GREENVILLE, SC :: Saturday night was the first time Anthony Anders’ mother, Susan Waltrop, was not in attendance to watch her son race, but the show went on and Anders did what he loved to do.
Waltrop passed away on Thursday morning. So, when Anders picked up his 20th and 21st wins of the season, it was only fitting that he dedicated those wins to his number one fan.
“She was with me every lap, every race,” Anders said. “She never missed a race. It was emotional. When I won the race, it was tears of joy”
Anders said Saturday night’s wins meant more to him than anything else.
“It meant more than anything ever,” he stated. “She was my number one fan. She was in victory lane cheering me on every time. Good nights or bad nights, she always had that grin and was always there to support me. She was a loving, caring mother.”
While the passing of his mother was at the top of his mind, Anders did realize the points implications as well. Lee Pulliam’s victory in one race and second in another race at Motor Mile Speedway allowed him to close the gap on Anders in the NASCAR Whelen All American Series National Championship Standings.
Anders opened that gap right back up. The first of the two races at Greenville had an 18 car field and, with the second race only starting 17 cars, Anders elected to start in 10th, gaining two bonus points, which makes up for not having a full field, and keeps Pulliam 10 points behind him.
