Theriault Triumphs at the Brickyard

Indianapolis, IN — The Red Light Racing Scrambler Series took to the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway for a high-stakes Round 13. This event served as the final cutoff race before the Round of 8, with James Skelton already locked into the next phase. A dozen drivers entered the 2.5-mile oval fighting for the remaining seven playoff spots in a race defined by drafting, tire management, and high-pressure pit strategy.

Trent Potter started the 60-lap, 90-mile event on the pole, but he was immediately challenged by Maxime Theriault, who took the lead by the end of the first lap. The early stages of the race saw a lead train of nearly 16 cars, where maintaining the draft was essential to avoid losing time. Precise driving was required through each of Indy’s four distinct corners to maintain momentum.

As the first fuel window approached around lap 15, Chris Hammett executed a bold undercut strategy, pitting early for fresh tires and fuel. This move allowed Hammett to cycle into a lead of over two seconds by lap 36, as those who stayed out longer, like Theriault and Zach Mitchell, lost ground on older rubber.

The race eventually boiled down to a tactical divide during the final round of pit stops. While Hammett’s early-pit strategy kept him in contention, Theriault’s raw pace allowed him to reel Hammett back in. In the final dash, the leaders split their strategies: Zach Mitchell and Trent Potter opted for two-tire stops to prioritize track position, while Maxime Theriault chose four fresh tires. Mitchell took the lead following the stops, but Theriault, armed with superior grip, began a relentless pursuit, erasing a 1.6-second gap in the closing laps.

The tension peaked in the final three laps as Theriault reached Mitchell’s bumper. Mitchell, fighting a car that was difficult to rotate, tried to block Theriault’s line, but a slight mistake coming off turn three on the penultimate lap gave Theriault the opening he needed. The two drivers engaged in a drag race to the white flag, where Theriault’s four-tire advantage proved decisive. Maxime Theriault claimed the checkered flag, followed by Zach Mitchell in second and Trent Potter in a solid third. Chris Hammett’s alternate strategy earned him a fourth-place finish, while James Skelton rounded out the top five.

While Theriault celebrated in victory lane, the drama intensified at the bottom of the standings. Connor Blasco and Ethan Troutman successfully secured their spots in the Round of 8. However, there was heartbreak for Luke Logan Allen, who finished sixth in the race but missed the playoff cut by a mere two points. Joining Allen in elimination were Geoffrey Souza, Tony Strano, and Kenny Allen.

Winner Maxime Theriault admitted he was surprised by his competitors’ two-tire gamble but felt confident his four-tire strategy would prevail. Second-place finisher Zach Mitchell acknowledged that the two-tire call was his only real shot at the win. Trent Potter echoed this sentiment, stating he was happy to secure a podium finish and advance in the championship. The series now moves on to the next round, with the top eight drivers set to battle at upcoming venues like Gateway and Five Flags Speedway.