While engaged in the very battle every paying dirt-track fan envies to see — the leaders in a back-and-forth slider-fest as the finish nears — Kyle Bronson knew exactly what the moment called for during his battle with Zack Mitchell in Saturday’s 53-lap Schaeffer’s Spring Nationals-sanctioned Jimmy Thomas Memorial at East Alabama Motor Speedway in Phenix City.

In order to win the night’s $10,053 top prize, the Brandon, Fla., driver would have to unleash a slider that couldn’t be counteracted. So that’s exactly what Bronson did through the final corner, sliding across Mitchell’s nose to thwart any shot of momentum from his challenger as the two rounded for the checkers.

“I slowed down in the middle (that) last time, not allow him to cross me over and he ass-trunked me,” Bronson told series announcer Cody Earley in victory lane. “I don’t know whose fault it is. We just won $10,000.”

The lap that matters most – the last — turned out as Bronson’s only circuit led. Enoree, S.C.’s Mitchell led every step of the way for the first 52 circuits until Bronson’s daring, race-winning move through the Alabama oval’s final corner.

Bronson, who started sixth, didn’t enter the victory conversation until lap 42 when he made his way into second. Up to that point, the lead battle had mostly featured Mitchell and Carson Ferguson of Lincolnton, N.C., until Ferguson blew a left-rear tire running second on lap 34.

Nonetheless, Bronson was there to capitalize.

“We didn’t take off very good, but we got going good at the end there,” Bronson said. “Yeah, Zack, I slid him pretty clean there a couple laps in a row.”

By DirtonDirt.com's records, Bronson’s win snapped a 54-race winless streak dating back to last July 15’s FALS Cup victory at Fairbury (Ill.) Speedway. It also marked Bronson’s first career Spring Nationals victory and he became the fifth winner in as many races to start this year’s miniseries.

And that all might not have come to fruition if not for some timely, tactful advice from Brandon Overton, who raced roughly 400 miles north at Volunteer Speedway’s Spring Thaw in Bulls Gap, Tenn.

“I really got to thank Brandon Overton there,” Bronson started. “He told me to put some hard tires on, and that’s what we did.”

This story is from DirtonDirt.com's Dispatches section. To visit DirtonDirt.com, click here.

Schaeffer's Spring Nationals Results From East Alabama

Schaeffer's Spring Nationals Points Through Round 5 Of 13

1. Donald McIntosh 936 points
2. Pearson Lee Williams (-6)
3. Christian Hanger (-34)
4. Ethan Dotson (-40)
5. Brenden Smith (-341)

2024 Schaeffer's Spring Nationals Series Schedule

Thursday, February 29 — Waycross Motor Speedway, Waycross, GA - $7,553 to win (Ethan Dotson)

Friday, March 1 — Swainsboro Raceway, Swainsboro, GA - $10,053 to win (Rained out)

Saturday, March 2 — Senoia Raceway, Senoia, GA - $10,053 to win (Rained out)

Friday, March 29 — I-75 Raceway, Sweetwater, TN - $10,053 to win (Brandon Overton)

Saturday, March 30 — Tazewell Speedway, Tazewell, TN - $21,000 to win (Dale McDowell)

Friday, April 5 — Buckshot Speedway, Clanton, AL - $7,553 to win (Ashton Winger)

Saturday, April 6 — East Alabama Motor Speedway, Phenix City, AL - $10,053 to win (Kyle Bronson)

Friday, April 19 — Ponderosa Speedway, Junction City, KY - $7,553 to win

Saturday, April 20 — Lake Cumberland Speedway, Burnside, KY - $10,053 to win

Friday, May 3 — Sugar Creek Raceway, Blue Ridge, GA - $7,553 to win

Saturday, May 4 — Dixie Speedway, Woodstock, GA - $10,053 to win

Friday, May 10 — Natural Bridge Speedway, Natural Bridge, VA - $10,053 to win

Saturday, May 11 — Beckley Motor Speedway, Mount Hope, WV - $20,053 to win

Saturday, May 25 — North Georgia Speedway, Chatsworth, GA - $10,053 to win

Sunday, May 26 — Duck River Raceway Park, Wheel, TN - $10,053 to win

* All events to be broadcast LIVE to subscribers of FloRacing