May 2
Talladega Short Track,
Eastaboga, AL
Sanction: Crate Racin’ USA (NASCAR weekend) - $2,500
Information provided by: Roby Helm (last updated May 3, 10:18 am)
R.J. wins, but Clem steals show at Talladega
NASCAR weekend
- Ronnie Johnson
- Eric Cooley
- Matt Henderson
- Tyler Clem
- Cale Conley
- Chase Edge
- Todd Morrow
- Kevin Sitton
- Joe Noojin
- Adam Gauldin
- Ryan King
- Forrest Trent
- Cruz Skinner
- Nick Lyons
- Ryan King
- Cole Daffron
- Rodgerick Dykes
- William Thomas
- Nathan Mayes
- Cody Martin
- Mike Combs
- Adam Cummings
- Ryan Crane
- Justin Shipley
Tyler Clem (14), Eric Cooley (33B) and Ronnie Johnson (5) battle for lead.
What won the race: Reigning series champ and 59-year-old Hall of Famer Ronnie Johnson of Chattanooga, Tenn., overtook 12-year-old series rookie Tyler Clem of St. Petersburg, Fla., on a lap-32 restart and raced to victory. Eric Cooley finished second followed by Matt Henderson and Clem, the youngster who earned cheers from the adoring crowd.
Quotable: “We won the race, but Tyler Clem is the show tonight,” Johnson said. “That is one impressive young man because at my age, these races are getting harder and harder to win, and Tyler really made me work for this one."
Key notes: Four drivers led, with Eric Cooley leading the first two laps before Matt Henderson led a single lap. ... Tyler Clem led laps 4-22 and 24-31 while Johnson led lap 23 and the final 19 laps. ... Clem is the son of shock jock Bubba the Love Sponge Clem, who co-owns Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala, Fla. ... Clem was the youngest entrant while 82-year-old Red Farmer also competed. ... Cale Conley of Vienna, W.Va., who competed across the highway in NASCAR Xfinity Series action, finished fifth after running as high as third.
On the move: Johnson rallied from 12th to win.
Winner's sponsors: Johnson is sponsored by NeSmith Chevrolet.
Car count: 46
Fast qualifier: Eric Cooley
Time: 15.161 seconds
Consolation race winners: Cruz Skinner, Ronnie Johnson, Kevin Sitton
Next series race: May 23, Whynot Motorsports Park (Meridian, MS) $2,000
Editor's note: Results and race details are unofficial.