Kaden Honeycutt and Matt Cox emerged as the dominant competitors in Thursday’s doubleheader at Southern National, each claiming a victory in the Late Model Stock features. The event, marked by intense racing and a dramatic opening-lap incident, showcased why both drivers are prominent names in the Kaden Honeycutt Southern National win conversation.
Opening Lap Incident Clears the Field for Top Contenders
The night’s racing began with immediate drama as a collision on the first lap affected several participants, quickly reducing the field and turning the spotlight on Honeycutt and Cox. Following this early disruption, the pair pulled ahead, setting up a clear duel for the top spot in both main events of the night. Cox and Honeycutt had to adapt their strategies from the start, capitalizing on the open track and focusing on their own racecraft.
Honeycutt Controls First Feature from Start to Finish
In the initial 30-lap segment, Kaden Honeycutt commanded the race, leading every lap and fending off a strong challenge from Matt Cox, who secured second place, and Chase Burgeson, who finished third. Honeycutt’s flawless performance ensured his first victory of the evening, adding yet another success to his record at Southern National.
“Kaden Honeycutt took the win over Matt Cox and Chase Burgeson in the first after of a Late Model Stock double feature at Southern National. pic.twitter.com/VjreAkLQ0J”
—Short Track Scene (@ST_Scene)
Cox Rebounds for Dominant Run in Second Feature
The second 30-lap race shifted the advantage to Matt Cox. After finishing runner-up in the first segment, Cox benefited from a post-race position redraw that placed him on the pole for the restart. He seized this opportunity, stretching his lead early and maintaining control through to the checkered flag, despite Honeycutt’s efforts to catch up from fourth on the grid. Cox reflected on his performance, stating,
“We had a good car there and we were able to stretch the lead out early,”
—Cox, Driver. He further added,
“It took Kaden a couple laps to get to second. We were able to build a lead there and ride and manage a little bit and save some tire in case we did get a late race caution and bunch things back up. All in all, it was a good night for us. We got a little better since yesterday.”
—Cox, Driver.
“Matt Cox talks about his win at SNMP Speed Week pic.twitter.com/aG9G2qrjHW”
—Short Track Scene (@ST_Scene)
Podium Results and Notable Performances
The consistency of both drivers was clear, with Honeycutt satisfied to maintain a podium streak during Southern National’s Speed Week. Reflecting on his efforts, Honeycutt commented,
“I just needed more laps in that second twin honestly,”
—Honeycutt, Driver. He also said,
“Just a great job by this Tom Usry Racing group. Made a change in that second race. I don’t know if it was better or not. It seemed like I was catching Matt. I honestly needed twin-50s tonight. But, yeah, really good.”
—Honeycutt, Driver.
Behind Honeycutt and Cox, the supporting cast rotated positions in the top five. Race 1 saw Chase Burgeson, Matt McCall, and Ryan Wilson round out the leaders. In the second contest, Ryan Wilson moved up to third, Matt McCall took fourth, and Burgeson finished fifth, showcasing tightly contested competition among the leading drivers.
Championship Implications and Future Prospects
With Kaden Honeycutt stepping away from the rest of Speed Week and Matt McCall also not expected to return, Matt Cox is now in a strong position to secure the overall championship. Last year’s champion, Doug Barnes, Jr., is still remembered, but this year the focus is on Cox’s opportunity to claim the top prize. Meanwhile, Sam Yarbrough, Cox’s teammate, will also be out for the remainder of the week after a lap-one crash ended his run early. As Southern National’s Speed Week continues, racing fans can anticipate more intense on-track action and ongoing shifts among the championship contenders.
Kaden Honeycutt took the win over Matt Cox and Chase Burgeson in the first after of a Late Model Stock double feature at Southern National. pic.twitter.com/VjreAkLQ0J
— Short Track Scene (@ST_Scene) March 6, 2026
Matt Cox talks about his win at SNMP Speed Week pic.twitter.com/aG9G2qrjHW
— Short Track Scene (@ST_Scene) March 6, 2026
