Hettinger Makes World Series History with Pro Late Model Victory

Katie Hettinger became the first female winner in the Pro Late Model division at the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Thursday night.

Late Models

by Zach Evans on Feb 17, 2023

Top

hero image for Hettinger Makes World Series History with Pro Late Model Victory

Katie Hettinger made history on Thursday night at New Smyrna Speedway when she took the win in the 35-lap Pro Late Model feature in the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing.

Hettinger took the lead from Carson Brown on lap 27, holding on for the win over Ryan Luza and Carson Brown.

“I’m really pumped up. I’m glad we were able to get it done tonight. We’ve been so close all week long. I had a good car. It wasn’t perfect, but it was good enough to win.”

Hettinger and Brown made contact as she completed her pass for the lead and the win. While Hettinger apologized for the contact and shared it was not her intent, she also noted that she was pushing hard in search of her first win of the World Series.

“It wasn’t exactly what I wanted to do there. I didn’t mean to get into him like that, but I really wanted to win this one. I apologize to him, but I’m glad I got it done.”

With the win, Hettinger becomes the first female driver to win in the Pro Late Model division at the World Series, as well as the first driver from the state of Michigan to do so.

Ryan Luza passed Carson Brown in the closing laps to take the second spot, with Brown rounding out the podium. Conner Jones and Brent Crews completed the top five.

With the top-five run, Jones added to his World Series points lead going into the final night for the Pro Late Models. The division will wrap up its World Series with the Hart to Heart 100 on Friday night, the longest race of the week for the class.

UNOFFICIAL RESULTS - PRO LATE MODELS
FEBRUARY 16, 2023