August 1
Cochran Motor Speedway,
Cochran, GA
Sanction: Crate Racin’ USA - $4,000
Information provided by: Series reports (last updated August 2, 8:05 am)
King collects $4,000 for first NeSmith victory
- Ryan King
- Ronnie Johnson
- Matt Henderson
- Jeremy Faircloth
- Jimmy Thomas
- Larry Harrod
- Cory Hedgecock
- Cody Martin
- Marcus Minga
- Ryan Crane
- Rodgerick Dykes
- Tim Dixon
- Jordy Nipper
- Dillon Brown
- Tyler Mimbs
- Chase Edge
- Wil Herrington
Ryan King of Seymour, Tenn., heads for his first NeSmith tour victory.
What won the race: Polesitter Ryan King of Seymour, Tenn., led the final three laps Saturday at Cochran Motor Speedway for his first career victory on the NeSmith Dirt Late Model Series. King earned $4,000 in outdueling Cory Hedgecock, who slipped over the banking on lap 48. King held off Ronnie Johnson in a shootout to the checkers while Matt Henderson, who led the first 14 laps, finished third.
Quotable: “When Cory took the lead, he went to the high side, so I thought I would give it a try, and I was able to reel him in,” King said. “I just kept showing enough of the nose of my car in the last 10 laps trying to rattle his cage a little, and I thought maybe he would make a mistake. When I got alongside him, I knew I passed him for the lead, but then the caution flag came out. I thought they would put Cory back in front of me for the restart, but I came around under caution, and I saw the caution was for him. I had no idea that Ronnie was behind me for the restart, and I just tried to hold my line and hit my marks.”
Key notes: Eight drivers completed 50 laps in a race slowed by eight cautions. ... Cory Hedgecock led laps 15-47 and ended up seventh. ... The race was originally set as the second leg of a doubleheader for the Crate Late Model tour, but Friday's action rained out.
On the move: Runner-up Ronnie Johnson of Chattanooga, Tenn., started 11th, earning Beyea Headers Hard Charger honors.
Winner's sponsors: King's Stinger Chassis is sponsored by Jim Sands Roofing, King Roofing, King Chassis Works, Phantom Racing Engines, HVH and O'Reilly Auto Parts.
Points chase: Ronnie Johnson left Cochran with 1,128 points to lead Chase Edge (996) and Ryan King (992).
Car count: 17
Fast qualifier: Ryan King
Time: 14.828 seconds
Polesitter: Ryan King
Next series race: August 7, Penton Raceway (Penton, AL) $2,000
Editor's note: Results and race details are unofficial.