May 6
Lancaster Motor Speedway,
Lancaster, SC
Sanction: Ultimate Southeast Series (Palmetto Classic) - $5,000
Information provided by: Series and track reports (last updated May 10, 7:42 pm)
Watkins wires Lancaster's Palmetto Classic
Palmetto Classic
- Ben Watkins
- Matthew Nance
- Dennis Franklin
- Michael Brown
- Johnny Pursley
- Anthony Sanders
- Ethan Wilson
- Greg Clark
- Ron Geehring II
- Gray Parton
- Willie Milliken
- Doug Sanders
- Kyle Strickler
- Mike Huey
- David Yandle
- Brandon O'Neil
- Adam Yarbrough
- Zack Mitchell
- Steve Banal
- Steve Ritch
- Timmy Blackwell
presented by
Marty Hinson/MH Media
Ben Watkins picked up $5,000 for his Palmetto Classic victory.
What won the race: Second-starting Ben Watkins of Rock Hill, S.C., led all 40 laps at Lancaster Motor Speedway, winning Saturday's $5,000 Palmetto Classic feature. Watkins secured the second Ultimate Southeast Series victory of his career and his third win of the season after topping two $5,000 Carolina Clash Series races, including March's Red Rose Rumble event at Lancaster.
Key notes: Matthew Nance moved into the runner-up position on lap five and maintained pace with Watkins, finishing 1.320 seconds back. ... Polesitter Dennis Franklin failed to lead a lap and finished third. ... Michael Brown advanced four positions and finished fourth. ... Anthony Sanders and Ethan Wilson each gained six spots, finishing sixth and seventh. ... Third-starting Gray Parton drew the race's final caution on lap 37, relegating him to finish 11th. ... Kyle Strickler advanced to sixth before pulling off on lap 19. ... Adam Yarbrough completed only nine laps and finished 17th. ... Reigning series champion Zack Mitchell retired after six laps and finished 18th. ... Saturday's feature, the Ultimate Southeast Series season opener and ninth-ever visit to Lancaster, was slowed by five cautions and lasted 33 minutes, with nine competitors completing all 40 laps. ... The Ultimate Southeast Series returns to Lancaster for another $5,000-to-win show on July 8.
On the move: Ron Geehring II of Charlotte, N.C., started 16th and finished ninth.
Winner's sponsors: Watkins drives a Longhorn Chassis powered by a Clements Racing Engine with sponsorship from WP Racing shocks, Mega Plumbing of the Carolinas, Sandwood Company, Craig Industries, John Page Racing, Langleys Collision Center, Bilstein Shocks, VP Racing Fuels, Allstar Performance and Collins Signs.
Points chase: After Lancaster: 1. Ben Watkins (35); 2. Matthew Nance (34); 3. Dennis Franklin (33); 4. Michael Brown (32); 5. Johnny Pursley (31).
Current weather: Clear, 66°F
Car count: 21
Fast qualifier: Ben Watkins
Time: 18.791 seconds
Polesitter: Dennis Franklin
Next series race: May 13, Lake View Motor Speedway (Nichols, SC) $5,000
Editor's note: Results and race details are unofficial.
