(July 2, 2024) Harrisburg, AR – The DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals made a memorable debut in Arkansas at Old No.1 Speedway, delivering one of the season’s most exciting races on Tuesday night. Mike McKinney emerged victorious, claiming his fourth Hell Tour win of the season in dramatic fashion.
Late-Race Drama
With just two laps to go, McKinney overtook long-time leader Trevor Neville amidst heavy lap traffic, securing the lead and holding it until the end. McKinney’s performance was nothing short of remarkable, especially considering the chaotic nature of the final laps.
“I don’t really remember all what happened,” McKinney admitted post-race. “The lap cars were crazy. One about spun out in front of us. I can’t wait to go back and watch the video for sure. I didn’t think we’d win that race. In disbelief, for sure.”
The Race Unfolds
Starting from fifth on the grid, McKinney maintained a patient approach during the opening laps, oscillating between fourth and fifth place. The race’s final caution on Lap 12 provided McKinney with the opportunity to restart on the outside, a move that proved advantageous as he quickly advanced to second place by Lap 13.
“Was able to restart on the outside and went as high as I could,” McKinney said. “Gained a lot of good speed there and was able to get there before anyone else.”
Battling for the Lead
By Lap 22, McKinney and Neville were engaged in a fierce battle, side-by-side through Turns 1 and 2. McKinney held his high line while Neville opted for the middle groove, with McKinney ultimately securing the lead coming out of Turn 4. Just ahead were two lap cars, which McKinney skillfully navigated to maintain his lead.
“You’re just judging your speed versus theirs,” McKinney explained. “We race really good in traffic like that and it’s just a matter of decision making and we were able to make all the right ones.”
Final Lap Excitement
The battle between McKinney and Neville intensified on the final lap. Neville briefly edged ahead in Turns 1 and 2, but McKinney reclaimed the lead down the backstretch and held on through Turns 3 and 4, crossing the finish line just .379 seconds ahead of Neville.
“It kind of came down to the last lap there,” McKinney said. “I finally got in front of him and was able to pick off one more lap car and finish it out.”
Pursuing the Championship
With this victory, McKinney becomes the first driver to win four Summit Modified races this season, further solidifying his pursuit of his first championship with the series.
Looking Ahead
The DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals will continue Week 4 at Benton Speedway on Wednesday, July 3, accompanied by the DIRTcar Summer Nationals Late Models. Tickets will be available at the gate. If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch all the action live on DIRTVision.
Feature (25 Laps):
- Mike McKinney [3]
- Trevor Neville [1]
- Zeke McKenzie [5]
- Lucas Lee [4]
- Hunt Gossum [2]
- Austin Rettig [21]
- Steven Brooks [7]
- Kenny Wallace [11]
- Steve Meyer Jr [13]
- Austin Wayne Self [6]
- Zachary Hawk [12]
- Dalton Lane [14]
- Cole Hilton [9]
- Shane Mendoza [19]
- Brandon Poppenheimer [18]
- Greg Belyea [16]
- Colby Richardson [17]
- Dennis Kimbrough [22]
- Jack Walker [24]
- Tommy Smith [23]
- Kaleb Jones [20]
- Clay Caldwell [15]
- Ken Schrader [10]
- Johnny Gustavus [25]
- Charlie Mefford [8]
