BRL OUTLAWS S36 R10 Recap

07 September 2024
Bootleg Racing League | Season 36 | Round 10
Outlaw Modified Series | Oswego Speedway

On Saturday, September 7th, the Bootleg Racing League’s Outlaw SK Modified Invitational Series made its highly anticipated debut at Oswego Speedway, marking the first time the series has visited the iconic track in BRL history. With only two rounds remaining in Season 36, the championship battle was heating up. Todd Liston entered the night with a slim 5-point lead over Donny Moore, making every position crucial as the season neared its conclusion.

Jeffery Hardin started from the pole, with Stephen Spies flanking him on the outside. As the green flag dropped, Spies got a strong start, staying side-by-side with Hardin through the first corner and showing early aggression as he eyed the lead. However, Hardin’s determination prevailed, forcing Spies to tuck into the 2nd position. Not long after, Kurt Smith made an impressive charge, overtaking Spies for 2nd place and setting his sights on Hardin, who continued to command the front.

Meanwhile, familiar names such as Bruce Pearson, Todd Liston, and John Wilson were steadily working their way up through the field, biding their time as they anticipated the race unfolding. Approaching the 20-lap mark, Spies regained the 2nd position from Smith and began to hunt down Hardin, while Moore and Lowell Jewell engaged in a fierce battle for 4th place behind them. The race settled into a rhythm with most drivers opting to run single file, likely conserving their cars and waiting for a potential caution that could reset the race.

As the laps ticked by, it became clear that Hardin was in full control, and the anticipated caution never materialized. Going into the second half of the race, Ricky Hardin, known for his strategic patience, decided it was time to make his move. He sliced through the field with precision, making up positions quickly in a determined charge towards the front.

Out front, Jeffery Hardin had Spies lingering in his mirrors, never more than a couple of car lengths back, keeping the pressure on and making Hardin’s job of navigating through the first wave of lap traffic even more challenging. The tension built as the race continued caution-free, and in the final 10 laps, Spies ramped up his pursuit, closing right onto Hardin’s bumper and looking for any opportunity to pounce.

Spies made several attempts to dive inside, trying to outbrake Hardin into the corners, but Hardin consistently shut the door, displaying calm defensive driving and refusing to make the mistake that Spies was banking on. With the laps dwindling, Spies took a few final peeks to the inside, but Hardin held his line, determined to keep the lead.

Coming around the final lap, Jeffery Hardin held steady, crossing the finish line to take a flag-to-flag victory in a caution-free race, showcasing a dominant performance in the BRL’s first-ever outing at Oswego Speedway. Spies finished close behind in 2nd, having pushed Hardin the entire race but unable to find the gap he needed to take the lead.

It was also a solid night for Todd Liston, who brought home a 4th place finish, extending his points lead over Donny Moore, who finished in 8th. With just one race remaining, Liston has put himself in a strong position heading into the season finale.

The Bootleg Racing League’s Outlaw SK Modified Invitational Series wraps up Season 36 next Saturday, September 14th, at Five Flags Speedway. Catch all the action live at 7:40 PM ET, exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network!