Toccoa Raceway (07/25/26)

Jul 25

3 min read

Blake Craft (#121) goes wire to wire (LLM), Trading paint in the first corner (602 CLM), Tire samples, Clint Cash (#00) showing the way in the (602 CLM) feature

A trip to Toccoa Raceway gave the NSD crew an action-packed look at the local talent across both the 602 and Limited Late Model divisions. From the signature red clay surface to the intense, door-to-door battles under the lights, the weekend provided the perfect backdrop for our latest Weekly Race Report and upcoming podcast discussions on S7E2.

Before hot laps, I spent time wandering through the pits to reconnect with familiar faces and meet new ones. This downtime was the perfect opportunity to prep for the night's coverage, specifically by mounting GoPro cameras on select cars to ensure we captured every angle. In the 602 Crate Late Model division, we equipped Crandall Turner (#18) and Eli Reece (#82). We also secured cameras on three Limited Late Model contenders—Blake Craft (#121), Brett Shook (#17), and Jake Parker (#28)—along with Ricky Smith (#88) in the Open Wheel Modified division.

As hot laps began, those pit-side preparations paid off. It was a treat watching these drivers shake down their machines, with our cameras ready to track their every move. The 602 Crate Late Models quickly showcased the intensity we'd see all night, while the Limited Late Model session highlighted the speed of the hammer-down Toccoa surface. It was equally exciting to see Ricky Smith’s Open Wheel Modified entry looking dialed in during those sessions, a performance he ultimately carried to a well-deserved victory—one we were thrilled to capture on our GoPro.

As qualifying rolled around, the grandstands at Toccoa were packed with fans eager to see how the starting grid for the night's A-Main features would take shape. Clint Cash (#00) set the pace in the 602 Crate Late Model division, posting a blistering fast lap of 13.496 seconds. The competition was incredibly tight, with a mere three-tenths of a second separating the top ten qualifiers. I caught up with Crandall Turner in the pits after a mechanical failure ended his qualifying early; despite only completing a single circuit, his time was strong enough to secure the outside pole. Unfortunately, the team couldn't track down the necessary parts to make repairs, forcing him to scratch from the feature. Despite the tough break, Crandall noted he was satisfied with their speed, would get everything fixed, and would be back for the next one. This put Eli Reece #82 starting on the outside front.

Blake Craft #121 and Brett Shook #17 topped the charts during Limited Late Model qualifying.

After Qualifying, Track Officials took a tire sample from the pole sitter in both the 602 Crate Late Model and Limited Late Model Divisions.

With the intermission concluded and the local youngsters putting on a show during the Power Wheels Race, the atmosphere was primed for the evening's main events. The 602 Crate Late Model A-Main fired off with immediate drama as the front-row starters traded paint in the very first corner, a bold opening that set a high-stakes tone for the remainder of the feature. Eli Reece (#82) kept the pressure on, diving under Clint Cash (#00) for several circuits, though he struggled to find the momentum needed to clear the lead machine. Despite a few late-race cautions that bunched the field and gave Reece some final opportunities to strike, Cash held his ground and crossed the stripe to secure the win in his debut appearance within the 602 division. Heartbreak found Eli Reece (#82) just as he exited turn four to collect the white flag; while firmly holding onto the runner-up spot, a mechanical failure in the upper control arm sent him tagging the outside wall. Despite the contact, Reece still managed to salvage a 4th-place finish.

The Limited Late Model A-Main got underway with Blake Craft (#121) surging to the point, but he was unable to shake Brett Shook (#17), who shadowed his every move lap after lap. Catching up with Brett after the checkers, he noted that the car developed a loose condition around the midpoint of the feature, allowing Craft (#121) to find the breathing room needed to capture the checkered flag. Congratulations to Blake Craft (#121) for picking up the win.

As always, we appreciate you following along with our coverage. Be sure to engage with the NSD crew by liking, subscribing, and sharing your thoughts on all our latest content.

Feature Finish (602 CLM)