Bobby raced to his first career victory at Senoia (GA) Raceway on Saturday night, capturing the $20,000-to-win Clanton Classic with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series.
Starting third in the 50-lap main event, Bobby slipped back to fourth during the opening laps before beginning his charge forward. He worked back into third on lap seven, then grabbed the runner-up spot following a restart on lap 10.
As the race progressed and the bottom groove became the preferred lane, Bobby briefly surrendered second on lap 20. Another caution on lap 27 gave him an opportunity to regain the position, and he capitalized, moving back into second and setting his sights on the race leader.
With the laps winding down, Bobby closed the gap as the leader worked through heavy lapped traffic running the dominant bottom groove. On lap 36, the leader moved to the middle in an attempt to clear slower cars, opening the door for Bobby to dive underneath and take over the top spot.
Once out front, Bobby stayed committed to the bottom lane for the remainder of the race and drove away to secure the victory.
“We had a great qualifying lap. I’ve never been in Victory Lane here before for the win. I’ve been close several times, second, third,” Bobby said. “What a race it was. Of course, it rubbered there on the bottom. But when we had that caution, it’s like the rubber went away for a second, at least a couple laps, at least off of two there. And that’s what allowed me to get the run, get to second.”
The winning move came as Bobby closed rapidly on the leader in traffic, forcing a split-second decision.
“Once we caught the lap cars, it was like, man, it’s either risk it for the biscuit or settle in for second,” he said. “I noticed how bad Nick was bunched up there behind the lappers. I sent it in there.”
The victory continued Bobby’s recent momentum with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series.
“It’s a long year ahead of us,” Bobby said. “We just have to keep staying consistent like this.”