BRL OUTLAWS S39 R1 Recap

22 March 2025
Bootleg Racing League | Season 39 | Round 1
Outlaw Modified Series | Martinsville Speedway

On Saturday, March 22nd, the Bootleg Racing League’s Outlaw SK Modified Invitational Series kicked off season 39 at Martinsville Speedway. Jeffrey Hardin led the field to the green flag from the pole, with Todd Liston lined up alongside him on the front row. Hardin controlled the early laps, fending off Liston’s advances, but the action was quickly slowed by an early caution. A string of failed restarts followed, as the tight confines of Martinsville led to stack-ups deeper in the field.

Once the race finally found its rhythm, Hardin continued to lead as racing resumed on lap 42. James Lowe had methodically climbed through the pack and, on the latest restart, overtook Tre Blohm to claim second place. As the field settled into a long green flag run, the battle for the lead intensified. Lowe stayed glued to Hardin’s rear bumper, matching his every move as the two drivers began to separate themselves from the pack.

Further back, Blohm found himself in a fierce battle for third as Todd Cousins searched for a way around. On lap 62, Cousins made a bold move to the inside, but the attempt backfired when Jason Menda capitalized on the opening, diving low and initiating a hard-fought battle for fourth. Contact between Menda and Cousins added to the intensity, but Menda eventually gained the upper hand, clearing ahead as the laps ticked down.

At the front, Hardin was under immense pressure. His worn tires were making it difficult to hold his line, and Lowe was looking for any opportunity to pounce. Blohm, sensing the struggle, began to close the gap, bringing a trailing pack of cars with him. With just six laps remaining, Lowe made his move, getting a nose to the inside coming out of turn four. Hardin had no choice but to concede, and as soon as Lowe took control, Blohm wasted no time diving under Hardin to steal second place.

Lowe capitalized on the clean air and pulled away in the closing laps, taking the checkered flag and making an early statement to start the season. The Bootleg Racing League returns next Saturday, March 29th, at Hickory Motor Speedway. Catch all the action live at 7:40 PM ET, only on the Virtual Grip Network!