BRL LATE MODELS S27 R2 Recap

29 June 2024
Bootleg Racing League | Season 27 | Round 2
Late Model Series | Thompson Speedway

On Saturday, June 29th, the Bootleg Racing League’s Late Model Invitational Series hosted the second round of season 27 at Thompson Speedway. Jeffrey Hardin from Loose Luggs started the night on pole, and a strong start helped him initially hold off Mike Holloway, who quickly closed in to keep the pressure on in the opening stages. The early laps featured several short green flag runs interrupted by quick cautions, making it somewhat easier for Hardin to maintain his lead.

Jeffrey Kemper showed significant speed, racing aggressively while conserving his tires, making him a legitimate threat for the win. Seventeen laps into the race, Kemper capitalized on a mistake from Holloway to claim second place, allowing Lowell Jewell to move up to third. Hardin held onto the lead, but Kemper soon closed in, looking for opportunities high and low to challenge him. Despite Kemper’s efforts, Hardin managed to fend him off, while John Heyn climbed into third to start pressuring Kemper.

Holloway, recovering from his earlier troubles, quietly moved back up toward the front, reclaiming third from Heyn. Kemper made a rare mistake on lap 38, going wide out of turn 4, allowing Holloway to move back up to second, with Heyn following into third. Kemper quickly recovered, holding onto fourth and staying within reach of Heyn.

As the race entered its second half, Hardin still led with Holloway close behind. Heyn battled Kemper for third but eventually tucked into fourth ahead of Jewell. Hardin and Holloway built a sizable gap over Kemper as Heyn’s renewed battle with Kemper slowed both drivers, putting the leaders over two seconds ahead with 40 laps to go. A caution soon after brought the field back together.

As the race approached its conclusion, Holloway and Kemper battled for second while Hardin began to pull away again. Just as it seemed Hardin would cruise to victory, a late-race caution set up a green-white-checkered (GWC) finish. Hardin got a great jump on the restart, pulling ahead of Kemper and Rubin Altice, who were now battling for second. Donny Moore pushed hard, rubbing doors with Altice in an attempt to take third.

In a shocking upset, coming out of the final corner, Moore, Altice, and Adam Schoen went three-wide and made contact, sending all three drivers into the grass. Todd Liston, who had been watching the battle from sixth place, slipped through the chaos to claim the final podium spot behind Hardin and Kemper.

The Bootleg Racing League will return after the Independence Day holiday for the next round at Hickory Motor Speedway on July 13th. Catch all the action live at 9:10 PM ET only on the Virtual Grip Network!