TULSA, Okla. — When mechanical issues struck during his EVO Fuel Injection A-Class heat race, that meant only one thing for Arizona’s Ricky Thornton Jr. at the 40th annual Smiley’s Racing Products powered by NOS Energy Drink.
Soup was about to be served, and the driver of the No. 20r has not disappointed.
Starting his run from the third E Feature, Thornton brought the fans to their feet, going fifth to first in the E-Feature, 13th to first in the D Feature, and 13th to second, coming to the white flag in his C Feature to lock himself into the third B Feature on Saturday night.
While Thornton thrilled, the bigger picture is starting to come into view, as one A Feature has already started to take shape. With their heats and qualifiers already contested, the Flying A Motorsports Junior Sprint A-Feature has a dozen drivers locked into the main event, led by Brexton Busch.
Qualifiers coming up in stock and outlaw divisions, 18 drivers find themselves locked into the next round of passing points for all four classes, with Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell and defending Outlaw champion Emerson Axsom among the lineup.
Working through Race No. 258 on Thursday, things pick up Friday with the continuation of the alphabet for the Joe’s Racing Products Stock Non-Wing division. A total of 80 races are scheduled for Friday.
