Billy VanMeter Outduels Blake Rowe for Turn One CRA Pro Series Win at Birch Run

Billy VanMeter would not be denied on Friday night at Birch Run Speedway, winning the VanDoorn Racing Development Dixie 100 for the Turn One CRA Pro Series.

VanMeter started on the pole and led the first 87 laps of the 100-lap Pro Late Model feature. However, a late caution erased his advantage, and Blake Rowe passed VanMeter on the restart to take the lead.

Undeterred, VanMeter chased Rowe back down, reclaiming the top spot with seven laps to go. That paved the way for the 2025 Turn One CRA Pro Series champion to score his first win with the series in 2026.

VanMeter credited the long run pace of his No. 23, prevailing after getting up to speed following the restart.

"Honestly, this thing had the greatest drive off long-run wise," said VanMeter in victory lane. "The short run was a little to be needed. That's why Blake got a hold of me. Luckily, I had enough laps to run him back down.

"We played pretty fair. We touched a little bit, but it was pretty fair for a short-track race. There's a reason why there ain't no name on this car. They already know who I am. I'm Billy [expletive] VanMeter."

The late-race restart pitted the top three drivers in the Turn One CRA Pro Series championship standings against each other. VanMeter entered Friday's race third in the standings, eight points behind Rowe and 48 points behind Chase Pinsonneault.

Rowe held on to a second-place finish over Pinsonneault, gaining some ground on the points leader. Rowe admitted to spending most of Friday concerned his car was too tight and overadjusting.

"Actually, we were just really, really free, honestly, for the better part of the race," Rowe said. "All day, I was crying tight. Finally put a lot of turn in before qualifying, and I guess you have to be careful what you ask for.

"Nonetheless, just really excited and glad to be back here at Birch Run. I love this racetrack. As always, they pack the house and do it right. Thankful for VanDoorn Racing Development and CRA for getting us back here."

Pinsonneault rounded out the podium, fighting a tight race car while following VanMeter and Rowe for the majority of the event.

"I was just a little bit too tight to get around them there at the end," said Pinsonneault. "Once you lose the clean air, just tougher to get that turn that you need. They obviously had really, really good race cars and really good race car drivers. Just couldn't get around them tonight, but super proud of our effort."

Tyler Lupton finished fourth, with Dan Leeck rounding out the top five.

The Turn One CRA Pro Series will be back in action in just over one week. The series heads to Toledo Speedway on Sunday, August 9 for the House of Meats 100.

-Photo credit: Champion Racing Association

VanDoorn Racing Development Dixie 100 Unofficial Results