Grassroots Racers Compete in ‘Short Track U.S. Nationals: The Last Lap’ at Bristol

On Saturday night, three grassroots racing series convened at Bristol Motor Speedway for the Short Track U.S. Nationals: The Last Lap. Billed as the final outing for the Vores Compact Touring Series, CRA Street Stock Series and Midwest Modifieds Tour to Bristol, the event added two names to the list of Bristol winners.

MAYNARD MAKES A MEMORABLE BRISTOL DEBUT WITH STREET STOCK WIN

It may be ‘The Last Lap,’ but it was a memorable first lap for Austin Maynard.

Maynard scored the victory in the CRA Street Stock Series presented by Chevrolet Performance feature in his first trip to Bristol. It was a rare appearance at a larger track for Maynard, but certainly one he’ll never forget.

“It’s really cool. The only other half-mile, or close to a half-mile, I’ve been to is Nashville,” said Maynard. “To come here and win, last one, is something special, especially to join Brett Hudson and Chuck Barnes on this list.”

Maynard had to hold off none other than Chuck Barnes, Jr. in the closing laps, especially after a restart with 12 laps to go. Coincidentally, Barnes provided a lot of advice that put Maynard on the right track for the win.

“Chuckie has helped me a lot, a lot. If it weren’t for him, I wouldn’t be standing here honestly. He didn’t put in the work, but he told me everything I needed. I never doubted that he’d steer me in the right direction.

“I appreciate him. I knew we could race clean. I knew he was coming, so I had to go.”

Barnes, Jr. finished second, followed by Jeff Lane, Brett Hudson and Heath Helton.

Austin Maynard held off Chuck Barnes Jr to capture the CRA Street Stock victory at Bristol, but what does it mean to win at a place as special this? @CRAracing | @ItsBristolBaby pic.twitter.com/i0gejm0WNb

— Racing America (@RacingAmerica) April 7, 2024

GOSSAR COMPLETES THE VORES COMPACT SERIES TRIFECTA

Tom Gossar added a third sword to his collection from Bristol Motor Speedway, scoring the Vores Compact Touring Series powered by Mercer County Electric win at the Short Track U.S. Nationals.

Gossar took the lead with 17 laps to go in the 50-lap event, surviving a battle of attrition while many of his toughest competitors fell by the wayside on the grueling high banks.

“This is the best victory lane there is,” said Gossar. “I definitely didn’t want to see the last [caution]. I knew most of the faster cars had fell out. I was really surprised that the 25 [of Shawn Bowar] had on the restart. I knew once we got clear of him, we had a pretty good shot to keep it.”

While this year’s event is being billed as “The Last Lap,” Gossar acknowledged he didn’t think he’d get another chance to race at Bristol after the 2020 edition of the event.

“I thought maybe when we won the last one, it was going to be the last one. I’d like to end it on a good note.”

Shawn Bowar finished second, followed by Cody Griffith, John Ketron and Karter Stark.

Tom Gossar, Jr is standing in Bristol Motor Speedway Victory Lane for the third time in his career, but will it be the last? @VCTSRacing X @ItsBristolBaby pic.twitter.com/wTTQ1HqHL9

— Racing America (@RacingAmerica) April 7, 2024

STICKLER ADDS TO RESUME WITH SHORT TRACK U.S. NATIONALS WIN

Cody Stickler has won plenty of big races in his career, such as the Hot Shoe 100 and the Modifieds of Mayhem event at the Snowball Derby. Now, he can add a victory at Bristol to the list after taking the checkered flag in the Midwest Modifieds Tour powered by Wheeler Trucking.

Stickler benefitted from a friendly redraw, setting fast time in qualifying and starting third in the 24-car field. He quickly jumped to the lead and led the rest of the 40 laps for the victory.

“Starting third definitely helped,” said Stickler. “Getting out in that clean air was definitely a good thing. It feels great.”

For Stickler, the Bristol win goes right to the top of his list of accomplishments.

“Man, this one’s right at the top with the Derby. This one feels good.”

Cody Stickler is a winner at Bristol Motor Speedway! ??

Kyle Pervis and Matt Dimit round out the Midwest Modifieds Tour podium at Bristol. The B-Main is up next to cap the evening. @MidwestModsTour X @ItsBristolBaby pic.twitter.com/MhPmJBdV4Q

— Racing America (@RacingAmerica) April 7, 2024

-Photo credit: Will Bellamy, Racing America

SHORT TRACK U.S. NATIONALS: THE LAST LAP UNOFFICIAL RESULTS

CRA STREET STOCK SERIES

VORES COMPACT TOURING SERIES

MIDWEST MODIFIEDS TOUR