Four Drivers Dominate Late Model Showdown at Sunshine Nationals
The sixth annual DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park featured four competitive Features, determining the top-20 starting positions for Saturday night's finale.
Late model racers with checkered flags
Sam Seawright dominated Feature 1, leading by over 10 seconds before an early conclusion due to a front-stretch crash. Robert Smith finished second, with Layton Sullivan taking third. Seawright's win positions him favorably for the Crate Racin' USA Winter Shootout Series points lead.
Matt Herlong claimed Feature 2 with a dramatic last-lap pass on Kaede Loudy, who had led most of the race until a late caution brought the field together. Herlong's strategic move in the final turn secured his victory.
In Feature 3, Super DIRTcar Series regular Demetrios Drellos emerged victorious after a thrilling three-wide battle with Trynt Lloyd and Nathan Bray. Lloyd finished second, with Ethan Wilson completing the podium.
Mark Whitener controlled Feature 4, successfully defending against challenges from Winter Shootout points leader Jimmy Thomas and track champion Mikey Kopka. Thomas finished second, while Kole Platt claimed third in a late-race move.
Feature Results:
Feature 1: 1. Sam Seawright, 2. Robert Smith, 3. Kyle Hardy Feature 2: 1. Matt Herlong, 2. Kaede Loudy, 3. Hayden Cardwell Feature 3: 1. Demetrios Drellos, 2. Trynt Lloyd, 3. Ethan Wilson Feature 4: 1. Mark Whitener, 2. Jimmy Thomas, 3. Kole Platt
The 604 Late Models will conclude the weekend at Volusia Speedway Park with a $10,000-to-win finale on Saturday night, January 25.
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