Bobby etched his name deeper into the history books Saturday night at Florence (KY) Speedway, becoming the first driver to ever win the North/South 100 three years in a row. The $75,000 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series triumph also marked his fourth career victory in the prestigious crown jewel race.
Starting 14th in the 100-lapper, Bobby wasted no time slicing his way forward. By lap 25, he had cracked the top five, and following the first yellow flag with 71 laps to go, he quickly advanced into fourth and then third. Just two laps later, he powered into second and held that spot at halfway.
A restart with 48 laps remaining set the stage for a spirited battle for the lead. Trading sliders back and forth, Bobby finally seized command for good with 39 laps to go. He stretched his advantage to 3.6 seconds by lap 92, and despite a late caution, he pulled away again to win by 2.8 seconds at the checkers.
“We were coming up through the field. I was just worried about my tires,” Bobby said. “I was spinning pretty bad in certain parts, and then certain parts it was really hooked up. So, it was really a challenge.”
Once in second, Bobby knew the win was within reach. “You want to get the lead as quick as you can because if the track transitions, you never know. Last year here, it went to the bottom. It was really hard to run the top towards the end of the race. So, I didn’t want to give anyone that opportunity. If I could take it, I was going to take the lead and try to just hang on the rest of the race. It’s sometimes a lot easier leading the race than it is running second. You get a restart and then you’re double file again.”
In the end, determination and execution carried him across the finish line first. “It was a fun race, hard race, and we got ‘er done. I can’t thank my guy’s enough. Everyone who helps me out and these fans for coming out and watching. Thank you, guys.”
Bobby also made sure to dedicate the victory to one of his young fans. “I got to give a quick shout out to Bryston and his family. I hope they’re doing well, prayers to them. But man, three in a row, this is awesome. I don’t know what to say.”