Pro Late Models
Hettinger Makes World Series History with Pro Late Model Victory
Feb 17, 2023
Casey Roderick doubled up on Thursday night at New Smyrna Speedway, in more ways than one.
Roderick scored his second straight Super Late Model victory at the World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing, while also finishing off a sweep of the Late Model racing on the night for Anthony Campi Racing.
Roderick took the lead from William Sawalich on lap 14 of the 35-lap sprint to score the victory and add to his World Series points lead going into the division’s finale, the Orange Blossom 100, on Saturday.
“We executed two nights in a row here, getting a W,” Roderick told Racing America. “That’s what we needed to do. A good points night for us and going into the 100-lapper we’ve got a good notebook now. A few minor adjustments, we’ll be right on them.”
It was the second win of the night for the Anthony Campi Racing team, after Katie Hettinger won earlier in the evening in the Pro Late Model. Hettinger became the first female driver to win a race in the World Series’ Pro Late Model division.
“It’s a great team to be a part of,” said Roderick. “Katie did an excellent job tonight. I feel like she should have had a couple more wins, just got caught up in other people’s messes. We’re proud of her and hope she can get the win in the 100-lapper tonight.”
Roderick has also been energized by Hettinger’s presence throughout the week, as the two battle for wins over the course of nine nights of racing at New Smyrna.
“She’s always got good composure and she’s excited to be here. She’s always keeping me on my toes about being excited to be here. It’s been fun with her, and I’ve enjoyed being around all of them.”
One factor Roderick noted will be different between tonight and Saturday for the 100-lap finale is the rubber on the race track. With the Tour-type Modifieds completing their World Series on Friday, the track surface will have less of their rubber on Saturdya.
“I feel like the Modified rubber played a role today in how our car was handling. It’s hard to go out there, with the car sliding around, and make adjustments knowing it’s a lot of rubber. That’s why we’ve got to be good on Saturday.”
Sawalich finished second, with Conner Jones coming home third. Gio Ruggiero and Nicholas Naugle rounded out the top five.
UNOFFICIAL RESULTS - SUPER LATE MODELS
FEBRUARY 16, 2023
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