COLE DENTON BATTLES TO SIXTH-PLACE FINISH AT CORDELE MOTOR SPEEDWAY

ARCA West Rookie of the Year Leader Continues Building Late Model Experience During World Crown 300 Weekend

CORDELE, Ga. (October 25, 2026) — Cole Denton continued expanding his short-track racing experience Saturday night, overcoming brake issues to finish sixth in the Georgia Watermelon Association Pro Late Model 100 at Cordele Motor Speedway during the 2026 World Crown 300 Weekend.

In the 100-lap feature, Denton qualified fifth among 11 entries, showing competitive speed heading into the evening's race. With a four-car invert setting the starting lineup, Denton remained fifth on the grid and couldn't capitalize on the inversion.

As the race progressed, Denton began experiencing brake issues that added another challenge on Cordele Motor Speedway's 3/8-mile asphalt oval. Despite the mechanical issues, the 16-year-old driver from Pascagoula, Mississippi, persevered and brought his car home in sixth, just one spot behind where he started.

Veteran short-track competitor Bubba Pollard won the Georgia Watermelon Association PLM 100, one of several races featured during the World Crown 300 Weekend. The event brought together competitors from across the region for one of the Southeast's prominent late-model racing weekends.

For Denton, the appearance provided another opportunity to develop his skills outside his regular ARCA Menards Series West schedule. Competing in Pro Late Models gives him more experience in longer-distance short-track events, where managing equipment, adapting to changing conditions, and staying consistent are essential to success.

Denton's 2026 season has already included two victories in the ARCA Menards Series West, where he currently leads the Rookie of the Year standings with one race remaining. His continued participation in Late Model competition complements his ARCA program as he works toward advancing through NASCAR's developmental ranks.

While Saturday's result may not have reflected his qualifying potential, Denton gained valuable experience managing an unexpected mechanical challenge and completing the 100-lap event.

About Cole Denton

Cole Denton is a 16-year-old race car driver from Pascagoula, Mississippi, competing in the ARCA Menards Series West and select Late Model events. Driving for Jan's Towing Racing, Denton has earned two victories during the 2026 ARCA West season and currently leads the Rookie of the Year standings with just one race remaining. Competing on a variety of short tracks and larger speedways, Denton continues to demonstrate his talent, versatility, and determination while gaining valuable experience against established competitors. With a focus on preparation, consistency, and continued development, he is steadily building the foundation for a promising career in NASCAR's national series.

About Cordele Motor Speedway

Cordele Motor Speedway, formerly known as Watermelon Capital Speedway, is a 3/8-mile, medium-banked asphalt oval located in Cordele, Georgia. The facility hosts regional and national touring series, attracting Late Model competitors from throughout the southeastern United States. Its annual World Crown 300 Weekend is one of the track's premier events, featuring competitive short-track racing and some of the sport's best-known drivers.

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