Jonathan Davenport (49) battles Tyler Erb Sunday at West Virginia Motor Speedway. (Jim Denhamer Photo)
Jonathan Davenport (49) battles Tyler Erb Sunday at West Virginia Motor Speedway. (Jim Denhamer Photo)

Davenport Tops Return Of West Virginia Motor Speedway

MINERAL WELLS, W.Va. – Jonathan Davenport survived a war of tire attrition to earn an $8,000 payday in the return of racing to West Virginia Motor Speedway on Sunday evening.

The race, sanctioned by the Valvoline Iron-Man Northern Series, was all about tire conservation as the track seemingly chewed up tires.

Devin Moran started from the pole and led the first 20 laps of the 30-lap event, but pitted after his left-rear tire went flat. Davenport also pitted at the same time, with both drivers now forced to work their way back to the front.

Tyler Erb inherited the lead from Moran and appeared to have the race won, but on the final lap his left-rear tire failed and he dropped out of the lead. That set up a green-white-checkered restart, with Davenport getting the better of Moran to take the victory.

Drake Troutman finished third, with Colton Flinner and Ed Shuman completing the top-five.

The finish:

Jonathan Davenport, Devin Moran, Drake Troutman, Colton Flinner, Ed Shuman, Tyler Erb, Richie Edwards, Jason Salmons, Freddie Carpenter, Dustin Nobbe, Tristian Chamberlain, Pete Crum, Tyler Carpenter, Ted Nobbe, Anthony Kinkade.