PORTSMOUTH, Ohio – Michael Chilton would lead all 40 laps on his way to a $5,000 payday at Portsmouth Raceway Park on Saturday night.
It would be the first time the Valvoline Iron-Man Late Model Northern Series visited the track.
The victory for Chilton would be his first of the season with the tour and his ninth career Valvoline Iron-Man Late Model Series victory.
Robby Hensley and Michael Chilton would bring the field to the green flag in the 2nd Annual Charlie Swartz Classic, but the caution would wave before one lap was completed when Evyian Terry would spin in turn four.
The second attempted start would go green and Chilton would take the race lead.
The second caution of the race waved on lap six when a four-car tangle would occur in turn four involving Corey Lewis, Evyian Terry, Audie Swartz, and Shane Bailey.
The restart would see Chilton maintain the race lead. Chilton would stretch his lead at this point and would catch the rear of the field on lap fifteen.
Chilton would not press the issue with slower traffic at this point and that would allow Robby Hensley to close the distance between himself and Chilton, but Chilton would put a lapped car between himself and Hensley on lap twenty-one.
The final caution of the race appeared on lap twenty-five when Nick Bocook slowed in turn four with a flat right-rear tire.
The final restart would see Chilton maintain the lead, but Hensley would stay within striking distance of Chilton, however, Chilton would not be denied and would cross under the checkered flag first, with Hensley settling for runner-up honors. R.J. Conley would finish third.
The Finish:
Feature (40 Laps): 1. Michael Chilton, 2. Robby Hensley, 3. R.J. Conley, 4. Zach Hill, 5. Rod Conley, 6. Brandon Fouts, 7. Shannon Thornsberry, 8. Lucas Crooks, 9. Austyn Mills, 10. Kody Evans, 11. Kirk Phillips, 12. Charlie Jude, 13. Clint Keenan, 14. Audie Swartz, 15. Austin Lay, 16. Shane Bailey, 17. Nick Bocook, 18. Kenneth Howell, 19. Josh Bocook, 20. Corey Lewis, 21. Evyian Terry, 22. Ronnie Whitt