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Steve Francis Wins Circle K Colossal 100
Valvoline-sponsored Steve Francis, known to dirt late model fans as the "Kentucky Colonel," marched to a $50,000 victory Saturday night during the third annual Circle K Colossal 100 at The Dirt Track @ Lowe's Motor Speedway.
The defending World of Outlaws Late Model Series champion started from the pole in the 100-lap race and survived 16 caution flags en route to one of the biggest victories of his career.
After receiving the traditional Medieval knight's helmet and a 50-inch Macleod Medieval sword in victory lane, Francis admitted his No. 19 Valvoline machine nearly didn't make it to the checkered flag.
"We ran out of fuel right at the end of the race," Francis said. "I saw Darrell (Lanigan) coasting down through there and I figured he was out of fuel because my (fuel) light was on the last five to seven laps.
"The scariest part about the whole race was the last five laps, worrying about running out of fuel. I was watching the fuel pressure gauge instead of watching what I should have been watching at that point."
Despite the high number of caution flags, the Ashland, Ky., resident was able to pull away on each restart and became the first driver to lead the Circle K Colossal 100 from start to finish.
"That car was just absolutely phenomenal tonight," Francis said. "This was probably the best car I've ever had in a 100-lap race. It never changed a characteristic the whole race. I could run right around the bottom, and I could go the top. When you get a car like that, it makes your job way, way easier."
