What a difference a year can make. In 2023 the ASA Southern Super Series headed to Hickory Motor Speedway (NC) with four events under their belts and three rainouts. So far in 2024, a total of six races have been run in three different states.
Hickory is the halfway point to the season as only five points-paying races remain before the season-ending combination show with the ASA STARS National Tour at the All American 400 weekend at the Fairground Speedway Nashville.
The one thing that remains the same is Casey Roderick leading the points. Last year after the Hickory event Roderick was done for the year after a win, three top-five runs, and another top-10 run. He never got the opportunity to battle for the title, but this year he looks to be in line for his third title as he won the honor in 2018 and 2019. This year he’s back on track and has a solid 58-point lead over Matt Craig.
Despite the lead, Roderick knows this weekend's event could pose trouble with a deep field at Hickory. A poor finish could wash away his point lead. He was 12th at Hickory a year ago and hopes to improve on that.
Craig sits in second after a win at Montgomery Motor Speedway (AL) and he’s seeking another Super Late Model title as he has championships in PASS South, and CARS Tour Super Late Model. That’s five overall Super Late Model titles. Craig ended 2023 second in the final points, but you can feel the momentum in this team already this season.
Behind Craig six drivers are separated by 38 points with Cole Butcher in third, he has two wins already this year. The DNF at Five Flags in April was a blow for his points battle, but he’s the ASA National Tour point leader and he’s heading to one of his favorite tracks.
Fourth is Jake Finch who lost by a nose at Mobile. Keep an eye on Finch as he now has three-career second-place runs.
Bubba Pollard, Jett Noland, Stephen Nasse, and Michael Hinde make up the top eight in points. Pollard has two wins, but another finish outside the top 10 pushed him back in the standings. Nasse had a win at Five Flags last month, but the finish at Mobile didn’t show how well he ran. It’s going to be a dogfight among the top eight for the season-long championship.
Up next is the Tar Heel 250 at the Hickory Motor Speedway (NC), the second trip for the ASA Southern Super Series in combination with the ASA STARS National Tour.