LUCAMA, NC – Sunday afternoon is not just about football but it’s also about championships at Southern National Motorsports Park and saluting the United States of America.
The Whelen 9/11 Tribute and Championship Sunday at Southern National Motorsports Park will crown champions in five divisions – the Late Models, Chargers, U-CARs, Legends and Bandoleros. The eventual champion in four of the five divisions are still not certain and the fifth division has a tight points race for the runner-up spot.
Remembering 9/11
Friday marked the 14th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in which 2,753 innocent lives perished in a series of deadly and deliberate acts on America’s darkest hour. September 11th changed the nation and the world. Since that day, America has transformed and has seen prolonged involvement in two wars. The nation’s darkest hour was followed up by its finest days when America’s homeland heroes answered the call to save lives and the populace united as one United States of America.
In honor of their sacrifices and what the nation’s first responders and defenders do every day, military, police, fire and rescue in uniform will get in Sunday’s race free of charge as part of the WHELEN 9/11 Tribute. $5 admission for all military, police, fire and rescue with ID.
Down to the Wire
Teammates Andrew Grady and Jonathan Findley enter the championship event tied for the points lead in the Late Model division with momentum on Findley’s side. However, the Charger division championship could be every bit as memorable with Michael O’Brien entering the finale with only a two point advantage over Paul Williamson. Tyler Horne leads the U-CAR division battle by five points and Josh Kossek leads Kailey Murray by five points. Will Bristle has almost certainly clinched the Legends championship but, behind him, Chris Stancil and Mason Diaz are separated by three points in the battle for second.
Contenders Return
Chris Chapman is racing at Southern National Motorsports Park for the first time this season, driving for Wendell Davis. Chapman had four wins in the Limited Late Model division last year in only a handful of appearances. Kate Dallenbach is also returning to Southern National after a breakout performance on August 1st where the third generation driver impressed with a pair of top-five finishes. Another driver who could re-emerge at Southern National on Sunday is Lee Pulliam who is currently leading the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series national championship standings and could feel compelled to travel as he hopes to add to his points lead.
Bobby Morris Making Debut
Bobby Morris, a long time crew member for Mike Darne Racing, will be racing a car prepared by Mike Darne in the twin Late Model races. The race will be Morris’ first start in a Late Model at Southern National Motorsports Park. For Morris, it’s a change of pace from turning wrenches to turning the steering wheel.
Savannah Beasley Seeks Redemption
Bandolero racer Savannah Beasley came to Southern National Motorsports Park in a brand new car on August 29th and scored her first Southern National win of the season – but that win was taken away from her in postrace technical inspection. The 16-year-old is coming back on Sunday with hopes of once again dominating and making a statement in the regular season finale.
Race Information
Ticket Prices: $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, active/retired military (with ID), students (with ID), $5 for kids (ages 6-12), kids five and under free. Military, police, fire and rescue get in free in uniform or for $5 with ID.
Time: Gates open at 12pm, green flag waves at 3pm.
Race Order: Late Models (35-laps), HRKC Champ Karts (20-laps), Chargers (30-laps), Bandoleros (15-laps), Legends (25-laps), U-Car (25-laps), Late Models (35-laps).
Last Race
Jonathan Findley swept twin Late Model races allowing him to draw even with Andrew Grady in the standings. Frankie Dominick and Michael O’Brien scored victories in twin Charger races, Dillon Spain won the Legends feature, Tyler Horne scored the win in the U-CAR feature, Kailey Murray inherited the win in the Bandolero race and Sonny Schoffen won the MASS Street Stock headline race.
Next Race
Super Late Models are returning to Southern National Motorsports Park on Saturday, September 26th when the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) makes their first and only visit to Lucama, North Carolina this season. The PASS South Super Late Model touring series is known for intense and breathtaking racing action. The season has been dominated by Zane Smith but several drivers, including track icon Deac McCaskill, will give Smith a run for his money in the 150 lap event. For more information about PASS, visit their website at www.proallstarsseries.com.
For more information about Southern National Motorsports Park, check out SNMP’s website at www.snmpark.com, “like” Southern National Motorsports Park on Facebook or “follow” @SNM_Park on Twitter.
