COPPER HILL, VA :: Several drivers put their name on the map with breakthrough seasons in the Limited Late Model ranks in 2014. We continue our look back at the “best of 2014” with a look at the five best Limited Late Model breakthrough drivers.
5. Trey Crews
Trey Crews, a former Pure Stock champion at South Boston Speedway, graduated up to the Limited Sportsman division at South Boston in 2013. Crews had a handful of strong runs, including a runner-up finish, in his rookie season, but he wasn’t able to find Victory Lane. That changed early in 2014 when he scored two victories in the first three races of the season and remained in the championship hunt all season. While he would have liked to have won the championship or picked up a few more wins, it was definitely a breakthrough season for Crews.
4. JD Eversole
JD Eversole was another driver who finally broke through to score his first Limited Late Model victory in 2014. Eversole, like Crews, was in the championship hunt in the Limited Sportsman division at South Boston all season long, finishing second in points to eventual champion Danny Willis, Jr. in a statistical tie. Eversole scored three wins on the season – all at South Boston.
3. Dylan Ward
Dylan Ward burst on to the Limited Late Model scene in 2014 with the poise, talent and determination of a veteran. Ward spent much of his season at Ace Speedway where he scored five victories on the season. Every single race he ran, he was a driver to contend with. Ward may very well be a championship contender in 2015 wherever he races.
2. Dylon Wilson
Dylon Wilson’s breakout season in a Limited Late Model consisted of wins at two very difficult tracks – Hickory Motor Speedway and Wake County Speedway. Wilson had to beat some tough competition to score victories. Along with his Limited Late Model efforts, Wilson also ventured out in a Straight Rail car, attempting to make the field for the Snowflake 100. Wilson’s got more wins in his future and will be a driver to watch in 2015.
1. Andrew Grady
There’s little debate as to who belongs at the top of this list. Andrew Grady’s 2014 season was the epitome of a breakout season. Grady wasted no time scoring victories by sweeping the season opening doubleheader at Wake County Speedway, beating out Bradley McCaskill and Clay Jones to do so. He then took his winning ways to Southern National Motorsports Park where he scored five wins in their Limited Late Model division – more than any other driver at the track. Grady was on fire all season long. When he didn’t win, he was challenging for the win. The only thing missing from his 2014 season was a championship… something that may very likely be in his future.
