August 9
Carolina Speedway,
Gastonia, NC
Sanction: Carolina Clash Super Late Model Series (Gaston County Shrine 100) - $3,000
Information provided by: Cole Perkins and series reports (last updated August 11, 7:30 am)
Shrine race gives Brown first Carolina Clash victory
Gaston County Shrine 100
- Michael Brown
- Zack Mitchell
- Ben Watkins
- Ross Bailes
- Jonathan Edwards
- Dustin Mitchell
- Scott Shirey
- David Yandle
- JimBo Bray
- Jeff Smith
- Jeremy Conaway
- Daniel Allen
- Johnny Pursley
Randy Houser
Michael Brown captured his first Carolina Clash victory.
What won the race: Inheriting the lead from Johnny Pursley on lap six, second-starting Michael Brown of Pageland, S.C., led the final 29 laps in the 45th annual Gaston County Shrine 100. Once in front, Brown was slowed by a single caution as he cruised to victory by four seconds over Zack Mitchell. Brown collected $3,000 for his first career Carolina Clash victory.
Key notes: Brown's first win of the season was also his first career win at Carolina Speedway. His victory comes on the heels of Saturday's runner-up finish at Cherokee Speedway in Gaffney, S.C.. ... Eight of the 13 starters finished with seven completing all 35 laps. … Polesitter Johnny Pursley of Clover, S.C. led five laps before retiring with mechanical trouble. … The race was slowed by two cautions, one on lap 10 and one on lap 18. … Brown had a 1.2-second advantage over Ross Bailes of Clover, S.C., erased when the first caution flew. … Runner-up Zack Mitchell took the second spot from Bailes on lap 12. … Jeff Smith of Dallas, N.C., was up to fourth on lap 15, but retired on lap 29, reportedly with overheating issues. … Pursley and Smith were the tour’s most recent winners at the Gastonia, N.C., oval. ... This was the third of four scheduled Clash stops in Gastonia this season. The series returns Oct. 14. … The race was originally scheduled for Tuesday, but got pushed back by rain. ... Chris Ferguson of Mount Holly, N.C., led all 20 laps to win the SECA-sanctioned Crate Late Model race, which drew 15 entrants.
On the move: Jimbo Bray finished ninth after starting 13th.
Winner's sponsors: Brown's Mark McLeod-backed Rocket Chassis is powered by a Clements Racing Engine and sponsored by Southeast Collision Centers, Mays Discount Trophy Shop, Black Crest Farms and Mac's Place Spirits.
Points chase: Entering Wednesday's race, Zack Mitchell (749 points) of Enoree, S.C., led Johnny Pursley (728) and Jeff Smith (702) in Carolina Clash points.
Car count: 13
Fast qualifier: Johnny Pursley
Time: 15.553 seconds
Polesitter: Johnny Pursley
Next series race: August 12, Fayetteville Motor Speedway (Fayetteville, NC) $4,000
Editor's note: Fixes county name.