441 Speedway
Faircloth gets first NeSmith win at 441
By Roby Helm
NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model SeriesDUBLIN, Ga. (July 2) — Polesitter Ben Faircloth of Swainsboro, Ga., won the Stars and Stripes 40 on the NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series on Friday at 441 Speedway, leading all the way for a victory in night one of the Firecracker Nationals.
Faircloth drove under the checkered flag with 2.260 second margin of victory over second-place Michael Blount of Sumrall, Miss. while Justin McRee of Tuscaloosa, Ala., took the third spot. Reigning series champion Eric Cooley of Fulton, Miss., was fourth and Brian Connor of Martinez, Ga., finished fifth.
“I’m wore out,” Faircloth said in victory lane after posting his first career victory on the Crate Late Model tour. “I’ve got a lot of laps around this place and it paid off tonight.”
Terry Lumley of Twin City, Ga., rallied from his 13th starting spot to finish seventh and earn hard charger honors.
Firecracker Nationals: (1) Ben Faircloth, (2) Michael Blount, (3) Justin McRee, (4) Eric Cooley, (5) Brian Connor, (6) Brad Comer, (7) Terry Lumley, (8) Chip Brindle, (9) Shannon Lee, (10) Matthew Turner, (11) Chris McElhenney, (12) Charlie Henderson, (13) Larry Harrod, (14) Tyler Millwood, (15) Phil Pittman, (16) Brian Ligon, (17) Marcus Minga, (18) Albert Cosnahan, (19) Josh Noles, (20) Jordy Nipper, (21) Ken Ricks, (22) Chase Edge, (23) Ryan King, (24) Tony Lawson. Fast qualifier (among 27 cars): Faircloth, 18.131 seconds. Consolation race winners: Nipper, Cooley. Last-chance winner: Millwood.
