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October 26, 2026
Luke Cooper Records Sixth Red Clay 602 Late Model Series Victory of Season at Cherokee
(GAFFNEY, SOUTH CAROLINA) For the second time in 2026, the Schaeffer’s Oil by Mike Bruner Red Clay 602 Late Model Series rolled into Cherokee Speedway in Gaffney, South Carolina on Sunday, October 25 to be a part of the ‘Blue Gray 100.’ The penultimate event on the series schedule was dominated by Luke Cooper, who topped Group A during qualifying to earn the pole position and later led all 25 circuits in the main event. The Woodruff, South Carolina ace picked up the $2,000 winner’s check at the “Place Your Momma Warned You About,” which upped his 2026 win total with the tour to six!
Finishing 0.944 seconds back in the second spot was runner-up Luke Clements, who earned Fast Time honors overall during the qualifying session and started the 25-lapper from the outside of the front row. Shaun Thomas claimed his third straight podium finish with the series by nabbing a strong third place effort. Cass Fowler and Devon Morgan both ran inside of the top five throughout the contest and came home fourth and fifth respectively.
A total of 19 competitors piled into the pit area at the renowned Palmetto State facility for the twenty-first round of Red Clay 602 Late Model Series action. John Ruggiero, Jr. laid down the quickest lap in RaceDay Safety hot laps, while Luke Clements earned Fast Time honors during Knowles Race Parts and Bodies qualifying. The entire feature field was set from time trials, with Luke Cooper (fastest in Group A) and Luke Clements (quickest in Group B) leading the pack to green. Only three Tuxedo Glass and Mirror caution flags flew during the headliner - none of which were for serious incidents.
The 2026 season will conclude for the Schaeffer’s Oil by Mike Bruner Red Clay 602 Late Model Series in a big way on Saturday, October 31 in the ‘Crate Spooktacular’ at North Georgia Speedway. The single-day showdown at the Chatsworth, Georgia venue on Halloween Night will boast a $4,000 winner’s check. Each starter in the 40-lap feature is guaranteed at least $250 to take the green flag. Taking only each driver’s best sixteen point finishes - per series rules, Luke Cooper currently leads the series point standings over Cass Fowler, Spencer Singleton, Dawson Lowe, and Shaun Thomas. More information can be found online at www.northgeorgiaspeedway.net.
Schaeffer’s Oil by Mike Bruner Red Clay 602 Late Model Series
Round 21 Race Summary
Sunday, October 25
Cherokee Speedway - Gaffney, South Carolina
Schaeffer’s Oil Feature Finish (25 Laps):
1. (1) Luke Cooper $2,000
2. (2) Luke Clements $1,000
3. (3) Shaun Thomas $600
4. (4) Cass Fowler $400
5. (5) Devon Morgan $350
6. (14) Baron McDowell $325
7. (9) Tyler Blankenship $300
8. (17) Canaan Clobes $280
9. (7) Joey Whitaker $260
10. (12) Cade Cagle $240
11. (6) Josh Langford $220
12. (10) Doug Bragg $200
13. (8) Dustin Taylor $175
14. (13) Mitchell (not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)erson $165
15. (11) Monk Gulledge $155
16. (16) Taylor Lufkin $145
17. (15) John Ruggiero, Jr. DNS
18. (18) Colt Christy DNS
19. (19) John Marshall Pursley DNS
Entries: 19
Lap Leaders: Luke Cooper (Laps 1-25)
Tuxedo Glass and Mirror Caution Flags: 3
$100 PPM Racing Products Hard Charger Award: Canaan Clobes
$100 RaceDay Safety Fastest in Hot Laps Award: John Ruggiero, Jr.
$100 Knowles Race Parts and Bodies Fast Time Award: Luke Clements
$100 Extreme Towing & Recovery Hard Luck Award: Dustin Taylor
$100 C&S Auto Electric Long Haul Award: Cass Fowler
RaceDay Safety Hot Laps:
Fast Time Overall: John Ruggiero, Jr. 17.110
Knowles Race Parts and Bodies Time Trials:
Fast Time Overall: Luke Clements 16.971
Qualifying - Group A (All Transfer): 1. 57-Luke Cooper, 17.159[7]; 2. 99T-Shaun Thomas, 17.326[1]; 3. 36-Devon Morgan, 17.567[9]; 4. 75-Joey Whitaker, 17.701[10]; 5. 01-Tyler Blankenship, 17.790[6]; 6. 1-Monk Gulledge, 17.831[4]; 7. 99-Mitchell (not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)erson, 17.891[2]; 8. 44-John Ruggiero Jr, 17.932[5]; 9. 82C-Canaan Clobes, 18.083[3]; 10. 9-John Marshall Pursley, 18.118[8]
Qualifying - Group B (All Transfer): 1. 51-Luke Clements, 16.971[6]; 2. C9-Cass Fowler, 17.444[1]; 3. 118-Josh Langford, 17.447[4]; 4. 5-Dustin Taylor, 17.729[2]; 5. 144-Doug Bragg, 17.776[8]; 6. 22-Cade Cagle, 17.782[7]; 7. 14-Baron McDowell, 18.119[9]; 8. 73-Taylor Lufkin, 21.164[3]; 9. (DNS) 41-Colt Christy
2026 Current Red Clay 602 Late Model Series Point Standings:
1. Luke Cooper - 2900
2. Cass Fowler - 2822
3. Spencer Singleton - 2720
4. Dawson Lowe - 2076
5. Shaun Thomas - 1850
6. Jim Gray - 1696
7. Luke Clements - 1696
8. Bryson Hickman - 1480
9. Monk Gulledge - 1468
10. Ryan Clay - 1275
* BASED OFF DRIVER’S BEST SIXTEEN POINT RACES
2026 Red Clay 602 Late Model Series Schedule:
February 6 - Screven Motor Speedway (Sylvania, GA) - WYATT COFFEY *non-points
February 7 - Screven Motor Speedway (Sylvania, GA) - CODY OVERTON *non-points
February 28 - Senoia Raceway (Senoia, GA) - $2,500 to win - RAINED OUT
April 2 - I-75 Raceway (Sweetwater, TN) - BRYSON HICKMAN
April 18 - Laurens County Speedway (Laurens, SC) - NICK DEITZ
April 24 - North Georgia Speedway (Chatsworth, GA) - DAWSON LOWE
May 1 - West Alabama Speedway (Winfield, AL) - RAINED OUT
May 2 - Buckshot Speedway (Clanton, AL) - RAINED OUT
May 23 - North Georgia Speedway (Chatsworth, GA) - PPD TO JUNE 18
May 29 - Travelers Rest Speedway (Travelers Rest, SC) - CHRIS WOODS
June 2 - Laurens County Speedway (Laurens, SC) - PPD TO JULY 31
June 18 - North Georgia Speedway (Chatsworth, GA) - PPD TO JUNE 26
June 20 - Cherokee Speedway (Gaffney, SC) - DAWSON LOWE
June 26 - North Georgia Speedway (Chatsworth, GA) - BOOGER BROOKS
July 3 - I-75 Raceway (Sweetwater, TN) - PPD TO SEPTEMBER 19
July 4 - Sugar Creek Raceway (Blue Ridge, GA) - CHARLES DEVINE
July 18 - Screven Motor Speedway (Sylvania, GA) - RAINED OUT
July 19 - Toccoa Raceway (Toccoa, GA) - PPD TO AUGUST 20
July 21 - Senoia Raceway (Senoia, GA) - PEARSON LEE WILLIAMS
July 24 - North Georgia Speedway (Chatsworth, GA) - RAINED OUT
July 31 - Laurens County Speedway (Laurens, SC) - DALE TIMMS
August 1 - Harris Speedway (Rutherfordton, NC) - PPD TO SEPTEMBER 26
August 8 - Winder-Barrow Speedway (Winder, GA) - PPD TO OCTOBER 3
August 20 - Toccoa Raceway (Toccoa, GA) - LUKE COOPER
August 22 - Lavonia Speedway (Lavonia, GA) - FRANKIE BEARD
September 12 - Laurens County Speedway (Laurens, SC) - CANCELED
September 19 - I-75 Raceway (Sweetwater, TN) - LUKE COOPER
September 26 - Harris Speedway (Rutherfordton, NC) - LUKE COOPER
October 3 - Winder-Barrow Speedway (Winder, GA) - LUKE COOPER
October 10 - Cherokee Speedway (Gaffney, SC) - PPD TO OCTOBER 25
October 16 - Hartwell Motor Speedway (Hartwell, GA) - DAVID MCCOY
October 17 - Lavonia Speedway (Lavonia, GA) - LUKE COOPER
October 23 - Modoc Speedway (Modoc, SC) - PAYTON STEVENSON
October 24 - Modoc Speedway (Modoc, SC) - BRAYDEN CHAVOUS
October 25 - Cherokee Speedway (Gaffney, SC) - LUKE COOPER
October 31 - North Georgia Speedway (Chatsworth, GA) - $4,000 to win
The Schaeffer’s Oil by Mike Bruner Red Clay 602 Late Model Series would like to thank all of their marketing partners including Schaeffer’s Oil by Mike Bruner, American Racer Tires, PPM Racing Products, Knowles Race Parts and Bodies, Extreme Towing and Recovery, Raceday Safety, Chevrolet Performance, Cruise with the Champions, Smith Motors, Faktor Racing Chassis, Styles Services, Virginia Driveline and Differential, C&S Auto Electric, Billings Brothers Autism Awareness, Tuxedo Glass and Mirror, Cruise with the Champions, Capital Custom Paint, Delph Communications, and Peeping Dragon Photography.
Any questions concerning the series can be pointed to either Walter Tapp at 864-382-9957 or Ray Cook at 828-360-5353. More information on the tour can be found online at www.RedClaySeries.com.
About Schaeffer’s Oil by Mike Bruner:
Schaeffer's Specialized Lubricants: synthetic motor oils, hydraulic fluids, and diesel fuel additives have achieved a world-class reputation for improving engine performance and fuel economy, but their diverse product line includes all types of industrial lubricants, industrial greases, and industrial oils as well as specialty items like their chain lubes and degreasers. Founded in 1839, their philosophy is to provide advanced lubricants for improved performance, reliability, and fuel economy.
From Dallas, Georgia, Mike Bruner brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table with a background in equipment sales and operations that spans over two decades. He has worked with two construction equipment manufacturers and started his own company in 2009, focusing on construction, grading, and hauling. His company has been a Schaeffer customer for many years, and in 2024, he joined the Schaeffer’s Oil team as a full-time sales representative. Learn more or connect with Mike by logging onto www.schaefferoil.com/mikebruner.
Media Contact: Ryan Delph - Delph Communications
October 26, 2026
Luke Cooper Records Sixth Red Clay 602 Late Model Series Victory of Season at Cherokee
(GAFFNEY, SOUTH CAROLINA) For the second time in 2026, the Schaeffer’s Oil by Mike Bruner Red Clay 602 Late Model Series rolled into Cherokee Speedway in Gaffney, South Carolina on Sunday, October 25 to be a part of the ‘Blue Gray 100.’ The penultimate event on the series schedule was dominated by Luke Cooper, who topped Group A during qualifying to earn the pole position and later led all 25 circuits in the main event. The Woodruff, South Carolina ace picked up the $2,000 winner’s check at the “Place Your Momma Warned You About,” which upped his 2026 win total with the tour to six!
Finishing 0.944 seconds back in the second spot was runner-up Luke Clements, who earned Fast Time honors overall during the qualifying session and started the 25-lapper from the outside of the front row. Shaun Thomas claimed his third straight podium finish with the series by nabbing a strong third place effort. Cass Fowler and Devon Morgan both ran inside of the top five throughout the contest and came home fourth and fifth respectively.
A total of 19 competitors piled into the pit area at the renowned Palmetto State facility for the twenty-first round of Red Clay 602 Late Model Series action. John Ruggiero, Jr. laid down the quickest lap in RaceDay Safety hot laps, while Luke Clements earned Fast Time honors during Knowles Race Parts and Bodies qualifying. The entire feature field was set from time trials, with Luke Cooper (fastest in Group A) and Luke Clements (quickest in Group B) leading the pack to green. Only three Tuxedo Glass and Mirror caution flags flew during the headliner - none of which were for serious incidents.
The 2026 season will conclude for the Schaeffer’s Oil by Mike Bruner Red Clay 602 Late Model Series in a big way on Saturday, October 31 in the ‘Crate Spooktacular’ at North Georgia Speedway. The single-day showdown at the Chatsworth, Georgia venue on Halloween Night will boast a $4,000 winner’s check. Each starter in the 40-lap feature is guaranteed at least $250 to take the green flag. Taking only each driver’s best sixteen point finishes - per series rules, Luke Cooper currently leads the series point standings over Cass Fowler, Spencer Singleton, Dawson Lowe, and Shaun Thomas. More information can be found online at www.northgeorgiaspeedway.net.
Schaeffer’s Oil by Mike Bruner Red Clay 602 Late Model Series
Round 21 Race Summary
Sunday, October 25
Cherokee Speedway - Gaffney, South Carolina
Schaeffer’s Oil Feature Finish (25 Laps):
1. (1) Luke Cooper $2,000
2. (2) Luke Clements $1,000
3. (3) Shaun Thomas $600
4. (4) Cass Fowler $400
5. (5) Devon Morgan $350
6. (14) Baron McDowell $325
7. (9) Tyler Blankenship $300
8. (17) Canaan Clobes $280
9. (7) Joey Whitaker $260
10. (12) Cade Cagle $240
11. (6) Josh Langford $220
12. (10) Doug Bragg $200
13. (8) Dustin Taylor $175
14. (13) Mitchell (not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)erson $165
15. (11) Monk Gulledge $155
16. (16) Taylor Lufkin $145
17. (15) John Ruggiero, Jr. DNS
18. (18) Colt Christy DNS
19. (19) John Marshall Pursley DNS
Entries: 19
Lap Leaders: Luke Cooper (Laps 1-25)
Tuxedo Glass and Mirror Caution Flags: 3
$100 PPM Racing Products Hard Charger Award: Canaan Clobes
$100 RaceDay Safety Fastest in Hot Laps Award: John Ruggiero, Jr.
$100 Knowles Race Parts and Bodies Fast Time Award: Luke Clements
$100 Extreme Towing & Recovery Hard Luck Award: Dustin Taylor
$100 C&S Auto Electric Long Haul Award: Cass Fowler
RaceDay Safety Hot Laps:
Fast Time Overall: John Ruggiero, Jr. 17.110
Knowles Race Parts and Bodies Time Trials:
Fast Time Overall: Luke Clements 16.971
Qualifying - Group A (All Transfer): 1. 57-Luke Cooper, 17.159[7]; 2. 99T-Shaun Thomas, 17.326[1]; 3. 36-Devon Morgan, 17.567[9]; 4. 75-Joey Whitaker, 17.701[10]; 5. 01-Tyler Blankenship, 17.790[6]; 6. 1-Monk Gulledge, 17.831[4]; 7. 99-Mitchell (not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)(not a nice word)erson, 17.891[2]; 8. 44-John Ruggiero Jr, 17.932[5]; 9. 82C-Canaan Clobes, 18.083[3]; 10. 9-John Marshall Pursley, 18.118[8]
Qualifying - Group B (All Transfer): 1. 51-Luke Clements, 16.971[6]; 2. C9-Cass Fowler, 17.444[1]; 3. 118-Josh Langford, 17.447[4]; 4. 5-Dustin Taylor, 17.729[2]; 5. 144-Doug Bragg, 17.776[8]; 6. 22-Cade Cagle, 17.782[7]; 7. 14-Baron McDowell, 18.119[9]; 8. 73-Taylor Lufkin, 21.164[3]; 9. (DNS) 41-Colt Christy
2026 Current Red Clay 602 Late Model Series Point Standings:
1. Luke Cooper - 2900
2. Cass Fowler - 2822
3. Spencer Singleton - 2720
4. Dawson Lowe - 2076
5. Shaun Thomas - 1850
6. Jim Gray - 1696
7. Luke Clements - 1696
8. Bryson Hickman - 1480
9. Monk Gulledge - 1468
10. Ryan Clay - 1275
* BASED OFF DRIVER’S BEST SIXTEEN POINT RACES
2026 Red Clay 602 Late Model Series Schedule:
February 6 - Screven Motor Speedway (Sylvania, GA) - WYATT COFFEY *non-points
February 7 - Screven Motor Speedway (Sylvania, GA) - CODY OVERTON *non-points
February 28 - Senoia Raceway (Senoia, GA) - $2,500 to win - RAINED OUT
April 2 - I-75 Raceway (Sweetwater, TN) - BRYSON HICKMAN
April 18 - Laurens County Speedway (Laurens, SC) - NICK DEITZ
April 24 - North Georgia Speedway (Chatsworth, GA) - DAWSON LOWE
May 1 - West Alabama Speedway (Winfield, AL) - RAINED OUT
May 2 - Buckshot Speedway (Clanton, AL) - RAINED OUT
May 23 - North Georgia Speedway (Chatsworth, GA) - PPD TO JUNE 18
May 29 - Travelers Rest Speedway (Travelers Rest, SC) - CHRIS WOODS
June 2 - Laurens County Speedway (Laurens, SC) - PPD TO JULY 31
June 18 - North Georgia Speedway (Chatsworth, GA) - PPD TO JUNE 26
June 20 - Cherokee Speedway (Gaffney, SC) - DAWSON LOWE
June 26 - North Georgia Speedway (Chatsworth, GA) - BOOGER BROOKS
July 3 - I-75 Raceway (Sweetwater, TN) - PPD TO SEPTEMBER 19
July 4 - Sugar Creek Raceway (Blue Ridge, GA) - CHARLES DEVINE
July 18 - Screven Motor Speedway (Sylvania, GA) - RAINED OUT
July 19 - Toccoa Raceway (Toccoa, GA) - PPD TO AUGUST 20
July 21 - Senoia Raceway (Senoia, GA) - PEARSON LEE WILLIAMS
July 24 - North Georgia Speedway (Chatsworth, GA) - RAINED OUT
July 31 - Laurens County Speedway (Laurens, SC) - DALE TIMMS
August 1 - Harris Speedway (Rutherfordton, NC) - PPD TO SEPTEMBER 26
August 8 - Winder-Barrow Speedway (Winder, GA) - PPD TO OCTOBER 3
August 20 - Toccoa Raceway (Toccoa, GA) - LUKE COOPER
August 22 - Lavonia Speedway (Lavonia, GA) - FRANKIE BEARD
September 12 - Laurens County Speedway (Laurens, SC) - CANCELED
September 19 - I-75 Raceway (Sweetwater, TN) - LUKE COOPER
September 26 - Harris Speedway (Rutherfordton, NC) - LUKE COOPER
October 3 - Winder-Barrow Speedway (Winder, GA) - LUKE COOPER
October 10 - Cherokee Speedway (Gaffney, SC) - PPD TO OCTOBER 25
October 16 - Hartwell Motor Speedway (Hartwell, GA) - DAVID MCCOY
October 17 - Lavonia Speedway (Lavonia, GA) - LUKE COOPER
October 23 - Modoc Speedway (Modoc, SC) - PAYTON STEVENSON
October 24 - Modoc Speedway (Modoc, SC) - BRAYDEN CHAVOUS
October 25 - Cherokee Speedway (Gaffney, SC) - LUKE COOPER
October 31 - North Georgia Speedway (Chatsworth, GA) - $4,000 to win
The Schaeffer’s Oil by Mike Bruner Red Clay 602 Late Model Series would like to thank all of their marketing partners including Schaeffer’s Oil by Mike Bruner, American Racer Tires, PPM Racing Products, Knowles Race Parts and Bodies, Extreme Towing and Recovery, Raceday Safety, Chevrolet Performance, Cruise with the Champions, Smith Motors, Faktor Racing Chassis, Styles Services, Virginia Driveline and Differential, C&S Auto Electric, Billings Brothers Autism Awareness, Tuxedo Glass and Mirror, Cruise with the Champions, Capital Custom Paint, Delph Communications, and Peeping Dragon Photography.
Any questions concerning the series can be pointed to either Walter Tapp at 864-382-9957 or Ray Cook at 828-360-5353. More information on the tour can be found online at www.RedClaySeries.com.
About Schaeffer’s Oil by Mike Bruner:
Schaeffer's Specialized Lubricants: synthetic motor oils, hydraulic fluids, and diesel fuel additives have achieved a world-class reputation for improving engine performance and fuel economy, but their diverse product line includes all types of industrial lubricants, industrial greases, and industrial oils as well as specialty items like their chain lubes and degreasers. Founded in 1839, their philosophy is to provide advanced lubricants for improved performance, reliability, and fuel economy.
From Dallas, Georgia, Mike Bruner brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the table with a background in equipment sales and operations that spans over two decades. He has worked with two construction equipment manufacturers and started his own company in 2009, focusing on construction, grading, and hauling. His company has been a Schaeffer customer for many years, and in 2024, he joined the Schaeffer’s Oil team as a full-time sales representative. Learn more or connect with Mike by logging onto www.schaefferoil.com/mikebruner.
Media Contact: Ryan Delph - Delph Communications
