S24|R1 Late Model Invitational Recap

30 September 2023

Bootleg Racing League | Gargamel’s Kitchen Late Model Stock Invitational | New Smyrna Speedway

The commencement of Season 24 was marked by a lot of exhilarating race throughout the field. To begin the night, Mike Allen and Bruce Pearson started on the front row with a fast high line, which resulted in a thrilling start, but unfortunately, a caution was called on Lap 3 to fizzle out the early fireworks. The race resumed on Lap 7, with Allen and Pearson once again starting at the front. The top line continued to remain strong, leading to some great side-by-side racing until Lap 33. Pearson overtook Allen for the lead on Lap 23 and by Lap 39, Pearson and Bryan Dehn were leading the pack. A caution was called on Lap 41 due to a wreck. After a late caution flag was thrown with a big wreck in turn 4, Dehn took the lead.

Green flag racing resumed on Lap 47, with Dehn and Pearson leading the pack. The top 5 continued to engage in intense side-by-side racing, with Dehn leading by as much as a second until a caution was called on Lap 64. The race resumed on Lap 70 with Dehn and Spies leading, but unfortunately, another wreck on Lap 72 cut the green flag racing short. The race restarted on lap 78 with Dehn taking the lead on the restart. With 10 laps left, Dehn and Spies led the pack, with Dehn managing to drive away with a one-second lead. Aiden Young, Kenny Kibbey, and Stephen Spies battled it out for the podium spots. Dehn won the first round race after leading for 61 laps, with Young and Kibbey following in second and third place, respectively.

Round 2 of Season 24 will take place at Hickory Motor Speedway on October 7th at 8:55 ET, exclusively broadcasted on Virtual Grip Network. We invite you to join us for more thrilling racing in Gargamel’s Kitchen Late Model Invitational.