The “Freedom 40″… It was a two night dirt track attack at Natural Bridge Speedway with big purses on the line. The $5000.00 Limited Late Model win prize was also backed with heat win money and support class prizes. The weekend of July 12-13 had the lights, and the action, turned on.
The Sportsman and Crate Late Models prepped the weekend with Friday night racing followed by open practices for the Saturday events. The evening drew in drivers and fans for a hot night of “tails out” racing. The winners from opening night were Bryce Viar in Sportsman and Braeson Fulton in the Crates.
For Saturday, that show brought more heat to the track even as the clouds cut drivers and fans a break from the direct heat of a July sun on overdrive. Street Stock, Pure Stock and Rookies drove the show as the Late Models ran heats and a 10 lap last chance advance.
The experience at Natural Bridge is keeping fans in the seats and a good roster of drivers and cars on the track. That was evident with the fans lining both hillsides to catch the action.
Hot lap practices set the stage for the evening. Qualifying also gave a hint for the racing ahead as the laps turned over with more fans coming in. An opening ceremony with USA Flags held up high as the Rookie class made honor laps for the National Anthem had everyone at attention.
The Late Model heats set the lineup for the later Main Event. The support races set off as the sun went below the horizon and the lights lit the track.
The Street Stocks ran their 20 once the LM heats were done. Bobby Thompson was chased by the others for the win. Howard Hall and Jesse Murray crossed second and third.
It was practically the same story for the Pure Stock as Bradick Wheeler ran the front for the 20 laps. The race was behind Wheeler as Robert Tyree and Jacob McCormick filled the top three.
The “race in” Late Model “B” Main ran quick enough followed by the Rookies. 15 laps of chasing and racing got a little rough in the final laps as Max Link managed to get up front for the win. Matthew Hamilton and Parker Flint rounded the top three.
The 40 lap Late Model Main Event turned laps on a crowded track. 24 cars and drivers were sideways and practically side by side but they were chasing Tyler Bare. The race behind Bare was a bit of a free for all for position but the fastest were in the top spots. Bare took the checkers with Russell Erwin and Justin Williams behind in second and third. Derick Quade and Joe Leavell rounded the top five.
Photos of Saturday, July 13 – Night Two of the “Freedom 40” at Natural Bridge Speedway
