NASCAR intended to put on a show and the Show Stopper delivered.
Chris Fleming drove from last to first to win a race best described as a demolition derby in front of a crowd of around 14,000 to win what he also declared somewhat reluctantly as the biggest victory of his career.
“All the wins are big but this is probably the biggest Modified race in NASCAR history,” Fleming said. “So I would say it is my biggest win and I’ll never forget this one.”
While a non-points race, this was the 18th of his career and came in dramatic fashion.
“It that wasn’t a show, then they never will have one,” said Fleming after clearing the scales.
Fleming held off 11-time champion Burt Myers over the final seven laps, and several restarts, to deny him a 98th win at the Winston-Salem bullring. Myers himself had driven from the rear after being involved in an incident that also included son Slate around 40 laps into the race.
“I know Burt was right there and I knew he was coming,” Fleming said. “I just wanted to hold my line and keep driving.”
What more did Myers need?
“The car was pretty good but was it was tight,” Myers said. “We probably should have went with the setup we had at the end of last year but we went with a more aggressive shock package in the rear and it locked the car down too much.”
Fleming opted into an ‘ultimate challenge and drove from 22nd to first without putting a single dent into his car on a day where so many suffered incidents.
“My car was a jet,” Fleming said. “I did challenge for the people and won $9,000 last year in the fan’s challenge and did it again and won $5,000. So, it’s been a good day.”
Fleming never did win a Bowman Gray track championship and despite starting the season with good vibes, isn’t going to chase one this year.
“I’m too old,” said the 62-year-old. “I’m done with points racing. I’m not even going to race every week this year. I’m just coming here for wins.”
Mission accomplished.
John Holleman IV led the most laps from the pole but a series of incidents between he and Danny Bohn eventually led to the two crashing from the lead.
Matt Weaver is the owner and founder of Short Track Scene. Weaver grew up in the sport, having raced himself before becoming a reporter in college at the University of South Alabama. He also has extensive experience covering NASCAR, IndyCar and Dirt Sprint Cars.
