After Kaylee Bryson made history by becoming the first woman to make the feature race in the history of the Chilli Bowl Midget Nationals, she raised the bar immediately. Returning next year, she highlighted how the stakes were even higher now. Aside from that achievement, Bryson also became the first woman to win pole position in a USAC Silver Crown event. But even so, the end goal was far from achieved.
Just making the feature and getting pole positions wasn’t the goal, it was winning races. Fast-forward to her 2024 season as the defending Rookie of the Year of the USAC Silver Crown, and Bryson once more upped the stakes with another historic achievement. On a day when some of the top drivers were thrown curveballs, Bryson skillfully guided her Sam Pierce Racing machinery to victory lane during the Silver Crown race at Belleville.
Kaylee Bryson triumphs as the first woman to win a USAC National championship race
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The past few years have been filled with historic records for Kaylee Bryson, and this weekend at the Belleville High Banks was no different. After taking the lead with 16 to go and fending off USAC winner CJ Leary, Bryson came home to become the first woman in the sport’s 69-year history to win a nationally sanctioned race. Leary had battled against all odds to gain 22 positions during the race, but lost out to Bryson’s late dominance.
Throughout 50 laps, Bryson’s pace was consistent and her defensive maneuvers toward the end were sufficient to keep Leary at bay. But it’s worth mentioning that the defending champion, Brady Bacon, looked to be set for victory for 36 of the 50 laps. Unfortunately for the veteran, engine woes turned the tides in Bryson’s favor.
Announcing the historic achievement, Matt Weaver shared; “Kaylee Bryson wins the USAC Silver Crown race at Belleville for Sam Pierce Racing. She becomes the first woman to win a USAC national championship race in holding off CJ Leary who drove 24th to P2. Brady Bacon grenaded an engine from the lead 15 laps in.”
History: Kaylee Bryson wins the USAC Silver Crown race at Belleville for Sam Pierce Racing.
She becomes the first woman to win a USAC national championship race in holding off CJ Leary who drove 24th to P2.
Brady Bacon grenaded an engine from the lead 15 laps in.
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) May 19, 2024
In only her second USAC season, Bryson had made good on her wishes to win a race this season. She shared post-race with Flo Racing, “This is a long time coming. My team has worked so hard and has believed in me for so long. I’m so happy to pull off a win for them. This car was on rails tonight. And this crew, I’m so thankful for them because, without them, this wouldn’t be possible.”
During the ending stages of the 50-lap race, Kaylee Bryson had been guided by her spotter to just focus on her race. And that’s exactly what the 23-year-old did. With her name now etched in the winner’s list of USAC Nationals, Kaylee Bryson has proven she’s here to stay. That being said, fans were equally delighted to witness her historic achievement.
The NASCAR community commends Bryson for her resilience
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As news of Kaylee Bryson’s heroics at Belleville made headlines, NASCAR fans on X chimed in to congratulate the fellow motorsports enthusiast. One user shared their way of showing support; “Wearing my Kaylee Bryson shirt tomorrow 🏁🏁🏁” Whilst others were awe-struck by her sheer determination once in the lead; “Just Amazing. No panic or fear those last 10 laps”
At the end of an action-packed race, Bryson had made history. And in doing so, earned several new fans. An insider from Lincoln Park Speedway stated, “Kaylee Bryson’s win is so historic as was cracking the starting field at the Chili Bowl. What makes it better is she is such a likable person. We were all following along at Lincoln Park Speedway”
Evidently, it wasn’t just the fans who were thrilled to see Bryson succeed. Even other stakeholders such as photographers chimed in; “It’s pretty cool to be able to cover history…Kaylee Bryson becomes the first woman in USAC history to win a National event. She wins at the Belleville High Banks in the USAC Silver Crown Series.”
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With how the race concluded, other users felt Bryson had deserved this hallmark moment thoroughly. Fans sympathized with the veterans as they commended the rookie; “What a race. CJ Leary was flying and closing fast, but Kaylee Bryson found something on the high side for a historic win.”
On a different note, users felt the need to announce Kaylee Bryson’s win as one the country should be proud of. The user stated; “IT’S KAYLEE BRYSON NIGHT IN AMERICA LADIES AND GENTLEMEN” But to conclude, one fan summed up the community’s views; “Hat shake Kaylee Bryson! She earned that win! @USACNation”
