The 2024 season has been a season of firsts for Wyatt Coffey.
That theme continued Friday night as the 11-year-old driver from Waynesboro, Virginia, scored his first Late Model Sportsman victory at Natural Bridge Speedway.
Coffey, who recently secured the INEX Bandolero Bandit National Championship, was making just his fourth Late Model Sportsman start.
After setting the second fastest lap in qualifying, Coffey started second in the feature. He took the lead on the opening lap and led the first nine circuits before giving up the lead to Michael Ayers on Lap 9.
Undeterred, Coffey continued to chase Ayers and regained the lead on Lap 17. He would go on to lead the remainder of the 25-lap feature, crossing the finish line 3.113 seconds ahead of Ayers.
The victory is just the latest in a long line of accomplishments for Coffey. In addition to the INEX championship, this year alone he captured a Summer Shootout title at Charlotte Motor Speedway, the Thursday Thunder and track titles at Atlanta Motor Speedway, his first Micro win at Millbridge Speedway and he recently tested an asphalt Late Model for the first time.
“What a great night,” Coffey said. “I’m still learning how to race on dirt and these bigger cars are very new to me. He (Ayers) got past me early in the race, but I was able to stay calm and pass him back later. It’s so cool to win at Natural Bridge with all my family and friends watching. Thanks to everyone who has supported me this year, it’s been incredible.
“I really want to thank Corey Gordon for all he does for me. He works so hard on this car and he had me an amazing car tonight. Him and Wayne spend so much time preparing this car and I am so appreciative to both of them for their support."
Wyatt Coffey would like to thank Longhorn by Wesley Page, his mom, dad, poppy, Tonya McCallister and MPM Marketing, along with his sponsors Coltman Farms Racing, Atlanta Paving & Concrete Construction Inc., ArborLife Professional Tree Care, United Tire & Auto, Bradley’s Trucking, R&M Automotive, Bennett’s Hometown Garage, Payne’s Enterprises, Todd Rental, Mt. View Auto Sales, Checkered Flag Graffix, CB Industries and Triple R Cattle.
-MPM Marketing Release
