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Thornton Jr. begins Gateway Dirt Nationals in St. Louis

Ricky Thornton Jr. invaded The Dome at America’s Center (St. Louis, Mo.) on Thursday afternoon to kick off preliminary action in the Super Late Model ranks for the fifth annual Gateway Dirt Nationals. With the 80-car field divided into two groups over a two-day span, Thornton came in eighth-fastest in his group before dashing to an eight-lap heat race win. Starting the $5,000-to-win preliminary feature in third, Ricky was challenging for the lead near the midway point when a multi-car tangle ended his night early. (Josh James Artwork)

Behind the wheel of the Tanner Racing No. 20RT Modified on Friday evening, Ricky topped his 23-car group in time trials before capturing a heat win. Rolling off third for the $3,000-to-win A-Main, Thornton Jr. suffered a flat right-front tire in a tangle on the opening circuit that resulted in an early exit.

Starting in fifth in his Late Model B-Main on Saturday, Thornton Jr. grabbed the second-and-final transfer spot, which positioned him 15th on the starting grid for the $30,000-to-win Gateway Dirt Nationals finale. He was an early retiree from the 40-lapper with three laps remaining while running in seventh.

In his Modified, Ricky edged his way into the main event with a third-place finish in his B-Main. With $10,000 on the line, Thornton Jr. pulled off on the third lap.

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