Ryan Godown Opens Short Track Super Series ‘Cajun Swing’ With Heldover Victory At Rocket Raceway Park

Story By: CODY MANMILLER / SHORT TRACK SUPER SERIES – PETTY, TX – Ryan Godown took home the heldover feature victory on Wednesday evening at the Rocket Raceway Park, the first of two Bob Hilbert Sportswear Short Track Super Series Fueled By Sunoco Ollie’s ‘Cajun Swing’ presented by Wegner Automotive events completed in the state of Texas.

Godown, who sits third all-time on the STSS win list, earned $4,000 for his victory, leading Jack Lehner, Erick Rudolph, David Schilling and La. native Koty Adams across the line.

Adams became the first Ark-La-Tex region mainstay to pocket a top-five finish against STSS competition in Cajun Swing history.

After Tuesday’s action was halted and postponed to Wednesday due to fog, the night started with a Modified B-Main to set the 26-car feature field. On Tuesday, 35 diverse Modifieds signed in for racing action in Petty, Texas, a Cajun Swing record.

With the lineup set, Tyler Siri and Rudolph led the field to the opening green flag. After an early-race caution, Andy Bachetti moved by Godown for the runner-up spot and closed on Siri as the frontrunners entered lapped traffic on lap 11.

Bachetti passed Siri just a lap later, and Siri lost spots to Godown and Rudolph in quick succession before slowing with an issue.

On that lap 11 caution, Bachetti led Godown, Rudolph, Rex King Jr., Dan Creeden and Sheppard. Before the field stood on the throttle again, however, Sheppard, who started 19th, was forced to the pit area with engine problems.

On the ensuing restart, Lehner was the big mover, advancing into fourth by lap 16 before a caution for King on lap 20. Just before the yellow, though, Bachetti and Godown split a lapped car and were fiercely battling for the top spot.

Godown used the next restart to snatch the lead and led until five to go when Bachetti slowed with his flat.

“That was tough, short-track, up-on-the-wheel racing,” Godown said in Victory Lane. “There’s no pressure down here, we just want to keep rolling and it’s really cool to get the win off your back early in the week.”

Lehner came from ninth to wind up as the runner-up.

“Ryan was really good,” he said on the front stretch. “I was too tight to get comfortable or make any run at him.

“I’d be alright and then I’d get tight and he’d get away, but I’m happy with tonight,” Lehner added.

Rudolph started the 30-lap feature from the outside pole, dropped back a few spots and then rallied to place third.

“Every time you land on the podium, you’re doing something right,” Rudolph said. “Time to make a few adjustments to get better for this second feature.

Schilling and Adams rounded out the top five. Adams started in 13th, was forced to the rear after getting in an accident on the opening lap of the race and drove all the way back for a top-five finish.

Rounding out positions six through 10, respectively, were: Darren Smith, Rob Litton, J.R. Hurlburt, Siri and Kodey Keimig.

Still three more nights of racing – and plenty of money – are left in the Ollie’s Bargain Outlet STSS Cajun Swing Presented by Wegner Automotive. On Thursday, the traveling crew unloads at Ark-La-Tex Speedway in Vivian, La. for a 35-lap, $4,000-to-win event. The final two legs take place in Greenwood, La. at the Boothill Speedway for another $4,000 to win on Friday and then the $20,000-to-win finale on Saturday night.

RYAN GODOWN, Jack Lehner, Erick Rudolph, David Schilling, Koty Adams, Darren Smith, Rob Litton, J.R. Hurlburt, Tyler Siri, Kodey Keimig, Andy Bachetti, Rusty Smith, Tommy Rascoe, John Lutes, Jr., Craig Whitmoyer, Keith Badiali, Joe Boswell, Danny Creeden, Addison Bowman, Rex King, Jr., David Forbis, Matt Sheppard, Korey Keimig, Steve Davis, Barry White, Richard Holt

Did Not Qualify: Timothy Holt, Alan Myers, James Griffin, Glenn Stone, Dale Wester, Chase Hatton, Joseph Brown, Jim Introne, Jr., Thomas Holt

Accurate Collision of Pompano Heat Winners ($50 each): Tyler Siri, Ryan Godown, Danny Creeden, Rex King, Jr.
Behrent’s Performance Warehouse Bonuses ($50 Gift Cards): David Schilling (fourth), Tyler Siri (ninth), Tommy Rascoe (13th) & Korey Keimig (23rd)
Beyea Custom Headers Worst Redraw ($50): David Forbis (Redrew 12th)
BDR Speed Bonus ($50 Certificate): Rex King, Jr. (20th)
Day Motor Sports American Racer Tire Giveaway (FREE Tire Certificate): Rob Litton (seventh)
EIBACH Springs Bonus ($100 Certificate): Darren Smith (sixth)
Fastline Performance Bonuses ($100 Certificates): Koty Adams (Top Louisiana Driver – fifth) & Kodey Keimig (Top Texas Driver – 10th)
Henry’s Exhaust Bonus ($50 Certificate): Andy Bachetti (11th)
Penske Racing Shocks Bonuses: Ryan Godown (winner – $150); Jack Lehner (second – $75); Erick Rudolph (third – $50)
Schultz Fuel Cell Bonus ($100 Certificate): Kodey Keimig (10th)
Shed Road Auto Parts Hard Charger ($100): Kodey Keimig (26th to 10th)
VAHLCO Wheels Heat Winners ($50 Gift Cards): Tyler Siri, Ryan Godown, Danny Creeden, Rex King, Jr.
Wilwood Disc Brakes ‘Lucky 7’ Bonus ($75 Certificate): Rob Litton (seventh)