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Whitener Wins Southern Heritage Classic with Last-Lap Pass at Needmore

(Norman Park, GA – March 30, 2026) – In a finish that will be talked about all season long, Middleburg, Florida’s Mark Whitener made a last-lap pass to capture the $4,000 victory in the 3rd Annual Southern Heritage Classic, opening the 2026 Rogers-Dabbs Performance Parts Crate Racin’ USA Late Model Sportsman Tour season at Needmore Speedway.

Whitener, now a two-time Southern Heritage Classic winner, led only when it mattered most — the final lap.

Pole-sitter Koulten Herbert looked poised to wire the field after dominating the 30-lap main event, leading the opening 29 circuits and setting the pace throughout the night. But as the white flag waved, trouble struck. Herbert caught a hole entering turn one, allowing Whitener to seize the opportunity. Driving the No. 06 machine, Whitener dove to the inside off turn two and completed the dramatic pass, powering away to secure the victory.

Union, South Carolina’s Trent Ivey completed the podium in third after mounting a late-race charge but ultimately came up two positions short of the win.

The thrilling finish capped off a competitive night that saw 37 entries on hand for the season opener, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting third season for the tour.

Southern Heritage Classic Feature Results (30 Laps):
1-06-Mark Whitener[4]
2-611-Koulten Herbert[1]
3-28-Trent Ivey[3]
4-00-Austin Yarbrough[10]
5-198-Jay Coen[2]
6-51-Luke Clements[15]
7-175-Brayden Johnson[7]
8-17J-Griffin Jones[8]
9-4-Dustin Harris[14]
10-61-Caleb Ashby[22]
11-12S-Steven Bryant[19]
12-95-Joey Tucker[11]
13-T9-Brodie Thompson[23]
14-52-John Haynes[20]
15-X2-Dustin Hughes[5]
16-10-Karli Bennett[9]
17-111-Brennen Shirley[13]
18-C4-Devin Whatley[17]
19-3-Bruce Collins Jr[21]
20-21T-Tucker Walker[12]
21-11-Stacey Roberts[18]
22-17-Kevin Bennett[6]
23-01T-Tyler Webb[16]
24-23H-Kade Hunkapiller[24]

Race Notes:
Entries: 37
Lap Leaders: Herbert (1-29), Whitener (30)

Fast Qualifier:
Koulten Herbert – 16.451

Heat Race Winners:
H1 – Koulten Herbert
H2 – Jay Coen
H3 – Trent Ivey
H4 – Mark Whitener

B-Main Winners:
B1 – Devin Whatley
B2 – Stacey Roberts

With the victory, Whitener leaves Needmore Speedway as the early points leader in the 2026 championship standings.

CRUSA Late Model Sportsman Tour Points (After Needmore):
1-Mark Whitener – 100
2-Koulten Herbert – 96 (-4)
3-Trent Ivey – 94 (-6)
4-Austin Yarbrough – 92 (-8)
5-Jay Coen – 90 (-10)
6-Luke Clements – 88 (-12)
7-Brayden Johnson – 86 (-14)
8-Griffin Jones – 84 (-16)
9-Dustin Harris – 82 (-18)
10-Caleb Ashby – 80 (-20)

The Rogers-Dabbs Performance Parts Crate Racin’ USA Late Model Sportsman Tour now turns its attention to North Alabama Speedway in Tuscumbia, Alabama, on April 4 for the “Rumble by the River,” featuring a $2,000-to-win main event.

For more information on Crate Racin’ USA, including schedules, results, and breaking news, visit www.crateracinusa.com, email crateracinusa@gmail.com, or follow @CrateRacinUSA on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Crate Racin’ USA extends sincere thanks to its valued partners for their continued support, including Rogers-Dabbs Performance Parts, Chevrolet Performance, Hoosier Racing Tire, VP Racing Fuels, VP Racing Lubricants, Knowles Race Parts & Bodies, LLC, Competition Racing Equipment, Inc., Cruise with the Champions, Savage Chassis, Velocita by Melissa Markewitz, Bama Sheds & Pole Barns, MatMan Designs, LLC, Scorpion Race Cars, Columbus Sports Cards, WesPro JCB Atlanta, Next Racing Wheels, Top Knotch Customs, 87 Ink, and MyRacePass.

Photo Credit: Simple Moments Photography (Zackary Washington)

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