This past Saturday, Beech Ridge Motor Speedway hosted week 2 of their 2021 race season, featuring both the Thunder and NASCAR Nite programs. The Wildcats were the highlight feature of the night this go around with a 50-lap main event.
The competition kicked off with two 12-lap qualifying heats. Joe Morse took off with the early lead in the first heat while Lewis Anderson and Dan Bernier battled it out for the runner-up spot behind him. Lewis Anderson captured the spot as Cole Watson and Wade Kennedy went door to door for fourth behind him. Cole Watson took over the spot on lap 7, setting his sights on the leaders.
Dan Bernier was back at Lewis Anderson’s door on lap 8, reigniting the fight for the runner-up spot. Lewis Anderson quickly pulled away as Cole Watson joined the fight. Joe Morse was off & away by this point, ultimately capturing the heat victory. Lewis Anderson and Dan Bernier rounded out the top 3.
Rob Herrick took off with the early lead over Ryan Phillips in the second qualifying heat. Ryan Phillips was back at his door on lap 3, overtaking the lead the following lap. Dave Cameron was on the move mid-race, challenging Herrick for the runner-up spot on lap 6. Herrick won the battle as Lyman McKeage followed in succession. McKeage was all over Herrick in the closing laps but Herrick was able to hold him off, securing the runner-up spot as Ryan Phillips captured the heat victory.
Once the field was set, the Wildcats took to the track for their 50-lap main event. Ryan Phillips and Joe Morse went toe to toe for the early lead in the feature. Trouble was brewing behind the leaders as Jared Kimball took a spin on the backstretch on lap 8. Matt Dow also went around in turn 4 on the same lap. The incident resulted in an early-race caution.
The leaders went head to head again on the restart, swapping the lead back and forth with every passing lap. Morse and Phillips were still deadlocked for the lead at the halfway mark with neither driver giving away an inch. Joe Morse finally pulled away with the advantage on lap 28 as Rob Herrick and Cole Watson spearheaded a battle for fourth behind the leaders. Rob Herrick pulled ahead with the advantage on lap 30, securing the spot.
Shortly after, Ryan Phillips’ day abruptly came to an end as he pulled off-track, never to return to the track again. It was a tough break for the team after an otherwise solid day. Jason Gammon also came to a slow on lap 32, retiring to the pits.
Dan McKeage, Jr. was on the move in the closing laps, powering to fourth over Cole Watson on lap 36. He continued his pursuit a handful of laps later, all over Rob Herrick’s back bumper on lap 42, challenging for third. McKeage was at his door on lap 47 and the two drivers battled it out until the end, where Rob Herrick nudged McKeage out at the line for the podium finish.
Joe Morse took home the checkered while Lyman McKeage, Rob Herrick, Dan McKeage, Jr. and Cole Watson rounded out the top five. The victory was the first of the season for Morse, who loves to celebrate with Facebook Live streams and shop parties from his garage. Morse is also racing for a great cause, Waddles for a Cause and Jackson Corbeau.
Upon arriving back in the pits, Joe Morse handed his checkered flag to Trevor Sanborn’s son, Talon. Sanborn noted the moment as the “coolest”, sharing a photo of his excited son on social media.
Joe Morse is everyone’s favorite “Uncle Joe” and manages to put a smile on anyone’s face, win or lose. He continues to be a great example to drivers and fans alike, never giving up and always keeping an optimistic attitude.
It’ll be interesting to see whether Joe will keep the momentum going come points season, which is just around the corner.
Drivers like Dan McKeage, Jr. continue to grow and learn with each passing week. I wonder if we will see another first-time winner in the division this season? Only time will tell.
Catch week #3 of racing action at Beech Ridge this coming Saturday, May 15th. The green flag flies at 4:00 pm and kids of ALL AGES are now allowed pit admittance. As always, grandstand admission is only $12 for adults and FREE for kids 12 and under.
Continue chasing the checkered and support your local short track. I hope to see you soon!
