East Alabama Motor Speedway
Thomas completes tour sweep at East Alabama
By Roby Helm
NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model SeriesPHENIX CITY, Ala. (July 3) — Hometown driver William Thomas won his second straight NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series race and his third of the season Sunday in the Salute to the Armed Forces 50 at East Alabama Motor Speedway.
Thomas started fifth and took the lead on lap 24 when early leader Richie Stephens of Phenix City had a major mechanical issue and dropped out of the lead and the race.
For the remaining 27 laps, Thomas never looked back and took the checkered flag with a half-straightaway advantage over runner-up Chase Edge of Lafayette, Ala. Larry Harrod of Plains, Ga., was third ahead of series points leader Dan Breuer of Troutman, N.C.
The race was delayed for more than an hour by late after thunderstorms and then during the feature itself with 10 cautions, nine in the first half of the race. Only eight of 24 starters completed 50 laps.
NeSmith @ East Alabama: (1) William Thomas, (2) Chase Edge, (3) Larry Harrod, (4) Dan Breuer, (5) Jake Teague, (6) David Gentry, (7) Steve Cooke, (8) Danny Stroud, (9) Mark Rosner, (10) Shannon Lee, (11) Frank Wilson, (12) Tootie Arnold, (13) Mark Tice, (14) Richie Stephens, (15) Kelly Walker, (16) Pat Wall, (17) Tod Darda, (18) Bob Robertson, (19) Cody Smith, (20) Chris Wilson, (21) Chris Cantrell, (22) Dana Eiland, (23) Rodgerick Dykes, (24) Matthew Turner. Fast qualifier (among 29 cars): Stephens, 15.670 seconds. Consolation race winners: Breuer, Stroud. Provisional starters: Turner, Arnold.
