Spencer Davis' Last-Minute Decision Pays Off with World Series Win

A late decision to continue his World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing journey led Spencer Davis to victory lane on Wednesday night at New Smyrna Speedway.

Davis originally didn't plan to compete in Wednesday's feature for the David Rogers Super Late Models, with a focused effort as the crew chief for Gabriel Casagrande in the Pro Late Model division. However, the Georgia driver entered Wednesday night leading the Super Late Model points for the World Series.

After a late night conversation following Tuesday's ASA STARS National Tour Clyde Hart Memorial, Davis and his NEXUS Racing team opted to race on Wednesday. That decision paid off with a win, as Davis passed Jade Avedisian with nine laps to go for the victory.

"About 2 a.m., we were all talking about it after getting showered up from the ASA race," said Davis. "We talked it over with Jimmy Kitchens, Ben Kennedy, Ben Odom over there at NEXUS. I'm like, hey, it's just two more sets of tires. We're already here. We won't take away from Gabriel and the developmental program.

"It's awesome to be here in victory lane. I'm glad we didn't load up and go home."

Davis has been consistent during the World Series, with finishes of second, third and fourth in the first three Super Late Model contests. That consistency gave him the points lead entering Wednesday night, an advantage he bolstered with his first World Series Super Late Model victory since 2017.

"This GMS Race Car, Surf USA Mobile, SEI Rentals, it's been on a rail," said Davis. "Tony Eury, Jr., Tony Eury, Sr., this NEXUS bunch, we've been on a tear since we switched away from that other chassis. Tony went out here with Maury Gallagher and Mike Beam.

"It was only a matter of time, no better place to do it than Speedweeks, right? So much history here with us and glad to mark off another win. Going into tomorrow, leading the championship with a little bit more of a cushion."

Avedisian is Davis' closest competition in the championship fight, and won on the second night of the World Series. She dominated the lion's share of Wednesday's 60-lapper, but Davis was able to make the winning pass late.

"The 24 [of Avedisian] is going to be hard to beat," said Davis. "She about put it on us again tonight, but we got a little bit lucky. Our car was turning better.

"He was just better, flat out, honestly," said Avedisian. "We just kind of turned a little free everywhere and just didn't have the drive off the corner we needed. It's still a good job by my team, though. We had some issues earlier and felt those out."

Avedisian believes her best shot at closing the gap will simply be to dominate in the division's finale on Thursday night and hope the cards fall the right way.

"It was definitely close coming in today," said Avedisian of the championship battle. "Him winning is a huge advantage to him. We're just going to have to have a perfect night tomorrow, dominate. If that's enough, that's enough. I doubt that is going to be enough for him."

Anthony Bello rounded out the podium. Perhaps better known for his Modified exploits, including a past World Series victory in the 602 Modified division, he has grown fond of racing in the Super Late Model.

"I love these Super Late Models," said Bello. "To put it on the podium tonight for Fetcho Motorsports is really a big thing. This week wasn't our greatest week so far up until now. Being new to these Super Late Models, it's a work in progress. Tonight's a big step in the right direction."

Max Reaves finished fourth, with George Phillips rounding out the top five.

The David Rogers Super Late Models will crown a World Series champion with their 60-lap feature on Thursday, February 12. Thursday's program also includes the Pro Late Model Hart to Heart 100 and feature racing for 602 Modifieds, Tour-type Modifieds and Florida Modifieds.

-Photo: Screenshot from FloRacing Broadcast

David Rogers Super Late Models Unofficial Results
World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing Night #6