What won the race: Tyler Kuykendall of Warsaw, Mo., led all 15 laps from the pole to win Saturday's United Late Model Racing Association debut at Salina Highbanks Speedway. Kuykendall beat Joey Smith to the checkers by 0.623 of a second for the $3,000 payday and his first career Late Model victory.
Quotable: “What an awesome race and what an adrenaline rush,” Kuykendall exclaimed. “(My) first time coming to this track, I love this place. I can’t thank everyone enough who’s put their hard work into this car. … I can’t thank ULRA for keeping this show going with the least amount of cars that we had.”
Key notes: Third-starting Joey Smith moved into second on a lap-four restart, but never truly challenged Kuykendall in trailing him the rest of the way. ... Charlie Cole worked his way as high as second on a lap-three restart before settling for third. ... Scott Crigler, winner of the fledgling ULRA tour's first two events at Monett (Mo.) Speedway, pursued Kuykendall for the opening two laps before slowing and pulling off on the third lap. ... Joey Vaughn slammed the backstretch wall on the ensuing restart, necessitating a near 10-minute red flag for cleanup. ... The 15-lap feature lasted 12 minutes, with five starters running at the finish.
On the move: John Rowland of Warsaw, Mo., started eighth and finished fifth.
Winner's sponsors: Kuykendall’s Rocket Chassis is powered by a ModCo Racing Engine and sponsored by Alliance Driveway Solutions, Williams Contracting, Frontrunner Services, T&K Automotive LLC, Precision Collision and New Vision Graphics.
Points chase: The series isn't tabulating points for its inaugural season.
Current weather: Clear, 81°F
Car count: 9
Fast qualifier: Tyler Kuykendall
Time: 15.398 seconds
Polesitter: Tyler Kuykendall
Heat race winners: Tyler Kuykendall, Scott Crigler, , , , ,
Next series race: June 13, Monett Motor Speedway (Monett, MO) $3,000