Photo courtesy of Zach Yost Photography Jonathan Davenport (49) dives to the bottom of the racetrack to pass Colton Flinner (48) Sunday night at The West Virginia Motor Speedway. He claimed the win in the first event at the legendary speedway since 2013.

MINERAL WELLS — Jonathan Davenport led just two laps in Sunday nights “Return” late model feature in front of a jam-packed crowd at West Virginia Motor Speedway but the Blairsville, Ga., native picked the right two to lead as he held off Devin Moran in a green-white-checkered finish to claim the $8,000 first place prize money in the first race at the legendary track since 2013. Davenport started ninth in the 30-lap feature event and quickly moved into the top five as Moran and Tyler Erb took turns leading the event on the 5/8th mile dirt track.

On lap number 20 while under caution, Moran had tire issues while leading and had to pit as did Davenport which sent the duo to the rear of the field with just 10 laps remaining. Both drivers raced their way back into the top three but Erb appeared poised to capture the win before he too had an equipment issue with just two laps remaining in the race.

Erb’s tough luck set up a thrilling finish between two of the nations very best dirt track drivers and Davenport managed to hold off Moran to claim the series opener of the Valvoline Iron Man Series.

Drake Troutman came home third while Colton Flinner and Washington West, Virginia’s Ed Shuman rounded out the top five.

Other local racers in the field included Parkersburg’s Freddie and Tyler Carpenter who finished ninth and 13th respectively.

The steel block late model feature was claimed by Derrick Quade.

Racing is scheduled to resume at WVMS on Saturday May 22 when the 410 Sprint Cars make their first appearance at the renovated speedway along with the UMP Modifieds for the Mountaineer Nationals.