ASHEBORO, N.C. — Wednesday night at Caraway Speedway was a full circle moment for Layne Riggs.
Over two decades after DeLana Harvick’s father John Paul Linville gave Layne’s father Scott his first major opportunity in the USAR Hooters Late Model Series, the younger Riggs made a statement in his first start with Kevin Harvick Inc.’s new Late Model Stock program by winning the CARS Tour 265.
Layne had previously won six times in the LMSC Tour prior to Wednesday evening, but his triumph at Caraway proved to be the most significant as he continues to battle his way toward a spot in one of NASCAR’s premier divisions.
The biggest challenge Layne faced during the night came in the form of defending LMSC Tour champion Carson Kvapil, who led most of the CARS Tour 265 after passing polesitter Chase Burrow.
Once Layne dispatched Kvapil shortly after the halfway point, nothing stood in the way of earning a popular victory amongst the Caraway crowd.
Expectations were high for Layne entering what was initially a one-race deal for him with KHI. Although his future with the organization is currently unknown, Layne showcased his talent to the entire motorsports industry on Wednesday and will look to carry the momentum over from Caraway into the rest of his planned LMSC Tour and NASCAR starts.
Jared Fryar finished second, with Mason Diaz, Kvapil and Kaden Honeycutt rounding out the top five.
Kyle Larson drove a JR Motorsports machine and finished eighth.
The 100-lap Pro Late Model Tour feature was dominated by Caden Kvapil. After passing polesitter Connor Zilisch early, Kvapil was tasked with fending off Katie Hettinger during the final 50 laps to score his first victory on the 2023 season.
Hettinger finished second, with Tate Fogleman third.
The finish:
Layne Riggs, Jared Fryar, Mason Diaz, Carson Kvapil, Kaden Honeycutt, Bobby McCarty, Brenden Queen, Kyle Larson, Cameron Bolin, Mini Tyrrell, Andrew Grady, Lanie Buice, Landon Huffman, Connor Hall, Jacob Heafner, Ryan Millington, Connor Zilisch, Brandon Pierce, William Sawalich, Logan Clark, Carson Brown, Jason Kitzmiller, Chase Burrow, Trevor Ward, Matt Gould, Ronnie Bassett Jr., Chad McCumbee, Jason York, Bryant Barnhill, Dylan Ward, Jeremy Mayfield.
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