MARYVILLE, Tenn. - After being rained out, froze out and even snowed out since March 13, the Old Man’s Garage Spring Nationals Series by Schaeffer’s Oil finally got back to racing action at Smoky Mountain Speedway in Maryville, Tenn., and Casey Roberts would come out victorious in his second career series win.
Roberts, of Toccoa, Ga., collected $6,000 for the victory while driving the Cushman Paint & Body and M&S Concrete sponsored Longhorn Chassis. Roberts crossed the line ahead of Jimmy Owens, Dale McDowell, Mike Marlar and thirteenth starting Chris Madden.
Roberts and Tommy Kerr brought the field down to the green flag for the start of the 50-lapper with Kerr jumping to the lead down the back chute. Roberts would tuck into second spot while fast qualifier Mike Marlar held down the third spot. By the fourth lap, Madden would work his way up three spots to the tenth position and would close on the ninth spot.
On the seventh lap, Austin Smith would slowly make his way around the third and fourth corner and exit the speedway, ending his night. The next lap, Kerr’s lead would shrink to two car lengths as lapped traffic would slow the Maryville, Tenn. driver and allow Roberts to close in. On lap 10, third place runner Mike Marlar would brush the wall in turn one but would regain his composure and hold the third position over McDowell.
On lap 11, Roberts would make his move on the low side coming off turn two and take the lead. Five laps later, Roberts held an eight car length advantage over the second place car.
Following a caution, McDowell would make the inside move on Kerr to take the second position on lap 19 while Roberts continued to stretch his lead. Meanwhile, former Modified aces Marlar and Jimmy Owens battled for the fourth spot, swapping the position numerous times for about ten laps. Owens would complete the pass on the 30th circuit and set his sights for the third spot of McDowell.
As the laps wound down, Owens and McDowell fought for the second spot, with Owens taking the position with just six laps to go. Up front, Roberts would cross the finish line with nearly a full second advantage to score the win.
The Old Man’s Garage Spring Nationals Series will return to action next week with a double-header in East Tennessee. On Friday, May 1, the series will race at the Cleveland Speedway in Cleveland, Tenn. for the $4,000-to-win “Spring Fling.” On Saturday, May 2, the series will roll into Tazewell Speedway in Tazewell, Tenn. for a $6,000-to-win event.
For more info, visit SouthernNationalsSeries.com.
Old Man’s Garage Spring Nationals Series
Smoky Mountain Speedway – Maryville, TN
Tennessee Tipoff Classic – April 25, 2015
1. Casey Roberts-Toccoa, GA
2. Jimmy Owens-Newport, TN
3. Dale McDowell-Chickamauga, GA
4. Mike Marlar-Winfield, TN
5. Chris Madden-Gray Court, SC
6. Donald McIntosh-Dawsonville, GA
7. Billy Ogle Jr.-Knoxville, TN
8. Roger Best-Louisville, TN
9. Jeff Wolfenbarger-Clinton, TN
10. Mark Dotson-Cameron, MO
11. Joey Coulter-Concord, NC
12. Ryan King-Seymour, TN
13. Stacy Boles-Clinton, TN
14. Skylar Marlar-Winfield, TN
15. Tommy Kerr-Maryville, TN
16. Chris Wilson-Crossville, TN
17. Chad Ogle-Sevierville, TN
18. David Payne-Murphy, NC
19. Skip Arp-Georgetown, TN
20. David Crabtree-Maryville, TN
21. Mark Vineyard-Powell, TN
22. Jason Welshan-Maryville, TN
23. Austin Smith-Cedartown, GA
Time of Race: 30 minutes, 29 seconds.
Margin of Victory: 00.932 seconds
Yellow Flags: Five (laps 19, 42, 42RS, 44, 44RS)
Red Flags: None
Lap Leaders: Kerr (1-11) Roberts (12-50)
