To be the man, you have to beat the man, they say.

Matthew Craig proved he was ‘the man’ of the Carolinas on Saturday when he outdueled national Super Late Model star Ty Majeski to win the PASS South portion of the North-South Shootout on Saturday at Concord Speedway.

The race was decided by a Lap 90 crash and restart caused by defending Snowball Derby winner Christian Eckes crashing on the backstretch dog leg. Majeski was unable to hold off the reigning PASS South champion.

Even Erik Darnell got by Majeski, but the battle for second was the most captivating one on the track as Craig extended his lead. Not even a Lap 98 crash and restart could offset Craig’s advantage. The victory was important because this is a home race for the Kannapolis, North Carolina native.

“This track means so much to my family, we’ve always had success here, it was a little bit bumpy for me the first few times out here, but we’ve finally got it conquered and figured it out this time,” Craig said “We’ve had a phenomenal year and we’ve been doing so good.  We’ve tested and really done our homework and I’m just the lucky one that gets to drive them.”

Darnell started on the pole for the 125-lap race after a redraw for the top-nine positions. That potentially cost Craig a clean sweep of the race as the fastest qualifier. He started fifth with Majeski rolling off seventh.

Darnell led the first 46 laps before a caution on Lap 46 for a Dave Farrington crash.

That’s when Majeski shined, taking the lead on the ensuing restart with Craig falling back to fifth. Craig spent the next 44 laps picking his way through the top-5 while Majeski led in the Lucas Jones No. 16 entry.

Spencer Davis came from the rear of the field after a late-race pit stop to finish third. Jake Crum and McCumbee completed the top-five. The complete results can be found below.

1. Matt Craig
2. Ty Majeski
3. Spencer Davis
4. Jake Crum
5. Chad McCumbee
6. Kodie Conner
7. Colt James
8. Roy Hayes
9. Erik Darnell
10. Jared Irvan
11. Tate Fogleman
12. JP Josiasse
13. Kyle McCallum
14. Christian Eckes
15. Garrett Evans
16. Wes Burton
17. Dave Farrington Jr.
18. Jordan McCallum
19. Matt Wallace (DNS)

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