4/24/2023
Dixieland Speedway
Two Drivers Claim First Victory at Season Opening Race at Dixieland Speedway
Elizabeth City, NC – Dixieland Speedway officially kicked off its 41st season to a capacity audience Friday evening. A couple of drivers, who still attend high school, earned their first career win in their second season of competition. Connor Morgan of Camden won the 23-lap Little Caesars Super Streets contest and Ryland Lindsey of Shiloh, took the checkered flag in the Moody's Water Conditioning Stock Fours. Both drivers attend class during the week and strap into their race cars on Friday evenings.
Allstar Late Models
It appeared as though Brent Robinson of Smithfield, Virginia, was on his way to yet another win in his successful career in the Allstar Late Models. The driver of car number 44 took off to a commanding lead and controlled the opening 24-laps of the 35-circuit contest. He began to close into the back half of the field and caught Kyle Watts in turns one and two. Watts, of Elizabeth City, is in his first season in late model competition, spun his car to the inside of the course, and with nowhere to go, Robinson was collected in the incident. Fortunately, for the past champion, he suffered minimal damage and was able to continue at the rear of the field.
Robinson would spend the next 11 trips around the 3/8-mile dirt oval passing cars and working his way closer to the front. He made it all the way up to second by the conclusion of the event.
At the checkered flag, the past track champion and multiple-time winner, Tom Wilson won the premier series race, edging out Robinson and others at the line.
Down Home Sheds Sportsman
2017 champion Mark Gonzales collected the win in race one for the Down Home Sheds Sportsman in 2023. Gonzales, of Elizabeth City, put his Chevrolet out front and never looked back to capture the victory, after going winless in 2022. He and his bride just welcomed their second child, a baby girl, over the last few months and she celebrated with dad in the winner's circle.
Little Caesars Super Streets
Morgan drove his number 95 Chevrolet to victory lane after leading a majority of the race and crossing the finish line in first on the final lap. Morgan kept Kolton Stevens and Dennis Barnes in his rearview mirror as they finished second and third respectively in the Little Caesars Super Streets. Barnes, returned to competition, after retiring a couple of seasons ago, in a convincing fashion. The veteran wheelman from Camden started the event on the outside pole and took over the lead in the event by the time the field entered turn one. He surrendered the top spot after the handling on his automobile number 20 began to go away in the middle stages of the race, allowing Morgan to bypass him.
R & D Excavating Super Fours
Defending and multi-time champion, Rickie Waters won the 15-lap R & D Excavating Super Fours race. Waters, of Virginia Beach, lead the event from flag to flag. He held off Windsor, North Carolina's Kyle Barnes, who earned the runner-up finish. After the event, Barnes announced that he was donating his winnings to the Autism Society as he carries their logo on his vehicle.
Moody's Water Conditioning Stock Fours
Lyndsay won the event in dominating fashion, allowing him to join the winners club at the coveted dirt track. He is in his sophomore season of action and continues to improve his craft each week with his dad's support. Lyndsay was all smiles post-race and told the fans in attendance, especially those who aspire to race, to never give up and "just go do it." Justin Bohn of Portsmouth, along with Elizabeth City racer, Colleen Stevens, won their qualifying races earlier in the evening. It was a first for Stevens. Bohn suffered mechanical issues after the heats and was not able to start in the main event.
Racing continues Friday evening, April 28th. Gates open at 5:00 p.m. and racing begins at 8:00 p.m. It's Super Hero night and fans are encouraged to dress as their favorite protector for a chance to win prizes. All kids 11 and under who dress as a Super Hero get free admission.
The family-friendly facility offers something for everyone as the on-track action keeps fans on the edge of their seat all night long. Refreshments and souvenirs are available on-site. Tickets for the upcoming year are available for purchase in person. For more information, dial 252-771-5151 or visit online at dixieland-speedway.com.
About Dixieland Speedway:
Dixieland Speedway is northeastern North Carolina’s premier action track. The 3/8-mile dirt oval has hosted exciting Friday night racing since 1983. This season the track is under new management with Ben Wolford as track manager. Long straightaways and tight turns lead to intense on-track action. The clay track is 55 feet wide and turns one and two are banked at 12 degrees, while turns three and four are at eight degrees. Race fans from all over the region have come out to witness spectacular side-by-side racing through the years. Don’t miss your chance to see why they call Dixieland, the track that started it all. To learn more, visit dixieland-speedway.com or follow Dixieland Speedway on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Dixieland Speedway is located at 1520 Northside Road in Elizabeth City.
Article Credit: Photo K.L. Cross
Submitted By: Marcy Pritchard
