The RFRL Elite Late Model Series delivered thirteen rounds of compelling racing action across diverse venues ranging from Southern National Motorsports Park to USA International Speedway. The inaugural season showcased the depth of talent in the series, with multiple drivers finding victory lane and championship contenders emerging from different corners of the grid throughout the year.
What unfolded was a season-long battle for supremacy that ultimately crowned Tom Ringer as the series' first champion, though his path to the title was anything but certain. The #68 driver's journey included dramatic charges through the field, wire-to-wire performances, and intense points battles that kept the championship fight alive deep into the season, with the final margin proving just how competitive this inaugural campaign truly was.
Elite Late Model Series • Season 1
TOM RINGER
Series Champion
Tom Ringer claimed the inaugural RFRL Elite Late Model Series championship by a narrow 10-point margin over Robert Walton, capping a season defined by early-season dominance and clutch consistency across 13 rounds. The #68 driver's title run was anchored by back-to-back victories at Southern National Motorsports Park and The Bullring to open the campaign, where he charged from eighth and fifth respectively to establish an early points advantage that proved decisive. Ringer's championship credentials were built on remarkable consistency, completing all 13 rounds while weathering challenges from a deep field that produced nine different winners across venues ranging from short ovals like Martinsville Speedway and South Boston Speedway to road courses like Lime Rock Park.
Walton mounted sustained pressure throughout the season, securing his lone victory with a wire-to-wire performance at Hickory Motor Speedway and maintaining mathematical championship hopes until the final checkered flag at USA International Speedway. The 10-point final margin reflected the competitive balance of a series where Jonathan Burt finished just 15 points behind Ringer despite capturing only one victory at Lime Rock Park. Ringer's ability to maximize points across diverse venues like Richmond Raceway, Langley Speedway, and Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park ultimately separated him from a talented field that saw breakthrough performances from drivers like Jordan Traas and Tanner Honeycutt throughout the 13-race campaign.
Final Standings — Top 5
Season Superlatives
While the championship battle ultimately crowned its victor, Season 1 of the Elite Late Model Series was defined by individual brilliance and heart-stopping moments that transcended the points race. From dominant performances that showcased raw speed to clutch drives through traffic and nail-biting finishes that came down to thousandths of a second, these standout achievements captured the essence of what made this inaugural campaign unforgettable across thirteen thrilling rounds.
Championship Battle
Season Timeline · 13 Rounds
What a season it has been for the RFRL Elite Late Model Series. From the opening round at Southern National Motorsports Park through the finale at USA International Speedway, thirteen different venues provided the backdrop for some exceptional racing. Tom Ringer's championship run in the #68 machine showcased the consistency needed to prevail over a competitive field, while drivers like Zachary Lovelace proved that when everything clicks, dominance is possible at tracks as varied as Five Flags Speedway and Thompson Speedway Motorsports Park.
The depth of talent throughout the field made for compelling racing week after week, with hard chargers and breakthrough performances keeping fans engaged at every stop. As the checkered flag falls on Season 1, the foundation has been laid for what promises to be an even more competitive second campaign. The drivers will return hungry, the competition will be fierce, and the racing will continue to deliver the excitement that made this inaugural season memorable.