Brasstown – Ray Cook and his staff at Tri County Racetrack welcomed the Outlaw Topless Late Model Series to the Tiger Pit on June 18 along with drivers from all other regular divisions.
After several false starts, Ronnie Johnson claimed the lead. King and Austin Neely remained within striking distance of the “Chattanooga Flash,” but a battle among themselves for the runner-up spot allowed Johnson to settle into a rhythm. King tried his best to run down the Hall of Famer, but it was too little, too late, as Johnson took the trophy and the $2,500 check. Rounding out the top five was King, Neely, Jesse Lowe and Matt Henderson.
With the Limited Late Models running with the Outlaws, the Crate Late Model field saw its numbers drop drastically. Defending division champion Brian Kinnersley paced the field from the drop of the green and claimed victory. Drew Deaver was second with Bobby Panter being awarded third place after initial third-place finisher Preston Crisp was penalized during post-race inspection.
The Modified Street division had fans on their feet as the battle for the top spot raged lap after lap. John Howard’s No. 81 led the way, but Bobby Elkins stayed close enough to read the serial number on Howard’s chassis. While those two ripped the lip around the high line, Ricky Smith of Hiawassee, Ga., found moisture and grip around the bottom and made it a three-car fight for the top spot.
Meanwhile, Seth Wimpey was slicing and dicing his way through the field after a poor qualifying effort. Howard had just enough to hold off all challengers to get the win with Elkins crossing the stripe in second and Smith settling for third.
In other action, Lynn Burchfield survived a wild Street Stock feature to return to Victory Lane. Dylan Beaver got the win in the 602 Rookie race and Marty King was the cream of the crop in the Pony race. In the final race of the night, Josh Deese skunked the Front Wheel Drive field, winning by half a track.
Rain got in the way of some of Friday night’s races. Tri County’s next event is scheduled for Tuesday, July 27. For details, visit tricountyracetrack.net.
Authored by - Travis Dockery/Clay County Progress
Photo by - Sam Jokich/Photo Correspondent