5/18/2026
Crate Racin' USA
Isbell Scores Emotional Victory, Hickerson Wins Modified Sportsman Thriller at North Alabama
(Eastaboga, AL – May 18, 2026) – Friday night at North Alabama Speedway delivered an emotional and action-packed evening of racing, as the CRUSA Weekly divisions highlighted another exciting program in Tuscumbia, Alabama.
In CRUSA Late Model Sportsman competition, Steven Isbell turned heartbreak into triumph with an inspiring flag-to-flag victory in the 15-lap main event. Earlier in the week, Isbell lost his mother, and after attending her funeral on Friday morning, he made the decision to compete that same evening.
Driving with heavy emotions, Isbell topped qualifying with a fast lap of 15.320 seconds before leading all 15 laps of the feature to capture the victory in dominant fashion. Justin Jacobs advanced from fourth to finish second, while Ryan Mealer completed the podium in third. Keaton Baker crossed the line fourth, with Lake Carson rounding out the top five.
CRUSA Late Model Sportsman – Feature Results (15 Laps):
1-Steven Isbell
2-Justin Jacobs
3-Ryan Mealer
4-Keaton Baker
5-Lake Carson
6-Brett Dobbs (DNF)
Lap Leaders: Isbell (1-15)
The CRUSA Modified Sportsman division brought the largest field of the night with 17 entries and produced one of the most competitive races of the season.
Kyle May led the opening two laps before Cale Finley worked his way to the point on lap three. Finley appeared poised for another North Alabama victory, but Logan Hickerson had other plans. Hickerson charged to the front on lap eight and led the remainder of the event to score the feature win in impressive fashion.
Finley settled for second, while Cacey Crowell made a strong run from ninth to third. Kyle May and Isaac Gipson completed the top five in the caution-filled feature event.
The division’s pair of heat races were won by Kyle May and Jason Markewitz.
CRUSA Modified Sportsman – Feature Results (15 Laps):
1-Logan Hickerson
2-Cale Finley
3-Cacey Crowell
4-Kyle May
5-Isaac Gipson
6-Mark Bangs
7-Marty May
8-Cole Smartt
9-Keith Coan
10-Cory Turner
11-Willpenny Smith
12-Kelly Davis
13-Jay Cooper
14-Townsend Lynch (DNF)
15-Jason Markewitz (DNF)
16-Eli Gipson (DNF)
17-Micah Dalrymple (DNF)
Lap Leaders: May (1-2), Finley (3-7), Hickerson (8-15)
North Alabama Speedway now looks ahead to its next event on Saturday, June 13th, featuring a special night for the Vintage division along with a full card of local racing action.
North Alabama Speedway is located at 12200 Highway 247 in Tuscumbia, Alabama. Fans can find additional information and updates by following North Alabama Speedway on Facebook.
Article Credit: Cody Earley
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