HUMBOLDT — Setting the track record, going high point on the night, then leading from start to finish Friday night, Matt Covington dominated the American Sprint Car Series at Humboldt Speedway.
Covington’s third win of the season is his first with the American Sprint Car Series National Tour in 2023 and the 17th of his career. Humboldt Speedway is the 16th track Covington has claimed a victory at.
It was a big rebound night for Covington after getting tangled up Thursday at Creek County Speedway.
“It’s no different than any other year,” said Covington in victory lane. “You have to work through the hardships and learn to enjoy it somehow because that’s what keeps you going and pushes you and allows you to enjoy a night like this. The track was cowboy up a little bit, you know, popping wheelies, having to run the curb, but I had a good time out front with it.”
Getting the point over Tanner Conn at the start, the South Plains Towing/Reece Construction No. 95 wasted no time pulling away as Jordon Mallett worked his way to second on Lap two.
Covington made quick work of the back markers, while Mallett found his rounds blocked.
There was a caution on Lap 19 for Landon Britt, who rolled to a stop in the third and fourth turns. Covington picked up right where he left off and pulled away to 0.999-seconds at the finish. Jordon Mallett held onto second. Posting his first career National Tour podium, 16-year-old Christopher Townsend held off the charge of Sean McClelland for third. From seventh, McClelland crossed fourth, with Kyler Johnson taking fifth.
Finding a line just off the high side on the restart, Jeremy Campbell began picking off cars quickly to grab sixth. Fred Mattox was seventh, followed by Tanner Conn. Suffering an engine change that put Brandon Anderson to the rear of the field, the No. 55 made it back to ninth with Jason Martin going 15th to 10th.
Martin will leave as the point’s leader, Seth Bergman, was forced to miss Humboldt to tend to the business that he and his wife own. While his hometown is Snohomish, Wash., Seth and his family reside in Owasso, Okla., and own the Evergreen Coffee, Co. Opening their fourth location required Seth’s attention. He plans to continue racing with the American Sprint Car Series as much as possible.
The 19-car field at Humboldt Speedway was topped in The Driver’s Project Qualifying by Matt Covington at 12.076-seconds. The AR Dyno Specialty Heat Race wins went to Tanner Conn, Kyler Johnson, and Chris Morgan. The KSE Hard Charger was Jeremy Campbell.
The American Sprint Car Series rolls north to 81-Speedway on Saturday, June 17. Gates open at 3 p.m. for the pits and 5 p.m. for the stands. Hot Laps are at 6 p.m., with racing at 7 p.m. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors and military, and free for kids 10 and under. Other divisions include the JLR Property Management USRA A-Mods, AutoTech Service Super Stocks, and Primal Jerky Mini Stocks.
The 2023 season will mark the 32nd year of competition for the American Sprint Car Series. Spearheaded by the American Sprint Car Series National Tour, the ASCS Nation includes Regional Tours that encompass both wing and non-wing competition.
Race Results:
ASCS National
Humboldt Speedway
