WILLIAMSTON, S.C. – official series release by Race Chaser Online Managing Editor Jacob Seelman — Chris Seelman photo —

A new team, new number and new car were no problem for Brownstown, Michigan’s Brad Wyatt, who led the time sheets during Thursday night’s three-hour open practice session for the Must See Racing Sprint Car Series (MSRSCS) at Anderson Motor Speedway.

In the series’ first appearance at the three-eighths mile oval, Wyatt threw down a lap of 13.685 seconds (98.648 mph) in the No. 81 Mike Blake Racing sprinter, leading a group of 12 drivers who turned out to make laps in advance of Friday night’s season-opening race for both the MSRSCS points championship and the new American Sprint Cup mini-series.

The six-race “championship within a championship” will pit the stars of the Southeast against the winged warriors of the Midwest as they seek glory, bonus money and another championship trophy at the end of the season.

While Wyatt’s lap was a solid one, it was still well off the all-time Anderson track record of 13.040 seconds (103.528 mph), set by Cherryville, North Carolina’s Johnny Bridges in a 360 c.i. sprint car on July 26, 2014.

Clsoe behind, a pair of former Must See Racing champions followed Wyatt on the speed charts.

The No. 50M of Indiana native and two-time titlist Brian Gerster, the all-time fast qualifier (21) and feature winner (14) in series competition, clocked in second with a lap of 13.724 seconds (98.368 mph) for legendary car owner Dick Myers. Reigning series champion Jimmy McCune was third-fastest, at a clip of 13.773 seconds (98.018 mph).

11-time United Sprint Car Series champion Terry Gray (14.001/96.422) and rookie Chris Lamb (14.135/95.508), making his debut in a 410 c.i. sprint car after back-to-back USAC HPD Eastern Midget Series crowns, rounded out the fast five.

The only incident of the session came when the No. 9 of Chris Lemming spun exiting turn two and backed into the inside wall, wrinkling in the rear bumper and damaging the tail-tank of his machine. Lemming indicated the damage was not terminal and he plans to have his car fixed in time to compete on Friday.

Friday night’s Anderson Motor Speedway program will feature an open-wheel twinbill, with the stars and cars of Must See Racing and the USAC Eastern Midgets leading a four-division card that will also see features for the U.S. Legend Cars and the Front Wheel Drive class on tap as well.

Pit gates open at 2 p.m., with grandstands following at 4 p.m. Qualifying rolls at 6 p.m. and racing starts promptly at 8.

General admission ticket prices are $15 for adults and $5 for kids six to 12. Admission for fans five and under is free. Pit passes are $35.

For more information on the Must See Racing Sprint Car Series, visit www.mustseeracing.com.

RESULTS: Must See Racing Sprint Car Series; Open Practice; Anderson Motor Speedway; April 14, 2016

1. #81 – Brad Wyatt, 13.685 seconds (98.648 mph)
2. #50M – Brian Gerster, 13.724
3. #88 – Jimmy McCune, 13.773
4. #10 – Terry Gray, 14.001
5. #9L – Chris Lamb, 14.135
6. #26 – Jeff Bloom, 14.161
7. #12 – Grant Galloway, 14.169
8. #97 – Ike Beasley, 14.180
9. #75C – Jerry Caryer, 14.216
10. #59^III – Johnny Petrozelle, 14.300
11. #72S – Joe Speakman, 14.587
12. #9 – Chris Lemming, 15.668

CREDIT: Must See Racing