By Chris Tilley, Series P.R. Coordinator
SENOIA,, GA (July 4, 2015)-Shane Clanton may have won the Nation’s largest events over the course of his 100-plus victories, but one event now emerges to the top of the list.
The soon to be 40-year-old captured his father’s memorial event in front of a massive crowd after he dominated the first 34 laps in an event that was rain-shortened. Clanton took home $4,025 after capturing the Southern Nationals Bonus Series by Collins Signs-sanctioned Billy Clanton Memorial at Senoia (GA) Raceway Saturday night.
Clanton wasn’t hesitant with informing folks that this win was right at the top. “This has to be one of the most memorable wins,” stated a lively Clanton who was surrounded by hundreds of friends and family after the victory.
Clanton became the 11th different all-time series winner with his first-career win while driving the Weld Bank Energy, Hornburg Oil, Penn Gold and Keyser Manufacturing sponsored Clements Racing Engines-powered Capital Race Car. Rounding out the top-five was Joe Armistead Jr., Mark Whitener, Clint Smith and Austin Smith.
Qualifying set the field due to threats of rain and FK Rod Ends Fast Qualifier Shane Clanton and Joe Armistead Jr. brought the field to green for the start pf the 40-lapper. A good battle for the third spot between Clint Smith and Mark Whitener would heat up on the track during the opening circuits. Clanton had made his way around the bullring of Senoia Raceway and was closing on the lapped car of Bo Eaton by lap six.
By the 11th lap, the battle for second would again be between Clint Smith and Armistead with Armistead getting the position as the laps clicked off. By the 23rd circuit, Mark Whitener would gain the third spot and set his sights on Armistead. With just 12 laps remaining Austin Smith would do a slider on Scott Groves and gain the fifth position.
Rains came on the 34th lap during the yellow flag and officials made the decision to throw the checkered flag and was officially over with Clanton taking the win after leading the first 34 circuits.
Three yellow flags slowed the event. The first caution would come out on lap seven for Ricky Williams coming to a stop in turn three. The second yellow would come on lap ten for Kenny Collins, who was running sixth, as he slowed with mechanical problems and the final yellow would be for Dana Eiland slowing in turn four and Tim Busha, who came to the pits for an oil fire on lap 34.
Official Summary of Results
Feature Results of “Billy Clanton Memorial” at Senoia Raceway in Senoia, GA on July 4, 2015:
1. Shane Clanton-Zebulon, Ga.
2. Joe Armistead Jr.-Senoia, Ga.
3. Mark Whitener-Middleburg, Fla.
4. Clint Smith-Senoia, Ga.
5. Austin Smith-Cedartown, Ga.
6. Scott Groves-Canton, Ga.
7. Shane Fulcher-Thomaston, Ga.
8. Tim Busha-Boaz, Ala.
9. David Payne-Murphy, N.C.
10. Ashton Winger-Senoia, Ga.
11. Dana Eiland-Salem, Ala.
12. Madeline Crane-Meansville, Ga.
13. Kenny Collins-Colbert, Ga.
14. Ricky Williams-Fayetteville, Ga.
15. Bo Eaton-Blue Ridge, Ga.
16. Mason Massey-Temple, Ga.
17. Dusty Chitwood-Hyram, Ga.
Time of Race: 14 minutes, 28 seconds
Yellow Flags: Three (laps 7, 10, 34)
Red Flags: None
Lap Leaders: Clanton (1-34)
Entries: 17
FK Rod Ends Overall Fast Time: Shane Clanton-13.947 seconds
Highest Finishing CT525 Engine ($200): Dana Eiland
Highest Finishing Steel Head/SPEC Engine ($200): None
Provisional Starter: None