The 2023 Southern Super Series season was nothing short of exhilarating, filled with unforgettable moments that left race fans on the edge of their seats. Look at ten of the most memorable highlights from this extraordinary season.
1. Bubba Goes up the Elevator:
In a combination event between ASA STARS Tour and the Southern Super Series, Bubba Pollard showcased his dominance at North Wilkesboro’s EMCD 150 race. Leading 58 laps, Pollard outperformed NASCAR Hendrick drivers Chase Elliott and William Byron to clinch the victory. This win marked Pollard’s third season victory, solidifying his position as the series’ all-time winner.
2. Rookie Champion:
Gio Ruggiero made history in his first full season of Super Late Model racing by winning the Southern Super Series points title. Defying the odds, Ruggiero became a rookie champion, a feat only achieved by Daniel Hemric in the series’ inaugural season. Ruggiero’s championship fight went down to the wire, matching lap counts with his closest competitor, ultimately claiming the championship title.
3. California Rules Pensacola:
Jeremy Doss, a driver from California, surprised the race fans at Five Flags Speedway in Pensacola by winning the Blizzard race. Doss crossed the finish line first, aided by a William Byron disqualification, after leading the majority of laps that night. His impressive performance allowed him to clinch the Blizzard Series title, solidifying his status as one of the favorites for the Snowball Derby.
4. Multiple Winners:
The Southern Super Series continued its trend of producing new winners each week. Despite several rainouts limiting the number of events to ten, there were still seven winners throughout the season. If another driver is added at the All-American event, it could make for an eighth different winner in 2023. The series has consistently showcased parity, with 2021 and 2022 also seeing ten winners.
5. Pole Winners:
The 2023 season saw a unique occurrence in series history, with no repeat fast-time award winners during the regular season. Although the All-American 400 could still change that, the point races stood out, with nine winners claiming the fast-time awards, adding an air of unpredictability to each event.
6. Re-Birthing ASA:
The Southern Super Series was honored to be the first co-sanctioned event under the newly formed ASA umbrella. IN MARCH, the ASA STARS National Tour kicked off its 2023 season at Five Flags Speedway, featuring an intense battle with 10 lead changes among eight drivers. In the end, Casey Roderick emerged as the victor, making history in the new series.
7. Gio and Byron at Hickory:
The Southern Super Series witnessed one of its most thrilling finishes in recent memory at Hickory. Gio Ruggiero and William Byron engaged in a captivating cat-and-mouse battle that saw three lead changes in the final nine laps. The nail-biting race ended in a photo finish, with Ruggiero triumphing by a mere 0.036 seconds at the finish line.
8. South Georgia Clash:
The Georgia Summer Nationals delivered another memorable race, characterized by constant lead swaps between four drivers over the 125-lap distance. Jake Garcia emerged as the victor in a heated battle against Jake Finch, securing his second win of the season.
9. Car Counts:
The 2023 season boasted robust car counts, with an average of 29.7 cars competing in the ASA Southern Super Series’ first ten events. This record-breaking number set a new high for the series and showed the enduring popularity and growth of Super Late Model racing.
10. New Winners Waiting:
As the season approaches, several drivers unable to secure victories in 2023 will be eager to make their mark in the upcoming All-American 400 and the following season. With a wave of youthful drivers making their presence felt in the series, unexpected names are poised to become contenders next year.
The 2023 Southern Super Series season brought us countless unforgettable moments that showcased the thrilling nature of Super Late Model racing—from dominant performances to nail-biting finishes, the season kept race fans entertained and eager for more.
About the Author:
The Short Track Girl is a track enthusiast and racing journalist passionate about sizzling and insightful articles. Discover more about her fiery persona and witty insights by following her on Twitter @The_ST_girl.