Jacob Hawkins Steals 29th Topless 50 From Jeff Smith

By Daniel Patterson

The Tyler County Speedway would be blessed by the ‘racing’ gods with a picture perfect night of weather and an even better night of exciting racing action. On the docket was the 2nd oldest topless late model race in America, the 29th Annual Topless 50 featuring the Jay’s Automotive ULMS Late Models. A packed house of eager fans would see a strong field of 132 race cars pack into the ‘Bullring’ featuring a stout field of 27 ULMS Super Lates ready for the Topless challenge.

While the Topless 50 notoriously never disappoints, the 29th edition was one for the ages. Race fans were treated to something special Saturday Night at the ‘Bullring’ as Fairmont, WV’s Jacob Hawkins would parlay his skills to his 3rd Topless 50 title in thrilling fashion.

Ryan Montgomery would lay down quick time during Lindemuth Laser Etching Time Trials with heat race wins going to Montgomery, Steve Weigle and Ryan Payne with Brian Baumberger notching the B-Main during preliminary action.

As the field would roar out of the Shreff’s Hometown BBQ Turn 4 Start Zone and take flagman Matt Amick’s green flag it would be North Carolina invader Jeff Smith in his first ever appearance at Tyler County setting the early pace. A charging Jacob Hawkins would vault into the runner up position poised for the top spot when disaster would strike on lap 19. A multi car pileup among lap cars would see Hawkins have to get on the binders to avoid contact and per ULMS rules and the no-stop rule, would send all stopped cars to the tail including the 2nd running Hawkins.

With 31 laps remaining and Jeff Smith still holding the point, all eyes were glued on Hawkins as the driver of the CJJ Motorsports entry would begin his quest back to the front. Hawkins was working the racey ‘Bullring’ surface and dispatching quality racers high and low as he continued his ‘man on a mission’ march. Now up to the fourth position, a late race caution would bunch the field back up for a seven lap shootout. At this point it was still Smith at the helm with 8th starting and ULMS Jays Auto Wrecking Elite driver, Tyler Emory applying pressure to the leader but it was Hawkins who would now vault quickly into the runner up position. Hawkins impeccable run around the speedway’s top shelf would make the winning pass on the high side with just two laps remaining to a standing ovation from the hometown crowd. A run for the ages, as Hawkins would lay claim to his third Topless 50 title aboard the CJJ Motorsports/ J&J Farms/ Middletown Homes/ Hawkins Towing Rocket Chassis. It was heartbreak city for Jeff Smith as the NC racer was very impressive in his maiden voyage around the ‘Bullring’ but would settle for the bridesmaid spot followed by 8th starting Tyler Emory, 14th starting Michael Lake and Kyle Thomas.

2023 United Late Model Series is proudly supported by Jay’s Automotive, Close Racing Supply, Lindemuth Laser Etching, Chew on this Jerky, Jay’s Auto Wrecking, The Cushion, Precise Racing, Hoosier Tire Mid Atlantic, Lias Tire, American Racer Tire, , Insinger Performance, VP Race Fuels, Carpy’s Custom Screen Printing, DirtDefender, Keizer Wheels, Genesis Shocks, Keyser Manufacturing, Integra Shocks, Cousins Designs, Garage Crawl, Neff Landscaping, Mary Norgrove Notary Public, Hot Shoe RaceWear, and MACH Auto.

RESULTS:

29th Annual Topless 50 ULMS Late Models Feature:

Jacob Hawkins, Jeff Smith, Tyler Emory, Michael Lake, Kyle Thomas, Ryan Montgomery, Dylan Cecce, Rod Conley, Tyler Riggs, Cody Rogers, Logan Zarin, Daryl Charlier, Mike Benedum, Braeden Dillinger, Brian Baumberger, Steve Weigle, Josh Baldwin, Jon Lee, Ryan Payne, Dave Stamm, DNQ Del Rougeaux, RJ Dallappe, Todd English, Nick Corbitt, Preston Bier, Dylan Lewis, Travis Brown