BRL OUTLAWS S39 R2 Recap

29 March 2025
Bootleg Racing League | Season 39 | Round 2
Outlaw Modified Series | Hickory Motor Speedway

On Saturday, March 29th, the Bootleg Racing League’s Outlaw SK Modified Invitational Series rolled into Hickory Motor Speedway for round 2 of season 39. Kurt Smith started on the pole, securing a prime position at a track notorious for its tight racing and limited passing opportunities. Lining up alongside him was Todd Liston, ready to challenge for the lead as the green flag waved.

Smith wasted no time settling into the top spot while Liston tucked in behind him, holding onto second place. As the field sorted itself out, a gap quickly formed between the front-runners and the battle for third. John Wilson emerged from a side-by-side fight with Tim Corder to claim the position, but his hold was short-lived. Chris Haizlip was on the charge, methodically working his way forward before making his move past Wilson on lap 33 to take over third.

The long green-flag run played to Smith’s advantage, as he and Liston continued to extend their lead. By lap 75, their gap over the rest of the field had grown to nearly four seconds. However, that margin was erased when contact between Wilson and Jeffery Hardin sent Hardin spinning, bringing out the caution and tightening the field for a crucial restart.

As racing resumed with 20 laps to go, Haizlip’s night took a turn for the worse. A collision with Bruce Pearson sent both drivers hard into the outside wall, ending their races and bringing out another caution. With only 14 laps remaining, the pressure was on as the green flag dropped once more.

Smith continued his ironclad defense of the inside line, forcing Liston to attempt a daring move on the outside. For several thrilling laps, the two ran side by side, but Liston ultimately had to lift to prevent losing his position to Wilson, allowing Smith to regain control. With a flawless performance, Smith led every lap, taking the checkered flag in dominant fashion.

With two rounds in the books, James Lowe holds a narrow lead in the standings over Todd Cousins. The Bootleg Racing League heads to Five Flags Speedway next Saturday, April 5th, with all the action going live at 7:40PM ET, only on the Virtual Grip Network!