Another day, another $12,000 as Jimmy Owens (# 20) of Newport, Tn. continues his 2020 domination onboard the Lucas Oil Dirt Late Model series tour. This time in one of his primary sponsors backyard, the Talladega Short Track in Alabama, the site of Tommy Pope Construction, one of the many backers of the O-Show.
Also known as the "Newport Nightmare" Owens was just that to all 41 other entrants Saturday night leading from the outside front row the entire 50 laps of the feature. Owens tallied his 69th career LODLM series victory in the EZ-GO 50, bagging his 4th win in a row, in front of the Lucas Oil Racing TV and MavTV cameras.
NASCAR’s Clint Bowyer's dirt late model team with Josh Richards at the helm was second with Kyle Hardy third. Georgian Michael Page of Douglasville was the highest finishing "local" with a fourth overall just ahead of Billy Moyer Jr. Signal Mountain's Heath Hindman made the 24 starters field, but finished 20th overall.
The Lucas "Owens" series (pun intended) goes up North to Ohio next weekend for a couple of Independence Weekend shows.
Speaking of up North... Cade Dillard of Louisiana racked up his career biggest win Saturday night at the Lernerville Speedway in Sarver, Pa. The red (# 97) lead all the 50 laps of the $30,000 to-Win feature. Thursday's prelim winner Max Blair was second with Kentucky's Darrell Lanigan third overall. Friday's winner Brandon Sheppard was 6th overall, while disqualified Tennessean Scott Bloomquist was credited with last place officially. Bloomquist's racing partner stated in an interview that they were unsure if the team will remain faithful to the World of Outlaws Late Model series group in lieu of the DQ.
In Tennessee Wil Herrington of Hawkinsville, Ga. got the $3,000 Crate Late Model prize Saturday night at Mountain View Raceway in Dayton/Spring City. Annah Parkhurst was second with Cruz Skinner of Alabama third overall. Texan Aaron Reutzel (# 87) took the win Saturday night at Volunteer Speedway, north of Knoxville, in the Sprint Car special event. NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart was 4th overall.
Another full show is slated for Sunday night for the AllStar Circuit of Champions series owned by Stewart. The Ownbeys (John and Hayden) of Cleveland won their respective features Saturday at I-75 Raceway in Sweetwater. Colton Jackson of Chatsworth won the Super Late Model feature at Fort Payne (AL) Motor Speedway, while local Kasey Hall dominated the Crate Late Model race.