It took Kevin Thomas Jr. just seven races into his new gig at Rock Steady Racing to return to winning form with the USAC AMSOIL Sprint Car National Championship.

The Cullman, Ala. native, who was last a USAC victor nearly 19 months ago, put that long wait to rest during Saturday night’s inaugural Justin Owen Memorial at Indiana’s Lawrenceburg Speedway.

Thomas and his Inferno Armor – Eddie Gilstrap Motors – Creative Finishing/Mach-1/Stanton Chevy became the fourth and final different leader in the 30-lap main event at the 3/8-mile dirt oval, making the winning move on the bottom of turns one and two to get by Logan Seavey on a restart with 14 laps remaining.

“Man, we finally got one in the 3R; it’s about time,” Thomas exclaimed.  “I’m picky and it takes a lot for me to get comfortable, but they did it. I’m super proud of these guys and everybody that works hard and has to deal with me during the week asking them to change stuff. It means a lot. If you know me, you know I’m a lot to deal with. There’s a lot to be said about my wife and my team to put up with that just for the joy of winning. We’re finally winners here in 2024 and I couldn’t be happier.”

The win was a monumental one for Thomas as he notched his 40th career USAC National Sprint Car feature victory, equaling 1969 and 1971 series champion Gary Bettenhausen for 10th on the all-time list.

USAC Sprint Car Results Friday At Lawrenceburg Speedway

1. Kevin Thomas Jr. (7)

 2. Brady Bacon (9)

3. Logan Seavey (4)

 4. C.J. Leary (2)

5. Jake Swanson (3)

 6. Daison Pursley (6)

7. Kyle Cummins (1)

8. Chase Stockon (8)

9. Mitchel Moles (18)

10. Nick Bilbee (11)

11. Jadon Rogers (14)

12. Carson Garrett (17)

13. Matt Westfall (13)

14. Joey Amantea (19)

15. Shawn Westerfeld (15)

16. Saban Bibent (10)

17. Ryan Barr (22)

18. Kayla Roell (21)

19. Robert Ballou (12)

20. Hunter Maddox (20)

21. Garrett Abrams (16)

22. Justin Grant (5). NT