By Lap 9 Smith looked as if he was going to run away with the show as he had built over a second lead, but that was not enough when his 1 car spun its wheels Dollansky was able to catch up to him and a side-by-side battle ensued. Dollansky stole the lead on Lap 12, but Smith muscled back and reclaimed the top spot a lap later.

On Lap 19 Saldana began to make his move up to fourth. In the battle for third Saldana and Kraig Kinser were bumper-to-bumper for third. In a frenzied move Steve Kinser passed the two, but on the next revolution of the half-mile track Saldana had retook the third position with Jason Meyers lining up behind him in fourth.

The first Yellow Flag of the night flew over Volusia Speedway on Lap 20 as Sam Hafertepe jr.’s 15h came to a halt on track. On the restart at the front Smith was working the low line, while Dollansky was making himself comfortable in the cushion. A second caution period disrupted their skirmish as the Yellow Flag flew again on lap 21 for Tim Kaeding whose 83jr had come to a stop at the exit of Turn 2.

On the final restart with only nine laps to go, Smith and Dollansky stuck to their favored lines. The result was a side-by-side scuffle that saw Dollansky retake the lead on Lap 22. Behind the leaders Meyers was closely following Saldana, but time was running out.

When the White Flag soared over the field, Smith knew it was his last chance for victory. In Turn 2 he made his move and slid under Dollansky to recapture the lead. With the Checkered Flag fluttering in the air, Smith was the first to cross the finish line; he was followed by: Dollansky, Saldana, Meyers and Steve Kinser. 

This was Smith’s second Winter Nationals win. His first came at East Bay Speedway in 1994. Over all this was Smith’s seventh O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions win.

The next time the O’Reilly All Star Circuit of Champions will take the track will be April 10 and 11 at Attica Speedway Park in Attica, Ohio. For more information stay tuned to http://www.oreillyallstars.com/.