After a frustrating stretch of four consecutive rainouts, the Ortco, Inc., United Sprint League, presented by Same Day Auto Repair, finally returned to action Saturday night at Lawton Speedway — and it was Ty Hulsey who made the most of the long-awaited opportunity, claiming an impressive flag-to-flag victory in the 30-lap feature event.
The win marked the fourth USL career victory for Hulsey, the 2020 series champion, and his first since a triumph at Creek County Speedway exactly one year ago. Piloting the familiar No. 24 sprint car, Hulsey wasted no time seizing control of the race, surging into the early lead from his inside second-row starting spot and setting a torrid pace at the front of the field.
Pole sitter Cooper Sullivan initially gave chase, applying pressure through the opening laps while the rest of the field jockeyed for position. The race ran clean and competitive until a caution slowed the action on lap 22.
The yellow flag set up a critical restart, with Ryan Padgett — who had quietly worked his way up from fifth — making a bold move to snatch second place and set his sights on Hulsey.
Over the final eight laps, Padgett steadily reeled in the leader, cutting the gap with each passing circuit. As the white flag waved, the battle was on, with Padgett closing within striking distance. But Hulsey held his nerve and his line, crossing the finish line a slim 0.184 seconds ahead to secure a hard-earned victory in front of a lively Lawton Speedway crowd.
Sullivan managed to hold off a late charge to finish third. At the same time, two-time defending USL champion Johnny Kent impressed with a drive from eighth to fourth, showcasing his trademark consistency and determination.
Hulsey’s teammate Craig Carroll delivered one of the night’s standout performances, advancing from his 11th starting spot to round out the top five.
“It feels great to be back in victory lane, especially after all those rainouts,” Hulsey said in his post-race interview. “We’ve been itching to race, and this car was just hooked up tonight. Big thanks to my team and our sponsors — we earned this together.”
Up next, the Ortco, Inc. United Sprint League, presented by Same Day Auto Repair, heads to Caney Valley Speedway next Saturday night, where Hulsey will look to build on his momentum, and Padgett will aim to go one spot better.
USL Lawton Speedway – A-Main Results (Top 5)
- Ty Hulsey
- Ryan Padgett
- Cooper Sullivan
- Johnny Kent
- Craig Carroll
Saturday night’s action at Lawton Speedway proved worth the wait as Ty Hulsey delivered a commanding performance in front of an eager USL crowd. After weeks of rain delays, the series roared to life with thrilling battles, bold moves, and a photo finish that reminded fans why sprint car racing is one of dirt track’s greatest spectacles.
With momentum, Hulsey will look to extend his winning ways as the Ortco, Inc. United Sprint League, presented by Same Day Auto Repair, heads to Caney Valley Speedway next weekend — where another exciting chapter will be written.