"Georgia's Austin Yarbrough captures first Winchester win in initial track start"

"Tasker takes Mod first, Crouch Semi Late star, Wilkins in Hobby's, Jones fast in Legends"

By Doug Watson

Winchester, VA- A very familiar car would be in victory lane Saturday night at Winchester Speedway, however the winning driver was not Kyle Hardy but a driver that was making his first ever start at the historic Virginia oval. Blackshear Georgia's Austin Yarbrough accepted the driving duties of Mike Hurley's potent Rocket Chassis No.99 and promptly put the car in victory lane at the conclusion of the 20 lap Limited Late Model feature. The car's regular pilot Kyle Hardy, who took the ULMS Late Model win on Friday at Pa's Path Valley speedway, was acting as Yarbrough's crew chief and would steer the Peach State driver to his initial Winchester success.
Yarbrough started on the pole and would quickly acclimate to his new surroundings as he would go on to score a flag to flag victory. As Yarbrough lead, 7th starting Davin Kaiser came through the field to reach second, but was unable to make a serious challenge on Yarbrough and settled for runner-up money. "This was an awesome opportunity with Hurley motorsports and Kyle Hardy, especially with Kyle having Saturday off and being able to come over and help crew chief and guide me throughout the night with his own car and not him racing it." Austin offered. "He's got a ton of laps here and he's one of the best to ever do it at Winchester, so I knew going into the night when he said he was coming, I had no choice but to get up on the wheel and get the job done!" Current point leader Gerald Davis took third, Shawn Walker was fourth with Mike Franklin completing top five. Heats went to Franklin and Yarbrough.
Current standings leader Blake Tasker drove to his first win of the season in the 20 lap UMP Modified main. Mikey Corbin took second with 10th starting Logan Roberson, Ray Kable III and Chris Arnold rounding out the top five. Heats went to Blake Tasker, Justin Cullum and James Lichliter.
Defending track champion Walter Crouch drove to his 3rd when of 2026 in the 15 lap Semi Late feature. Allen Brannon, Dylan Rutherford, Dwayne Snyder and BJ Jenkins Jr trailed at the finish. Heats went to Brannon and Crouch.
Jason Wilkins continued his domination of the Hobby Stocks as he came from his 6th starting spot to post his 9th victory of the season. Chris Sumption, Tyler Fisher, 13th starting Brad Strawderman and Larry Smith Jr rounded out the top five. Heats went to Grant Sutphin and Jason Wilkins.
Logan Jones tallied his first win of the season in the 20 lap East Coast Legends contest. Kelby Friese, Seth Kearchner, 11th starter Zac Smith and Bill Diehl filled the front five. Heats went to Logan Jones and Lincoln Kearchner.

Limited Late Models (20 laps)
Austin Yarbrough, Davin Kaiser, Gerald Davis, Shawn Walker, Mike Franklin, Tyler Horst, Chuckie Johnson, Shannon Slaughter, Harry Shipe III, John Davidson, Mike Steck DNS- Brad Omps

UMP Modifieds (20 laps)
Blake Tasker, Mikey Corbin, Logan Roberson, Ray Kable III, Chris Arnold, James Lichliter, Justin Cullum, Beau Aikey, Ryan Toole, David Green, Brian Buckler, Kyle Boher, Brad Majors, Owen Lacey, Nick DiBella, Haley Kaiser DNS- Cody Williams, Vance Williams Jr, Roy Clower

Semi Lates (15 laps)
Walter Crouch, Allen Brannon, Dylan Rutherford, Dwayne Snyder, Nathan Broughman, Brady Holmes, Andy Adkins, Justin Holmes DNS- Bubba Sealock, Andrew Kerr

Legends (20 laps)
Logan Jones, Kelby Friese, Seth Kearchner, Zac Smith, Bill Diehl, KJ Massey, Justin Wagaman, Matt Grebe, Rick Hartwig, Owen Wagaman, Moses Goetz, Mike Mohelski, Blake Nalley, Hunter McElroy, Brad Kelley DNS-Lincoln Kearchner

Hobby Stocks (15 laps)
Jason Wilkins, Chris Sumption, Tyler Fisher, Brad Strawderman, Larry Smith Jr, Brad Dyer, Kristopher Kerr, Lincoln Sutphin, Kiley Eaton, Andy Hunt, Chance Harrison, Steve Jones II, Grant Sutphin, Evan Foust DNS- Justin Hottle, Marcus Andrews