Waycross Motor Speedway
Whitener swamps field in Waycross opener
WAYCROSS, Ga. (Jan. 4) — Mark Whitener of Middleburg, Fla., led all the way Saturday at Waycross Motor Speedway for a season-opening National Late Model Series victory. Whitener earned $3,000 for his Showdown in the Swamp victory. | Slideshow
"It was truly a picture-perfect night for our team,” said Whitener, who returned to his Big Frog Motorsports ride after missing a December start because of a serious bout with the flu. “We had an awesome car from the time we unloaded, and I have to thank my team and all of our great sponsors for their support. This is just a great way to start a season.”
Travis Carter of Valdosta, Ga., was the runner-up while Rhett Carter of Blackshear, Ga., finished third. Evan Becton of Valdosta and David Browning of Jacksonville, Fla., rounded out the top five finishers.
Notes: Whitener’s Barry Wright Race Car is powered by a Koury Racing Engine and sponsored by Dave's Towing, B&B Produce, Big Frog Shocks and Big Frog Signs and Graphics. … Whitener won his previous start Nov. 30 at North Florida Speedway in Lake City. … The team has three consecutive victories. With Whitener out Dec. 21, Ivedent Lloyd Jr. drove a Big Frog Motorsports ride to victory at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala, Fla. … Whitener’s next outing is schedules for NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series action in Ocala the last week in January.
Showdown in the Swamp: (1) Mark Whitener, (2) Travis Carter, (3) Rhett Carter, (4) Evan Becton, (5) David Browning, (6) Bo Allen, (7) Joe Kump, (8) Wil Herrington, (9) Cody Simons, (10) Brian Smith, (11) Jordy Nipper, (12) Cale Simons, (13) Kyle Bridges, (14) Cecil Eunice, (15) Scott Johnson, (16) Jim Rogers, (17) Richard Ferry, (18) Russell Brown Jr. Fast qualifier (among 21 cars): Whitener. Dash winner: Whitener.