March 22
Carolina Speedway,
Gastonia, NC
Sanction: Fast Unified Engine Late Model Series - $2,500
Information provided by: Series reports (last updated March 25, 9:14 am)
Banal bags FUEL season opener at Carolina
- Steve Banal
- Austin Holcombe
- Matthew Nance
- Derek Rogers
- Gary Puckett
- Chris Stowe
- Bryson Harper
- Pat Lindsay
- Adam Yarbrough
- Robbie Bailey
- Willie Milliken
- Jay Sessoms
- Shaun Harrell
- Travis Steele
- Robbie Emory
- Charlie Walker
- Coty Tanquary
Steve Banal picked up the $2,500 FUEL victory at Carolina.
What won the race: Slipping past Adam Yarborough in the final five circuits, Steve Banal of Rock Hill, S.C., captured Friday's FUEL opener at Carolina Speedway. Banal pocketed a $2,500 after his late-race pass of Yarborough, who controlled the top spot most of the way but dropped to ninth in the final rundown with late-race mechanical issues.
Key notes: Reigning FUEL points champ Robbie Emory was an early retiree on lap-17 with smoke billowing from the hood of his car. ... Four competitors completed 35 laps. ... Shaun Harrell was running in third when he was involved in an altercation that sent him pitside. ... Friday's event was the first of two scheduled FUEL stops at Carolina on the 2019 season; the series returns June 28.
Winner's sponsors: Banal's Swartz Race Car is sponsored by Banal Racing and WP Racing Shocks.
Points chase: Steve Banal jumped out to an early points lead in the FUEL standings.
Current weather: Clear, 55°F
Car count: 17
Fast qualifier: Jay Sessoms
Heat race winners: Steve Banal, Adam Yarbrough
Next series race: June 28, Carolina Speedway (Gastonia, NC) $0
Editor's note: Results and race details are unofficial.