JR Motorsports has become accustomed to beginning each zMAX CARS Tour season in Cook Out Victory Lane.
In two of the last three season-openers, Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s iconic No. 8 secured the checkered flag. Carson Kvapil was the driver on both occasions, but Saturday’s opening race for the CARS LMSC Tour required JR Motorsports to maintain the status quo at a third different venue with a new driver.
Connor Hall encountered minimal issues in helping JR Motorsports continue setting that efficient benchmark in Saturday’s National Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram 225 at New River All American Speedway. A near-perfect performance from Hall allowed him to triumph in his debut LMSC Tour race with the storied organization.
Joining Hall in Cook Out Victory Lane was Jade Avedisian, who made history as the first woman to win a CARS Tour event since the series’ inception in 2015. Avedisian reached this historic milestone after the original CARS PLM Tour winner T.J. DeCaire was disqualified due to an infraction in the post-race inspection.
Connor Hall celebrated his first CARS LMSC Tour victory at New River All American Speedway in 2022.
Since that initial win, much has happened for Hall, but he returned to New River’s Victory Lane on Saturday, this time driving for JR Motorsports. Although the final laps were tense for Hall, he was thrilled to start a potential championship season on a high note.
“I would have preferred it to stay green,” Hall remarked. “I knew Bobby [McCarty] had a strong short-run car, but I wasn’t sure what those guys [behind me] would do. Racing on the tour this year is a whole different game in terms of respect, but I’m excited to start the year with these guys.”
Before heading to New River, Hall had already secured a win with JR Motorsports. He debuted with them at the Fall Brawl at Hickory Motor Speedway last November, where he outdueled Landon S. Huffman in an exciting finish.
Saturday’s race was more straightforward for Hall, who had to manage his tires carefully while keeping a solid track position from the pole. Despite pressure from Bobby McCarty, Kade Brown, and others, Hall remained composed, even during a late restart.
Knowing how crucial tire management is on abrasive tracks like New River, Hall understood his car needed to be flawless to remain competitive all night. If he and JR Motorsports can continue delivering strong performances like Saturday’s, Hall believes they will be key contenders for the LMSC Tour championship.
“After observing the [PLM Tour] race, I realized track position here was vital,” Hall said. “The corner exits are so sharp that the driver on top can really pinch down the one on the bottom, but I can’t praise this car enough. There’s much more to this program than people realize, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.”
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