WS: Douglas County: Race notes

ROSEBURG, Ore. -- There were fireworks in the air and fireworks on the track at Douglas County Speedway on Friday night as Eric Holmes battled back from a flat tire to take the victory in the Toyota/Bi-Mart Firecracker 150.

Although Holmes had the dominant car, he had to battle his way by Jason Bowles with eight laps left to gain the win -- his fourth of the season in the NASCAR Camping World Series West.

Johnny Borneman took second, with Bowles crossing the finish line in third. Fourth went to David Mayhew, while rookie Jeff Barkshire finished fifth. Rounding out the top 10 were Jim Inglebright, Moses Smith, Jim Warn, Jonathan Gomez and Jack Sellers.

Holmes had the dominant car all night, leading the first 98 laps after starting from the pole position. His run at the front of the field came to a halt, however, when he slowed suddenly with a flat right front and dashed to the pits under a subsequent caution.

The 2006 series champion managed to stay on the lead lap and began a blistering charge through the field on the restart. He was up to third on lap 120 and was second by lap 140. Holmes dogged Bowles lap after lap. He charged to the inside going into Turn 1 on lap 143, sending sparks flying. As Bowles slid through Turn 2, Holmes pulled away with the lead.

With his win, Holmes extended his lead in the championship standings to 71 points, with Bowles moving to second. Defending champion Mike David slipped to third in the standings, after falling out of the race early with overheating trouble.

-credit: nascar