OBRL CUP SERIES S8 R16 Recap

15 June 2025
OBRL Presented by VCTRYLNSPRTS | Season 8 | Round 16
YesterYear Cup Series | Kentucky Speedway

The OBRL YesterYear Racing Cup Series rolled into Kentucky Speedway for round 16 of the season, and what unfolded was one of the most unpredictable and strategy-heavy races of the year — all thanks to the debut of a brand-new tire model that left teams and drivers guessing from green flag to checkers.

From the drop of the green, it was clear this race wouldn’t follow the usual script. Tom Ogle slowed dramatically on the outside lane, bunching up the field and allowing Andrew Kotska to make a quick jump through traffic. But by lap 9, chaos had already erupted. Lloyd Moore lost control off turn four, spinning across the track and collecting Chris Bates in the process. Bates, who came in flirting with the playoff cutoff, saw his night go up in smoke far too early. Despite the drama, few cars opted to pit — likely banking on durability and long-run strategy with the new tires.

Cortney Nelson was the class of the field early. He took command before the first set of green flag stops, stretching his lead with surgical precision. The new tire model gave him an edge — until it didn’t. Around lap 37, Jerry Isaacs was battling for second when he lost the rear end and scraped the wall, prompting an early green flag stop. Just a few laps later, Nelson himself got loose exiting the backstretch. He spun down pit road, made an illegal entry, and had to serve a costly penalty that erased his dominant start.

That opened the door for defending champion Josh Robinson, who had quietly worked his way forward. He took over the lead just as the first round of scheduled pit stops began around lap 50. Behind him, Andrew Kotska tried to play the long game, staying out in hopes of catching a caution to get back on the lead lap — but that gamble backfired. On lap 78, he clipped the outside wall and had to pit, dropping him even farther behind. Not long after, James Hislop — who needed a win to keep his championship hopes alive — spun through the grass and also made an illegal pit entry, earning a lap penalty of his own.

As the race transitioned into its second half, the intensity ramped up. Worn tires and tight packs made every lap a test of patience. Just after lap 110, a lap car spun out, bringing out a much-needed caution. While several mid-pack drivers pitted for fresh tires, the leaders — including Robinson and a rebounding Nelson — stayed out. And that set the stage for a white-knuckle finish.

With ten to go, Robinson was stalking Nelson, who was beginning to struggle for grip on the corner exits. With five laps left, the pass came — clean and clinical. Robinson moved to the inside, got the run, and cleared Nelson down the backstretch. Nelson, desperate to respond, pushed hard — maybe too hard — and spun once more, sealing the victory for Robinson.

When the checkered flag waved, it was Josh Robinson standing tall with another win, reminding the field why he wears the crown. Nelson, despite the spin, still managed a strong showing, but his race was defined by what might have been. Jerry Isaacs and Tom Ogle rounded out the top five after navigating the tire wear and pit strategy puzzle better than most.

In the end, Kentucky reminded everyone just how challenging sim racing can be when new variables get thrown into the mix. The tire model kept things fresh, strategy mattered more than ever, and tire management separated the contenders from the pretenders.

With just a few rounds left before the playoffs, this one will be remembered as a turning point in the season — and a signature win for Robinson.