Rambo Franklin in victory lane at Cherokee Speedway.
What won the race: Benefitting from a pair of faltering leaders, series points leader Dennis "Rambo" Franklin of Gaffney, S.C., won his third straight Carolina Clash Super Late Model Series victory Sunday at Cherokee Speedway. Franklin led the final 16 laps after Casey Roberts of Toccoa, Ga., had a flat tire. Roberts had inherited the lead from polesitter Ross Bailes of Clover, S.C., on the 20th lap.
Key notes: Franklin has a series-leading 37 career Carolina Clash victory. ... He started fourth in the 24-car field. ... Dean Bowen was an early retiree and Doug Davis pitted early for a flat tire. ... Kenny Collins drew a lap-one caution. ... Cherokee hosted the second race of the tour's Countdown to the Cup Championship Chase. ... Chris Ferguson debuted his Great America-sponsored Longhorn Chassis powered by a Clements Racing Engine. ... Pre-race Hall of Fame ceremonies saw the induction of Doug Osteen (lifetime achievement), Earl \"Strawberry\" Davis (lifetime achievement), Dougman Davis (lifetime achievement), J.D. Brown (contributor), George Hilton (contributor), and Hot Rod Lamance (sportsman). ... Trent Ivey won the SECA-sanctioned Crate Late Model feature, earning $2,000.
On the move: Kennie Compton Jr. of Bland, Va., started 19th and finished third.
Winner's sponsors: Franklin's Longhorn Chassis is powered by a Clements Automotive Racing Engine is sponsored by Advanced Electronic Services, AES Racing, C&D Properties and M&W Towing.
Points chase: Dennis Franklin of Gaffney, S.C., has 1,039 points to lead Johnny Pursley (1,038) and Kennie Compton Jr. (1,035) in the Carolina Clash's chase-style playoff.
Car count: 24
Fast qualifier: Ross Bailes
Time: 15.066 seconds
Consolation race winners: Anthony Sanders, Scott Shirey, ,
Provisional starters: Johnny Pursley, Jeff Smith, ,
Next series race: September 5, Clary's Speedway (Brinkleyville, NC) $4,000