Story By: BEN SHELTON / SSI MOTORSPORTS – MARTINSVILLE, IN – Ricky Thornton Jr. entered his first event in three weeks on Saturday evening at Florence Speedway and made the most of the opportunity with a $10,000 victory in the Spring 50 with his SSI Motorsports / Coltman Farms / Hoker Trucking No. 20RT Dyno One Inc. / Excel Floor Covering / Sub-Surface of Indiana / Longhorn Chassis / Clements Racing Engine Super Late Model.
The Arizona native led all 50 circuits for his second-career Spring 50 triumph and fourth win of the 2024 season.
“Thank you (James Essex) for putting this whole deal on,” Thornton said, praising the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series announcer who has brought back the NALMS. “I thought the track was pretty good. I really didn’t know if the bottom (line) was going to clean up again, or not, but we got to race there for a little bit. I thought the track was pretty awesome. There was a couple small holes, but nothing crazy.”
Gearing up for the upcoming Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series doubleheader, Ricky Thornton Jr. invaded Florence Speedway (Union, Ky.) on Saturday for the 48th annual Spring 50.
In a field of 32 Northern Allstars Late Model Series entries, Ricky followed up the second-fastest qualifying effort with a dominant victory in his 10-lap heat race.
Leading flag-to-flag in the 50-lap feature, Thornton fended off Mike Marlar following a late restart to secure his second career Spring 50 triumph and his fourth win of the 2024 season. He earned a $10,000 payday ahead of Marlar, Josh Rice, Tyler Erb, and Jason Jameson.
The team now is ready to resume Lucas Oil late Model Dirt Series action this Friday and Saturday with ventures in Ohio and Indiana. On Friday the $12,000-to-win Buckeye Spring 50 is set for Atomic Speedway (Alma, Ohio), while Indiana’s Brownstown Speedway hosts the $15,000-to-win Indiana Icebreaker on Saturday.
Thornton Jr. currently holds a 5-point advantage atop the latest series standings.