LAS VEGAS — An international field of over 130 race teams will descend on the entertainment capital of the world when the BITNILE.com Open Wheel Showdown Las Vegas hits the Bullring at Las Vegas Motor Speedway November 14-16. Winged Sprint Cars will compete for $50,000 to win for the second annual event, along with $5,000 to win Super Modifieds and $5,000 to win Modifieds. Tickets are on sale now at www.OpenWheelShowdown.com or fans can check out the racing live on www.SpeedSport.TV
An eye-popping 71 Winged Sprint Cars are ready to challenge defending winner Aaron Willison of British Columbia, Canada in the second annual 100-lap feature on the .375-mile paved oval. Willison has maintained his torrid pace over the open wheel world in 2024 with 12 victories. He will face off with the entire 2023 podium including Franklin, Mass.’ Bobby Santos and event promoter Davey Hamilton, Jr. Arguably the most prolific asphalt open wheel racer in North America will be paired with the 2023 track record-setting car as Kingsburg’s Kody Swanson will drive Dick Meyers’ No. 50M. Swanson claimed last year’s Midgets feature at Vegas as well.
2019 USAC Sprint Car champion C.J. Leary of Greenfield, Ind. makes a rare pavement Winged Sprint Car start in the Gossel-owned No. 6G. London, Ontario’s Ryan Litt returns as does 2023 track record holder Jason Blonde of Litchfield, Michigan. Other notable Winged Sprint Car entries include 2023 Little 500 champion Jake Trainor of Medway, Mass., three-time King of the Wing national champion Eric Humphries of Chowchilla, Calif., 2023 Pink Lady Classic winner Evan Margeson of Tacoma, Wash., and the return to racing for Rohnert Park, Calif.’s JoJo Helberg.
Indianapolis connections abound in the field with the Hamilton family, Luyendyk family, Byrd family, and Sneva family represented with entries in the Winged Sprint Cars as well.
Nearly 40 Klotz Modifieds presented by Cometic Gasket will compete in a 75-lap feature for $5,000 to win as well. California standouts Scott Winters, Ian Elliott, and Eddie Secord take on the best drivers from Nevada, the Rocky Mountains, and Idaho in the new division for Open Wheel Showdown.
2024 SPEARS Modifieds championship runner-up Kyle Jacks of Las Vegas and 2024 Bullring championship runner-up Sam Jacks are part of a bevy of local drivers looking to defend home turf with at least eight Battle Born entrants. Kyle Jacks won the 2023 season finale at Vegas with Idaho’s Shelby Stroebel and Utah’s Eric Rhead in tow. Both return for the Open Wheel Showdown. 2024 Colorado National Speedway champion Nathan Gasser will also be competing.
Super Modifieds are headlined by the returns of Kenny and Davey Hamilton in search of the $5,000 prize after 40-laps of feature racing. 12-time Super Modified champion Otto Sitterly of New York recently joined the entry list, looking to follow in the footsteps of 2023 winner of New York’s Dave Danzer in defeating the west coast’s best.
2024 SpeedTour champion Randy Anderson of Tacoma, Washington, multi-time race winner Jim Birges, and many others make up the entry list of two dozen teams.
Action kicks off Thursday with optional practice. On Friday, general admission gates open at 11am with practice for Modifieds, Winged Sprint Cars, and Supermodifieds on tap. Winged Sprint qualifying is set for 2:10pm followed by Modified qualifying at approx. 3:50pm.
Opening ceremonies are slated for 4:30pm on Friday followed by 12-lap Sprint Car and 10-lap Modified heat races. The top-two from each Sprint Car heat will advance into the pole shuffle, lined up by redraw, presented by First Line Systems. The 15-lap C-Main is also planned for Friday night.
Saturday action sees grandstands open at 11:30am with Supermodified qualifying at 1:30pm followed by opening ceremonies at 2:30pm The Modified and Sprint Car B-Features and the Main Events for all three Open Wheel Showdown divisions will follow.
For more information, visit www.openwheelshowdown.com Tickets and RV reservations are available via the Las Vegas Motor Speedway. Pit Passes will be sold at the gate and include grandstand access.
MLT Motorsports enters the 2024 Lamborghini World Finals for the fist time in team history.
Braselton, GA (November 12, 2024) – MLT Motorsports has announced that Adrian Kunzle and Kevin Madsen will co-drive the No 42 OWN Lamborghini at the 2024 Lamborghini World Finals at Jerez de la Frontera. The finals will take place November 16-17.It marks the first time the team has traveled overseas for competition.
“We’re thrilled to bring our team to the 2024Lamborghini World Finals in Jerez for the first time,” said Dr. Michael Thompson, team owner. “Competing on a global state like this is an incredible opportunity or Adrian, Kevin, and our entire team. It gives us the opportunity to showcase what we’re capable of. Racing against the best in the world at such an iconic track pushes us to new levels, and we’re excited to see how our team rises to the challenge.”
Kunzle and Madsen are coming off a strong fourth-place finish at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in round two of Lamborghini North American competition. However, Kunzle felt the need to complete the full season by adding Jerez to the schedule.
“I wanted to finish up the North American season.” Kunzle continued, “It also gives me the opportunity to learn a new track and race against drivers from around the world – and compete for more podiums of course!”
Madsen has high expectations for the team stating, “I expect the No. 42 OWN MLT Motorsports Lamborghini will be one of the strongest in class throughout the week. The challenges of this track coupled with a brand-new tire type may catch out a lot of our competitors, but we have a solid plan, and we can’t wait to execute in beautiful Andalusia.”
Preparing for a race overseas takes a lot of logistical planning for the team while the drivers rely on technology to prepare.
“I have not raced the track before,” said Kunzle. Aside from watching videos, I am spending a lot of time in my SimCraft simulator along with others on the team, learning the track, refining the setup and generally doing as much prep as possible before we get there.”
Madsen added, “I have not raced at Jerez before, but I’ve spent some time at the track over the year.” He continued, “Prior to each round, Adrian and I, as well as many other MLT team members, train on the SIM using special private-made tracks with amazing detail from Madsen Motorsports.”
As MLT Motorsports takes on the Lamborghini World Finals in Jerez, the team is poised for a breakthrough moment on the international stage. This event marks not only a milestone for the team but also a testament to their commitment to developing racing talent and competing at the highest level. With preparation and the relentless drive to excel, MLT Motorsport is ready to make its mark among the best in the world.
Be sure to follow MLT Motorsports on Instagram @mltmotorsports for race updates!
About MLT Motorsports:
Founded in 2018 by Dr. Mike Thompson, MLT Motorsports has established itself as a premier team amongst the IMSA paddock in the LMP3 category. Based near Road Atlanta, the team has easy access to some of the best road courses in the country and, importantly, Florida, where the sportscar racing world kicks off every winter at Daytona and Sebring. Constant investment and maintenance have seen the team arrive at each race weekend with top-notch race cars and state-of-the-art equipment.
Early success can be attributed to the hard work and experience the team possesses, as the first win came on their second start at Mid-Ohio in 2019. During the 2021 season, MLT finished off the podium only once on the way to a double championship win, earning the IMSA Prototype Challenge Team’s and Driver’s Championship with drivers Dakota Dickerson and Josh Sarchet. Parlaying the success of the 2021 Championship, MLT made its IMSA WeatherTech Championship debut at Mid-Ohio in May of 2022, joining the ranks of the best sportscar teams in the world.
CÁDIZ, Spain (November 12, 2024) — The Wayne Taylor Racing (WTR) Lamborghini Super Trofeo (LST) team will return for the final rounds of LST North America Championship in addition to the LST World Finals at Jerez De La Frontera in Cádiz, Spain. The World Finals weekend will mark the end of 2024 LST season for WTR’s four-car effort in the series across the PRO, PRO|AM and AM classes, as three of the four driver pairings remain in contention for their respective class titles. The format for the World Finals weekend will include the conclusion of the final two North American rounds on Thursday and Friday then switch gears to take on the global stage against all Lamborghini Super Trofeo classes worldwide on Saturday and Sunday.
Danny Formal and Ryan Norman will conclude their first season as a driver pairing for the No. 101 Lamborghini Huracán LST. The duo will look to bounce back after a challenging weekend at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway put them on the back foot in the PRO championship. The No. 101 currently sits third in the standings, just 13 points of the lead, still with a chance at taking the PRO class title. The pair has secured a podium at each weekend over the course of the 2024 LSTNA season, allowing them to stay in the championship hunt despite bad luck in a few races. Formal will look to defend his title in Spain while Norman will be looking secure his first LST title.
In the No. 108 Huracán LST, Nate Stacy and Nick Persing sit in second in the tightly contested PRO|AM class. The driver pair has proven themselves over the course of the season, earning impressive results across a variety of tracks. The duo currently sits only six points off the championship lead heading into Jerez De La Frontera. Despite misfortune plaguing a few races, Stacy and Persing have proven their determination to win in the PRO|AM class as they seek their first LSTNA Championship.
Anthony McIntosh and Glenn McGee have been dominant in their title defense in the AM class of the LST North America Championship, building a healthy points gap between the No. 169 Global Power Components Lamborghini Huracán LST and the rest of the competition. The duo has won half of the races this season, heading into Spain with a 17-point lead in the championship. McIntosh and McGee’s strong pace and ruthless consistency have allowed the team to stand above the competition.
Graham Doyle and Ashton Harrison will return to pilot the No. 110 DEX Imaging Huracán LST. While no longer in the championship hunt, both drivers will look to finish the season on a high, as their pace has consistently improved over the second half of the season. Both drivers have shown blistering pace in the AM class, even grabbing a podium at Watkins Glen International. Although the championship title isn’t in play for Harrison and Doyle, the pairing still sit within the top ten championship positions in a competitive AM class. The Wayne Taylor Racing LST Team will start on track action at Jerez De La Frontera in Spain on Wednesday, November 13 with practice and qualifying for the final LST North America doubleheader. Rounds 11 and 12 of the LST North America Championship begins with the first race set for 12:25 p.m. Central European Time (6:25 a.m. ET) on Thursday, November 14, and the final North American round at 1:40 p.m. CET (7:40 a.m. ET) on Friday, November 15.
For the World Finals rounds, the format for the two rounds will shift into being split amongst classes with the AM and LB Cup classes competing together and the PRO and PRO|AM classes on track simultaneously. Saturday, November 16, will serve host to both qualifying sessions for the World Finals races followed by World Finals Race 1 for AM and LB Cup at 1:55 p.m. CET (7:55 a.m. ET) and the PRO and PRO|AM race at 4:15 p.m. CET (10:15 a.m. ET). The conclusion of the LST World Finals weekend will see the AM and LB Cup final race go green at 11:50 a.m. CET (5:50 a.m. ET) with the final PRO and PRO|AM race set for 2:40 p.m. CET (8:40 a.m. ET) on Sunday, November 17. All racing action from Jerez De La Frontera will be streamed on the Lamborghini Squadra Corse YouTube channel.
Ryan Norman No. 1 WTR LST (PRO): “It’s been a long wait after Indianapolis and I’m very excited to get back with the team for the final two rounds in the North America championship and then the World Finals races. Frankly, we didn’t get the results we wanted in Indianapolis, and I know myself, Danny and everyone on the team have checked all the boxes and preparations we need to bounce back and finish the season on the highest note that we can. We will show up to every race at Jerez going for the win and leaving nothing left on the table. I have never been to Jerez before, and it seems like a really fun place to drive and I always love learning new tracks and visiting new cities… especially in Europe!”
Danny Formal, No. 1 WTR LST(PRO): “I’m super excited to get to Jerez, I have never been there, and it looks like an incredible track from watching some on boards. Last rounds of the U.S. Championship and the championship is still in contention. It’ll be difficult to do, but we never give up and will try to go get some pole positions and wins. We’ll do everything in our part that we can to try to earn WTR its third consecutive championship. We’re ready for the World Finals. It’s going to be a tough, tough race – over 50 entries in the PRO and PRO|AM field. Hopefully we can do a good job and bring home some hardware!”
Nate Stacy, No. 8 WTR LST (PRO|AM): “Wow, it’s almost World Finals time and it’s a privilege to be going with Wayne Taylor Racing and represent the U.S. at World Finals. It’s sad the end of the season is already upon us, but exciting because we are going international. I hope Nick and I can get our hands back on the PRO|AM North America title and we can fight for wins or podiums when it’s time to race against Europe and Asia.”
Nick Persing, No. 8 WTR LST (PRO|AM): “Going into this weekend we are sitting second in the PRO|AM championship and not far behind first, so I have been doing as much as I can to get ready for this race off track to try and win. For the World Finals race, I hope we can improve upon our success from last year and take home a podium, or even a win, in PRO|AM. Racing for my country and for a team like WTR has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, so I just hope I can bring some hardware home for Sentinel Resource Group and WTR.”
Glenn McGee, No. 69 Global Power Components LST (AM): “We’ll be going into battle in Spain as the defending World Champions. The global field of drivers are looking insanely strong for 2024, but I feel very confident in my teammate Tony McIntosh, and having the might of WTR behind us. It’ll be a challenge for anyone to win, but we are really well placed as a team to defend our title.”
Graham Doyle, No. 10 DEX Imaging LST (AM): “I’m looking forward to one of my favorite parts of the year, World Finals. To say I’m excited is an understatement. I can’t wait to get to Spain to experience what a new track has to offer and be able to be up against all the other Lamborghini Super Trofeo entries. After our final rounds in Indy, Ashton and I both feel as though we are ready to take on this challenge and hopefully fight to be on the podium to finish out the season.”
Ashton Harrison, No. 10 DEX Imaging LST (AM): “World Finals is such a unique experience, my favorite of the LST season! I am excited to get back to World Finals with my WTR family. Jerez was my first World Finals race with LST in 2019 and I won the LB Cup class Worlds event – my first ever win in LST. This place is very special to me for that reason, but it is also such a fun and fast track. I know WTR will give us a fast car and I can’t wait to see how Graham and I do with the AM class along with our other teammates.”
ABOUT WAYNE TAYLOR RACING DRIVER DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM Based in Indianapolis, Indiana, Wayne Taylor Racing is a leader in sportscar racing, recognized worldwide for fielding championship winning racing efforts since 2007. Wayne Taylor Racing has run a stable of championship winning cars and drivers in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America series for over half a decade, forming the basis of its Driver Development Program. Since its inception in 2015, the team has clinched eight North American PRO Driver, Team and Dealer Championship titles, fielded the first woman World Finals race winner and became the overall 2017 Champions at the World Finals in Imola, Italy. In addition to its Lamborghini Super Trofeo stable, Wayne Taylor Racing fields a two-car GTP program with its championship winning No. 10 Cadillac V-Series.R and No. 40 Cadillac V-Series.R as well as a GTD program with the No. 45 DEX Imaging Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2.
For more information on Wayne Taylor Racing’s Driver Development Program and how to get involved, contact Travis Houge at info@waynetaylorracing.com.
Toyota City, Japan, Nov 12, 2024 – (JCN Newswire) – HySE (Hydrogen Small mobility & Engine technology Association) will participate in the “Mission 1000 ACT2(1)” of Dakar 2025 (Dakar Rally(2)), which will be held in Saudi Arabia from 3rd to 17th January 2025, with the HySE-X2. “Mission 1000” is the category newly added to Dakar 2024, which is well-known as “Dakar Rally” for the world’s toughest motorsport, inviting vehicles using powertrains of next generation for the carbon neutrality.
HySE participated in it this year with hydrogen engine-equipped HySE-X1 to identify potential issues with small mobility that are yet unknown. HySE-X1 kept running through the final day and came in 4th position in the category.
This time, which will be our second entry, HySE will be launching the HySE-X2 which has the engine and the chassis that are progressed from those of HySE-X1, in order to tackle new technical challenges like increasing output at the high revolution range, improving fuel consumption at the middle range and increasing capacity of the hydrogen tank. HySE will continuously work to build a global and cross-industry network for the realization of compact hydrogen mobility, by promoting HySE’s presence and initiatives through the participation in the world-renowned Dakar Rally.
HySE is also going to participate in “European Hydrogen Week(3)” which will be held at Brussels, Belgium between 18th and 22nd November and display the HySE-X2 at the booth, “Automobile Club de l’Ouest” located in HALL7, M20.
(1) Mission 1000 www.dakar.com/en/dakar-world/therace/dakar-future/mission-1000 (2) Dakar Rally is a rally raid event that has been held every year since 1978, covering various terrains like deserts, muddy fields and mountains. (3) EUROPEAN HYDROGEN WEEK is the largest annual event of Europe specialized to hydrogen, organized by the European Commission, Hydrogen Europe and the Clean Hydrogen Partnership.
Comment from Daichi Kai, Team Manager of HySE Dakar 2025
“We have decided to participate in the Dakar Rally with HySE-X2 which has the engine and the chassis that are progressed from those of HySE-X1. We would like to contribute to the establishment of technologies for the small hydrogen mobility engine, by verifying the effects of the countermeasures for technical issues found with HySE-X1 this year and by challenging more severe performance area of the engine. The details of our activities will be shown through Instagram and we would appreciate your support.”
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Next chapter begins at Daytona test days Expanded Cadillac Racing GTP program kicks off 2025 prep with new, familiar faces
DETROIT (Nov. 12, 2024) – Five weeks after securing the pole and victory to close out the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season, Cadillac Racing begins a new chapter where 2024 Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) competition started.
Cadillac Racing returns this week to Daytona International Speedway with an expanded three-car lineup for IMSA-sanctioned test days that will introduce seven drivers to the racecar powered by the purpose-built 5.5-liter V8 engine and lay groundwork for the 2025 season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona.
Scheduled to participate Friday and Saturday on the 3.56-mile, 12-turn road course:
Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing
No. 10 – Ricky Taylor, Filip Albuquerque, Will Stevens No. 40 – Jordan Taylor, Louis Deletraz, Alex Lynn
Cadillac Whelen
No. 31 – Jack Aitken, Earl Bamber, Frederik Vesti
Brendon Hartley and Kamui Kobayashi, who will drive in the 63rd twice-around-the-clock race in January, are not available to join their teammates this week.
Wayne Taylor Racing returns under the GM umbrella with the goal of renewing the successful pairing that includes an unprecedented five-race IMSA winning streak in 2017 to start Cadillac Racing’s prototype era.
“It’s fantastic to return to driving for GM/Cadillac,” Albuquerque said. “Since I started racing in America in overall class, it was with the Chevy DP in 2016, then I did another four years with Cadillac DPi and now to be back is amazing.
“In the first two seasons of GTP class, I had many fights with Cadillac and saw how consistently strong they were. I just can’t wait to drive the car for the first time and feel what the car can do.”
Added Deletraz: “I can’t wait to start working together. I look forward to understanding how they work and make such fast cars. Since I joined IMSA, Cadillac Racing has always been extremely competitive and hard to beat. I can’t wait to drive the car for the first time and see what made Cadillac so strong.”
Bamber and Lynn, who last drove for Cadillac Racing full time in IMSA in 2022, bring insights of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) Cadillac Racing Hypercar to the respective championship-winning teams.
“I’m looking forward to getting down to Daytona and starting the work to start the new year off on the right foot,” Bamber said.
The 2024 season started well for Cadillac Racing as Bamber’s new team, fielded by Action Express Racing, earned the pole with a track-record lap time and finished a close second in the race. The team concluded the nine-race campaign with a track-record, pole-winning lap and fifth-place finish in the Motul Petit Le Mans. Overall, the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R scored four of Cadillac Racing’s GTP class-high six poles.
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Points leader Justin Ashley leads the way, but eight Top Fuel standouts remain alive for thrilling finish at 2024 finale
POMONA, Calif. (Nov. 11, 2024) – With a thrilling finish all but guaranteed in Top Fuel heading into this weekend’s 59th annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals at legendary In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip, it’s Justin Ashley who takes the points lead into the final race of the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season.
But it’s an epic showdown that could go down to the final run of the season for the second straight year, as an incredible eight drivers are still in contention heading to the hallowed grounds of Pomona.
It all comes down to Pomona and the scenarios are nearly endless for a road to the championship in the loaded category. It’s Ashley who leads the way in his 11,000-horseppower Scag Power Equipment/Toyota dragster, as the young standout looks to win his first Top Fuel championship.
Ashley, though, knows it won’t be easy and he’ll need a near-flawless weekend, with Antron Brown only 44 points back and Shawn Langdon just 45 points behind. With Pomona a points-and-a-half race (30 points per round), there’s a host of other stars still in contention, including Steve Torrence and Doug Kalitta, who are both 85 points back, Clay Millican (-93), Vegas winner Brittany Force (-118) and Tony Schumacher (-127).
“Coming into Pomona in this position, it’s exciting and we’re looking forward to it,” said Ashley, who has four wins in 2024. “We have a team that has a lot of championship experience and we’re going to lean on that this weekend. We’re grateful and excited about the opportunity, but we’re definitely going to try to have a near-perfect weekend and hopefully win a championship. As a team, we’re focused on the present. There’s a lot more on the line, but we have to go in with the same mindset we’ve had all year long. It is meaningful to be in this situation and this is why we do what we do, to be in these situations.”
The 2023 In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals saw Doug Kalitta (Top Fuel), Chad Green (Funny Car), Aaron Stanfield (Pro Stock), and Gaige Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) take home event wins, while Kalitta (Top Fuel), Matt Hagan (Funny Car), Erica Enders (Pro Stock) and Herrera (Pro Stock Motorcycle) clinched world titles. The year’s race will again be broadcast on FS1 to close the season in style, including eliminations at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday, Nov. 17.
Brown, looking for his fifth win of the year, started the Countdown to the Championship red-hot, winning the first two races, but he’s struggled since then, falling in the second round at the most recent race in Las Vegas. But a big weekend in Pomona could mean a fourth world championship for Brown in his 11,000-horsepower Matco Tools/Toyota dragster and his first since the 2016 campaign.
“We have to come in there with our best foot forward. There’s so many cars running so well right now,” Brown said. “We have to get our stuff right. We had a good hot-weather setup to open the Countdown and you’re going to have to run 3.60s to get the job done in Pomona on a consistent basis.
“We feel a lot better heading into Pomona after testing and we’re excited to get there. Everybody knows the stakes are high. You’ve got to put the work in to make it happen and we’re going there to try and win. A (fourth) championship would be huge for all of us on this team, but it’s going to be a tough road. We’ve got this last shot and we’re going to go in there and be aggressive.”
Langdon had his own share of adversity in Vegas, crossing the center line and hitting a timing cone in the semifinals against Kalitta. It was a heartbreaking finish to the weekend and the team has been hard at work in recent days to put the car back together, putting a new front and back half on Langdon’s 11,000-horsepower Kalitta Air Careers/Toyota dragster.
Langdon praised the efforts of his Kalitta Motorsports team to get the car ready for Pomona and the former world champion, who has two victories this year, looks to end his year on a high note.
“You don’t want to overplay it and you get all this nervousness, but you always want everyone to embrace it and embrace this situation,” Langdon said. “We’re going to enjoy it. This is what we’ve worked for and you just have to trust the process. The car started off really well at the beginning of the year and the whole year we’ve felt like we’ve had a competitive car. We’ve always had a car that has qualified well and we’re looking to put it all together this weekend in Pomona.
“Las Vegas was a hard pill to swallow and it was tough, but the guys did a great job getting everything back together and we’re focused on what’s in front of us.”
The Funny Car championship is all but decided, as class newcomer Austin Prock takes a 188-point lead into Pomona. He’ll clinch his first career world title – and the 21st Funny Car title for John Force Racing – when he attempts his first qualifying pass. He’s also after a ninth Funny Car win, though the likes of Hagan, Ron Capps, Jack Beckman and Bob Tasca III will try to close out 2024 with a victory.
Pro Stock is down to a three-car race, with Aaron Stanfield jumping into the lead with his Las Vegas win. He leads Dallas Glenn by 32 points as both drivers are seeking their first championship. Veteran Greg Anderson is only 58 points back, while the likes of Erica Enders and Jeg Coughlin Jr. look to finish the year with a Pomona win.
The Pro Stock Motorcycle division has once again dominated by Herrera, the defending world champion. He heads to Pomona with 10 wins this year and a 123-point advantage over six-time world champion Matt Smith. With a strong qualifying effort, Herrera can claim his second straight world title before eliminations.
Along with racing in the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, fans can also see the Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series in Pomona, while the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department will hold a special racing exhibition.
Fans are invited to the Nitro Alley Stage in the pits all weekend long, where they can take part in Nitro School, meet and greets, influencer interviews and much more. Pomona race fans can enjoy the special pre-race ceremonies that celebrate each of the drivers racing for the prestigious Wally on Sunday and includes the SealMaster Track Walk. The final can’t-miss experience of any NHRA event is the winner’s circle celebration on Sunday, where fans are invited to congratulate the world champions and event winners.
As always, fans get a pit pass to the most powerful and sensory-filled motorsports attraction on the planet. They can see their favorite teams in action and servicing their hot rods between rounds, get autographs from their favorite NHRA drivers and more. They can also visit NHRA’s Manufacturers Midway, where sponsors and race vendors create an exciting atmosphere that includes displays, merchandise, food, and fun.
The NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series will feature two qualifying rounds at 1 and 3:30 p.m. PT on Friday, Nov. 15, and the final two rounds of qualifying on Saturday, Nov. 16 at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Final eliminations are scheduled for 11 a.m. PT on Sunday, Nov. 17. Television coverage includes qualifying action on FS1 at 10 a.m. ET on Sunday and then live eliminations on FS1 at 4 p.m. ET on Sunday.
To purchase tickets to the 59th annual In-N-Out Burger NHRA Finals, fans can visit www.NHRA.com/tickets. All children 12 and under will be admitted free in the general admission area with a paid adult.
Pro Stock Motorcycle 1. Gaige Herrera, 2,658 2. Matt Smith, 2,535 3. Richard Gadson, 2,427 4. Hector Arana Jr, 2,424 5. Chase Van Sant, 2,375 6. Angie Smith, 2,361 7. John Hall, 2,291 8. Jianna Evaristo, 2,282 9. Steve Johnson, 2,214 10. Chris Bostick, 2,160
About Mission Foods
MISSION®, owned by GRUMA, S.A.B. de C.V., is the world’s leading brand for tortillas and wraps. MISSION® is also globally renowned for flatbreads, dips, salsas and Mexican food products. With presence in over 112 countries, MISSION® products are suited to the lifestyles and the local tastes of each country. With innovation and customer needs in mind, MISSION® focuses on the highest quality, authentic flavors, and providing healthy options that families and friends can enjoy together. For more information, please visit https://www.missionfoods.com/
About NHRA
NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X, Pingel Top Fuel Motorcycle and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 110 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
PRESCOTT, Ark. (Nov. 11, 2024) – NHRA is pleased to announce the addition of Prescott Raceway to the network of NHRA Member Tracks, within the NHRA’s South Central Division (Division 4).
Located just outside of Prescott, Ark., Prescott Raceway has been a standout venue for grassroots drag racing since it opened in 1977. The facility has displayed a strong commitment to local racing and high-quality events, aligning with NHRA’s mission for safe and exciting drag racing across the country.
“This is a milestone moment for Prescott Raceway,” said Prescott Raceway owner Jackie Lewis, who purchased the facility in 2010. “Becoming an NHRA Member Track allows us to offer more to our racers and fans, while also elevating our events to new heights. We are excited to collaborate with the NHRA and continue building a strong future for drag racing in Arkansas.”
As one of the over 100 NHRA Member Tracks, Prescott Raceway will be eligible to offer racers in the area a variety of NHRA racing opportunities in the future, including the NHRA Summit Racing Series, the NHRA Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League, NHRA Street Legal, NHRA Jr. Street and more. Additionally, the track will have the chance to host NHRA specialty events like the NHRA Summit King of the Track and more.
Prescott Raceway will host a range of NHRA events starting in the upcoming 2025 season, with schedules to be announced soon. NHRA’s expansion in the region also affirms its commitment to providing opportunities for racers and fans in the local area.
“We are thrilled to welcome Prescott Raceway to the NHRA family,” said Jonathan Johnson, NHRA Division 4 Director. “The track’s passion for motorsports and dedication to its racers perfectly complements our mission to grow the sport at the grassroots level. We look forward to seeing Prescott Raceway thrive as part of the NHRA network and deliver exceptional events for the racing community.”
For more information about Prescott Raceway and upcoming NHRA events, visit www.prescottraceway.net. For more information on NHRA, visit www.NHRA.com.
About NHRA
NHRA is the primary sanctioning body for the sport of drag racing in the United States. NHRA presents 20 national events featuring the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series and NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series, as well as the Congruity NHRA Pro Mod Drag Racing Series presented by LearnEV+, NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown™, NHRA Holley EFI Factory X and Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage NHRA Mountain Motor Pro Stock at select national events. NHRA provides competition opportunities for drivers of all levels in the NHRA Summit Racing Series and NHRA Street Legal™. NHRA also offers the NHRA Jr. Street® program for teens and the Summit Racing Jr. Drag Racing League® for youth ages 5 to 17. With 110 Member Tracks, NHRA allows racers to compete at a variety of locations nationally and internationally. NHRA’s Youth and Education Services® (YES) Program reaches over 30,000 students annually to ignite their interest in automotive and racing related careers. NHRA’s streaming service, NHRA.tv®, allows fans to view all NHRA national events as well as exclusive features of the sport. In addition, NHRA owns and operates three racing facilities: Gainesville Raceway in Florida; Lucas Oil Indianapolis Raceway Park; and In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Southern California. For more information, log on to www.NHRA.com, or visit the official NHRA pages on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
JEREZ, Spain. (November 11, 2024) – After five doubleheader race weekends across North America since April, Flying Lizard Motorsports’ Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America program has arrived in Jerez, Spain, to conclude the 2024 race season at the Lamborghini World Finals. Three of the team’s four entries will compete in four races this weekend: two to finish their North American championships and two to challenge their European and Asian series counterparts for the coveted title of World Finals Champion.
“The World Finals events for the Lamborghini Super Trofeo Series are always great race weekends,” said Program Manager Darren Law. “We love coming to Europe to not only race against the top Lamborghini teams from around the world, but it is also great for our drivers and crew to experience some of these iconic tracks in Europe. Jerez is new for most of the US teams, so we will have to get up to speed quickly. We have done our research, our drivers have been training on the sim, and we are looking forward to some great racing and a great experience in Spain.”
The Circuito de Jerez-Ángel Nieto, nestled in the scenic Spanish countryside about 292 miles southwest of Madrid, will host the final rounds of the 2024 Lamborghini Super Trofeo championships. This 2.751-mile permanent road course features 15 flowing corners and nearly 98 feet of elevation change, providing a challenging yet balanced playing field for the competitors—many of whom are racing on this circuit for the first time.
Slade Stewart and Andy Lee enter the weekend fourth in the Pro-Am championship standings with 70 points. With one win and seven top-five finishes, they’re aiming to close the 28-point gap to the championship leaders as they compete in Pro-Am lass in their No. 14 Lamborghini, affectionately known as “Sparklefarts,” the pink unicorn car that’s become a fan favorite. The duo celebrated a victory and additional podium at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, as well as a podium finish at the iconic Sebring International Raceway.
Returning in the No. 141 car, Paul Nemschoff and Marc Miller are ready to compete after sitting out the Indianapolis Motor Speedway doubleheader. Despite a chaotic season with high car counts, the pair secured a top-five finish in the Pro-Am class at Watkins Glen International and are determined to earn their first podium or victory of 2024.
This weekend will also mark the close of Sam Shi’s first season in professional sports car racing. Competing in the Am class, Shi has shown impressive pace and steadily refined his racecraft in the No. 194, achieving pole position at Sebring International Raceway, one podium at Watkins Glen International, and four additional top-five finishes at premier North American tracks.
Absent this weekend is the No. 54 entry of Tim Pappas and Jeroen Bleekemolen, due to schedule conflicts for Pappas.
The Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America competitors will have two remaining 50-minute races on Thursday and Friday, November 14 and 15, to determine the North American champions in each class. The slate then resets on Saturday, when North America’s top drivers will go head-to-head with their counterparts from Europe and Asia in two final 50-minute races to determine the World Finals champions. All races will be streamed live on imsa.com/tvlive or the Lamborghini Squadra Corse YouTube page.
Event Schedule
Wednesday, November 13
9:25 AM – 10:10 AM CET [3:25 AM – 4:10 AM EST] Practice 1
1:05 PM – 1:50 PM [7:05 AM – 7:50 AM EST] CET Practice 2
3:55 PM – 4:15 PM CET [9:55 AM – 10:15 AM EST] Qualifying 1
4:25 PM – 4:45 PM CET [10:25 AM – 10:45 AM EST] Qualifying 2
Thursday, November 14
12:25 PM – 1:15 PM CET [6:25 AM – 7:15 AM EST] North America Race 1
Friday, November 15
1:40 PM – 2:30 PM CET [7:40 AM – 6:30 AM EST] North America Race 2
Saturday, November 16
8:50 AM – 9:05 AM CET [2:50 AM – 3:05 AM EST] Warm Up – Am
9:15 AM – 9:30 AM CET [3:15 AM – 3:30 AM EST] Warm Up – ProAm
10:35 AM – 10:55 AM CET [4:35 AM – 4:55 AM EST] Qualifying 1 – Am
11:05 AM – 11:20 AM CET [5:05 AM – 5:20 AM EST] Qualifying 2 – Am
11:35 AM – 11:55 AM CET [5:35 AM – 5:55 AM EST] Qualifying 1 – ProAm
12:05 PM – 12:25 PM CET [6:05 AM – 6:25 AM EST] Qualifying 2 – ProAm
1:55 PM – 2:45 PM CET [7:55 AM – 8:45 AM EST] World Finals Race 1 – Am
5:10 PM – 6:00 PM CET [11:10 AM – 12:00 PM EST] World Finals Race 1 – ProAm
Sunday, November 17
11:50 AM – 12:40 PM CET [5:50 AM – 6:40 AM EST] World Finals Race 2 – Am
2:40 PM – 3:30 PM CET [8:40 AM – 9:30 AM EST] World Finals Race 2 – ProAm
About Flying Lizard Motorsports
Flying Lizard Motorsports is a premier motorsport team known for its unwavering commitment to excellence and success on the racing circuit. With a rich history spanning over two decades, Flying Lizard Motorsports has earned a formidable reputation as a powerhouse in the world of motorsports, boasting 24 championship titles and a legacy of podium finishes across North America and at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. Fueled by passion, expertise, and a relentless drive for perfection, the team continues to push boundaries and set new standards of performance in every competition it enters. Through strategic partnerships and a dedicated team of professionals, Flying Lizard Motorsports remains at the forefront of motorsport innovation, delivering thrilling racing experiences and unforgettable moments for fans worldwide.
Apex Motor Club
Apex Motor Club is Arizona’s premier motorsports club located just 35 miles southwest of Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport and the only private motorsports club located within a major metropolitan area. APEX is the ultimate country club for automotive enthusiasts where car culture, racing and country club lifestyles converge. Enjoy an hour of track time in your latest acquisition, drive off track, into your privately-owned garage and join like- minded enthusiasts in the clubhouse for food, beverages, and activities.
APEX Motor Club features only the best in racing technology. The APEX phase one track is a 2.27-mile circuit with an additional 2.15-mile circuit in phase 2, beginning construction in 2023. APEX is paved using the latest techniques and premium materials, creating the smoothest and most durable racing surface, rarely found on most race tracks.
Furthermore, APEX incorporated extensive run off and installed an LED flag-lighting system to offer members a premium and safe racing atmosphere.
APEX has something for everyone from world-class racing circuits to private collection tours, as well as a clubhouse with amenities including a swimming pool, fitness center, restaurant and more. The APEX experience offers everything from the APEX Academy, which not only teaches members their new track, but provides the fundamentals in performance driving techniques, to private one-on-one coaching with industry experts and racing professionals. In addition, APEX features on-site fueling and offers concierge-level service for preparing your vehicle prior to as well as during lapping and racing sessions. The APEX off-track experience is just as valuable! APEX members enjoy special invitations to a variety of unique experiences throughout the valley and country all year long.
Lamborghini Newport Beach is the authorized sales & service franchise for Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A. serving Orange County, California.
Representing Lamborghini since 2010, Lamborghini Newport Beach is continuously one of the top US retailers year after year. With many years of combined experience, their team of professionals has all the knowledge and expertise necessary to assist you with purchasing the Lamborghini of your dreams, or properly maintaining the one in your garage. All Lamborghini Newport Beach technicians are fully factory certified, and all sales staff holds master certifications. Their newly opened state of the art facilities are now located at 44 Auto Center Drive, inside the Irvine Auto Center.
David Gravel (World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars), Brandon Sheppard (World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models) and Mat Williamson (Super DIRTcar Series) all claimed their spots as the 2024 season champions
In a thrilling finale, Tyler Courtney (World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars), Chris Madden (World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models) and Anthony Perrego (Super DIRTcar Series) each captured feature victories to close out the 2024 season
As Charlotte Motor Speedway’s event season comes to a close, fans can look forward to Speedway Christmas presented by Atrium Health open nightly from Nov. 22 – Jan. 5. Tickets, schedules, upgrades and more can be found online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com
CONCORD, NC (Nov. 9, 2024) – After four heart-pounding nights of racing, the World of Outlaws World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte concluded with thrilling intensity as David Gravel (World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars) – who locked up the championship Friday night –, Brandon Sheppard (World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models) and Mat Williamson (Super DIRTcar Series) were all officially crowned 2024 season champions in an electrifying finale.
Sheppard Herds in Late Model Championship Title
In an intense nonstop action showdown, Chris Madden dominated the field, taking the lead early and maintaining it through a caution-filled race. However, all eyes were on the points battle between leader Brandon Sheppard and runner-up Bobby Pierce for the title-earning championship.
From the start, Madden and Pierce both made bold moves with Madden pulling ahead by Lap 3. As Madden kept the lead steady, Pierce fought hard knowing he needed to finish strong to counteract Sheppards 22-point lead. As Sheppard began to fall back in the field, Pierce kept close on Madden, and after a Lap 19 caution, the point gap between the two championship contenders tightened to a mere two points. In true World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model fashion, every lap mattered as Sheppard attempted to stay inside the top ten to stay in control of the title fight.
The true deciding factor of the race came in Lap 22 as a flat tire struck Pierce’s No. 32 machine, forcing him to pit and fall to the back of the field, making Sheppard the likely champion with 28 laps left. Strategically keeping his position, Sheppard ultimately locked up the championship with a ninth-place finish.
“It’s been an up-and-down year all year long. I wouldn’t be here now without the great team I’ve got behind me,” said Sheppard. “Never ever thought that in a million years I’d be standing up here five different times so I’m super thankful for it and looking forward to getting back to work. This is definitely a good pick-me-up going into the winter.”
Marking his 39th feature win Madden ended the night at the top of the podium with Ricky Thornton Jr. in second, followed by Mike Marlar in third and Jonathan Davenport and Daulton Wilson in the top five.
Season-Capping Performance by Courtney; Gravel Walks Away With Sprint Car Crown
The 2024 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars season finale was packed with high-stakes drama, as Tyler Courtney charged from Heat 2 runner-up to P1 for a final night victory. While David Gravel locked up the series in Friday night’s performance, he showed his true championship mentality to the end going from P7 to P2
As the green flag dropped, Courtney quickly pulled away from the field, building an initial 1.596-second lead. Meanwhile, familiar faces of Gravel and last night’s feature winner Carson Macedo surged up from the lower half of the top ten, ultimately securing second and third by the race’s end.
Within five laps, Courtney stretched his lead to 2.4 seconds, skillfully navigating the track and pushing deep into lap traffic before the yellow flags began to fly. Undeterred, he pressed on, carving out a large 5.36-second gap before a Lap 15 caution erased his lead and bunched up the field. With just one lap to spare before a single-file restart, Courtney and Gravel lined up side-by-side on the pole, but holding his ground and expertly blocking Gravel’s attempt for one last win, Courtney pulled ahead, plowing through traffic to get a season-closing victory.
“He (Courtney) had a really good car so congrats to him. I thought we were pretty good but overall great season. Great run to go seventh to second so it’s been a good year,” said Gravel.
While one more win was on Gravel’s radar, after a fierce final night, 15 season wins including Thursday night’s victory and ultimately locking up the series in last night’s fourth-place performance, Gravel made his way to Victory Lane to claim his first Sprint Car title.
“It’s hard to say, I’ll have to take the week to reflect about it,” said Gravel on what a World of Outlaws Championship means to him. “Being down here has a feeling about it, being down here on the track at Charlotte, being down here with these two champions, it’s a very special feeling.”
After winning Heat 3 and starting P5, Macedo finished out the night third while Ryan Timms and Brian Brown rounded out the top five in the season-ending feature.
Williamson Defends Super DirtCar Title in Ultimate Battle
Anthony Perrego started and finished his season with a bang, capturing the checkered flag in Saturday’s final night of racing for the Super DIRTcar Series. After opening the year with a win, Perrego claimed his second win of the season and series career-best third in points behind Matt Sheppard and series champion Mat Williamson.
Tim Fuller, starting on the pole, dominated the first 30 laps of the 40-lap feature but with a slip on the eight and final restart, Perrego managed to slip in and seize the lead. Then holding his ground in a tense, crowd-thrilling battle, he managed to emerge victorious at the finish line.
“This is huge,” Perrego said “This is a great crowd to race in front of every year and it seems to get bigger and bigger. What a night for us.”
Entering the finale, 33 points sat between Mat Williamson and Matt Sheppard in their chase for the championship setting the stage for an intense night. After Sheppard received a DNF on Thursday night followed by victory for Williamson on Friday, the title race was close until the very end. For the ultimate race, Williamson powered his way to a third-place finish, securing his second Super DIRTcar Championship title.
“Super excited about it, it says a lot about the guys who work hard in the pit area every night and hard in the shop,” said Williamson. “Probably had a car better than a third-place car but the driver was nervous just trying to finish the race.”
At the end of the feature, the top five showcases were Thursday night’s winner, Fuller, Friday night’s winner and new champion Williamson in third, Sheppard in fourth and Alex Yankowski closing out the top five.
TICKETS:
Opening Nov. 22, experience the 15th annual Speedway Christmas presented by Atrium Health open nightly until Jan. 5. Tickets are sold per vehicle, starting at $35 Monday through Wednesday and $45 Thursday through Sunday nights. Tickets, schedules, upgrades and more can be found online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com
KEEP TRACK:
Keep track of all of Charlotte Motor Speedway’s events on X, Facebook and Instagram.
On the penultimate night of the 2024 dirt racing season, David Gravel locked up his first World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Series championship as Carson Macedo (World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars), Bobby Pierce (World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models) and Mat Williamson (Super DIRTcar Series) claim victory at The Dirt Track at Charlotte
Action continues Saturday with a final day of racing for all three series; tickets are still available at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com or at the gate
CONCORD, NC (Nov. 8, 2024) – With just one night remaining in the 2024 season for dirt racing’s premier three series, the World of Outlaws World Finals once again delivered an unforgettable night of white-knuckled racing and excitement. David Gravel locked up his first World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Series championship, while Carson Macedo (World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars), Bobby Pierce (World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models) and Mat Williamson (Super DIRTcar Series) each emerged victorious.
All Dirt Roads Lead to Gravel
Macedo did everything he could in his quest to catch Gravel in the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series championship hunt, winning Friday night’s 25-lap feature in convincing fashion. But in the end, bolstered by a 15-win season, Gravel locked up the series championship with one night remaining in the 2024 season.
“My car was incredible,” Macedo said after the race. “Once I saw what I needed to do, I started moving around. I could get through the middle of (turns) one and two. When you get passed for the lead and put together the effort to get back by the leader, it’s a testament to how good your car is. I felt really solid.”
Macedo started from the pole and – despite briefly giving up the lead to Buddy Kofoid midway through the race — raced to his first-ever win on the fourth-tenths mile clay oval at The Dirt Track at Charlotte.
“It’s definitely a chess game,” the Lemoore, Calif. hotshoe said of the challenging Dirt Track at Charlotte. “As the lines move around, you’ve got to be able to move around with them. I think your car being really good helps too. I felt really confident when Buddy got around me that I could get back around him.
“It feels good to win the battle tonight. But, obviously to lose the war, that’s a little bitter sweet. Congrats to the No. 2 team and David on winning the championship. We fought all year. We fought as hard as we could, and someday, maybe we can be sitting in that spot.”
Kofoid held on for second, with Justin Peck finishing on the podium for the second night in a row. Gravel’s fourth place finish was enough to earn the Watertown, Conn. racer his first career Sprint Car series title.
“We’ve still got one race to go, but it feels good going into tomorrow just racing for a win,” Gravel said. “I want to touch that trophy and raise that trophy above my head. I’ve been doing this for a long time and we’ve been close a lot of years and been on the podium a lot in points. To finally get it done, to do it with Levi, being a dad and having a family, it just feels really, really cool. There’s a small list of World of Outlaw champions and I’m proud to be one of them.”
Former NASCAR Cup Series driver Kasey Kahne finished fifth.
Pierce Tightens Points Gap with Shepphard in Late Models
In World of Outlaws CASE Construction Late Model action, Pierce left nothing on the table in an effort to catch points leader Brandon Shepphard in a wild Friday night feature marred by three cautions. Entering the race 34 points behind Sheppard and eight behind second place Nick Hoffman, Pierce needed to live up to his nickname of “Smooth Operator” throughout a chaotic 35-lap affair to remain in the title hunt.
Starting in the third row after the pill draw, Pierce found the power to work his way forward. Hoffman, meanwhile, found only heartbreak after a broken rear end brought his race – and likely his championship aspirations – to a premature end.
In the closing laps, Pierce battled side-by-side with Winfield, Tenn. racer Mike Marler. With three circuits remaining, Marler drove into the cushion and fell off the pace, as Pierce cruised to victory.
“I didn’t know he jumped the cushion,” Pierce said in Victory Lane. “It’s easy to suck yourself in up there. When I got the lead I was just hoping I didn’t do that, but the car got better as the race went on… I was worried when I pulled that six pill. I get down on myself starting in the third row. This competition is tough.
“Awesome car, like I said. Awesome race track too. I’ve been waiting for a Charlotte like that. Throwing sliders for the win is always an awesome race. We really needed this night. We’re still in the hunt.”
Pole-sitter Cade Dillard finished second, with Marler falling to third. Thursday’s feature winner Ricky Thornton Jr. was fourth and Kyle Bronson rounded out the Top 5.
With the win, Pierce gained 12 points over Sheppard in the championship hunt, which comes to a dramatic conclusion at Saturday’s season finale with Pierce now only 22 points behind.
Battle of the Mat’s in the Super DIRTCar Series
The Super DIRTCar series A-main was the battle of the Mat’s as points leader Mat Williamson and Matt Sheppard, sitting in second, both chased their second win of the night after claiming their heats.
The 2019 Super DIRTCar Series Champion, Williamson, started on the pole and never gave up the lead in the 30-lap show, getting him six laps shy of a 400 leading lap season. Sheppard, who sat 26 points behind Williamson, fought his way through traffic from fifth to third, taking the bottom to pass Justin Haers in Lap 10. Sheppard, with his eyes on Williamson, gets lucky as Demetrios Drellos finds the wall in Lap 12 giving Sheppard the perfect opportunity to get within 0.203 of a second of Williamson.
Despite four cautions and two with Sheppard on his heels, Williamson continued to dominate the field, clinching his ninth win of the 2024 season and fourth at the Dirt Track at Charlotte.
“What a race,” Williamson said as he got out of his car. “When he (Sheppard) starts the night behind you have to be on your toes and I had to really nail the restarts and be pretty good.”
Securing his 31st Super DIRTCar career win – tying him with Jack Johnson for ninth all time – Williamson is one step closer to the 2024 Super DIRTCar Championship. He is now 30 points ahead of Matt Sheppard, followed by Anthony Perrego, Tim Spears and Jimmy Phelps.
TICKETS:
The 2024 season concludes Saturday with feature racing and a championship ceremony for all three series. Saturday single-day tickets start at $65. Tickets are available online at www.charlottemotorspeedway.com/tickets or at the gate.
KEEP TRACK:
Follow all the World of Outlaws Final action through the hashtag #WorldFinals. Connect with The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway on X, Facebook and Instagram.
