SOPHIA, N.C. — Caraway Speedway held its traditional Sunday afternoon season opener on March 8. The event was the first for the track since the facility rejoined the NASCAR Local Racing Series Powered by O’Reilly Auto Parts in the offseason.
Dylan Ward outran a strong field of cars to take the win in the feature NASCAR Limited Late Model division. Ward qualified on the pole for the 75 lapper and kept Michael Fose, Clint King, Cam Thomas one the rest of the field in his rear view mirror.
Lanie Buice was second quick in qualifying but had to move to the back of the field due to a tire change just prior to the start. Buice came from the back of the pack to finish second ahead of Austin Harris, King and Fose. Brian Rose, Stacy Puryear, Thomas, Joshua Horniman and Hunter Deshautelle rounded out the top-10. Nicholas Bulkeley, Bryson Brinkley, David Thomas and Donnie Apple completed the rundown.
Issac Harris took the measure of the field in a wild 35-lap race for the Charger division that saw a brief rain delay and a rash of crashes before Harris prevailed ahead of Dakota Walls, Matthew Smith, Joseph Ciszek and Hason Poole. Tyler Bush was sixth ahead of Issac Johnson, Brian Melville Jr., Jeffrey Beck, Corey Wilson, Jackson Sparks, Tony Housman, Greg Story and Ben Banker.
Ryan Flores bested the 602 Modified field to take the win ahead of David Creed, Dustin Coonfield, Corey Luetjen and Cole Mizo.
A.J. Sanders came from the back of the pack to win the Mini Stock feature and earn pivotal passing points towards the NASCAR Local Racing Series Powered by O’Reilly Auto Parts national championship. Brandon Crotts finished runner-up to Sanders and Jason Gallimore was third overall and winner in the Front Wheel Drive division. Jason Garwood finished fourth ahead of Matt Alley, Jamison Whittington, Mason Troxler, Steven Hedrick and Grayson Lee.
The crowd favorite UCAR division got off to a rousing start with a field of 22 on hand. Tony Price held off a determined Ron Mock to take the win. Josh Phillips, Justin Smith and Mason Vance completed the top five. Skyler Hughes, Jamie Vance, David Edwards, Brayden Cline and Robbie Welch followed to round out the top 10.
Brandon Mock bested Christian Morris to win the Crown Vic feature. They were followed by T.J. Gibson, Corey Wyatt and Adrien Thompson.
Hunter Jordan claimed the win in the INEX Legends feature ahead of Anthony Freedel. Jhett Johnson took third spot followed by Gary Smith, Mike Wolfe, Jason Meadows, Collin Vanasse, Ethan Jaques and Charlie Parker.
Mason Williams took the top spot in the INEX Bandolero feature, with Ava Boyd finishing second and Jordyn Whitford third.
March 14 marks the first Big 4 Modified Challenge of 2026 at Caraway Speedway. Some of the best Modified drivers in the region are expected to chase the $5,000 winner’s check as well as the $10,000 in bonus money posted for the four Modified events at the track this season. Joining the Tour Type Modifieds will be the Carolina Crate Modifieds and Pro Late Models along with the regular Caraway divisions for a 4 p.m. ET start.