3/27/2021
Southern All Stars
“HUNT THE FRONT” JOINER LANDS IN VICTORY LANE
Milton, FL driver and internet favorite Joseph Joiner and the “Hunt The Front” bunch found themselves in a place they have been trying to find this year in the Southern All Stars Series Gulf Coast in the month of March. Joiner picked up his first victory in his 3rd race with the Alabama based series. (Davik Kranak photo)
17 drivers checked in as the skies were cloudy and rain seemed to be lurking all around. But the racing Gods smiled down on a huge crowd as the All Stars made their first visit to the 3/10th miles clay oval in Flomaton / Pollard AL. Track owner Isaiah Day and his crew battled over 5 inches of rain during the week leading up race night and even worked during the show to give the drivers the best surface possible.
Joiner was the fastest qualifier in the 1st group to take time. 2020 Champion Billy Franklin of Calera, AL led group 2 and just inched out Joiner for the new track record.
On the start Joiner jumped out to a quick lead with Franklin keeping him in his sights. As they two battled during the 40 laps, Joiner was being hampered by lapped traffic. Franklin took to the high side and was close to taking the lead, but a caution halted his charge. On the restart, Franklin chose the inside and Panama City driver Ryan Crane on his outside. Once again Franklin was hot in pursuit of Joiner but doing all he could to hold of Crane. After two quick cautions, it came down to a 7-lap shootout. On the final restart, Meridian, MS driver Chad Thrash passed Crane to take over the third running position. When the checkered flag fell, it was Joiner, Franklin, Thrash, Crane, and Milton driver J. C. Wilson rounding out the top 5.
Race tidbits:
Race-fans were treated to an autograph session during the programs intermission while some track prep was taking place. Thanks again to Otto Printing for your support to the series for furnishing the autograph cards for the fans. Drivers competing with the series can be included on the drivers autograph cards. Contact Ray Tennyson at ray.tennyson@sasdirt.com
Dirt on Dirt – Cruise with the Champions Rookie of the Year contender Austin Franklin was not at the track for the Battle in the Swamp. He is on the mend and we hope to see you back at the track soon Austin.
Otto Printing is available to make your teams personal driver signature cards. Contact Scott Sander with Otto Printing at 256-527-3100 or scott@yourxpress.com for more information.
Several drivers that competed at both Southern Raceway and Tri-County Raceway find themselves in the top 10 in the All-Stars points standings. Joseph Joiner, Chad Thrash, Ryan Crane, Luke Bennett, and Dale Peaden are in the top 10 in the points standings.
Finish order for the Battle in the Swamp 40 (pending tire tests)
- Joseph Joiner 2. Billy Franklin 3. Chad Thrash 4. Ryan Crane 5. J. C. Wilson 6. Josh Putnam 7. Payton Freeman 8. Mark Dodson 9. Dale Peaden 10. D. J. Hayes 11. Michael Page 12. Luke Bennett 13. Alex Ashley 14. Scott Dewylder 15. Casey Turman 16. Cale Finley 17. Spencer Hughes
Car count: 17
Sunoco Fuels Qualifying:
Group 1: Joseph Joiner
Group 2: Billy Franklin 13.31 (New track record)
BrakeOmeter 4th place Finish: Ryan Crane
PPM Hard Charger: Payton Freeman
2021 Southern All Stars Points:
- Payton Freeman (352) 2. Billy Franklin (328) 3. Joseph Joiner (290) 4. Mark Dodson (282) 5. Chad Thrash (246) 6. Ryan Crane (240) 7. Luke Bennett(220) 8. Austin Franklin (214) 9. Casey Turman (212) 10. Dale Peaden (198)
2021 Cruise with the Champions / Dirt on Dirt Rookie of the Year:
- Payton Freeman 100
- Casey Turman 99
- Austin Franklin 80
Upcoming events for the Southern All Stars:
April 3 – Patriot Park Raceway – Icebreaker 50 – Dublin, GA - $4,000.00
April 10 – Thunderhill Raceway Park – Whoopin’ the WuHan II - Summertown, TN
- $5,000.00
April 16 – Mountain Motor Speedway – Walter “Peg” Combs Memorial – Isom, KY –
$4,000.00
April 17 – Rockin’ with the Stars – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Maryville, TN - $5,000.00
2020 Southern All Star Dirt Racing Series Sponsors:
*Hoosier Racing Tire “The Official Race Tire” of the Southern All Star Dirt Racing Series *Patriot Sports “The Official Merchandise Vendor” of the Southern All Star Dirt Racing Series Sunoco Race Fuel “The Official Racing Fuel” of the Southern All Star Dirt Racing SeriesMaxFab Presenting Sponsor, Rugged Radios Official Communications of the Southern All Stars Dirt Racing Series 2020 Southern All Star Dirt Racing Series Marketing Partners Include: AR Bodies, Brodix Cylinder Heads, , COR Suspensions, Cruise with the Champions, DirtonDirt.com, H3 Performance Graphics, Integra Racing Shocks, , MSR Mafia Web Design and Service, PPM Racing Products, RockAuto.com, 36 Racing & Fabrication, BrakeOMeter; Dirt Car Lift, Knowles Race Parts, Racing Junk Southern All Star Dirt Racing Series – 132 Jetplex Lane Madison, AL 35758
Article Credit: Photo by David Kranak
