Will Kimmel Masters Salem Speedway CRA Late Model Sportsman Race

On Saturday night, the Vores Welding CRA Late Model Sportsman Series held a 40-lap feature at Salem Speedway. This marked their only visit to Salem Speedway in 2024 and was the 7th event of the season.

From the start of the day, it was evident that local hero, Will Kimmel (No. 69), was the competitor to challenge. He set a fast pace in the qualifying round, clocking a lap time of 17.754 and an average speed of 101.836 mph.

Jeff Meyers Jr. and Joe Cooksey lead the field to the green flag in the Ace Hardware 40. On the first lap of the race, it was evident Kimmel was master of the high banks, grabbing the early race lead.

The first caution flag of the race, a yellow, would be waved during the second lap as Greg Stilwell Jr. (No.47) was forced to halt in the first turn due to mechanical issues. Following a pit-road visit, Stilwell reentered the race, albeit from the back of the pack. This was the race’s sole caution.

When the race continued, Will Kimmel dominated every lap, leading him to his first victory of the year in the Vores Welding CRA Late Model Sportsman Series.

Jon Beach secured a second-place finish, trailing Kimmel by almost 13 seconds. The last spot on the podium was held by Jeff Meyers Jr. Fourth place went to Joe Cooksey from Centralia, Illinois, with Zach Stacy, the current leader in CRA Championship points, finishing fifth. Other competitors in the CRA Championship, Greg Stillwell Jr., Logan Huckeba, and Glynn Neal, finished in sixth, seventh, and eighth places, respectively.

The Vores Welding CRA Late Model Sportsman Series will next be taking the green flag at Winchester Speedway on Sunday, September 1st. For more details about the series, visit cra-racing.com.

-CRA Racing Press Release