Vance leads the dance at Tri County

By Travis Dockery

Digital Media Director

  • Travis Dockery • Clay County Progress Alex Vance paces the field on his way to a big pay day at the Tiger Pit.
    Travis Dockery • Clay County Progress Alex Vance paces the field on his way to a big pay day at the Tiger Pit.

    The schedule at Tri County Racetrack was packed with events Friday, Aug. 2o. The highest paying Street Stock race of the season and “Back to School Nickel Night” were two of the evening’s highlight.

    A first place purse of $800 was set for the Street Stockers with a bonus of $400 if a front row starter decided to drop to the rear and captured the checkered flag. Prior to the race, defending division champ Alex Vance assessed his chances at cashing in, saying, “I’m just hoping my motor makes it through the race. We’re just trying to make it through the season. I’m not getting my hopes up. “

    Vance managed to win his heat race, collecting a $100 bonus and earning a front row starting spot. For the feature, Vance and outside pole sitter Charles Devine Jr. declined the option to drop to the rear. When the green flag flew on the 20-lap main event, Vance’s No. 95 led the field into the high-banked turn one. While the rest of the field jockeyed for position, Vance continued to grow his lead.

    A late-race caution flag flew when Jacob Lynch spun coming out of turn two. That put the division’s hottest driver, Lynn Burchfield, on Vance’s back bumper for the restart. Vance managed to get a solid launch to pull away from Burchfield and the pack. With smoke puffing from the exhaust, Vance piloted his Camaro across the finish line and to victory lane.

    In other action, fans saw David Payne hold off a hard-charging Levi Hicks for the Super Late Model win. Bobby Elkins continued his string of strong runs in the Modified Street class which helped Elkins extend his point lead.

    Double-duty driver Danny Ledford recovered from a disappointing end to the Super Late Model race with a win in the Limited Late Model feature.

    Birthday boy Dylan Beaver took home the checkered flag in the 602 Beginner race while Marty King was dominant in the Pony division.

    The night ended with Josh Deese winning the Front Wheel Drive race, making the hunt for a championship in that division very interesting.

    Tri County Racetrack will hold its annual “Labor Day Championship” Monday, Sept. 6. Gates open at 5 p.m. with racing at 7:30 p.m.