Tri-County Racetrack Roars Back to Life with Thrilling Re-Opening Night

( Photo from Tri-County Racetrack Facebook) New promoters Jason Welshan and Jamie Oliver present 602 winner Kenny Collins with his winnings.

389 Country

Staff Report

On Saturday, March 222, Tri-County Racetrack in Brasstown roared back into action for the first time since 2023, drawing a massive crowd eager to witness the revival of this beloved dirt racing venue. The grand re-opening was nothing short of spectacular, with fans packing the stands to support the return of high-octane racing and cheer on their favorite drivers. The night’s highlight was the 602 Crate Late Models race, a special feature offering a hefty $3,500 payout to the winner, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening of competition.

The event featured a full slate of racing across multiple classes, including Dirt Late Models, 604 Crate Late Models, A Modifieds, Front Wheel Drives, Street Stocks, and Crown Vic divisions. With a total of 85 entries across the classes, the competition was fierce, and the drivers delivered edge-of-the-seat action for the enthusiastic crowd.

(Photo by Mark Carter) A long line of racing lovers developed early in the evening.

The 602 Crate Late Models 50-lap showdown was the centerpiece of the night. With 26 entries, the field was stacked with talent, and it was Kenny Collins who emerged victorious, starting from the third position and holding off a strong challenge from pole-sitter Booger Brooks, who finished second. Tyler Millwood rounded out the podium in third after starting fifth, while Cooper Twiggs and Jonathan Cope completed the top five. The race showcased the depth of the field, with drivers like Brady Lee charging from 14th to sixth and Dylan Beaver finishing seventh in a standout performance.

In the Late Models feature, a 25-lap battle with 18 entries, Shawn Chastain led from the pole position to claim the victory. Dante Curtis followed closely in second, with Devon Morgan making an impressive climb from sixth to third. Tyler Nichols and John Howard, who started 14th, rounded out the top five, showcasing the competitive spirit of the re-opened track.

The 604 Crate Late Models saw Jacob Parris take the win in a 25-lap race, fending off Mitchell Childress and Brad Seagle, who finished second and third, respectively. Meanwhile, in the Modifieds division, Johnny Cloer dominated the 20-lap feature, leading Gabe Wilson and Joseph Galloway across the line.

The Front Wheel Drives brought 17 entries to the grid, with Justin Beal emerging victorious in the 15-lap feature after starting fourth. Jason Crowder and Christopher Kane joined him on the podium. In the Street Stocks class, Dylan Hannah led from the pole to secure the win, followed by Tim Kilby and Logan Exum. The Crown Vic division closed out the night with Adam Phillips taking the checkered flag ahead of Joe Rigdon and Richard Ames Jr.

A Night to Remember

The re-opening of Tri-County Racetrack was more than just a race—it was a celebration of community, resilience, and the enduring passion for dirt track racing in Brasstown. The huge turnout underscored the track’s significance to the local racing scene, and the thrilling performances across all classes set a high bar for the season ahead. With its first event since 2023 in the books, Tri-County Racetrack proved it’s back and ready to reclaim its place as a cornerstone of motorsports in the region.

As the dust settles on this historic night, fans and drivers alike are already looking forward to the next race, eager to see what Tri-County Racetrack has in store for 2025.