Tri County Racetrack in Brasstown opened the facility’s 52nd season Friday, April 9. With the American All Star Pro Late Model Series drivers combining with the track’s weekly stars, the pit area was full with more than 90 cars ready to hit the clay oval.
The main event of the night was the Pro Late Model Series feature event. A total of 24 drivers took the green flag to fight for a $2,500 prize. A foursome made up of Jason Welshan, Carson Ferguson, Booger Brooks and Zach Sise kept the racing fans on the edge of their seats as they swapped the top four positions. After falling back on the initial start, local driver Sylvan Schuette battled back and found himself mixing it up with the top runners.
The 40 laps quickly clicked by and after gaining breathing room in lap traffic, Brooks took the checkered flag first with Welshan taking second and Ferguson crossing the stripe in third. Schuette was the strongest Tri County regular, finishing the event in fifth.
A multi-groove racetrack meant the Super Late Model drivers could pick a lane and stand on the throttle. Jamie Oliver set quick-time and used front row starting spot to jump out to an early lead. It wasn’t smooth sailing for “The Murphy Bulldog” as he was pressured by Kurt English, David Payne and Shawn Chastain.
As Oliver caught the tail end of the field, the trio of challengers closed in. Drama escalated when Oliver made contact with a slower car coming out of turn four. The damage didn’t seem to slow the former track champion and Oliver held on for the win. “Captain” Kurt English finished second and Chastain outran Payne for the third spot.
In the Modified Hobby feature, Jacob Hamby led flag to flag to get the opening night victory. Michael Barnett, 2020 track champion, looked like he was fired off a cannon on the opening lap as he shot from sixth to second, his finishing spot. Johnny Gulizia, who moved up from the Street Stock class, flexed his motor muscle by finishing third.
Speaking of the Street Stocks, defending class champion Alex Vance showed the field in order to be the man, they first have to beat the man. Vance’s No. 95 Camaro held off all challengers to get win number one of the season. Troy Turner came through the field twice to finish second and Chuck Simms was credited with third place after Jim Weller was disqualified in post-race inspection.
In other action, Dylan Beaver won the 602 Rookie race in his first start. Veterans Marty King and Dakota Worley each got wins in the Pony and Front Wheel Drive divisions respectively.
Next on the schedule for Tri County Racetrack is the Friday, April 23 event. The main event will be the Schaeffer’s Oil Spring Nationals Super Late Model Series. Along with the $4053 to win feature, five other divisions will be in action. Gates open at 5 p.m. with racing set for 7:30 p.m.