NASHVILLE — A field of 124 race cars packed the pits Saturday, at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway with six features on the card.
Pro Late Model point leader Dawson Sutton, 18, bested a strong field of competitors in qualifying. Moments later, Sutton drew the No. 2 pill, increasing his chances of winning his fourth feature of the season.
When the green dropped, much to no one’s surprise, Sutton raced into the lead. Sutton would go on to lead through lap 56 when a competition yellow came out after 50 straight green flag laps.
On the restart, Hunter Wright, via the outside lane was able to take the lead away but it lived only for five laps, as Sutton regrouped and made the pass.
Wright was given an extra opportunity on lap 75 when Laci Minton spun on the backstretch to bring out the yellow flag. On the ensuing restart, Sutton wasn’t about to let it happen and raced back out front to the advantage.
Just two laps later, a backstretch accident between Bennie Hamlett and Stacey Crain created yet another restart. This time Wright raced back out front. Again, two laps later, a yellow lined them back up side-by-side.
Again, Wright raced out front on the lap-80 restart but it created a great battle for the lead as Sutton’s car was better after a lap or two of green. Sutton, time and time again, adjusted his lane, trying to create runs to pull alongside Wright. Lap 80 through 91 kept the fans on the edge of their seats as Sutton looked to find or make an opening before the yellow waved with nine to go.
With four to go, Sutton put a little bumper to Wright entering turn one. Wright chased it up the track and made the save. Wright held him off next three laps.
Entering turn three on the final lap, Sutton attempted and completed the old school bump-and-run. Wright saved his car, while Sutton crossed the line for his fourth win of the season.
Sutton was followed in the rundown by Wright, Corey Deuser, Jackson Boone and George Phillips.
Heath Helton, took the lead at the green flag in the “Breast Cancer Awareness 30” for the Street Stock division. Helton, a regular at Salem Speedway, held the lead throughout the affair, was challenged for a bit, then pulled back away for an impressive win.
Dillon Oliver, Chad Chaffin, Blaine Akin, and Gus Moody completed the top five.
Other winners were Landon Thrasher (Bandolero), Kevin Rollins (Pro/Masters Legends), Michael Crafton (Semi-Pro Legends), Jacob Bradley (Super Trucks) and Ray Gann (Pure Stocks).