Cory Hedgecock dominated the Southern All Star Dirt Racing Series (SAS) season opener at I-75 Raceway in Sweetwater, Tennessee, securing his fourth career series victory and a $5,000 prize. Starting from pole position after posting the fastest qualifying lap of 13.849 seconds, Hedgecock led all 40 laps despite multiple cautions and restarts.

Billy Franklin finished second, 1.767 seconds behind Hedgecock, while Kendall Franklin completed the podium after improving ten positions. These three drivers were the only competitors to complete all forty laps in an event marked by seven yellow flags and two red flag situations.

"The car felt really good," Hedgecock commented after his first 2025 victory. "Sometimes I'd pick up a shove, but I feel like if I slowed down I was better. I wasn't trying to run too hard, it was the right tire choice and they really didn't even wear at all."

The race drew 22 SAS competitors, with the starting grid determined solely by qualifying times. Dillon Tidmore set the fastest time in hot laps but withdrew when Ronnie Johnson took over Joe Denby's backup car.

Feature Results (Top 5):

1. Cory Hedgecock ($5,000)
2. Billy Franklin ($2,500)
3. Kendall Franklin ($1,500)
4. Joe Denby ($1,200)
5. Joshua Chesney ($1,000)

Current Points Standings:

1. Cory Hedgecock - 200
2. Billy Franklin - 196
3. Kendall Franklin - 194
4. Joe Denby - 192
5. Joshua Chesney - 190

The series continues on February 22 at Buckshot Speedway in Clanton, Alabama, with another $5,000-to-win event.

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