Sitting third in points and 18 points out of the championship lead, the path was clear enough. He needed a strong run, needed to gain positions, and needed the point leader to leave the door open. Brody handled his part well. The door just never opened wide enough.

Brody Monahan entered Newport Speedway with a narrow path to gain ground in the CARS Tour Pro Late Model title fight. He left with another strong finish, but not the points swing he wanted.

Saturday night at Tri County carries more weight than a normal race weekend. Brody enters the September 12th CARS Tour event sitting third in season points, just 17 points out of the lead, with every position now capable of changing the shape of the championship fight.

Florence Motor Speedway looked like it might deliver a tough points night for Monahan Motorsports. By the end of Friday, September 4, it became a reminder of why racers never give up on a weekend too early.

Brody does not have to search hard for motivation this week. After a rough night at Hickory that still ended with a sixth-place finish, the next chance to reset comes Saturday, August 22nd, at Anderson Motor Speedway.