Clint Smith celebrates his first career Ultimate SE victory.
What won the race: Pulling away from Michael Page following a caution with 12 laps remaining after nearly losing the lead, polesitter Clint Smith of Senoia, Ga., completed his first career Ultimate Southeast Series victory Saturday at Dixie Speedway. Smith finished 0.754 of a second ahead of Page to earn $4,000.
Quotable: "We've been working hard on this thing — and working hard on everybody else's cars — and just now got to work on this one a little bit ..." Smith said in victory lane. "To get up here to our old home track at Dixie, it's great to be up here and great to get a win."
Key notes: Runner-up Michael Page was making an outside pass for the lead on lap 28 when a caution flag appeared and reset Clint Smith up front. ... Page clipped Smith on the initial start triggered a multicar incident in turns one and two, but the top contenders were able to restart without issue. ... Smith had a quip about the contact \"My right-rear quarterpanel got killed on the start. I don't know where they was going. This (car) is white with flourescent letters; I guess they can't see it.\" ... Smith is the ninth winner in 11 series races. ... Seventeen drivers completed 40 laps.
On the move: Dennis Franklin of Gaffney, S.C., started 23rd and finished 14th.
Winner's sponsors: Smith's RaceTek-powered Rocket Chassis is sponsored by Southern Fibernet, Cliburn Tank Lines, Ernie D's Enterprises, JP Drilling, Arizona Sport Shirts, SAE Parts, RDI and CSR Aluminum Fabrication.
Points chase: Entering the event, Kyle Hardy (292) of Stephens City, Va., led Zack Mitchell (283), Joey Coulter (274), Tyler Millwood (248) and Dennis Franklin (231).
Car count: 34
Fast qualifier: Clint Smith
Time: 15.759 seconds
Polesitter: Clint Smith
Heat race winners: Zach Leonhardi, Zack Mitchell, , , , ,
Provisional starters: Dennis Franklin, Eric Granger, ,
Next series race: August 17, Crossville Speedway (Crossville, TN) $4,000