Southern National Motorsports Park is the home of tight and action packed short track racing. Wednesday night’s race lived up to the billing as there was plenty of action from flag to flag. Jonathan Holstein was the driver to beat all night as he outright dominated the event.

When the final checkered flag flew in qualifying, Jonathan Holstein established his ownership of the race when he claimed the pole for the 100 lap event with an absolutely blistering lap time of 13.844. Starting in 2nd was Scott Smith, 3rd was eventual race winner Rex Hoyle, Edward Bray was 4th and Allan Young rounded out the top 5. Track position was key throughout the event. Teams that were up front would not come to pit road for tires or fuel. This strategy worked out for race winner Rex Hoyle. The same strategy would prove to be Holstein’s undoing late when his tires proved to be too worn to keep the lead.

Rex Hoyle who saved his tires throughout the event had the last laugh with two laps to go. Jonathan Holstein on finishing 2nd: “Great short run speed for me tonight, had to really drive hard to hold off the #51 & #50 all night, I just used a little too much of my right front on that next to last run. Rex and Justin raced me clean and hard all night. Rex won the battle tonight but I’m up there in the points and in a good position for the war. Fun race up front. Thanks to Skeeber Flob’s and LA Simsport for the fast car.”

Rex Hoyle on his thrilling victory: “What a great way to start the season for the 505 Motorsports team! I was excited coming to Southern National because I really like the track. Track position is at a premium here and I knew I needed to be smooth and fast for qualifying. During the race I just tried to be patient and save as much as I could for the end. As the laps wound down, Justin got by me for second. A late restart was going to be my final chance to get up to Jonathan, but Justin and I ran side by side allowing Jonathan to pull away. Once I cleared Justin I had to track Jonathan down and managed to get to his rear bumper with 3 laps to go. Coming off turn 4, I was able to get a run on him and made the pass for the lead. Have to thank Jonathan and Justin for the clean, hard racing!” With the win, Hoyle gains the points lead and establishes himself as an early season favorite for the Super Late Model championship. The rest of the top 5 in points includes Jonathan Holstein, Justin Blackdeer, Tom Giannini and Ty Hester. The series heads to Lanier for a twin billing next Wednesday night!

Pole Award: Jonathan Holstein Winner: Rex Hoyle Most laps led: Jonathan Holstein (98/100) Fastest lap: Jason Galvin Most spots gained: Tom Giannini +21 Points leader: Rex Hoyle