(April 27, 2024) Maryville, TN – In a thrilling showdown at Smoky Mountain Speedway, Ryan Gustin of Marshalltown, Iowa, showcased by leading all 50 laps of Saturday’s King of the Mountain race. Gustin’s victory, worth $15,000, marked his inaugural triumph in the Hunt the Front Super Dirt Series and his second win of the season, following his earlier success at January’s $7,500 Ice Bowl at Talladega Short Track in Eastaboga, Alabama.
Gustin faced stiff competition throughout the race, notably from Brandon Overton and Dale McDowell. Overton, starting third, kept the pressure on Gustin for the majority of the race, with McDowell making a late surge to claim the runner-up position on a lap-43 restart. Despite the challenges, Gustin maintained his composure, skillfully navigating the track to secure the victory.
Reflecting on his win, Gustin acknowledged the competitive field, particularly Overton and McDowell, who posed significant threats throughout the race. “I kept seeing Brandon (Overton) poke his nose down there. I knew that he was obviously going to be good, him and Dale (McDowell) both,” Gustin remarked. “I knew I was stuck down the bottom. I was afraid to get out there and get in that dust, but it held us every time.”
The race also witnessed notable performances from other drivers. Chris Ferguson staged an impressive comeback, advancing nine positions to finish fourth, while Zack Mitchell and Trey Mills showcased their skills by gaining ground during the race.
However, not all drivers had a smooth run. Sam Seawright encountered mechanical issues on lap 45, ending his night prematurely, while Cla Knight’s race came to an abrupt halt after hitting the turn-one wall on lap 42.
Despite the challenges, Gustin’s dominance was evident as he crossed the finish line with McDowell in pursuit, securing a well-deserved victory.
Gustin’s success wouldn’t have been possible without the support of his sponsors. His Todd Cooney-owned Infinity by Wells Chassis, powered by a Jay Dickens Racing Engine, boasts sponsorship from various companies including Alan’s Seamless Gutters, Karl Auto Group, and VP Race Fuels.
With the points chase heating up, Gustin’s victory propels him into contention, setting the stage for an exciting series ahead. Currently, Brandon Overton leads the points standings, closely followed by Chris Ferguson and Joseph Joiner.
Up next the series is at Ultimate Motorsports Park in Elkin, North Carolina, with a $10,000 prize on the line, the competition promises to be fierce.
Results:
- Ryan Gustin (1)
- Dale McDowell (2)
- Brandon Overton (3)
- Chris Ferguson (13)
- Donald McIntosh (7)
- Ashton Winger (9)
- Zack Mitchell (10)
- Rusty Ballenger (11)
- Joseph Joiner (19)
- Trey Mills (17)
- Tanner English (6)
- Kaede Loudy (8)
- David Breazeale (5)
- Adam Stricker (22)
- Heath Hindman (15)
- Cory Hedgecock (23)
- Wil Herrington (18)
- Jason Croft (14)
- Josh Henry (25)
- Jackson Hise (24)
- Josh Putnam (23)
- Austin Kirkpatrick (21)
- Bo Slay (27)
- Sam Seawright (12)
- Cla Knight (16)
- Trent Ivey (28)
- Cameron Weaver (26)
- Scott Bloomquist (4)
