BRASELTON, Ga. — George Brunnhoelzl earned the long-awaited first NASCAR Whelen Southern Modified victory of his career Saturday at Lanier National Speedway.
The third-generation racer from Babylon, N.Y., started from the pole and took the lead from Frank Fleming, who was also looking for his first Whelen Southern Modified Tour victory, wheeling his way to the front on lap 25 and never looked back aboard his family-owned No. 28 Oval Speed Unlimited Chevrolet. His first victory came in his 20th-career start.
“This is unbelievable and this night has been a long time coming,” Brunnhoelzl said. “Tonight, we were fortunate enough to sit on the pole and win the race. This is awesome and just unreal. This car was on rails tonight. Emotionally, this is huge. Dad and I have been racing together my whole life and to see the look on his face when I pulled into victory lane was something I’ll never forget. I couldn’t be any happier than I am right now. I’ll never forget this night.”
Fleming settled for second place with L.W. Miller in third. Series point-leader Brian Loftin finished fourth and Tim Brown completed the top five.
The finish:
George Brunnhoelzl, Frank Fleming, L.W. Miller, Brian Loftin, Tim Brown, Burt Myers, Brian King, Jason Myers, Andy Seuss, Buddy Emory, Ronnie Silk, John Smith, Brandon Hire, Jay Mize, Rich Kuiken, Jr., Scott Rigney, Scott Gartner.