DayMotorSports.com Race Recap: Muirhead, Redmon, Hull win at Rocket Raceway

PARIS, Texas (April 13, 2024) — North Texas open-wheel powerhouse Gregory Muirhead; regional Stock car phenom Deaon Redmon, and Dwarf car master Chance Hull all won feature races in their respective divisions, as Kevin Sustaire hosted a full card of racing Saturday at Rocket Raceway Park.  

Muirhead powered to victory in a 20-lap battle for USRA Limited Modifieds; Redmon prevailed in a talent-filled tilt for Factory Stock teams; while Hull earned his fifth Lone Star Dwarf Car victory in five starts so far this year. 

Mason Martin (USRA Stock Cars); Shawn Williams (Eco-Mods); and Kason Capps (Jr. Limited Mods) were also feature winners on a beautiful night for racing in North Texas. 

Muirhead, of Mabank, started on the pole of a 12-car grid and led all 20 laps in convincing fashion. Bailey Dosser crossed the stripe in second, while Matthew Riskey filled out the podium. Oval veteran Skeet Amason, who will turn 67 on the 19th of this month, and Blake Beggs completed the top five. 

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“We had a good Heat race to start things off,” Muirhead told veteran race promoter and infield P.A. Assistant Kevin Rogers in Jay Hodge Dodge Victory Lane. “We started on the pole, and just had to hit my marks, that’s all. I’m having a lot of fun this year; I’ve done a little traveling and plan to do more.”

Finishing sixth through 10th in the Coston & Son Ready Mix USRA Limited Modifieds A Main were Tyler Parker, Tyler Muirhead, Billy White, Carson Bradley and Brian Hopkins. Two cautions slowed the pace (laps 7, 8), both for minor spins. Muirhead’s margin of victory over Dosser was 1.706 seconds.

Redmon, of Paris, started on the pole of a 19-car grid and led all 20 laps in fine style. Michael Smith gave chase throughout yet settled for the runner-up position, while Brandon Bettis finished third. Daylon Briscoe (Paris) and Jeremy Fodge (Paris) finished fourth and fifth, respectively.

“Man, that was awesome,” Redmon said following his victory. “Being out front like that, we didn’t even have to use any tear-offs. The car is just on point. Last weekend we had some hiccups; I said I wasn’t going to do that again this weekend. We made some changes, and it paid off.” 

Finishing sixth through 10th in the USRA Factory Stock feature were Jeff Sonntag, Jared Brown, Martin Poole, Dario Lopez Jr. and Joey Freelen (who started 20th on the grid). Three cautions slowed the pace (laps 4, 6, 15), all for minor incidents. Redmon is off to a fabulous start again in 2024. 

Hull, of Burleson, also started on the pole of his feature and held off a hard-charging Jeff Patterson for top honors. Patterson, always a factor in these cars, finished second, while Dusty Jager filled out the podium. Darren Hull (Kennedale) and John DeGeorge (New Smyrna, Fla.) rounded out the top five. 

“It’s been pretty good for us so far this year,” Hull said in Victory Lane. “We’ve had all wins, but I’ve had a lot of help with this program. It takes a lot more work to maintain one of these cars than what you may think. They’re a lot faster than most realize, as well. That short wheelbase makes it a challenge.” 

Finishing sixth through 10th in the Lone Star Dwarf Cars of Texas A Main were David Garland, Ricky Smith, Troop Miller, Richard Brooker and Skip Traylor. Four cautions slowed the pace (laps 4, 13, 16, 18), none for serious incident. Hull’s margin of victory over Patterson was a scant .978 of a second. 

Week No. 2 of the 2024 Rocket Challenge drew an impressive 73 entries spread across six divisions. Led by the mighty Factory Stocks with 21, there was plenty of talent in Kevin Sustaire’s pit area. 

Fans were treated to frequent two and even three-wide battles for position throughout the evening. Officials knocked out 11 qualifying Heats, took a brief intermission to enjoy some Kids Bike Racing, then played host to six entertaining feature races.  

You can replay every lap of Saturday night’s Rocket Challenge program at Rocket Raceway Park with a Membership at RaceON.com. Newly re-branded with a commitment to promote local racing, RaceON (formerly RaceON) has over 400 Live events on tap in 2024 from several states. 

By Phil Whipple, RaceON.com Staff Writer