After a handful of cancelations due to inclement weather, Swainsboro Raceway finally welcomed drivers and fans once again two weekends ago. New this year is the Crown Vic Division, which continues to grow in competitors and fan popularity.
Consequently, the local dirt track operation had enough Crown Vic drivers turn out for the August 21 event to split them into two features.
Josh McCorkle, in the 8 machine, topped 13 other drivers to pick up first place in one of those two Crown Vic races. The following names are listed chronologically according to their respective finishes behind McCorkle in that race, beginning with second place, working down to 14th: Dylan Litchfield, Adam Chambers, Justin Hart, Jared Peebles, Brent Godbee, Jayme Elliott, DJ Mason, Danny Davis, Josh Guy, Gary Edwards, Garrett Oglesby, Lynn Edwards, and Mason Kirby.
Eric Baggett, in the 27E car, beat out eight other drivers to pick up first place in his respective Crown Vic race. The following names are listed chronologically according to their respective finishes behind Baggett in that race, beginning with second place, working down to ninth: Jaxson Monroe, Wesley Watkins, BB Burgamy, Jordan Shurling, Grace Oglesby, Shane Johnson, Marley Meeks, and Luke Edwards.
As always, the fast and furious 602 Late Model Division was a crowd-pleaser that Saturday night. Ten drivers duked it out with Chaz Haskins driving the 107Z machine to Victory Lane. The following names are listed chronologically according to their respective finishes behind him in that race, beginning with second place, working down to 10th: Haiden Cowan, Ricky McClain, Dustin Watkins, Gavin Cowan, Brent Herndon, Ricky Woodward, Terry Lumley, Shannon Graham, and Randy Teston.
Similarly, the 604 Late Model Division saw 10 drivers battle it out for bragging rights. Ches Chester, in the 9 car, came out on top. Bob Robertson, Chesley Dixon, Donnie Chappell, Jim Rogers, Tyler Sanders, Ken Ricks, Mark Fleischer, Evan Williams, and Joshua Bishop rounded out the results in that order.
Five drivers took the track and raced in the 440 Division. James Canada, in the 14C machine, came away with the win. Tyler Davis, James Kirby, Bradley Bratcher, and Jak Lively finished second, third, fourth, and fifth respectively.
The biggest class of the night, as usual, was the Road Warrior Division, with 21 competitors. Kary Alexander drove the 42 car to victory. The following names are listed chronologically according to their respective finishes behind Alexander in that race, beginning with second place, working down to 21st: Justin Williams, Tyler Davis, Tommy Davis, John Bratcher, Clinton Love, Wesley Coleman, Jacob Barwick, Luke Scott, Jared Jones, John Lariscey, Richard Lastinger, Ryan Adams, Casey Loftin, Kip Poole, Ryan Stone, Tim Wilkerson, Jamey Donaldson, Justin Hart, Cole Robertson, and RJ Coleman.
Finally, rounding out the night’s action was the Street Stock Division. Eight drivers lined up for the event, and Roger McKenzie, in the 95 machine, came away with the win. Following suit from second to eighth were: Alex Sturkie, George Williamson, Andrew Stone, Lance Griffith, Chris Shaw, Jimmy Maness, and Josh Nelms.
All photos are credited to Richard Barnes, and all results were taken from Swainsboro Raceway’s Facebook page.
Weather permitting, Swainsboro Raceway should be back in action this weekend for the Labor Day Southern Classic on Saturday, September 4.
The Zaxby’s Crate Late Models will award $2,000 to its winner, as will the Southland Insurance 602 Late Models. Kary Alexander The Rustic Grill Super Street/Street Stock Division as well as the Daniels Chevrolet Road Warriors Division will give $1,000 to both of their winners, and the Lynn & Bob’s Crown Vic Division will split a $1,000 purse among its drivers. The Bargain Bucket 440s will be in action as well with $500 to win on the line.
Additionally, Badger Rentals committed on Saturday, August 28, to sponsoring a $250 Zaxby’s Crate Late Model Fast Qualifier Award and a $250 Southland Insurance 602 Late Model Fast Qualifier Award.
Likewise, Clements Construction added a $50 bonus to the eighth place finisher in the Daniels Chevrolet Road Warriors Division. Bratcher’s High Performance, LLC pledged a $100 bonus to the fifth place finisher in that same division.
Extreme Construction will sponsor a $100 bonus to first place, a $100 bonus to second place, and a $50 bonus to third place in the Road Warrior class as well.
Gates will open at 4 p.m., and the drivers’ meeting will take place at 6:45 p.m. Grandstands tickets will be priced at $15 per adults and $10 for kids ages six to 11. Pit passes will cost $40 for adults and $20 for kids.