Story & Photos by Philip Prichard, MSA:
Donald McIntosh of Dawsonville, GA won the first race of the 2015 season by leading flag-to-flag at the 411 Speedway in Seymour, TN. This was the 5th Annual Hangover 40 event at 411 Motor Speedway on New Year’s Day with Super Late Models as part of the event for the first time ever sanctioned by CT Promotions. 46 Super Late Models assembled for the opportunity to capture the $4000 prize money. Cory Hedgecock, a frequent 411 Speedway competitor, began the day setting a track record of 13.028 seconds at 3/8 mile oval. Hedgecock, Donald McIntosh, Ryan King and Stephen Breeding earned spots in the Dash Race that would determine the pole winner. McIntosh captured the pole by winning the Dash.
Mike Marlar, Pierce McCarter, Dusty Carver and Walker Arthur won the four heat races. Chad Ogle and Benji Cole won the two B-Main races to earn their place in the 22 car starting field.
McIntosh bolted to the lead in the 40-Lap feature. Just as the first lap was completed, Charlie Zimmerman, Aaron Ridley and Benji Cole spun in turn two bringing out the first caution. In the first 10 laps, cautions flew for Marlar and Riley Hickman. On lap 13, a pivotal moment occurred when Hedgecock, who was pursuing McIntosh for the lead, suffered a left rear flat tire. Hedgecock did not return to the race. The next 21 laps were caution free with McIntosh extending his commanding lead. During these 21 laps, Mcintosh lapped all of the cars up to the 6th position.
During the final six laps, McIntosh was not challenged for the checkered flag. Walker Arthur finished second, Stephen Breeding third, Pierce McCarter fourth, Jeremy Hines fifth, Ray Cook sixth, Rusty Ballenger seventh, Dusty Carver eighth and Ryan Law ninth. Only 9 of the 22 starters finished the race.
McIntosh said he was going as hard as he could. He, also, stated he had an awesome car. McIntosh drives the Blount Motorsports Rocket Chassis with a Vic Hill Racing Engine.
One of the largest crowds ever to witness an event at the track was treated with an action packed afternoon and evening of racing. $200 Engine Bonus Awards went to SLM drivers: Ray Cook (top finishing 525-6th); Rusty Ballenger (top finishing Steel Head/Spec-7th); Jason Welshan (top finishing Crate-14th).
Chris Rickett earned the pole and the victory in the Street Stock class. 20 cars were signed in for the class. Shannon Emery was second and Brad Davis third.
33 Cars were on-hand for the Sportsman Race. In qualifying, Clyde Overholt was the fastest. The two heat races were won by Brian Courtney and Gary Blanken. On lap one of the feature, 8 car cars piled up between turns one and two. Eric Register started 4th and took the lead on lap 3. Register was challenged by Rex Coffey, but Register was able to hold on for the checkered flag. Coffey finished second and Overholt third.
Kyle Courtney won the Mini-Stock Feature after battling with John Byers for 20 laps.
411 Motor Speedway track officials announced that CT Promotions would return to sanction the 6th Annual Hangover event on January 1, 2016 as the event drew a record 46 entries representing eight states. A total of 130 race cars were on the grounds at 411 Motor Speedway for the opening event of the 2015 racing season in East Tennessee. Visit http://411motorspeedway.net/ for the 2015 schedule.
