Collins Cashes In At Tri County

(Photo by Deango Motorsports Photography) Drew Collins and crew celebrate their win with the Topless Outlaw Late Models.

Tri County Racetrack hosted the Topless Outlaw Late Model series on Friday, Sept, 29. The evening's events ended with an emotional young man in victory lane.

Pierce McCarter and Drew Collins led the field to the green flag thanks to turning in the fastest qualifying time in their respective groups. Collins got the jump on the start to grab the top spot. McCarter gave pursuit, but quickly found himself in the middle of a hornets nest.

Tucker Anderson, David Payne and Skip Arp joined the party to make it a five-car battle for the lead. As Collins tried to negotiate slower traffic on the quarter-mile oval, the other four closed in. With cars running all over the track, drivers were forced to make dicey moves which let to contact. McCarter was a victim of that contact, as the driver of the No. 71 suffered from a flat left-rear tire.

Pierce McCarter's left rear tire goes down during a heated battle with Tucker Anderson.

Somewhere in the chaos, David Payne shot by the group, using the high groove to move into the second position. A late caution set Payne up for a potential pass, but Collins was just too strong and piloted his No. D5 to the checkered flag of the 40-lap feature. Payne held on to second and Anderson held off challengers for third.

In victory lane, Collins was emotional as he talked about the struggles that come with racing and thanked his family and crew for sticking with him through the hardships.

In other action, Bobby Elkins managed to hold off points leader Colton Berrong to return to victory lane in the Interstate Welding 602 division. Jonathan Cope filled out the podium with a third place finish.

September 29 Winners

Drew Collins: Topless Outlaws

Bobby Elkins: 602 Late Models

Roger Beaver: Street Stock

Brawley Stillwell: Open Wheel Modified

Shawna Harkins: Front Wheel Drive

Josh Milner: Crown Vic / Strictly Stock