Aaron Tatman Charges to Win in Pest Doctor Bash at The Beach

For Aaron Tatman, Saturday's Vores Compact Touring Series powered by Mercer County Electric event at Five Flags Speedway was a case of role reversal.

One year ago, Tatman finished second in one of the most memorable finishes in the history of the Vores Compact Touring Series. That came in the 11th Vores Cup at Angola Motorsport Speedway, with Kyle Stark taking the victory.

VIDEO: Dramatic Finish Decides 11th Vores Cup at Angola Motorsports Speedway

This time, Tatman battled with Kyle Stark's son, Karter Stark, for the victory at the Pensacola, Florida half-mile in the prelude to Saturday's ARCA Menards Series East event. Tatman took the lead from the young Stark on lap 17 following a restart and converted that into a victory in the Pest Doctor Bash at the Beach, the first Vores Compacts event at Five Flags since 2022.

"That was not a gimme there," said Tatman in victory lane. "That was one I had to work for. That Stark boy, he's got something there. He raced me clean. He raced me just like his dad did last year at Angola. I couldn't ask for anything better. This time, I ended up on the other side of it, and I couldn't be happier."

Tatman started seventh in the 28-car field after setting fast time during qualifying. He quickly worked his way into the top three, and was running second within the first six laps of the race. That put him in position to contend for the win on the late restart.

Tatman had plenty of people to thank following the season-opening victory.

"I wouldn't be here if it weren't for my buddy there, Mark Davis. He puts all the setups in this car, helps coach me, helps everything, makes me a better driver, makes the car drive like it should so I can do what I need to with it.

"Kyle Frame, his dad Steve Frame, They know this car, they know what to do with it as well. I couldn't be here if it weren't for them helping me."

Karter Stark finished second, with Trent and Tom Gossar taking third and fourth, respectively. Josh Richardson rounded out the top five finishers.

The Vores Compact Touring Series will be back in action next weekend closer to "home turf" for the series. The tour heads to Shadybowl Speedway for the annual Cabin Fever event, alongside the CRA Vores Welding Late Model Sportsman, CRA Street Stocks and Modifieds.

-Photo credit: Vores Compact Touring Series

Pest Doctor Bash at the Beach Unofficial Results