The 2021 “Super Saturday” program returned to Beech Ridge Motor Speedway this past Saturday, featuring a full Thunder and NASCAR Nite program which included the Granite State Pro Stock Series.
The 35-lap Sport Series feature was one of the main events of the night, with 15 drivers fighting for a spot at the top of the podium.
The series’ competition kicked off with two 10-lap qualifying heats. Todd Libby took off with the early lead in the first heat while Ryan Phillips and Danny Wear filed in behind him. Phillips was on the move in the closing laps of the heat, all over Todd Libby’s back bumper for the lead with two laps to go. Todd Libby managed to hold off Ryan Phillips to the finish, capturing the heat victory while Danny Wear rounded out the top 3.
Chris Smith powered into the early lead in the second and final qualifying heat while Bubba Pelton and Clyde Hennessey battled it out for the runner-up spot behind him. Chris Smith maintained his advantage to the finish, capturing the heat victory. Hennessey and Pelton duked it out until the bitter end, where Hennessey beat Pelton to the line by a nose for the runner-up spot.
Once the field was set, Chris Smith and Todd Libby battled it out for the early lead in the 35-lap feature. Nick Calvert and Wiscasset regular, Colby Peacock, tangled early at the tail-end of the field, collecting Frank Wear in the process. The incident led to the first caution of the feature.
Chris Smith pulled ahead with the advantage on the restart as Ryan Phillips powered into the runner-up spot over Todd Libby. Nick Calvert’s troubles continued on lap 4 as he took a spin in turn 3, resulting in another caution.
Chris Smith powered away with the lead once again as Ryan Phillips followed in his footsteps. The two leaders began to pull away as Clyde Hennessey and Todd Libby battled it out for third behind them. Hennessey pulled ahead with the advantage as Brandon Barker, filling in for the injured Robbie Harrison, followed in succession. Barker made his way to Hennessey’s inside door on lap 12, taking over the spot.
Bubba Pelton was all over Clyde Hennessey on lap 20, igniting a battle for fourth. Pelton made his way to Hennessey’s door the following lap, going head to head just as the two drivers had done in the heat race prior.
Brandon Barker was on the move in the closing laps, tracking down Ryan Phillips for the runner-up spot on lap 26 and pulling ahead with the advantage two laps later.
Chris Smith was off and away in the closing laps, capturing his first feature victory of the 2021 season. Brandon Barker and Ryan Phillips rounded out the top 3 as Clyde Hennessey once again edged out Bubba Pelton to the finish for fourth.
Chris Smith thanked his friends and family for their support in Victory Lane and dedicated the win to his late friends, Bobby Turner and Chuck Sanborn, who were both riding along with him on the #1 machine.
In the past four weeks, we have seen four different winners in the Sport Series. Who will be next to take the crown and climb to the top of the leaderboard? We’ll all have to wait and see!
Catch the next week of Super Saturday racing action this coming Saturday, June 19th. The racing action kicks off at 4:00 pm.
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!
