Ryan Timms Opens Tuscarora 50 Title Defense With $10,000 Port Royal Win

PORT ROYAL, Pa. — Ryan Timms started Tuscarora 50 week the same way he finished it a year ago: at the front of the field.

Timms captured Thursday night’s 25-lap High Limit Racing A-Main at Port Royal Speedway, collecting the $10,000 winner’s share after a dramatic late-race turn changed the complexion of the event with only three laps remaining.

Dietz controls the race before late tire failure

Rico Abreu and Chase Dietz led the field to green, with Abreu controlling the opening five laps before Dietz moved into the top spot. Dietz appeared to be on his way to a statement victory as he built a lead of more than four seconds while working through traffic.

His night nearly unraveled earlier in the race after contact in lapped traffic sent him into a complete spin, but Dietz kept the car moving and retained the lead under High Limit Racing rules.

The decisive moment came with three laps remaining when Dietz suffered a right-rear tire failure. The problem ended his bid for the win and dropped him to a 23rd-place finish.

Timms capitalizes and holds off Peck

Timms, who started sixth, inherited the lead following Dietz’s tire issue and made the most of the opportunity. He controlled the final restart and held off Justin Peck to secure the preliminary-night victory. Aaron Reutzel completed the podium, followed by Abreu and Doug Hammaker.

The win gives Timms an early boost in his defense of the Tuscarora 50 crown. In 2025, he won the marquee event by more than seven seconds.

High Limit A-Main — Top 10

1. Ryan Timms
2. Justin Peck
3. Aaron Reutzel
4. Rico Abreu
5. Doug Hammaker
6. Giovanni Scelzi
7. Justin Whittall
8. Kerry Madsen
9. Troy Wagaman Jr.
10. Tanner Holmes

Dolan wins 305 feature; Heffner seals championship

In the 20-lap 305 sprint car feature, Chris Dolan came away with the victory. Kenny Heffner entered the night carrying a 105-point advantage in the standings, and his 12th-place finish was enough to officially secure the 2026 Port Royal Speedway 305 sprint car track championship.

What’s next at Port Royal

Tuscarora 50 weekend continues Friday with Hample Oil Presents The Night Before the 50 Presented by HVAC Distributors Inc., featuring a $12,000-to-win sprint car program. The River Rock Campground & RV Park Limited Late Models will also compete in their final points event of the season.

Source: Port Royal Speedway press release. Original reporting credit: Brad Strawser. Photo credit supplied with the release: Jeremy Zarfos Photography.