FREMONT, Ohio -- All but guaranteeing a second consecutive Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions presented by Mobil 1 title, “Sunshine” Tyler Courtney and Clauson Marshall Racing opened Fremont Speedway’s annual Jim & Joanne Ford Classic doubleheader with a Friday night triumph, leading all 35 laps in the Classic Ink USA All Star Season Finale lidlifter to secure a $6,000 payday, as well as their eighth Series victory of the year. Courtney’s win also boosted the team’s Series championship lead to 124 markers, which means that just firing off for hot laps on Saturday evening will wrap up the 2022 title.

Despite leading all 35 circuits around Fremont Speedway, Courtney’s campaign did not go unchallenged. The Indianapolis, Indiana, native and ace of the NOS Energy Drink No. 7BC was forced to weave through waves of heavy traffic, as well as fend off a mid-race attack from Cap Henry, and a late race surge from championship rival, Justin Peck. The main event’s only caution on lap 21 helped halt Henry’s pursuit of the front. Peck, who started fifth, powered into second on lap 25 before attempting to chase down Courtney.

Justin Peck held on to finish second, followed by Cap Henry, Cole Duncan, and Zeth Sabo.

VIDEO: Justin Peck chats with FloRacing about his second-place finish on Friday.

“Man, this feels awesome…it will definitely help us sleep a little better tonight,” Courntey said of his win. “Heading into this last month or so, and racing a lot in Pennsylvania, I knew we were heading into an area that Justin [Peck] was good in, and we needed to just stay consistent and battle through it like everyone else. I’m proud of this team and what we’ve been able to accomplish. I feel like Justin and I have been 1-2 a lot this season, and usually with him on the other side of it. We’ll celebrate this one tonight and head back here tomorrow and wrap up a championship.”

The 2022 Classic Ink USA All Star Season Finale featuring the Jim & Joanne Ford Classic will continue Saturday, October 8, with another complete round of Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions presented by Mobil 1 competition. The season’s final program will award a $10,000 payday. In addition, “Sunshine” Tyler Courtney and Clauson Marshall Racing will officially earn their title as back-to-back All Star champions.

Saturday, October 8

Gate Times: 2:00 p.m.

Driver’s Meeting: 4:15 p.m.

For those who can not witness the All Star Circuit of Champions live and in person, FloRacing.com, the official media partner and broadcast provider of the All Stars, has you covered. To access live and on-demand racing action from the All Star Circuit of Champions, visit FloRacing.com and become an annual PRO subscriber. Race fans can see all the USAC and dirt late-model action they want in addition to Eldora Speedway’s slate of races and those of the All Star Circuit of Champions. The subscription unlocks access to premium content across the entire FloSports network. Watch the events across all screens by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast.