LAKE CITY, Fla. — Ricky Thornton Jr., the defending Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion, seized the opportunity created by race leader Devin Moran’s flat tire on the final lap to triumph in the 40-lap Wieland Winternationals opener on Thursday night at All-Tech Raceway.
Moran, who led a race-high 34 laps, had a tire going down in the final two laps, which allowed Thornton to pass him on lap 39 as he went on to secure his first win of the season.
Max Blair edged past Daulton Wilson on the final lap, as they rounded out the podium, taking second and third place at the finish. Moran limped across the line in fourth, with Tyler Erb completing the top five.
Moran jumped to the lead at the start of the race and maintained it for the first 12 laps until Shane Clanton passed him on lap 13. Clanton would then lead Moran for four more laps until Moran surged back ahead for the lead on lap 18. Clanton remained solid in second until a flat tire on lap 29 ended his chances for the win.
A lap-30 restart saw Thornton charge from fourth to second as he pressured Moran for the race lead. However, Thornton slipped back when he got too high in turn two on lap 33 and hit the wall. He recovered, and Moran’s flat tire opened the door for Thornton, who entered the All-Tech race as the only driver to have won more than once in the last seven Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series appearances at the track, allowing him to go to the winner’s circle for the third time there.
It was Thornton’s 43rd career Lucas Oil late model triumph.
“I I had a good run on that last restart. I got under Daulton for second as we entered turn three; we bumped a little, but nothing too serious,” Thornton said. “Then I got to Devin, as I mentioned, and I knew his crew guy would move him up. I actually didn’t even see him [Moran] well enough to notice that he had a right-rear flat. We got to the top of turn three, and he was three-wheeling it. As we approached the white flag, I thought it really stinks for him, but I guess someone’s misfortune was good for us and we’ll take it.”
Blair, who started 10th, surged to the front in the final circuits, claiming the runner-up spot.
“I want to be up there where he [Thornton] is. We have been good since the end of last year. The track fit our driving style tonight. We’ll come back tomorrow and try to finish one spot better.”
Wilson, who led the most laps at Golden Isles two weeks ago, stayed in the top four for most of the race and came home in third. “We were good at Golden Isles and not so good last weekend. I thought I had a real shot at winning tonight.”
The finish:
Ricky Thornton Jr., Max Blair, Daulton Wilson, Devin Moran, Tyler Erb, Jonathan Davenport, Donald McIntosh, Jimmy Owens, Tim McCreadie, Hudson O’Neal, Ryan Gustin, Tyler Bruening, Brandon Sheppard, Carson Ferguson, Tyler Millwood, Trey Mills, Spencer Hughes, Garrett Alberson, Brandon Overton, Clay Harris, Shane Clanton, Ethan Dotson, Drake Troutman, Ross Robinson, Kyle Bronson.
