Over 1,400 fans packed GALOT Motorsports Park for the final Mad Mule Shootout.

“We had a pretty good turnout,” said Charles Myers. “I think the cold may have hurt our number, but overall everyone had a great time.”

After a record-setting year, Smithfield’s Jay Cox earned the GALOT Motorsports Park Mad Mule Pro Modified Championship. Going into the final event of the season, Cox and John Strickland were tied for the season title. Ironically, both drivers lost in the semi-final round of competition, which led to a tiebreaker. Cox had one more win than Strickland, declaring him the champion.

GALOT Motorsports had a strong showing throughout the Mad Mule Championship with all three GALOT drivers finishing in the top five in points. GALOT driver Kevin Rivenbark had a strong showing at the final event of the year where he had runner-up finish, which boosted him to number three in championship points. The young Ty Tutterow showed consistency throughout the year, wining at least one round of competition in every event and finishing fourth in points.

Tommy Franklin won the final Mad Mule Shootout at GALOT Motorsports Park. Franklin qualified number one in a record breaking 16-car field, with an elapsed time of 3.698 seconds at over 203 mph.

Those who qualified in the top five were: Tommy Franklin (3.698/203.22); Kevin Rivenbark (3.704/202.12); Jay Cox (3.719/200.11); John Strickland (3.722/200.62); and Chris Rini (3.730/200.59).

Benson North Carolina: After a record setting year, Smithfield North Carolina’s Jay Cox earns the GALOT Motorsports Park Mad Mule Pro Mod Championship.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_GALOT-1.jpgBenson North Carolina: After a record setting year, Smithfield North Carolina’s Jay Cox earns the GALOT Motorsports Park Mad Mule Pro Mod Championship.

Tommy Franklin won the final Mad Mule Shootout at GALOT Motorsports Park. Franklin qualified number one in a record breaking 16-car field with an elapsed time of 3.698 seconds at over 203 mph.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_GALOT-2.jpgTommy Franklin won the final Mad Mule Shootout at GALOT Motorsports Park. Franklin qualified number one in a record breaking 16-car field with an elapsed time of 3.698 seconds at over 203 mph.

Over 1,400 people packed the GALOT Motorsports on Saturday night. The first year was a huge success.
https://www.clintonnc.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/web1_GALOT-3.jpgOver 1,400 people packed the GALOT Motorsports on Saturday night. The first year was a huge success.Courtesy photo

From staff reports