Riley Hickman races to a $2,500 UCRA victory at Duck River.
What won the race: Polesitter Riley Hickman of Ooltewah, Tenn., captured the season-opening United Crate Racing Alliance feature Saturday at Duck River Raceway Park, earning $2,500. He took the checkers ahead of sixth-starting Ashley Newman, winner of the first-ever UCRA event at Duck River last March.
Quotable: "I really want to thank Rick Hixson for letting me drive his car in the Crate Late Model division while I wait on my new one to be ready," Hickman said.
Key notes: Hickman won three UCRA events during the tour's first season in 2015, including the season finale. ... Hickman also won the night's Super Late Model feature at Duck River. ... Rusty Ballenger and reigning UCRA champ Jake Teague challenged Hickman early; Teague was the race's first retiree. ... A midway caution appeared for Jimmy Elliott and Jordon Horton. ... Chris Harris and Kaleb Vandygriff drew individual cautions during the 40-lapper. ... Tennesseans swept the top four finishing positions.
On the move: Jay Brinkley of Shelbyville, Tenn., started 18th and finished sixth for PMI Hard Charger honors.
Winner's sponsors: Hickman drove Rick Hixson's MasterSbilt Race Car; Hickman's usual sponsors are Austin Trucking, American Billet, Competition Racing Equipment and RH Designs.
Points chase: Saturday's race opened the UCRA season.
Car count: 24
Fast qualifier: Rusty Ballenger
Time: 13.357 seconds
Next series race: April 2, Smoky Mountain Speedway (Maryville, TN) $2,500