Harden Holds Off the Field at Myrtle Beach: A Defensive Masterclass

Myrtle Beach, SC — In a display of defensive mastery and tire management, Jeffery Hardin led every lap to capture the victory in Round 4 of the Bootleg Racing League Super Late Model Series at the virtual Myrtle Beach Speedway. The race was a grueling test of patience on a track surface described as evil due to its flat surface and lack of banking, forcing drivers to rely on trail braking and smooth throttle control.

The field was led to green by pole-sitter Jeffery Hardin, with Lowell Jewell starting on the outside of the front row. The action began almost immediately; on the very first lap, Todd Liston clipped the outside wall and was collected from behind by Luke Logan Allen. The resulting chain reaction involved Mark Hertzog, Adam Schoen, and Louis Flowers, the latter of whom sustained front-end damage that would plague him for the rest of the night.

After the initial caution, the race settled into a long green-flag run where tire conservation became the primary narrative. Hardin maintained a slim lead over Jewell, while Steve Hilbert held third under intense pressure from Ruben Altice. The difficulty of the high line at Myrtle Beach left drivers like Charles Roth and Tre Blohm stuck on the outside, unable to find a hole to drop into the preferred bottom lane. As the race passed the halfway mark, James Lowe began a methodical move through the field, eventually getting underneath Altice for a top-five position.

The second half of the race was marred by several cautions that bunched the field back together. One significant incident occurred when Adam Schoen got sideways after contact with Hertzog, ultimately clipping Kurt Smith and sending both around. Later, a multi-car wreck described as a parking lot broke out in the back of the pack, involving Hertzog, Luke Logan Allen, and Hilbert, while further back, John Wilson and Charles Roth also made contact.

The final quarter of the race set up a thrilling showdown between Jeffery Hardin and a charging James Lowe. Following the final restarts, Lowe moved into second and applied relentless pressure. Hardin, however, put on a masterclass in defensive driving, arcing high into the corners and diving to the bottom to prioritize exit speed and effectively widening his car. In the closing laps, Mark Hertzog—having recovered from his earlier incidents—closed in to turn the battle for the win into a three-car breakaway.

Despite the pressure, Jeffery Hardin never slipped up, maintaining his line until the checkered flag to win in a special livery dedicated to his nephew. James Lowe finished second, admitting that Hardin never gave him an opening, while Mark Hertzog rounded out the podium. The top five was completed by Lowell Jewell and a resilient Louis Flowers, who finished near the front despite extensive damage.