This past Saturday, Beech Ridge Motor Speedway hosted week 3 of their 2021 season. The day’s events included a full program of both Thunder and NASCAR Nite competition. This week, the Sport Series division was the highlight race of the program with a 50-lap feature to end the night.
Bubba Pelton took off with the early lead over Chris Smith in the first 12-lap qualifying heat. Matt Beers faced troubles early as he took a spin in turn 2 on the initial lap. The field remained green and became widely spread out after the early incident. Beers had recuperated by the end of the feature, advancing to fourth over Curtis Gleason on lap 10. The leaders were well gone at this point, with Bubba Pelton picking up the heat victory. Chris Smith and Clyde Hennessey rounded out the top 3.
Robbie Harrison powered away with the early lead in the second and final qualifying heat as Nick Calvert and Frank Wear went door to door for the runner-up spot behind him. Todd Libby faced troubles early, pulling off-track on lap 4.
Last week’s first-time winner, Danny Wear, powered to third over his father, Frank, on lap 4. He continued his pursuit, quickly overtaking the runner-up spot from Nick Calvert before setting his sights on Robbie Harrison at the front of the pack. Harrison was able to fend him off, ultimately scoring the heat victory. Danny Wear and Nick Calvert rounded out the top 3.
Once the field was set, the drivers took to the track for their 50-lap feature. Bubba Pelton took off with the early lead as Chris Smith powered into the runner-up spot over Robbie Harrison. Danny Wear was on the move early, challenging Robbie Harrison for third on lap 3 and overtaking him for position the following lap. Frank Wear went off-track on lap 5 in turn 1, but the field remained green as he continued rolling.
Danny Wear found himself at Chris Smith’s door on lap 8, challenging him for the runner-up spot and advancing position on the same lap. Matt Beers was also in hot pursuit on lap 13, all over Robbie Harrison for fourth. Mike Sanford, jumping behind the wheel of Mike St. Pierre’s #15, took a spin on lap 14 in turn 1. The incident led to the first caution of the feature.
Bubba Pelton held the slight advantage over Danny Wear on the restart. Matt Beers was on the move once again following the restart, advancing to fourth over Chris Smith on lap 20. Bobby Nadeau, jumping from the PASS Modified division to the Sport Series this year, began coming through the field mid-race, breaking the top 5 on lap 25.
Bubba Pelton and Danny Wear began to go door-to-door for the top spot on lap 29, but Pelton broke ahead once again on lap 30. Bobby Nadeau was still on the prowl on lap 33, at Robbie Harrison’s door for third as the leaders reignited their battle in front of them. Nadeau finally cleared Harrison on lap 35, but trouble was brewing behind the leaders as Mike Sanford took another spin on lap 37 in turn 4, resulting in a late-race caution.
Danny Wear finally captured the lead on the restart as Nadeau powered into the runner-up spot. The two drivers went head to head for the lead on lap 41 and the battle lasted until Danny Wear pulled ahead with the slight edge with just two laps to go. Wear maintained his lead until the end, securing the feature victory. Bobby Nadeau, Bubba Pelton, Robbie Harrison and Matt Beers rounded out the top five.
Danny Wear followed up his first career Sport Series victory with yet another trip to Victory Lane this past weekend. Danny has proven himself successful in the Thunder division and now he has truly stepped up his game on the NASCAR Nite level. He continues to be a top competitor week-in and week-out and it’ll be interesting to see if anyone can knock him off of the podium in 2021.
You can continue to follow the racing action this coming Saturday, May 22nd. The racing action kicks off at 4:00 pm. Kids of ALL AGES are now allowed in the pit area and grandstand admission is still just $12 for adults and FREE for kids 12 and younger.
Continue chasing the checkered and support your local short tracks. I hope to see you soon!
