The Super Saturday competition rolled on at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway this weekend with a full Thunder and NASCAR Nite program, which included the highly competitive Sport Series division.
The Sport Series competition kicked off with a 10-lap qualifying heat. Danny Wear pulled ahead with the early advantage in the heat. His father, Frank Wear, made his way through the field early, advancing to third over Nick Calvert on lap 3.
Frank Wear’s advances continued the following lap as he took over third from Ryan Phillips. Phillips wasn’t backing down and pulled back to Wear’s door shortly thereafter, igniting a battle for the position once again. After starting at the tail-end of the field, Chris Smith broke the top 5 on lap 6, nearly cutting the field in half.
Danny Wear was off and away in the closing laps of the heat, picking up the victory. Ryan Phillips and Frank Wear rounded out the top 3.
Danny Wear continued to show strength in the 35-lap feature, pulling away with the early lead as his competitors battled it out 2×2 behind him. Chris Smith was on the move early, advancing to fourth over Bubba Pelton on lap 3. Following the maneuver, Smith quickly pulled up to Ryan Phillips’ door, challenging for third.
After duking it out for a handful of laps, Phillips won the battle and was hungry for more, spearheading a battle with Frank Wear for the runner-up spot on lap 18. As his competitors battled it out for position behind him, Danny Wear had extended his lead to a full straightaway by lap 25.
Ryan Phillips finally took sole possession of the runner-up spot with two laps to go, but Danny Wear was long gone at that point, picking up another feature victory. Frank Wear, Chris Smith and Bubba Pelton rounded out the top five.
We have seen a number of different winners in the Sport Series this season. With just four weeks remaining in the regular season, will another driver be able to break the mold and top the podium? Stay tuned to find out!
The Super Saturday competition rolls on this coming Saturday, August 21st, where Beech Ridge will also be hosting the Whelen Modified Tour. 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: Jamie Williams – Finish Line Photography
