The Show Comes Back to Newport
The ASA STARS National Tour is heading back to Newport Speedway on July 25th. This event brings 325 laps of super late model racing to the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. Per Short Track Scene, the track is affectionately known as “Little Bristol.” It is a high-banked 4/10ths mile oval that promises an action-packed weekend. The event is called the HickoryHillTN.com 325. Fans should expect non-stop action from start to finish.
Derek Kraus returns with a clear goal to win again. He won last year after a wild clash between his own teammates. That drama helped him take the checkered flag. Now he wants to find that same magic one more time. Short Track Scene notes he has a singular focus on repeating his 2025 performance. The pressure is on for the defending champion to prove he belongs at the top.
Can Carson Brown Extend His Lead?
Carson Brown holds a massive 98-point lead at the top of the standings. He rides a wave of momentum after winning the Badger State 325 in June. He also came close to winning the Slinger Nationals earlier this month. Kyle Steckly sits in second place and is chasing hard. Steckly is the most recent winner on the Tour after breaking through at Madison Speedway in June. He finished 10th at Newport last year and wants a much better result now. He needs to chip away at Brown’s big lead to stay in the hunt.
Steckly faces a tough test against a four-car entry from Wilson Motorsports. George Philips joins him and brings experience from racing at Newport in 2025. Teammates Jade Avedisian and Kasey Kleyn will have to learn the high-banks fast. Both drivers are making their first career starts at this Tennessee track. Short Track Scene says they must adapt quickly to the unique demands of the oval.