Funderburke wins twice on same night at HorsePower Park

HorsePower Park hosted six different divisions of dirt-track racing action on June 27.

The main event was the 20-lap Thunder Bomber feature that paid the winner $1,000. Jacob Funderburke and his No. 43 survived an onslaught from Freddie Frady, Joey Barker, and others to take the victory and the big check.

Frady was second and Drexel’s favorite son, Barker, was third. Jason Ledford took fourth place ahead of Lenoir driver Nathan Starnes. After the race, Frady protested Funderburke’s machine, but officials were unable to find any infractions.

Morganton driver Homer Cook won the Crown Vic series race ahead of Haydon Turner and Clay Ross, and points leader Kevin Saam of Rhodhiss won another FWD feature, then watched his son, Brayden, bring home the trophy in the Young Guns feature race.

The Pro 4 event saw Cody Barber beat points leader Ross to the line for the victory, with Mason Pugh, James Brannon, and AJ Brannon rounding out the top five.

In the Renegade main event, Funderburke bookended the night and took home another check and trophy. Jackson Thomason was the runner-up ahead of Johnny Kline. Local hot shoe Rodney “The Rocket” Lail finished fourth in his return to the half-mile, and John Fox was fifth.

New track promoter Chandler Barker was pleased with the flow of the evening.

“We got a late start due to the (afternoon) rain, but we finished up around 11 p.m.,” said Barker.

The next race at HorsePower Park will be held July 11 and feature the regular weekly divisions as well as the debut of the Bell & Bell Vintage Modified Series.

HMS hosts 3 touring series

Hickory Motor Speedway hosted three different touring series alongside a doubleheader for the limited late models on June 27.

Annabeth Crum led from flag to flag to take her first victory in the Carolina Crate Modified series. She paced the field the entire 62 laps as Dale Ogburn, Dean Lambros, Toby Grynewicz, and Mitchell Wright rounded out the top five.

In the 75-lap Carolina Pro Late Model series, Cameron Clifford beat pole sitter Hudson Canipe to the checkered flag. Third generation driver Jack Baldwin finished third ahead of Talon Pelfrey and TJ Moon.

In the first of two 40-lap limited late model features, Mason Walters won a crash-filled contest ahead of Vincent Arthur. Lenoir driver Donnie Carlton was turned going into turn two in the opening laps and was credited for last in both races. Dexter Canipe III won the second feature ahead of Walters. Mark Johnson finished third, beating Billy Jack Lester and Jaxon Lash to the finish line.

The STAR Super Stock series held two 25-lap races, and Ricky Locklair Jr. bested Jeff Melton in both. Lenoir’s Jacob Hayes finished third in race one ahead of Gary Ledbetter and Allen Huffman. In race two, Ledbetter finished in front of Hayes for third, while Mark Johnson rounded out the top five.

HMS returns to action on July 11.

Firecracker 250 at Tri-County

Tri-County Speedway in Hudson will hold its annual Fourth of July celebration today (July 4).

The Firecracker 250 will have all the weekly action and local fan favorites, highlighted by a 125-lap late model event and the area’s largest fireworks display.

Race director Ronnie Payne said: “Everybody needs to experience our fireworks show. It’s $7,000 blowing up in 20 minutes. It’s a real treat.”

Former NASCAR Cup series driver Matt DiBenedetto, better known as Matty D, will be on hand signing autographs and meeting the fans. Local retired driver and Vietnam veteran Harold “Blackbeard” Wilson will serve as the evening’s grand marshal. The first 250 kids under age 12 will receive a goodie bag. Gates open at 4 p.m.