5/1/2023
Chase Oliver
Hometown Victory at FPMS
FYFFE, AL- Chase Oliver competed in the 1st Annual Legendary Marvin Ford Classic, honoring the legacy of the former longtime Fort Payne Motor Speedway track promoter. Chase competed in the unsanctioned Dirt Super Late Model Race and the UCRA-sanctioned Dirt Crate Late Model Race. The UCRA race was set to pay $7,238 to the 72-lap Dirt Crate Late Model Feature winner.
All racing action took place on Saturday, April 29. The track looked good when we arrived, and conditions only improved as the racing action packed the track in. Chase would hot-lap the Dillon Crim-owned #7c Dirt Crate, Late Model, and then make the quick transition to his Black Diamond #5. The team and Chase were satisfied with how both cars looked on the track during hot-lap sessions.
Oliver knew he needed a fast lap down in both the Super Late Model and the Crate Late Model divisions. His Black Diamond Chassis Super Late Model car was proved quick during the qualifying session by clocking a 13.750, half a second faster than the rest of the field. Unfortunately, the #7c Crate Late Model was struck by engine troubles during the qualifying sessions. This sent the team back to the pits with work to do with little time to do it.
The UCRA Crate Late Model Race was the first feature Chase would compete in that night. Due to the problems during qualifying, Oliver would start on the seventh row. The Dillion Crim owned #7c Crate Late Model proved fixed as Chase raced the field to third place. Unfortunately, some contact on a restart caused some damage on the front-end. This front-end damage slowed momentum, and Chase fell to 6th place, where he would finish the race.
There was no time to think about the crate race as Chase would need to transition into his Super Late Model quickly. Chase’s qualifying time landed him starting the race on the pole. Chase took the lead on the first lap. He would pilot the Black Diamond #5 to victory, leading all 25 laps in the Unsanctioned Super Late Model Feature Race.
Chase and the team are always excited to be in victory lane; however, being in victory lane in front of hometown friends and fans makes it extra special. We are grateful for the opportunity to have a great track close to home where we can share these moments with friends and family. Additionally, we appreciate the people responsible for the upkeep of Fort Payne Motor Speedway and everyone who has a hand in keeping our local racetrack in business.
The team returned to Crossville confident in what was to come for the remaining race season. Chase was happy with how the car handled on the track and the speed he could pick up. The quick Black Diamond #5 is set to return to action soon; keep a check on our website for schedule updates.
Submitted By: Brittany McCoy