FLAT ROCK — Sunshine and blue skies finally smiled on Flat Rock Speedway for Sunday afternoon’s first 250-lap Enduro race of the year.

Veteran Ernest Tonga Jr. picked up his first-ever victory in the contest, which saw just one red flag slow the event.

The debut of the ARCA 4 Cylinder Stock Car class was a hit with the fans, with Kevin Stepinski taking the feature event.

Four drivers took turns leading the first 50 laps of the Enduro, with John Bridge, Jeff Maran, Gary Gibson and Rick Johnson all taking the point.

Bridge, Gibson and Johnson all retired to the pit area with mechanical problems.

Johnson was strong out front and built up a sizable lead but dropped out at the half-way mark.

Tonga, who stayed in the hunt, assumed command and charged to his big win and the checkered flag over Maran, Mike Bershback, Steve Cronenwett Jr., Rob Remick, Roy Lilley, Don Brecht, Tim Barrie, Troy Brehmer and Craig Lange. 38 cars started the event and 23 finished the race.

The all-new 4 Cylinder Stock Car division hit the track and was met with favorable response by the good-sized crowd on hand.

Kevin Stepinski topped Dennis Mayville and Tom Kortier in the initial race for the class, which has another seven races set for 2003. The class will compete next at Toledo Speedway June 15.

Each driver told the crowd about their cars, with Stepinski paying just $100 for his ride, while Kortier drove his to work daily until last Thursday! The class is expected to grow as the season continues. Rules are available at each track.