October 15
County Line Raceway,
Elm City, NC
Sanction: I-95 Late Model Challenge (Race for the Kids) - $5,000
Information provided by: Series and track reports (last updated October 19, 8:52 am)
Rouse dominates County Line's Race for the Kids
Race for the Kids
- Michael Rouse
- Dustin Mitchell
- Willie Milliken
- Tyler Bare
- Christian Thomas
- Robbie Emory
- Timmy Mills
- Cody Wright
- Michael Batten
- Bobby Liles
- Matthew Bissette
- Cy Nelms Sr.
- Hunter Bailey
- Brian Strickland
- John Eller
- Derick Quade
- Steve Banal
- Shaun Harrell
- Chris Radford
- Christian Joyner
- Spencer Liggon
- Derrick Rankin
- Daniel Adam
- Cy Nelms Jr.
Michael Rouse takes the checkers at County Line Raceway.
What won the race: Michael Rouse of Wilson, N.C., led all 50 laps from the pole Saturday at County Line Raceway to capture the $5,000 Race for the Kids feature co-sanctioned by the I-95 Late Model Challenge and the Steel Block Bandits Dirt Late Model Challenge. Rouse's victory is his fifth of the year at County Line and his ninth between the tours (seven with I-95 and two with the Steel Block Bandits). Rouse's win also secured his first career I-95 Late Model Challenge Series championship.
Quotable: "This old place is pretty tricky when you get to lapped traffic," Rouse said. "You really gotta just be patient. (Runner-up Dustin Mitchell) a patient enough driver, and we race enough together, that you don't have to worry about him (getting into you)."
Key notes: Rouse won his 14th overall victory of the season. ... A nine-time winner between both touring series, Dustin Mitchell of Pine Level, N.C., ran in second the entire distance and finished 3.030 seconds back. ... Rouse now sits second on each series' all-time win lists, trailing only Mitchell on both. ... Willie Milliken held third position for all 50 laps and rounded out the podium. ... Christian Thomas advanced three positions and finished fifth. ... Michael Batten gained five spots and finished ninth. … Saturday's feature, the 15th and final race of the year for the I-95 Late Model Challenge Series, was slowed by three cautions and lasted 27 minutes, with 14 competitors completing all 50 laps. ... The Steel Block Bandits conclude its 2022 race season with a $10,000-to-win feature on Oct. 21 at Fayetteville Motor Speedway.
On the move: Tyler Bare of Rockbridge Baths, Va., started 15th and finished fourth.
Winner's sponsors: Rouse’s Longhorn Chassis carries sponsorship from WP Racing Shocks, Scott Farms, Robert’s Engines Inc., Love Sweet Potatoes and Red Moon Contractors.
Points chase: I-95 Series after County Line: 1. Michael Rouse (316); 2. Matthew Bissette (256); 3. Hunter Bailey (200); 4. Christian Thomas (167); 5. Willie Milliken (160).
Steel Block Bandits after County Line: 1. Dustin Mitchell (555); 2. Tyler Bare (533); 3. Robbie Emory (473); 4. Michael Batten (472); 5. Derick Quade (467).
Current weather: Clear, 61°F
Car count: 29
Fast qualifier: Michael Rouse
Time: 14.355 seconds
Polesitter: Michael Rouse
Heat race winners: Michael Rouse, Dustin Mitchell, Timmy Mills, Willie Milliken
Consolation race winners: Spencer Liggon
Provisional starters: Derrick Rankin, John Eller
Editor's note: Results and race details are unofficial.