Nolan Pope put together his best race of his season on Saturday night, earning a runner-up finish in the PRA Tours super late model feature at Hickory Motor Speedway.
Pope started eighth in his No. 34 Lee Faulk Racing super late model, but quickly marched his way to the front of the race by the 30th circuit. He stayed at the front of the field for most of the race, only to give up the lead on lap 119 shortly after a slower car cut down on him as Pope attempted to move around him.
That cost Pope a lot of time, opening the door for Kodie Conner to get by. The 21-year-old tried his best to hang with Conner, but he was forced to settle for a runner-up result at the historic facility.
“We had an incredible race car tonight,” said Pope, who led more than 80 laps in the 125-lap race that ran without a caution period. “We made our way to the lead really quick and led most of the race. I’m not sure if Kodie would have caught us or not if it weren’t for the lap car, but it was still a great race and something we can build off of going forward.”
Pope’s crew chief Nick Hughes gave the young gun high marks for his race Saturday night at Hickory Motor Speedway.
“I was really impressed with Nolan’s performance tonight,” Hughes said. “Coming from eighth to take the lead as quickly as he did showed how good he is. He didn’t win, but he learned a lot and brought the car home in one piece. It’s a good day when you’re upset about finishing second.”
Pope gave ample credit to Lee Faulk Racing and Development for bringing a strong car to the race track Saturday evening.
“Thanks to everyone at Lee Faulk Racing for giving me a great race car. Nick had the car rolling in the corners tonight,” Pope said. “Michael and Lee Faulk always give me great race cars. Thanks to my mom and dad for believing in me and thanks to Tonya and her staff at MPM Marketing for everything they do for me.”
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