Cole Wins 7 as Brewton, D. Leatherman, M. Smith, Knowles and Z. Hunter All Win First of the Year

Rob Nugent, Track Announcer/Social Media

THE EVENT

POCOLA, OK (July 2ND, 2016) – The eleventh regular night of weekly racing saw 72 cars show up for the 45TH Annual Firecracker Spectacular and 4TH Annual Curtis Tennant Memorial Races presented by Shamrock Bolt & Screw Company. The night included point action excitement on the famous high banks in Pocola, OK for all six classes and a big fireworks salute to America. Almost another full week went by without any moisture falling from the skies over the track, but a few showers on Friday. Those showers aided in getting the track prepped and ready to go for a night of fast action on a five wide racing surface that was smooth and slick.

The pre-race ceremonies kicked off with the invocation and a brief reading by track announcer, Rob Nugent, about the late Curtis Tennant. Drivers and other personnel lined up on the front strait in their vehicles and race cars and presented the nation’s colors during the National Anthem in tribute to the late racer and friend of many.

First up on the agenda for the race program was heat racing for the Pure Stocks, the IMCA Stock Cars, the Super Stocks, the IMCA Sport Mods, the IMCA Modifieds and the USRA Modifieds.

Immediately after the heat races, a grudge race was held between a father and son. Earlier in the week, Robbie Ellis posted a photo of his old modified from years ago and his youngest son’s (Caden’s) modified and remarked how the cars sure had changed. Caden replied that they are faster, too. From that point, the “race was on.” Robbie had hot lapped his oldest son’s (Logan’s) modified a few weeks earlier and said he could race it and Caden could race his own. End result after six laps? Dad spun his entering into Turn 1 on the first lap which forced a restart. At the end, the young one had a full straight lead over the “old man.” It was all in fun and everyone had a good time, except maybe Robbie. You’ll have to ask him about that.

The intermission was next and gave everyone a chance to make a pit stop at the restrooms and get some of the great concession food, including some of the great ice cold Coca-Cola products. One lucky 50/50 winner walked off with over $200 for their winning ticket. There were other giveaways, too from entrant’s ticket stubs and non-50/50 winning stubs. The previous A feature winners also received their trophies, had their photos taken and were interviewed by Robert Dean.

After intermission, it was dark enough to light the fuses on almost 15 minutes of non-stop fireworks action and excitement. The fireworks were set up all along the top of the back straight and everyone really enjoyed them as they were launched to some great patriotic music. The display is available for viewing on our Facebook page and was videoed by Preston Morse.

TOP THREE

The first feature on the track after intermission was the Super Stock B Feature which also included the IMCA Stock Car A Feature, with the top 8 cars from the Super Stocks advancing to the back of the A Feature. In the IMCA Stock Car A Feature, Mike Smith (1S – Spiro, OK) crossed the line first for his first win of the year as Taylor Hubbard (3T – Whitesboro, OK) and Mike Wiseman (1 – Muskogee, OK) finished in second and third.

The next feature on the track was for the Pure Stocks. Jalen Brewton (41B – Alma, AR) made it to victory lane for the first time this season as the previous two week’s winner, Chris Perkins (88 – Rudy, AR) had to settle for a close second. Marshall Penson (1P – Van Buren, AR) crossed the line in third. Johnny Gregory (81 – Alma, AR) picked up the $50 Hard Charger bonus from Budget Tire & Auto Center for his improvement from his starting position.

Up next was the IMCA Modified A Feature where Tate Cole (89 – Muskogee, OK) claimed his seventh win of the season over H Palmer (X15 – Muldrow, OK) and Jason Payton (6 – Greenwood, AR). Palmer was able to grab the lead a few laps into the race, but was chased down and passed by the always fast machine of Cole.

The IMCA Sport Mods took to the track for their A Feature next. Dustin Leatherman (94 – Muskogee, OK) out ran the field for his first win of the 2016 season at Tri-State. Logan Ellis (118 – Wagoner, OK) was gaining on Leatherman in the final laps as Caden Ellis (84 – Wagoner, OK) followed for a second and third place finish respectively.

The next A Feature action was for the Super Stocks. Robert Knowles (44K – Buffalo Valley, OK) crossed the finish line first for his first checkered flag of the year ahead of last week’s winner, H Palmer (X15 – Muldrow, OK) while Roy Roberts (116 - Alma, AR) ran a strong race and finished not far behind the top two in third.

The USRA Modified A Feature was on the track last for their feature where Zane Hunter (1/2 – Alma, AR) picked up win number one of the season over Mike Camarillo (777 – Webb City, MO) and Dalton McKenzie (8M – Van Buren, AR).

Complete A Feature results for the July 2ND races are available by clicking on the results tab. Current track point standings are available, for the classes that competedm by clicking on the points tab.

NEXT TIME

Tri-State Speedway will return to action on July 9TH, 2016 for point racing action in all six classes on the famous high banks in Pocola, OK. We will be close on July 16TH for a quick summer break before the huge three day event on July 21ST, 22ND and 23RD for the 18TH Annual Super Stock Showdown presented by Shamrock Bolt & Screw Company. This event will pay $5,000 to win and $400 to start the 40 lap A Feature with over $17,000 in guaranteed prize money up for grabs.

 Adult grandstand admission will be just $10 and kids (12 and under) are free! Seniors (65+) will receive a $2 discount and all military personnel (past or present) will receive a $10 discount, with proof of service. (Limit one $10 discount per military ID.)

Pit gates will open at 4:00 PM on July 9TH with the grandstands opening at 5:00 PM. The driver’s meeting will take place at 6:00 PM and hot laps will begin at 6:30 PM with pre-race ceremonies to follow. Our complete 2016 racing schedule can always be found by clicking on the schedule tab  Also, be sure to stay up to date with us via our social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and YouTube which can be found by clicking the icons on the bottom of our website home page or by adding a “/” plus “Facebook”, “Twitter”, “Google+” or “YouTube” at the end so it looks like www.Tri-StateSpeedway.com/Facebook, etc.

We will see YOU soon!