Derek Locke Runs To Second Consecutive Williams Grove 358 Sprint Title
Carlisle driver sweeps action with unprecedented season
Mechanicsburg – Derek Locke of Carlisle was recently crowned the 2021 HJ Towing & Recovery 358 sprint car track champion at Williams Grove Speedway.
Locke’s title laurels are the second of his career at the oval and his second in a row aboard his family-owned No. 77.
On his way to the track crown, the 37-year old Locke scored an unprecedented feat when he swept the entire season of competition at the speedway, taking victories in all eight oval events during the year.
Wins came on April 16, April 23, May 21, June 25, July 30 (2), September 3 and on September 24.
And given the fact that Locke also scored the final race of the season in 2020, his consecutive race win streak at the Grove now stands at nine!
When Locke began the 2020 season at Williams Grove Speedway he was winless during his career at the track.
But with three wins in the bag before the year was over tacked onto his eight triumphs in 2021, the UPS driver by trade has now scored 11 times on the all-time oval 358 sprint car career win list, ranking him eighth in the order.
His plans for next season include returning to Williams Grove Speedway to compete in the 358 division while also competing in some 360-powered sprint events and making his first forays into a limited number of 410 sprint car races in the area.
Locke credits the hard work of his team and dedicated sponsors for his amazing success in 2021.
Primary sponsors on the Locke machine include: Dellinger’s Auto Body, Ritter Transport, Drydene Performance Products and Russ’s Auto and Trailer Sales.
Devin Adams was named 2021 358 sprint Rookie of the Year at Williams Grove Speedway.
Second through fifth in the final point standings for the 2021 season were Matt Findley, Chris Frank, Cody Fletcher and Rich Eichelberger.