The last three times the Schaeffer’s Oil Southern Nationals Series presented by Coltman Farms Racing and fueled by Sunoco has visited Toccoa Raceway (2023, 2025, 2026), the results have been the same with Zack Mitchell standing tall in victory lane. Zack earned Fast Time honors during Thursday’s qualifying session and later rolled off from the pole position in the 40-lap feature event. The Enoree, South Carolina ace then overtook early leader Garrett Smith on the tenth circuit and drove away from the field to pocket the $7,571 winner’s check.
Garrett Smith, who laid down the second quickest lap overall during time trials and led the first nine laps of the headliner, eventually secured a strong runner-up performance in the track’s 71st Anniversary Race. Tucker Anderson started and finished third to round out the podium. Daniel Wilson and Brent Dixon claimed the final two spots inside of the top five at the unfurling of the checkered flag at the historic Toccoa, Georgia facility.
"It felt like it was a 40-lap heat race there - I’m about out of breath," Mitchell commented after the race. "I’m glad I got this first win for (new car owners) G.R. and Stacey (Smith), we really needed it to boost our morale. It’s been a trying last few weeks for us, just had a lotta bad luck man. We put ourselves in position to win and just hadn’t capitalized, but I really have to thank them for taking a chance on me."
Mitchell‘s fifth career Southern Nationals Series victory came aboard a Team 22 Inc. Longhorn Chassis with sponsorship in part from Victory Circle Auto Sales, Gambler Transport, Mesilla Valley Transportation, Unified Electrical Services, Brick House Tavern, LakeHouse Bar & Grill, SJK Construction, VG Performance, Bilstein Shocks, VP Racing Fuels, STAKT Racing Products, and Dirt King Apparel.
Seven entrants were on hand for the 71st Anniversary Race on Thursday night at Toccoa Raceway, which marked the final event of the 2026 season for the Schaeffer’s Oil Southern Nationals Series. The non-points race was postponed from a rain-out back on July 19. Zack Mitchell started off the evening by laying down the quickest lap during both MRP Fantasy Racing hot laps (12.447 seconds) and FK Rod Ends qualifying (11.983 seconds). Only one caution flag flew during the 40-lap main event, as the initial start of the race was called back for a jumped start.
Schaeffer’s Oil Southern Nationals Series presented by Coltman Farms Racing
Round 9 Race Summary
Thursday, August 20, 2026
Toccoa Raceway - Toccoa, Georgia
Schaeffer’s Oil Feature Finish (40 Laps):
1. (1) Zack Mitchell $7,571
2. (2) Garrett Smith $3,500
3. (3) Tucker Anderson $2,000
4. (4) Daniel Wilson $1,500
5. (5) Brent Dixon $1,200
6. (6) David McCoy $900
7. (7) Alex Vance $700
Entries: 7
Lap Leaders: Garrett Smith (Laps 1-9), Zack Mitchell (Laps 10-40)
Caution Flags: 1
Deatherage Opticians 4th Place Finisher ($50.00 Product Certificate): Daniel Wilson
MRP Fantasy Racing Hot Laps:
Fastest Lap Overall: Zack Mitchell 12.447
FK Rod Ends Time Trials:
Fast Time Overall: Zack Mitchell 11.983
Full Qualifying Results: 1. 22*-Zack Mitchell, 11.983[1]; 2. 10-Garrett Smith, 12.232[2]; 3. 22-Tucker Anderson, 12.396[7]; 4. 12-Daniel Wilson, 12.506[4]; 5. 1D-Brent Dixon, 12.525[3]; 6. 187-David McCoy, 12.933[5]; 7. 95-Alex Vance, 12.959[6]
Final Southern Nationals Series Point Standings (with worst race dropped):
1. Donald McIntosh - 1358
2. Cody Overton - 1346
3. Joseph Joiner - 1344
4. Garrett Smith - 1296
5. Allen Styck (R) - 1284
6. Stacy Boles - 1196
7. Daniel Boles (R) - 1174
8. Landen Zakalowski (R) - 1166
9. Mathew Porter (R) - 982
10. Benji Hicks - 886
2026 Schaeffer’s Oil Southern Nationals Series Schedule:
July 12 - Wythe Raceway (Rural Retreat, VA) - RAINED OUT
July 13 - Volunteer Speedway (Bulls Gap, TN) - JAKE O’NEIL
July 14 - Harris Speedway (Rutherfordton, NC) - GARRETT SMITH
July 16 - Modoc Speedway (Modoc, SC) - CODY OVERTON
July 17 - Swainsboro Raceway (Swainsboro, GA) - PPD TO JULY 19
July 18 - Cochran Motor Speedway (Cochran, GA) - CODY OVERTON
July 19 - Swainsboro Raceway (Swainsboro, GA) - CODY OVERTON
July 21 - Senoia Raceway (Senoia, GA) - ASHTON WINGER
July 23 - Sugar Creek Raceway (Blue Ridge, GA) - CASEY ROBERTS
July 24 - North Georgia Speedway (Chatsworth, GA) - RAINED OUT
July 25 - Tazewell Speedway (Tazewell, TN) - GARRETT SMITH
August 20 - Toccoa Raceway (Toccoa, GA) - ZACK MITCHELL
For more information on the Schaeffer’s Oil Southern Nationals Series presented by Coltman Farms Racing and fueled by Sunoco, please point your Internet browser to www.SouthernNationalsSeries.com or feel free to call/text series promoter Ray Cook at 828-360-5353. You can also follow us across social media platforms on facebook.com/southernnationalsseries and on Twitter @sonationals.
The tour would like to thank all of our valued marketing partners including: Schaeffer’s Oil & Specialized Lubricants, Coltman Farms Racing, Sunoco Race Fuels, American Race Tires, American Racer South, Delph Communications, E-Z-GO, Spring Pro Precision Equipment, Arizona Sport Shirts, Capital Race Cars, Collins Signs, Deatherage Opticians, DirtCarLift.com, DirtonDirt.com, FK Rod Ends, Interstate Welding & Steel Supply, JM Custom Laser, Knowles Race Parts and Bodies, Mark 4 Honda, MasterSbilt Race Cars, MyRacePass Fantasy Racing, SFP Performance Systems, The Joie of Seating, The Steering Buddy, Velocita-USA, Vic Hill Racing Engines, Vinson Sims Construction, and Wiles Driveshafts.
About Schaeffer’s Oil & Specialized Lubricants:
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. Learn more or find a rep near you at www.SchaefferOil.com.
Media Contact: Ryan Delph - Delph Communications
www.DelphCommunications.com
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