July 9
Tri-County Racetrack,
Brasstown, NC
Sanction: Schaeffer's Fall Nationals (Independence Day Championship) - $3,000
Information provided by: Richard Allen and series reports (last updated July 11, 9:53 am)
Late-arriving Smith earns $3,000 from tail
Independence Day Championship
- Austin Smith
- Kenny Collins
- Jamie Oliver
- David Payne
- Aaron Ridley
- Ross White
- George Mashburn
- Shawn Chastain
- Ashton Winger
- Anthony Rymer
- Glenn Barnett
- Charlie Parker
Austin Smith picked up a $3,000 Southern Nationals Bonus Series victory
What won the race: After hauler issues forced him to arrive at Tri-County Racetrack late and miss time trials, Austin Smith of Cedartown, Ga., stormed forward from the tail to overtake second-starting Kenny Collins of Colbert, Ga., for the lead on the 28th lap. The 19-year-old driver led the final 13 circuits for $3,000 and his first Southern Nationals Bonus Series victory in the Independence Day Championship.
Key notes: Collins jumped out to the lead at the drop of the green and paced the first 27 laps, fighting off fellow front-row starter David Payne. ... After taking command, Smith drove away for his first victory of 2015. ... The 40-lap feature lineup was set straight from qualifying. ... Johnny Chastain, Bo Eaton and Ronnie Payne scratched from the main event. ... Payne lowered the track record in time trials. ... Along with Smith, Ashton Winger was also a late arrival due to hauler troubles and missed time trials. ... Thursday's race made up a July 3 rainout. ... Jason Deal won the Crate Late Model feature.
Winner's sponsors: Smith's Capital Race Car has a Clements Racing Engine and flashes sponsorship from Cedartown Electric LLC, Chad Smith Enterprises, GW Performance, Hoosier Racing Tire South, Integra Racing Shocks and Keyser Mfg.
Points chase: Smith moved into the points lead with his victory. Exiting Tri-County, he holds a two-point advantage of Payne atop the standings.
Car count: 15
Fast qualifier: David Payne
Time: 12.243 seconds
Polesitter: David Payne
Next series race: July 18, Richmond Raceway (Richmond, KY) $10,028
Editor's note: Results and race details are unofficial.