THOMPSON SNAPS PLYBON'S NWSLM STREAK

Submitted by NWSLM Media

HERMISTON, ORE. (Sept. 3, 2023) — Spokane racer Shelby Thompson came out of a five-year retirement to win the “Montana 200” at the Mission Valley Super-Oval in July.

Now he has grabbed his second big super late model win by passing Haeden Plybon with 11 laps to go, earning a $3,000 win in the “Labor Day Spectacular Atomic 125” at Hermiston Raceway for the Northwest Super Late Model Series presented by RaceCals.

Thompson used a competition caution on lap 96 to close a large gap on the top-two of Plybon and Kasey Kleyn.

He grabbed second from Kleyn, restarting in the preferred lower groove. He then took his time, turning up the pressure on lap 112. On lap 114, Thompson powered under Plybon in Turns 1 & 2, emerging with the lead in Turns 3 & 4.

Kleyn followed Thompson through to secure second. Plybon held on for third with Zach Riehl and Trace Thompson the top-five in the 19-car field in the Sept. 3 race.

While his NWSLM Series win streak was snapped at three, Plybon lost little of his lead in the point standings with two races remaining.

Next for the series teams in the Neal Newberry 125, Sept. 16 at the Wenatchee Valley Super Oval. ï‚§

Shelby Thompson (center) was the winner in the "Labor Day Spectacular Atomic 125" at Hermiston Raceway, Sept. 3. Kasey Kleyn (left) was second and Haeden Plybon (right) third.

KOPP CLAIMS TITLE

​ Submitted by NWMNS Media

Springfield, Illinois. (Sept. 3, 2023) — Kody Kopp of Mica, Wa. clinched the American Motorcyclist Association Parts Unlimited AFT Singles series 2023 championship on Labor Day weekend.

Kopp won his first career mile-track victory Saturday and followed with a third-place Sunday and in doing so won back-to-back AFT Singles series championships.

Winning eight races in 2023, the 19-year-old rider collected 351 points to finish ahead of Tom Drane.

“A heck of a great season,” Kopp’s dad, Joe ‚ himself a former national champion in 2000 — wrote in a text message. ï‚§

REMEMBER "CHAMPIONS PROFILES" AND OTHER NEWS?

Spokane — The 2023 season is suddenly slowly sliding away so please help us honor your respective track and other season champions.

Through the decades, the NW Motorsports Report has always featured “Champion’s Profiles” that included photos, point standings and background info. See contact info with any questions you might have.

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Make sure you put us in the loop for other motorsports news in the weeks to come. Submit news each week by NO LATER THAN MONDAY NOON (but earlier is best) for consideration to be included.

Here’s some ideas:

• Did you win a notable race in a car, bike or boat? Send us a photo or info.
• Is there a racer’s story you’d like us to highlight? Get in touch with the details.
• Remember, too, as the 2023 season winds to a close to start preparing for more FREE Champion’s Profiles! (See contact info below to find out what we need!)
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In This Week's Article

• Thompson Snaps Plyson's NWSLM Streak
• Kopp Claims Title
• Remember "Champions Profiles" and other news?