Karter Beattie Two Top Fives as KBR and SKE Pack the Top Six at Millbridge

SALISBURY, N.C. Kyle Beattie Racing and SKE Chassis did not leave Millbridge Speedway with a feature win Wednesday night, but there was still plenty to like about Race 11 of the track’s Wednesday Series.

Four KBR and SKE racers finished inside the top six in the Open Outlaw Kart feature, while Karter “Katfish” Beattie turned in his best overall night at the track in several weeks.

Tanner Cheek led the KBR and SKE contingent in the Open Outlaw Kart A Main with a third-place finish. Mike Wheeler followed in fourth, Karter finished fifth, and Payton Johnson completed the group in sixth.

Putting four cars inside the first three rows of the final rundown made for one of the strongest collective performances of the night.

Karter also earned a podium finish in the Winged Micro Sprint feature, crossing the line third. “Handsome” Harry Stallard finished sixth.

The night was an important step forward for Karter, who has dealt with a frustrating collection of problems and setbacks during recent Millbridge features. He won his Winged Micro heat race Wednesday and finished fourth in his Open Outlaw Kart heat before carrying that momentum into both main events.

“Qualifying wasn’t too great, but we won our heat with the Winged car and finished fourth in the Open heat, so that got my confidence up for the features,” Karter said. “We’ve had so many little things happen here this year in the features, but tonight actually went pretty well, with a fifth in the Open and a third in the Micro.

“Now we can build on this for next week and hopefully get back to victory lane. I really want to thank KBR and SKE, The Joy of Seating, Leading Edge Logistics, and everyone who helps me with my racing. It means a lot to me.”

Karter celebrated his 15th birthday on Thursday.  

Emily Dietrich added another podium finish for the KBR and SKE group in the SKE Intermediate feature, placing third.

Kylea “Speedy” Beattie started third in the Intermediate main event and appeared positioned for a strong run before a mechanical problem dropped her to ninth in the final rundown.

Kylea also finished 10th in the Restricted Micro Sprint feature. Dietrich was credited with 11th after she was unable to finish the race.

There may not have been a trip to victory lane this time, but the speed was there. Four Open Outlaw Karts in the top six, two podium finishes for Karter, and another podium from Dietrich gave the entire KBR and SKE family something positive to build on.

They will get another opportunity Wednesday, July 29, when the Millbridge Speedway Wednesday Series returns for its next round.

On-track action begins at 6:15 p.m. Eastern. Fans can come out to Millbridge, cheer on the KBR and SKE racers, and grab some Karter Beattie merchandise. Those unable to attend can watch the racing live on DirtVision.com.