Tyler Carpenter driving the "Aggressive Graphics" #28 of Parkersburg, W.V. denied all challengers Thursday night in the Gateway Nationals #DirtInDecember Opener presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts, Super Late Model preliminary $5,000 feature live on Floracing.com.
Tennessean multi-national champion Scott Bloomquist of Mooresburg almost flipped on the first lap hitting the inside retaining wall going for the lead under Carpenter at the start. Later Carpenter would survive an onslaught from Ricky Thornton, Jr. of New Mexico and one of the hottest racers in America Brandon Shepard of Illinois in a three-way tussle for the lead.
The Gateway Nationals prelims continue Friday at 5:30 p.m. live on Floracing.com for subscribers with 40 more of the best racers including Maryville's Jason Welshan, a multi-track champion around East Tennessee including Boyd's Speedway and the now defunct Cleveland Speedway. Saturday's finale race pays $30,000 to win.
Along with the Super Late Models, Midgets and Open Wheel Modifieds are in action at the Dome.
Saturday's winner now will also receive a ride in the 2022 NASCAR Truck Series event at the Knoxville (IA) Raceway next summer.
Not expected in competition this weekend include Brandon Overton of Georgia and NASCAR Champion Kyle Larson of California.