By Travis Dockery
Digital Media Director
Longtime Tri County Racetrack fan Clarence "CT" Barnett passed away last week at the age of 93. Since the track first opened, Barnett has been a fixture at the Brasstown facility. From working on the track's surface to supporting his sons, grandsons and other family members, he was a familiar sight to fellow race fans. To honor Barnett, his family members and track promoter Ray Cook came together to organize the "Clarence Barnett Memorial" Super Late Model race which was held at the track Monday, Sept. 6 as part of the track's Labor Day Championships event.
Even qualifying for the main event was full of drama and excitement. Murphy's David Payne set the standard early on in time trials with a lap time of 12.739. That time was bested by the slimmest of margins when Kenny Collins clocked in at 12.738 to nab the pole position. During his qualifying sessions, Glenn Barnett, son of Clarence, went for a wild ride when the throttle stuck on his No. 34. Barnett's car climbed the outside wall before rolling over and coming to rest on its top. Safety crews were able to get to Barnett and help him out of the crumpled pile of sheet metal. Later in the night, Barnett was able to address the fans and assured everyone he was uninjured.
As the green flag fell on the 38-lap feature race, Payne was able to use the high side to build enough momentum to clear Collins and lead lap one. Shawn Chastain was able to find speed in the low lane from his fifth starting spot and after clearing Jamie Oliver for third, waged a battle with Collins for the second position. The duo ran side-by-side for several laps before making slight contact on the backstretch which cut the tire on Collin's No. 1C. After hitting the pits for a new tire, Collins tagged returned to the track and to the rear of the field.
On the ensuing restart, Chastain continued to work the low line while Payne chose to rim ride. As the laps clicked by, Payne was able to stretch his lead as his No. 8 Capital racecar was on a rail. Payne would go on to take the win with Chastain settling for second and Danny Ledford crossed the stripe in third. For his victory, Payne collected the prize of $3,437.38, numbers significant to the Barnett family.
In other action, Jason Deal was able to come away with the Southeastern Late Model Sportsman series victory and John Howard led flag-to-flag to get the Modified Hobby win. Youngster Cooper Twiggs picked up his first career victory in the Beginner 602 division while Lynn Burchfield continued his strong season with a Street Stock win. Josh Deese was the victor in the Front Wheel Drive race which tightened the points race in that division. Jamie Cross crossed the finish line first in the Pony feature, but was protested in post race inspection. Results of the protest were unknown at press time.
For the first time ever, the annual "Faster Pastor" race saw local preachers compete in front wheel drive racecars instead of lawn mowers. After years of trying, First Freewill Baptist Church of Hayesville's senior pastor Chris Rumfelt finally got the first place trophy. The once-a-year spectacle is a fundraising event for Carolina Christian Academy.
Next up on the schedule for The Tiger Pit is the "Tarheel Tune-up" on Friday, Sept. 17. The winner of the Super Late Model race will lock themselves into the Tarheel 50. Along with other divisions, the ever popular demolition derby returns to the track. Gates open at 5 p.m. with racing at 7:30 p.m.