Another First-Time Winner Crowned in World Series Pro Late Models

On Friday night, Michael Hinde earned the distinction of being the 54th different winner in 98 Pro Late Model races during the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway. Saturday night saw yet another first-time winner, as Giovanni Ruggiero took the checkered flag.

Ruggiero scored the win in the 35-lap feature, taking the lead early and holding off Cory Hall for the victory. With the win, the young driver from Massachusetts joined the list of winners in the World Series.

"It feels amazing," said Ruggiero. "Big thanks to all the guys at Anthony Campi Racing working so hard for me. I'm proud of everyone on the crew, they did such a great job tonight and gave me a perfect car.

"I'm looking forward to keeping this momentum up, heading into tomorrow night and the rest of the week. Hopefully we can contend for the win every night."

Hall finished 25th in Friday night's kickoff for the Pro Late Models after an engine issue. He and his team replaced the engine on Saturday, and the new power plant was strong enough to bring the New Brunswick native to a second-place finish.

"To be on the race track and complete all the laps is one thing, and competing for a win is another thing," said Hall. "Congrats to Gio and those guys, they did a great job, and Michael behind me as well. I'm excited to be here, it's a lot better than being in the snow.

"We had to change motors. We had a built crate motor in, and it went down on power. We put a stock crate in today. We just couldn't compete with these guys on the straightaway. I don't know what we're going to do to fix that, but we've got some work to do."

Michael Hinde scored the win on opening night, and backed it up with a third-place finish Saturday. While Hinde hoped for a repeat performance and another trip to victory lane, he was more than satisfied with another podium finish to continue a strong start to his World Series.

"It wasn't the win I was hoping for, but it's a good points night altogether," said Hinde. "We should still be doing good in points. We were a little loose throughout the race, but hopefully tomorrow we'll have what it takes to seal the deal."

With two strong finishes, Hinde's sights are set on contending for the Pro Late Model championship during this year's World Series.

"100 percent. That's what we came here to do, run for points. Hopefully, we can stay good in points and be on top at the end of the week."

UNOFFICIAL RESULTS
Pro Late Models

1. Giovanni Ruggiero
2. Cory Hall
3. Michael Hinde
4. Gus Dean
5. Jean-Philipe Bergeron
6. Hunter Wright
7. Jett Noland
8. Conner Jones
9. William Sawalich
10. Dakota Stroup
11. Mathieu Kingsbury
12. Parker Chase
13. Austin Thom
14. Dylan Stovall
15. James Storey
16. Chase Johnson
17. David Weaver
18. Roger Maynor
19. Toni Breidinger
20. Ruben Caceres
21. Daryn Miller
22. Sam Fullone
23. Emiliano Rodriguez
24. Jerry Artuso
25. Scottie Lamp
26. Mike Mayberry