In the end of the Labor Day Triple Crown weekend of races it was all about consistency, as Riley Hickman reeled off a pair of runner-up finishes, to help capture the $1,000 bonus for the points of the 3-race mini series. Along with a sixth place, Saturday night the Ooltewah, Tennessee racer bested 12-other racers that competed in all three events. There's a lot of series out there that would love to have that many racers following their organization, so it seems the Steve Hixson produced events have spawned a new outlook from track owners/promoters.
No sanction fee is involved from the tracks and the entry fee's collected on raceday, stay 100% at the track, which can be the making or breaking point for some facilities. Boyd's Speedway drew the record amount of entrants Friday (8/29) with 44-competitors, which meant $4,400 was able to go towards paying the $14,000 Super Late Model purse. Not having to give that to a series and/or pay a sanction fee will be a difference maker. Not-to-mention the drivers reaction to being able to follow along a local series and yet still be able to get home within reasonable limits. Seven Crate Late Model competitors followed the LDTC mini-series to all three venues of the holiday weekend. Each track posted a $1,000 towards the two division points payout. A total of $2,000 went towards the Top-5 in points for the SLM's, while a $1,000 total went to Crate points fund. Multiple racers took advantage and ran both SLM and Crate at the tracks over the weekend, giving them a double opportunity at the pay windows at the end of the night. Plans are already in the works to promote an October 3-race Mini Series at tracks in the Tennessee/Georgia areas. Facilities are already under consideration for the "OCTOBER-FAST" SLM / Crate Late Model double bill.
Points: SLM's
1.Riley Hickman (# R1) of Cleveland, TN
2.Brad Skinner (# 17R) of Franklin, TN
3.Josh Putnam (# 212) of Florence, AL
4.Ivadent Lloyd Jr. (# 21) of Ocala, FL
5.Blake Shapiro (# 72) of Fort Worth, TX
6.Robert Gant (# 22) of Pisgah, AL
7.Todd Morrow (# T1) of Chattanooga, TN
8.Lucas Burns (# 27) of Attalla, AL
9.A.J. Ferguson (# 54) of Lawrenceburg, TN
10.David Seibers (# 18) of Petersberg, TN
11.Seth McCormick (# s4) of Muscle Shoals, AL
12.Jay Scott (# J27) of Taft, TN
13.D.J. Hayes (# 393) of Ider, AL
--------------- Competed in atleast 2 Events-------------
Richard Smith (# 7s) of Hartselle, GA
Tod Hernandez (# T6) of Chattanooga, TN