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Neil Jr. and Williamson Split Bayou Bash as ACLMS Opens 2026

(Greenwood, LA – March 22, 2026) – The American Crate Late Model Series officially launched its 2026 season in thrilling fashion with a two-night “Bayou Bash” double-header across the state of Louisiana, featuring strong car counts and competitive racing at both Sabine Speedway and Boothill Speedway.

A combined 60 entries between the two nights highlighted the season-opening weekend, as Cory Neil Jr. and David Williamson each claimed victories to kick off the championship chase.

Neil Jr. Scores Sixth Career Win at Sabine Speedway
Friday night at Sabine Speedway saw 29 competitors take on the “Bayou Bash” opener, where Cory Neil Jr. added another milestone to his résumé with his sixth career American Crate Late Model Series victory.

Neil Jr. started sixth and methodically worked his way forward, taking control of the race on lap seven after overtaking early leader Mark Underwood Jr. Once out front, Neil Jr. never looked back, leading the final 19 circuits of the 25-lap main event.

Following the race Neil Jr. said, "The Track was awesome!", he praised the track staff for their work, "It came around really good, I could get around the lap cars on the bottom." He now sits tied for third all-time on the wins list at 6 career wins with Jeffrey Abbey and Chase Allen.

Underwood Jr. paced the field early, leading laps one through six before fading back to a 20th-place finish following issues. Behind Neil Jr., David Winslett secured a solid runner-up finish, while Patrik Daniel completed the podium in third.

Feature Results (25 Laps):1. 7-Corey Neil Jr[6]; 2. 21-David Winslett[4]; 3. 75-Patrik Daniel[5]; 4. 25-Robbie Starnes[8]; 5. 28W-David Williamson[7]; 6. 5-Jon Mitchell[11]; 7. 85-Curt Lipsey[2]; 8. 15G-Dennie Gieber[9]; 9. 48-Cody Leonard[18]; 10. 25M-Todd McKellar[3]; 11. 32-Beau Begnaud[15]; 12. 1W-Waylon Morris[12]; 13. 18-Shannon Parker[10]; 14. 25D-Donnie Shipp[14]; 15. 7S-Brent Stewart[16]; 16. 1-Chase Raymond[17]; 17. 53X-Matt Fox[21]; 18. 2-Tyler Willis[19]; 19. 17-Austin Storm[13]; 20. 125-Mark Underwood Jr[1]; 21. 85S-Tim Simmons[22]; 22. 52-AJ Dancer[20]

A notable performance came from Cody Leonard, who earned Hard Charger honors by advancing 10 positions from 18th to finish ninth.

Williamson Breaks Through at Boothill Speedway
Saturday night at Boothill Speedway brought 31 entries to the track, and it was David Williamson, the two-time and defending Crate Racin’ USA National Champion, who captured his first career American Crate Late Model Series victory.

Williamson started on the pole and led the majority of the 25-lap feature, pacing laps 1-20 and 22-25. A brief challenge came on lap 21 when Mark Underwood Jr. took over the top spot, but Williamson quickly regained control and sealed the victory.

Following the win, Williamson reflected on the moment:
"I would say it proves that hard work still pays off and just having early success makes all of the long hours very much worth it. It’s also great to deal with a chassis manufacturer that builds consistent racecars. I also have to thank my wife and all of my friends that helped me get it together in such a short time."

Williamson also credited an extensive list of partners for their support in reaching victory lane.

Feature Results (25 Laps):1. 28W-David Williamson[1]; 2. 75-Patrik Daniel[6]; 3. 22-Dennie Gieber[13]; 4. 5-Jon Mitchell[5]; 5. 25-Robbie Starnes[11]; 6. 21-David Winslett[9]; 7. 1W-Waylon Morris[3]; 8. 125-Mark Underwood Jr[8]; 9. 52-AJ Dancer[15]; 10. 32-Beau Begnaud[7]; 11. 48-Cody Leonard[2]; 12. 1-Chase Raymond[20]; 13. 3-Seth Traweek[17]; 14. 15-Nathan Stewart[16]; 15. 5Y-Robert Young[12]; 16. 85S-Tim Simmons[21]; 17. 93-Aaron Leddy[10]; 18. 17-Austin Storm[18]; 19. 53X-Matt Fox[22]; 20. 85-Curt Lipsey[4]; 21. 25D-Donnie Shipp[14]; 22. (DNS) 41P-Brooks Petzold

Dennie Gieber earned Hard Charger honors, advancing 10 positions from 13th to finish third.

Strong Start to 2026 Campaign
The Louisiana double-header set the tone for what promises to be a highly competitive 2026 season. With strong fields, new winners, and returning contenders, the championship battle is already shaping up to be one to watch.

Defending series champion Beau Begnaud showed consistency across the weekend, making both features and continuing to position himself as a factor in the title hunt once again.

Next Up
The American Crate Late Model Series now turns its attention to Texas:
Saturday, April 11 – RPM Speedway (Crandall, TX)
$1,500 to win | $300 to start

The American Crate Late Model Series would not be possible without the continued support of its outstanding partners:
Race On, Champ Pans, Maxima Racing Oils, Bobcat of North Texas, Smiley's Racing Products, Pinnacle Roofing and Construction, Bulletproof Tees, Cliff's Goodyear Auto Service, Pestmatri Pest Control, Xtreme Graphics, Love Graphics, Sherman Chevrolet, Hoosier Tire Southwest, Fab X, Rogers-Dabbs Performance Parts, Jones Supply & Manufacturing, Deatherage Racing Opticians, Bakers Ribs, and Superior Glass & Mirrors.

For more information, follow the American Crate Late Model Series on Facebook or visit MyRacePass for the latest updates, results, and standings.

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