BRL Late Model Invitational S30R011 | New Smyrna Speedway

BRL Late models took off for the final round of Season 30 at New Smyrna Speedway. James Lowe had a commanding lead in the point standings and barring a massive catastrophe had the championship pretty much wrapped up with any finishing position in the race.

The thrilling Season 30 Round 11 kicked off with Kurt Smith and Jason Menda in the front row. Smith surged ahead at the start, leaving Menda trailing. Tom Hilbert, originally in 3rd, was shuffled outside and began to lose positions as Chris Davis capitalized on the opportunity to move up into 3rd place. By Lap 6, Menda had closed the gap on Smith, seeking a chance to overtake, while Davis remained close behind, making the competition fierce among the top three.

The first caution waved on Lap 20, leading to a restart on Lap 25 with Smith and Menda still battling in front. Smith once again launched effectively, but Menda managed to clear him for 2nd, as Davis and Todd Liston engaged in a fight for 3rd. Although Liston fought hard on the outside, Davis secured the position.

Another caution came out on Lap 27, and when racing resumed on Lap 31, Smith maintained his lead, but Davis seized an opportunity to dive inside Menda, only for Menda to defend his position. Caution again on Lap 33 halted the action. The race restarted on Lap 38, where a late start by Smith allowed Menda to grab 2nd while Davis settled back into 3rd to avoid contact.

Continuing the action, Lap 42 brought another caution, followed by a restart on Lap 46 where Smith started a bit earlier this time. Menda fell back into 2nd as Davis and James Lowe battled fiercely for 3rd. Menda encountered a setback on Lap 54, crashing into the wall and allowing Lowe to take 2nd, while Ruben Altice soon joined the fray, surging to challenge Menda for 3rd.

As Lap 70 approached, Lowe began to challenge Smith for the lead, but Smith held his ground. With just 25 laps remaining, Smith regained control, and with 13 laps left, Lowe made another push for the lead. However, Smith continued to dominate from the top line, fending off each attempt by Lowe.

With 5 laps to go, Lowe made one last bid to pass Smith, but Smith’s momentum was too strong. On the final lap, Smith successfully defended his position to claim victory in Season 30 Round 11 at New Smyrna Speedway. Ruben Altice secured the final podium spot in 3rd.

In a remarkable end to the season, James Lowe emerged victorious in the BRL Late Model Season 30 Championship. Congratulations to Lowe and all season champions!

Highlights

🏆 Kurt Smith wins the BRL Late Model Invitational Series Season 30 Round 11 race at New Smyrna Speedway.

🚀 Ruben Altice was the biggest mover, gaining 12 spots, racing from 15^th to 3^rd!

🏁 James Lowe wins the Season 30 BRL Late Model Invitational Championship!