The new I-75 Motor Speedway opened for business on Saturday night with a full racing program. The program consisted of limited late models, crate late models, A-Hobby/Sportsman, B-Hobby, Thunder, and four cylinders.
The new 3/8-mile track was built inside the massive 5/8-mile track formerly known as Murphy Speedway just outside of Sweetwater, Tennessee. A capacity crowd and a crowded pit area helped kick off the first night of racing action.
Jesse Lowe and Matt Henderson were heat race winners in the limited late model division. The pair led the field, originally with 20 entries, to the green flag. Lowe got the early lead as the field sailed into turn 1. Henderson immediately pressured Lowe for the lead. Henderson tried to grab the lead from Lowe heading into turn 1. Henderson had to hit the brakes to avoid making contact with Lowe and hitting the inside tires resulting in a spin. From there, Lowe fought off a challenge from Heath Hindman. Lowe led all 25 laps in taking the win. Henderson rallied from the tail to nip Hindman at the line for second.
The crate late model feature only saw five cars take the green for their 20-lap feature. Tyler Adams won the heat race, then led the feature flag-to-flag to take the win. Kyle May and Jason Deal rounded out the top 3.
The A-Hobby/Sportsman race proved to be an exciting race. Robbie Comer and Joe Freels were heat race winners and were the front row starters. Comer grabbed the early lead over Freels as the 11-car field took the green. Several cautions slowed the field with Comer seemingly in control. In the last half of the race, Comer’s handling appeared to go away. Comer slid high allowing Freels to duck underneath and take the lead. Freels went on to take the win. Comer held on for second and Steve Owens Jr. finished third.
The B-Hobby feature saw several interesting developments during their 20-lap feature. Danny Bray and Wesley Lester were heat race winners to start from the front row. Lester used the high line to take the lead over Bray. Several drivers were plagued by flat tires, including Lester who had a huge lead. Dennis Grable won the caution-filled race. Bray and Greg Humphrey were the other top 3 finishers.
The Thunder feature had Allen Walker and Roger Smith start from the front row for their main event. Walker took the early lead with Smith close behind. About halfway into the feature, Smith got into the back of Walker in turn 3 sending Walker spinning. Smith was charged with the caution and sent to the rear. Walker retained the lead, but Smith charged back into the second spot. Smith pressured Walker over the last couple of laps. Walker held on for the win over Smith. Bo Willis finished third.
Plenty of excitement was provided by the four cylinders. Ronnie Shelton and Derik Duggan started the race from the front row. Shelton took the lead with Duggan close behind. The two stayed close together throughout the 20-lap feature. Duggan made a number of attempts to grab the lead. Duggan unsuccessfully tried the high line with Shelton hugging the bottom. Duggan then tried the low line as the two made contact numerous times. Shelton held off all challengers and crossed the finished line first. Duggan protested and Shelton refused to be checked and was disqualified. Duggan was awarded the win. Dustin Pueirtt and Marcus Thompson rounded out the top 3.
Despite a few issues common with the opening of a new track, owners Tim and Angie Kyle, along with general manger Monty Morrow, are optimistic for the track’s future. Stay tuned to Inside Dirt Racing for some upcoming schedule news.
