Raphael Lessard picked up his first CARS Super Late Model Tour victory and extended his points lead at Hickory Motor Speedway on Saturday night.
Lessard got by Christian Eckes, who had led the entirety of the race’s first 105 laps, with 20 laps to go and never looked back as he went on to score the win. The victory is Lessard’s first career Super Late Model victory.
“It’s a dream come true for me,” Lessard said in victory lane. “First of all, I can’t thank enough my team, David Gilliland Racing, for giving me an awesome car. My Toyota Camry was very fast. It’s awesome, it’s a dream come true. Can’t thank them enough.”
Christian Eckes dominated the race in the early laps but a series of caution in the middle stages helped Lessard race his way up into the top-four. A late green flag run allowed Lessard to continue working his way up until he got to Eckes’ rear bumper and was able to make the pass.
The most notable incident came on lap 60 when Cole Timm and Vinnie Miller crashed, drawing a red flag.
Unofficial Results
1. Raphael Lessard
2. Christian Eckes
3. Brandon Setzer
4. Steve Wallace
5. Quin Houff
6. Jake Crum
7. AJ Frank
8. Clay Jones
9. Preston Peltier
10. Matt Craig
11. Trevor Noles
12. Lucas Jones
13. Tanner Berryhill
14. Gus Dean
15. Tyler Ankrum
16. Alex Guenette
17. Jeff Batten
18. Tyler Church
19. Cole Timm
20. Joey Mucciacciaro
21. Vinnie Miller
22. Stephen Leicht
23. Nicole Behar — DNS
