Cole Williams Reunites With Collins Motorsports for SRL Vegas Throwdown

One of the most successful Pro Late Model drivers in the entire country will jump behind the wheel of the Collins Motorsports (CMS) Super Late Model, to participate in the $10,000-to-win “Retro Custom Metals 137” on November 21st. Cole Williams will make his second career start in the Spears Srl Southwest Tour Series with CMS, after finishing sixth at Kern County Raceway in May. He will face a growing entry list that now sits at 45 Super Late Models, as he looks forward to throwing down with the Best in the West, “Where the Champions Race”. 

Williams is a two-time Pro Late Model Champion at both Lebanon I-44 Speedway and the Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. Williams made the trip west, to Irwindale Speedway on January 31st, winning the Pro Late Model portion of the All-Star Showdown. Williams finished second in his only appearance at the SpeedFest Pro Late Model 125 at Watermelon Capital Speedway in 2017 and has three wins in the JEGS / CRA All-Stars Tour Presented By Chevrolet Performance. One of those wins was at Bristol Motor Speedway, in the inaugural Short Track Nationals, defeating a 46-car field.

Williams will now head to the LVMS Bullring and Dirt Track for the first time in his career. The Borden, IN driver is looking forward to reuniting with the CMS Team, and thankful for the opportunity to participate with the SRL again, at a new facility to the 24-year-old driver.

“I am thankful to have the opportunity to run with the SRL for another race this season”, Williams explained. “The Bullring in Las Vegas is a really cool track, from what I have seen on video, and I am really looking forward to getting a chance to run there, especially against a large field of cars.”

With Williams inexperience at the Bullring, he will lean on the CMS Team to help him get up to speed quickly. He is confident that the team will give him a fast car, that will allow him to be successful next weekend.

“With not having any experience at the Bullring, videos and practice on the simulator is about as prepared as I can get”, Williams stated. “I know Gary Collins, and everyone on the CMS crew, put together fast cars so my confidence is high.”

Williams and Collins relationship began several years ago and the two have paired for an increasing number of events over time. Williams first event, behind the wheel for CMS, was at the $30,000-to-win Winter Showdown at Kern County Raceway in 2018. The team only completed 85 of 300 laps, coming home 30th, but the pairing showed great potential, as they reunite next weekend.

“My relationship with Gary Collins came about through Port City Racecars”, Williams recalled. “Overall, through the years we have worked together, building notes on what we learned on our cars, and the relationship continued to build. Our relationship has grown stronger, to a point he wanted me to come drive for him. I have been thankful ever since, with the opportunities he has given me, and I look forward to seeing what we can continue to do together.”

Like any successful driver and team combination, both parties are looking to run up front and bring home victories, even against the stiffest competition. That is no different for the Williams / Collins effort next weekend.

“I go with the mentality to win, no matter who I race for”, Williams made clear. “This group goes with the same mentality, and I think that is one of the reasons this combination works well together.”

As all racing efforts entail, it takes financial support just to make it out to the track. To run up front, it takes even more than just cubic dollars, but a team that has the will, talent, determination, as well as leadership. Williams feels his association with the CMS group has those elements, as their win at Irwindale Speedway in January revealed. He is thankful for the opportunity to compete with the SRL in Las Vegas, as he told the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series.

“Of course, none of this would be possible without support. Gary Collins and Steve McGowan with, MMI Services, Inc., have partnered together to give me the opportunity to race at Vegas. I can’t thank them enough for the opportunity, and can’t wait to get on track to see what we can do!”

The “Retro Custom Metals 137” will be run on November 21st, with $10,000 going to the winner thanks to David Nava Mulcahy (Homie) and “Winner’s Bonus” sponsors Tilton Engineering and MPI – Max Papis Innovations. The Spears Modified Series Series will join the SRL in the event, for the “OPTIMA Batteries 75 presented by FAST – Fuel Air Spark Technology”. Practice will begin on Friday the 20th. Three sessions for the Modifieds begin at 3:00 pm (PST), with the Super Late Models first on-track session at 3:45 pm (PST). Those alternating sessions will end with the Super Late Models at 7:30 pm.

Saturday will find the Super Late Models Final Practice occurring from 11:00 am to 12:15 pm. The Modifieds will practice from 12:15 pm to 1:00 pm. SRL Qualifying is scheduled for 3:00 pm followed by the Modifieds. The Last Chance Qualifier for the Super Late Models will kick off the racing action, with feature events rolling off thereafter, first for the Modifieds and then for the Super Late Models. There will be a halfway break on lap 68 for the SRL Super Late Models.

For those who can’t attend the event, catch the action live at www.SpearsRacing.TV, with your paid subscription. The event will also be shown on MAVTV and a date to be announced later.

Celebrating its twentieth season in 2020, the SPEARS Southwest Tour Series is a regional stock car series competing on paved ovals in the southwestern portion of the U.S. “The SPEARS Southwest Tour Series…Where the Champions Race”.

PC: Sal Sigala Jr.