Riley Hickman
Current and now four time Southern All Star Champion Riley Hickman of Ooltewah, led all 100 laps of the annual Crate Late Model "Possum Town Grand Prix" Saturday picking up the $10,000 top prize at Magnolia Motor Speedway.
He crossed the finish line 3.444 seconds ahead of runner-up local racer Chase Washington, in his #R1 "Austin Trucking, American Billet, Competition Racing Equipment, RH Designs, A1 Towing and Recovery, Mayo Racing Components and FK Rod Ends" sponsored CVR Race Car with an Eagle Race Engine.
"We made the right tire call," Hickman said. "We were gambling there, and I think we're probably harder (on tire compound) than anybody else out here. We weren't quite sure how it was going to play out. Promoter Johnny Stokes always has this place phenomenal. It's always great to race at. I just wish it was a little closer to home, but that five hours over here isn't too bad."
Hickman's dominant triumph marked his ninth Crate Late Model win and 18th overall victory of 2016.
The feature was slowed by six caution flags. NeSmith champ Cory Hedgecock of Loudon, Tenn. slowed to pit on lap 12. Mississippi's David Breazeale retired on lap 18. Michael Blount spun on lap 64. Josh Banes smashed the turn-one wall on lap 71 and fellow Ooltewah racer Andy Picklesimer spun in turn four on lap 86.
The event wrapped up the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model touring season. Hickman's time of 14.720 seconds was fastest among 66 entrants for the Thanksgiving weekend event.
Possum Town Grand Prix 1. Riley Hickman 2. Chase Washington 3. Eric Cooley 4. Chris Brown 5. Grant Garrison 6. Chase Edge 7. Scott Dedwylder 8. Michael Arnold 9. Neil Baggett 10. Cory Hedgecock 11. Evan Ellis 12. Jake Teague 13. Chris Kratzer 14. Marcus Minga 15. Jeremy Shaw 16. Hunter Carroll 17. Jim McDuffie 18. Michael Blount 19. Robbie Starnes 20. Nick Thrash 21. Tyler Burgess 22. Andy Picklesimer 23. Josh Banes 24. Todd Robinson 25. Ricky Waggoner 26. David Breazeale
Riley Hickman