The last chance race had its typical challenges. Every year, the LCQ makes this event one of the best all year. It is a “go big or go home” race because these drivers don’t believe in boundaries and will do everything in their power to make it into the top ten for advancement into the final race.
Nick Smith and Brendan Queen (commonly known as Butter Bean) had a constant battle for the lead until the very end. Nick Smith, however, had the upper hand and crossed the line first, capturing the checkered flag.
This race was plagued by cautions and red flags. Just past half-way, there was a nine car pile-up in turns three and four. As drivers brought their cars around to line back up, there was another accident under caution on the backstretch where Bryan Reedy drove over Jamie Sweeney. This brought out the 12 minute red flag.
Sweeney was not happy with Reedy. Sweeney exited his vehicle under caution, went over to Reedy, and voiced his opinion through Reedy’s safety net. No punches were thrown, but neither driver was able to continue throughout the race.
Multiple drivers that were involved in those incidences were brought to the infield care center, evaluated, and released including Bryan Reedy, Annabeth Barnes, Jamie Sweeney and Kevin Smith. Kevin Parker, who was also involved, was evaluated then later transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.
There were multiple single-car spins that brought out various cautions.
Coming out of turn four of the final lap, Justin Carroll nailed the outside wall coming into turn four which caused Michael Fose and Mark Keesee to crash on the frontstretch. Mark Keesee nailed the inside wall.
Those who advanced to the final were Nick Smith, Thomas Scott, Brendan Queen, Tyler Ankrum, Juan Garcia, Dillon Bassett, Dennis Holdren, Derrick Lancaster, Chad McCumbee, and Eddie Johnson.
