Tony Stewart and Denny Hamlin talk strategy before the race at Southside.
– Photo by Patrick Dobbs The Denny Hamlin Foundation teamed up with Southside Speedway for the second year in a row for the Denny Hamlin Short Track Showdown to benefit cystic fibrosis. All of the proceeds from the front gate, various raffles and auctions throughout the night went to the Denny Hamlin Foundation. “It was a great night and we doubled what we did last year,” Hamlin said after the race. “It shows what great fans there are here.” Though a final tally wasn’t immediately available, officials believed the event raised over $100,000. On the track, it was a night of celebration for the foundation and for the drivers involved. In particular, in the Grand Stock division, Southside Speedway welcomed home Wayne Cole. Cole, who was stationed in Afghanistan through March 1 made his season debut Thursday night. “I literally got out of a leadership class just to come down here, so there’s not too much leading going on,” Cole joked before the race. “After I race, I’ve actually got to go back down and tomorrow (Friday, May 1) is actually my last day on order, so I’m blessed.” Cole hadn’t been in his car or on the track since last season so he piloted the No. 65 Chesterfield Diner car cautiously as he got the feel for it again. He qualified in 22nd position and finished 19th after heading to the pits early in the race with mechanical problems. He got back out in the second caution of the night and finished the race, but the night was just about getting back on the track for Cole.
“The thing about Southside is, it’s all about seat time. The more seat time you have, the better you are,” Cole said.