MATTOON, IL — The historic high banks of Coles County Speedway were roaring once again on Friday night, August 21, as the “Baddest Bullring on the Planet” hosted another thrilling edition of its Weekly Racing program. The 1/8-mile dirt oval delivered intense wheel-to-wheel action across six divisions, setting the stage for an unforgettable weekend of racing in central Illinois.
From commanding sweeps to hard-fought charges through the field, the event showcased the incredible talent that regularly competes under the National Auto Racing Association (NARA) banner.
Bartley Defends Home Turf in Outlaw Non-Wing
The Cleveland Grain NARA Outlaw Non-Wing division provided the night’s marquee action. Hammond, Illinois driver Nolan Bartley proved untouchable in the 15-lap A-Main. Starting from the pole, Bartley executed a flawless wire-to-wire run to secure the feature victory.
He was closely pursued by Ashen Glazier of McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, who crossed the line in second after advancing from the third starting spot. Xenia, Illinois’ Nathan Rector rounded out the podium, moving up one position to finish third. Dawson Wright and Gunner Griffin both delivered notable performances, each charging forward four positions to finish fifth and seventh, respectively.
Glazier Rebounds for SBS Wing Victory
While he settled for runner-up in the Non-Wing feature, Ashen Glazier would not be denied in the NARA SBS Wing division. Glazier delivered a dominant performance in the 20-lap A-Main, leading every lap from the pole to claim the checkered flag.
Indianapolis native McKenna Kren held her ground to finish second, while Lincoln, Illinois’ Tanner Tripplett delivered a strong run, advancing three positions to complete the podium in third.
Youth Divisions Deliver Big Thrills
The rising stars of the sport took center stage in the youth and restricted classes, producing some of the tightest racing of the evening.
In the High Caliber Graphics NARA Jr. Sprints, Alton, Illinois’ Paxton Belchik executed a crucial pass from the outside of the front row to win the 10-lap A-Main. Nolen Leone of Mahomet and Kyleigh Cox of Fillmore, Indiana, followed closely behind to finish second and third.
The Bates Ink & Apparel NARA Restricted Micros saw Dalton Clary of Marine, Illinois, defend his pole position for a wire-to-wire victory in the 15-lap feature. Jaxson Kates of Springfield held strong for second, while fellow Springfield driver RJ Smith advanced one spot to finish third. Nyles Tudor was the division’s hard charger, advancing three positions to claim fourth.
Local Veterans Defend the Bullring
The veteran classes rounded out the night with impressive displays of car control on the tight 1/8-mile oval. In the Mod Lites division, Charleston, Illinois’ Chris Grigg swept the night, winning his heat and leading all 10 laps of the A-Main from the pole. Joe Boyll of Kokomo, Indiana, finished second, with Paxton’s Jeff Day taking third.
In the 1st Class Towing DIRTcar Pro Mods, JD Evans of Mattoon defended his home track in a duel against Ashmore’s Drew Schwartz. Evans set the fast time in qualifying, won the heat race, and led wire-to-wire in the 10-lap feature to secure a clean sweep.
Looking Ahead
The action at Coles County Speedway continues immediately with the highly anticipated Sunday Night Bullring Action on August 23, featuring the American Sprint Car Tour, DIRTcar UMP Modifieds, and Pro Late Models. The following Friday, August 28, will mark Championship Night for the Weekly Racing series, where track champions will be crowned across all regular divisions.
For complete points standings, event schedules, and ticket information, fans can visit the official Coles County Speedway website or follow the action on the MyRacePass app.
Data and official results provided by MyRacePass and Coles County Speedway.
