July 2
East Alabama Motor Speedway,
Phenix City, AL
Sanction: Crate Racin’ USA (Salute to America Nationals) - $2,500
Information provided by: Series and track reports (last updated July 3, 11:45 pm)
Knowles captures NeSmith Salute to America
Salute to America Nationals
- Jake Knowles
- Chase Edge
- Dylan Knowles
- Montana Dudley
- Jordy Nipper
- Todd Morrow
- Jimmy Thomas
- Ahnna Parkhurst
- Colton Horner
- Grant Garrison
- David Duplissey
- Ryan Carter
- Cody Smith
- Cory Hedgecock
- Matt Henderson
- Wil Herrington
- Terrance Nowell
- Andy Picklesimer
- Rodgerick Dykes
- Shep Lucas
- Shane Riner
- Brandon Williams
- Jimmy Elliott
- Austin Horton
Bruce Carroll
Jack Knowles rallied from 12th to win at East Alabama.
What won the race: Rallying from his 12th starting position, Jake Knowles of Rome, Ga., passed Chase Edge of Lafayette, Ala., following a lap-39 restart and led the remaining 10 laps to win the NeSmith Dirt Late Model Series Salute to America Nationals 50-lap main event. Knowles collected $2,500 for the win in the tour's first and only stop at EAMS this season. Edge held on to finish second ahead of Dylan Knowles.
Key notes: The feature didn't get begin until past 1 a.m. ... Polesitter Ryan Carter led the first seven laps. ... Series points leader Cory Hedgecock of Loudon, Tenn., who entered the race with four wins and seven top-five finishes in seven NeSmith races in ’17, retired on lap 39 while running inside the top five. ... The feature was slowed by four cautions. … Terrence Nowell slowed in turn four to bring out the first caution on lap 19. … The second caution waved on lap 37 for debris in turn one. … Cody Smith brought out the third yellow when he spun in turn one on lap 39. … The fourth caution waved on lap 41. …The series was scheduled to open the weekend at ECM Speedway near Arkadelphia, Ala., on Saturday, but that event was rained out. … NeSmith drivers move just north to Talladega (Ala.) Short Track for a $2,000-to-win race on Monday.
On the move: Jordy Nipper improved 14 spots as he motored from 19th to fifth.
Winner's sponsors: Knowles's No. 66 is sponsored by Knowles Race Parts & Bodies, Josh Roberts Trucking, Berry Construction, Curbow Logging, Martins Wrecker Service, Brucebilt Performance and JW Motorsports.
Points chase: Entering the weekend, Cory Hedgecock (686 points) led Brandon Williams (530), Grant Garrison (522), Colton Horner (490) and Marcus Minga (474).
Car count: 37
Fast qualifier: Ryan Carter
Time: 16.284 seconds
Polesitter: Ryan Carter
Consolation race winners: Wil Herrington, Matt Henderson, Shep Lucas
Next series race: July 3, Talladega Short Track (Eastaboga, AL) $2,000
Editor's note: Results and race details are unofficial.