5.5.12 Southern All Star Late Models Results
EASTABOGA, AL (May 5, 2012)—William Thomas seems to like the Talladega Short Track.
Thomas, the 24-year-old from Phenix City, AL held off several challenges from Tyrone, GA driver Jake Knowles to capture his second-career Southern All Stars Dirt Racing Series event win at the Talladega Short Track in Eastaboga, AL on NASCAR weekend. Thomas also becomes the third straight different winner during the first three scheduled events.
Not only does Thomas like winning at a track where his only two SAS victories have come, but the $3,500 in winnings might be useful very soon as Thomas and wife Alexis are soon to welcome baby Nolan into the world in the upcoming weeks.
Thomas led all 50 laps of the main event while driving the J.W. Miller Land & Timber, Austin Trucking, Hoosier Racing Tire and Nevin Farms sponsored Vinson powered Barry Wright Race Car. Thomas’ only other Southern All Stars Dirt Racing Series victory came less than a year ago on July 30, 2011 during the SAS’ visit to the annual Michael Head Jr. Memorial event.
Thomas and Brandon Kinzer brought the field of 25 to life and Thomas jumped to the point early. A spin in turn two on lap four brought out the first of only two yellow flags as Doug King and Chad Winkles both spun, sending them both to the tail on the double-file restart. On the 21st lap Dylan Ames would spin bringing out the final yellow flag of the race. By the halfway point, Jake Knowles began to creep up on Thomas as they worked the lapped traffic and stuck his nose underneath Thomas several times even switching to the high line but couldn’t make it stick for the lead. With only ten laps remaining you could throw a blanket on the top three positions between Thomas, Knowles and Kinzer all vying for the lead at this point but Thomas would work lapped traffic and to his advantage would hold off Knowles and Kinzer for the event win.
Three previous series champions representing six years of championships were on hand for the 30th Anniversary visit to Talladega including Ronnie Johnson (1985/1987 and 1988); James Cline (1990) and Randy Weaver (2009 & 2010).
The Southern All Stars Dirt Racing Series will be back in action next Saturday Night May 12th for the 35th Annual Tennessee Memorial event which pays $3,500 to win / $300 to start the 50-lap affair.
Further information on the Southern All Stars Dirt Racing Series can be obtained by calling General Manager Lynn Acklin at (256) 509-6603 or PR/Race Director Chris Tilley at (606) 219-1723 or you can log on to the official series website at www.southernallstarsracingseries.com .
Official Summary of Results
Talladega Short Track-Eastaboga, AL
Round #3 of 2012 Season (May 5)
Southern All Stars Dirt Racing Series Late Models
Feature Finish:
1. William Thomas-Phenix City, AL
2. Jake Knowles-Tyrone, GA
3. Brandon Kinzer-Allen, KY
4. Todd Morrow-East Ridge, TN
5. Riley Hickman-Soddy Daisy, TN
6. Tim Busha-Boaz, AL
7. Ronnie Johnson-Chattanooga, TN
8. Jackson Hale-Southside, AL
9. Jason Heitt-Oxford, AL
10. James Cline-Oxford, AL
11. Jason Wilson-Gadsden, AL
12. Tim Roszell-Anniston, AL
13. Shan Smith-Dade City, FL
14. Brian Reese-Sharpsburg, GA
15. Randall Walker-Pell City, AL
16. Chad Winkles-Falkville, AL
17. Chris Jones-Alabaster, AL
18. Larry Boutwell-Phenix City, AL
19. Mike Weeks-Friendsville, TN
20. Todd Watson-Childersburg, AL
21. Dylan Ames-Harvest, AL
22. Doug King-Anniston, AL
23. Adam Martin-Talladega, AL
24. Stacy Holmes-Munford, AL
25. Randy Weaver-Crossville, TN
Yellow Flags: Two (laps 4 and 21)
Red Flags: None
Entries: 34 from (AL, TN, GA, FL, KY and LA)
Fast Time: William Thomas-14:311 seconds
Series Provisionals: Mike Weeks and Shan Smith
Track Provisional: Todd Watson
Last Chance Race #1 Finish (Top-6 Transfer): Jason Heitt, Stacy Holmes, Ronnie Johnson, Chad Winkles, Doug King, Chris Jones, Dillon Crim, Todd Watson, Mike Weeks, Skip Freeman, Brandon McCallam, Chris Thomas
Last Chance Race #2 Finish (Top-6 Transfer): Randall Walker, Larry Boutwell, James Cline, Jason Wilson, Adam Martin, Dylan Ames, Shan Smith, Jon Miller, Todd Gray, Chad Wallace, Terry Smith
Current Southern All Stars Dirt Racing Series Championship Points: (after April 14)
1. Randy Weaver-224 (Crossville, TN)
2. Mike Weeks-208 (Friendsville, TN)
3. Billy Ogle Jr.-190 (Knoxville, TN)
4. Vic Hill-186 (Mosheim, TN)
5. Mike Marlar-164 (Winfield, TN)
6. Chad Ogle-156 (Sevierville, TN)
6. Ray Cook-156 (Brasstown, NC)
8. Riley Hickman-152 (Soddy Daisy, TN)
9. Tommy Kerr-150 (Maryville, TN)
10. Ross White-146 (Knoxville, TN)
10. Shan Smith-146 (Dade City, FL)
12. Brian Reese-142 (Sharpsburg, GA)
2012 Southern All Stars Dirt Racing Series Event Winners:
Jimmy Owens-April 7 at Cleveland Speedway
Vic Hill-April 14 at Smoky Mountain Speedway
William Thomas-May 5 at Talladega Short Track
Upcoming Southern All Stars Dirt Racing Series events:
May 12-Cleveland Speedway-Cleveland, TN-$3,500 to win
May 26-Whynot Motorsports Park-Meridian, MS-$3,500 to win
May 27-Magnolia Motor Speedway-Columbus, MS-$5,000 to win