CHARLOTTE, NC :: For the first time this season, the Pro All Stars Series (PASS) Pro Late Models will be the featured division as they headline the First Citizens 200 Saturday night at Dillon Motor Speedway. The 4/10 mile, egg-shaped layout of the Dillon Motor Speedway is a tough challenge to even the most experienced racer and the competition is certainly aware of that factor heading into this weekend. In less than two years though, the PASS Pro Late Models has proven to be one of the country’s top divisions for racers looking to make the step up into a touring division. Already this year, drivers like Tate Fogleman, Cole Timm, Jody Measamer, and Karl Weber have shown glimpses of their potential in the PASS South Super Late Model division thanks in large part to their time racing with the PASS Pro Late Models.
Harrison Burton and Trevor Noles have both found success this season in the PASS Pro Late Models, finishing first and second respectively at Dillon back in March. Since then, Noles has gone on to record three PASS Pro Late Model wins and has become one of the hottest commodities in short track racing. Additionally, Noles made his PASS South Super Late Model debut in the Coulter Motorsports #2 at Southern National Raceway Park where he finished ninth and followed that up by leading laps at South Boston Speedway and finishing 12th. Noles says he is looking forward to showcasing his talent further this weekend at Dillon as the PASS Pro Late Models step into the spotlight.
“I’m looking forward to it, it’s going to be different for sure,” said Noles. “It was definitely surprising back in March how well [Harrison] Burton ran. I figured they’d be good, but hopefully we can go back there and show them up. It should be a good battle for sure.”
Harrison Burton certainly has an affinity for Dillon Motor Speedway following his big win there to open the season. Being the son of veteran racer Jeff Burton and the nephew of 2002 Daytona 500 winner Ward Burton could be quite stressful for a young man, but so far, the stress has not shown on Harrison. Perhaps the biggest stress for the 12-year-old racer has been the adjustment in moving from the smaller, less powerful Quarter Midget machine to the faster, heavier PASS Pro Late Model.
“I definitely have learned to try and be consistent and to hit my marks,” said Burton of his learning curve. “I think that’s one of the hardest parts about Dillon is to try and hit your marks and go fast. It’s a very fun track to run at and we’re definitely looking forward to going back to try and defend our win.”
In addition to the PASS Pro Late Models, the CCS Modifieds, CCS Legends, Supertrucks, and Street Stocks will all be in action this weekend at Dillon Motor Speedway as part of the First Citizens 200. Gates will open Saturday at 2:30 PM, with rotating practice at 4:30 PM, qualifying at 6:30 PM, and racing at 8 PM.