10.6.18 Fuel Late Models Results

(Gaffney, SC) Fighting through a challenging season of ups and downs, Steve Banal scored his first series victory of the season Saturday night at Cherokee Speedway. The 2017 FUEL Racing Series champion started 6th, methodically worked his way into the runner up position, and paced the field the rest of the way after inheriting the lead when Anthony Sanders experienced terminal mechanical failure. The $2500 victory came at the perfect time for Banal as the series heads into the season finale.

Spartanburg, South Carolina’s Anthony Sanders topped the charts in Renegade Race Fuels Time Trials and was joined on the front row by Adam Yarbrough as Brian Carswell, championship leader Robbie Emory, and series veteran Chuck Smith rounded out the Top 5.

In the Direct Racing Industry Virtual Expo Main Event, Sanders seized control of the event from the drop of the green. As the pursuing drivers behind him shuffled positions, Sanders established a comfortable margin ahead of his nearest pursuers. Thanks to a smooth surface and multiple racing grooves, several positions were traded back-and-forth through the early and middle stages of the event. Carswell and Ramey remained solid while Banal and Brandon White charged toward the front. Shortly after Banal took advantage of a mid-race restart to vault into 2nd, misfortune struck the race leader as Sanders lost power while leading with just under 10 laps remaining. The fast qualifier’s heartbreak immediately became the defending series champion’s opportunity. Though Banal would inherit the lead, his path to victory was definitely not secured. Rookie of the Year contender Brandon White was eyeing his first career series victory and pulled alongside Banal on two occasions in the closing laps. Banal would hold for the victory over White as Ramey, Carswell, and Yarbrough rounded out the Top 5.

Up next for FUEL is the 2018 series finale featuring our October 19th & 20th trip to County Line Raceway for the $5000 To Win / $500 To Start RACE FOR THE KIDS! For more information on the FUEL Racing Series, visit our website (fuelracingseries.com), find us on Facebook (FUEL Racing Series) and follow us on Twitter (@FuelLateModels).

Partners of the FUEL Racing Series include: City Chevrolet Performance, Hoosier Racing Tire, FK Rod Ends, Renegade Race Fuels, Hoosier Racing Tire, The DRIVE Racing Expo, Ntense Graphics, and Speed51.com

Cherokee Speedway 10/6/2018
The DRIVE Main Event Results
(Pending Tire Test Results)

1) Steve Banal #8B

2) Brandon White #26

3) Derrick Ramey #12

4) Brian Carswell #17

5) Adam Yarbrough #57

6) Mark Dysart #66

7) Chuck Smith #33

8) Robbie Emory #9E

9) Anthony Sanders #421