Northwest Super Late Model Series
Nick Gibson Makes NWSLMS Rookie Season a Success with P3 Finish
Feb 1, 2023
Spokane, WA – 2022 Kulwicki Driver Development Program finalist Haeden Plybon came about as close to the Northwest Super Late Model Series championship as possible, when he was passed for second with only two laps remaining in the “Fall Classic 125” at Tri-City Raceway at RMEC (WA). The pass gave Kaiden Anderson the title in the closest championship in series history. Anderson’s finish of sixth was just enough to deny Plybon the rookie title, as well as the championship, in an event that looked as if Plybon held the clear advantage.
The fateful day began with Plybon setting the AFCO Racing / Longacre Racing Products Fast-Time Award, cutting the championship deficit to just six points. Anderson qualified deep in the field in 26th. Plybon led twice for 66 laps, as Anderson slowly made his way through the field. With just 13 laps remaining, Doni Wanat was able to supplant Plybon from the lead, putting the two rookies in a tie for the championship, as Anderson advanced to sixth. With two laps remaining, Jason Fraser was able get around Plybon, after a 10-lap duel. The pass clinched the title for Anderson, and left Plybon with a huge disappointment, as he recalled the closing laps.
“It was upsetting watching the win of the Fall Classic slip away, but with nothing I could change, I had to except it and try to salvage the best finish I could, after the issues we had.”
Overall, it was a strong season for the 2020 Findlay Stadium Stateline Speedway (ID) Pro Late Model track champion. A slow start to the campaign found him outside the top-10 in both of the first two events. But he ended up with a win at Hermiston Raceway (OR), three top-five’s, and five top-10’s, in seven series events. He scored a league leading three Fast Time Awards and the win, which tied him with six other competitors for the top spot. Outside the series, he won the Tri-City Challenge Series championship, picking up two victories in four events. That included the prestigious “Idaho 200” at Findlay Stadium Stateline Speedway.
Plybon will now head to the series championship banquet this weekend with his head held high. The driver from Spokane, WA can point to his three series wins over the last two seasons, which leads all competitors. He can point out his finalist position in the 2022 Kulwicki Driver Development Program class, and he can point out his championship and wins in the Tri-State Challenge Series. There will be plenty of accomplishments to be pointed out on the series championship stage.
The next event for the Northwest Super Late Model Series will be the “Apple Cup 125” at Tri-City Raceway at RMEC on April 2nd. The event will pay $10,000-to-win. The event will open the 10th season for the Super Late Model series.
-Northwest Super Late Model Series Press Release