Worrell Wins Nashville Thriller: A 0.02-Second Drag Race at the Fairgrounds

Nashville, TN — Round 5 of the Bootleg Racing League Super Late Model Series at the historic Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway delivered one of the closest finishes in league history. The 100-lap feature at the 0.6-mile oval required drivers to master the notorious seam in turns one and two while navigating a challenging hump on exit that threatened to upset the cars at high speeds.

Todd Liston started on the pole alongside Tom Hilbert, but the race was immediately interrupted by a first-lap caution. A concertina effect triggered a pile-up involving Adam Schoen, Steve Hilbert, and James Lowe, while points leader Chris Worrell narrowly escaped the wreckage.

Amidst the competition, the field carried a special tribute on their hoods in memory of Holly, the late wife of community member Matt Hoose.

Once the race settled into a rhythm, James Lowe asserted his dominance. The defending series champion powered around the outside of Liston to take the lead on lap 22. Meanwhile, Kyle Feimster made a massive charge in his season debut, gaining 11 spots in the opening 17 laps to join the top five. A mid-race collision between Jeffery Hardin and Tom Hilbert reset the field, allowing Louis Flowers to pounce. Despite carrying early damage, Flowers used a disciplined low-line approach to fight his way back into contention.

The battle for position intensified as Mark Hertzog, Luke Logan Allen, and Louis Flowers engaged in a fierce four-car fight for fifth. The scrap ended in a caution when Hertzog and Allen made contact in turn three, setting the stage for a final sprint. James Lowe led the restart with teammate Chris Worrell and a surging Kyle Feimster in tow. While Lowe initially opened a gap, his machine became extremely tight in the closing laps, allowing his pursuers to close the distance.

On the white-flag lap, Worrell dove to the inside, sparking a heart-pounding drag race to the stripe. Chris Worrell edged out James Lowe by a mere 0.02 seconds to claim his third win of the season and extend his points lead. Kyle Feimster earned the Hard Charger honors by finishing third after starting 16th, while Louis Flowers and Luke Logan Allen rounded out the top five. After the race, Worrell admitted he was surprised by the victory, crediting Lowe’s late-race handling struggles for the opportunity.