National Cash Lender USST Challenge Begins

Aug 24th, 2008 - JRP Speedway in Tulsa Oklahoma hosted the first race of the recently announced National Cash Lenders End of Season Challenge.  The format for the evening called for a 2-lap qualifying sessions and a 50-lap feature. The field started the race with #1 qualifier Eric Caudell (#7) and Tanner Berryhill (#17) leading the field to the green flag. Caudell (#7) took an early lead and set a quick pace while being pursued by Brad Sams (#55).  Caudell led for 12 laps until contact from Sams spun the Contingency Connection #7 on the front straight bringing out the caution and sending both drivers to the back of the field.  Berryhill restarted the field with the #1 of Brian Ledbetter chasing.  The Environmental Coating and Lining Solutions driven by Craftsman Truck hopeful Russ Dugger and former USST champion Rick Perry passed each other back and forth.  With the exception of the first caution, the 50-lap feature event was one of the cleanest races this season with close racing action that brought 3-wide racing numerous times during the evening as Caudell and Sams worked their way forward.   Once through traffic, Sams put a nose under Caudell and was able to take the lead as 3 trucks tangled in the middle of turn 1 and 2.  Caudell chased Sams but was unable to make up the gap leaving Sams to take the victory and the $1000 dollar National Cash Lenders bonus.
 
The next stop on the NationalCashLenders.com End of the Season Challenge is the Altus Speedway Labor Day race.