WILLIAMSTON, S.C. — Audio and recap by Race Chaser Online Managing Editor Jacob Seelman — Chris Seelman photo —
After being put to the rear for jumping the initial start, Michael Womack battled back in a caution-free 20-lap U.S. Legends Car feature on Friday night at Anderson Motor Speedway, passing race-long leader Randy Gunton with four laps to go and driving away to pick up the trophy.
The performance was the second “last-to-first” run in the class this season at Anderson, following a similar charge through the field by reigning track champion Justin Ashley back during Opening Night festivities on March 18.
“It was a fun race, Unfortunately, I did jump the start — but that came from not knowing the track rules here (at Anderson) and that they are pretty picky with the way they do their starts,” Womack admitted. “From there, we just had to fight, fight, fight. It was fun passing cars tonight but it was a relief to finally get to the front there at the end.”
“I was glad we were able to make it happen and I hope the fans enjoyed the show. You guys are the reason we get to come out here and do what we love to do.”
While Womack was thrilled by taking home the trophy after qualifying second, starting on the pole following the invert and then having to pass 13 cars in his run back through the field, he was still apologetic in “Call Double Aught” Bryan Ramey Victory Lane after sending teammate Erika Newcome spinning in turn four on the last lap.
“I was coming up behind her, and I had a feeling she knew I was there, but it didn’t quite work out. We did get together and it was my fault, so this is me standing up and saying for the PR (press) how deeply sorry I am that that happened. Luckily we’re still going home with a win, but you never want it to have something like that go on before you get there.”
Womack went just before the restart zone on the initial start and was sent to the tail of the inside lane by race officials as a result, but he didn’t stay there long. He passed six cars on the opening lap to move to eighth and was inside the top five by the fifth round. At halfway he was on the podium, but Gunton was out to a one second lead.
The Fallbrook, California native was undeterred, however. He dispatched Lee Jordan for the runner-up position with seven laps to go and it took him four more trips around before he moved into the lead in turn four, not giving up the position the rest of the way.
Gunton hung on for second ahead of Jordan, with fast qualifier Karl Moberg and Danny Cisson rounding out the top five at the finish.
Audio with race winner Michael Womack:
RESULTS: U.S. Legend Cars; Anderson Motor Speedway; April 15, 2016
- Michael Womack
- Randy Gunton
- Lee Jordan
- Karl Moberg
- Danny Cisson
- Cory Parham
- Jeff Oliver
- Scott Wessel
- Tanner Young
- Dewayne Rumsey
- Don Maness
- Travis Ellison
- Erika Newcome
- Will Bailey
About the Writer
Jacob Seelman is the Managing Editor of Race Chaser Online and creator of the Motorsports Madness radio show, airing at 7 p.m. Eastern every Monday on the Performance Motorsports Network. Seelman grew up in the sport, watching his grandparents co-own the RaDiUs Motorsports NASCAR Cup Series team in the 1990s.
The 22-year-old is currently studying Broadcast Journalism at Winthrop University in Rock Hill, S.C., and is also serving as the full-time tour announcer for the Must See Racing Sprint Car Series.
Email Jacob at: speed77radio@gmail.com
Follow on Twitter: @Speed77Radio or @JacobSeelman77
Email Race Chaser Online: news@racechaseronline.com
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