Kelly Battles Through Adversity During Lee Fields Memorial Race at Mobile International Speedway
MOBILE, Ala. — Colton Kelly showed speed, determination, and resilience Saturday night during the prestigious Lee Fields Memorial Race at Mobile International Speedway, overcoming early mechanical issues and battling through tire wear to bring home a hard-fought sixth-place finish in the No. 18 Pave America / Southern Protection Agency Pro-Late Model.
The 14-year-old rising star unloaded with impressive speed from the start of the evening, posting the third-fastest lap in practice with an 18.35-second lap around the historic Alabama short track. Following practice, the team made several adjustments to prepare for qualifying and the demanding long-run conditions expected later in the night.
Unfortunately, trouble struck during qualifying when a worn clutch hampered Kelly’s effort, leaving the No. 18 team starting eighth in the feature event.
Once the green flag waved, Kelly immediately began charging forward through the field. Showing patience and racecraft beyond his years, the Villa Rica, Georgia native steadily worked his way into fourth position before settling into a lengthy battle behind veteran driver Dustin Smith. The pair ran nose-to-tail for nearly 60 laps as the race unfolded under the demanding conditions Mobile International Speedway is known for.
As the closing laps approached, the handling on Kelly’s No. 18 machine began to fade as the right-front tire wore away during the long green-flag run. With approximately 12 laps remaining, Kelly lost grip and track position before ultimately crossing the finish line in sixth place, two laps down after fighting through the difficult final segment of the race.
“We have good days and bad days and sometimes ok days, but we need to keep our heads on straight and focus on the next race,” Kelly said following the event.
The Lee Fields Memorial Race remains one of Mobile International Speedway’s most respected annual events, honoring the legacy of longtime Gulf Coast racing supporter Lee Fields while attracting many of the Southeast’s top short track competitors. Known for its tire management challenges and intense long-run racing, the event routinely tests drivers mentally and physically over the course of the evening.
Saturday’s race also carried added emotion for Kelly, whose No. 18 was chosen years ago because of NASCAR star Kyle Busch — one of Kelly’s longtime racing heroes.
Despite the adversity, Kelly once again demonstrated the speed and maturity that continue making him one of the Southeast’s most promising young drivers as he gains valuable experience against seasoned competition.
About Colton Kelly
Colton Kelly is a 14-year-old race car driver from Villa Rica, Georgia, with over 100 Quarter Midget victories, 10 Georgia Quarter Midget Track Championships, and multiple NASCAR Youth Series wins. Currently competing in Pro-Truck and Late Model competition, Kelly has quickly established himself as one of the region’s top young prospects. Away from the racetrack, he is an Honor Roll and Dean’s List student who enjoys music, off-roading, volunteering, and fishing.
About Pave America
Pave America is a leading national provider of commercial paving, asphalt, and infrastructure solutions, serving businesses and organizations across the United States through a network of premier paving contractors and service providers.
About Southern Protection Agency
Southern Protection Agency provides professional security and protection services throughout the Southeast, specializing in commercial, residential, and event security solutions with a strong focus on professionalism and client safety.
About Mobile International Speedway
Located in Irvington, Alabama, Mobile International Speedway is one of the Southeast’s premier short tracks and has hosted racing legends for decades. The high-banked paved oval is known for producing intense side-by-side racing and serves as a key battleground for Pro Late Models, Super Late Models, and regional touring series throughout the season.
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