- Travis Dockery
Fans treated to spectacular night at Tri-County Racetrack
On Friday, April 21, fans at Tri- County were treated to an emotional roller coaster. From terror induced by a spectacular crash to love shown for a local family, the night had it all.
In the main event of the evening, the American All Star Pro Late Models hit the track to battle for a $2,500 grand prize. Following a four-wide salute to the fans, drivers settled into their starting spots and roared under the waving green flag to get the feature underway. Action was short-lived as Logan Walls, running fifth, drifted high exciting turn two and climbed the guard rail. His No.14 rode the rail down the backstretch and clipped a concrete barrier placed at the track entrance. That caused Walls' car to go airborne, clip the opposite wall, knock down a power pole and flip end-over-end as it exited the track.
After a few minutes, safety workers were able to help Walls climb out and walk away with no apparent injuries. A lengthy delay followed as track officials worked on removing Walls' car, moving the broken power pole and setting up temporary lights.
Once the surface was deemed safe, the series lined up the field for a second attempt at a start. This time drivers were able to avoid disaster and the racing that ensued was fantastic. After leading for several laps, Brandon Williams found himself under attack from Chip Brindle and soon, Booger Brooks made it a three-way fight for the top spot. The trio fanned out across the quarter-mile track and had fans on their feet lap-after-lap.
Eventually, Brindle was able to work by Williams to take the lead and hold on for his first American All Star victory. Brooks took second and Jason Deal cleared Williams for the final podium spot.
The King Ford Limited Late Model main event was hotly contested as soon as the green flag waved. Danny Ledford was able to stay wheel-to-wheel with pole-sitter Jason Deal and eventually put his No.4 out front. Deal stayed within striking distance, but never had enough momentum to clear the Warne native and Ledford celebrated in victory lane with his crew. Deal settled for second and Drew Deaver used yet another late-race charge to take the third finishing spot.
After a 10-race winning streak in 2022 in the Street Stock division, Charles Devine decided to enter the Interstate Welding 602 Late Model class this season and it took him just two races to capture the checkered flag. Bobby Elkins picked up his second runner-up finish of the season and Dylan Beaver crossed the stripe in third.
Other winners:
Street Stock: Alex Vance
Open Wheel Modified: Charles Dickerson
Pony: Aidan Fortson
Front Wheel Drive: Jim Exum
In non-racing Tri-County news, a fundraiser organized for a local family who has recently endured a tragic event saw more than $5,000 raised by drivers, crews, track staff and fans.
On Friday, May 5, the Schaeffer's Oil Spring Nationals Super Late Model Series will be in Brasstown competing for a top prize of $7,553 plus a regular show.