JACKSONVILLE, NC – After a string of runner-up finishes, Wayne Phillips broke through for his first career win in the second round of a Bomber doubleheader at Goodyear All American Speedway on Sunday.
The Hubert, North Carolina driver had finished second to Eddie Humphrey earlier in the afternoon as well as in last week’s Bomber feature race. In this race, Phillips would have his moment as he stood atop a refreshing podium that consisted of two more rising stars at the speedway.
“It’s been nine races coming,” Phillips said in victory lane. “I’m new to this sport and I’m loving every minute of it. I couldn’t do it without my sponsors, my wife, Eddie, and Amanda Humphrey. All the drivers are all class act drivers, especially Eddie. This win means a lot to me because I work on this car day and night. It might be a Bomber but I work on it every day and every night, always find something new to do to it and here it is in victory lane.”
Richlands driver Cornell Williams, who is also a relative newcomer to the track, picked up a pair of podium finishes – finishing third in the first race and then topping that career-best effort with a runner-up finish in the second race.
“It was awesome,” Williams said. “I’m happy to finally be here. It’s time for some new tires. This is the last race for them. Once I get some new tires and fix the suspension, it should be better.”
Swansboro driver Brian Gooden began his racing career during the Winter Heat Series at Goodyear All American Speedway, after working on the safety and cleanup crew at multiple tracks over the years. He finished the day with a third-place finish and was overcome with tears of joy after the race.
“It’s pretty fun, just trying to learn the track,” Gooden stated. “Once I figure it out, I’ll be up there with these guys. Right now, I’m just having fun. I’d like to thank my wife [Katie]. I just wanted to come out and have fun and that’s about it and live a dream.”
Beulaville’s Joe Lanier was able to secure the victory in the U-CAR division after racing side-by-side with his son, Curtis, for several laps. Curtis ultimately ended up being tangled up in an incident with Swansboro’s Dustin Jolly in a three-way battle for the lead – just weeks removed from an incident involving the same three drivers in a battle for the top spot.
Jolly had spun out after making contact trying to pass the younger Lanier but rebounded to finish third. Curtis Lanier ended up finishing seventh.
Charlotte’s George Phillips picked up the Legends win while Goldsboro’s Michael O’Brien clinched the Charger victory.
Goodyear All American Speedway will return to action on Saturday, March 26, 2022 for the HetuStrong Race Against Cancer featuring the Ronnie Hetu Memorial for the Carolina Mini Stock Challenge.
Goodyear All American Speedway is Jacksonville’s Action Attraction featuring racing and other events. For more information about Goodyear All American Speedway, check out the speedway’s website, like/follow “Goodyear All American Speedway” on Facebook, or follow the track on Instagram.
