BRASSTOWN, N.C. – Chris Madden took advantage of misfortune for leader Ross Bailes Tuesday night at Tri-County Race Track to ultimately win the Schaeffer’s Oil Southern Nationals Series feature at the quarter-mile, semi-banked clay oval.
Madden inherited the lead on lap 14, when Bailes was collected in a mishap while trying to navigate through slower traffic. Three laps earlier, Madden had passed Brandon Overton for second, which turned out to be the race-winning move at the end of the night.
The final 21 laps were all Madden, as he raced to victory ahead of Overton, who was trying to win his fifth-straight Southern Nationals main event.
Madden’s victory was worth $3,500. It was his record-extending 27th career series win.
Overton hung on for runner-up honors, ahead of local favorite David Payne, Madden’s teammate Tyler Millwood and defending race winner Jake Knowles, who started 14th.
The 35-lap race was slowed by four cautions, of which Bailes’ incident was the third.
Southern Nationals Series action continues July 23 at Crossville (Tenn.) Speedway.
The finish:
1. Chris Madden, 2. Brandon Overton, 3. David Payne, 4. Tyler Millwood, 5. Jake Knowles, 6. Brent Dixon, 7. Payton Freeman, 8. Ross Bailes, 9. Pearson Lee Williams, 10. Dalton Polston, 11. Joe Denby, 12. Jamie Oliver, 13. Jadon Frame, 14. Kurt English, 15. Craig Greer, 16. Donald McIntosh, 17. Mark Whitener, 18. Shawn Chastain, 19. Danny Ledford, 20. John Baker, 21. Chuck Southard, 22. Kenny Collins.