March 25
Cherokee Speedway,
Gaffney, SC
Sanction: World of Outlaws Case Late Model Series (Rock Gault Memorial) - $10,000
Information provided by: Series reports (last updated March 27, 7:48 am)
Brown rules Cherokee, gets WoO breakthrough
Rock Gault Memorial
- Michael Brown
- Ryan Gustin
- Max Blair
- Dennis Erb Jr.
- Daulton Wilson
- Brandon Sheppard
- Trent Ivey
- Tanner English
- Josh Richards
- Bryson Harper
- Spencer Hughes
- Boom Briggs
- Brent Larson
- Hudson O'Neal
- Kyle Hammer
- Anthony Sanders
- Brent Dixon
- Tyler Bruening
- Gordy Gundaker
- Ethan Wilson
- Ross Bailes
- Ben Watkins
- Cla Knight
- Zack Mitchell
- Pearson Lee Williams
- Carson Ferguson
Michael Brown celebrates atop his McLeod Racing entry at Cherokee.
What won the race: Winning a late-race battle over Ryan Gustin, third-starting Michael Brown of Lancaster, S.C., claimed his first career World of Outlaws Case Late Model Series victory in Friday's Rock Gault Memorial opener at Cherokee Speedway. He finished 0.696 seconds ahead of Gustin.
Quotable: "It's badass, badass," Brown said. "You know, I've always dreamed of doing this. It's a surreal moment. It's awesome and I'm damn sure gonna enjoy it."
Key notes: Brown, who recently became a father after the birth of his son Mason, fended off Gustin in the waning laps as the duo battled lapped traffic. … Ross Bailes of Clover, S.C., who is gunning for the Drydene Xtreme DIRTcar Series championship, finished 21st after battling right-front fender damage late in the race that forced him to the pit area. … Current point leader Ben Watkins of Lancaster, S.C., finished 22nd. … The second annual Rock Gault Memorial weekend concludes on Saturday with a $20,000-to-win finale. … John Ruggiero Jr. of Lincolnton, N.C., pocketed $1,500 for winning the Mid-East 602 Crate Late Model Series feature.
On the move: Josh Richards of Shinnston, W.V., started 18th and finished ninth.
Winner's sponsors: Brown’s Rocket Chassis is powered by a Clements Racing Engine and sponsored by Black Crest Farms, Crescent Moon Forestry Services, JR’s Bar, Mike’s Transmission, Live Oak Aesthetic and Family Dentistry, Piggly Wiggly, Mac’s Place Spirits, Hoosier Race Tires, McLeod Racing and S&S Graphix.
Points chase: After Cherokee Friday: 1. Dennis Erb Jr. (958); 2. Brandon Sheppard (940); 3. Max Blair (908); 4. Tyler Bruening (896); 5. Tanner English (888); 6. Hudson O’Neal (858); 7. Chris Madden (854); 8. Dale McDowell (838); 9. Josh Richards (832); 10. Brent Larson (810).
Current weather: Clear, 50°F
Car count: 40
Fast qualifier: Brandon Sheppard
Time: 14.877 seconds
Polesitter: Max Blair
Heat race winners: Brandon Sheppard, Michael Brown, Max Blair, Ryan Gustin
Consolation race winners: Boom Briggs, Josh Richards
Next series race: April 1, Farmer City Raceway (Farmer City, IL) $0
Editor's note: Results and race details are unofficial.