MANSFIELD, Ohio – The Super Late Model division will have a new mega-event next year with the introduction of the “Dirt Million” on Aug. 24-25, 2018, at Mansfield Motor Speedway, track promoter Cody Sommer announced.

Super Late Model drivers will compete for a minimum of $100,000 to win and $2,000 to start in the inaugural Dirt Million at the 4/10-mile oval, but the purse will continue to increase throughout the 2018 calendar year via a unique format and promotion that allows dirt racing families, friends, sponsors, fans and teams everywhere in the world to play a role in building the feature’s payoff. The total purse for the event can climb to a spectacular $1 million, which would result in the weekend’s A-main offering a $500,000 winner’s prize and $10,000 just to take the green flag. Under a unique format, the Dirt Million will be a part of the 2018 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series schedule.

The Dirt Million becomes the latest addition to Sommer’s growing promotional resume. This year Sommer spearheaded the transformation of Mansfield Motor Speedway from an asphalt track that hosted crowds of over 20,000 fans for NASCAR Truck Series races to a world-class dirt facility by presenting several special events, including a Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series program in July.

Sommer sees the creation of the Dirt Million and its unprecedented purse-building setup as possibly being a snapshot into the future of the sport.

“We live in a world today where individual people are more social, expressive and impactful than ever before,” Sommer said. “This event is catered to that fact and it will be very rewarding to watch the sport rally together, unified with one common goal.

“This event is truly one that rewards individuals for showing their support and getting behind something – literally the more it escalates the more it helps everyone, especially how it gives back to the racer.”

Sommer has billed the Dirt Million as an event “for the racers, by the fans.” He said virtually every aspect of the blockbuster will have a contributing element.

For starters, every driver registering for the event will become part of the event’s contribution system through a profile page at DirtMillion.com. Anyone who decides to support the race – by buying an event ticket, event merchandise, making a cash contribution directly to the purse or even paying a driver’s entry fee or pit pass – can specify the driver in whose name they’re contributing; the drivers who receive the most support will be in line for event benefits, including possible provisional starting spots for the headliner.

In addition, a portion of every ticket, camping reservation, VIP suite and pay-per-view video package sold will go directly to the growing purse, making the payoff ever-more lucrative. Simply stated, the more fans that attend the Dirt Million, the bigger the purse will be, providing incentive for drivers and teams to promote, endorse and support the event because their own fans’ investment in purchasing a ticket will help them as racers directly.

“If I was to explain this in the simplest way possible to a racer right in front of me, it’s this: The more you yourself, sponsors and fans support this event, the more money you are going to be able to race for,” Sommer said. “What is extremely ironic and not normal at all is that I am essentially putting a rev-limiter on the promoter side. There are plenty of events where a promoter packs the place and walks out with substantially more money than the guy that won the race, and the bottom line is this event is just not one of those events and it is not going to be through its design.”

Sommer said the guaranteed $100,000-to-win/$2,000-to-start purse totals $200,000 but the final payoff come race day will rise even higher. Each position in the 28-car field will increase by a corresponding percentage of the financial contributions that accumulate for the event, meaning that for every dollar contributed 50 percent will be added to the winner’s payoff; 10 percent to second place; 5 percent to third place; 3 percent to fourth place; 2 percent to fifth place; and downward to 1 percent for last place.

“So let’s say a fan says, ‘Man this is cool, I want to donate $5 to this,'” Sommer said. “They know that $2.50 (50%) of that $5 is going to the winner of that race and 1% is going to the guy that started the race. It’s the same for contributions of $10, $100 or whatever.”

If an additional $350,000 is raised, the purse would grow to $275,000 to win, $55,000 for second, $27,500 for third and down to $5,500 to start. If enough money is generated to reach the full $1 million payout goal, the $500,000 going to the race winner would be followed by such payouts as $100,000 for second, $50,000 for third and $10,000 to start the main event.

In the coming months additional details for the event will be released. Also soon to come will be the launch of DirtMillion.com, which will be the hub for the sport to watch the event’s purse grow in real time and include the registered driver profile pages amongst many other unique features.

Dirt Million event management is encouraging all fans and teams to follow their social pages on Twitter @DirtMillion and Facebook.com/DirtMillion. The event website will be launched soon at www.DirtMillion.com.

–LODLMS PR

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

PORTSMOUTH, OH (October 21, 2017) – Josh Richards completed a dream night at Portsmouth Raceway Park on Saturday night. The West Virginia native won his first-career Rhino Ag Dirt Track World Championship – Presented by Optima Batteries, worth $100,000, and the 2017 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Championship, worth $75,000.

Richards became the fourth different leader of the race when he passed race leader and defending DTWC winner, Brandon Sheppard for the lead after a lap 46 restart. Richards led the rest of the way to take his tenth series win of the season over Sheppard, Jonathan Davenport, Mike Marlar, and Jared Hawkins.

Jonathan Davenport started on the pole and led early on. Sheppard took over the point on lap 36, and then began pulling away from the field until a caution on lap 46 slowed his pace. On the restart, Richards; who was running third; went around Sheppard to take over the lead and stayed in front until the checker flag waved.

Tim McCreadie entered the race as the series point leader by 40 points over Richards and 75 ahead of Bloomquist. During the race McCreadie suffered two flat tires and Bloomquist had a tire go down while running second to Richards. Bloomquist finished the race in 12th and McCreadie was credited with a 17th place finish.

In Lucas Oil Victory Lane after the biggest win of his career, the 29-year-old was emotional when being interviewed. “I have to collect my thoughts right now. I can’t thank everyone enough for this opportunity. I made a tough decision last year to switch teams. We didn’t know what was going to happen. We started the year off well, and then we went to a bunch of new tracks and kind of fell off a little. We struggled a little bit, but so did those other guys. We got on a hot streak in July though.”

“Coming into this weekend we felt pretty good and I know Scott [Bloomquist] and Timmy [McCreadie] did too. Thanks to Best Performance Motorsports, Eric and Kelly Brock for giving me this opportunity.
It’s been a crazy year. Randall Edwards has done such a great job as crew chief. There are so many people behind this team and that supported me. I felt everything in the last four or five laps. I have been through this scenario enough to know. I knew the tires were slipping away, but fortunately they held up to the end.”

The Best Performance Motorsports, Rocket Chassis entry is powered by an Andy Durham Racing Engine and sponsored by: Bulk Material Lift.com, Corey Frazier-State Farm Insurance, Alexander Lawn and Landscaping, Ultimate Firepit, Sunoco, Integra, Keyser, Riggs Motorsports, and Valvoline.

Sheppard, the runner-up and defending DTWC winner, joined Richards in Victory Lane with another podium finish in the crown jewel event. “We had a pretty good car. Josh got around me on that restart and he did a good job out in front. I look up to him a lot. I drive for his dad. It’s been a dream come true driving for Mark [Richards], we have had a great year. Being able to learn from Josh has been great. We would have liked to get the win tonight, but there’s nobody else I’d like to finish second to than Josh.”

Davenport, who was sporting the Flintstone Flyer scheme commemorating the late Mike Duvall, came home in third in the G.R. Smith-owned, Rocket Chassis entry. “Congrats to Josh and Brandon on their run tonight. We were good early on. I just don’t have this place down pat yet for some reason. We keep getting closer.”

Completing the top ten were Zack Dohm, Chub Frank, Brandon Overton, Darrell Lanigan, and Dennis Erb Jr.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Race Summary
Saturday, October 21st, 2017
RhinoAg Dirt Track World Championship – presented by Optima Batteries
Portsmouth Raceway Park – Portsmouth, OH

Eibach Springs Heat Race #1 – ROUND ONE Finish: Hudson O’Neal, Jonathan Davenport, Kyle Bronson, Josh Bocook, Lee Logan, Mark Frazier, Jared Miley, Byron Meeks, Ronnie Whitt

FK Rod Ends Heat Race #2 – ROUND ONE Finish: Scott Bloomquist, Dennis Erb, Jr., Gregg Satterlee, Eric Wells, Tyler Erb, Colton Flinner, Jason Montgomery , RJ Conley, Corey Conley

Simpson Performance Products Heat Race #3 – ROUND ONE Finish: Jackie Boggs, Devin Gilpin, Ben Adkins, Doug Drown, Zack Dohm, Kyle Hardy, Kirk Phillips, Jeff Arnold, Clint Keenan

QA1 Heat Race #4 – ROUND ONE Finish: Don O’Neal, Earl Pearson, Jr., Brandon Overton, Rod Conley, Jason Feger, Jason Jameson, Chris Hackett, Stephen Breeding, Brandon Fouts

ASi Racewear Heat #5 – ROUND ONE Finish: Jared Hawkins, Jimmy Owens, Chub Frank, Steve Francis, Audie Swartz, Billy Staker, Shane Hitt, Billy Gullion, Frank Heckenast, Jr.

DirtOnDirt.com Heat #6 – ROUND ONE Finish: Tim McCreadie, Michael Brown, Mike Marlar, Tyler Carpenter, Darrell Lanigan, Robbie Scott, Dale McDowell, Larry Holbrook, Steve Stollings

Rhino Ag Heat #7 – ROUND ONE Finish: Brandon Sheppard, Josh Richards, Mason Zeigler, Chris Ferguson, Devin Moran, Eddie Carrier, Jr., Mike Benedum, Dave Hornikel, Jason Perry

Optima Batteries Heat #8 – ROUND ONE Finish: Delmas Conley, Jason Covert, Steve Casebolt , Boom Briggs, Tim Dohm , Shannon Thornsberry, Kevin Wagner, Charlie Jude, Craig Wolford

Eibach Springs Heat Race #1 – ROUND TWO Finish: Eddie Carrier, Jr., Earl Pearson, Jr., Brandon Sheppard, Scott Bloomquist, Jared Hawkins, Ben Adkins, Craig Wolford, Steve Stollings, Ronnie Whitt

FK Rod Ends Heat Race #2 – ROUND TWO Finish: Dale McDowell, Jason Perry, Shannon Thornsberry, Jason Montgomery , Jason Feger, Michael Brown, Kirk Phillips, Byron Meeks, Frank Heckenast, Jr.

Simpson Performance Products Heat Race #3 – ROUND TWO Finish: Jimmy Owens, Steve Casebolt , Tyler Carpenter, Jared Miley, Jason Jameson, Colton Flinner, Jeff Arnold, Dave Hornikel, Billy Gullion

QA1 Heat Race #4 – ROUND TWO Finish: Rod Conley, Josh Richards, Boom Briggs, Don O’Neal, Kyle Bronson, Jackie Boggs, RJ Conley, Audie Swartz, Darrell Lanigan

ASi Racewear Heat #5 – ROUND TWO Finish: Doug Drown, Mike Marlar, Chris Ferguson, Gregg Satterlee, Devin Gilpin, Chris Hackett, Billy Staker, Kevin Wagner, Lee Logan

DirtOnDirt.com Heat #6 – ROUND TWO Finish: Zack Dohm, Brandon Overton, Steve Francis, Devin Moran, Tyler Erb, Hudson O’Neal, Dennis Erb, Jr., Jason Covert, Robbie Scott

Rhino Ag Heat #7 – ROUND TWO Finish: Jonathan Davenport, Brandon Fouts, Chub Frank, Tim McCreadie, Josh Bocook, Delmas Conley, Eric Wells, Mike Benedum, Kyle Hardy, Optima Batteries

Heat #8 – ROUND TWO Finish: Tim Dohm , Mark Frazier, Shane Hitt, Clint Keenan, Stephen Breeding, Larry Holbrook, Charlie Jude, Mason Zeigler, Corey Conley

Penske Racing Shocks B-Main #1 Finish (Top 2 Transfer): Tim Dohm, Tyler Carpenter, Kyle Bronson, Devin Moran, Delmas Conley, Kyle Hardy, Steve Stollings, Chris Hackett, Craig Wolford, Clint Keenan, Kirk Phillips, Jared Miley, Jason Jameson, Eddie Carrier, Jr., Josh Bocook, Robbie Scott, Shane Hitt, Jason Perry, Frank Heckenast, Jr.

Fast Shafts B-Main #2 Finish (Top 2 Transfer): Chris Ferguson, Dennis Erb, Jr., Jason Covert, Dale McDowell, Boom Briggs, Tyler Erb, Jason Feger, Dave Hornikel, Audie Swartz, Hudson O’Neal, Gregg Satterlee, Billy Staker, Darrell Lanigan, Jason Montgomery , Larry Holbrook, Jeff Arnold, Mike Benedum-DNS, Billy Gullion-DNS, Corey Conley-DNS

Sunoco B-Main #3 Finish (Top 2 Transfer): Devin Gilpin, Eric Wells, Jackie Boggs, Steve Francis, RJ Conley, Mark Frazier, Michael Brown, Lee Logan, Colton Flinner, Kevin Wagner, Byron Meeks, Brandon Fouts, Charlie Jude, Mason Zeigler, Shannon Thornsberry, Ronnie Whitt, Ben Adkins-DNS, Stephen Breeding-DNS

Non-Qualifiers Race Finish: Jackie Boggs, Jason Covert, Mason Zeigler, Boom Briggs, RJ Conley, Kyle Bronson, Kyle Hardy, Jason Feger, Michael Brown, Kirk Phillips, Mark Frazier, Tyler Erb, Chris Hackett, Craig Wolford, Colton Flinner, Jason Jameson, Dale McDowell, Byron Meeks, Dave Hornikel, Audie Swartz, Steve Stollings, Clint Keenan, Larry Holbrook, Lee Logan

Feature Finish (100 Laps):
FINISH START CAR # DRIVER NAME HOMETOWN EARNINGS
1 5 1R Josh Richards Shinnston, WV $100,800
2 4 1S Brandon Sheppard New Berlin, IL $20,000
3 1 F1 Jonathan Davenport Williamston, SC $10,000
4 9 157 Mike Marlar Winfield, TN $7,000
5 14 11H Jared Hawkins Fairmont, WV $5,000
6 15 17D Zack Dohm Cross Lanes, WV $3,500
7 16 1* Chub Frank Bear Lake, PA $3,200
8 11 116 Brandon Overton Evans, GA $3,000
9 23 14 Darrell Lanigan Union, KY $3,500
10 21 26 Dennis Erb, Jr. Carpentersville, IL $3,200
11 20 28C Tyler Carpenter Parkersburg, WV $2,450
12 6 18 Scott Bloomquist Mooresburg, TN $3,400
13 10 71R Rod Conley Wheelersburg, OH $2,350
14 24 71HU Hudson O’Neal ® Martinsville, IN $3,100
15 28 B1 Josh Bocook Wheelersburg, OH $2,250
16 22 18E Eric Wells Hazard, KY $2,200
17 8 39 Tim McCreadie Watertown, NY $2,950
18 27 81F Brandon Fouts Kite, KY $2,100
19 18 22F Chris Ferguson Mount Holly, NC $2,075
20 7 71 Don O’Neal Martinsville, IN $2,860
21 13 C9 Steve Casebolt Richmond, IN $2,050
22 2 20 Jimmy Owens Newport, TN $2,840
23 3 28 Earl Pearson, Jr. Jacksonville, FL $2,830
24 17 6T Tim Dohm Cross Lanes, WV $2,020
25 26 15 Steve Francis Bowling Green, KY $810
26 25 22 Gregg Satterlee ® Rochester Mills, PA $800
27 19 1G Devin Gilpin Columbus, IN $2,000
28 12 240 Doug Drown Wooster, OH $2,000
29 29 4B Jackie Boggs Grayson, KY $2,000

Race Statistics
Entrants: 67
Lap Leaders: Jonathan Davenport (Laps 1 – 34); Brandon Sheppard (Laps 35 – 46); Josh Richards (Laps 47 – 100)
Cautions: Gregg Satterlee (Lap 12); Hudson O’Neal, Brandon Fouts (Lap 16); Devin Gilpin, Jackie Boggs, Hudson O’Neal, Tim McCreadie, Brandon Overton (Lap 16); Gregg Satterlee (Lap 18); Jimmy Owens, Gregg Satterlee (Lap 40); Jimmy Owens (Lap 42); Tim Dohm (Lap 45); Earl Pearson Jr. (Lap 46); Jimmy Owens (Lap 53); Tyler Carpenter (Lap 67); Chris Ferguson (Lap 83); Scott Bloomquist (Lap 92); Tim McCreadie (Lap 92)
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Darrell Lanigan, Hudson O’Neal
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Emergency Provisionals: Gregg Satterlee, Steve Francis
Wrisco Feature Winner: Josh Richards
Optima Batteries Hard Charger of the Race: Darrell Lanigan (Started: 23rd; Finished: 9th; Advanced 14 Positions)
Midwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Tim McCreadie
Allstar Performance Power Move of the Race: Mike Marlar
Sunoco Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Josh Richards
Hot Rod Processing Rookie of the Race: Hudson O’Neal
COMP Cams Engine Builder of the Race: Durham Racing Engines
Ohlins Shocks Chassis Builder of the Race: Rocket Chassis
Outerwears Crew Chief of the Race: Randall Edwards (Josh Richards)
Fastest Lap of the Race: Jonathan Davenport (Lap #31 – 15.3499 seconds)
Safecraft Most Laps Led: Josh Richards (54 Laps)
PFC Brakes Pole Award: Jonathan Davenport
Time of Race: 79 minutes 28 seconds

Lucas Oil Championship Point Standings:
POS CAR # DRIVER NAME HOMETOWN POINTS EARNINGS
1 1R Josh Richards Shinnston, WV 8345 $321,050
2 39 Tim McCreadie Watertown, NY 8280 $286,550
3 0 Scott Bloomquist Mooresburg, TN 8230 $268,925
4 5 Don O’Neal Martinsville, IN 7675 $165,935
5 20 Jimmy Owens Newport, TN 7665 $169,365
6 14 Darrell Lanigan Union, KY 7495 $138,950
7 1 Earl Pearson, Jr. Jacksonville, FL 7400 $141,145
8 28e Dennis Erb, Jr. Carpentersville, IL 6985 $108,100
9 71 Hudson O’Neal ® Martinsville, IN 6915 $104,310
10 22 Gregg Satterlee ® Rochester Mills, PA 6795 $123,835
11 15 Steve Francis Bowling Green, KY 6610 $86,640
12 99B Boom Briggs ® Bear Lake, PA 5910 $68,100

*Points are unofficial until Close of Business on the Tuesday following Race Day*

—LOLMDS Press Release

PORTSMOUTH, OH (October 20, 2017)- The battle for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Championship all comes down to Saturday. In the final event of the 2017 season, the final sixteen heat races are in the books for the 37th Annual Rhino Ag Dirt Track World Championship – presented by Optima Batteries. Tonight’s program saw drivers competing in two rounds of heat races, racing for a combined passing points total, all to determine the starting grid for Saturday night’s 100-lap main event.

Round one saw leading Rookie of the Year candidate, Hudson O’Neal win the first heat race. Other heat race winners in round one were: Scott Bloomquist, Jackie Boggs, Don O’Neal, Jared Hawkins, Tim McCreadie, Brandon Sheppard, and Delmas Conley.

 The second round of heat races started off with a bang, as Eddie Carrier Jr. took home the win in the first heat after a hard-fought battle with Earl Pearson Jr. Other heat race winners in the second round were: Dale McDowell, Jimmy Owens, Rod Conley, Doug Drown, Zack Dohm, Jonathan Davenport, and Tim Dohm

After all the passing points were tallied, the fastest lap between the top-two drivers determined the pole position. Jonathan Davenport will start on the pole of the main event. Jimmy Owens was just a few tenths of a second shy of earning the pole position, and will start on the outside of the front row. Earl Pearson Jr., Brandon Sheppard, and Josh Richards round out the top-five for Saturday night’s DTWC main event.

Action at the track on Saturday will start with a Dirt Racing Outreach Service at 3:30pm in the Turn 4 grandstands. A Driver Autograph Session will take place at 4:30PM, followed by a silent auction to benefit Hurricane relief efforts at 5:00PM. Hot Laps will begin at 6:00PM, and the first B-Main will begin at 7:00PM. Rounding out events on the track will be the Open Wheel Modifieds main event, the Jim Dunn Memorial Non-Qualifiers Race, and the 37th Annual Rhino Ag Dirt Track World Championship – presented by Optima Batteries, 100-Lap, $100,000-to-win main event.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Race Summary 
Friday, October 20th, 2017
RhinoAg Dirt Track World Championship – presented by Optima Batteries
Portsmouth Raceway Park – Portsmouth, OH

Eibach Springs Heat Race #1 – ROUND ONE Finish: Hudson O’Neal, Jonathan Davenport, Kyle Bronson, Josh Bocook, Lee Logan, Mark Frazier, Jared Miley, Byron Meeks, Ronnie Whitt

FK Rod Ends Heat Race #2 – ROUND ONE Finish: Scott Bloomquist, Dennis Erb, Jr., Gregg Satterlee, Eric Wells, Tyler Erb, Colton Flinner, Jason Montgomery , RJ Conley, Corey Conley

Simpson Performance Products Heat Race #3 – ROUND ONE Finish: Jackie Boggs, Devin Gilpin, Ben Adkins, Doug Drown, Zack Dohm, Kyle Hardy, Kirk Phillips, Jeff Arnold, Clint Keenan

QA1 Heat Race #4 – ROUND ONE Finish: Don O’Neal, Earl Pearson, Jr., Brandon Overton, Rod Conley, Jason Feger, Jason Jameson, Chris Hackett, Stephen Breeding, Brandon Fouts

ASi Racewear Heat #5 – ROUND ONE Finish: Jared Hawkins, Jimmy Owens, Chub Frank, Steve Francis, Audie Swartz, Billy Staker, Shane Hitt, Billy Gullion, Frank Heckenast, Jr.

DirtOnDirt.com Heat #6 – ROUND ONE Finish: Tim McCreadie, Michael Brown, Mike Marlar, Tyler Carpenter, Darrell Lanigan, Robbie Scott, Dale McDowell, Larry Holbrook, Steve Stollings

Rhino Ag Heat #7 – ROUND ONE Finish: Brandon Sheppard, Josh Richards, Mason Zeigler, Chris Ferguson, Devin Moran, Eddie Carrier, Jr., Mike Benedum, Dave Hornikel, Jason Perry

Optima Batteries Heat #8 – ROUND ONE Finish: Delmas Conley, Jason Covert, Steve Casebolt , Boom Briggs, Tim Dohm , Shannon Thornsberry, Kevin Wagner, Charlie Jude, Craig Wolford

Eibach Springs Heat Race #1 – ROUND TWO Finish: Eddie Carrier, Jr., Earl Pearson, Jr., Brandon Sheppard, Scott Bloomquist, Jared Hawkins, Ben Adkins, Craig Wolford, Steve Stollings, Ronnie Whitt

FK Rod Ends Heat Race #2 – ROUND TWO Finish: Dale McDowell, Jason Perry, Shannon Thornsberry, Jason Montgomery , Jason Feger, Michael Brown, Kirk Phillips, Byron Meeks, Frank Heckenast, Jr.

Simpson Performance Products Heat Race #3 – ROUND TWO Finish: Jimmy Owens, Steve Casebolt , Tyler Carpenter, Jared Miley, Jason Jameson, Colton Flinner, Jeff Arnold, Dave Hornikel, Billy Gullion

QA1 Heat Race #4 – ROUND TWO Finish: Rod Conley, Josh Richards, Boom Briggs, Don O’Neal, Kyle Bronson, Jackie Boggs, RJ Conley, Audie Swartz, Darrell Lanigan

ASi Racewear Heat #5 – ROUND TWO Finish: Doug Drown, Mike Marlar, Chris Ferguson, Gregg Satterlee, Devin Gilpin, Chris Hackett, Billy Staker, Kevin Wagner, Lee Logan

DirtOnDirt.com Heat #6 – ROUND TWO Finish: Zack Dohm, Brandon Overton, Steve Francis, Devin Moran, Tyler Erb, Hudson O’Neal, Dennis Erb, Jr., Jason Covert, Robbie Scott

Rhino Ag Heat #7 – ROUND TWO Finish: Jonathan Davenport, Brandon Fouts, Chub Frank, Tim McCreadie, Josh Bocook, Delmas Conley, Eric Wells, Mike Benedum, Kyle Hardy, Optima Batteries 

Heat #8 – ROUND TWO Finish: Tim Dohm , Mark Frazier, Shane Hitt, Clint Keenan, Stephen Breeding, Larry Holbrook, Charlie Jude, Mason Zeigler, Corey Conley

Penske Racing Shocks B-Main #1 Line Up (15 Laps – Top 2 Transfer):

Fast Shafts B-Main #2 Line Up (15 Laps – Top 2 Transfer):

Sunoco B-Main #3 Line Up (15 Laps – Top 2 Transfer):

Feature Line Up (100 Laps):

—LODLMS Press Release

BATAVIA, OH (October 18, 2017) – As the 2017 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series season finale takes place this weekend, the tour announced today, an aggressive 2018 slate, which includes 58 feature events at 37 different venues across 22 states. The 2018 schedule begins with the February 2nd-3rd “Super Bowl of Racing” at Golden Isles Speedway. Portsmouth Raceway Park will be hosting the season-ending Dirt Track World Championship on October 19th-20th.

The 2018 schedule will feature an impressive 23 events that will pay $12,000-to-win, along with 13 crown jewel events that will pay $20,000-to-win (or more). The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will sanction some of most prestigious dirt late model events of the season, including: Bad Boy 98 ($20,000-to-win); Lucas Oil Show-Me 100 ($30,000-to-win); Salute the Troops 75 ($25,000-to-win); Clash at the Mag ($20,000-to-win); Silver Dollar Nationals ($53,000-to-win); Sunoco North/South 100 ($50,000-to-win); COMP Cams Topless 100 ($40,000-to-win); Dirt Million ($100,000-to-win); Hillbilly Hundred ($50,000-to-win); Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals ($40,000-to-win); Jackson 100 ($20,000-to-win); Pittsburgher 100 ($20,000-to-win); and the season finale – Dirt Track World Championship ($100,000-to-win).

Two tracks on the 2018 schedule will host the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series for the first time, including: 141 Speedway in Maribel, WI on May 18th and Jackson Motorplex in Jackson, MN on July 18th. In addition, Volunteer Speedway in Bulls Gap, TN returns to the series docket for the first time since 2015 on March 22nd, 2018.

The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will sanction the inaugural “Dirt Million” at Mansfield Motor Speedway, August 24th-25th, 2018. The new mega-event will allow Super Late Model competitors to compete for a minimum of $100,000-to-win, $2,000-to-start at the 4/10-mile oval. However, the purse will continue to increase throughout the 2018 calendar year via a unique format and promotion that allows dirt racing families, friends, sponsors, fans and teams everywhere in the world to play a role in building the feature’s payoff. The total purse for the event can climb to a spectacular $1 million, which would result in the weekend’s A-main offering a $500,000 winner’s prize and $10,000 just to take the green flag. Additional information is available at: www.dirtmillion.com.

“We are thrilled to release our 2018 schedule. We’re thankful to have such great relationships with our promoters, from all over the country, that have worked so diligently to help us get the schedule to completion. With their support, we’re able to raise all the traditional Friday events to a minimum of $12,000-to-win/$1,000-to-start, in 2018.We feel that we have the best show in dirt late model racing and I can’t thank our promoters, our staff, drivers, car owners, sponsors and of course, our great fans enough for their continued support.” stated Rick Schwallie, Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Director.

In 2018, Lucas Oil Production Studios will produce and edit original, high-definition Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series content for four major television networks. The 2018 television schedule includes: twenty-three races streamed LIVE on LucasOilRacing.TV; along with twenty-five episodes taped-delay for MAVTV Motorsports Network. In addition, ten events will air on NBC Sports Network, eight episodes on CBS Sports Network, and the 26th Annual Show-Me 100 on CBS. A complete 2018 television schedule for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will be released at a later date.

2018 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Schedule:

–LOLMS Press Release

IMPERIAL, PA (October 7, 2017) Don O’Neal completed a weekend sweep, winning the 29th Annual Pittsburgher 100 on Saturday night at Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway. O’Neal led from start to finish to collect $20,000 for his first career win in the annual event. It was O’Neal’s second Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series win of the season as he led his Clint Bowyer teammate Darrell Lanigan in a one-two sweep for the NASCAR team owner. Josh Richards, the defending race winner came home in third.

Richards’ third-place finish moved him into second-place in the championship point standings with one race to go. Richards is now 40 points behind the leader, Tim McCreadie, who finished sixth in the race. Scott Bloomquist finished 18th and is now third in championship standings at 75 points behind McCreadie.

O’Neal waited through several caution flags during the race to score the win. O’Neal was untouchable after the restarts as nobody was within striking distance of him at any point during the race. O’Neal had a scare with a lapped car with two laps to go as he nearly got into the turn one wall. He escaped the mayhem unscathed and went on for a dominating victory.

In Lucas Oil Victory Lane, O’Neal commented on the roll his team is currently on. “Another podium finish sounds good, and this time we got the win,” said O’Neal. “Last week, we had two runner-up finishes and tonight the car was just fantastic, in fact all weekend long it was just perfect.” O’Neal completed the weekend sweep at Pittsburgh by setting a new track record and scoring a convincing win in his heat race in Friday night’s preliminaries.

“I would like to thank Clint and Casey Bowyer and everybody back at the shop, as well as Anthony Burroughs and Keir Hoover, they deserve all the credit. I wish we could go back to Speedweeks and start the season over.”

O’Neal’s Club 29 Race Car is powered by Cornett Racing Engine and is sponsored by Peak Antifreeze and Coolant, Crawford Outdoor, Cometic Gasket, Clint Bowyer Autoplex, Traeger Wood Fire Grills, Penske Shocks, Sunoco, and I-Racing.com

Lanigan and his I-Racing.com Club 29 followed his teammate to the line. “We have been really solid here recently, and it’s a great way to end the season. Congrats to Don on the win. Thanks to Clint and Casey Bowyer and all my crew.”

Richards and his Best Performance Motorsports, Rocket was looking for his third win in the famed event and ran as high as second, but eventually claimed the third finishing spot. “We had a good car tonight. There was quite a race among the top five after Don [O’Neal]. He [O’Neal] was unbeatable here tonight. This was a good points finish for us. We’ll head to Portsmouth with at least a decent shot at the title.”

Completing the top ten were Tim McCreadie, Hudson O’Neal, Boom Briggs, Mason Zeigler, and Rick Eckert.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Race Summary
Saturday, October 7th, 2017
29th Annual Pittsburgher 100
Pittsburgh’s PA Motor Speedway – Imperial, PA

Miller Welders Fast Time Group A: Don O’Neal / 16.919 seconds
Miller Welders Fast Time Group B: Mike Marlar / 17.025 seconds

Eibach Springs Heat Race #1 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): Don O’Neal, Steve Francis, Mason Zeigler, Alex Ferree, Earl Pearson, Jr., Tommy Beck, Tony Musolino, Jon Hodgkiss, Keith Barbara

FK Rod Ends Heat Race #2 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): Michael Norris, Tim McCreadie, Mike Pegher, Rick Eckert, Boom Briggs, Gregg Satterlee, Jake Gunn, Matt Dobnak, Tommy Schirnhofer, Jr.-DNS

Simpson Performance Products Heat Race #3 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): Mike Marlar, Brandon Sheppard, Jason Covert, Darrell Lanigan, Dennis Erb, Jr., Russ King, Bump Headman, Derek Stefanick, Dan Angelicchio-DNS

QA1 Heat Race #4 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): Josh Richards, Hudson O’Neal, Scott Bloomquist, Jared Miley, Colton Flinner, Kelvin Kohan, John Weaver, Jimmy Owens

Penske Racing Shocks B-Main #1 Finish (12 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): Earl Pearson, Jr., Boom Briggs, Gregg Satterlee, Tony Musolino, Jon Hodgkiss, Matt Dobnak, Jake Gunn, Tommy Beck, Keith Barbara-DNS, Tommy Schirnhofer, Jr.-DNS

Fast Shafts B-Main #2 Finish (12 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): Dennis Erb, Jr., Russ King, Colton Flinner, Jimmy Owens, Bump Headman, Derek Stefanick, John Weaver, Kelvin Kohan, Dan Angelicchio

Feature Finish (100 Laps):

Race Statistics
Entrants: 35
Lap Leaders: Don O’Neal (Laps 1 – 100)
Cautions: Scott Bloomquist (Lap 13); Colton Flinner (Lap 16); Michael Norris (Lap 22); Colton Flinner (Lap 30); Colton Flinner (Lap 33); Tony Musolino (Lap 43); Scott Bloomquist (Lap 50); Debris (Lap 51); Mike Marlar (Lap 60); Jason Covert (Lap 82); Steve Francis (Lap 88)
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Jimmy Owens
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Emergency Provisionals: n/a
Miller Welders Fast Time Provisional: Tommy Beck
Pittsburgh’s PA Motor Speedway Track Provisionals: Tony Musolino, Jake Gunn, Derek Stefanick, Jon Hodgkiss
Wrisco Feature Winner: Don O’Neal
Optima Batteries Hard Charger of the Race: Jimmy Owens (Started: 23rd; Finished: 5th; Advanced 18 Positions)
Midwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Tim McCreadie
Allstar Performance Power Move of the Race: Josh Richards
Sunoco Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Don O’Neal
Hot Rod Processing Rookie of the Race: Hudson O’Neal
COMP Cams Engine Builder of the Race: Cornett Racing Engines
Ohlins Shocks Chassis Builder of the Race: Black Diamond Chassis
Outerwears Crew Chief of the Race: Jeff Strope (Jimmy Owens)
Fastest Lap of the Race: Don O’Neal (Lap #3 – 18.8386 seconds)
Safecraft Most Laps Led: Don O’Neal (100 Laps)
PFC Brakes Pole Award: Don O’Neal
Time of Race: 1 hour 17 minutes 39 seconds

Lucas Oil Championship Point Standings:

*Points are unofficial until Close of Business on the Tuesday following Race Day*

ROME, GA (October 1, 2017) – Darrell Lanigan swept all activities he participated in Sunday night at Rome Speedway. Lanigan set the overall fastest time of the night in Miller Welders Time Trials, he won his heat race in convincing fashion, and he led all 50 laps on his way to win the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series-sanctioned Rome Showdown in the Bowyer Dirt Motorsports, I-Racing.com, Club 29 entry.

Lanigan’s Bowyer teammate, Don O’Neal finished in the second position for the second night in a row. Tim McCreadie started seventh and charged to third-place finish, which enabled him to take over the season championship point standings. Chris Madden was fourth and 18th-place starter Earl Pearson Jr. drove an impressive race to finish fifth.

Lanigan started on the outside of the front row and was cruising along until Brandon Overton started his charge for the lead. Overton closed to within a car-length on Lanigan, but on lap 20 Overton suddenly slowed in turn four, bringing out the first caution of the race. Overton would pit, but he was never a factor after that.

On the restart, Lanigan pulled away from the field as several competitors took their shot at second place. Don O’Neal finally made it to second as he had to battle McCreadie in the final ten laps to garner his second runner-up finish in two nights.

In Lucas Oil Victory Lane for the second time this season, Lanigan was extremely happy with the performance of his race team. “Last night I jumped the cushion at Dixie and it cost us a good finish. Tonight, the car was just perfect from the time we unloaded it. Brian, Richie, and the entire crew have done a great job all year. We have had bad luck that knocked us out of some more wins. We are here to win,” said the 47-year-old veteran driver.

The winner’s Clint Bowyer-owned team is sponsored by iRacing.com, Peak Antifreeze and Coolant, Cometic Gasket, Penske Shocks, Ditzfeld Transfer, Mobil 1, Clint Bowyer Autoplex and Sunoco Race Fuels. The Club 29 Race Car is powered by a Clements Racing Engine.

O’Neal continues his late season surge in the Peak Antifreeze and Coolant, Club 29. “Thanks to Clint Bowyer and everybody on the team. We have really got a good set-up on this car in the last month. We were running second at Knoxville and had a fan blade come off, and that knocked the water pump off. We were up to second at Brownstown last week and now two podium finishes this weekend. We are looking forward to Pittsburgh next weekend.”

McCreadie will enter the Pittsburgher 100 next weekend as the new series points leader in the Sweeteners Plus, Longhorn. “It feels great to be the point leader, but now we have to close it out strong. This team has worked so hard all year. Now it has come to crunch time. This is what we all work so hard for, a championship.”

Completing the top ten were Scott Bloomquist, Dale McDowell, Donald McIntosh, Devin Gilpin, and Michael Page.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Race Summary
Sunday, October 1st, 2017
Lucas Oil Rome Showdown
Rome Speedway – Rome, GA

Miller Welders Fast Time Group A: Donald McIntosh / 14.428 seconds
Miller Welders Fast Time Group B: Darrell Lanigan / 14.299 seconds

Eibach Springs Heat Race #1 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): Donald McIntosh, TJ Reaid, Dale McDowell, Will Roland, Tyler Bruening, Gregg Satterlee, Boom Briggs, Ryan Crane, Steven Roberts, Jason Jameson, JT Seawright

FK Rod Ends Heat Race #2 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): Darrell Lanigan, Brandon Overton, Chris Madden, Scott Bloomquist, Earl Pearson, Jr., Steve Francis, Casey Roberts, Tyler Millwood, Dennis Erb, Jr., Frank Ingram

Simpson Performance Products Heat Race #3 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): Darrell Lanigan, Brandon Overton, Chris Madden, Scott Bloomquist, Earl Pearson, Jr., Steve Francis, Casey Roberts, Tyler Millwood, Dennis Erb, Jr., Frank Ingram

QA1 Heat Race #4 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): Don O’Neal, Devin Gilpin, Josh Richards, Michael Page, Chris Ferguson, Brent Larson, Hudson O’Neal, Ray Cook, Gary McPherson, Blake Spencer

Penske Racing Shocks B-Main #1 Finish (12 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): Jason Croft, Tyler Bruening, Gregg Satterlee, David Payne, Boom Briggs, Ross Bailes, Aaron Ridley, Jason Jameson, Steven Roberts, JT Seawright, Ryan Crane, Granger Howell, Wayne Echols

Fast Shafts B-Main #2 Finish (12 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): Earl Pearson, Jr., Steve Francis, Chris Ferguson, Brent Larson, Hudson O’Neal, Casey Roberts, Tyler Millwood, Dennis Erb, Jr., Gary McPherson, Ray Cook, Frank Ingram, Blake Spencer

Feature Finish (50 Laps):

Race Statistics
Entrants: 41
Lap Leaders: Darrell Lanigan (Laps 1 – 50)
Cautions: Brandon Overton (Lap 20); TJ Reaid (Lap 23); Jimmy Owens (Lap 38); Josh Richards (Lap 44)
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Dennis Erb Jr., Hudson O’Neal
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Emergency Provisionals: Boom Briggs
Wrisco Feature Winner: Darrell Lanigan
Optima Batteries Hard Charger of the Race: Earl Pearson Jr. (Started: 18th; Finished: 5th; Advanced 13 Positions)
Midwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Josh Richards
Allstar Performance Power Move of the Race: Hudson O’Neal
Sunoco Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Darrell Lanigan
Hot Rod Processing Rookie of the Race: Gregg Satterlee
COMP Cams Engine Builder of the Race: Pro Power Racing Engines
Ohlins Shocks Chassis Builder of the Race: Longhorn Chassis
Outerwears Crew Chief of the Race: Brian Leonberg (Darrell Lanigan)
Fastest Lap of the Race: Brandon Overton (Lap #21 – 13.0950 seconds)
Safecraft Most Laps Led: Darrell Lanigan (50 Laps)
PFC Brakes Pole Award: Donald McIntosh
Time of Race: 23 minutes 46 seconds

Lucas Oil Championship Point Standings:

WOODSTOCK, GA (September 30, 2017) – Michael Page scored the biggest win of his career on Saturday night by winning the Lucas Oil Dixie Shootout in front of a packed-grandstand at Dixie Speedway. Page, who has raced most of his career at the 3/8-mile oval, has grown up dreaming of winning this race at his home track. It became a reality as he became the seventeenth different winner this season in Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series competition.

Page pocketed $12,000 for his first career LOLMDS victory. Don O’Neal led the first 22-laps of the race and finished second. Scott Bloomquist came home in third. Completing the top five were Chris Madden and Jimmy Owens.

O’Neal was in control of the event in the early going, before Page tracked him down in lapped traffic. On the restart after the final caution of the race on lap 46, Page saw O’Neal pull alongside him and threaten to retake the lead, but Page held off every challenge that O’Neal had for him to take the win.

“I figured if I was ever going to win it, tonight was it. It has been an up-and-down season and I am about wore out. I do what I can with a little team here,” said the emotional winner, who was surrounded in Lucas Oil Victory Lane with dozens of well-wishers. “When these Lucas Oil guys come here, you have to do something and tonight we did it.”

“I really didn’t want to move up on that last restart. I wasn’t worried about the right rear like I was the right front here. I just wasn’t pushing it too early. I was hoping he [O’Neal] would burn his stuff up and I think it worked out. I had a very good car here tonight. I want to thank Troy Baird and Stinger Race Cars. I am the only one here with one. It is a good race car. Thanks to all my help, my team, my mom and dad. Thanks to all of the fans here tonight and to those that believed in me, this one’s for you.”

The winners Andy Durham-powered, Stinger Race Cars Chassis is sponsored by Baird Truck and Trailer, Elite Concrete, T&T Trucking, Baird Towing, Mac Trailer, National Transportation, and Schaeffer’s Racing Oil.

O’Neal’s Peak Antifreeze and Coolant, Club 29 for Clint Bowyer was seeking his first Dixie Shootout win in 14 years. “I thought I had a shot to get back around him on that last restart. He did what he had to do he moved up there and blocked me. We were just two free getting into the turns. It was good run for us and hats off to him [Page] for the win.

Bloomquist moved to second in championship points with his podium finish. “It was a great points night for us. Hopefully we can get the lead at Rome and extend it out over these last three races. The car was good all night. I thought I could get by Don [O’Neal]. He was running the same line I was wanting to run. It killed our momentum there at the end. I want to thank Mike Reece, he was out here tonight and all my other great sponsors, we look forward to heading to Rome tomorrow night.

Completing the top ten were Shane Clanton, Devin Gilpin, Casey Roberts, Steve Francis, and Dale McDowell.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Race Summary
Saturday, September 30th, 2017
Lucas Oil Dixie Shootout
Dixie Speedway – Woodstock, GA

Miller Welders Fast Time Group A: Don O’Neal / 14.113 seconds
Miller Welders Fast Time Group B: Chris Madden / 14.385 seconds

Eibach Springs Heat Race #1 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): Don O’Neal, Scott Bloomquist, Jimmy Owens, Shane Clanton, Chris Ferguson, Jason Croft, Dennis Erb, Jr., Josh Richards, Hudson O’Neal, Eric Granger, Kayne Hickman

FK Rod Ends Heat Race #2 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): Devin Gilpin, Earl Pearson, Jr., Dale McDowell, Donald McIntosh, Steve Francis, Tim McCreadie, Gary McPherson, Ray Cook, Will Roland, Justin Shipley

Simpson Performance Products Heat Race #3 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): Chris Madden, Darrell Lanigan, Casey Roberts, Tyler Millwood, Gregg Satterlee, Mike McConnell, Shane Tankersley, Ryan Crane, Matt Bishop, Aaron Ridley

QA1 Heat Race #4 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): Michael Page, TJ Reaid, Ross Bailes, Tyler Bruening, David Payne, Austin Tyler Smith, Boom Briggs, Steven Roberts, Blake Spencer, Granger Howell

Penske Racing Shocks B-Main #1 Finish (12 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): Chris Ferguson, Tim McCreadie, Steve Francis, Jason Croft, Dennis Erb, Jr., Will Roland, Gary McPherson, Josh Richards, Eric Granger, Ray Cook, Justin Shipley, Hudson O’Neal, Kayne Hickman

Fast Shafts B-Main #2 Finish (12 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): David Payne, Boom Briggs, Mike McConnell, Austin Tyler Smith, Shane Tankersley, Blake Spencer, Granger Howell, Steven Roberts, Matt Bishop, Ryan Crane, Gregg Satterlee, Aaron Ridley

Feature Finish (60 Laps):

Race Statistics
Entrants: 41
Lap Leaders: Don O’Neal (Laps 1 – 22); Michael Page (Laps 23 – 60)
Cautions: TJ Reaid (Lap 2); Earl Pearson Jr. (Lap 3); Gregg Satterlee (Lap 46)
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: Josh Richards, Dennis Erb Jr.
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Emergency Provisionals: Hudson O’Neal, Gregg Satterlee
Wrisco Feature Winner: Michael Page
Optima Batteries Hard Charger of the Race: Steve Francis (Started: 21st; Finished: 9th; Advanced 12 Positions)
Midwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Josh Richards
Allstar Performance Power Move of the Race: Donald McIntosh
Sunoco Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Don O’Neal
Hot Rod Processing Rookie of the Race: Hudson O’Neal
COMP Cams Engine Builder of the Race: Durham Racing Engines
Ohlins Shocks Chassis Builder of the Race: Sweet-Bloomquist Race Cars
Outerwears Crew Chief of the Race: Brian Leonberg (Don O’Neal)
Fastest Lap of the Race: Don O’Neal (Lap #1 – 15.5507 seconds)
Safecraft Most Laps Led: Michael Page (38 Laps)
PFC Brakes Pole Award: Don O’Neal
Time of Race: 25 minutes 49 seconds

Lucas Oil Championship Point Standings:

BATAVIA, OH (September 20, 2017) – The highly-anticipated kickoff to the 2018 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series season begins with a nine-race stretch in February. Marking some of the most important dates on the motorsports calendar, fans will enjoy an action-packed schedule of nine events in ten days, at three different venues in Georgia and Florida.

The 2018 LOLMDS campaign will begin February 1st-3rd at Golden Isles Speedway with the annual Super Bowl of Racing. The 4/10-mile oval will host an Open Practice for all drivers on Thursday, February 1st – followed by two thrilling nights of racing. Each night, a complete program will be highlighted by $10,000-to-win main event on Friday night and a $12,000-to-win finale on Saturday night.

To purchase tickets or find more information, call the track office at: (912) 386-0061 or visit: www.gisdirt.com.

The tour then heads to the Sunshine State for the 42nd Annual Wrisco Industries East Bay Winternationals. The LOLMDS will invade the 1/3-mile bullring on Sunday, February 4th for an Open Practice – followed by six straight nights of racing action. From February 5th through February 10th the nation’s top dirt late model drivers will battle in pursuit of nearly $200,000 in prize money. Each day will feature a full program that includes: Hot Laps, Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, Strawberry Dash, and the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series main event.

Advanced ticket sales for the 42nd Annual Wrisco Industries East Bay Winternationals will begin on Monday, October 2nd. To purchase tickets or find more information, visit: www.ebrp.co.

The LOLMDS Speedweeks slate wraps up at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala, FL on Sunday, February 11th. The Lucas Oil Winter Nationals will include a complete program of: Hot Laps, Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, and a 50-lap, $10,000-to-win main event.

For additional information, visit: www.bubbaracewaypark.com.

2018 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Speedweeks Schedule:

—Lucas Oil Late Models Press Release

KNOXVILLE, IA (September 15, 2017) Defending Lucas Oil Knoxville Late Model Nationals winner Mike Marlar, came from the seventh starting spot to win Friday night’s 25-lap preliminary feature event. Marlar took the lead on lap 20 from Tim McCreadie and then held off the field for the win. Marlar’s Ronnie Delk-owned Rocket Chassis became the second driver in the 13-year history of the event to score a perfect night in points.

McCreadie came home in second, with the previous night’s winner, Josh Richards taking third. Brandon Sheppard was fourth, with Chris Simpson completing the top five drivers.

McCreadie’s Sweeteners Plus, Longhorn would grab the lead at the start of the main event. He led one lap before Sheppard took control of the race on the second circuit. Sheppard held a healthy lead over McCreadie for most of the first half of the race, but McCreadie slowly reeled Sheppard in, passing him for the lead on the 18th lap.

A caution then bunched the field up as McCreadie led another lap after the restart and then Marlar got around him for the top spot. Marlar led the rest of the way to take his second Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series win of the season.

Marlar commented on his win in Lucas Oil Victory Lane: “When I got to third, I thought man this is an awesome race. Thanks to the fans for coming out tonight, they saw a good show. Ronnie Delk does not have any bad equipment. I wouldn’t call it a back-up car, it’s just the car were using tonight.”

Marlar will sit on the pole for the $40,000 to win finale on Saturday Night and was extremely pleased with his car and team. “We had a really good racecar tonight. My crew is just awesome. They got this car ready to go tonight. I have a lot of hometown people up here helping me this weekend and I appreciate every one of them.”

McCreadie had failed to make the feature on Thursday Night, yet rebounded to a runner-up finish. “We were good down on the bottom. We didn’t need that caution. You have to slow down so much entering the corner that someone on the outside has the momentum on you. I thought it was going to be Brandon [Sheppard] but it was Marlar and those guys that know what they are doing. We are going to work on our car and hopefully get better for tomorrow night.”

Richards came from the eighth starting position tonight to place third. “The track was a lot slicker tonight. We left the car alone after we tried some stuff early on. Mike did a great job. He has really fast car and we are going to have to get better to beat him tomorrow night.”

Marlar’s car is powered by a Cornett Racing Engines and is sponsored by Delk Equipment Sales, RS Trading Company, Sunoco Race Fuels, Integra, Modern Images, and GW Performance.

Completing the top ten were Jimmy Mars, Chase Junghans, Bobby Pierce, Darrell Lanigan, and Gregg Satterlee.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Race Summary
Friday, September 15th, 2017
Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals
Knoxville Raceway – Knoxville, IA

Miller Welders Fast Time Group A: Mike Marlar / 17.511 seconds
Miller Welders Fast Time Group B: Jonathan Davenport / 17.612 seconds

Eibach Springs Heat Race #1 Finish (12 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): Mike Marlar, Rodney Sanders, Jared Landers, Dave Eckrich, Jordan Yaggy, Joey Moriarty, Spencer Diercks, Dennis Erb, Jr., Jonathan Brauns

FK Rod Ends Heat Race #2 Finish (12 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): Hudson O’Neal, Jason Feger, Gregg Satterlee, Jimmy Owens, Dale McDowell, Kyle Bronson, Matt Furman, Jay Johnson, Colton Flinner-DNS

Simpson Performance Products Heat Race #3 Finish (12 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): Brandon Sheppard, Jimmy Mars, Tyler Bruening, Shannon Babb, Chad Simpson, Jake O’Neil, Randy Timms, Bob King

QA1 Heat Race #4 Finish (12 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): Chase Junghans, Tim McCreadie, Bobby Pierce, Steve Francis, Jonathan Davenport, Ryan Gustin, Timothy Culp, Scott Bloomquist, Mike Fryer

DirtOnDirt.com Heat Race #5 Finish (12 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): Josh Richards, Chris Simpson, Boom Briggs, Billy Moyer, Brent Larson, Tyler Erb, Brian Shirley, Justin Duty

ASi Racewear Heat Race #6 Finish (12 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): Darrell Lanigan, Kent Robinson, Jesse Stovall, Don O’Neal, Earl Pearson, Jr., Billy Moyer, Jr., Jeremiah Hurst, Tim Lance

Penske Racing Shocks C-Main Finish (12 Laps, Top 4 Transfer to Back of B-Main): Dennis Erb, Jr., Scott Bloomquist, Spencer Diercks, Timothy Culp, Matt Furman, Randy Timms, Jeremiah Hurst, Mike Fryer, Justin Duty, Tim Lance-DNS, Brian Shirley-DNS, Jay Johnson-DNS, Bob King-DNS, Jonathan Brauns-DNS, Colton Flinner-DNS

Fast Shafts B-Main Finish (15 Laps, Top 6 Transfer to Back of A-Main): Don O’Neal, Jimmy Owens, Earl Pearson, Jr., Dale McDowell, Chad Simpson, Tyler Erb, Kyle Bronson, Dennis Erb, Jr., Shannon Babb, Steve Francis, Brent Larson, Ryan Gustin, Billy Moyer, Jr., Jordan Yaggy, Joey Moriarty, Dave Eckrich, Scott Bloomquist, Billy Moyer, Spencer Diercks, Timothy Culp, Jake O’Neil, Jonathan Davenport

Feature Finish (25 Laps):

Race Statistics  

Entrants: 53

Lap Leaders: Tim McCreadie (Lap 1); Brandon Sheppard (Laps 2 – 17); Tim McCreadie (Laps 18 – 19); Mike Marlar (Laps 20 – 25)

Cautions: Earl Pearson Jr., Don O’Neal (Lap 1); Boom Briggs (Lap 14); Jared Landers (Lap 18)

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Provisionals: n/a
Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Emergency Provisionals: n/a
Wrisco Feature Winner: Mike Marlar
Optima Batteries Hard Charger of the Race: Dale McDowell (Started: 22nd; Finished: 11th; Advanced 11 Positions)
Midwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Josh Richards
Allstar Performance Power Move of the Race: Dale McDowell
Sunoco Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Mike Marlar

Hot Rod Processing Rookie of the Race: Gregg Satterlee
COMP Cams Engine Builder of the Race: Cornett Racing Engines

Ohlins Shocks Chassis Builder of the Race: Rocket Chassis

Outerwears Crew Chief of the Race: Josh Davis (Mike Marlar)
Fastest Lap of the Race: Tim McCreadie (Lap #1 – 19.605 seconds)
Safecraft Most Laps Led: Brandon Sheppard (15 Laps)
PFC Brakes Pole Award: Brandon Sheppard

Time of Race: 19 minutes 45 seconds

SATURDAY Penske Racing Shocks C-Main Line Up (15 Laps, Top 4 Transfer to Back of B-Main):

SATURDAY Fast Shafts B-Main Line Up (20 Laps, Top 6 Transfer to Back of A-Main):

SATURDAY Feature Line Up (100 Laps):

Lucas Oil Late Model Knoxville Nationals Point Standings: