EASTABOGA, Ala. (July 2) — Extending his current points lead on the Newsome Raceway Parts Crate Racin’ USA Dirt Late Model Series and in the midst of a season that has just produced back-to-back victories through the touring circuit’s first 11 events, Maryville, Tenn., driver Jason Welshan rolled to victory lane Saturday night at Talladega Short Track in a 50-lap contest that served as the second night of the Salute to America Nationals weekend on the Adam Stewart-managed organization.
Fresh off his biggest-career victory in the prestigious $10,000-to-win J.T. Kerr Memorial held June 25 at 411 Motor Speedway in Seymour, Tenn., Welshan arrived ready and established a two-race win streak with a $5,000 score in the holiday weekend event that was held one night after the touring circuit’s visit to Moulton (Ala.) Speedway.
Welshan was the fastest qualifier with a lap clocked at 14.736 seconds, which edged his friend, teammate and business associate Jake Knowles, who tripped the clocks at 14.838 seconds. Using the touring circuit’s procedures that allows the fastest qualifier to have lane choice for the start, Welshan chose the top groove and Knowles had to start from the pole.
Heed the First-Lap Rush
Welshan nabbed the point in the hectic leader-take-all rush into the first corner, and was never passed at the high-banked oval on the way to the winner’s circle over Logan Palmer, who slipped past Knowles to gain the runnerup slot. That pass relegated the Rome, Ga., driver to a third-place finish in a 24-car field ahead of Ashley Newman and T.J. Brittain in the event for competitors utilizing Chevrolet Performance 604 engines in their Late Model-type machines.
Midsummer temperatures baked the oval and the track wasn’t offering much leniency when it comes to racing room, and the two front-row starters knew the opening green flag was going to be a vital cog in the potential outcome.
“We both knew we had to get the lead, because we both felt that was possibly gonna decide the outcome,” Welshan said. “It was everything tonight. We talked before the race, because it’s hard racing with someone when you’re also trying to do good for them in the sport. We’re both driving my cars [Savage Race Cars], and it’s very difficult racing against your buddy and your partner. I’m just glad we had two of the top three finishers tonight driving our cars.”
Knowles, winless this season on the circuit but still holding down third place in the points standings, knew that getting the jump on Welshan would be tough from the inside lane.
“We both knew we had to drive in there for all it was worth, but the outside gives you an advantage here, and you don’t wanna take each other out on the first lap,” Knowles said.
Welshan led Knowles for much of the race, and the second-generation competitor kept the race leader honest. He tossed a couple look-at-me challenges at the race leader, and caught Welshan’s attention a time or two.
“I kept driving the car in there harder and harder every lap,” Welshan said. “The car would slip a little bit off turn two, and one time I was too far up on the banking looking down at Jake [Knowles] underneath me, and I figured we might be in trouble there. Fortunately we didn’t get passed.”
Much Thanks to the Crew
Appearing to have suddenly found a midsummer stride, Welshan said his recent success was a result of hard work both at the track and back at the shop. Savage Race Cars continues to expand its customer base, and the steadily-growing business keeps Welshan and his dedicated group of volunteers and full-time help working some crazy hours just to keep pace.
“We’ve gone through the car recently, and we have a fresh hot rod right now,” Welshan said. “The car would respond, and we just went through it from bumper to bumper. I think it’s feeling like a turning point in our season with these two wins in a row, or at least we hope so. If you don’t maintenance these cars, they won’t keep running well and performing for you. If you’re not running on the edge with ‘em, then you need to make a change.”
A sometimes-round-the-clock schedule has Welshan trying to race competitively while operating a business that is threatening to grow faster than its staff can keep pace, and right now it’s working well for the veteran driver. He gives credit to a dedicated staff—both paid and volunteers—who work with him.
“I’ve got Brett Dukes and Dink Dankins back at the shop working full time on these race cars, and those guys are awesome,” Welshan said. “It takes a lot off a person when you have good help. I probably don’t let ‘em know like I should, but those guys are taking a lot of stress off me right now.”
Knowles faced a bit of stress late in the race, and it cost him a second-place showing.
“I guess tonight you could say we had a decent second-place car,” Knowles said. “Late in the race the guy running third came across my nose on a restart in turn one, and we had to back out to keep us both racing. We’re high in the points, but at this stage of the season I felt like you’ve got to keep those points in mind."
Sponsors and Schedules
Welshan’s Hux Motorsports-fielded Savage Chassis carried sponsorship from J.J. Trucking & Excavating, DGR, Competition Racing Equipment, Team Huskey Logistics, Matlock Decal Co. and C&J Trucking.
The touring circuit’s next event will be the Ray Miller Memorial scheduled July 21-23, 2023, at Golden Isles Speedway in Waynesville, Ga. The event held to honor the founder of the highly-popular National Late Model Sportsman Series will pay $10,000 to the winner.
About Crate Racin’ USA
The economical Chevrolet Performance 602 and 604 Circle Track Engine is utilized by competitors in the various divisions presented by Crate Racin’ USA. It’s in stock and available from Newsome Raceway Parts in Hartsville, S.C.
Each engine is built and sealed at the factory to prevent any expensive modifications. To place an order, call 1-877-497-3624.
For more information and rules, visit the organization’s website at www.crateracinusa.com, or follow our extensive social media programs on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Newsome Raceway Parts, a division of Raceway Chevrolet in Hartsville, S.C., is the title sponsor of Crate Racin’ USA. E-Z-GO Golf Carts is the title sponsor of the third-year E-Z-GO $100,000+ Challenge.
Chevrolet Performance is an official sponsor of the organization, along with Advanced Laser & Machine, Cruise with the Champions, Hoosier Racing Tire, KRC Power Steering, Knowles Race Parts and Bodies, My Race Pass, VP Racing Fuels and Lubricants and Willy’s Carburetors.
Official chassis sponsors include Warrior Race Cars, Rocket Chassis and CVR Race Cars.
Salute to America Nationals: 1. Jason Welshan, 2. Logan Palmer, 3. Jake Knowles, 4. Ashley Newman, 5. T.J. Brittain, 6. Oakley Johns, 7. J.T. Seawright, 8. Jeff Helms, 9. Jimmy Thomas, 10. Jimmy Elliott, 11. Luke Bennett, 12. Jake Herrell, 13. Tanner Collins, 14. Caden Mullinax, 15. Matthew Brocato, 16. Jeremy Pate, 17. Jake Rainey, 18. Seth McCormack, 19. Adam Gauldin, 20. Austin Horton, 21. Jason Markewitz, 22. Tim Busha, 23. Tyler Millwood, 24. Randall Beckwith.
Crate Racin’ USA Dirt Late Model Series (current points): 1. Jason Welshan, 696; 2. Jimmy Thomas, 668; 3. Jake Knowles, 650; 4. Jake Rainey, 628; 5. Tanner Collins, 593; 6. Randall Beckwith, 590; 7. Matthew Brocato, 8. Jason Markewitz, 498; 9. Jeremy Pate, 494; 10. Zach Shelton, 324.
Fast qualifier: Jason Welshan, 14.838 seconds
Lap leaders: Welshan 1-50.
Cautions: 6
B-main winners: Jimmy Thomas, Jake Rainey.