Hunter Wright Wins Hart to Heart Pro Late Model 100 After Conner Jones Disqualification

For the second time during the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway, a disqualification during post-race technical inspection led to a victory for Hunter Wright in Pro Late Model competition.

Conner Jones, who initially crossed the finish line as the winner of the Hart to Heart Pro Late Model 100, was disqualified for a left-side weight violation following the race. As a result, Wright inherited the victory in the longest Pro Late Model race of the week.

On the opening night for the World Series, a similar scene played out. Jones took the checkered flag that evening, but Wright left with the victory when Jones was disqualified for a carburetor discrepancy. Two nights later, Wright won the third Pro Late Model feature of the World Series after contact between Jones and Jimmy Renfrew, Jr. took both of those drivers out of contention, opening the door for Wright to score the win.

The victory adds to Wright's points lead in the Pro Late Model division for the World Series. Wright entered the evening with a 24-point advantage over Brody Monahan, who finished eighth in the Hart to Heart 100.

Before learning he was the winner of Wednesday's race, Wright hoped a runner-up finish and the added points cushion would be enough to put him in a good position entering the Pro Late Model finale on Thursday.

“We’ve just got to have a solid run tomorrow night, I think," said Wright. "I don’t know how far we are ahead. Another good, solid run like we’ve had all week, and we should be in good shape.”

Wright led until lap 62 of the event, when Jones passed him for the lead. While that pass would be for naught, Wright commended Jones on racing him cleanly.

“Congratulations to them. That was a good, clean race for the win, I hope you guys enjoyed it. Thankful to be here, thankful for everyone who made this possible.”

Renfrew, Jr. edged out Isaac Kitzmiller for what proved to be the second position. Max Reaves claimed the fourth position, with Luke Baldwin rounding out the top five.

The Pro Late Model division completes its World Series of Asphalt competition on Thursday night in a 35-lap sprint. The Super Late Model Orange Blossom 100, as well as a 50-lap Tour-type Modified feature and a 66-lap 602 Modified feature, join the Pro Late Models on Thursday's program.

-Photo credit: Jason Reasin

Hart to Heart Pro Late Model 100 Unofficial Results