Brian Shirley after his SRRS win at Clarksville Speedway. (Connie Putnam)

Shirley Roars Back to Clarksville For SRRS Win

By Connie Putnam

CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. - March 27. Brian Shirley must have liked the way things went for him two weeks ago when his debut at Clarksville Speedway yielded a rim-riding jaunt and a win within view as he joined the MARS tour at the north central Tennessee track.

On Saturday, the alphabet was different as the facility hosted the PPM Race Products sponsored Southern Regional Racing Series (SRRS), but the Chatham,

#98 Eric Hickerson and #14 Brandon King battle at Clarksville Speedway before finishing third and fourth in SRRS action.  (Connie Putnam)

Illinois hotshoe seemed more focused on conquering that track than earning points on anyone's series.  Shirley won the event after a third row inside start in the 40 lap feature event that paid $3,000.

Jeff Walston earned the pole start inside of SRRS regular Daniel Miller, who quickly took the lead, setting the pace on the one groove race track until  disaster struck for Miller on lap 36 when engine woes would put an end to his

Daniel Miller was an early leader at Clarksville before engine trouble ended his night.  Jeff Walston brought his #56 car home second behind Illinois' Brian Shirley.  (Connie Putnam)

Defending SRRS champion Jay Brinkley and #99 Todd Hall mix it up at midfield before finishing eighth and ninth at Clarksville.  (Connie Putnam)

march to the checkered flag. Josh Putnam, who was in third place, also left the track at the same time with a bent control arm and broken ball joint. Two of the top five drivers dropping out of contention helped open the door for Shirley's charge to the front.

Good racing action was found at mid-pack by Anthony Burroughs, Jacob Grizzle, Todd Hall, and Chuck Proctor. Each one was battling hard trying to move a little closer toward the front, but Walston would take second over Eric Hickerson, Brandon King, and Grizzle, with Burroughs taking home sixth.

31 drivers from 6 states registered in. Jeff Walston had quick time of the night earning the pole starting position for the feature.  B Main wins went to SRRS regulars Tony Morris and Burroughs, and local driver Chuck Proctor. Michael Greer and Joe Denby were provisional starters.

Todd Hall gets a little lieft from Jacob Grizzle, who finally got by to finish fifth at Clarksville. Hall nailed down eight at the finish.  (Connie Putnam)