Thornton Steals Victory on Final Lap at All-Tech Winternationals

Thornton Steals Victory on Final Lap at All-Tech Winternationals

By Michael Anderson

January 31, 2025 at 02:33 PM

Ricky Thornton Jr. scored a dramatic last-lap victory in the 40-lap Wieland Winternationals opener at All-Tech Raceway, capitalizing on race leader Devin Moran's flat tire to claim his first win of 2025.

Race car speeds on dirt track

Race car speeds on dirt track

Moran dominated most of the race, leading 34 laps before tire issues on the final circuit dropped him to fourth. Max Blair finished second after starting tenth, while Daulton Wilson took third. Tyler Erb rounded out the top five.

The race saw multiple lead changes, with Shane Clanton briefly taking command from laps 13-17 before suffering his own flat tire on lap 29. Thornton mounted a strong challenge after a lap 30 restart but hit the wall in turn two on lap 33. He recovered just in time to take advantage of Moran's misfortune.

This marked Thornton's 43rd career Lucas Oil victory and his third win at All-Tech. His Koehler Motorsports Longhorn Chassis is powered by a Clements Racing Engine.

Race Summary:

  • Winner: Ricky Thornton Jr.
  • Margin of Victory: 0.963 seconds
  • Race Time: 17 minutes 09 seconds
  • Lap Leaders: Moran (1-12, 18-39), Clanton (13-17), Thornton (40)
  • Notable: Only one caution occurred during the 40-lap feature
  • Pole Position: Devin Moran
  • Hard Charger: Jonathan Davenport (+11 positions)

The victory puts the defending series champion in an early points lead as the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series season begins to unfold.

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