By Brian McLeod
EASTABOGA, Ala. — The Fourth of July holiday weekend is just around the bend, and a few signs are already appearing on fireworks stands warning that inventories might be shorter than usual due to the ongoing raw materials and labor issues affecting supply chains across the country.

Perhaps so, but there will likely be no lack of fireworks during the nation’s holiday stretch on the Newsome Raceway Parts Crate Late Model Series-sanctioned Salute to America Nationals, which annually kicks off the touring circuit’s midsummer intensity and this season will carry competitors to four different tracks in a four-day span.

Chasing Dirt Tracks
The ambitious, four-day blast of fast includes stops July 1 [Thursday] at Clarksville (Tenn.) Speedway, July 2 [Friday] at Moulton Speedway in Danville, Ala., July 3 [Saturday] at Talladega Short Track in Eastaboga, Ala. and July 4 [Sunday] at Cochran (Ga.) Motor Speedway. It’s the busiest single-weekend stretch of the season for the touring circuit.

For more information about gate times and ticket prices, check the available track websites at www.clarksvillespeedway.com, www.talladegashorttrack.com and www.cochranspeedway.com, plus all four facilities have Facebook social media pages.

The first two events will each pay $2,000 to the winner, and the final two races of the weekend will pay $2,500 each to win. All carry points toward the overall series championship, and Maryville, Tenn., driver Jason Welshan currently leads those standings [after five completed events] by a 48-point margin [450-402] over Jake Knowles of Rome, Ga.

Rounding out the top five in the chase for the crown are Tanner Collins [398], Jimmy Thomas [394] and Mike Combs [334], the latter of whom just cracked the top five in points at the circuit’s most recent event held June 5 at Senoia (Ga.) Raceway.

2021 Crate Racin USA Dirt Late Model Series
(current points standings)

1. Jason Welshan, 450 points; 2. Jake Knowles, 402; 3. Tanner Collins, 398; 4. Jimmy Thomas, 394; 5. Mike Combs, 334; 6. Troy Dixon, 300; 7. T.J. Brittain, 288; 8. (tie) Jake Rainey and Colton Leyendecker, 270; 10. Austin Horton, 256; 11. Wil Herrington, 230; 12. Jake Traylor, 194; 13. Mark Whitener, 190; 14. Brian Womack, 174; 15. Cruz Skinner, 172; 16. Cody Overton, 158; 17. (tie) Heath Carr and Trey Mills, 150; 19. Russell Brown Jr., 148; 20. Henry Carter, 140.    

Busy Stretch Signals a Time to Get SeriousAbout Crate Racin' USA
The midsummer test of man and machine annually provides a closer glimpse into the chase for the championship, and goes a long way toward helping determine who will remain serious contenders as the year progresses. Those who make it through the busy weekend are usually among those who get more serious about chasing the title as the season stretches toward its halfway mark.

Milledgeville, Ga., driver Corey Dunn, who’s been inactive this season after selling his race car over the winter, emerged as a top name on the series last year after his first-career victory on the touring circuit over the Fourth of July weekend at Clarksville Speedway, and went on to not only contend for the series title for part of the season, but also claim the traveling circuit’s Rookie of the Year title.

Reigning series champion Wil Herrington also confirmed his official decision to race for the championship last year as the busy holiday weekend approached, and used it as a springboard to the eventual $10,000 prize. He’s not defending his title, but has two victories in three appearances this year on the circuit, and sits just outside the top 10 in the series points standings in 11th place.

There have been five different winners on the series thus far in a season plagued by rain, which has necessitated rescheduled dates for several events. Drivers who have visited the winner’s circle on the popular tour include Matt Henderson on April 23 at Talladega Short Track in Eastaboga, Ala, Austin Horton on April 24 at Talladega Short Track and Joseph Joiner on May 29 at All-Tech Raceway in Ellisville, Fla. Herrington is the only competitor to win twice, and he tallied those victories May 8 at Needmore Speedway in Norman Park, Ga., and June 5 at Senoia (Ga.) Raceway.

About Crate Racin’ USA
The economical Chevrolet Performance 602 and 604 Circle Track Engine is utilized by competitors in the various divisions presented by Crate Racin’ USA. It’s in stock and available for free, next-day delivery from Newsome Raceway Parts in Hartsville, S.C.

Each engine is built and sealed at the factory to prevent any expensive modifications. To place an order, call 1-877-497-3624.
For more information and rules, visit the organization’s website at www.crateracinusa.com, or follow our extensive social media programs on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Newsome Raceway Parts, a division of Raceway Chevrolet in Hartsville, S.C., is the title sponsor of Crate Racin’ USA. E-Z-GO Golf Carts is the title sponsor of the newly-established E-Z-GO $100,000+ Challenge.

Chevrolet Performance is an official sponsor of the organization, along with Advanced Laser & Machine, Cruise with the Champions, Hoosier Racing Tire, KRC Power Steering, Knowles Race Parts and Bodies, My Race Pass, VP Racing Fuels and Lubricants and Willy’s Carburetors.