3/14/2026
Crate Racin' USA
Mitchell and Cross Score CRUSA Victories at North Alabama
(Tuscumbia, AL – March 14, 2026) – The 2026 racing season roared to life Saturday night at North Alabama Speedway as drivers from across the region converged on the historic Tuscumbia oval for the season opener featuring Crate Racin’ USA sanctioned divisions. Fans were treated to a full night of dirt-slinging action as Bryson Mitchell and Blake Cross kicked off their seasons in victory lane in the CRUSA Late Model Sportsman and CRUSA Modified Sportsman divisions.
In the CRUSA Late Model Sportsman division, Bryson Mitchell put together a near-perfect night to claim the opening night victory. Mitchell started from the outside of the front row and quickly seized control of the race, pacing the field for all 15 laps of the feature event.
Pole-sitter Dustin Harris jumped out to an early challenge, but Mitchell used the high side of the speedway to power into the lead and never looked back. Once out front, Mitchell set a steady pace while navigating traffic and fending off pressure from Harris during the closing laps.
Harris held strong to secure the runner-up finish after earning fast time honors earlier in the evening with a lap of 15.029 seconds in qualifying. Joey Tucker completed the podium in third, followed by Gary Tucker in fourth and Brett Dobbs rounding out the top five.
Mechanical issues and race attrition shuffled the field late in the event as Dusty Quillen and Justin Jacobs were unable to finish the race. Clent Busby, who qualified fourth, was disqualified following the event.
CRUSA Late Model Sportsman – Feature Results (15 Laps)
1-Bryson Mitchell
2-Dustin Harris
3-Joey Tucker
4-Gary Tucker
5-Brett Dobbs
6-Steven Isbell
7-Dusty Quillen (DNF)
8-Justin Jacobs (DNF)
9-Chad Gentry (DNS)
10-Clent Busby (DQ)
Lap Leader: Bryson Mitchell (1-15)
The CRUSA Modified Sportsman division saw Blake Cross put on a commanding performance of his own. Starting from the second position, Cross wasted little time making his way to the front and once there, he controlled the pace for the entire 15-lap main event.
Cross led all laps en route to the season-opening win, but the battle behind him remained intense throughout the race. Dawson Tohn stayed within striking distance for much of the event and secured the runner-up finish, while Jacob Lacy completed the podium after winning the evening’s heat race earlier in the program.
Drew Holloway crossed the line fourth, with Jarrett Miller completing the top five. Isaac Gipson was unable to start the feature after suffering issues during the heat race, while Jacob Bryant was disqualified following the event.
CRUSA Modified Sportsman – Feature Results (15 Laps)
1-Blake Cross
2-Dawson Tohn
3-Jacob Lacy
4-Drew Holloway
5-Jarrett Miller
6-Isaac Gipson (DNS)
7-Jacob Bryant (DQ)
Lap Leader: Blake Cross (1-15)
The season is just getting underway at North Alabama Speedway, and teams will have another opportunity to chase victory lane next weekend. The track returns to action on Saturday, March 21st with a full weekly racing program featuring the speedway’s regular divisions.
Article Credit: Cody Earley
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