Katie Hettinger I
Katie Hettinger (KH photo)

Hettinger Makes History At New Smyrna

NEW SMYRNA, Fla. — Katie Hettinger made history and Matt Hirschman just kept chugging along during night seven of the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway on Thursday night.

Hettinger made a late-race pass of Carson Brown to become the first female driver to win a Pro Late Model feature during the World Series. She also became the first Michigan driver to triumph in the class.

After contact with Brown while making the winning pass, Hettinger held off Ryan Luza for the victory, with Brown coming home third. Pro Late Model point leader Conner Jones was fourth, with midget racer Brent Crews fifth.

Meanwhile, Hirschman survived a late-race battle with Patrick Emerling to win his fourth consecutive Tour-type modified feature during the World Series.

Emerling finished second, with Teddy Hodgdon, Jimmy Blewett and Eric Goodale rounded out the top five.

Casey Roderick earned his second consecutive super late model victory, beating William Sawalich to the checkered flag.

Conner Jones, Gio Ruggiero and Nicholas Naugle completed the top five.

Luke Baldwin won the 602 modified feature and Cody Strickler topped the Florida modified main event.