DILLON, SC :: Nearly 100 cars took to the track for the fourth annual News Years 300 at ASA-sanctioned Dillon Motor Speedway on Saturday, January 4.
James Swan, a Wisconsin native, took the checkered flag in the $2,000 to win Street Stock feature which featured a strong 34-car field. The win marked Swan’s first victory at the speedway. In last year’s edition of the event, Swan was in contention to win but ran out of fuel, ending his chances for a victory.
After the halfway break on lap 50, second place driver Sonny Schoffen suffered a mechanical issue that forced him to retire from the event. Schoffen and Swan dominated the first half of the race. In the closing laps, Swan was challenged by runner-up finisher and local racer Wayne Locklair, but in the end, he was able to hold on for the victory. Curtis Peeples finished third, followed by Cooper Faison and Brian Thomas.
Kevin Pierce also captured his first victory at Dillon Motor Speedway when he took the checkered flag in the Mini Stock Mayhem feature this past weekend. Former track champion, Kevin Jackson finished a close second. Michael Wells appeared to have the car to beat, but on a restart while leading on lap 18, Wells encountered an issue that forced him to the back of the pack. Wells was able to regroup for a strong third place finish. Bailey Miles finished fourth, and Andrew Sanders rounded out the top-five.
Duane Walker who’s no stranger to Victory Lane dominated the Pure Stock Four feature. The race saw many cautions and was cut short due to time. Bobby Tumbleston, Sr. finished second, while local competitor Andy Norton , Bobby Tumbleston and Kayla Dean rounded out the top-five.
Michael O’Brien visited Victory Lane for the first time at Dillon Motor Speedway on Saturday night after winning the Charger feature. Bobby June from Darlington, S.C. had a dominating lead in the closing laps, but as they dissipated, O’Brien started to close the gap. O’Brien was able to get around June, and while the two drivers exited turn four for the final time, June made one last move but came up just short by mere feet. Third place finisher Robbie Disher had a front row view of the breathtaking finish and almost capitalized on the sideways car of June. Tom Sauls finished fourth and Jeff Melton finished fifth.
Next up on the schedule for Dillon Motor Speedway is the Pro All-Star Series, South Carolina Clash 150 on Saturday, March 8.