Montgomery, Alabama (March 1, 2026) — While the Baby Bear Races on Saturday, February 28th weren’t the first races of 2026 for Montgomery Motor Speedway competitors, they did mark the start of the points-paying season for a pair of the track’s core divisions.

After an afternoon of open practice for any and all divisions, two classes took center stage for an evening of local racing action. The South Alabama Plumbing & Electric Outlaws and the Hometown Automotive Solutions Crown Stocks both held feature events on Saturday. The Outlaws held a 35-lap feature, with the Crown Stocks holding a 25-lap contest. The Crown Stocks also held a non-winners feature.

Bubba Winslow Dominates En Route to Outlaw Victory

Saturday was a good night for Bubba Winslow (no. 92) and crew, leading from flag to flag and securing a comfortable victory in the season opener for the South Alabama Plumbing & Electric Outlaws. Initially qualifying second to fast qualifier Timothy Watson (no. 28), Winslow started in first place by virtue of the invert. The advantageous starting position meant that Winslow never looked back on his cruise to victory lane.

“First, give glory to God for giving me the ability to still be able to do this,” said Winslow in victory lane. “Thanks to my guys, they really busted their butts today. We weren’t going to race a week ago. We get in the shop and start moving stuff around, and it’s pretty good.”

Behind Winslow, Gary Goodwin (no. 23G) came home in the runner-up position, with Dylan Courtney (no. 22) rounding out the podium in third. Teammates Spencer Bragg (no. 08) and Bowen Mayhue (no. 38) rounded out the top five in fourth and fifth places respectively.

Outlaw 35 Results

1. #92 Bubba Winslow
2. #23G Gary Goodwin
3. #22 Dylan Courtney
4. #08 Spencer Bragg
5. #38 Bowen Mayhue
6. #32 Malcolm Spears
7. #07 Keeton Harris
8. #75 Brennon Bishop -1 lap
9. #17 Charlie Williams -1 lap
10. #28 Timothy Watson -8 laps

Austin Reeves Begins 2026 Title Chase with Crown Stock Triumph

Austin Reeves (no. 6) made it look easy on track, picking up a dominant victory in the 25-lap feature for the Hometown Automotive Solutions Crown Stocks. Setting the fast time in qualifying, Reeves retained his starting position after a good roll of the invert dice landed on 1. Therefore, no spots were inverted. Despite a few challenges from behind on restarts, Reeves had his Crown Stock machine dialed in. He now starts his chase for the 2026 class championship on the right foot.

“Last time we were here, I made love with the turn two wall,” said Reeves in victory lane. “We had to rebuild it. It’s amazing to have a good group of guys behind you to help you rebuild something you tore up and come out here and win the next race. Thanks to Spencer [Bragg]. Without him, we wouldn’t be doing this, and I wouldn’t be having this much fun. I can’t believe we won the first one, I’ve never done that before.”

Behind Reeves, Chris Mitchell (no. 22M) came up just one spot short in second place. Justin Cruise (no. 45) rebounded from an earlier incident to round out the podium in third, with Gary Goodwin (no. 23) and Chris Landers (no. 9) rounding out the top five.

Crown Stock 25 Results

1. #6 Austin Reeves
2. #22M Chris Mitchell
3. #45 Justin Cruise
4. #23 Gary Goodwin
5. #9 Chris Landers
6. #28P Brandon Parker
7. #08 Hunter Sumrall
8. #27 Michael Chadwick
9. #115 Andy Stanfield -2 laps
10. #51 Trey Grimes -3 laps
11. #00 Garrett Wainwright -7 laps
12. #427 Kyle Gray -7 laps
13. #10 Gary King -8 laps
14. #15 Marty Bean -9 laps
15. #57 Nathan King -12 laps
16. #151 Sydni Bean – DNS

Justin Cruise Scores Crown Stock Non-Winners Victory

It was an eventful Saturday for Justin Cruise (no. 45). After finishing fifth in an afternoon race at South Alabama Speedway, Cruise made the nearly two hour drive north to Montgomery to join in on the Crown Stock fun on Saturday night. His fifth-place finish in the main event wasn’t his only accomplishment however, as he took home the victory in the Non-Winners Feature after an exciting battle with Chris Landers (no. 9).

Crown Stock Non-Winners Feature Results

1. #45 Justin Cruise
2. #9 Chris Landers
3. #27 Michael Chadwick
4. #23 Gary Goodwin
5. #00 Garrett Wainwright
6. #28P Brandon Parker
7. #6 Austin Reeves
8. #151 Sydni Bean
9. #08 Hunter Sumrall
10. #22M Jeb Jones
11. #427 Justin Gray -1 lap
12. #115 Andy Stanfield -8 laps

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While the Baby Bear Races served as the first points-paying races at Montgomery Motor Speedway in 2026, they were just a sample of what race fans can expect. The biggest race of the year, the 62nd Annual Alabama 200 “Hunt for the Bear” is just one week away on Saturday, March 7th.

With 200 laps of Pro Late Model action, 62 laps for the Modifieds of Mayhem, and a feature event for the Alabama Auto Racing Pioneers Vintage Cars, it’s set to be a night of racing that fans don’t want to miss. Be there!