Story By: BEN SHELTON / BRANDON DUKE RACING – WHITESBURG, GA – Austin Horton has become a familiar visitor to Senoia Raceway’s Victory Lane over the years. However, his voyage to the winner’s circle this past weekend at the Georgia oval aboard his Brandon Duke Racing / Wood Motorsports No. 66 Bobby Thomas Race Engines Late Model will be one he never forgets as he was racing in honor of his mentor Andy Knowles and his late family members that he lost in a tragic fire.
“I did this special tribute wrap for Mr. Andy Knowles. The Knowles family is going through some really tough times right now, keep them in your prayers,” Horton said. “I would also like to mention my family; six of my family members were lost in a house fire this past Monday morning and keep them in your prayers.”
Horton’s $3,000 Topless Outlaws victory was his fourth overall of the season and third at the 3/8-mile oval.
Unveiling a special throwback wrap dedicated to his mentor Andy Knowles, Austin Horton returned to action over the weekend on Saturday piloting the No. 66 Late Model for the Topless Outlaw Dirt Racing Series event at Senoia (Ga.) Raceway.
With a whopping 41 Late Models on the grounds, Horton locked himself into the 40-lap main event with the fifth-fastest qualifying lap in his group. Starting 10th with $4,000 on the line, Austin quickly made his way to the front and took the lead after Tucker Anderson suffered a flat. Leading the final 27 laps, Horton pocketed a $4,000 payday and collected his fourth victory of the season.
“I’ve got probably the smallest motor packages you’re allowed to run with Topless Outlaws, but I told my guys when it gets slick, I’m like a shark in the water,” Horton said. “This Rocket XR1 is a ’17 model and it just keeps clicking ’em off. It’s a good car.”
Austin dedicated the win to his extended family who perished in a house fire earlier in the week.
Horton plans to take this coming weekend off but will return to Senoia Raceway on July 6 to compete with the Hunt the Front Super Dirt Series. A $20,000 payday will be up for grabs in the Super Late Model portion of the Independence Shootout.