August 5
Sumter Speedway,
Sumter, SC
Sanction: Ultimate Southeast Series (Bob Sharp Memorial) - $10,000
Information provided by: Series and track reports (last updated August 6, 8:41 pm)
Brown bags Sumter's Sharp Memorial, $10,000
Bob Sharp Memorial
- Michael Brown
- Banjo Duke
- Steve Banal
- Justin Mintz
- Anthony Sanders
- Ben Watkins
- Kale Green
- Jeff Smith
- Christian Thomas
- Adam Yarbrough
- Dennis Franklin
- Greg Clark
- Willie Milliken
- Josh Richeson
- Dalton Hodge
- Corey Gordon
- Gavin Cowan
- Henry Carter
- Gray Parton
- Jordy Nipper
- Kevin Godwin
- Austin Mintz
- David Yandle
- Doug Sanders
What won the race: Second-starting Michael Brown of Lancaster, S.C., used an inside move entering turn three to take the point from race-long leader Adam Yarbrough on lap 12 and paced the final 39 circuits to win Saturday's inaugural $10,000 Bob Sharp Memorial. Brown recorded his first Ultimate Southeast Series victory of the season and the second of his career, his first since July 10, 2021, at his home track.
Quotable: “Hell yeah, I’m tired of freakin’ losing,” Brown said. “I had a good car all night and all this wouldn’t be possible without (car owners) Mark and Sandy McLeod and it’s cool to win right here in their hometown. I mean without them, I wouldn’t be racing.”
Key notes: Corey Gordon was in hot pursuit of Brown on lap 47 before he lost a right rear tire the following lap and faded to finish 16th. ... Banjo Duke regained the runner-up spot for good on lap 48 and finished 1.901 seconds back. ... Steve Banal took advantage of Gordon's late-race misfortune and completed the podium. ... Justin Mintz and Anthony Sanders each advanced their positions on the final lap and rounded-out the top five. ... Two-time series winner this season, Ben Watkins advanced five positions and finished sixth. ... Kale Green and Jeff Smith overcame a lap-14 incident to finish seventh and eighth. ... Adam Yarbrough led the first 11 laps from the pole before sustaining a flat right rear tire while running third on lap 28, drawing the race's second caution; Yarbrough rebounded to finish 10th. … The event honors Bob Sharp, who simultaneously raced and promoted events at Sumter Speedway in the 1970s. … Saturday's 26-minute feature was slowed by three cautions and saw 15 competitors complete 50 laps, with 17 running at the finish.
On the move: Christian Thomas of Wake Forest, N.C., started 17th and finished ninth.
Winner's sponsors: Brown’s Mark McLeod Racing-owned Rocket Chassis is powered by a Clements Racing Engine and carries sponsorship from Black Crest Farm, Piggly Wiggly, Crescent Moon Pools, Live Oak Aesthetic and Family Dentistry, JR’s Bar, Mike’s Transmission, Hoosier Tire by Brian and Big A’s Custom Graphics.
Points chase: After Sumter: 1. Anthony Sanders (232); 2. Dennis Franklin (222); 3. Willie Milliken (210); 4. Ben Watkins (198); 5. Christian Thomas (194).
Current weather: Clear, 86°F
Car count: 28
Fast qualifier: Gray Parton
Time: 15.123 seconds
Polesitter: Adam Yarbrough
Heat race winners: Adam Yarbrough, Michael Brown, Banjo Duke
Consolation race winners: Gavin Cowan
Provisional starters: David Yandle, Josh Richeson
Next series race: August 12, Lake View Motor Speedway (Nichols, SC) $5,000
Editor's note: Results and race details are unofficial.