Connor Hall Takes Bittersweet Victory in Carteret County's Christmas Clash

It was a bittersweet victory for Connor Hall in the Christmas Clash at Bobby Watson's Carteret County Speedway on Saturday evening.

Hall passed Tristan McKee in the closing laps for the victory in the $10,000-to-win Limited Late Model event. However, Hall had to drive through the field for the late-race pass.

That charge came as a result of an incident earlier in the race where Hall made contact with Brandon Clements, who was running second at the time. That contact triggered a multi-car melee in turn three, ending the race for several drivers including Clements.

Race officials sent Hall to the rear of the field for his involvement, but that did not slow down the No. 77 as it weaved its way forward. Hall muscled past McKee with 12 laps to go and then pulled away for the win.

However, it was hardly a celebratory victory lane when Hall climbed out of his car.

"Great race car. It's a blast to drive. It's not as much fun winning when you make really dumb decisions, due to getting yourself a bad restart. Trying to do too much with too little at the time that I did. In that regard, I'm pretty bummed. I hate making stupid mistakes

"As far as the win, this is all just a testament to my guys. It's not me. Huge shoutout to all of our partners who made this possible. I'm sorry to everyone who my poor decision affected tonight."

In particular, Hall offered an apology to Clements, a driver who Hall respects immensely.

"Especially Brandon. I would consider him, until now, when I come down here, one of my good buddies down here when I come race. It's not really much fun winning when you cost other people a chance at it. I'm sorry to everybody."

The Christmas Clash was originally scheduled for 130 laps, but a multitude of cautions led officials to shorten the distance to 99 laps as temperatures dropped following sunset at the Swansboro, North Carolina race track. This gave Hall even less time to make his drive through the field following the lap 51 penalty, but it was still enough time for the win.

McKee finished second, followed by Rusty Daniels, Eric Winslow and Thomas Beane.

-Photo credit: Andy Marquis, Short Track Scene

Christmas Clash Unofficial Results