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Winslow Puts Outlaws Car Back in Victory Lane; Thompson makes it Two-for-Two in Pro Trucks Class

Winslow Puts Outlaws Car Back in Victory Lane; Thompson makes it Two-for-Two in Pro Trucks Class

By Chuck Corder
5flagsspeedway.com reporter
It’s amazing what a Snowball Derby victory can do for a driver’s program.
Bubba Winslow has used his win in the Outlaws 50-lap edition of last year’s Derby and discovered his groove once again. The Cantonment short-track legend captured the Faith Chapel Outlaws 40-lap feature Friday night at Five Flags Speedway for his second win in his last three races dating back to the Derby.
Winslow withstood a lengthy early delay because of a frightening accident between Jay Jay Day and Doug Thorpe, took control of the 20-car field on Lap 3 and never relinquished the lead.
“It picked up right where it left off in December,” Winslow said of his No. 92 machine. “I hope we put on a good race for these fans. On Monday, it didn’t look like we’d have a racecar that would be ready. We busted our (butts) and it shows.”
Timothy Watson finished runner-up and John Heil took third-place honors, but—to a driver—everyone’s thoughts were on the health and safety of Day.
While Thorpe was able to walk away from the scene of the vicious crash in Turn No. 1, Day was being closely monitored by emergency medical technicians inside an ambulance. Thorpe’s car looked like a crushed Coke can when the wrecker brought his into the pits. The roof on Day’s No. 42 was completely ripped off after Thorpe partially landed on top of him as a result of the accident.
After the cleanup, Winslow took control of the race. With Watson, Heil and Korey Ruble jockeying for second, Winslow was able to deftly maneuver his way through lapped traffic to secure the victory.
“We had a strong car at the end, but we just ran outta laps,” Watson said.
Heil added: “I thought we had a shot halfway. The car was freaking awesome. I’m so blessed to race with these guys.”

Zoom Equipment Pro Trucks
It feels like Grant Thompson never left the Zoom Equipment Pro Trucks class at Five Flags Speedway.
The 2020 series track champion has tried his hand at Late Model racing the last few years, but Thompson has only produced mediocre results. But when he is behind the wheel of a race truck, Thompson is nearly undefeated.
He stayed perfect in 2023 after his second 25-lap feature win Friday at Five Flags. Thompson set the fast time (18.519 seconds) in qualifying, but started near the tail end of the seven-truck field.
“I hated starting sixth, but it is what it is,” he said. “We knew we had a really good truck from earlier today. We made our way through the field, staying as clean as we possibly could.
“Everybody that works on this thing at the shop make it great. We’re shooting for Pensacola and Mobile championships, but we’ll take it one race at a time.”
Thompson took the lead from Dustin Smith on Lap 9 and was into the wind quickly. Smith and Treyce Capers finished second and third, respectively.
“The (truck) got really loose,” Smith said. “But we’ll come back and see if we gain one more spot.”

Lloyd’s Glass Pure Stocks
Eight years ago, Geno Denmark was dominated the Lloyd’s Glass Pure Stocks division when it was known as the Bombers class. He won almost 10 features en route to the track championship.
After a long layoff that was prompted by burning out from the grind of working on cars every week, Denmark was back in a familiar spot at Five Flags Speedway on Friday night.
Denmark admitted that he still is not fond of tinkering with cars, but his No. 88 was hooked up Friday. He was the fastest in qualifying and easily cruised to a five-plus-second victory in the 20-lap feature against second-place Robert Barber. Mason Johnston came home third.
“It goes to show that hard work pays off,” a victorious Denmark said. “That’s awesome. I didn’t think we’d be ready by Friday. But Jonathan Langham and Robert Barber told me we were going to the racetrack Friday night. I cant thank them both and everybody enough.
“Everything on it is brand new. This car is a great car.”
Denmark led flag-to-flag and quickly opened up a big lead halfway through the race. The best battle for most of the night was between Johnston and Colby McDonald for the last podium position. Johnston outlasted McDonald to earn the spot.

Story & Bleich Roofing Crown Stocks
Ryan Maxwell is making the most of his opportunity.
The 45-year-old never intended to be competing in the Story & Bleich Roofing Crown Stocks series this season at Five Flags Speedway. Now, with a win under his belt, it might be difficult for Maxwell to give up the seat in the blue-and-yellow No. 17.
He led for most of Friday at Five Flags before Ryan Bleich Sr. took the point in the closing laps. But when Bleich hit the outside wall trying to protect the lead on the final lap, Maxwell was there to pounce.
He reclaimed the lead and held off runner-up Tyler Young and third-place Blaise Boykin.
“I don’t know what say,” Maxwell said. “I wasn’t supposed to be in this car. I built these cars for two lawyers. I grew up a mile from the track, but never wanted to drive.
“Man, this is unbelievable. It got really wild that last lap and a half. It was awesome. I’m too old for this and that race took off another 10 years right there.”
Bleich was the hard charger all night and appeared to be in line for his second straight victory at Pensacola’s high banks before a mistake down the stretch cost him.
Young was there to take advantage, too, and scored his first podium finish of the season.
“We worked hard putting this together,” Young said. “I couldn’t do this without my team, family and friends. Everybody has done so much to get me to where I’m at.”

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