Volunteer Speedway in Bulls Gap between Knoxville and Bristol hosted the biggest-ever 604/Crate Late Model race in the state's history on Saturday night as over 60 race teams competed for the $15,000 prize. The "Newport Nightmare" Jimmy Owens, fresh off his Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model championship season, was the best of the best at what most consider his home track, where he rose to prominence through the Open Wheel Modified ranks before taking on his Super Late Model "O-Show" persona.
Owens all but lapped the field in the 100 lapper, leaving only runner-up Jason Welshan of Maryville and Logan Roberson of Virginia the only two on the lead lap behind him. Owens was inconspicuous driving a yellow #18, instead of his familiar green/white #20. The Michael Lloyd-owned Rocket sponsored by "Tillman Roofing, Staykool and Integra Shocks" is out of the Wartburg area near to Owens' home.
Chris "Smokey" Madden (# 44) of Gray Court, S.C., won the $12,000 Cotton Pickin' 100 at Magnolia Motor Speedway in Columbus, Miss., over Friday night winner Tim McCreadie of New York. Billy Moyer Jr. of Arkansas was third overall with North Carolina's Chris Ferguson and Texan Tyler Erb rounding out the top five. Michael Page of Douglasville, Ga., won this year's "Gobbler" in Chattanooga. Next weekend North Georgia Speedway in Dalton/Chatsworth races Saturday night.