Only eight points races remain this season for Dixie Speedway and its sister track in Rome, giving drivers in each of the seven classes the opportunity to pull away from, close in on or overtake others in the standings.

Thus far, the closest racing is with the Limited Late Models. Jason Smith leads Michael Brewer by eight points, though the two are clear of the majority of the field. Oliver Gentry sits 50 points behind Smith in third pace.

“It’s a real tight points race,” Brewer said. “(Smith and I) had a real good battle on Saturday as we were side-by-side for 20 laps.”

At the end of last Saturday’s race, Brewer bested Smith to finish second, though Spence Mosely earned the win. The next day in Rome, Brewer crashed into the wall, prematurely ending his race, but he said he would have his car fixed and ready for tonight’s race.

Brewer has been able to keep up with Smith throughout the season by virtue of consistently showing up to Dixie and finishing well every race.

“It’s been about finding the trouble and avoiding the wrecks,” Brewer said. “The car has been working very well. The track has been good.”

In the Econo Bombers, John Binger leads Gooch Spriggs by 18 points after Daniel Brewer had controlled much of the season. Brewer hasn’t raced in weeks due to a non-racing related incident, allowing Binger to overtake Brewer more easily.

Similarly, Luther Jenkins led for much of the season in the Super Late Models, but he now sits fourth with 104 points. Instead, Michael Page (138) has taken a 22-point lead over Frank Ingram and Tony Knowles.

Last week, Dale Thurman won at Dixie, with Page second, Ingram third and Knowles outside the top 10.

While those races remain close, there are several divisions where the leaders are trying to distance themselves away from the field.

In the Cruisers, Tim Pittman (222) leads Joe Trantham by 40 points. Although Trantham won last weekend, Pittman was right behind in second place and conceded few points as time is running out on Trantham for a comeback run.

The two most lopsided points races belong to the Pony Stocks and Crate Late Models.

Ronnie Faucett has led the Pony Stocks for the majority of the season and currently holds a 50-point advantage over Kenneth Horton. In the Crate Late Models, Donald McIntosh leads by 70 points over Alan Brewer.

On top tonight’s racing at Dixie, the program will also include 4-by-4 truck pulls.

“We back to them up to each other, then tie them up to each other with 50-foot chains,” track president Mickey Swims said. “A lot of fans get a lot out of that because, when you match up Ford against Chevrolet, you are already in pretty good shape.”