Written by: Steve Summerlin

This Saturday night, County Line Raceway is happy to present the Inaugural Roger Matthews Memorial 125.

Roger Matthews racing career spanned nearly 35 years. His racing career began in a 37 Chevrolet Modified with brother in law Milton Farmer and help by Eugene Cook. It was not long before Roger moved on to full body stock cars and quickly became very competitive winning races at nearly every track he visited. The tracks included, The Raleigh Fairgrounds Speedway, Chantilly Speedway, The Old Fayettville Speedway both asphalt and dirt, Ormondsville Raceway, Brinkleyville, Wilson County Speedway and finally, County Line Raceway.
In 1980 Roger and stepson Mark became partners in a car and continued that partnership until the end of Matthews racing career. Mark built the chassis, worked on the motors and handled the paint work.

In 1988, after competing for several seasons on the big ½ mile at Wilson County Speedway, Roger and step-son Mark Batten felt they just didn’t have quite enough motor to be competitive and traveled a short distance to a brand new 3/8ths mile dirt track located in Elm City, County Line Raceway. Roger and Mark came out to watch and quickly decided that this would be their new racing home. While talking with Mark Batten in his home, he explained, “The Late Model division was a little different at County Line Raceway. We took our car, closed in the back, put a new nose on, rolled the sides and we were ready to go racing.” The team quickly proved they were going to be a threat as the famous #49 set quick time first time out. In the feature Roger would tangle with fierce rival Bobby Webb with the end result being a DNF. The rivalry between Matthews and Webb would grow during the 88’ season with Roger picking up an impressive 3 wins. Batten continued to talk about the different race seasons. “The 92 season was special; we were the car to beat. Roger won best appearing car and went on to win 11 races that season.” Other successful seasons at County Line Raceway included 1989, 8 wins, 1993, 7 wins and 1994, 8 wins. Mark stated that Roger always praised his long time crew members that included Mark Batten, Ray Batten, Don Leonard and James Nelms.

Roger was quoted in an interview saying, “It feels good to have everybody in the family involved in racing.” His step sons John and James then raced in the Limited Sportsman Division. They were joined in the pits by Ray, Mark and Bobby. Roger went on to say, “I don’t have to argue about going to the races with my boys, I’ve been going to the races all my life.” Other than the occasional fishing trip, racing was the only sport he really enjoyed.

Roger’s wife Mary was a huge race fan and his biggest fan. Mary loved racing so much that they built a car for her to try it. She never missed a race. Mary passed in 1987. It was through racing that they all healed together. It would have been what she wanted, for them to keep doing what they loved. As they say, a family that plays together stays together. It seemed to work with Roger Matthews and his family.

With 2 track championships under his belt, Roger would continue racing into the 1995 season at County Line Raceway. Mark Batten fought back the tears as he relived Rogers last season. “We didn’t run power steering then. Roger told me he was tired and just didn’t have the strength to wheel the car. We installed a new aluminum seat and power steering which allowed Roger to continue to race.” Batten went on to explain further, “his last race, Roger was running 2nd or 3rd and just pulled in, he was later diagnosed to have suffered a slight heart attack, it was then that we put James in the car.”

Roger Matthews was a simple man, he loved his family, he loved racing. Having everyone there with him on Saturday nights meant the world to him. I’m sure for those of us that were fortunate to witness Roger Matthews doing what he loved can still see that #49 blistering the 3/8th mile clay oval then climbing out of his machine, wearing the signature red driving suit with those white socks and tennis shoes and a smile bigger than life on his face. We will forever remember Roger Matthews with this Memorial event each year. Thanks for the memories Roger….

After a long week away, we were back at it for some hot racing action at County Line Raceway. With a couple of good points battles going on, tonight’s double points would prove imperative as it was also final points! Who would bring home the win? Who would clinch the points championship? Who would win the Big Dawg Clash? Ashley Stott, Steve Summerlin, Angie or Kat? Gorgeous skies and beautiful weather gave us a great night to see the Nashville Feed Super Stock 4′s, DRU Inc Open Wheel Modifieds, PL Woodard Pure Stock V8, ARCO Restoration Pure Stock 4′s & Barnes Equipment Late Models do some great racing on this little track doing big things.

The 4 golf carts lined up side by side on the front stretch, Steve, Ashley, Angie & Kat right after intermission, ready for their lap around County Line Raceway. Angie got a great start at the drop of the green flag as Ashely trailed close behind. Steve was dead on the back of Ashley’s golf cart going into turn 2 while poor Kat brought up the rear of the field. Angie seemed to be on cruise control as she had at least a 1/4 of a track lead over Ashley. Out of turn 4, Angie cruised to the checkered flag, finally getting redemption from last year’s Big Dawg Clash. Congrats Angie!!

Our first feature, the Nashville Feed Super Stock 4 cylinder division, with Nevin Twiddy & Michael Rouse on the front row. This is not only final points for this class, but it is double points! With 223 points separating first and second, it was anyone’s game at this point. Lap two would see 3rd place Brad Hamm lose an engine coming out of turn 4 bringing out the first caution. Great hard racing with this race as Michael Rouse lead Nevin Twiddy, Bill Winstead, Dustin O’Neal &Austin Holcombe. Caution on lap 6 would see Dustin O’Neal pit with a flat tire, as well as Austin Holcombe getting checked out as well. Back green with Rouse leading Twiddy, Winstead, Bottoms and Eric Hill. Great green flag racing all through the field until lap 14 when Ryan Joyner would spin in turn 4 collecting about 4 other cars. After a quick clean up by our track staff we were back green with 6 to go. Back green with Rouse leading Twiddy, Winstead Bottoms and Hill. Winstead would challenge Twiddy for 2nd spot as we came to 2 to go. Rouse with a good lead, Winstead with a few car lengths between him and 3rd place Twiddy. Coming to the checkered flag, literal madness ensued as Dakota Whitley, going for position on Eric Hill, when he made contact and got airborne in turn 3. He would ultimately land over by the guard rail, and was luckily ok, although his car was not. Taking the checkers it would be Michael Rouse, Bill Winstead, Glenn Bottoms, Dustin O’Neal & John Proctor. After figuring out the final points, John Proctor was declared your 2012 Nashville Feed Points Champion with a final total of 3969 points. Congratulations John on your Championship! * As of this writing, a protest amongst the top 5 had the possibility of changing up the top 5 in points as well as the finishing order of the race. As soon as I find out the correct finishing order, I will correct the final rundown as well as the top 5 in points.* “UPDATE- Bill Winstead was declared the winner”

Up next, our very exciting PL Woodard Pure Stock V8 division with Gary Whitley & Phillip Lamm on the front row. A couple of quick cautions would slow this 18 car field, but the racing was absolutely outstanding between these drivers. After getting some green flag laps in we would see a great battle p front with Whitley & Lamm as Wade Ferrell got around Carly Fulghum for 3rd spot. Jerry Williams peaking into the top 5 as the rest of the field settled into a single file line. Wade Ferrell would challenge Lamm for 2nd place as the caution came out for Austin Bunn who dropped a motor coming out of turn 3. Back green with Whitley in front of Lamm, Ferrell, Fulghum & Williams. Going into turn 4 Lamm would make contact with Whitley spinning him and bringing out the caution with 4 to go. After sending both cars to the rear, Wade Ferrell would lead Carly Fulghum, Spencer Whitley, Tony Harrell & Jerry Williams to the green. Ferrell out front, Fulghum closing in, caution! Amanda Liles would spin in turn 4 bringing out the caution and sending us into a green-white-checker scenario. Wade Ferrell would bring home his first win of the season followed by Carly Fulghum, Archie Whitley, Tony Harrell & Dwayne Whitley. Bringing home the points championship, Tony Harrell! Congratulations on your 2012 PL Woodard Pure Stock V8 championship! *Correction: After declining protest, Wade Ferrell was dq’d and Carly Fulghum was declared the winner.*

Returning to County Line for their final regular season event, the DRU Inc Open Wheel Modifieds with Taylor Cook and Kyle Strickler on the front row. Couple of quick yellows would slow the field briefly, but this 19 car field was quickly regrouped and ready for some green flag laps. Taylor Cook would lose the lead to Russell Erwin, then 2nd spot to Kyle Strickler as the laps seemed to fly by. A couple of cars would get out of shape on the back stretch, make a little contact and bring out the caution. Jake Houser would then pretty much drill the 6 of Ryan Ayers, destroying the rear end of Ayers’ car and sending sheet metal flying across the track & up in the air. Back green, Erwin leading Strickler who was being challenged by Cook for 2nd. Russell Erwin would continue on to the checkers bringing home his 4th win of the season as well as the 2012 DRU Inc Open Wheel Modified 2012 Points Championship. Congratulations Russell on the win & the points championship. Russell was followed by Taylor Cook, Kyle Strickler, Chris Parker & Chris Arnold.

Our 4th feature of the night, the ARCO Restoration Pure Stock 4 division with Michael Webb & Brent Atkinson on the front row. Webb would lose the lead to Atkinson, then 2nd spot to Eric Hobgood. Thomas Holbrooke rode in 4th spot and Chris Collins would round out the top 5. Lot of green flag laps for this class with the exception of a couple of quick cautions. One two car wreck slowed the field as one of them climbed the berm in turn 4. Back green with Atkinson leading Hobgood, Holbrooke, Webb & Collins. JP Brantley would come to a stop in turn 4 bringing out the caution, but we were quickly green. Brent Atkinson would lead the field the final 3 laps to bring home his 3rd win of the season. He was followed by Eric Hobgood, Thomas Holbrooke, Michael Webb & Wesley Johnson. Michael Webb would also bring home the 2012 points championship in the ARCO Restoration Pure Stock 4′s. Congratulations on your championship Michael!

The always exciting Barnes Equipment Late Models lined up outside of turn 4, ready for 30 door banging laps with Neal Sykes & Russell Erwin starting on the front row. After the 2nd attempt at a green flag, Neal Sykes jumped out to the lead followed by Russell Erwin, Travis Hair, Ray Tucker & Roger Lucas. Cy Nelms Sr was dead on the bumper of 5th place Lucas, trying to take that spot away as Christan Joyner began to work on Christian Thomas for 6th spot. JC Clary & Ronnie Boykin rounded out the top 10. Out front, it was all Neal Sykes as he began lapping traffic right before the half way mark. Russell Erwin was holding off Travis Hair while Ray Tucker gained on the 91 of Hair. The battle was essentially for 2nd spot as Neal Sykes had about a half lap lead on Erwin as we came up to 10 to go. 5 to go and Hair is all over Erwin, Tucker close behind. Only 2 laps to go in this caution free race, and Hair gets around Erwin for 2nd spot while 4th 5th and 6th place were 3 wide out of turn 4! Cy Nelms Sr would take over the 5th spot from Lucas as Neal Sykes brought home the checkers. He was followed by Travis Hair, Russell Erwin, Ray Tucker & Cy Nelms, Sr. Also, the 2012 Barnes Equipment Late Model points championship would go to Cy Nelms, Sr. Congrats Cy on your points championship!

As always, County Line Raceway has a powder puff race for the ladies at the end of the season. Tonight would the ladies 4 cylinder & V8 powder puff. Up first, the 4 cylinder drivers would come out for practice before their 5 lap feature. Twiana Carroll would bring home the trophy in this 5 lap race, as Kelly Howell would bring home the win in the PSV8 race. Congrats ladies! Way to show those fellas!

If you’re in the listening area on Monday, be sure to listen in to the Big DAWG & Kat’s Kitchen at noon. Steve Summerlin & Steve Vail will be discussing tonight’s racing action & giving a preview of next weeks events. Also, come out to Oak Tavern on Tuesday for Red Clay Tuesday. We’ll be watching tonight’s racing on the big screen tv’s, hanging out & talking with friends.

We have a big day/night planned for next Saturday, October 27th. Next Saturday we will have the Inaugural Roger Matthews Memorial 125 Benefiting Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation with activities starting at 9:00 AM. We will be holding a Corn Hole Tournament with registration starting at 9:00 & the tournament starting at 10:30. First prize is $150 & a trophy for each team member! From 12-2, we’ll have Play Time Concessions out with some bounce houses for the kid to enjoy. From 2-4, we’ll have Trunk or Treat. Drivers, fans, car owners, bring your race car or personal car out with candy for the kids. We’ll have your cars on display in the front area of the parking lot for fans to take photo’s and meet the drivers. At 4:00 we’ll have a costume contest for our kids that want to participate. Prizes will be awarded to winners in each age group. Stick around for the hot racing action as well! We’ll have the ARCO Restoration Pure Stock 4′s, Nashville Feed Super Stock 4′s, PL Woodard Pure Stock V8′s, and for the first time in County Line Raceway History, the Rapid Red Racing Supply Thunder & Lightning will race door to door for $1000 to win TOPLESS!! Also, our Barnes Equipment Late Models will run 49 laps in memory of Roger Matthews & they will be topless as well! Come on out for a good night of hard racing!!

If you have any questions, please check out www.countylineracewaync.com, Like us on Facebook, follow us on twitter or go to the County Line Raceway forum on LocalRaceChat.com for information. If you can’t find your answer there, feel free to call the track at 252-985-1949

Thanks so much for your support, and we’ll see you at the Line!

Absolutely gorgeous fall weather greeting fans and drivers, the pits and stands filled up with folks ready to see some good old fashioned dirt track racing! After 2 weeks off, everyone was more than ready to see the Nashville Feed Super Stock 4′s, ARCO Restoration Pure Stock 4′s, PL Woodard Pure Stock V8, Rapid Red Racing Supply Thunder & Lightning and the Barnes Equipment Late Model division take to the 3/8 clay oval to sling some red dirt around.

Up first, the Nashville Feed Super Stock 4 division would line up for their 25 laps $800 to win special with points leader John Proctor on the pole. Brad Hamm, Kevin Pierce, Dustin O’Neal, and Nevin Twiddy would round out the top 5. As the green flag waved, all 24 cars barreled off into turn 1, but not all of them would make it out. An 11 car wreck would red flag this race and after a lengthy clean up 18 cars would line back up to attempt to start this race. John Proctor would lead the first lap followed by Brad Hamm and Kevin Pierce racing side by side for 2nd spot, Nevin Twiddy & Bill Winstead. Bill Winstead would get around Twiddy for 4th spot as Kevin Pierce tried repeatedly to get around Brad Hamm to no avail. Meanwhile out front, John Proctor cruised around the track as we completed 10 laps, seeking that 6th win of the season. Pierce got around Hamm for 2nd spot and tried to close the gap on Proctor. Just after half way the caution would come out for Eric Hill who slowed after hitting the backstretch wall. Back green very quickly with Proctor leading Pierce, Hamm, Winstead and Twiddy. A series of bizarre events would occur that would see both Hamm & Twiddy fall out of this event. Shake up in the top 5 as now it was Proctor holding off Pierce, Winstead, O’Neal and Jesse Duke. Two to go and Pierce was trying hard to get around Proctor to no avail. Coming to the checkers for his 6th win of the year & the $800 payday, John Proctor. Kevin Pierce would come home 2nd followed by Bill Winstead, Dustin O’Neal who was involved in the 11 car pile up on lap 1 and Jesse Duke.

Out next, the very exciting PL Woodard Pure Stock V8 division with Jason Schlaffer on the pole and Jerry Williams starting 2nd. The green flag would see 19 of these pure stock V8′s powering down the front stretch with Jason Schlaffer taking the point out of turn 2. Jerry Williams would lose 2nd spot to Gary Whitley as Tony Harrell and Dwayne Whitley. A 2 car wreck over in turn 4 would slow this field as the caution was displayed on lap 6. Back green with Schlaffer leading G. Whitley, Williams, Harrell & D. Whitley. Gary Whitley would mount the challenge on Schlaffer for the lead only to be shut down as Jerry Williams got up to make it 3 wide coming out of turn 4. Another caution would slow this field as 3 cars got around on the backstretch. Gary Whitely would retire to the pits under this yellow flag with mechanical issues. Back green with Schlaffer leading Williams, Harrell, Lamm and Spencer Whitley your top 5. Caution out again for Carly Fulghum who suffered a flat tire after brief contact with another car. Back green with 11 complete, Schlaffer still leading, looking for that first win at County Line Raceway. Caution free for the remaining 4 laps would see Jason Schlaffer bringing home his firs win, not only of the season but at County Line Raceway! Congratulations Jason!  Jerry Williams, Tony Harrell, Phillip Lamm & Spencer Whitley rounded out the top 5.

Our third feature of the night, the Barnes Equipment Late Models would see Russell Erwin and John Staton on the front row of this 24 car field. With all this horsepower, all these drivers fighting tooth and nail for this $1200 payday, it was sure to be a stellar race! Green flag and it would be a drag race down the front stretch with Russell Erwin out front briefly before Shaun Harrell gets around for the lead. Erwin was followed by Ray Tucker, Cy Nelms Sr, Travis Hair. Absolute great racing all through the field. Quick caution for some lap traffic that was almost ugly, but we were back green with Harrell leading Erwin, Tucker, Nelms and Hair. Travis Hair would lose 5th spot to Dustin Mitchell about the same time that Ray Tucker would lose 3rd spot to Cy Nelms Sr. Coming up on 8 laps complete Shaun Harrell continued to hold off Russell Erwin, Cy Nelms Sr, Ray Tucker and Dustin Mitchell. Under caution for Carlton Toney, we would see Ray Tucker go to the pits with a right rear flat. Shaun Harrell leads Erwin, Nelms Sr, Mitchell & Hair. Under caution again for a spin in turn 2, and again we would see a top 5 car pit, as Dustin Mitchell went down pit road for his crew to attend to the rear of his pink & white Rocket machine. Back green with Harrell leading Erwin, Nelms Sr, Hair and John Saton. Staton was holding off Neal Sykes as 2 cars made contact on the backstretch. Damon Kotke would make contact with Timmy Blackwell. Blackwell was able to continue, as Kotke was towed to the pits. Back green with Harrell leading Erwin, Nelms Sr, Hair and Staton. Sykes continued to challenge Staton in the corners but could not get enough momentum to get around. Harrell continued to put distance between him and Erwin, maintaining at least a 3 car length lead. Lap traffic would slow Harrell enough for Erwin to gain a little ground and close some space between them. Leader in heavy traffic on lap 21 which would open the door for Erwin to mount a challenge for the lead. Caution for the D8 of Dustin Mitchell, would slow drastically. He would make his way to the pits, done for the night. Back green with Harrell holding off Erwin, Nelms Sr, Hair and Staton. Coming to 5 to go, Harrell putting a car length space between him Erwin. Caution again for a spin in turn 4, as Britches Liles looped his L2 around. Back green with Harrell leading and 4 laps to go. Russell Erwin challenging the leader Harrell hard but can’t make the pass. Travis Hair trying to get around Nelms Sr for 3rd spot as the white flag comes out. Coming to the checkers it was Shaun Harrell followed by Russell Erwin, Cy Nelms Sr, Travis Hair & John Staton.

Coming out next, the Rapid Red Racing Supply Thunder & Lightning division with Micheal Batten & Nicky Etheridge starting on the front row for this 20 lap feature. Michael Batten would take command of the top spot as the powered down the backstretch, as the top 4 shuffled for position. After a few quick cautions, the field spread out and some green laps were run. Michael Batten would lead Skeeter Liles, Luke Owens, David Upchurch and Nicky Etheridge. An 8 car wreck would red flag this race as Nicky Etheridge spun on his on on the back stretch collecting Mark McDaniels, Mark Boykin, Toby Hoyle, Lane Proctor and Johnnie Edmundson. After a lengthy caution, we were back green with Michael Batten leading Skeeter Liles, Luke Owens, David Upchurch and Cy Nelms, Jr. Luke Owens would get around Liles to take over 2nd spot, as Cy Nelms, Jr moved up into 3rd. Several more cautions would plague this field, but as laps continued to wind down, it would be all Michael Batten out front. Michael Batten would not only bring home his 9th win of the season, but he would also bring home the 2012 Rapid Red Racing Supply Thunder & Lightning division. Luke Owens brought home 2nd, Cy Nelms, Jr 3rd, Skeeter Liles 4th & David Upchurch rounded out the top 5. Congratulations Michael on your win & track championship.

Our final feature even of the night, the ARCO Restoration Pure Stock 4′s would see Michael Webb and Brent Atkinson on the front row of this $400 to win 20 lap event. Lap 1 would prove eventful as 2 cars got together with one literally erupting into flames. Madness kind of ensued as the caution flag was thrown, red light flipped on, cars slamming on brakes while others were not as quick. One car ended up on the guard rail in turn 4, literally straddling it! Luckily, everyone involved was ok. Green flag, Michael Webb out front of Brent Atkinson, Thomas Holbrooke, Wesley Johnson & Cody Keith. JP Brantley got around Cody Keith for 5th spot and began working on Johnson for 4th. Cody Keith would get back around Brantley, taking over 4th spot. Brent Atkinson would challenge Webb for the lead, racing side by side, unable to get around Webb at the half-way mark. Third place Thomas Holbrooke would bring out the caution with a spin in turn 2 with 15 laps complete. Green flag, 5 to go, Michael Webb leads Atkinson all the way to the checkers, bringing home his 7th win of the season. Brent Atkinson came home 2nd followed by Cody Keith, JP Brantley and Chris Collins.

Be sure to join Steve Summerlin & Steve Vail Monday on 98.5 the Big Dawg at noon on Kat’s Kitchen. They will review this week’s race and give a sneak peak at upcoming events at County Line Raceway. We will be having an open practice on Thursday the 18th from 7-10pm. Come on out and take advantage of this practice session. Next week, we’ll have the ARCO Restoration Pure Stock Four Cylinder, Nashville Feed Super Stock Four Cylinder, PL Woodard Pure Stock V-8, DRU Inc. Modifieds, Barnes Equipment Late Model, Powder Puffs and the Big Dawg Clash. Come on out for what is sure to be an action packed night! As always, if you have any questions, please call the track at 252-985-1949, check the website www.countylineracewaync.com, or our Facebook page for any information you may need. Thanks so much for your support & we’ll see you next week at the Line!

We have added an Open Practice for All Divisions this Thursday night, October 11.

Gates open at 5:00

Practice will be from 7:00-10:00

Pit admission will be $10 per person

Ladies and Gentlemen:
County Line Raceway is pleased to announce that the October 27th race will be the Inaugural Roger Matthews Memorial 125 benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation. We will be featuring the Topless Late Models running 49 door banging laps in memory of famed Late Model driver Roger Matthews!

All 5 classes will be running this event, giving the fans tons of hot racing action.
We would like to fill the grandstands with pink!! Each person through the gate with a pink shirt, $1 from your admission will go to the Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Foundation! We will also have a balloon sale & release for survivors and in memory of a friend or loved one. These pink and white balloons will be $1 each and we will have an area set up with markers for you to write a message on the balloon for the release. This will be a simultaneous action at intermission and we ask that everyone participate to show your support for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Bring the kids out in their best Halloween costumes! We will have a costume contest that our point’s leaders will judge! Prizes will be awarded for the winner in each of the following groups: 7 & under, 8-12.

Last but not least, we will be offering lap sponsorship for the Topless Late Model race. These laps are $10 each and can be in memory of, support of or recognition of anyone you know who has or is suffering from breast cancer. This money will go directly to the Susan G. Komen Foundation to further their mission of awareness of breast cancer. If you are interested in sponsoring a lap. Please let us know. You may respond here or send us a private message. Your lap will be honored as each lap will be called out the night of the race. Please list the lap you want to sponsor and any information you want stated when your lap is mentioned.
We are also coordinating a cornhole tournament October 27th. It will be held in the spectator parking lot before the gates open. We are in the process of working out the details and will update asap!

Come on guys & gals, let’s get those laps sponsored!!! Fight Like A Girl against Breast Cancer with County Line Raceway!

Gates open at 5pm Friday night with show beginning at 7pm. Gates open Saturday at 4pm with the show beginning at 6:30pm

Ticket prices
5 and under – free
6-12 $5
13 and up $15.00

**admission gets you into grandstands and pits**

You will have direct access to pits from the grandstand area. There will also be grandstands in the pits aong the pulling track. Infield parking is first come first serve.

“Pedal Against Drugs” Pedal Pulls are held at each UPOC event on Saturday evening. Registration takes place between 5:00 and 5:30pm. The pedal pullers hit the track at shortly after that. Youngsters in three weight categories (40 – 50 lbs., 51 – 60 lbs., 61 – 70 lbs.) are invited to compete. The NTPA contributes annually to the national “Race Against Drugs” program. Three winners, from each of our Pedal Pulls, will have the opportunity to travel to the North Carolina State Fair in October to compete for the “Pedal Pull State Championship”. For more information about R.A.D visit them on the Web at http://www.raceagainstdrugs.org/.

Divisions Featured Both Nights
Super Stock Tractors
Super farm Tractors
Heavy 4×4 Trucks
Modified 2wd Trucks
Multi Engine Modified Tractors
2050 Mini Modified Tractors
Light 4×4 Trucks

For more information visit www.tpull.com

A beautiful Carolina blue sky welcomed fans, staff, crew & drivers to County Line Raceway for an action packed night of racing. Scheduled for tonight, we have the PL Woodard Pure Stock V-8 Special 20 laps – $400 to win event! Also scheduled to make their return, the DRU Inc Open Wheel Modifieds, ARCO Restoration Pure Stock 4, Nashville Feed Super Stock 4 and the Barnes Equipment Late Models. As qualifying & heat races were completed, lineups ready & cars lined up, County Line Raceway was ready to go racing!

Up first, the Nashville Feed Super Stock 4 division with Brian Medlin & Eric Hill on the front row for this 20 lap feature. Medlin sot out to a one car length lead over Hill followed by Dustin O’Neal, Bill Winstead & Jeffery Patterson. O’Neal began closing distance on the 2nd place of Hill as Winstead closed in on him. Brian Medlin caught the tail end of the field on lap 7, as Dakota Whitley brought the caution out as he slowed in turn 3. As we came to the green it was Medlin leading Hill, O’Neal, Winstead & Jeffery Patterson. Patterson would lose 5th spot to points leader John Proctor as Medlin continued to put distance on the field. With 5 to go, Medlin would fall off the pace giving the lead to Eric Hill coming out of turn 3, then Hill would slow at the flag stand before exiting off the track! Total shake up in the top 5 as we reconfigured the line up and went back green. Dustin O’Neal would take over the top spot followed by Bill Winstead, John Proctor, Jeffery Patterson & Austin Holcombe. Winstead was all over the bumper of O’Neal as the caution flew again for a spin in turn 2. Under this caution, Dustin O’Neal would retire to the pits giving the lead to Bill Winstead! It appeared as though the top spot was unforgiving tonight. Coming to green, white, checkers, Winstead leads John Proctor Jeffery Patterson Austin Holcombe and Jessie Duke. Picking up feature win #4, Bill Winstead, followed by John Proctor, Jefferey Patterson, Austin Holcombe & Jessie Duke.

Out next, the ARCO Restoration Pure Stock 4 division with Jeremy Benson & JP Brantley on the front row. Benson lead Brantley, Eric Hobgood, Cody Keith and Brandon Whitley. A couple of cautions would slow this 15 car field, but once we started making some green flag laps, these guys went to work. Brantley, trying to hold on to 2nd as Eric Hobgood tried his best to get around our leader Benson, but was unsuccessful. Hobgood would get around Brantley for 2nd as they came to the white flag, Benson tried in vain to hold off Hobgood but would lose the lead he held all 14 & 3/4 laps. Coming to the checkers it would be Eric Hobgood, Jeremy Benson, JP Brantley, Cody Keith & Thomas Holbrooke. Correction to ARCO Restoration Pure Stock 4 top 5. After declining protest, Eric Hobgood would be disqualified. Jeremy Benson would be declared the winner followed by JP Brantley, Cody Keith, Thomas Holbrooke and Wesley Johnson.

Returning to County Line Raceway, DRU, Inc. Open Wheel Modifieds with Kyle Strickler on the pole & Russell Erwin on the outside. These 2 would drag race down the front straightaway but i would be Strickler out front of Erwin coming out of turn 2. Taylor Cook held onto 3rd spot followed by Danny Bohn & Greg Brown. Roger Lucas would bring out the caution on lap 6 as he slowed on the backstretch. Back green with Kyle Strickler leading Russell Erwin, Taylor Cook, Danny Bohn and Greg Brown. Another quick caution for Warren Lipford would slow the field, but as we went back green there was no change in the top 5. Caution free for the remainder of this race and as they came to the checkers it would be Kyle Strickler would bring home his 4th win of the season followed by Russell Erwin, Taylor Cook, Danny Bohn & Greg Brown.

Lined up & ready for their special 20 laps $400 to win event, the PL Woodard Pure Stock V8 division! With Jerry Williams & Tony Harrell on the front row, it was certain to be an exciting 20 lapper. Harrell would take the lead out of turn 2 over Williams, Carly Fulghum, Gary Whitley & Greg Barnett. Coming up on lap 9, the leaders were catching lap traffic as the caution came out for a slow car on the backstretch. Back green with Harrell leading Williams, Fulghum, Barnett & Phillip Lamm.  Great racing through the field with no change in the top 5 coming to the 5 to go signal. Carly Fulghum got up beside Jerry Williams several times as she tried to take over that 2nd spot before falling back into her 3rd place. Coming to the checkers it would be Tony Harrell, Jerry Williams, Carly Fulghum, Greg Barnett & Phillip Lamm.

Our final feature of the night, the Barnes Equipment Late Models. Last weeks winner Travis Hair is your pole sitter with returning veteran late model driver Ray Tucker on the outside. Christian Joyner would bring out the first caution of the night on lap 1 in turn 2 resulting in a return trip to the pits via County Line Raceway’s wrecker service. Since no lap was completed, we would go back to a complete reset of the starting line up. Back green with Hair leading Tucker, Willie Milliken, Neal Sykes and Dustin Mitchell out if turn 1. A huge 6 car crash out of turn 2 involving JP Cascell, Bobby Bottoms, Roger Lucas, Britches Liles, Ethan Wilson and Trevor Peoples would bring out the caution. Back green with Hair leading Tucker, Milliken, Sykes & Mitchell. Willie Milliken would bring out the caution running third as he got into the turn 2 wall.  Back green with Hair still out front of Tucker, Sykes, Mitchell & Cy Nelms, Sr. As they crossed the stripe for the 7th time, the caution would come out for a solo spin in turn 4 by Ethan Wilson. Coming to the green it would be Hair leading Ray Tucker, Neal Sykes, Dustin Mitchell & Cy Nelms, Sr. After an extended caution when crew members continued to walk out on the track surface, which is against the rules, we were finally back under green. Hair leads Tucker, Sykes, Mitchell and Nelms, Sr. Hair was keeping a good 3 car length lead over Tucker as he continued to lap traffic. Two to go, Hair, Tucker, Sykes, Mitchell, Nelms, Sr the top 5. Green, white, checkers. Hair leading Tucker,  Sykes, Mitchell, Nelms, Sr. Bringing home his 2nd win in a row, Travis Hair! Ray Tucker, Neal Sykes, Dustin Mitchell & Cy Nelms, Sr.

County Line Raceway will be off next week, and no racing on the weekend of October 5th & 6th due to the Carolina Thunder 300 Truck & Tractor Pull. For the first time ever, these trucks & tractors are the most powerful motorsports on earth! Please join us for this momentous event! We’ll be showcasing the Super Stock Tractors, Super Farm Tractors, Heavy 4×4′s, Modified 2wd trucks, Multi Engine Modified Tractors, 2050 Mini Modified Tractors, Light 4×4 Trucks and Red Rock Monster Truck rides. If you need more information, please check outhttp://www.tpull.com. Show starts at 7:00 on Friday & 6:30 on Saturday, Admission is $15 for 13- up, 6-12 $5 & 5 & under are free. Come on out and enjoy some tractor pulling at the Line!

Absolutely gorgeous weather greeted fans, drivers and crews as they entered the gates of County Line Raceway. After a Sunday night race, all divisions were ready to go racing with the card full of hot action. The Rapid Red Thunder & Lightning division would line up for their $1000 special, with 17 hot rods ready to tackle the 3/8 mile track.

Our first feature of the night, the Nashville Feed Super Stock 4 cylinder division would see points leader John Proctor & Bill Winstead on the front row. Proctor would take the point as they came out of turn 1 while Dustin O’Neal would briefly get around Winstead for 2nd before quickly falling back to the 3rd spot. Glenn Bottoms and Ryan Joyner would round out the top 5 as we came to our first caution. Willie Schwann would bring out the caution with a solo spin in turn 4. Back green with Proctor leading Winstead, O’Neal, Bottoms and Joyner. Brad Hamm began to charge towards the front as he tried to get around Joyner for that 5th spot, finally making the pass. Meanwhile out front it was all Proctor and Winstead. The caution would come out again for another spin in turn 4. Back green with Proctor leading Winstead, O’Neal, Bottoms & Hamm. Brad Hamm would try to get around Bottoms for 4th but could not complete the pass. A car getting loose out of turn 2 would bring out the caution as several cars spun & came to a stop. John Proctor would head to the pits with a mechanical problem turning the lead over to Bill Winstead. Back green for a short time as a spin on the backstretch would bring out the caution again on lap 14. Back green with Bill Winstead leading Dustin O’Neal who was fighting a battle with Brad Hamm, Jeffery Patterson & Glenn Bottoms. Hamm would get around O’Neal for 2nd spot as Patterson moved up on O’Neal as the caution came out again on lap 17. Green flag, Winstead, Hamm, Patterson, O’Neal and Bottoms your top 5 as the caution would come out again for a 4 car mess in turn 3. Coming to the checkers it would be Bill Winstead, Brad Hamm, Dustin O’Neal, Glenn Bottoms and Willie Schwann.

Next up, the PL Woodard Pure Stock V8 division with Tony Harrell & Corky Lucas on the front row. The caution would come out on lap 3 for Anthony Silveri who came to a stop in turn 4. Back green with Tony Harrell, Jerry Williams, Jason Schlaffer & Steve Pearson. Williams would be side by side with Harrell down the backstretch for the lead, completing the pass before turn 3. Pearson would spin out of turn 4 with a little help bringing out the caution, and as we went back green, another car would spin out of 4 putting us right back under caution.Several cautions would plague this 15 lap feature. Out front though, it would be Jerry Williams, Tony Harrell, Jason Schlaffer, Carly Fulghum and Phillip Lamm. Coming to the white flag, Jason Schlaffer would get around Harrell for 2nd spot as Jerry Williams brought home the win. Carly Fulghum would come home 4th while Phillip Lamm round out the top 5.

The Barnes Equipment Late Model division lined up outside of turn 4 with Christian Joyner & Neal Sykes on the front row. Joyner would lead the first lap followed by Travis Hair who jumped around Sykes, JP Cascell in 4th, Bobby Bottoms in 5th. The caution would come out on lap 3 for Cy Nelms who slowed drastically in turn 4 and exited the track in turn 2. Back green, Joyner leading Hair, Sykes, Bottoms and Cascell. Trevor Peoples, Christian Thomas, Willie Milliken, Britches Liles & Joe Byers rounded out the top 10. Joe Byers would bring out the caution out of turn 4 as we completed lap 4. Back green with Hair trying to get up to Joyner, Sykes closing in. Britches Liles would spin in turn 4 right in front of Cy Nelms who had just came out of the pits. They would both continue but with damage. Back green with Joyner leading Hair Sykes, Bottoms, Cascell. Christian Joyner had about a half car length lead over Travis Hair but Hair was coming and coming strong. Bobby Bottoms tried to get underneath Sykes for 3rd not able t complete the pass with 10 laps complete. Travis would take the lead on lap 14 and put a lot of distance between him and Joyner. The caution would come out on lap 17 for Christian Thomas & CY Nelms who had a little disagreement in turn 1. Back green with Hair leading Joyner, Sykes, Bottoms and Cascell. Caution again for Cy who tangled with Joe Byers then another caution for the same 2 cars. Byers would exit the track after a little subliminal message from Nelms. Back green with Hair leading Joyner, Sykes, Bottoms and Cascell. Caution on lap 22 for a spin in turn 4 involving Willie Milliken & Dykes Maynard. Eight to go, Hair leading Joyner by 4 car lengths, then Sykes, Bottoms & Cascell. Travis continued put a lot of distance between him and second place as the caution came out again for Cy Nelms with a spin in turn 2. Green with 3 to go. Hair out front, Joyner holding off Sykes, Bottoms and Christian Thomas. One to go. Travis Hair one lap from his first win at County Line Raceway. Yes sir, after countless runner up finishes Travis Hair would bring home his first win!! Christian Joyner, Neal Sykes, Bobby Bottoms & Christian Thomas would round out the top 5. Congratulations Travis!

The ARCO Restoration Pure Stock 4 division lined up with Brent Atkinson & Eric Hobgood on the front row. Hobgood would take the point out of turn 2 followed by Brent Atkinson, Michael Webb, Brandon Whitley & Cody Keith. Two quick cautions would slow the field, but Eric Hobgood continued to lead this 19 car field with 3 complete. A couple more quick cautions would slow this field but a flip would bring this field to a stop on lap 7. Thomas Holbrooke would flip over at least one and a half times landing on his roof right before the start/finish line. Luckily, Thomas was able to exit the car on his own power although it appears the car may be destroyed. Back green with Hobgood continuing to lead Atkinson, Webb, Whitley & Keith. Lap 12 would see 2nd place Brent Atkinson spin in turn 4. Back green with Hobgood leading Webb, Whitley, Keith & Steven Kennedy. Coming to the checkers it would be Eric Hobgood, Michael Webb, Brandon Whitley, Cody Keith & Steven Kennedy.

Our final feature of the night, the Rapid Red Racing Supply Thunder & Lightning division with Mark Boykin & Cy Nelms, Jr on the front row for this $1000 to win 25 lap feature. A huge wreck right after they took the green flag would completely wipe out half the field. It started when Stevie Bryant & Michael Lamm would get together causing the 69 to spin in front of the remainder of the field. As he spun he collected Mark McDaniels, Ricky Dickens, Travis Harp, Mike Jones, Pat Ferrell and Scott Baines. Harp, Dickens, Ferrell & McDaniel would continue with heavy damage as the remaining involved would go to the pits for the night. As we finally made it to complete 5 laps, it would be Mark Boykin, Cy Nelms Jr, Michael Batten, Luke Owens & Skeeter Liles. Batten would get around Nelms for 2nd spot, bringing Owens with him as Mark Boykin put a couple car lengths between him & Batten. A caution would slow this field on lap 9, but we were very quickly back green. Halfway, Boykin continues to lead Batten, Owens, Nelms & Liles. Liles would make the move on Nelms for 4th spot as Boykin tried to put some distance on the field. Luke Owens would challenge Michael Batten, racing side by side as they caught slow traffic. It’s a 3 way race for the lead at this point as Batten is trying for the lead while holding off Owens. Owens would get around Batten to take over the 2nd spot and as he was all over the bumper of Boykin, he would cleanly get around him on lap 20  and put a few car lengths between them. Just before taking the 2 to go sign, Mark McDaniels would spin on the front stretch bringing out the caution. As we went to a green, white, checkers, Owens lead Boykin, Batten, Liles & Nelms. Luke Owens would bring home the $1000 payday with his 4th feature win of the year, followed by Mark Boykin, Michael Batten, Skeeter Liles & Cy Nelms, Jr. Unfortunately for Owens,after the win, he would be protested by 2nd place Mark Boykin. At the end of the night, Mark Boykin would be declared the winner.

Please be sure to tune in to Kat’s Kitchen on Monday at noon on 98.5 the Big DAWG as Steve Vail and Tyler Skinner discuss the events of tonight’s races and preview next week’s events. Come out to Oak Tavern on Tuesday night, watch video of tonight’s race, hang out with everyone & talk racin with the County Line Gang.

Be sure to join us next week as we have the PL Woodard Pure Stock V-8 Special 20 laps – $400 to win event! Also scheduled to make their return, the DRU Inc Open Wheel Modifieds, ARCO Restoration Pure Stock 4, Nashville Feed Super Stock 4 and the Barnes Equipment Late Models. If you have any questions, please call the track at 252-985-1949 or check out our website at ww.CountyLineRacewayNC.com.

Thanks so much for your support & we’ll see you at The Line….

After a torrential rain halted Saturday night’s events, for the first time in 25 years, County Line Raceway opened their gates on Sunday afternoon to complete the racing program for the weekend. With all heat races and qualifying completed before the downpour, we would go straight from hot laps to features for the Nashville Feed Super Stock 4, PL Woodard PSV8, Rapid Red Racing Supply Thunder & Lightning, ARCO Restoration Pure Stock 4 and the Barnes Equipment Late Models. With features ready to roll, Sunday night racing at The Line was ready to go!

Up first, our Nashville Feed Super Stock 4 division with Dustin Brad Hamm and John Proctor on the front row. Bill Winstead would bring out the first caution with a spin in turn 2 on lap 1. Back green with Brad Hamm leading Eric Hill, John Proctor, Dakota Whitley and Jeffrey Patterson. The caution would come out again on lap 5 for debris in the racing groove in turn 2. Back green with Hamm leading Proctor, hill, Whitley and Patterson. Dakota Whitley would get around Hill for the 3rd spot while Austin Holcombe worked his way around Glenn Bottoms for 6th spot. Up front, Hamm continued to lead Proctor followed by Dakota Whitely. These 3 were nose to tail for several laps, until the caution came out on lap 11 for debris in turn 3. Back green with Hamm, Proctor, Whitley, Hill and Patterson your top 5. Holcombe, Bottoms, Glenn Baker Bill Winstead and Jamie Bailey 5th thru 10th. Hamm was feeling pressure from Proctor as we came to 5 to go as they approached lap traffic. Madness almost ensued as Bill Winstead made heavy contact with Glenn Baker causing Jamie Bailey to spin, but he continued, as we came to the 2 to go signal. Several cars would suffer flat tires as we closed in on the checkers, but out front it would be Brad Hamm under the checkers first followed by John Proctor, Dakota Whitley, Jeffrey Patterson and Eric Hill would round out the top 5.

Out next, the PL Woodard Pure Stock V8 would see Dwayne Whitley and Carly Fulghum on the front row. On the start going into turn 1 Roy Hall would make contact causing Fulghum to spin in front of the field. Anthony Silveri would spin to avoid slamming into Fulghum. Back green, only to go immediately back under caution. The race would actually have numerous cautions before we could reach the 5 complete mark. Out front it would be Dwayne Whitley, Jerry Williams, Gary Whitley, Corky Lucas and Carly Fulghum. Up front Williams would get around Whitley to take the lead, and continue to lead the remaining laps to bring home the win. He was followed by Gary Whitley, Dwayne Whitley, Corky Lucas and Carly Fulghum.

Our third feature event lined up, the Rapid Red Racing Supply Thunder & Lightning division lined up with Mark Boykin & Skeeter Liles on the front row. Skeeter Liles would take the point coming out of turn 2, and seemed to hit the turbo as he put about a half a straightaway lead over 2nd spot Mark Boykin. Cy Nelms, Jr. held onto 3rd spot as Luke Owens and Michael Batten rounded out the top 5. Owens would get around Nelms, Jr. and began to work on Boykin for the 2nd spot when the caution came out for a spin in turn 2. Back green with Liles leading Boykin, Owens, Nelms, Jr. and Batten rounding out the top 5. Owens would get around Boykin out of turn 1 to take the 2nd spot as we came to the half way mark. Owens was on the bumper of Liles working on him for the lead as Michael Batten worked his way around Mark Boykin for 5th spot. Michael Batten would go hard into turn 3 trying to make the move on Cy Nelms, Jr. and would spin after slight contact. As we went back green with 17 complete, Skeeter Liles lead Luke Owens, Cu Nelms, Jr., Mark Boykin and Steve Bryant. Scott Baines would bring out the caution right before the white flag should’ve been thrown, slowing the field and giving Luke Owens another attempt to get around Liles.
Skeeter Liles would bring home the win followed by Luke Owens, Cy Nelms, Jr., Mark Boykin and Steve Bryant.

Lined up and ready to go in turn 4, the ARCO Restoration Pure Stock 4 division with teammates Brian Andrews & Michael Webb on the front row. Two cautions would slow this field early, but once we were finally able to get going, Brian Andrews would lead Michael Webb, Eric Hobgood, Brent Atkinson and Allen Parrish. Brandon Whitley would definitely be on the move after being involved in a lap 1 caution as he went wide open into turn 1 between a 4 car pack gaining several positions! Wow, what a move Brandon! Up front, the leader, Brian Andrews would spin in front of the field bringing out the caution on lap 3, and after going back green, Allen Parrish would hit the wall out of turn 2 so hard, his hood flew off. Allen was able to exit the car under his own power and walk to the ambulance. Back green with Michael Webb leading Eric Hobgood, Brent Atkinson, JP Brantley and Thomas Holbrooke. Brandon Whitley would get around Holbrooke and Brantley to take over 4th spot, relegating Brantley to 5th. Brantley would bring out the caution on the backstretch as he spun, then as we went back green, Brandon Whitley would spin on his own, also on the backstretch, bringing out the caution yet again.Eric Hobgood would mount the hard challenge on Michael Webb and make the pass for the lead out of turn 3, leading the remaining lap and a half to bring home his first win of the season. He was followed by Michael Webb, Brent Atkinson, Thomas Holbrooke & Brian Andrews.

Our final race, the Barnes Equipment Late Model division lined up with Neal Sykes & Travis Hair on the front row for their 30 lap feature. Sykes would take the lead out of 1 as they drag raced down the backstretch. Travis Hair followed by about a car length, then Roger Lucas, Daulton Wilson and Bobby Bottoms. Single file through the field, Sykes out front with 8 laps complete. Ronnie Boykin in 6th was holding off a 2 way fight from Britches Liles and JP Cascell. Christian Joyner would bring out the first caution on lap 11 with a solo spin in turn 4 but we were quickly back green. Sykes, Hair, Lucas, Wilson & Bottoms the top 5. Hair challenged Sykes for the lead but could not get around him, as Spencer Liggon got around in turn 1 off the front of the C9. back green, with Hair all over Sykes. Britches got around Boykin for 6th as the first and 3nd place cars walked away from the rest of the pack. As the laps flew by, Sykes continued to maintain a car length lead over Hair, while Lucas, Wilson & Bottoms were about a straightaway behind. Roger Lucas, running 3rd would pit suddenly on lap 25, as Sykes continued to lead the field. Neal Sykes would bring home the win after several hard challenges by Travis Hair to get around him. Daulton Wilson, Bobby Bottoms and Britches Liles would round out the top 5.

If you are in the area please be sure to join Steve Vail & Tyler Skinner on 98.5 the Big Dawg at noon for Kat’s Kitchen. They will be discussing tonight’s events as well as giving a preview of next weeks races. Also, come out Buffalo Wild Wings on Tuesday as we will have our local EMS & Fire Dept out with their emergency vehicles on display in recognition of September 11th.

Come on back next Saturday night as we honor our Military & Law Enforcement. All 5 regular divisions will be running, and our Rapid Red Racing Supply Thunder & Lightning division will be racing for $1000 to win!

If you have any comments, suggestions or questions, please check out our website at www.countylineracewaync.com or call the track office at 252-985-1949. Thanks for your support and we’ll see you at the Line!

As soon as we completed heats and qualifying, the rain moved in.  Due to the weather, we have been forced to postpone tonight’s races. We will be racing tomorrow!

 
Pit Gates Open at 4:00
Grandstand Gates Open at 5:00

Driver’s Meeting at 6:00
Practice at 6:30
Features 7:00

Features are locked in from tonight’s heats and qualifying. Any new entries will tag the rear of the field in the order they sign in.

We look forward to seeing everyone tomorrow!