Brenden ‘Butterbean’ Queen outduels Connor Hall at Hampton Heat, Earnhardt Jr. finishes fifth

HAMPTON (WAVY) – A sellout crowd of more than 6,500 waited out a several hours long weather delay at Langley Speedway and for those stayed, which most did, they witnessed a tense main event in the Hampton Heat.

Brenden “Butterbean” Queen from Chesapeake held of Connor Hall from Hampton to take the checkered flag for the second year in a row.

Queen wins a $10,000 cash prize for the win, which is his third overall in the Hampton Heat.

The Hampton Heat is one of three legs of Virginia’s Late Model Triple Crown along with tracks in South Boston and Martinsville.

Earnhardt Jr. raced Langley for the first time on Saturday and qualified 11th. Junior ended up with a fifth-place finish.

“Langley’s been around a long time, always had a lot of appreciation for the track,” Earnhardt said. “My mom lived in Norfolk for 25 years and I used to come here as a kid off and on.”

While Junior didn’t get the win, his appearance at Langley was part of broader picture.

“My goal tonight is to shine a light on Late Model stock car racing, shine a light on these drivers,” Earnhardt said. “They put on a great show wherever they go.”

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