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Perez Returns to Victory Lane

ZACATECAS, Mexico – Defending NASCAR Mexico Series champion Antonio Pérez picked up his first win of 2009 Sunday at Autódromo Internacional de Zacatecas.

Perez, who won five times last year during his champion run, won for the first time since Oct. 12 at Chiapas.

He started eighth and moved to third by lap 18. He took over the lead on lap 38 and led the rest of the way. The race went 63 laps.

Jorge Goeters finished second, followed by German Quiroga, Homero Richards and Carlos Peralta. Luis Montano, Hugo Oliveras, Jorge Arteaga, Ruben Pardo and  Israel Jaitovich completed the top 10. It was Jaitovich’s best career finish.

Ruben Rovelo, who collected the pole Saturday, finished 14th. Rovelo, Richards, Ruben Pardo and Perez led laps. The race was slowed just four times for cautions.

Quiroga extended his points lead to 135 over Pardo and 177 over Richards. Rovelo is fourth, while Perez moved up to fifth.

The NASCAR Mexico Series will next race at San Luis Potosi on Sunday, Aug. 16.

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