The NASCAR Nite competition continued on at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway this past Saturday with a full program, including the Modified Racing Series, Pro Series, Sport Series and a 30-lap Wildcats feature.
The Wildcats competition kicked off with two 10-lap qualifying heats. Chaz Briggs powered into the early lead over young gun, Jacob Vaughn, in the first qualifying heat. Joe Morse was also on the move early, advancing to fourth on lap 4 after starting at the tail-end of the field.
Chaz Briggs maintained his edge through the finish, capturing the heat victory as Jacob Vaughn and Travis Lovejoy rounded out the top 3.
Jason Gammon pulled away with the early advantage in the second and final qualifying heat. Dave Cameron and Dan McKeage, Jr. went head to head for fourth on lap 3. The two drivers battled it out for a handful of laps until McKeage, Jr. pulled ahead with the spot on lap 7.
Jason Gammon held onto the lead in the closing laps of the heat, nabbing the heat victory as Lewis Anderson and Mark Grantham rounded out the top 3.
Following the completion of the 40-lap Pro Series feature, the Wildcats took to the track for their 30-lap main event.
Chaz Briggs and Jason Gammon went head to head for the early lead in the feature. Drivers were 3-wide for third on lap 5, with Jacob Vaughn coming out on top. While battling for position, Dave Cameron and Lewis Anderson tangled on lap 6 in turn 2, resulting in an early-race caution. Dan McKeage, Jr. was also caught up in the chaos, taking a spin that caused the young driver to restart at the tail-end of the field.
Chaz Briggs pulled ahead with the advantage on the restart. Travis Lovejoy was also on the move, making his way to Jason Gammon’s door on lap 11, challenging for the runner-up spot. Dan Bernier came to a slow on lap 13, making the dreaded right-hand turn to the pits.
After battling it out for a handful of laps, Travis Lovejoy took sole possession of the runner-up spot on lap 19. Wade Kennedy began to make his way through the field in the closing laps of the feature, going door to door with Jacob Vaughn on lap 20 and advancing position on the very same lap.
Wade Kennedy continued his pursuit to the podium, riding Jason Gammon’s coattails for third on lap 24. Kennedy made his way to Gammon’s door the following lap and the two drivers duked it out until one lap to go, where Wade Kennedy pulled ahead with the advantage.
Chaz Briggs was off and away at this point, capturing his first feature victory of the 2021 season. Travis Lovejoy, Wade Kennedy, Jason Gammon and Jacob Vaughn rounded out the top five.
Over the past three weeks, we have seen three different winners in Wildcats Victory Lane. Who will be the next driver to take the crown? Will it be Wade Kennedy or Jacob Vaughn, who both continue to improve week after week? Will Joe Morse make his return to the top of the podium? We’ll just have to wait and see!
Catch the next week of Super Saturday racing action AND the track’s first autograph night of the season this coming Saturday, June 26th. The racing action kicks off at 4:00 pm. Kids of ALL AGES are now allowed in the pits and grandstand admission is just $12 for adults and FREE for kids 12 and under.
Continue chasing the checkered and support your local short tracks. I hope to see you soon!
Cover photo credit goes to Jamie Williams at Finish Line Photography!
