Penton Raceway hosts record triple-header
BY SAM VISE
THE LAFAYETTE SUN
LAFAYETTE — Engine roars and the smell of fuel filled the air as Penton Raceway welcomed a packed crowd and a staggering 100-car turnout for its triple-header on Friday, July 31.
Featuring payouts across multiple divisions — including $2,000 to win in the 602 Late Model Special, $1,000 in 4 Cylinder FWD and $2,026 in the Carlton “Fat” Kee Bomber Special — the evening proved to be one of the track’s most successful events of the season.
For track co-owner Jamie Godbee, who operates the venue alongside his son, Will, the turnout was a testament to the track’s growing momentum.
“We had 100 cars there, which is a large turnout for the racetrack,” Godbee said. “It’s the third largest we’ve had since we owned it. The stands were packed. People were excited. There was just an electric atmosphere in the stands and on the track.”
In the Carlton “Fat” Kee Bomber Special — named in honor of local racing legend Carlton “Fat” Kee, whose grandson, Eric Spencer, serves as the track’s flagman — the $2,026 top prize brought high stakes to the evening’s featured event.
Godbee said initial crossing winner Timmy Bosley chose not to undergo an engine teardown, resulting in a disqualification and handing the victory to young up-and-comer Wyatt Mathews (No. 17) of Whitesburg, Georgia.
Phenix City drivers Andrew Brown (No. 03) and Kollin Burt (No. 26K) rounded out the podium.
In the 4 Cylinder FWD $1,000-to-win feature, Lanett native Myles Pike (No. 20P) captured the victory after battling through early lead changes, beating Gauge Hutchinson (No. 28JR) and JJ McAvoy (No. 18JR). Meanwhile, LaGrange, Georgia, driver Jake Traylor (No. 42) dominated the field in the 602 Sportsman division to take home the top prize over Allen Styck (No. 11) and Koulten Herbert (No. 611).
Other feature winners for the night included Oliver Gentry (No. 03) in Limited Late Model, Brett Gray (No. 17) in Open Wheel Modified, Lee Ownbey (No. 91) in Hobby and Logan Johnson (No. 12) in 602 Charger.
Since purchasing the 3/8-mile dirt oval in November 2022, the Godbee family has poured relentless effort into upgrading the historic facility, which originally opened in 1982. From installing updated LED lighting and hauling in fresh clay to remodeling concessions and regrading the pit space, their mission has centered on creating an accessible, family-friendly destination.
“We’ve come to love the people of LaFayette and the surrounding areas,” Godbee said. “We try to run a family atmosphere. We don’t serve any alcohol, and we try to make it where a family of four can come see a show and eat and have a good time while not spending a fortune to do that.”
Preparing a dirt track for high-caliber racing is no small feat, often requiring up to 60,000 gallons of water pumped from the property’s lake to prepare the surface beginning each Wednesday.
“Racing energy when you go to any racetrack, especially when there’s large payouts on the line, it’s almost like an electric feeling just being there,” Godbee said. “We love the racetrack and I love the community and the setting of it... we’re really lucky to be where we’re at and to have the community support we have.”
Looking ahead, Penton Raceway isn’t slowing down. The track will host Crate Racin’ USA on Aug. 21, followed by its premier local event of the year — the three-day Sweet Home Alabama Classic — over Labor Day weekend.
For more information, visit www.raceatpenton.com.
Race Results Summary
• Limited Late Model Feature:
1. Oliver Gentry of Newnan, Georgia (No. 03)
2. Trenton Mathis of Phenix City, Alabama (No. 5)
3. Marty Lunsford of Newnan, Georgia (No. M96)
• Open Wheel Modified Feature:
1. Brett Gray of Temple, Georgia (No. 17)
2. Jamie Simmons of Carrollton, Georgia (No. 77)
3. Stratton Citarella of Luthersville, Georgia (No. 122)
• Hobby Feature:
1. Lee Owenbey of Franklin, Georgia (No. 91)
2. Kirk Atkins of Lindale, Georgia (No. 89)
3. Charles Schaffer of Carrollton, Georgia (No. 00)
• 4 Cylinder FWD Feature ($1,000 to Win):
1. Myles Pike of Lanett, Alabama (No. 20P)
2. Gauge Hutchinson of Prattville, Alabama (No. 28JR)
3. JJ McAvoy of Munford, Alabama (No. 18JR)
• 602 Sportsman / Late Model Feature ($2,000 to Win):
1. Jake Traylor of LaGrange, Georgia (No. 42)
2. Allen Styck of Americus, Georgia (No. 11)
3. Koulten Herbert of Locust Grove, Georgia (No. 611)
• Carlton “Fat” Kee Bomber Special ($2,026 to Win):
1. Wyatt Mathews of Whitesburg, Georgia (No. 17)
2. Andrew Brown of Phenix City, Alabama (No. 03)
3. Kollin Burt of Phenix City, Alabama (No. 26K)
• 602 Charger Feature:
1. Logan Johnson of Newnan, Georgia (No. 12)
2. Cam Sessions of Smiths Station, Alabama (No. C25)
3. Blake Harmon of Mansfield, Georgia (No. 1)
