Hickory champion wins 75 lapper, Next-Generation ‘Earnhardt’ arrives

Michael Bumgarner continues to be the face that runs the Hickory Motor Speedway place right now.

The reigning and defending Late Model Stock champion won for the second time over the first two weeks, making it two wins in three features, this time winning a 75 lap feature at The Birthplace of the NASCAR Stars on Saturday night.

Bumgarner won the pole earlier in the afternoon and says he spent the first 45 laps tire saving and the final 30 just minding his gap to Austin McDaniel and Graham Holler.

“Just a really bad fast race car,” Bumgarner said. “I was just trying to take care of it until 30 laps to go and then just worked to maintain the gap I have the easy job at this operation.”

The only notable incidents on the night involved the other opening night winner, Holler, who had run-ins with both Thomas Beane and Charlie Watson on his way to the front.  Helio Meza crashed on the second lap when he slowed down the backstretch and Blayne Harrison was unable to lay off him.

Hickory Weekly Night Two 75 Lapper

• 1.      Michael Bumgarner
• 2.      Austin McDaniel
• 3.      Graham Holler
• 4.      Charlie Watson
• 5.      Akinori Ogata
• 6.      Blayne Harrison
• 7.      Darrick Coomer
• 8.      Thomas Beane
• 9.      Skyler Chaney
• 10.  Helio Meza

Wyatt Miller makes pavement debut

The event also featured both the pavement and Limited Late Model debut of Wyatt Miller, the 13-year-old son of L.W. Miller and Kelley Earnhardt-Miller, and thus the nephew of Dale Earnhardt Jr. and grandson of ‘The Intimidator.’

Miller finished second but nearly outright won the race, giving eventual winner William Aldred the bumper over the final lap.

Miller ran fourth most of the 35 lap feature but took advantage of some attrition ahead of him and was there at the end for a shootout finish.

William Aldred held on to his wheel to win the race. Miller was very honest about his intentions.

“There at the end, I just tried to move him out of the way a little bit but it didnt work,”Miller said. “Hats off to him.”