Nashville, TN (Thursday, May 11, 2023) – The second scheduled race of Champion Racing Association (CRA) Street Stocks Powered by JEGS Four Crown is Saturday, May 13th at the famed Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway (NFS). Paired up with the Nashville Pro Late Models and ARCA Menards East Series on Saturday, the race is part of a doubleheader weekend for NFS that includes weekly racing on Friday night.
Scheduled race one of the Four Crown was suspended due to Mother Nature at Shadybowl Speedway, so CRA Street Stock Series drivers are looking to jump out to the top of the Four Crown standings at Nashville. The Four Crown event marks the first time the CRA Street Stocks have been to NFS outside of the All American 400 weekend. The CRA sanctioning of Street Stocks only first appeared at NFS in 2020.
In the three races held at NFS for the CRA Street Stocks Powered by JEGS, only two drivers have gone to Victory Lane. Jeffrey Belt was credited with the first ever CRA Street Stock win at NFS followed closely by Brett Hudson and Ryan Amonette. Since then, Hudson has had a stranglehold on NFS winning the last two events contested there. Consistent with Hudson’s wins is Chuck Barnes, Jr’s ability to finish in second; taking the runner-up spot the last two seasons.
Hudson and Belt are entered for this weekend’s contest hoping to cash in the $3,000 prize at the end of Four Crown race #2. However, they’ll have to deal with the contingent of CRA regulars searching for big money. Blaine Akin is looking for his second career CRA Street Stock win after grabbing his first on April 2nd at Shadybowl Speedway. The Bowling Green, Kentucky native is looking for a “home turf” win on Saturday. Also collecting his first career win this season was Dalton Conner. The Greenfield, Indiana driver won the last CRA Street Stock contest held at Anderson Speedway.
The first-time winners this season means that CRA Street Stock Series staples have yet to find their way to Victory Lane. Two-time defending champion, Jason Atkinson has been on the podium at each event this year, leading laps but coming up short on the win. Plus, Andrew Teepe has looked to be the car to beat at the opening rounds in 2023, but a fading setup and overheating issues led to his fall from the point at both races.
As for the Four Crown Championship, Atkinson has won that title four times since the program was introduced in 2014. Hudson, Barnes, Jr, and Jacob McElresh have also been seated as royalty. The driver who tops the Four Crown points standings at the end will pick up a $2,000 Points Championship bonus at the end of the season.
Gates open Saturday at NFS at 3:00 PM CT allowing fans to take in Qualifying for the CRA Street Stocks, Nashville Pro Late Models, and the ARCA Menards East Series. Racing begins at 5:00 PM CT with the 100 lap Four Crown for CRA Street Stocks. Drivers will get a break at the halfway mark to make changes to their car and refuel. Then, the Pro Late Model 100 leads up to the ARCA East opening ceremonies at 8:00 PM CT.
Tickets for Saturday’s events are available here via Track Enterprises, or Saturday at the gate. Fans who can’t attend can watch the CRA Street Stock Four Crown 100 and Pro Late Model 100 at RacingAmerica.Tv.
For more information on Champion Racing Association, the Four Crown, or the CRA Street Stocks, log onto www.CRA-Racing.com. Find CRA: Champion Racing Association on Facebook and follow @CRARacing on Twitter.
Story – Zach Hiser, Champion Racing Association
