(April 26, 2024) Georgetown, DE – In a thrilling showcase of speed and skill, Ricky Thornton Jr. of Chandler, Ariz., emerged victorious in the second annual Melvin L. Joseph Memorial at Georgetown Speedway. Thornton’s pole-starting position paved the way for a commanding performance, leading every lap of the 49-lap race to secure the $19,049 prize.
Thornton’s triumph marked his second consecutive victory in the event and his fourth Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series win of the season, further solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with on the dirt track circuit.
“I love coming here. I wish we would run here more often honestly,” Thornton expressed, highlighting his affinity for the Georgetown Speedway. “Something about this place just kinda fits me.”
Despite facing stiff competition throughout the race, Thornton maintained his lead with unwavering determination. Reflecting on his performance, he noted the challenges posed by traffic but credited timely caution periods for aiding his momentum.
The battle for second place saw Devin Moran briefly conceding the position to Jonathan Davenport on a lap-25 restart, only to reclaim it and secure a runner-up finish, trailing Thornton by 1.679 seconds. Garrett Alberson, starting from the tenth position, claim third place after a hard-fought battle with Davenport.
Local favorite Ross Robinson rounded out the top-five finishers, delighting hometown fans with a strong performance. Notable incidents included Clay Harris overcoming adversity to finish 11th after a restart tangle with Mike Marlar, who ultimately finished 18th. Kyle Larson’s promising run was cut short by tire issues, relegating him to a 12th-place finish.
The race, spanning 32 minutes, had five caution periods, adding to the drama on the track. Prior to the event, several drivers announced their intentions to contend for the Lucas Oil Series Rookie of the Year award, adding an extra layer of competition to the mix.
Tyler Erb’s remarkable journey from 17th on the grid to a seventh-place finish showcased the impressive talent and resilience of the drivers in contention. Thornton’s victory was a testament to the collective effort of his team and sponsors, including SSI Motorsports, Longhorn Chassis, Clements Racing Engine, and a host of others.
With the points chase heating up, Thornton solidified his position at the top of the standings, followed closely by Jonathan Davenport and Devin Moran. As the season progresses, the battle for supremacy promises to intensify, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.
As the action-packed event concluded under clear skies and 46°F temperatures, attention turned to the next series race at Hagerstown Speedway, where drivers will vie for a $15,000 prize.
Results:
1. Ricky Thornton Jr(1)
2. Devin Moran (2)
3. Garrett Alberson (10)
4. Jonathan Davenport (3)
5. Ross Robinson (4)
6. Jimmy Owens (6)
7. Tyler Erb (17)
8. Tim McCreadie (7)
9. Daulton Wilson (13)
10. Max Blair (11)
11. Clay Harris (22)
12. Rick Eckert (26)
13. Max McLaughlin (12)
14. Hudson O’Neal (5)
15. Brandon Sheppard (14)
16. Carson Ferguson (19)
17. Boom Briggs (23)
18. Mike Marlar (9)
19. Drake Troutman (21)
20. Kyle Larson (15)
21. Matt Cosner (20)
22. Justin Weaver (18)
23. Dylan Yoder (16)
24. Mason Zeigler (8)
25. Brenden Smith (24)
26. Cory Lawler (25)
