April 18
Volunteer Speedway,
Bulls Gap, TN
Sanction: Carolina Clash Super Late Model Series (Spring Thaw) - $6,000
Information provided by: Richard Allen and series reports (last updated April 19, 5:59 am)
Cook leads flag-to-flag for Bulls Gap glory
Spring Thaw
- Ray Cook
- Billy Ogle Jr.
- Donald McIntosh
- Vic Hill
- Stacy Boles
- Dale McDowell
- Doug Sanders
- Chris Ferguson
- Mark Douglas
- Aaron Ridley
- Ben Watkins
- Tim Allen
- Ryan King
- Kenny Collins
- Kevin Wilson
- Steve Smith
- Anthony Sanders
- Dennis Franklin
- Chad Ogle
- David Payne
- Bobby Mays
- Riley Hickman
- Mack McCarter
- Mark Vineyard
- Kyle Pierce
Ray Cook led all 50 laps for a $6,000 victory at Bulls Gap.
What won the race: Front-row starter Ray Cook of Brasstown, N.C., got the jump and led all 50 laps for a $6,000 payday and his first Carolina Clash victory since 2011. Billy Ogle Jr. of Knoxville, Tenn., and Donald McIntosh of Dawsonville, Ga., dueled to round out the podium in a race that saw intense battles behind the leader.
Key notes: Ogle and McIntosh took stabs at toppling Cook, but neither got the job done. ... With Old Man's Garage Spring Nationals action in Georgia rained out, several drivers — including all three podium finishers — were able to compete up north at Volunteer. ... The racing program was hurried along because of approaching rain. ... The feature's first caution flag flew on the fourth circuit for Mack McCarter. ... David Payne brought out a lap-20 yellow flag. ... Riley Hickman of Ooltewah, Tenn., won the Limited Late Model feature. ... The tour made the second of five scheduled visits to the 4/10-mile oval. ... Chad Ogle of Sevierville, Tenn., won the previous visit on April 4. He ran as high as second early on Saturday, but ultimately retired. ... The series will return on May 23, Aug. 8 and Sept. 12.
On the move: After slapping the wall while qualifying and burying himself in a consolation race, Dale McDowell of Chickamauga, Ga., recovered by rallying from 18th to sixth.
Winner's sponsors: Cook's No. 53 Capital Race Car has a Jay Dickens Racing Engine and is sponsored by American Racer South, A+ Moving & Storage, Collins Signs, Integra Shocks, K&N Performance Filters, Old Man's Garage, Performance Rod & Custom, Schaeffer's Racing Oil, Tommy Pope Construction and VP Racing Fuels.
Points chase: Through April 18, Doug Sanders has 358 points and a two-point edge over Ben Watkins (356 points). Kevin Wilson (306), Chris Ferguson (291) and Kyle Pierce (256) complete the top five.
Car count: 29
Fast qualifier: Donald McIntosh
Time: 12.722 seconds
Polesitter: Donald McIntosh
Consolation race winners: Riley Hickman, Doug Sanders
Provisional starters: Anthony Sanders, Kevin Wilson, Bobby Mays
Next series race: April 25, Wythe Raceway (Rural Retreat, VA) $4,000
Editor's note: Results and race details are unofficial.