EASTABOGA, Ala. (Jan. 8) — Scottie Hiett climbed to the roof of his Crate Racin’ USA Modified Sportsman machine in victory lane at Talladega Short Track Saturday night, and thus began one of the most raucous winner’s circle celebrations during the 31st edition of the giant annual weekend at the third-mile oval.
Hiett thrust the checkered flag into the air repeatedly. Not once, not twice, but six or seven times. Maybe eight. The motions were accompanied by a series of ecstatic yells and screams as the popular Wedowee, Ala., driver acknowledged a large crowd that had just watched him accomplish a nagging career goal with a long-awaited victory in the track’s biggest event.
Now they were sharing in his unguarded emotional release after a flag-to-flag journey to a $1,500 payday, but this one wasn’t just about the money. Hiett has tried for years to win the prestigious race, and finally did earn the checkered flag over last year’s winner Henry Hanger, Chris Hill, Shane Stephens and Wyatt Hill.
“We’ve been trying to win this Ice Bowl race for probably close to 20 years or more,” Hiett said. “We’ve run mostly in the open-wheel cars, and that was back when the IMCA-style Modified cars were running here. We’ve led the race, run second, run third, fifth, eighth or whatever…but we’ve never been able to win it. Any other big show here at this track over the years we’ve probably won, but this event has always escaped us. It’s been a goal for a long time.”
Hiett took the lead from the start and never relinquished it, leading fast qualifier Henry Hanger and the rest of a 24-car field across the stripe. He held a 1.072-second advantage over Hanger when the checkered flag waved. There were 42 entries on hand to attempt to earn a spot in the starting field. Nine cautions slowed the pace.
“We’ve tried so hard to win this one, and it’s a relief to finally do it,” Hiett said. “We won the Crate Racin’ USA National Championship in this division back in 2020, we won the track championship here in ’21, and now we’ve finally won the Ice Bowl. Mission accomplished.”
Hiett completed the required distance in a car that carried sponsorship from Bobber’s Bar & Grill, East Alabama Body Shop, Lake Wedowee NAPA Auto Parts, Hambone’s BBQ, East Alabama Truck Repair, JDB Towing & Recovery and Advanced Laser & Machine.
Ice Bowl (Modified Sportsman): 1. Scottie Hiett, 2. Henry Hanger, 3. Chris Hill, 4. Shane Stephens, 5. Wyatt Hill, 6. A.J. Ferguson, 7. Jammie Gowers, 8. John Smartt, 9. Jordon Phillips, 10. Mario Gresham, 11. E.J. Carter, 12. Randy Holder, 13. Wren Goodman, 14. Brady Claybrook, 15. Trevor Woodard, 16. Kyle Clifton, 17. Matt Dunn, 18. Blaze Trull, 19. Chris Yarbrough, 20. Phillip Adkins, 21. Eddie Brannon, 22. Duane Collins, 23. Donald Johns, 24. Kevin Higgins.
Total entries: 42
Fast qualifier: Henry Hanger, 16.396
Lap leaders: Hiett, 1-25
Cautions: 9
Margin of victory: 1.072 seconds
Heat winners: Henry Hanger, Scottie Hiett, Donald Johns, Chris Hill.
B-main winners: Matt Dunn, Duane Collins.
Article Credit: Brian McLeod