from the telecast supporting four of the nationÂs top childrenÂs hospitals. ÂWhat an awesome racetrack. IÂve always loved this place and IÂm very proud of Tony Stewart and everybody behind him that makes this event awesome. ThereÂs a lot of hard work to put on something like this, and we are very lucky to have him put forth the effort.Â
Stewart, owner of Eldora Speedway and a three-time Prelude victor, finished 20th in the race he created in 2005. ÂWe had another first-time winner tonight. ThatÂs what the fun part is, said Stewart, a two-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Series champion. ÂWatching Marcos Ambrose win his heat race and Jason Leffler win his heat race in their first time being here  thatÂs the stuff that makes you smile, and itÂs fun to watch all these guys have a good time. The race was a team event. There was still an individual race winner in Bowyer, but there was also a race within the race, with the field broken up into four teams, each representing a childrenÂs hospital. See full results, comments from some of the drivers, links and more on my Racing Charities – Prelude to the Dream page.(6-9-2011)
