Exum Takes Two in Tri-County Season Finale

(Photo by Deango Motorsports Photography)

Jim Exum was the Driver of the Night, picking up a pair of checkered flags to close the season.

Press Release

Jim Exum of Murphy charged from 15th starting position to win the 100-lap Enduro, the special event of the night, as Tri-County Racetrack closed its 2026 season Saturday, Oct. 24.

Exum, driving the No. 48, took the checkered flag ahead of Jacob Ward of Seneca, S.C., with Jason Coates of Murphy third. Chase Leitner of Murphy finished fourth and Avery Breedlove of Hayesville, N.C., rounded out the top five. The field of 17 starters saw heavy attrition, with most of the remaining cars failing to finish.

In the regular program, Shawn Chastain of Murphy won the Limited Late Models feature, advancing from second to beat Drew Deaver of McCaysville, Ga. A.J. Weeks of Blue Ridge, Ga., finished third.

Cooper Twiggs of Murphy led the 602 Crate Late Models from the pole and held off Bobby Elkins of Murphy for the win. David McCoy of Franklin, N.C., was third.

Greg Sudderth of Brasstown dominated the Hobby Sportsman feature from the pole. Heather McCoy of Franklin finished second and Tyler White of Murphy third.

Roger Beaver of Murphy won the Street Stocks after starting second, edging Matt Whitener of Canton, N.C. Joey McCoy of Franklin took third.

Ricky Smith of Hiwassee, Ga., led all the way in Open Wheel Mods. Johnny Anderson of Murphy was second and Bronson Newton of Murphy third.

Tristen Lovingood of Murphy captured the Stock FWD feature. Mitchell Ledbetter of Hayesville finished second and Crystal Staton of Ringgold, Ga., third.

Jim Exum also won the Crown Vic feature from the pole, completing a strong night that included his Enduro victory. Richard Ames Jr. of Ellijay, Ga., finished second and Matt Stillwell of Andrews, N.C., third.

The Saturday program at the Brasstown dirt oval served as the season finale and featured the 100-lap Enduro as its featured attraction alongside the weekly classes.