3/15/2026
Crate Racin' USA
Hughes Wins MS Crate Late Racing Series Battle of the States at Whynot
(Meridian, MS – March 15, 2026) – In front of an enthusiastic hometown crowd, Spencer Hughes of Meridian, Mississippi charged to victory Saturday night in the Mississippi Crate Late Racing Series feature during the 14th Annual Battle of the States at Whynot Motorsports Park, claiming the $2,000-to-win main event and the title of 2026 Battle of the States Champion.
A stout field of 25 competitors took the green flag for the 30-lap feature event after a full night of qualifying, B-Mains, a Dash, and a Last Chance Qualifier set the starting grid.
The race itself proved to be a showcase of clean, hard racing as the MSCLRS competitors delivered 30 thrilling caution-free laps on a multi-groove racing surface prepared by promoter Rodney Wing and the Whynot Motorsports Park track crew. Drivers battled three and four wide, swapping lanes from the bottom to the cushion in front of the Meridian crowd.
Early in the race it appeared the night might belong to Jason Henry, who raced among the leaders for much of the distance while Deisel Jones, who started on the pole after winning the Dash, kept the pressure on the field from the outset.
As the laps wound down, Hughes began to make his move toward the front. The Meridian driver methodically worked through traffic before capitalizing on an opening with just three laps remaining, making a decisive move on the bottom of turn two to slip past the leaders and take control of the race.
Hughes went on to hold the point over the final circuits to secure the victory, much to the delight of the hometown fans in attendance. This was Hughes 8th Battle of the States win, spanning over Late Models, Street Stocks, and Modifieds.
Jason Henry crossed the line in the runner-up position, while Deisel Jones completed the podium in third. David Williamson finished fourth, and Nick Thrash rounded out the top five.
MS Crate Late Racing Series – Battle of the States Feature Results (30 Laps)
1-888 – Spencer Hughes
2-10 – Jason Henry
3-46 – Deisel Jones
4-28 – David Williamson
5-20 – Nick Thrash
6-232 – Jamey Boland
7-14 – Casey Haney
8-27 – Chris McElhenney
9-33 – Sid Scarbrough
10-12C – Chase Giddens
11-18 – Landen Jackson
12-1C – Cooper Thrash
13-20 – Bailey Callahan
14-27X – Josh Smith
15-44 – Tim Dees
16-760 – Jim McDuffie
17-77JR – Waylon Vining
18-C11JR – Chase Williams
19-5E – Eli Thomas
20-818 – Hayden Cliburn
21-17 – Kye Kelley
22-9 – James Moore
23-48 – Jason Taylor
24-B11 – Brody Williams
25-61 – Brandon Buhler
Earlier in the evening, Deisel Jones captured the Dash to earn the pole position for the feature, followed by Jason Henry, Nick Thrash, Spencer Hughes, Sid Scarbrough, and David Williamson.
B-Main victories went to Casey Haney and Jamey Boland, while Jason Taylor topped the Last Chance Qualifier to secure a starting position in the feature.
The night began with qualifying, where Jason Henry set the fast time in his group with a lap of 13.560 seconds, edging Hughes and Scarbrough.
The Mississippi Crate Late Racing Series once again proved why its competitors are known as “The Baddest Crates in the State,” putting on one of the most competitive and exciting races of the Battle of the States weekend.
The series will now turn its focus toward its next championship weekend with a pair of May events.
Upcoming MSCLRS Events
• May 8 – Hattiesburg Speedway (Hattiesburg, MS)
• May 9 – Mitchell’s Motorplex (Perkinston, MS)
Series officials would like to thank all the teams and drivers who competed during the Battle of the States weekend along with the fans who packed Whynot Motorsports Park.
The Mississippi Crate Late Racing Series also thanks its valued partners including Sublmtd, Cliburn Tank Lines, Onshore Companies, Hoosier Racing Tire, Allstar Performance, Lookout Graphix, Wall 2 Wall Performance Engines, Magnolia Motorsports Marketing, and Jackson Industrial Services for their continued support.
Photo Credit: MS Crate Late Racing Series FB Page
Article Credit: Cody Earley
