We came down here on Thursday and watched it rain for a couple of days," said Kelley. "It really helped us focus on this track by practicing here on Saturday. "We have had some good runs here, but to finally get a win after several years really does feel good. I really have to thank Hedman Husler Hedders, they do so much for us and our racing program."
Paul Kelley,, a Pendergrass, Ga., resident, survived an attrition-filled race Sunday at Five Flags Speedway to win the Estrol Oil 100. The 100-lap, Pro Late Model race was the second round of a double-header weekend for the American Speed Association Southeast Asphalt Tour.
The inclement weather Friday forced Five Flags to host the race Sunday. The ASA held a similar race Saturday night at Mobile International Speedway.
"This is awesome to win this race," said Kelley as cable television cameras filmed the victory lane celebration for a tape-delay rebroadcast. "We came down here on Thursday and watched it rain for a couple of days. It really helped us focus on this track by practicing here on Saturday.
"It feels like we've been here forever with the rainout and all, but we hung in there and pulled it out. Everyone has just worked so hard. I'm so proud and thankful of everyone that helped."
Kelley took the lead early in the race, but appeared to be out of contention after falling to fifth on a restart. He took advantage of misfortune for other cars and battled hard late to retake the lead and claim the win.
Following the final caution on Lap 91, Kelley's race machine delivered a higher gear than anyone else. The car steadily created more space between the rest of the field and Kelley cruised to the win.
