DISNEY, Okla. — Josh Blyler might have finished third in Saturday’s Ultra4 USA season finale, but he still locked up the Nitto National Championship in the 4400 class.
“It was just one of those races that never seemed to end. We used everything up on this car and everything’s shot, but that’s what it’s meant to do,” Blyler said.
Blyler kicked off the season with an identical performance at King of the Hammers, finishing third in his class. His Pennsylvania-based team has traveled the country to chase the title and, finally, in Disney, Okla., their dreams came true.
“We had a great season,” Blyler said. “Consistency is what this is all about.”
Blyler entered Legends of the Fall first in points, 45 points ahead of Vaughn Gittin Jr. However, the 4400 race was not kind to the Ford Bronco driver and as rain drops began to fall on the course, so did Gittin’s championship hopes.
First to hit the No. 25 was a flat tire. Then the Bronco lost four-wheel drive, forcing Gittin to compete in rear-wheel drive for the rest of the race. He ultimately came across the line several laps down from the leader. His misfortune allowed Brett Harrell to steal the win away from the championship contenders in his No. 4456 race car.
Despite losing communication with his team on the third lap, Harrell fought all the way to the finish.
“This is my third year doing this and we’ve been so close so many different times,” Harrell said. “There’s 20 bad dudes and it’s gotta be your day. I just didn’t quit today.”
Not only was it his first Ultra4 series victory, but it was also his first podium. The Team Change Order driver was able to leave his mark on the 2022 season and etch his name in the first page of the Legends of the Fall record book, though he fell short of the championship.
“Winning the nationals race was pretty surreal for me,” Harrell said.
In today’s 4500/4800 class race, Rick Lavezzo claimed the 4500 championship while the 4800 points battle was too tight to call. Woody Rose was the lucky 4800 race winner.
“The day, I loved it. It was an awesome race,” Rose said. The young driver is already looking ahead to 2023, adding, “I think we’re going to race all of Ultra4 next year, that’s the plan. We’re going to go for an overall and a national championship.”
Yesterday, Brad Lovell claimed the 4600 title with a win, co-driving with his son Adam.
Gittin took second in the 4600 National Nitto Championship.
“I’m really grateful,” Gittin said. “It’s the first time we’ve been here [in Disney] and I think it’s the start of something really special.”
Watch the Ultra4 USA races from Legends of the Fall on-demand on SPEEDSPORT.tv. Click here to watch Friday’s 4600 race, and here to watch Saturday’s 4500/4800 and 4400 action.