The East Coast Dirt Nationals has become a premier indoor racing event, known for its dramatic last-to-first victories and intense competition on the banked clay oval at CURE Insurance Arena in Trenton, NJ.

Notable comebacks have defined the event's history since its 2017 debut. Jon Keller's 2020 victory stands out as perhaps the most impressive, climbing from last place in the E-Main to win the A-Main after flipping his car in qualifying. He passed the entire field in the final 48 laps of the 50-lap feature.

Tim Buckwalter's 2023 performance was equally remarkable. After being sent to the rear on lap 12, he needed just 11 laps to take the lead. The same race saw Adrianna Deloponti make history as the first female to reach the A-Main, finishing third after starting 17th.

Other memorable moments include:

• 2017: Whitey Kidd III (Rob Vivona) won the inaugural event while battling cancer
• 2024: Anthony Perrego won in his first-ever 600 Sprint race
• 2018: Erick Rudolph became the only winner to start from the front

The 2024 event features:

• 90 drivers competing
• Friday: 9 qualifying races and 25-lap feature
• Saturday: Multiple qualifying races (E-Mains through B-Mains)
• Top 10 from Friday lock into Saturday's A-Main
• Special autograph session at 5 PM on Saturday

With a track record of unpredictable finishes and breakthrough performances, the East Coast Dirt Nationals continues to showcase the best in indoor dirt track racing, combining skilled veterans with emerging talents in a unique competitive format.

Related Articles

Previous Articles