Commentary by Cheryl Licklider

Ryan Bohnstedt is having the time of his life this season on the high-banked oval at Enid Speedway Park.

He began his quest for the checkered flag 10 years ago when he was 16 years old, but didn’t capture an “A” feature win until this year.

“It was a long time coming but we finally got there,” said Bohnstedt. “We’ve had a real good season so far.”

The young racer was blissfully unaware of just how successful his run had been this year. With merely five point races left in the season, Bohnstedt began Saturday night with a 504-point advantage over Dustin Allen in the competitive street stock division.

With a maximum of 96 points possible for a sweep in a race night, Bohnstedt’s crown is untouchable as he has solidly sewn up the 2009 championship.

“At the start of the year I told Dad I wasn’t point racing this year and I haven’t even looked at them,” said Bohnstedt. “I came out here to have fun and plan to just keep doing what I’ve been doing. My only goal this year was to win a feature and I’ve won 2. This has been my most fun year so far.”

Bohnstedt was born into a racing family and is keeping the tradition alive. He has spent almost every Saturday night during racing season at the track all his life, making his first trip when he was only 2 days old.

“I’ve always loved and wanted to go racing, if there is a race I always go to it,” said Bohnstedt. “I grew up around racing, my dad and uncles always raced and I decided that I was going to race when I was only 8 years old. There are 12 grandkids in my family and 8 of us race. I don’t know what else I’d do on Saturday nights.”

Bohnstedt pilots the quick 05 street stock, which was built by racing legend Milt David. He and his cousin, Logan Macy, manufactured the body for the sharp ride which was painted by cousin, Randy Bohnstedt. The heart of his crew includes his dad and longtime friend Tanner Choate.

“My dad has been great,” said Bohnstedt. “He has taught me almost everything I know about racing. Dad builds my motors and helps me set up the car. Tanner has been with me since I started racing. My cousins and I also pitch in and help each other out during the week and at the track. My mom (Wilma) has been real supportive. In fact, when I raced in factory stock she hand lettered my car.”

This year Bohnstedt’s quick ride sports a novel design featuring a rebel flag. According to the young hot shoe, he has always been a Dukes of Hazard fan and wanted to work it into his design. Bohnstedt said he runs the No. 05 in honor of his dad who has always raced a No. 5. They had a blast last season competing against each other.

“We had a lot of fun racing against each other last year,” he said “We are trying to get dad’s car back together so we can do it again.”

Sponsors include Hennessey Sonic Drive-In, Hothousepaint.com and Grasslander.

“Sonic has been with me since I started racing,” said Bohnstedt. “I appreciate all of my sponsors.”

Though his dad has served as his inspiration and main mentor, Bohnstedt has been influenced by several racing legends.

“Kenny Morris, Milt David and Mark Button have all helped and taught me quite a bit,” said Bohnstedt. “I enjoy racing and hanging out with all my friends and family here.”



Licklider is News & Eagle’s racing writer.