BRL LATE MODELS S27 R3 Recap

13 July 2024
Bootleg Racing League | Season 27 | Round 3
Late Model Series | Hickory Motor Speedway

On Saturday, July 13th, the Bootleg Racing League’s Late Model Invitational Series ran 100 laps at Hickory Motor Speedway. John Wilson started the night from the pole and dominated the early stages, taking advantage of the tight track where passing proved difficult, resulting in shorter green flag runs. Chris Haizlip and Adam Schoen engaged in a fierce battle for second place, trading positions with each restart, while Tom Hilbert watched patiently from fourth.

Twenty laps into the race, Schoen secured the second spot from Haizlip, and the top three began to build a gap ahead of Joe Segalla in fourth during the first longer green flag run of the night. Schoen gradually closed in on Wilson, aiming to challenge for the lead while the tires were still fresh enough to facilitate a relatively quick pass. Despite Schoen’s efforts, Wilson managed to defend his lead as the race approached the halfway point.

A caution disrupted the action, putting Wilson back under pressure as racing resumed on lap 56. Todd Liston quietly maneuvered into position to make a move for second off the restart, quickly tucking in behind Wilson. Liston’s move left the door open for Stephen Spies, who charged through to take the final podium spot. The front runners continued to chase each other, running single file as the laps quickly counted down.

On lap 69, Spies made his move, diving under Liston and swiftly taking the second spot before setting his sights on Wilson out front. With 23 laps to go, Spies stuck his nose down low, diving under Wilson and quickly taking control of the race lead, bringing Liston with him and knocking Wilson back to third. Liston kept the pressure on Spies in the final laps, but Spies successfully held onto the lead through a green-white-checkered (GWC) finish to claim the race win.

The Bootleg Racing League will be back next Saturday, July 20th, at Slinger Speedway for the next round. Catch all the action live at 9:10 PM ET only on the Virtual Grip Network!