Story By: NICK GRAZIANO / DIRTCAR – BARBERVILLE, FL – Brandon Overton took home one of the three feature event wins & $5,000 during the final night of DIRTcar Late Models during the 2023 Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals on Wednesday.
Tim McCreadie & Chris Madden also claimed victories.
The 52 drivers in the field drew numbers to determine which Feature they would be in. Then, Qualifying and a redraw set the field for each.
Overton started the night by setting Quick Time for Feature #1 and McCreadie set Quick Time for Feature #2. There was no change in the starting lineup after the re-draw for both Features. Then, Madden set the quickest lap in Feature #3 but the #4 pill was drawn, inverting the top-four qualifiers.
Overton didn’t waste time launching ahead of the 18-car field when the first green flag of the night hit the air.
While he soared through the first corner, Bobby Pierce, who started third, lost grip going through Turn 1 and fell backwards. His misstep came at the benefit of Ashton Winger who went from fifth to second.
Overton’s charge was put on hold after two laps when a car spun in Turn 1, bringing out the first caution of the night. When the race resumed, Winger tried to give Overton a scare, staying on his bumper the first time back around but Overton put on his running shoes and pulled away.
There seemed to be no catching Overton until a caution on Lap 16, bringing the field back to his bumper. However, showing his experience as a two-time DIRTcar Nationals Feature winner, Overton, again, mastered the restart and gapped the field.
The Evans, GA driver claimed his third golden gator trophy and first of the week.
“We’ve had a fast car all week,” Overton said. “My crew, they’ve been busting their butt.
“We’ll take it. It’s awesome to get another win here at Volusia in front of this crowd.”
Feature #1 Results (20 Laps): 1. 76-Brandon Overton[1]; 2. 12-Ashton Winger[5]; 3. 111-Max Blair[2]; 4. 32-Bobby Pierce[3]; 5. 8-Brian Shirley[9]; 6. B5-Brandon Sheppard[4]; 7. 1ST-Johnny Scott[10]; 8. 19R-Ryan Gustin[7]; 9. 36-Logan Martin[17]; 10. 130-Chase Osterhoff[13]; 11. 99T-Dylan Thompson[14]; 12. 14W-Dustin Walker[15]; 13. 5-Mark Whitener[11]; 14. 48-Colton Flinner[12]; 15. 6S-Blake Spencer[16]; 16. 96V-Tanner English[8]; 17. 25-Shane Clanton[18]; 18. 9-Nick Hoffman[6]
