Huddled in the remote Pacific Northwest region, far disconnected from the “NASCAR World”, lies some of the toughest Super Late Model competition in the Country. One of the toughest tracks in the region is Evergreen Speedway, a multi-track facility running Super Late Models mainly on the 3/8ths mile low banked oval with a handful of races each season contested on the big 5/8ths mile oval.
Currently the only NASCAR sanctioned Speedway in Washington State, the Whelen All-American Series competitors meet here for a 13 race schedule to crown a track and state Champion. This year we’re going to expose you to some names you may not have ever heard of, but should have. Thus we bring you the first round of the 2016 Evergreen Speedway power Rankings.
Best of the Rest
Mike Holden – Despite holding the lead with only 5 laps to go in both of the Twin-50s, the 2-time Champion was unable to secure either win due in no part of his own. With finishes of 5th, 6th and 9th, Holden is clinging to hope early in the season. Strong runs and leading a combined 92 laps during the Twin-50s keeps Holden on the radar.
Scott LaCross – After a parts failure in the Season opener, “LaCrash” regained his composure with a 6th place and a 4th place in the Twin-50s. The #99 car is beginning to flex some muscle at Evergreen Speedway.
5 – Doni Wanat
Despite stumbling out of the gates this season, finishing 13th in the Season Opener and then 11th in race-1 of the Twin-50s Wanat roared back to win race-2 of the Twin-50s proving he belongs with the front runners at Evergreen Speedway. A little bit brutish at times, but look for the #89 car to regain the form they had late in the 2015 season.
4 – Tyler Tanner
Opening up his season with back to back top-5 finishes placed Tanner among the front runners at Evergreen Speedway. The only hiccup in the season so far is the 12th place finish in race-2 of the Twin-50 night. Tanner continues to quietly march his way through the season.
3 – Jeff Knight
The Knightrous Motorsports driver stormed into the season, winning the Season Opener in commanding fashion. Despite being checked off track with only a handful of laps left in race-1 of the Twin-50s, Knight came back to stand on the podium for race-2 of the Twin-50s. The new LFR chassis is proving to be a great steed for this Knight.
2 – Trenton Moriarity
Rookie sensation Moriarity shot out of the gates, wheeling his #12 machine to a 2nd place finish in the Season Opener at Evergreen Speedway, then followed it up with another 2nd place in race-1 of the Twin-50 night. Despite sitting in 2nd place with only five laps to go in race-2 of the Twin-50s, Moriarity had his third podium of the season taken from him when Wanat’s 3-wide bid for the lead ended the rookie’s stellar run. Thus far, if you’re looking for the #12 car, just look up front.
1 – Naima Lang
The current points leader has put his stamp on the early season, standing on the podium at Evergreen Speedway in each of the first three races. With one win during the Twin-50 night and a 2nd place finish in the other Twin-50 after finishing 3rd in the Season Opener, Lang has been quick to remind people why he’s a four-time Super Late Model Champion at the “Super Speedway of the West”.
Editor’s Note:
“Terrible” Tim McDougald is the driver of the #68 HayWire Racing / Mo-Dane Trucking / Clevenger Associates / Rev-Equip / Ringers Gloves Toyota Camry in the Whelen All-American Late Model series at Evergreen Speedway. Tim is the HayWire Racing team’s web site editor and Media Relations Director handling all team pr, media obligations and sponsor relations. Tim is an avid blogger, active Twitter (@TerribleTim68) and Facebook user and a published author. For more information about the team, visit http://www.haywire-racing.com.
