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The turnout numbers may have been down, but there was no lack of action during show four of Elkins Raceway's weekly "Thunder in the Mountains." Four new winners and one 'repeater' earned trips to victory lane during the full evening. And all winners did the "hat trick" by being fast qualifier, winning his heat, then taking the main event wins.
Multiple-time track champ Bob Gordon was the evening's Late Model star for his first win at Elkins in several seasons. Gordon bested another multi-time champ Tim Senic, Troy Frazier, Jacob Hawkins, and Logan Hitt. Hawkins won the other heat; Frazier's 3rd-place run is his best in the Late Model division.
Former track regular Billy Beachler made the long trek from Franklin WV pay off by winning his first Elkins FASTRAK crate feature in over a decade. Beachler's win came over rising young star Ryan Frazee (winner of Heat 2), former track champ Brent Trimble, and former Mini-wedge drivers Luke Hyre and George Casto III. (last week's winner).
Another rising star who is making a name for himself all around the region, Mitch Thomas, laid claim to his second Modified win on the season. Thomas, who has wins at multiple tracks already this summer, outraced Scott Bittinger, James Swenskie, Robin Lashley, and long-time regular Kenny Rowback. Lashley and 6th-place finisher Butch Whitecotton both made the 3+hour trip to Randolph County; for Lashley, it was his second trip on the season. Bittinger is a former Street Stock regular, whose family campaigned the "Golddigger" late models and Modifieds at Elkins and the old I79 Speedway.
The Street Stock car count was down somewhat, with several drivers working to overcome mechanical and other issues. The ones on hand did well to take up the slack; Ronnie Tincher did the 'triple' with his first season win; Bryan Mitchell, Chris Smith, Chris McDonald, Kelby Arbogast, and Kode McCauley filled out the remainder of the finishing order.
The Hot Mod class continues to grow; this week's total of 18 entries continues to expand the class, which started at Elkins Raceway only a few years back. However, even with the stiff competition, Josh Mullenax was able to claim his first 2024 win; Mullenax led Roger Hull (Heat 2 winner), Branson Chenoweth (Heat 3 winner), Blake Tasker, and Dwight Profitt.
Elkins Raceway management continues to gear up for a busy rest-of-the-month of June. A regular show is planned for June 15; a Modified special is on tap for the 22nd, and the Mid-Season championship along with the summer's first big fireworks display is scheduled for the 29th. Remember that all admission gates open at 5 pm; General Admission is $15, with 11-and-under youngsters free; Pit Admission is $30, with under 5-year-olds free. News updates and details will be available on the track's Facebook page, and at elkinsraceway.com.