Season finale taking place Friday night at Kingsport Speedway

By:
On:
In: Speedway News

Following months of action-packed racing action, the 2016 season comes to a close Friday, Aug. 26 at Kingsport Speedway.

The season finale event will be nothing short of a thrill, with championship titles still to be decided.

Of the championships yet to be determined, the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Late Model Stock Car division is arguably the most dramatic. Four drivers are in reach heading into the final event of the season.

With twin 35-lap Late Model races on tap for Friday night, Ronnie McCarty, Zeke Shell, Wayne Hale and Kres VanDyke are all in contention for the coveted title.

McCarty, with four wins on the season, leads the standings. The defending track champion’s most recent win was at the most recent event at “The Concrete Jungle” on Aug. 12.

Just a mere two points behind McCarty is Shell. Shell has been at the top of the leaderboard all season and has racked up three wins.

Hale hasn’t found his way into Victory Lane yet this season at Kingsport Speedway. But Hale has finished inside the top five in every event this season. Something his fellow competitors cannot claim.

Sitting back in fourth place, at only 22 points behind first is VanDyke. VanDyke has seven wins this season but a string of bad luck in the Aug. 12 event caused a hit to his points standings.

For those doing the math, that’s only 22 points separating the top four Late Model competitors. And with twin races taking place, any of the four could walk away with the crown.

One will be crowned victor and three others will walk away, waiting for next year.

But the Late Model division isn’t the only tight championship battle. In the Street Stock ranks, Chris Tunnell leads Paul Shull by just three points.

Both Tunnell and Shull can easily claim the division title. 

Billy Byington clinched the Pure 4 championship at the last event. Byington has seven wins heading into the final event of the season.

Kevin Canter ranks at the top of the Mod 4 division standings. Canter leads the standings by 23 points over second place Jerry Miller.

22 championship points separate Marty Tunnell and Dennis Arnold in the Pure Street division. Tunnell, who leads the standings, has four wins this season.

Friday’s season-ending race is one event that you don’t want to miss. With over 180 laps of racing taking place and multiple championships up for grabs, the event is sure to produce many unforgettable moments.

“It’s hard to believe that the season is coming to a close already,” said Karen Tunnell, Kingsport Speedway general manager and promoter. “We’ve had an absolutely thrilling season and this Friday night will be no different.”

“There are so many storylines as we close out the season, that you it’s difficult to list them all,” added Tunnell. “Championships are still up for the take, some drivers are looking for one more win and some are looking for their first win this season.”

“It’s sure to be intense and exciting,” exclaimed Tunnell. “And we can’t wait!”

Highlighting the event Friday is the Late Model Stock Car division with twin 35-lap feature. Street Stock, Pure 4, Mod 4, Pure Street and Legend Cars are also helping to close out the season.

Multiple actives are also planned for children. A Power Wheels race for children up to 8 years of age will take place just after qualifying. Children will also be able to ride around the track in race cars during pre-race festivities.

Following the last race of the evening, Kingsport Speedway will light up the sky with fireworks. The Toyota of Kingsport Fireworks Show will send the season out with a bang.

Grandstands are set to open at 5:30 p.m., qualifying begins at 7 p.m., pre-race activities are at 7:30 p.m. and racing gets underway at 8 p.m. Adult admission is $10 and children age 12 and under are admitted free. Tier parking along Turns 3 and 4 is available for $10 per vehicle plus admission.

KPS PR

Speedway Digest Staff
Follow Me
Latest posts by Speedway Digest Staff (see all)
Post Views: 41