OBRL CUP SERIES S8 R1 Recap

16 February 2025
OBRL Presented by VCTRYLNSPRTS | Season 8 | Round 1
YesterYear Cup Series | Daytona Int’l Speedway

The OBRL presented by VCTRYLNSPRTS kicked off Season 8 of the YesterYear Racing Cup Series on Sunday, February 16th, with a thrilling opener at Daytona International Speedway. Bill Martin started on the pole, but it was Chris Bates who controlled the early laps as the 50-car field settled into formation.

Green flag pit stops began on lap 43, but the cycle was disrupted when Lee Worsdell got loose exiting pit road, triggering a multi-car wreck and bringing out the caution. The incident trapped some drivers off the lead lap while allowing others to pit under yellow without losing position.

As racing resumed, Tom Ogle led the charge with help from Dale Copeland. The field remained tight until a long green flag run eventually split the pack into smaller groups. Defending champion Josh Robinson took control of the race with help from his teammates, forming a seven-car breakaway out front.

A well-executed green flag pit cycle on lap 85 kept Robinson and company in control, while Bruce Pearson attempted to stretch his fuel in hopes of a caution. The strategy didn’t pan out, and Robinson reassumed the lead as Pearson was forced to pit in the closing laps.

Coming to the white flag, Jerry Isaacs made a move to the outside of Robinson, shuffling the leader out of position. Mark Fisch and Isaacs battled side-by-side through the final corner, but with a push from Copeland, Fisch edged ahead at the line to take the victory for Team Miata. Copeland finished second, with Isaacs rounding out the podium.

The OBRL heads to Atlanta Motor Speedway for Round 2 next Sunday, February 23rd. Watch it live at 8 PM ET, only on the Virtual Grip Network!