---

Erwin Wins Inaugural Roger Matthews Memorial

County Line Raceway, the three-eighths-mile clay track, beginning its 25th anniversary season, was the
site of the inaugural Roger Matthews Memorial, a 49-lap Late Model event with a $2,500 winning
prize that honored the memory of one of the track’s favorite racers. This event was scheduled originally
for Oct. 27 of last year but Hurricane Sandy wiped out those plans. Now the event will be part of the
track’s schedule every year in the fall beginning in 2014.

Fans and drivers braved chilly temps to celebrate the life of local racing legend Roger Matthews. After
speaking with some of the family members, recalling some of his races, track co-promoter Brenda
Holcombe presented a plaque to his family & revealed a billboard that will sit atop the grandstands
forever preserving his memory at the 3/8ths mile clay oval. After a moment of silence, 49 red & white
balloons were released into the night sky. After the presentation of the flag by the Fike High School Jr.
ROTC, we were set to settle three divisions of racing action!

Beaverdam Virginia’s Russell Erwin piloting the #32 Erwin Racing Supply Shaw Chassis would rocket to
the top of the speed chart for the 25 lap DRU, Inc. Open Wheel Modified feature! At the drop of the
green Erwin never looked back. By lap 9 Erwin had stretched his lead out to 7 car lengths. 2 nd thru 6th
saw furious racing action as multi-time feature winners Chris Parker and Kyle Strickler battled with
Taylor Cooke, Jimmy Duncan and Greg Brown. After 2 cautions, Erwin still out front, with Mooresville,
North Carolina’s Taylor Cooke about 5 car lengths back, Chris Parker cruising along in 3rd while Strickler
fighting from dead last challenged Duncan for 4th spot. Strickler would make the slide job on Duncan to
take over 4th spot, while Greg Brown crept into the picture to mount a challenge on Duncan, eventually
taking the spot with 5 to go. Coming to the checkers it will be all Russell Erwin followed by Taylor Cooke,
Chris Parker, Kyle Strickler and Greg Brown.

Next on the card, the ARCO Restoration Thunder & Lightning division with Skeeter Liles & Luke Owens
on the front row of this 20 lap feature. Liles would take the lead with commanding fashion at the drop
of the green, Luke Owens held down 2nd spot while Matthew Bissette hunkered down in 3rd. Jason
Schlafer & Pat Ferrell dropped out of the feature early due to mechanical issues. Bailey NC pilot Skeeter
Liles would dominate this race bringing home his 2nd win in a row serving notice to his competitors that
he will be a major player during the 2013 points championship battle. Luke Owens brought 01 home in
2nd spot with the #23 of Matthew Bissette finishing in 3rd.

Our final event of the night, the Barnes Equipment Late Models would again see Russell Erwin set fasty
time and sit on the front row with Dean Bowen starting outside. Two failed attempts at an initial start
resulted in a single file restart. The 3rd time was a charm as they took the green flag; Erwin would win
the drag race to turn 1 with Dean Bowen tracking. Michael Batten, JP Cascell and Travis Hair would
settle in and battle for position for several laps. Erwin quickly padded his lead as he blistered the 3/
8ths mile in his Corky Boys racing #32. After a quick caution for the 0 of Greensboro’s Daniel Tucker we
would go back green with Russell Erwin still out front followed by Dean Bowen in 2nd, Michael Batten
holding off a hard charging Travis Hair for 3rd and Christian Joyner rounding out the top 5. Batten’s top
5 run would be cut short as the #21 Warrior chassis made contact with the backstretch wall ending his

night. Back green with Erwin attempting to put some distance between him & 2nd place Dean Bowen.
Travis Hair holding on to 3rd, Christian Joyner and Spencer Liggon rounded out the top 5. Spencer Liggon
got around Christian Joyner for 4th spot while JP Cascell was close behind waiting for his chance to
challenge the C9 of Joyner. Up front, Erwin caught and passed Roger Lucas who was running in 6th spot,
putting him a lap down as we marked off lap 39. Erwin was quickly catching the 5th place of JP Cascell
as the laps wound down. Our final caution of the night would claim the 2nd place driver dean Bowen as
the #55 slowed in turn 3. With a 6 lap shootout remaining it would be Russell Erwin, followed by Travis
Hair, Spencer Liggon, JP Cascell & Roger Lucas. Erwin would stretch his lead again over 2nd place as they
came to the white flag, cruising around with a purpose. Bringing home the win Russell Erwin goes 2 for 2
tonight! He was followed by Travis Hair, Spencer Liggon, JP Cascell & Roger Lucas.

Please be sure to come out on April 6th for our annual car show from 10-4, with the Official Season
Opener The Weasel Town 100 taking place that night. This event will also feature the Barnes
Equipment Fast 5 Round 1. The Barnes Equipment Shootout is 4 races that have been chosen by
Barnes Equipment owner Ashley Barnes. The points for the 4 races will be tracked separate with the
shootout champion and 2nd thru 5th place honored on the front stretch October 19th. 1st place will
receive $1,000, 2nd $750, 3rd $500, 4th $250 and 5th $100. For more information on County Line
Raceway, visit our website at www.countylineracewaync.com/

Back to News