Bobbie Tumbleston III scores emotional victory at Charles Hutto Memorial

DILLON, SC – Bobbie Tumbleston, III picked up the victory in Saturday night’s Charles Hutto Memorial at Dillon Motor Speedway after an intense battle with Jeff Sparks in the Mid-Atlantic Street Stock Championship Series.

Tumbleston was the dominant driver in the race on paper, leading over half of the race’s 75 laps, but the weekend was challenging for the veteran driver who was making his first start at the South Carolina track since January.  He battled numerous issues with the car all weekend and believed Sparks, who eventually finished in the runner-up spot, would ultimately win.

“I didn’t think I was going to win the race,” Sparks told Short Track Scene after the race.  “I figured [Sparks] would win, it just worked out for me, and I got the win and I’m thankful for that.  All in all, good night.  I had a rough weekend and, yesterday, I was ready to leave.  Air conditioner broke on my trailer, car couldn’t turn the corner, brake master cylinder went bad, and to move lead, it’s been a never-ending situation.  I managed to get the win, but it was a hard one.”

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The race was held in memory of longtime racer Charles Hutto, who passed away in August 2021 of a heart attack.  Surviving members of the Hutto family were on hand for the race and were a part of pre-race and post-race ceremonies, making the victory even more special for Tumbleston.

“I was glad to see [Charles Hutto’s] wife and kids and family here,” Tumbleston said.  “It means a lot to me to be able to come here and support him.  I wish I could have done his throwback paint scheme, but things didn’t work out for me.  It was a last-minute decision to come here.”

Frank Kimmel, who picked up two more Grand National Super Series victories a week removed from a dominant sweep in Jacksonville, also talked about his friendship with Hutto after the race.

“To win is really special and tonight is double special with the Charles Hutto Memorial Race,” Kimmel told Short Track Scene.  “Charles was such a good friend and I just hated to lose him.  He was riding along with us tonight.  I first met Charles at the Frank Kimmel Street Stock Nationals and he wanted to come race it.  Eventually, he became a sponsor and was a big part of it.  He was a great friend.  Our family has had Thanksgivings with his family and we really enjoyed being friends and I’m glad we were able to get a win for him.”

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The Charles Hutto Memorial, which was originally scheduled to be run on July 9^th before being postponed due to rain, marks back-to-back races for the Mid-Atlantic Street stock Championship Series.  Next weekend, the series will compete at Florence Motor Speedway in Timmonsville, South Carolina.

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