Tar Heel State Drivers Battle for Victory at Hickory

(HICKORY, NORTH CAROLINA) – Appropriately, the Tar Heel 250 presented by Appalachian Sucker Punch concluded with a showdown between two North Carolina drivers at Hickory Motor Speedway.

Ultimately, Caden Kvapil of Mooresville, NC, secured his first victory following an intense late-race contest with Carson Brown.

Carson Brown from New London, NC, was on the verge of becoming the first driver in ASA STARS National Tour history to achieve three consecutive wins. Brown had already claimed victories at New Smyrna and Five Flags and was aiming for a third triumph at Hickory.

Due to the afternoon's persistent rain, the starting lineup was determined by the rulebook, placing Carson Brown at the front, where he had finished the most recent STARS event.

Brown dominated much of the race's first half, winning both stage one and stage two, continuing his early-season success. He maintained his lead until Caden Kvapil advanced to second position and challenged him, with the two North Carolinians exchanging the lead three times in the final 11 laps.

Kvapil's victory from the 22nd starting position marked the furthest comeback win in ASA STARS National Tour history. This was the 11th start for the North Carolina driver, who had previously achieved several top-five finishes before securing his first win at Hickory.

Following the leading duo, Kyle Steckley from Milverton, ONT, finished third, Chase Pinsonneault from Belle River, ONT, matched his career-best with a fourth-place finish, and William Sawalich from Eden Prairie, MN, secured fifth place.

Positions six through ten were occupied by Derek Thorn, Tristan McKee, Spencer Davis, Matthew Craig, and Cory Hall.