Crate Racin' USA entered a new era debuting title sponsorship from Brandon, Miss-based Rogers-Dabbs Performance Parts and Rogers Dabbs Chevrolet, and Will Roland of Jasper, Ga., became a first-time feature winner on the organization's Winter Shootout Series with a victory in the 33rd edition of the prestigious Ice Bowl held Jan., 6, 2024, at Talladega Short Track in Eastaboga, Ala.
Overnight rains delayed the start of the Saturday afternoon program by a little over two hours, and except for occasional difficulty with lapped traffic, Roland was never impeded during his flag-to-flag victory over a 24-car starting field of Chevrolet Performance 604 Circle Track Engines-powered machines in the 40-lapper at the high-banked oval.
After holding off early challenges from both Cory Hedgecock and Hayden Cardwell, as well as the late presence of both Tyler Millwood and Matt Henderson, the win that was accomplished aboard his BMF Race Cars entry was worth $4,000 as the nine-date Winter Shootout Series opened its ninth season at the Adam Stewart and David Miller-owned facility.
After Cardwell climbed the wall in the first and second turns and retired from contention, Roland was trailed to the finish by Millwood, who was 1.303 seconds behind at the conclusion, while Henderson wheeled a Rusty Webb Racing-fielded entry to a third-place finish over Hedgecock and Cruz Skinner. The latter competitor debuted as the driver of a Chip Vineyard-fielded CVR Race Cars entry.
Roland was also the fastest qualifier for the event while competing against a 36-car field. Sponsors on his machine included Roland Tire, Mountain Ridge Realty, RRR Investments, Pee Wee's Wrecker Service, Penske Racing Shocks, Base Racing Fuel, Hoosier Tires and Slicker Graphics.
CRUSA Dirt Late Models - Ice Bowl (Results): 1-Roland.Will 2-Millwood.Tyler 3-Henderson.Matt 4-Hedgecock.Cory 5-Skinner.Cruz 6-Hickman.Riley 7-Thomas.Jimmy 8-Hiett.Jason 9-Gresham.Mario 10-Knowles.Jake 11-Welshan.Jason 12-Herrell.Jake 13-Kay.David 14-Anderson.Tucker 15-Knowles.Jody 16-Cardwell.Baily 17-Stephens.Richie 18-Smith.Brian 19-Brookshire.Cade 20-Farmer.Red 21-Cardwell.Hayden 22-Brooks.Booger 23-White.Anthony(Jr) 24-Winge.John