TULARE, Calif. — Ryan Bernal knocked down the win Saturday night at Merle Stone Chevrolet Thunderbowl Raceway, leading the final two laps of the Faria Memorial to score a $1,500 payday.

Bernal passed Kyle Hirst for the win in a race that saw two lead changes inside the final five laps.

Tristan Guardino led the opening two circuits before Joe Stornetta Jr. took command on the third round, but Stornetta faded late with problems on his entry, opening the door for Hirst and Bernal to pounce.

Ultimately, Bernal took the win and the hard charger honors, climbing from eighth to the win in 30 laps.

Hirst, Austin Liggett, Richard Vander Weerd and Danny Faria Jr. completed the top five.

Stornetta, who led 22 laps, was credited with 17th.

RESULTS: USAC West Coast Sprint Cars; Faria Memorial; Thunderbowl Raceway; May 20, 2017

Feature (30 laps): 1. Ryan Bernal, 2. Kyle Hirst, 3. Austin Liggett, 4. Richard Vander Weerd, 5. Danny Faria Jr., 6. Jake Swanson, 7. Max Adams, 8. Tristan Guardino, 9. Jace Vander Weerd, 10. Shannon McQueen, 11. Ryan Timmons, 12. Steven Garris, 13. Brandon Wiley, 14. Steve Hix, 15. Jeff Sibley,16. Ryan Stolz, 17. Joe Stornetta Jr., 18. Gary Nelson Jr., 19. Geoffrey Strole, 20. Benjamin Catron, 21. Scotty Farmer.

About the Writer

Jacob Seelman is the Managing Editor of Race Chaser Online and creator of the Motorsports Madness radio show, airing at 7 p.m. Eastern every Monday on the Performance Motorsports Network.

Seelman grew up in the sport, watching his grandparents co-own the RaDiUs Motorsports NASCAR Cup Series team in the 1990s.

The 23-year-old is currently studying Broadcast Journalism at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., and is also serving as the full-time tour announcer for the Must See Racing Sprint Car Series.

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