Don Bunnell

Don Bunnell was one of the more popular drivers in Speedbowl history, always driving beautifully prepared race cars. The Bunnell family operation also included his brothers Gil and Ed and their purple #318 coupe.

Don started in the Daredevil division of the late 1960’s, which at the time was an entry-level Late Model division. Don won his first Speedbowl race on Sept 14, 1968 and ended up with Rookie of the Year honors at season’s end. He then won 5 more times in 1969.

He started racing Modifieds in 1970, winning in his first season and earning his 2nd Rookie of the Year award. He would go on to win 22 races through 1983 in the pre-SK Modified era. His most memorable win came in the Bicentennial 200 on July 4th weekend during the 1976 season, the first 200 lap race for the Modifieds in Speedbowl history. It is widely considered the last significant win for a coupe bodied Modified at the Speedbowl.

Don’s brother Ed took over driving duties of the #318 when Don moved on to drive for other car owners. In 1977, he drove the Frank Konopka #715 to 3 wins, including the Schaefer 100 at the end of the season. He would later driver Pat Doherty’s #73 “Blue Knight” to victory lane.

As the track transitioned to SK Modifieds in 1985, Bunnell continued his winning ways. He won 5 races between 1988-1991 and continued his success in extra-distance events. Bunnell won a 100 lapper in 1988 and a 75 lap race in 1990. With an ailing back continuing to bother him, Bunnell retired from competition in the mid-1990’s with 33 career Speedbowl wins across 3 different divisions.

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DON BUNNELL
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