Flashback – Winternationals 2018

In 2018, drivers from six states gathered for Crate Late Model competition. On the opening night, local racer Keith Nosbisch prevailed, taking the early lead in the 25-lap main event and holding the field at bay. Fast qualifier Doug Horton powered home second with early leader Walker Arthur of Virginia managing to remain within the top three.

On night number two, it would be Horton’s turn to stop in Victory Lane. Many challengers would give it their best shot, but in the end, Horton’s decision to come off the top grove proved to be the winning move. Nevin Gainey improved on his seventh place run to cross in second while Nosbisch added a third to his opening night win.

The final night would challenge Crate Late Model racers with a 50-lap main event. Walker Arthur, who posted a third and a fourth, found himself starting inside the eighth row, but proved the adage that it’s not where you start, but where you finish. By the halfway mark, Arthur was knocking on the door from second place. Ten laps later, he made the winning pass and rolled out to a three-second advantage at the checkered.

Two nights of Top Gun Sprint racing brought Hayden Campbell a pair of wins to start the season. Campbell, who would go on to win the 2018 Top Gun Sprint Series championship, worked masterfully through the lapped traffic on the opening night and accentuated his efforts on Saturday to bring home the win in front of defending series champion A.J. Maddox.

These divisions will open their Winternationals action on Thursday, Jan. 31, competing for three nights. The two classes will be joined by the local V-8 Warrior/Thunderstock racers.