Helton opens 2024 Kingsport Speedway season with Late Model win
KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) – Fans from across the region sat in the stands and lined the fences at the Kingsport Speedway on Saturday night, as seven classifications of racing kicked-off a new season at The Concrete Jungle.
Pioneers split with Bulldogs; Milligan swept by TWU on Saturday
The Late Model Feature race closed down the evening at the 3/8th-mile track – and by the end of the 75 laps, a familiar face stood in victory lane.
Model City native, Keith Helton, opened the season with a convincing win, just as he did to start 2023. The NASCAR Weekly Series Tennessee state champion gave credit to his crew for their tire management in the victory.
“Man, it sets the tone for the season,” he said after the race. “That’s what you really want to do.”
But, Helton was racing for more than just himself on Saturday night on the concrete oval.
“This one we were kind of racing with a heavy heart – we lost Drew Nelms over the winter and he helped us win a championship with him back in ’22 here driving for Jerry Lane,” he explained. “That’s why we ran the No. 4 today instead of the typical No. 29 that I run. So, it sets a tone for the year and it’s awesome to pay respect to somebody that meant so much to so many people.”
Kingsport native Derek Lane finished the night in second place, while local racing legend, Brad Teague, placed seventh.
In the Street Stock Feature race, Fall Branch’s Daniel McMurray sped to victory in the “0?’ car. Rob Austin and Jamie Meadows, both of Castlewood, Virginia, finished in second and third, respectively.
Brandon Sutherland (Johnson City, TN) placed first in the Pure 4 Feature race, after starting at the very back of the field in 19th.
Kevin Canter (Abingdon – Mod 4), Greg Bohanon (Asheville – Super Street), James Ramsey (Burnsville – Crown Vic) and Justin Wright (Kingsport – Beginner FWD) also earned victories in their respective classes.
You can see the full results, here.
Racing will continue at Kingsport Speedway on Friday, April 12.
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