COLUMBUS, Miss. — Ronnie Johnson won the 40-lap NeSmith Chevrolet Dirt Late Model Series Winter Classic Saturday night at Columbus Speedway.
Johnson took the lead on lap two, covered the bottom groove, and went on for an emotional victory, which he dedicated to an injured crew member.
Johnson’s crew member, John Leatherwood was injured in a pit-area accident earlier in the day and was transported to a local hospital with a hand injury.
“I want to dedicate this win to John because he was working hard in the pits before the race when he got hurt, and here we are trying to celebrate, but we can’t because we know he’s in the hospital,” Johnson said. “We’re going to get loaded up and go see him at the hospital. This trophy is going to John.”
Johnson beat Brian Rickman to the checkered flag in the event for crate-engine late models. Jason Hiett, Jeff Smith, who started 15th, and Chris Tays filled out the top five.
Don Farmer was the fast qualifier for the 49-car field on the quarter-mile oval.
The finish:
Ronnie Johnson, Brian Rickman, Jason Hiett, Jeff Smith, Chris Tays, Shawn Edwards, Rick Rickman , Carlton Freeman, Johnny Stokes, Ted Lackey, Jay Blair, Jeff Fields, Josh Morrow, Blake Stewart, Steve Godsey, Larry Boutwell, Scott Knowles, Don Farmer, Mike Boland, Matthew Turner, Stephen Brantley, Chip Brindle, Richard Stephens, John Ownbey.