The Iron-Man Late Model Series ventured to Smoky Mountain Speedway to close out a two-race weekend. At the end of the night Ashton Winger became the first driver to score multiple series wins in the 2019 season as he paired this victory with his Friday night triumph in Crossville, Tenn. The win was worth $3,000 at the facility located in Maryville, TN.
Connor Meade was fastest in Group A qualifying as he posted a lap in 18.268 seconds around the 4/10 mile clay oval to beat out Cory Hedgecock, Tommy Kerr, Casey Turman and Robby Moses.
Winger was fastest in Group A time-trials and overall as he toured the track in 17.819 seconds to better the efforts of Donald McIntosh, Michael Chilton, David Crabtree and Joseph Faulkner.
There were no heat races as the starting grid for the main event was set based on qualifying results.
At the start of the 30-lap feature it was Winger who bolted to the lead with McIntosh, Hedgecock, Meade and Chilton following. Chilton swept by Meade to grab fourth on the second circuit.
Cory Hedgecock (23) ducks under Connor Meade (1) and Donald McIntosh on lap 1.
Over the next several laps Winger would begin to slip away from the pack while McIntosh, Hedgecock and Chilton ran in tight formation several car lengths behind the front runner. Hedgecock made multiple runs at McIntosh in hopes of taking the runner-up spot away but was unable to do so during the race’s first half.
However, there would be a major change on lap 18 when McIntosh found himself tangled with a slower car in a mishap that would also collect Chilton. The damage done in the incident badly hurt the right side of the McIntosh machine and doing enough damage to send Chilton off the track and to his pit area.
On the restart Winger again pulled ahead while Hedgecock moved by the ailing McIntosh ride to capture second.
But over the final laps Winger would go unchallenged as he eventually sailed under the checkered flag to collect his second win of the weekend.
Feature Finish: 1. Ashton Winger, 2. Cory Hedgecock, 3. Donald McIntosh, 4. Connor Meade, 5. David Crabtree, 6. Robby Moses, 7. Tommy Kerr, 8. Joseph Faulkner, 9. Bobby Giffin, 10. Dusty Carver, 11. Joey Standridge, 12. Craig Greer, 13. Michael Chilton, 14. Casey Turman
Robby Moses (21) uses lapped traffic to get by Connor Meade (1).
Tommy Kerr (4T) and David Crabtree (C5) swapped spots most of the race.
