King Riley: Hickman Wins UCRA King Of Crate At Cleveland Speedway

Saturday, May 30, 2015

King Riley

For the second time this month Riley Hickman of Ooltewah, visited Cleveland Speedway’s “A-1 Towing Victory Lane”, only this time it was for the “King of Crate” title with the United Crate Racing Alliance series.

At race-time 47 teams, representing six states, had signed in all vying for a spot in the 24-car starting field to battle in the 40 lap, $2,500 to-WIN feature.

“The Hustler” known in close knit racing circles, piloting the # 1V "Hickman Manufacturing, Allied Glass Co, EnCompass Solutions, Chattanooga Valley Auto Parts, Chip Vineyard Racing" sponsored Chevrolet 604 / CVR Racecars made the winning move 27-laps into the feature swapping the number one position several laps with Fast Qualifier Rusty Ballinger.

The race was slowed by five cautions total. While going for the lead Jason Welshan slammed into a stalled Bryan Pritchard, causing heavy damage to the former Cleveland Speedway Track Champion which would be a game changer. A jaw grinding crash happened late in the feature when last weeks winner in Alabama, Tom Maddox tangled with Chad Winkles. Jimmy Elliott couldn’t get stopped fast enough and slammed into the pair under the flagstand with five laps remaining.

Current UCRA series points leader Jake Teague rallied past Ballinger late in the race to finish in the runner-up spot to Hickman with Jay Brinkley finishing third overall. Ballinger slipped further when Anthony White got by for fourth.

The Cleveland Speedway takes a week off next weekend (for Riverbend) before returning to weeklySaturday night racing action, June 13th with the B-Hobby Mid Season Championship. For more information, like the track’s Facebook page, or visit their official web-site www.ClevelandSpeedwayLLC.com.