7/13/2025
Schaeffer's Oil Southern Nationals
Chris Madden Dominates at Wythe Raceway for 30th Career Southern Nationals Victory
(RURAL RETREAT, VIRGINIA) Five-time Schaeffer’s Oil Southern Nationals Series presented by Coltman Farms Racing and fueled by Sunoco Champion Chris Madden was dominant on Saturday evening at Wythe Raceway to record his 30th career tour victory! Aboard a #44 Kale Green Motorsports entry, Chris swept the night at the monster 1/2-mile speedplant, as he laid down the quickest lap in MRP Fantasy League Hot Laps and later set a New Track Record in FK Rod Ends qualifying following a 2.5 hour rain delay. After starting the 40-lap feature from the outside of the front row, “Smokey” set the pace throughout the entire distance and ultimately took the checkered flag over five seconds ahead of his nearest competition.
The $10,053 triumph late Saturday night marked Chris’ fifth career series win at the sprawling Rural Retreat, Virginia oval. Finishing 5.309 seconds back in the runner-up spot was tenth-starting Chris Ferguson, who exited the weekend as the Schaeffer’s Oil Southern Nationals Series point leader. Polesitter Garrett Smith ran second through much of the main event before rounding out the podium in third. Jimmy Owens moved up a spot to finish fourth in the final rundown, while Kaede Loudy placed fifth at the checkers after running as high as third.
“We had a good little shower that really soaked in and kept the speed up in the racing surface,” quoted Madden during his time in Schaeffer’s Oil victory lane. “The track stayed really smooth and got fast. I didn’t think it was going to stay that fast for that long, but it did. I just have to thank everyone involved with this Kale Green Motorsports team. We just started this deal (racing together) and I’m already looking forward to going to the next one!”
Madden’s first victory with Kale Green Motorsports came aboard a Longhorn Chassis powered by a Vic Hill Race Engine with sponsorship in part from Jesse’s Well Pump and Filtration, Trans-Tel, Inc., Henderson Amusement, Millwood Plumbing, Penske Racing Shocks, VP Racing Fuels, DirtCarLift.com, and Hardison Suspension Technologies.
A total of 23 Schaeffer’s Oil Southern Nationals Series competitors piled into the infield pit area at Wythe Raceway for round two of the miniseries. With inclement weather causing a lengthy rain delay, the decision was made to scrap the heat races and set the A-Main grid solely through qualifying. Garrett Smith clicked off the fastest lap in Group A to earn the pole position, while Chris Madden’s record-breaking lap of 15.556 seconds established a New Track Record and enabled the Gray Court, South Carolina standout to roll off from the outside of the front row.
Five caution flags slowed the pace on Saturday at Wythe Raceway, but none for serious incidents. One of the yellow flags flew on lap 29 for fifth-running Dale McDowell, who slowed and retired after suffering a flat left rear tire. Layton Sullivan started shotgun on the field in the headliner due to a droop rule infraction after his qualifying run, but rebounded in a big way to earn Hard Charger honors for his 23rd-to-9th place effort in the 40-lapper. A dozen drivers completed all forty circuits in the race that lasted thirty minutes.
The third round of the Schaeffer’s Oil Southern Nationals Series presented by Coltman Farms Racing and fueled by Sunoco will take place on Monday night, July 14 at the high-banked Volunteer Speedway in Bulls Gap, Tennessee. A $7,552 first place prize will be up for grabs in the ‘Scott Sexton Memorial,’ which honors the late, great “Superman” Scott Sexton. Chris Ferguson currently sits atop of the Southern Nationals point standings by ten markers over Jimmy Owens. Kaede Loudy, Mike Benedum, and Garrett Smith follow close behind and complete the top five in the latest series standings. More information on Monday’s program at “The Gap” can be located online by clicking on www.VolunteerSpeedway.com.
Schaeffer’s Oil Southern Nationals Series presented by Coltman Farms Racing
Round 2 Race Summary
Saturday, July 12, 2025
Wythe Raceway - Rural Retreat, Virginia
Schaeffer’s Oil Feature Finish (40 Laps):
(2) Chris Madden $10,053
(10) Chris Ferguson $5,000
(1) Garrett Smith $3,000
(5) Jimmy Owens $2,000
(6) Kaede Loudy $1,500
(7) Vic Hill $1,000
(4) Mack McCarter $800
(12) Beckham Malone $700
(23) Layton Sullivan $675
(11) Tim Allen $650
(13) Mike Benedum $625
(18) Stacy Boles $600
(16) Jeff Neubert $575
(9) Jensen Ford $550
(19) Brad Basey $525
(8) Dale McDowell $500
(17) Trent Ivey $500
(3) Kenny Compton $500
(15) Anthony Sanders $500
(21) Dillon Daves $500
(14) Willie Milliken $500
(22) Matthew Nance $500
(20) Kevin Wilson $500
Entries: 23
Lap Leaders: Chris Madden (Laps 1-40)
Caution Flags: 5
Knowles Race Parts and Bodies Hard Charger Award: Layton Sullivan (+14)
MRP Fantasy League Hot Laps:
Fastest Lap Overall: Chris Madden 16.014
FK Rod Ends Time Trials:
Fast Time Overall: Chris Madden 15.556 - New Track Record
Qualifying Results - Group A: 1. 10-Garrett Smith, 00:15.992[9]; 2. 10C-Kenny Compton, 00:16.046[8]; 3. 58V-Jimmy Owens, 00:16.099[7]; 4. 1-Vic Hill, 00:16.106[5]; 5. 83-Jensen Ford, 00:16.168[12]; 6. 27-Tim Allen, 00:16.335[11]; 7. 25-Mike Benedum, 00:16.448[1]; 8. 421-Anthony Sanders, 00:16.587[4]; 9. 88-Trent Ivey, 00:17.602[6]; 10. 452-Brad Basey, 00:17.898[10]; 11. 35-Dillon Daves, 00:18.212[2]; 12. (DQ - Droop) 2-Layton Sullivan, 00:16.204[3]
Qualifying Results - Group B: 1. 44-Chris Madden, 00:15.556[9]; 2. 71-Mack McCarter, 00:16.187[2]; 3. 126-Kaede Loudy, 00:16.189[6]; 4. 17M-Dale McDowell, 00:16.219[7]; 5. 22-Chris Ferguson, 00:16.223[10]; 6. 23-Beckham Malone, 00:16.245[4]; 7. 1M-Willie Milliken, 00:16.286[3]; 8. 28-Jeff Neubert, 00:16.565[8]; 9. 11B-Stacy Boles, 00:16.585[1]; 10. 618-Kevin Wilson, 00:17.103[5]; 11. (DNS) 4-Matthew Nance
Current Schaeffer’s Oil Southern Nationals Series Point Standings:
Chris Ferguson - 392
Jimmy Owens - 382
Kaede Loudy - 378
Mike Benedum - 364
Garrett Smith - 362
Beckham Malone - 354
T-7. Jensen Ford - 346
T-7. Kenny Compton - 346
Trent Ivey - 344
Stacy Boles - 342
Current Coltman Farms Cup Point Standings (Spans Both Spring & Southern Nationals):
Garrett Smith - 1290
Jimmy Owens - 1124
Wil Herrington - 910
Cory Hedgecock - 908
Jensen Ford - 890
Mike Benedum - 878
Kaede Loudy - 710
Michael Leach - 698
Brandon Overton - 582
Ricky Weiss - 570
2025 Schaeffer’s Oil Southern Nationals Series Schedule:
Friday, July 11 - Beckley Motor Speedway (Mount Hope, WV) - ROSS BAILES
Saturday, July 12 - Wythe Raceway (Rural Retreat, VA) - CHRIS MADDEN
Monday, July 14 - Volunteer Speedway (Bulls Gap, TN) - $7,552 to win
Tuesday, July 15 - I-75 Raceway (Sweetwater, TN) - $7,553 to win
Thursday, July 17 - Senoia Raceway (Senoia, GA) - $7,544 to win
Friday, July 18 - Swainsboro Raceway (Swainsboro, GA) - $7,553 to win
Saturday, July 19 - Screven Motor Speedway (Sylvania, GA) - $10,053 to win
Tuesday, July 22 - Toccoa Raceway (Toccoa, GA) - $7,553 to win
Thursday, July 24 - Sugar Creek Raceway (Blue Ridge, GA) - $7,553 to win
Friday, July 25 - North Georgia Speedway (Chatsworth, GA) - $10,053 to win
Saturday, July 26 - Tazewell Speedway (Tazewell, TN) - $10,053 to win
For more information on the Schaeffer’s Oil Southern Nationals Series presented by Coltman Farms Racing and fueled by Sunoco, please point your Internet browser to www.SouthernNationalsSeries.com or feel free to call series promoter Ray Cook at 828-360-5353. You can also follow us across social media platforms on facebook.com/southernnationalsseries and on Twitter @sonationals.
The tour would like to thank all of our valued marketing partners including: Schaeffer’s Oil & Specialized Lubricants, Coltman Farms Racing, Sunoco Race Fuels, American Race Tires, American Racer South, Delph Communications, E-Z-GO, Spring Pro Precision Equipment, Arizona Sport Shirts, Capital Race Cars, Collins Signs, DirtCarLift.com, DirtonDirt.com, FK Rod Ends, Interstate Welding & Steel Supply, JM Custom Laser, Knowles Race Parts and Bodies, MasterSbilt Race Cars, MRP Fantasy League, SFP Performance Systems, The Joie of Seating, The Steering Buddy, Velocita-USA, Vic Hill Racing Engines, Vinson Sims Construction, and Wiles Driveshafts.
About Schaeffer’s Oil & Specialized Lubricants:
Schaeffer's Specialized Lubricants: synthetic motor oils, hydraulic fluids, and diesel fuel additives have achieved a world-class reputation for improving engine performance and fuel economy, but their diverse product line includes all types of industrial lubricants, industrial greases, and industrial oils as well as specialty items like their chain lubes and degreasers. Founded in 1839, their philosophy is to provide advanced lubricants for improved performance, reliability, and fuel economy. Learn more or find a rep near you at www.SchaefferOil.com.
Media Contact: Ryan Delph - Delph Communications
Article Credit: Cody Earley
