SPECIAL TO THE REPORTER

Third generation driver J.R. Brown claimed his first career win recently in his No. 46 at the Shelby County Speedway in Wilsonville.

Brown, a 25-year-old Calera native, has been racing local dirt tracks for three years.

He finished third in the heat race, which placed him starting fifth of 12 in the feature event. Due to a caution on the first lap, the race was restarted. Brown quickly moved to third after an early wreck involving three drivers. He held his position for four laps and then made his move to second.

&8220;I knew if I could get around the 17, it was my race to win or lose,&8221; Brown said.

During lap eight, the No. 17 was involved in a wreck on the front stretch, putting Brown in first place.

He celebrated his victory with a round of doughnuts in the infield and received a first place trophy to add to his showcase. He has finished in the top three nine times this season.

Brown is a grandson to the late Floyd Brown, who raced in the Hobby division at Birmingham International Raceway.

&8220;On the last lap all I could hear was my car, I heard every bump and rattle,&8221; he said. &8220;It&8217;s been a long three years and my team and I have worked hard for this first win.&8221;