12/4/2024
Crate Racin' USA
Dooley Claims Cruise with the Champion Rookie of the Year Award
(Eastaboga, AL - December 4, 2024) – Matt Dooley of Brooks, Georgia, has been named the Cruise with the Champion Rookie of the Year for 2024, after an impressive season that saw him finish second overall in the national tour points standings.
Dooley challenged for the 2024 championship from start to finish, even leading the points standings for multiple weeks earlier in the season. His consistent performance included three Top 5 finishes in the first six races. However, his fortunes took a turn at his home track, Senoia Raceway, on June 8th, when mechanical issues led to his first DNF of the season. Despite a tough stretch at Tazewell and 411, Dooley rebounded at the Governor's Cup at Magnolia Speedway, finishing sixth. That result kicked off an incredible run of eight straight Top 15 finishes, six of which were in the Top 10.
With two races left in the season, Dooley was within striking distance of the title, but a 56-point deficit heading into Swainsboro ultimately proved too large to overcome as he finished second to Jimmy Thomas in the national points standings. Despite the close call, Dooley’s remarkable season solidified his place among the top drivers in the series.
"Winning the ROY title and finishing second in the National standings means a lot to me and everyone who supported us this year. It’s a true testament to all our hard work and ability to overcome a lot of adversity," Dooley said. "I couldn’t have done it without the support of Crown Security, JCB Wespro, Atlanta Coring, Scott’s Machine, and all of my great sponsors. Their commitment to our team has been invaluable."
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Dooley is already preparing for another possible championship run. "We are hard at work getting ready for 2025 and hope to build on what we learned this past season with CRUSA. I very much enjoyed racing with everyone this year and the friendships made along the way. I’m looking forward to even more in 2025," Dooley shared.
Dooley battled throughout the year with Bubba Roling from Clay Hill, FL, for the Rookie of the Year award. The two drivers were often within one position of each other on the track, with Roling finishing just behind Dooley in the final standings. As the season progressed, Dooley and Roling pulled away from their competition, including Josh Ray of Byhalia, MS, and Braden Mitchell of Russellville, AL, ultimately securing their spots in the top rookie battle.
Dooley and others will be honored January 10th - 11th in Pigeon Forge, TN at the Dollywood's HeartSong Lodge & Resort. Tickets are available to purchase through MyRacePass: https://www.myracepass.com/series/1848/tickets/1422501.
The deadline to RSVP is Friday, December 27th.
For rules and information on the Rogers Dabbs Performance Parts Crate Racin' USA Dirt Late Model Series (604 Late Models) visit our website at www.crateracinusa.com or email us at crateracinusa@gmail.com.
Crate Racin' USA would like to thank it's marketing partners Rogers Dabbs Performance Parts , Chevrolet Performance, Hoosier Racing Tire, VP Racing Fuels, VP Racing Lubricants, KRC Power Steering, Knowles Race Parts and Bodies, Willy's Carb & Dyno Shop, LLC, Competition Racing Equipment, Cruise with the Champions, Savage Chassis, BMF Race Cars, Velocita by Melissa Markewitz , Eagle Racing Engines, Hickman Manufacturing, ATC Bolts & Fasteners, and Sin City Bail Bonds.
Article Credit: Cody Earley
