The Carolina Clash Super Late Model Series paid its first visit of three in 2009 to Wythe Raceway Saturday with Jeff Smith (Dallas, NC) showing why he is the series points leader by taking command of the race on lap 38 of the 40 lap main event.

The nights race was a make up of the rained out event from May 9th and was presented by First Community Bank.

Dennis “Rambo” Franklin (Gaffney, SC) and Ricky Weeks (Rutherfordton, NC) made up the front row as 24 super late model cars took the green flag to begin their quest for the $4000 first prize.

Franklin quickly took the lead from Weeks, going into turn one and easily dominating the first half of the race.

The real show was from second to the back of the pack as Weeks was soon pressured for second by the hard charging Smith, who after starting sixth found the low groove to his liking and closed on the leaders. Smith used a power move coming out of turn two on the 21st lap to get around Weeks for second and set his sights on Franklin and the win.

Franklin appeared to have to win wrapped up, as he enjoyed a large lead going into the final five circuits. Smith however got the break he needed as a caution came out for the slowed car of Scott Neighbors. This was the only break Smith needed, as Franklin drifted high in turn one allowing Smith to pass.

Weeks and Dan Breuer (Troutman, NC) were also able to get by Franklin.

Smith went on to claim the very popular win ahead of Weeks, Breuer, Franklin, and Kerry Jones (Bristol, TN). The win enabled Smith to stretch his series points lead over Weeks, who is the defending series champion.

In preliminary action, Franklin set the fast time with a 17.250 time around the half mile track. Doug Sanders (Springwood, NC) and Austin Dillon (Lewisville, NC) each won heat races to qualify for the main event.

The Carolina Clash will return twice more during the 2009 campaign with the next coming August 9th and the final appearance of the year scheduled for September 19th.

In the Berglund Performance Late Models, Kenny Peeples (Rural Retreat, Va.) continued his winning ways by leading the entire race to claim his fifth consecutive feature event.

Tam Topham (Wytheville, Va.) pressured Peeples the entire event but could never gather enough momentum to get around Peeples and ended his night settling for second.

Following Peeples and Topham across the line was David Watts (Buchanan, Va.), Eddie Bentley (Sugar Grove, Va.) and points leader Chad Hale (Wytheville).

The Super Street race promised to be an exciting affair as the group rolled onto the track for its 20 lap main event.

Keith Griffitts (Sugar Grove) and Brian Coake (Max Meadows, Va.) led the field to the green.

Griffitts used the preferred outside line as was able to power in front of Coake from the outset and lead every lap on his way to his third victory of the year and claim the bounty placed upon Mike Keith, Rural Retreat earlier in the season. After being involved in an accident last week, Keith made a valiant effort by charging to second from his 15th starting spot. Jimmy Tate (Wytheville) finished third with fourth going to Coake and Chad Hale rounding out the top five.

Michael Davis (Atkins, Va.) drove to victory in the Open Wheel Modifieds by getting around race leader Will Ferguson (Wytheville, Va.).

Ferguson spun on the final lap, giving second to Troy Loomis (Sherrils Ford, NC) with Roby Orr (Glade Spring, Va.), Lance Reynolds (Wytheville) and R.K. Dix (Rural Retreat) completing the top five.

JR Davis (Crockett, Va.) crossed the line first in the Pro Mini class, but Jerry Dillow (Bluewell, WV) was declared the winner after a post race protest.

For Dillow, it was his fourth win of the year and served to extend his points lead. Jason Powers (Marion, Va.) finished a season best second with Travis Harden (Marion) taking home third, while fourth went to Duke Bare (Meadowview, Va.) and Gary Rudolph (Fries, Va.) finished fifth.

Jessy Parks (Sugar Grove) extended his winning streak in the UCAR class by winning his fifth straight feature.

Britton Settle (Dobson, NC) made his first visit to Wythe Raceway this season and took home second ahead of Zack Sprouse (Rural Retreat), Noel Easter (Mt. Airy, Nc.) and Ricky Parks (Sugar Grove).

Hunter Reedy (Marion) won the UCAR2 feature ahead of Anissa Widener (Abingdon, Va.), Laken Widener (Marion) and Julianna Cooper (Charlotte, Nc.)

Racing action returns to Wythe Raceway next Saturday July 4th as all five regular classes will be in action. Wythe Raceway is located off I-81 exit 60 outside of Rural Retreat. Gates open at 5 p.m. with racing starting at 7:42 p.m. For more information about upcoming events, log onto www.WytheRaceWay.com.