News

(Concord, NC - November 2nd, 2024) - John Ruggiero Jr. has claimed his second Short Track World Championship, leading the final 24 laps of the main event on Saturday night at the Dirt Track at Charlotte. Ruggiero Jr.’s victory marks him as one of the elite competitors in the event’s history, joining the ranks of only two other drivers to win the championship multiple times.

The race began with a strong performance from Bubba Roling, who seized the lead from pole-sitter Colby Quik right out of the gate. Roling maintained his advantage for the first six laps before a pivotal moment on lap seven changed the race’s trajectory. As Roling drifted up the racetrack in turns three and four, Ruggiero Jr. seized the opportunity, maneuvering past to take the lead.

Once in front, Ruggiero Jr. maintained his lead with speed, ultimately finishing strong and solidifying his position as a formidable force in short track racing. “This win goes to all the Longhorn guys for all their hard work” Ruggiero Jr. said in a post-race interview. This victory is especially significant for Ruggiero Jr., as it marks his second Short Track World Championship win, with his first title secured in 2021. He now stands alongside Micheal Brown (2018 and 2019) and Trent Ivey (2022 and 2023) as the only drivers to achieve this feat.

Championship Saturday at The Dirt Track at Charlotte kicked off with the Rogers-Dabbs Performance Parts Crate Racin' USA Dirt Late Model Series showcasing three Rogers-Dabbs Chevrolet B-Mains, setting the stage for an unforgettable main event during the 9th Annual World Short Track Championship.

In B-Main number 1, Travis Steele from Clover, SC, showcased his skills, capturing the checkered flag and securing his spot in the championship feature. Dalton Jacobs of Reidsville, NC, made an impressive charge from the seventh starting position, finishing strong to join Steele in the main event lineup.

B-Main number 2 saw Newton, NC’s Ricky Greene rise to the occasion. After an early encounter with Brock Pinkerous, Greene managed to hold the top spot, with Brent Trimble from Morgantown, WV, clinching the second and final transfer spot after a fierce battle on the track.

The excitement continued in the third and final Rogers-Dabbs Chevrolet B-Main, where current series points leader Jimmy Thomas from Phenix City, AL, displayed his prowess by claiming the win. He was joined by Jacob Brown of Gaffney, SC, who also secured his spot in the main event, further intensifying the competition for the night.

Race 15 of 2024 - The Dirt Track at Charlotte (11/2/24)
1-00R John Ruggiero Jr.-Lincolnton, NC
2-2S Layton Sullivan-Gaffney, SC
3-G4 Trent Ivey-Union, SC
4-22 Jeremy Steele-York, SC
5-515 Bubba Roling(R)-Clay Hill, FL
6-5 Colby Quick-Salisbury, NC
7-22 Jimmy Thomas-Phenix City, AL
8-55 Benji Hicks-Mount Airy, NC
9-98 Matt Dooley-Brooks, GA
10-48 Hunter Kohn-Mooresville, NC
11-32 Ethan WilsonFayetteville, NC
12-11 Joey Warren-Georgetown, DE
13-23 Beckham Malone-Rock Hill, SC
14-7J Dalton Jacobs-Reidsville, NC
15-24 Jacob Brown-Gaffney, SC
16-88 Dalton Dowdy-Madison, AL
17-21 Mario Gresham-Rome, GA
18-22 Matt Henderson-Lenoir City, TN
19-5S Travis Steele-Clover, SC
20-6 Dillon Brown-Gaffney, SC
21-127 Austin Yarbrough-Little River, SC
22-66 Jody Knowles-Tyrone, GA
23-45 Nathan Dallas-Kannapolis, NC
25-78 Blake Pryor-Mooresboro, NC
26-P4 John Price-Mill Spring, NC
27-1B Brent Trimble-Morgantown, WV
28-18 Ricky Greene-Newton, NC
Car Count: 60

Lap Leaders:
00 John Ruggiero Jr. - 24
515 Bubba Roling - 6

ATC Bolts & Fasteners - Hard Charger:
22 Jimmy Thomas (+14) 21st to 7th

STAKT by CV Racing Products - Fastest Qualifier:
Trent Ivey - Union, SC | 16.210

Chevrolet Performance Heat Races:
H1 - John Ruggiero Jr.-Lincolnton, NC
H2 - Bubba Roling(R)-Clay Hill, FL
H3 - Austin Yarbrough-Little River, SC
H4 - Layton Sullivan-Gaffney, SC
H5 - Trent Ivey-Union, SC
H6 - Colby Quick-Sailsbury, NC

Rogers Dabbs Chevrolet B-main winners:
B1 - Travis Steele-Clover, SC
B2 - Ricky Greene-Newton, NC
B3 - Jimmy Thomas-Phenix City, AL

CRUSA National Points (Charlotte)

1. Jimmy Thomas-Phenix City, AL | 1256 (-)
2. Matt Dooley(R)-Brooks, GA | 1190 (-66)
3. Matt Henderson-Lenoir City, TN | 1174 (-82)
4. Bubba Roling(R)-Clay Hill, FL | 1160 (-96)
5. Mario Gresham-Rome, GA | 1144 (-112)
6. Braden Mitchell(R)-Russellville, AL | 890 (-366)
7. Josh Ray(R)-Byhalia, MS | 780 (-476)
8. Jake Knowles-Rome, GA | 754 (-502)
9. Bryson Mitchell-Russelville, AL | 574 (-682)
10. Tyler Millwood-Kingston, GA | 556 (-700)

Cruise with the Champion - Rookie of the Year Points

1. Matt Dooley(R)-Brooks, GA | 1190 (-)
2. Bubba Roling(R)-Clay Hill, FL | 1160 (-30)
3. Braden Mitchell(R)-Russellville, AL | 890 (-300)
4. Josh Ray(R)-Byhalia, MS | 780 (-410)

Next Series Race:
Round 16 of 2024
November 22 - 23
Needmore Speedway / Norman Park, GA
13th Annual Early Bird 50

For rules and information on both the Rogers Dabbs Performance Parts Crate Racin' USA Dirt Late Model Series (604 Late Models) visit our website at www.crateracinusa.com or email us at crateracinusa@gmail.com.

Crate Racin' USA would like to thank it's marketing partners Rogers Dabbs Performance Parts , Chevrolet Performance, Hoosier Racing Tire, VP Racing Fuels, VP Racing Lubricants, KRC Power Steering, Knowles Race Parts and Bodies, Willy's Carb & Dyno Shop, LLC, Competition Racing Equipment, Cruise with the Champions, Savage Chassis, BMF Race Cars, Velocita by Melissa Markewitz , Eagle Racing Engines, Hickman Manufacturing, ATC Bolts & Fasteners, and Sin City Bail Bonds.

Photo Credit: Rhonda Beck (Beckracingmedia)