BRL OUTLAWS S37 R1 Recap

28 September 2024
Bootleg Racing League | Season 37 | Opening Round
Outlaw Modified Series | North Wilkesboro Speedway

On Saturday, September 28th, the Bootleg Racing League’s Outlaw SK Modified Invitational Series kicked off its 37th season at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Bruce Pearson of Loose Luggs Racing started from pole position, with Tom Hilbert lining up alongside him. The season opener saw early action, as a caution flew on the first lap due to contact between Joe Segalla and Hilbert, shaking up the order.

When racing resumed, a fierce battle for second place ensued between John Heyn and Donny Moore. Moore, running the inside line, managed to defend his position, and soon the field settled into a single-file run with Pearson still leading the way. Moore, pressuring Pearson from behind, waited patiently for an opportunity. On lap 25, that opportunity arrived, and Moore dived low under Pearson to seize the lead. Pearson, however, quickly slotted back into second before Heyn could take advantage of the shuffle.

Behind the leaders, Todd Liston and Kurt Smith were locked in a battle for fourth, but contact between the two coming out of turn 2 triggered a multi-car incident, collecting much of the field and bringing out another caution. As the race transitioned into its second half, Moore continued to set the pace with Heyn hot on his heels. Meanwhile, Matt Hoose, charging through the field, reached Heyn’s bumper and applied pressure for second. In an attempt to make a pass, Hoose got loose, sliding through the grass and losing several positions, dropping to seventh place.

The green flag run continued as Heyn pursued Moore relentlessly, while Pearson tangled with Adam Schoen on lap 61, once again slowing the action. In the final 10 laps, Moore seemed to have the race in control, holding a 0.7-second lead over Heyn. However, a late-race caution caused by Kurt Smith and Schoen’s collision erased Moore’s advantage, setting up a thrilling finish.

With the field bunched back together, Heyn aggressively chased Moore in the closing laps. As the white flag waved, Heyn got a perfect run down the backstretch and dove to the inside of Moore, forcing him up the track. Coming out of the final corner, the two drivers raced side by side to the line, with Heyn narrowly edging out Moore by a mere hundredth of a second to claim the victory.

The Bootleg Racing League will return next weekend for the second round of the season at Slinger Speedway on Saturday, October 5th, with the action going live at 7:40 PM ET, exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network!