jones & garcia in wild cars tour runs

GRANITE FALLS, N.C. — There was no shortage of chaos in Friday’s HarrisonsWorkwear.com 225 at Tri-County Motor Speedway.

A last lap accident marred the end of the 100-lap Solid Rock Carriers CARS Pro Late Model Tour event, while the closing stages of the 125-lap Late Model Stock Car Tour event featured an endless number of cautions that left behind a trail of damaged race cars.

The two drivers who departed Tri-County the happiest were Conner Jones and Jake Garcia, who each scored their first career victories in the LMSC and PLM Tours, respectively.

Jones has tried just about everything to find consistency in the LMSC Tour.

Circumstances ended up favoring the Fredericksburg, Virginia, native, as he muscled his way towards the front of the pack and survived the onslaught of late-race cautions to end what had been two years of adversity in Late Model Stock competition.

“Last year was a rough year and this has also been a rough one until now,” Jones said. “I think this is a turning point where we can really start to go out and win more races. I couldn’t do this without all the guys who worked on the car.”

Jones admitted that Tri-County has become one of his favorite tracks, adding that the recent repave to all four turns at the facility gave him and everyone else the ability to run multiple grooves, particularly during the closing laps.

Seeing how aggressive his competition became with every passing restart, Jones knew he could not pull any punches while searching for his first victory. This mindset became more apparent once he found himself face-to-face with current LMSC Tour points leader Carson Kvapil on the final restart.

The two had previously traded blows in an earlier restart but managed to fight their way back towards the front. One last assertive push from Jones was enough for him to power past Kvapil and pull away for a cathartic debut win in the CARS Tour.

“It just came to a point where you have to man up and drive hard back,” Jones said. “Props to Carson, because he drove a hell of a race but really raced me clean as well. He drove me up a couple of times, but that’s just hard racing, especially when you’re trying to get everything out of the track.”

Once the chaos started to unfold in the 125-lap LMSC Tour feature, Kvapil saw a perfect opportunity to bring home his fourth win on the 2022 season.

After colliding with Connor Hall and being shuffled to the middle of the pack, Kvapil took advantage of the rapid restarts to get back up to the point, but ultimately had to settle for fourth after hard racing with Jones caused him to lose track position once again.

“It was a demolition derby,” Kvapil said. “Just caution after caution. We could hold on to the lead, but then two laps later, we’d have a caution. It was a bunch of short runs and I felt we had a better car on the long runs. [Conner] Jones just gave me a little bit of door on that last restart, but we were just racing for the win, so I can’t be too upset about that.”

Kvapil’s eventful night did not even end once the checkered flag was displayed.

Frustrated with the way Zack Miracle had been battling him during the final sprint to the finish, Kvapil expressed his frustration to the young racer by turning Miracle into the outside retaining wall on the cooldown lap, resulting in significant damage to the latter’s car.

Miracle said that everyone had to fight for each position with how difficult it was to pass all evening. While Miracle was disappointed over what happened after the checkered flag, he could not help but feel elated after bringing home such a strong run.

“This was our first ever CARS Tour podium,” Miracle said. “I can’t even describe the emotions right now, but I’m just so proud of my guys. They work super hard every week. The damage is a lot but we’ll be back to race.”

Miracle admitted that he was stunned by Kvapil’s post-race maneuver. He did not believe his battle with Kvapil crossed any boundaries, but he did not express any malice towards the current LMSC Tour points leader and plans to move on from Tri-County.

Conversely, Kvapil felt Miracle was out of line with the moves he made at the end of Saturday’s feature. He does not plan to seek out Miracle for a conversation and hopes the young driver understands not to be overly aggressive when battling with others at the end of a race.

“I thought [Miracle] was racing me too hard,” Kvapil said. “The other guys gave me a door, which is kind of how you race [at Tri-County]. I can’t be too mad about that, but when a guy straightlines me from two lanes below while going for third place, I’m not going to be happy afterwards.”

William Sawalich had led 474 consecutive laps in the PLM Tour when he saw the checkered flag fly in front of him in Saturday’s 100-lap feature at Tri-County.

That efficient streak came to an abrupt and shocking end after Sawalich was turned into the outside retaining wall by Jake Garcia coming off turn four; an outcome that left Garcia remorseful and disappointed in victory lane.

“I didn’t mean to wreck [Sawalich] there,” Garcia said. “We were leaning on each other and one of us was bound to spin. That’s kind of how it went and I apologize to [Sawalich]. We just have to move on to the next one now.”

Garcia had gradually been eating away at Sawalich’s lead during the final run to the finish before finally putting himself within striking distance of the lead.

Knowing Garcia had a faster car, Sawalich attempted to play defense so he could add a fifth consecutive victory and inch closer to Luke Fenhaus’s lead in the PLM Tour standings despite missing a race at Greenville-Pickens Speedway earlier this year.

Instead, Sawalich now finds himself with a much larger deficit to Fenhaus after the last lap crash, adding that he intends to keep the finish at Tri-County in the back of his mind the next time he sees Garcia on track.

“[Garcia] was on my bumper going into turn three,” Sawalich said. “He pushed me into the corner, but I kind of got some distance between our bumpers. I was trying to protect, but he stayed on my bumper and didn’t lift. I wish I could have been raced better but we’ll see him in Pensacola.”

The last thing Garcia wanted was to spin Sawalich out of the lead after observing his incredible run in the PLM Tour during the summer. Following a muted victory lane celebration, Garcia plans to turn his attention towards his remaining schedule in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series and in Super Late Model competition.

“I was just trying to get [Sawalich] out of the way and beat him to the line by a fender,” Garcia said. “That’s typical when you stay on the corner and wait until the last lap, but now I’m just excited for Bristol next weekend in the Truck Series.”

The events were broadcast by SPEED SPORT affiliate, CARSTour.tv.

The finish:

Conner Jones, Jonathan Shafer, Zack Miracle, Carson Kvapil, Braden Rogers, Jacob Heafner, Chase Burrow, Janson Marchbanks, Chad McCumbee, Brandon Pierce, Isabella Robusto, Dylon Wilson, Hayden Swank, Mason Diaz, Ashton Higgins, Andrew Grady, William Sawalich, Ryan Millington, Deac McCaskill, Carter Langley, Connor Hall, Mike Looney, Mitch Walker, Thomas Beane, Bobby McCarty, Mini Tyrrell.

Keyword: Jones & Garcia In Wild CARS Tour Runs

CAR'S NEWS RELATED

Bozell Stops Roahrig For 10 Grand

PLYMOUTH, Ind. — Veteran racer Phil Bozell won Saturday night’s Outlaw Late Model Grand Slam 3 main event at Plymouth Speedway. Tyler Roahrig worked his way through the field from his 11th place starting position to take the lead during the 75-lap event. Roahrig was looking for his third ...

View more: Bozell Stops Roahrig For 10 Grand

Sitterly Sets Sizzling Sandusky Pace

SANDUSKY, Ohio — Otto Sitterly showed the fast way around the Sandusky Speedway Friday night, leading all but one lap of the traditional 40-lap prelude to Saturday’s Hy-Miler 100 supermodified classic. Sitterly took the black No. 7 to the front by the second lap and took off like a ...

View more: Sitterly Sets Sizzling Sandusky Pace

Robusto Throws Back To Danica Patrick

HICKORY, N.C. — When thinking of former NASCAR and Indy car driver Danica Patrick and the word “iconic,” one usually thinks of GoDaddy! For much of her racing career, including her final two starts in the 2018 Daytona 500 and Indianapolis 500, it was the bright green colors of ...

View more: Robusto Throws Back To Danica Patrick

Ralph Earnhardt Rides With Mason Diaz

HICKORY, N.C. — Mason Diaz doesn’t have a personal affinity for the Earnhardt name. Growing up he was more of a Jeff Gordon kid. But in Saturday’s Throwback 276 for the CARS Tour at Hickory Motor Speedway, the 22-year-old driver from Virginia will drive a late model stock car ...

View more: Ralph Earnhardt Rides With Mason Diaz

NASCAR, Super Late Model Champions Headline Gandrud 250 Field At WIR

KAUKAUNA, Wis. — The first Tuesday in August at Wisconsin Int’l Raceway has long prided itself on bringing the best competition from the South and North together at the one-half mile paved D-shaped oval. This Tuesday night lives up to that tradition. With three former NASCAR Champions in Matt ...

View more: NASCAR, Super Late Model Champions Headline Gandrud 250 Field At WIR

Sawalich Throwback Blessed By The King

During Saturday’s Throwback 276 at Hickory Motor Speedway, William Sawalich will be double-dipping. The 15-year-old will compete in both the pro late model stock race and the main event — the late model stock race. Both of his throwback schemes will have a 1980s flare. While they also have ...

View more: Sawalich Throwback Blessed By The King

CARS Tour Welcomes Racing Legends For Throwback 276

MOORESVILLE, N.C. – The CARS Tour has announced its much anticipated guest lineup for the popular Throwback 276 scheduled for Saturday, July 30, at Hickory Motor Speedway. Seven impactful personalities on stock car racing’s history have committed to appear and sign autographs for fans during the one hour fan ...

View more: CARS Tour Welcomes Racing Legends For Throwback 276

Kenseth Returns To WIR For First Time In 15 Years

KAUKAUNA, Wis. – Former Wisconsin International Raceway and NASCAR Cup champion Matt Kenseth has filed his entry for next Tuesday night’s, August 2, $15,000-to-win Gandrud Auto Group 250 at WIR. This marks Kenseth’s first visit to the Fox Valley half-mile paved oval in 15 years. Kenseth will pilot the ...

View more: Kenseth Returns To WIR For First Time In 15 Years

Eilen Snaps 5-Year ARCA Midwest Drought

Johnson Scores ‘Huge’ First Modified Win

Chase Elliott Wins SRX Finale; Marco Andretti Claims Title

Danta Wins Late Model Main At Grundy

Sold Out Crowd For SRX Finale

Silvestri Set To Honor Kurt Busch In Throwback 276

Detjens Memorial To Showcase Touring Stars, Local Heroes

Kimmel Sweeps Summer Classic Features At All American Speedway

Gille Captures Rockford Late Model Feature

Smith Dominates At Redbud 400

Doss Cashes In For $10,000 Wild West Victory

Stewart Gets SRX Win At I-55 Raceway

OTHER CAR NEWS

; Top List in the World https://www.pinterest.com/newstopcar/pins/
Top Best Sushi Restaurants in SeoulTop Best Caribbean HoneymoonsTop Most Beautiful Islands in PeruTop Best Outdoor Grill BrandsTop Best Global Seafood RestaurantsTop Foods to Boost Your Immune SystemTop Best Foods to Fight HemorrhoidsTop Foods That Pack More Potassium Than a BananaTop Best Healthy Foods to Gain Weight FastTop Best Cosmetic Brands in the U.STop Best Destinations for Food Lovers in EuropeTop Best Foods High in Vitamin ATop Best Foods to Lower Your Blood SugarTop Best Things to Do in LouisianaTop Best Cities to Visit in New YorkTop Best Makeup Addresses In PennsylvaniaTop Reasons to Visit NorwayTop Most Beautiful Islands In The WorldTop Best Law Universities in the WorldTop Richest Sportsmen In The WorldTop Biggest Aquariums In The WorldTop Best Peruvian Restaurants In MiamiTop Best Road Trips From MiamiTop Best Places to Visit in MarylandTop Best Places to Visit in North CarolinaTop Best Electric Cars For KidsTop Best Swedish Brands in The USTop Best Skincare Brands in AmericaTop Best American Lipstick BrandsTop Michelin-starred Restaurants in MiamiTop Best Secluded Getaways From MiamiTop Best Things To Do On A Rainy Day In MiamiTop Most Instagrammable Places In MiamiTop Interesting Facts about FlorenceTop Facts About The First Roman Emperor - AugustusTop Best Japanese FoodsTop Most Beautiful Historical Sites in IsraelTop Best Places To Visit In Holy SeeTop Best Hawaiian IslandsTop Reasons to Visit PortugalTop Best Hotels In L.A. With Free Wi-FiTop Best Scenic Drives in MiamiTop Best Vegan Restaurants in BerlinTop Most Interesting Attractions In WalesTop Health Benefits of a Vegan DietTop Best Thai Restaurant in Las VegasTop Most Beautiful Forests in SwitzerlandTop Best Global Universities in GermanyTop Most Beautiful Lakes in GuyanaTop Best Things To Do in IdahoTop Things to Know Before Traveling to North MacedoniaTop Best German Sunglasses BrandsTop Highest Mountains In FranceTop Biggest Hydroelectric Plants in AmericaTop Best Spa Hotels in NYCTop The World's Scariest BridgeTop Largest Hotels In AmericaTop Most Famous Festivals in JordanTop Best European Restaurants in MunichTop Best Japanese Hiking Boot BrandsTop Best Universities in PolandTop Best Tips for Surfing the Web Safely and AnonymouslyTop Most Valuable Football Clubs in EuropeTop Highest Mountains In ColombiaTop Real-Life Characters of Texas RisingTop Best Beaches in GuatelamaTop Things About DR Congo You Should KnowTop Best Korean Reality & Variety ShowsTop Best RockstarsTop Most Beautiful Waterfalls in GermanyTop Best Fountain Pen Ink BrandsTop Best European Restaurants in ChicagoTop Best Fighter Jets in the WorldTop Best Three-Wheel MotorcyclesTop Most Beautiful Lakes in ManitobaTop Best Dive Sites in VenezuelaTop Best Websites For Art StudentsTop Best Japanese Instant Noodle BrandsTop Best Comedy Manhwa (Webtoons)Top Best Japanese Sunglasses BrandsTop Most Expensive Air Jordan SneakersTop Health Benefits of CucumberTop Famous Universities in SwedenTop Most Popular Films Starring Jo Jung-sukTop Interesting Facts about CougarsTop Best Hospitals for Hip Replacement in the USATop Most Expensive DefendersTop Health Benefits of GooseberriesTop Health Benefits of ParsnipsTop Best Foods and Drinks in LondonTop Health Benefits of Rosehip TeaTop Best Air Fryers for Low-fat CookingTop Most Asked Teacher Interview Questions with AnswersTop Best Shopping Malls in ZurichTop The Most Beautiful Botanical Gardens In L.A.Top Best Mexican Restaurants in Miami for Carb-loading rightTop Best Energy Companies in GermanyTop Best Garage HeatersTop Largest Banks in IrelandTop Leading Provider - Audit and Assurance In The USTop Best Jewelry Brands in IndiaTop Prettiest Streets in the UKTop Best Lakes to Visit in TunisiaTop Highest Mountains in Israel