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LUCAS  LATE MODEL SERIES

 

www.lucasdirt.com

Founded in 2005, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series showcases the talents of the top dirt late model drivers from across the country. In 2023, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will sanction 56 events across 16 states, including some of the biggest marquee events in the industry, providing dirt slinging, sideways, door-to-door racing action lap after lap. 

 The in your face excitement of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series is second to none in motorsports. For more information, including the latest news, tour schedule, driver information, and more, visit the official website at: www.LucasDirt.com.

SARVER, PA (June 27, 2026) – Devin Moran emerged victorious in an unforgettable duel with Brandon Sheppard over the final 20 laps, capturing the 20th Annual Firecracker 100 presented by Experience Butler County at Lernerville Speedway.

 

Moran and the Double Down Motorsports team earned $50,000 after taking the lead for the final time on lap 92 of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series crown jewel event. The victory made Moran the 14th different winner in Firecracker 100 history.

 

Sheppard, who led 80 laps, finished second, while championship points leader Hudson O’Neal completed the Big River Steel podium in third. Brandon Overton rallied from as deep as 18th to finish fourth, and O’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Year points leader Josh Rice rounded out the top five.

 

Sheppard controlled the race through the opening 79 laps before Moran, who started fourth, closed the gap and made his first pass for the lead on lap 80. Moran paced the field until lap 91, when Sheppard briefly reclaimed the top spot. Moran answered one lap later, completing the race-winning pass on lap 92 and holding off Sheppard over the closing circuits.

 

The victory was the 30th Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series win of Moran's career and added his name to the prestigious list of Firecracker 100 champions dating back to the inaugural event in 2007.

 

“I was really good through turns one and two early, but from the center off the corner it started going over the crown and I lost a lot of speed,” Moran said in Wieland Victory Lane. “I was just watching Sheppy the whole time, trying to take his air away. A couple of times it got close, and I chopped him a little bit, but that's what you've got to do to win the Firecracker.”

 

“I've always loved this place. It's extraordinary to win this race. Roger Sellers is leaving for a cruise tomorrow, so I guess we gave him a little extra spending money. We've had this car for a few years now, and it's been a really good race car. We've had our ups and downs, but we knew if we brought this one out, we'd have a chance.”

 

Sheppard, who was seeking his first Firecracker 100 victory, saw the race slip away in the closing laps but remained within 10 points of O’Neal in the championship standings.

 

“He did a good job,” Sheppard said of Moran. “I was passing lapped cars using the line I wanted to run, but I got to where I couldn't steer through the center very well. I think it was because we had a softer right-front tire, so I had to diamond the corner more than I wanted. After he got by me, I was able to get back to him, but Devin did a great job. There's so much tough competition out here that any one of these guys can win on any night.”

 

O’Neal, who ran second for much of the early portion of the race, was encouraged by the performance after recent struggles on similar track surfaces.

 

“We always want to be better, but this was a huge step in the right direction for us,” O’Neal said. “Historically, we've struggled in conditions like this. We knew we needed to improve after last weekend at Smoky Mountain, and I feel like we made progress tonight.”

 

Moran’s winning Double Down Motorsports, Longhorn Chassis is powered by a Cornett Racing Engine and backed by Big River Steel, Millwood Plumbing, Northeastern Fabrication, Ohio Natural Energy, C&W Trucking, Phillips CPA, BOMAG, Anthony’s Pizza, Car Source Auto, Hazen Services, McHugh Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Elliott Farms, and Pee Wee’s Wrecker Service.

 

Completing the top ten were Max Blair, Michael Norris, Dan Ebert, Garrett Alberson, and Carson Ferguson.

 

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 

Race Summary 

20th Annual Firecracker 100 Presented by Experience Butler County

Saturday, June 27, 2026

Lernerville Speedway | Sarver, PA

 

Penske Shocks Heat Race #1 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[1]; 2. 71-Hudson O'Neal[3]; 3. 3S-Brian Shirley[4]; 4. 76-Brandon Overton[2]; 5. 157-Mike Marlar[8]; 6. 0-Ryan Scott[7]; 7. 24-Rick Eckert[10]; 8. 29-Ken Schaltenbrand[6]; 9. 27W-Eric Wilson[5]; 10. 10L-Gary Lyle[9]; 11. (DNS) 55-Chris Schneider; 12. (DNS) 14R-Clay Ruffo

 

Summit Racing Products Heat Race #2 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 1-Brandon Sheppard[1]; 2. 111-Max Blair[2]; 3. 58-Garrett Alberson[3]; 4. 22G-Gregg Satterlee[5]; 5. 1C-Alex Ferree[4]; 6. 555-Brock Pinkerous[6]; 7. 22-Daniel Hilsabeck[7]; 8. 48F-Colton Flinner[9]; 9. 93L-Cory Lawler[8]; 10. 76C-Charles Powell[10]; 11. (DNS) 77-Tyler Dietz; 12. (DNS) 33-Josh Ferry


 

Cool-It Thermo-Tec Heat Race #3 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 60-Dan Ebert[1]; 2. 11-Josh Rice[2]; 3. 99B-Chub Frank[4]; 4. 93-Carson Ferguson[3]; 5. 40B-Kyle Bronson[11]; 6. 17SS-Brenden Smith[5]; 7. 10-Jared Miley[6]; 8. 10*-Levi Yetter[7]; 9. 1D-Braeden Dillinger[8]; 10. 6M-Matt Martin[9]; 11. 42C-Chad Shearer[10]


 

Simpson Race Products Heat Race #4 Finish (10 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 99-Devin Moran[1]; 2. 8-Dillon McCowan[3]; 3. 72-Michael Norris[2]; 4. 24T-Tyler Wyant[4]; 5. 6-Clay Harris[6]; 6. 12M-Ryan Montgomery[5]; 7. 9-Breyton Santee[7]; 8. 14-Dan Angelicchio[9]; 9. B22-Bump Hedman[8]; 10. 15K-Lane Snook[10]; 11. (DNS) J4-John Garvin Jr

 

Fast Shafts B-Main Race #1 Finish (12 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 157-Mike Marlar[1]; 2. 555-Brock Pinkerous[4]; 3. 24-Rick Eckert[5]; 4. 1C-Alex Ferree[2]; 5. 93L-Cory Lawler[10]; 6. 0-Ryan Scott[3]; 7. 48F-Colton Flinner[8]; 8. 27W-Eric Wilson[9]; 9. 29-Ken Schaltenbrand[7]; 10. 22-Daniel Hilsabeck[6]; 11. 10L-Gary Lyle[11]; 12. 76C-Charles Powell[12]


 

UNOH B-Main Race #2 Finish (12 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 40B-Kyle Bronson[1]; 2. 6-Clay Harris[2]; 3. 12M-Ryan Montgomery[4]; 4. 17SS-Brenden Smith[3]; 5. 9-Breyton Santee[6]; 6. B22-Bump Hedman[10]; 7. 1D-Braeden Dillinger[9]; 8. 10*-Levi Yetter[7]; 9. 10-Jared Miley[5]; 10. 6M-Matt Martin[11]; 11. 42C-Chad Shearer[13]; 12. 14-Dan Angelicchio[8]; 13. (DNS) 15K-Lane Snook

 

20th Annual Firecracker 100 Presented by Experience Butler County | Feature Finish (100 Laps):

Pos - Start - Car # - Competitor - Hometown - Earnings

1 - 4 - 99 - Devin Moran - Dresden, OH - $51,200

2 - 2 - 1 - Brandon Sheppard - New Berlin, IL - $20,800

3 - 5 - 71 - Hudson O'Neal - Martinsville, IN - $11,300

4 - 13 - 76 - Brandon Overton - Evans, GA - $8,800

5 - 7 - 11 - Josh Rice - Crittenden, KY - $7,900

6 - 6 - 111 - Max Blair - Centerville, PA - $6,800

7 - 12 - 72 - Michael Norris - Sarver, PA - $4,500

8 - 3 - 60 - Dan Ebert - Lake Shore, MN - $4,800

9 - 10 - 58 - Garrett Alberson - Las Cruces, NM - $4,600

10 - 15 - 93 - Carson Ferguson - Lincolnton, NC - $4,400

11 - 23 - 1C - Alex Ferree - Saxonburg, PA - $3,400

12 - 9 - 3S - Brian Shirley - Chatham, IL - $4,000

13 - 18 - 40B - Kyle Bronson - Brandon, FL - $3,800

14 - 22 - 12M - Ryan Montgomery - Fairmont, WV - $2,500

15 - 8 - 8 - Dillon McCowan - Urbana, MO - $3,200

16 - 14 - 22G - Gregg Satterlee - Indiana, PA - $2,300

17 - 19 - 555 - Brock Pinkerous - Ellenville, NY - $2,200

18 - 1 - 20RT - Ricky Thornton Jr - Chandler, AZ - $3,300

19 - 20 - 6 - Clay Harris - Jupiter, FL - $2,800

20 - 21 - 24 - Rick Eckert - York, PA - $2,000

21 - 17 - 157 - Mike Marlar - Winfield, TN - $2,000

22 - 26 - 93L - Cory Lawler - Hanover, PA - $2,000

23 - 24 - 17SS - Brenden Smith - Dade City, FL - $2,000

24 - 25 - 22 - Daniel Hilsabeck - Earlham, IA - $2,800

25 - 16 - 24T - Tyler Wyant - Oil City, PA - $2,000

26 - 11 - 99B - Chub Frank - Bear Lake, PA - $2,000

27 - 27 - 29 - Ken Schaltenbrand - Sarver, PA - $2,000

 

Race Statistics  

Entrants: 46

Bilstein Shocks Pole Sitter: Ricky Thornton, Jr.

MD3 Lap Leaders: Brandon Sheppard (Laps 1-79); Devin Moran (Laps 80-90); Brandon Sheppard (Lap 91); Devin Moran (Laps 92-100)

Hellraizer Jacks Halfway Leader: Brandon Sheppard

Wieland Feature Winner: Devin Moran

Margin of Victory: 0.700 seconds

Hellraizer Jacks Cautions: Ken Schaltenbrand (Lap 16); Mike Marlar (Lap 31); Daniel Hilsabeck (Lap 50); Gregg Satterlee (Lap 52); Ricky Thornton, Jr. (Lap 52 restart); Clay Harris (Lap 75)

MyRacePass Series Provisional: Daniel Hilsabeck; Cory Lawler

Fast Time Provisional: n/a

Emergency Provisionals: n/a

Track Provisional: Ken Schaltenbrand

Big River Steel Podium Top 3: Devin Moran, Brandon Sheppard, Hudson O’Neal

Penske Shocks Top 5: Devin Moran, Brandon Sheppard, Hudson O’Neal, Brandon Overton, Josh Rice

Behrent’s One-Lap-to-Go Top 3: Devin Moran, Brandon Sheppard, Hudson O’Neal

PEM 4th Place Feature: Brandon Overton

Diversified Machine 5th Place Feature: Josh Rice

Wilwood Brakes 7th Place Feature: Michael Norris

Wehrs Machine 11th Place Feature: Alex Ferree

Velocity Manufacturing 13th Place Feature: Kyle Bronson

XS Power Batteries 15th Place Feature: Dillon McCowan

Hoker Trucking Hard Charger of the Race: Alex Ferree (Advanced 12 positions)

MD3 Most Laps Led: Brandon Sheppard (80 Laps)

Sunoco Race Fuels Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Brandon Sheppard

Midwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Hudson O’Neal

O’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Race: Josh Rice

Pro Fabrication Headers Fastest Lap of the Race: Brandon Sheppard | Lap 2 | 16.448 seconds

FK Rod Ends Hard Luck Award: Ricky Thornton, Jr.

Victory Fuel Power Move of the Race: Devin Moran

Outerwears Crew Chief of the Race: Chuck Kimble

ARP Engine Builder of the Race: Cornett Race Engines

Miller Welders Chassis Builder of the Race: Longhorn Chassis

Dirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps: Brandon Sheppard | 13.7373 seconds

Time of Race: 54 minutes 01 seconds

 

Big River Steel Championship Standings Presented by ARP:

Pos - Car # - Competitor - Hometown - Points - Earnings

1 - 71 - Hudson O'Neal - Martinsville, IN - 4140 - $183,050

2 - 1 - Brandon Sheppard - New Berlin, IL - 4130 - $184,600

3 - 99 - Devin Moran - Dresden, OH - 3990 - $237,524

4 - 76 - Brandon Overton - Evans, GA - 3765 - $90,600

5 - 111 - Max Blair - Centerville, PA - 3685 - $81,675

6 - 20RT - Ricky Thornton Jr - Chandler, AZ - 3635 - $114,425

7 - 58 - Garrett Alberson - Las Cruces, NM - 3510 - $75,925

8 - 11 - Josh Rice - Crittenden, KY - 3430 - $69,375

9 - 3s - Brian Shirley - Chatham, IL - 3430 - $63,150

10 - 40B - Kyle Bronson - Brandon, FL - 3370 - $55,275

11 - 93 - Carson Ferguson - Lincolnton, NC - 3270 - $56,200

12 - 6 - Clay Harris - Jupiter, FL - 3265 - $66,350

13 - 60 - Dan Ebert - Lake Shore, MN - 3145 - $54,950

14 - 8 - Dillon McCowan - Urbana, MO - 2950 - $40,800

15 - 22 - Daniel Hilsabeck - Earlham, IA - 2775 - $38,175

16 - 17SS - Brenden Smith - Dade City, FL - 2660 - $32,425

17 - 93L - Cory Lawler - Hanover, PA - 2480 - $21,675

 

 

 

 

Thornton and Sheppard Collect Friday Night Preliminary Wins at Lernerville

 

SARVER, PA (June 26, 2026) - Ricky Thornton Jr. and Brandon Sheppard each earned $5,000 victories Friday night, winning their respective 25-lap preliminary features at Lernerville Speedway.

 

The twin preliminary features set the lineups for Saturday’s four heat races, which will determine the starting field for the 20th Annual Firecracker 100 presented by Experience Butler County. The crown jewel event will pay $50,000 to the winner.

 

Thornton claimed the opening feature for the 58th LOLMDS victory of his career in one of the season’s most eventful races. Dan Ebert recorded the best Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series finish of his career in second, while two-time Firecracker 100 winner Brandon Overton rounded out the Big River Steel podium in third. Josh Rice finished fourth, and current Midwest Sheet Metal championship points leader Hudson O’Neal completed the top five.

 

O’Neal led the opening 12 laps before slipping in turn four, allowing Thornton - who started fourth - to take over the lead. Rice reclaimed second during the frantic lap-13 action before Overton moved into the runner-up spot on lap 17. Ebert then charged into second with five laps remaining and closed on Thornton in the final laps but came up just short.

 

The victory positions the two-time Firecracker 100 winner for a favorable starting spot in Saturday’s heat races.

 

“I thought we had a really good car,” Thornton said. “We built a new one coming here, and I told (Anthony) Burroughs I didn’t really want to know what was going on - just do what you think we need to do. I felt like our car was really good. Sheppy looked really good around the bottom in the second feature, so I think we’ve still got a little room to improve down there. I was just a little too tight to be as good as he was. Hats off to all the fans for coming out. Hopefully we can get tomorrow’s show in.”

 

Thornton’s winning Koehler Motorsports, Longhorn Chassis is powered by a Cornett Racing Engine and backed by Knight’s Companies, Hoker Trucking, Coltman Farms Racing, Capital Waste, Elite Ready Mix, Certified Inspection Services, Strange Oval, SI Towing and Recovery, and Sunoco Race Fuels.

 

Completing the top ten in the first feature were Carson Ferguson, Brian Shirley, Chub Frank, Eric Wilson, and Brenden Smith.

 

In the second 25-lap feature, Brandon Sheppard charged from the seventh starting position and passed Devin Moran for the lead on lap seven, then pulled away to score his 41st career Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series victory.

 

Moran, the defending Series champion, led the opening six laps before Sheppard used the bottom groove to take command. From there, Sheppard steadily extended his advantage, crossing the finish line 2.120 seconds ahead of Moran. Max Blair slipped past five-time and defending Lernerville track champion Michael Norris on the final lap to finish third, while Garrett Alberson rounded out the top five after starting 10th.

 

“It’s one of those deals where, starting that far back, you just go where everyone else isn’t,” Sheppard said. “I knew my car was good no matter where I put it. I was just biding my time and watching where everyone was running. The top was pretty treacherous after seeing guys go over the edge in the first feature, so I didn’t want to go up there unless I absolutely had to. Our car has been really balanced all year, and it was good again tonight. I just messed up both qualifying laps, or we probably would’ve started a little farther forward.”

 

Sheppard’s winning Mark Richards Racing, Rocket Chassis is powered by a Durham Racing Engine and backed by Valvoline, Seubert Calf Ranches, Ace Metal Works, Performance Grading, Petroff Towing, Franklin Enterprises, Sunoco Race Fuels, Gunter’s Honey, Stiles Marine and Maintenance, and Collins Brothers Towing.

 

Completing the top ten in the second feature were Dillon McCowan, Alex Ferree, Tyler Wyant, Gregg Satterlee, and Ryan Montgomery.

 

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 

Race Summary 

Firecracker 100 Presented by Experience Butler County | Night 2

Friday, June 26, 2026

Lernerville Speedway | Sarver, PA

 

Allstar Performance Time Trials

Fast Time Group A: Dan Ebert | 16.665 seconds (Overall)

Fast Time Group B: Devin Moran | 17.447 seconds

 

Group A Results:

 

Penske Shocks Heat Race #1 Finish (8 Laps, All Transfer): 1. 93-Carson Ferguson[2]; 2. 60-Dan Ebert[1]; 3. 11-Josh Rice[5]; 4. 17SS-Brenden Smith[3]; 5. 27W-Eric Wilson[8]; 6. 55-Chris Schneider[6]; 7. 93L-Cory Lawler[10]; 8. 10L-Gary Lyle[7]; 9. 9-Breyton Santee[11]; 10. 6M-Matt Martin[9]; 11. 42C-Chad Shearer[12]; 12. (DNS) 33-Josh Ferry

 

Summit Racing Products Heat Race #2 Finish (8 Laps, All Transfer): 1. 71-Hudson O'Neal[1]; 2. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[2]; 3. 76-Brandon Overton[5]; 4. 3S-Brian Shirley[3]; 5. 77-Tyler Dietz[6]; 6. 99B-Chub Frank[4]; 7. 29-Ken Schaltenbrand[7]; 8. 10-Jared Miley[8]; 9. B22-Bump Hedman[9]; 10. 76C-Charles Powell[11]; 11. 0-Ryan Scott[10]

 

Firecracker 100 Presented by Experience Butler County | Night 2 Group A - Feature Finish (25 Laps):

Pos - Start - Car # - Competitor - Hometown - Earnings

1 - 4 - 20RT - Ricky Thornton Jr - Chandler, AZ - $5,000

2 - 3 - 60 - Dan Ebert - Lake Shore, MN - $3,000

3 - 6 - 76 - Brandon Overton - Evans, GA - $2,000

4 - 5 - 11 - Josh Rice - Crittenden, KY - $1,500

5 - 2 - 71 - Hudson O'Neal - Martinsville, IN - $1,250

6 - 1 - 93 - Carson Ferguson - Lincolnton, NC - $1,000

7 - 8 - 3S - Brian Shirley - Chatham, IL - $950

8 - 12 - 99B - Chub Frank - Bear Lake, PA - $900

9 - 9 - 27W - Eric Wilson - Vienna, OH - $850

10 - 7 - 17SS - Brenden Smith - Dade City, FL - $800

11 - 14 - 29 - Ken Schaltenbrand - Sarver, PA - $700

12 - 16 - 10 - Jared Miley - Pittsburgh, PA - $600

13 - 22 - 0 - Ryan Scott - Garland, PA - $600

14 - 17 - 9 - Breyton Santee - Conneaut, OH - $600

15 - 13 - 93L - Cory Lawler - Hanover, PA - $600

16 - 18 - B22 - Bump Hedman - Sugar Grove, PA - $600

17 - 15 - 10L - Gary Lyle - Hyde Park, PA - $550

18 - 19 - 6M - Matt Martin - Indiana, PA - $500

19 - 20 - 76C - Charles Powell - Brookville, PA - $500

20 - 21 - 42C - Chad Shearer - Leechburg, PA - $500

21 - 11 - 55 - Chris Schneider - Lower Burrell, PA - $500

22 - 10 - 77 - Tyler Dietz - Saxonburg, PA - $500

23 - 23 - 33 - Josh Ferry - Titusville, PA - $0

 

Group A Race Statistics  

Entrants: 46

Bilstein Shocks Pole Sitter: Carson Ferguson

MD3 Lap Leaders: Hudson O’Neal (Laps 1-12); Ricky Thornton, Jr. (Laps 13-25)

Hellraizer Jacks Halfway Leader: Ricky Thornton, Jr.

Wieland Feature Winner: Ricky Thornton, Jr.

Margin of Victory: 0.608 seconds

Hellraizer Jacks Cautions: Charlie Powell (Lap 9); Tyler Dietz (Lap 16); Chad Shearer, Charlie Powell (Lap 17)

MyRacePass Series Provisional: n/a

Fast Time Provisional: n/a

Emergency Provisionals: n/a

Track Provisional: n/a

Big River Steel Podium Top 3: Ricky Thornton, Jr., Dan Ebert, Brandon Overton

Penske Shocks Top 5: Ricky Thornton, Jr., Dan Ebert, Brandon Overton, Josh Rice, Hudson O’Neal

Behrent’s One-Lap-to-Go Top 3: Ricky Thornton, Jr., Dan Ebert, Brandon Overton

PEM 4th Place Feature: Josh Rice

Diversified Machine 5th Place Feature: Hudson O’Neal

Wilwood Brakes 7th Place Feature: Brian Shirley

Wehrs Machine 11th Place Feature: Ken Schaltenbrand

Velocity Manufacturing 13th Place Feature: Ryan Scott

XS Power Batteries 15th Place Feature: Cory Lawler

Hoker Trucking Hard Charger of the Race: Ryan Scott (Advanced 9 positions)

MD3 Most Laps Led: Ricky Thornton, Jr. (13 Laps)

Sunoco Race Fuels Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Ricky Thornton, Jr.

Midwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Hudson O’Neal

O’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Race: n/a

Pro Fabrication Headers Fastest Lap of the Race: Hudson O’Neal | Lap 1 | 17.689 seconds

FK Rod Ends Hard Luck Award: Hudson O’Neal

Victory Fuel Power Move of the Race: Josh Rice

Outerwears Crew Chief of the Race: Anthony Burroughs

ARP Engine Builder of the Race: Clements Race Engines

Miller Welders Chassis Builder of the Race: Longhorn Chassis

Dirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps: Brandon Overton | 16.1037 seconds

Time of Race: 22 minutes 46 seconds

 

Group B Results:

 

Cool-It Thermo-Tec Heat Race #3 Finish (8 Laps, All Transfer): 1. 99-Devin Moran[1]; 2. 8-Dillon McCowan[2]; 3. 72-Michael Norris[5]; 4. 1-Brandon Sheppard[8]; 5. 40B-Kyle Bronson[9]; 6. 10*-Levi Yetter[3]; 7. 24T-Tyler Wyant[7]; 8. 555-Brock Pinkerous[6]; 9. 12M-Ryan Montgomery[10]; 10. 24-Rick Eckert[4]; 11. J4-John Garvin Jr[11]; 12. 14R-Clay Ruffo[12]


 

Simpson Race Products Heat Race #4 Finish (8 Laps, All Transfer): 1. 1C-Alex Ferree[3]; 2. 111-Max Blair[8]; 3. 157-Mike Marlar[1]; 4. 22G-Gregg Satterlee[10]; 5. 58-Garrett Alberson[4]; 6. 22-Daniel Hilsabeck[9]; 7. 14-Dan Angelicchio[11]; 8. 1D-Braeden Dillinger[2]; 9. 6-Clay Harris[5]; 10. 15K-Lane Snook[6]; 11. (DNS) 48F-Colton Flinner

 

Firecracker 100 Presented by Experience Butler County | Night 2 Group B - Feature Finish (25 Laps):

Pos - Start - Car # - Competitor - Hometown - Earnings

1 - 7 - 1 - Brandon Sheppard - New Berlin, IL - $5,000

2 - 1 - 99 - Devin Moran - Dresden, OH - $3,000

3 - 4 - 111 - Max Blair - Centerville, PA - $2,000

4 - 5 - 72 - Michael Norris - Sarver, PA - $1,500

5 - 10 - 58 - Garrett Alberson - Las Cruces, NM - $1,250

6 - 3 - 8 - Dillon McCowan - Urbana, MO - $1,000

7 - 2 - 1C - Alex Ferree - Saxonburg, PA - $950

8 - 13 - 24 - Tyler Wyant - Oil City, PA - $900

9 - 8 - 22G - Gregg Satterlee - Indiana, PA - $850

10 - 17 - 12M - Ryan Montgomery - Fairmont, WV - $800

11 - 15 - 555 - Brock Pinkerous - Ellenville, NY - $700

12 - 18 - 6 - Clay Harris - Jupiter, FL - $600

13 - 12 - 22 - Daniel Hilsabeck - Earlham, IA - $600

14 - 11 - 10* - Levi Yetter - Cabot, PA - $600

15 - 6 - 157 - Mike Marlar - Winfield, TN - $600

16 - 16 - 1D - Braeden Dillinger - Dawson, PA - $600

17 - 22 - 48F - Colton Flinner - Allison Park, PA - $550

18 - 14 - 14 - Dan Angelicchio - Mt. Pleasant, PA - $500

19 - 19 - 24 - Rick Eckert - York, PA - $500

20 - 20 - 15K - Lane Snook - Port Royal, PA - $500

21 - 23 - 14R - Clay Ruffo - Brookfield, OH - $500

22 - 21 - J4 - John Garvin Jr. - Sarver, PA - $500

23 - 9 - 40B - Kyle Bronson - Brandon, FL - $500

 

Group B Race Statistics  

Entrants: 46

Bilstein Shocks Pole Sitter: Devin Moran

MD3 Lap Leaders: Devin Moran (Laps 1-6); Brandon Sheppard (Laps 7-25)

Hellraizer Jacks Halfway Leader: Brandon Sheppard

Wieland Feature Winner: Brandon Sheppard

Margin of Victory: 2.120 seconds

Hellraizer Jacks Cautions: Kyle Bronson (Lap 5)

MyRacePass Series Provisional: n/a

Fast Time Provisional: n/a

Emergency Provisionals: n/a

Track Provisional: n/a

Big River Steel Podium Top 3: Brandon Sheppard, Devin Moran, Max Blair

Penske Shocks Top 5: Brandon Sheppard, Devin Moran, Max Blair, Michael Norris, Garrett Alberson

Behrent’s One-Lap-to-Go Top 3: Brandon Sheppard, Devin Moran, Max Blair

PEM 4th Place Feature: Michael Norris

Diversified Machine 5th Place Feature: Garrett Alberson

Wilwood Brakes 7th Place Feature: Alex Ferree

Wehrs Machine 11th Place Feature: Brock Pinkerous

Velocity Manufacturing 13th Place Feature: Daniel Hilsabeck

XS Power Batteries 15th Place Feature: Mike Marlar

Hoker Trucking Hard Charger of the Race: Ryan Montgomery (Advanced 7 positions)

MD3 Most Laps Led: Brandon Sheppard (19 Laps)

Sunoco Race Fuels Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Brandon Sheppard

Midwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Hudson O’Neal

O’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Race: n/a

Pro Fabrication Headers Fastest Lap of the Race: Devin Moran | Lap 1 | 17.728 seconds

FK Rod Ends Hard Luck Award: Kyle Bronson

Victory Fuel Power Move of the Race: Brandon Sheppard

Outerwears Crew Chief of the Race: Danny White

ARP Engine Builder of the Race: Durham Race Engines

Miller Welders Chassis Builder of the Race: Rocket Chassis

Dirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps: Ryan Montgomery | 16.3334 seconds

Time of Race: 10 minutes 05 seconds

 

Firecracker 100 Preliminary Points:

Pos - Car # - Driver - Friday Points - Tie Breaker (Fastest Lap in Time Trials)

1 - 20RT - Ricky Thornton, Jr. - 250 - 17.004

2 - 1 - Brandon Sheppard - 250 - 17.939

3 - 60 - Dan Ebert - 240 - 16.665

4 - 99 - Devin Moran - 240 - 17.447

5 - 76 - Brandon Overton - 220 - 17.264

6 - 111 - Max Blair - 220 - 18.054

7 - 11 - Josh Rice - 210 - 17.257

8 - 72 - Michael Norris - 210 - 17.804

9 - 71 - Hudson O'Neal - 205 - 16.786

10 - 58 - Garrett Alberson - 205 - 17.791

11 - 93 - Carson Ferguson - 200 - 16.948

12 - 8 - Dillon McCowan - 200 - 17.585

13 - 3s - Brian Shirley - 195 - 17.176

14 - 1C - Alex Ferree - 195 - 17.712

15 - 99B - Chub Frank - 190 - 17.233

16 - 24 - Tyler Wyant - 190 - 17.903

17 - 27W - Eric Wilson - 185 - 17.669

18 - 22G - Gregg Satterlee - 185 - 18.201

19 - 17SS - Brenden Smith - 180 - 17.096

20 - 12M - Ryan Montgomery - 180 - 18.103

21 - 29 - Ken Schaltenbrand - 175 - 17.664

22 - 555 - Brock Pinkerous - 175 - 17.846

23 - 10 - Jared Miley - 170 - 17.823

24 - 6 - Clay Harris - 170 - 17.841

25 - 0 - Ryan Scott - 165 - 18.072

26 - 22 - Daniel Hilsabeck - 165 - 18.1

27 - 10* - Levi Yetter - 160 - 17.683

28 - 9 - Breyton Santee - 160 - 18.242

29 - 157 - Mike Marlar - 155 - 17.485

30 - 93L - Cory Lawler - 155 - 18.029

31 - 1d - Braeden Dillinger - 150 - 17.673

32 - B22 - Bump Hedman - 150 - 18.022

33 - 10L - Gary Lyle - 145 - 17.617

34 - 48F - Colton Flinner - 145 - 17.928

35 - 6M - Matt Martin - 140 - 17.849

36 - 14 - Dan Angelicchio - 140 - 18.515

37 - 24 - Rick Eckert - 135 - 17.791

38 - 76C - Charlie Powell - 135 - 18.419

39 - 42C - Chad Shearer - 130 - 0

40 - 15K - Lane Snook - 130 - 17.88

41 - 55 - Chris Schneider - 125 - 17.553

42 - 77 - Tyler Dietz - 125 - 17.582

43 - 40B - Kyle Bronson - 125 - 18.057

44 - J4 - John Garvin, Jr. - 125 - 18.203

45 - 14R - Clay Ruffo - 125 - 19.006

46 - 33 - Josh Ferry - 50 - 17.193

 

Penske Shocks Heat 1 Line-Up (8 Laps | Top 4 Transfer)

Row - Car # - Driver - Hometown - Car # - Driver - Hometown

1 - 20RT - Ricky Thornton Jr - Chandler, AZ - 76 - Brandon Overton - Evans, GA

2 - 71 - Hudson O'Neal - Martinsville, IN - 3S - Brian Shirley - Chatham, IL

3 - 27W - Eric Wilson - Vienna, OH - 29 - Ken Schaltenbrand - Sarver, PA

4 - 0 - Ryan Scott - Garland, PA - 157 - Mike Marlar - Winfield, TN

5 - 10L - Gary Lyle - Hyde Park, PA - 24 - Rick Eckert - York, PA

6 - 55 - Chris Schneider - Lower Burrell, PA - 14R - Clay Ruffo - Brookfield, OH


 

Summit Racing Heat 2 Line-Up (8 Laps | Top 4 Transfer)

Row - Car # - Driver - Hometown - Car # - Driver - Hometown

1 - 1 - Brandon Sheppard - New Berlin, IL - 111 - Max Blair - Centerville, PA

2 - 58 - Garrett Alberson - Las Cruces, NM - 1C - Alex Ferree - Saxonburg, PA

3 - 22G - Gregg Satterlee - Indiana, PA - 555 - Brock Pinkerous - Ellenville, NY

4 - 22 - Daniel Hilsabeck - Earlham, IA - 93L - Cory Lawler - Hanover, PA

5 - 48F - Colton Flinner - Allison Park, PA - 76C - Charles Powell - Brookville, PA

6 - 77 - Tyler Dietz - Saxonburg, PA - 33 - Josh Ferry - Titusville, PA


 

Cool-It Thermo Tec Heat 3 Line-Up (8 Laps | Top 4 Transfer)

Row - Car # - Driver - Hometown - Car # - Driver - Hometown

1 - 60 - Dan Ebert - Lake Shore, MN - 11 - Josh Rice - Crittenden, KY

2 - 93 - Carson Ferguson - Lincolnton, NC - 99B - Chub Frank - Bear Lake, PA

3 - 17SS - Brenden Smith - Dade City, FL - 10 - Jared Miley - Pittsburgh, PA

4 - 10* - Levi Yetter - Cabot, PA - 1D - Braeden Dillinger - Dawson, PA

5 - 6M - Matt Martin - Indiana, PA - 42C - Chad Shearer - Leechburg, PA

6 - 40B - Kyle Bronson - Brandon, FL -  -


 

Simpson Race Products Heat 4 Line-Up (8 Laps | Top 4 Transfer)

Row - Car # - Driver - Hometown - Car # - Driver - Hometown

1 - 99 - Devin Moran - Dresden, OH - 72 - Michael Norris - Sarver, PA

2 - 8 - Dillon McCowan - Urbana, MO - 24T - Tyler Wyant - Oil City, PA

3 - 12M - Ryan Montgomery - Fairmont, WV - 6 - Clay Harris - Jupiter, FL

4 - 9 - Breyton Santee - Conneaut, OH - B22 - Bump Hedman - Sugar Grove, PA

5 - 14 - Dan Angelicchio - Mt. Pleasant, PA - 15K - Lane Snook - Port Royal, PA

6 - J4 - John Garvin Jr - Sarver, PA -  -

 

 

 

Thursday's Firecracker 100 Program Canceled Due to Heavy Rain

SARVER, PA (June 25, 2026) - Due to persistent heavy rain, officials with Lernerville Speedway and the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing have made the decision to cancel the Thursday portion of the 20th Annual Firecracker 100 presented by Experience Butler County.

 

“The safety of our drivers, teams, officials, and fans is always our top priority,” said Lernerville Speedway management. “We appreciate everyone's understanding and patience as we work through the weather-related challenges. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to the track on Friday for an exciting night of racing.”

 

Friday's Firecracker 100 program will proceed as originally scheduled.

 

Fans should keep their Friday tickets and wristbands. Additional details will be provided by Lernerville Speedway via social media and Lernerville.com.

 

MARYVILLE, TN (June 20, 2026) – Dale McDowell led all 60 laps of the Mountain Moonshine Classic on Saturday night at Smoky Mountain Speedway, earning a popular hometown victory and collecting $30,000 for his 11th career Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series win.

 

The victory was McDowell’s first Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series triumph triumph since winning the Topless 100 in 2023 and his first Series victory at Smoky Mountain Speedway since 2016.

 

Devin Moran charged from seventh to finish second after passing Friday night winner Brandon Sheppard on lap 45. Moran closed the gap in the closing laps but crossed the finish line 1.113 seconds behind McDowell. Sheppard rounded out the Big River Steel podium in third after finishing second for the first 44 laps of the race.

 

Jake O’Neil recorded the best Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series finish of his career with a fourth-place effort after running inside the top five throughout the event. Chris Madden completed the top five.

 

With his third-place finish, Sheppard trimmed Hudson O’Neal’s championship lead to just 20 points heading into next weekend’s event at Lernerville Speedway.

 

McDowell’s victory was his 13th overall win at Smoky Mountain Speedway since 2008 and came in front of a home-state crowd.

 

“I anticipated that second start and wasn’t sure where the grip was going to be,” McDowell said in Lucas Oil Victory Lane. “Things just kind of fell our way. The car was really good, and the guys have worked hard on it. I’ve given them some feedback, and sometimes it’s probably wrong, but they keep working at it.”

 

“It was an awesome night to win close to home. Like Kyle Busch said, you never know when the last one is going to be, so I’m sure glad to get one here. Shane made a few changes from Friday night, and the car was balanced really well. I was able to pick my way through traffic and guide it where I needed to go.”

 

Moran made a late charge after overtaking Sheppard but couldn’t quite reel in the veteran leader.

 

“Dale McDowell is Dale McDowell for a reason,” Moran said. “I’m ready for him to retire. When he got to traffic, I felt like I had a really good run. I was pushing hard and probably overheated the right rear tire trying to get there. Once I got to him and slid it, that pretty much hurt my chances. Still, coming from seventh to finish second isn’t bad.”

 

Sheppard believed the race was decided in the opening laps.

 

“The initial start is what lost the race for us,” Sheppard said. “I saw Dale rolling a little bit and was waiting to go, but I got lifted from behind and couldn’t launch like I needed to. Once he got out front, we were hoping traffic or a restart would give us an opportunity. I had a good restart and got by Madden, but on the next one I got too close to Dale entering turn one, lost the air on the nose, and Devin got by me.”

 

McDowell’s winning Shane McDowell Racing Team Zero Chassis is powered by a Clements Racing Engine and backed by Reece Monument Company, Remtek Enterprises, Otterly Baths, AAA General Contracting, Ace Doran Hauling & Rigging, Klotz Synthetic Lubricants, Mark IV, M&S Motors, Jason Wright Excavating, Black Rock Enterprises, BSI Well Service, Northeastern Fabrication, and Campbell Insulation.

 

Completing the top ten were Carson Ferguson, Max Blair, Kyle Bronson, Sam Seawright, and Dillon McCowan.

 

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 

Race Summary 

Mountain Moonshine Classic | Night 2

Saturday, June 20, 2026

Smoky Mountain Speedway | Maryville, TN

 

Allstar Performance Time Trials

Fast Time Group A: Brandon Sheppard | 14.284 seconds (Overall)

Fast Time Group B: Dale McDowell | 14.420 seconds

 

Penske Shocks Heat Race #1 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 1-Brandon Sheppard[1]; 2. 44M-Chris Madden[2]; 3. 22F-Chris Ferguson[6]; 4. 7M-Donald McIntosh[3]; 5. T1-Todd Morrow[4]; 6. 16W-Ben Watkins[7]; 7. 91-Heath Hindman[8]; 8. 7S-Justin Smith[5]; 9. 1X-JT Seawright[9]

 

Summit Racing Products Heat Race #2 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 40B-Kyle Bronson[1]; 2. 99-Devin Moran[3]; 3. 8-Dillon McCowan[2]; 4. 16S-Sam Seawright[4]; 5. 6-Clay Harris[5]; 6. 22-Daniel Hilsabeck[7]; 7. 111-Max Blair[8]; 8. 93J-Donovan Jackson[6]; 9. 58-Garrett Alberson[10]; 10. 12-Jack Franklin[9]


 

Cool-It Thermo-Tec Heat Race #3 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 17M-Dale McDowell[1]; 2. 0-Jake O'Neil[2]; 3. 93-Carson Ferguson[3]; 4. 17SS-Brenden Smith[5]; 5. 157-Mike Marlar[4]; 6. 15-Noah Phillips[6]; 7. 11-Josh Rice[9]; 8. 3S-Brian Shirley[8]; 9. (DNS) 20-Jimmy Owens


 

Simpson Race Products Heat Race #4 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 71-Hudson O'Neal[1]; 2. 18X-Michael Page[4]; 3. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[3]; 4. 60-Dan Ebert[2]; 5. 76-Brandon Overton[5]; 6. 101-Casey Roberts[7]; 7. 17AU-Dylan Barrow[6]; 8. 18P-Gray Parton[8]; 9. 93L-Cory Lawler[9]

 

Fast Shafts B-Main Race #1 Finish (10 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 6-Clay Harris[2]; 2. 22-Daniel Hilsabeck[4]; 3. 111-Max Blair[6]; 4. T1-Todd Morrow[1]; 5. 16W-Ben Watkins[3]; 6. 58-Garrett Alberson[10]; 7. 7S-Justin Smith[7]; 8. 91-Heath Hindman[5]; 9. 93J-Donovan Jackson[8]; 10. 1X-JT Seawright[9]; 11. 12-Jack Franklin[11]


 

UNOH B-Main Race #2 Finish (10 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 157-Mike Marlar[1]; 2. 76-Brandon Overton[2]; 3. 15-Noah Phillips[3]; 4. 101-Casey Roberts[4]; 5. 11-Josh Rice[5]; 6. 3S-Brian Shirley[7]; 7. 93L-Cory Lawler[10]; 8. 18P-Gray Parton[8]; 9. 17AU-Dylan Barrow[6]; 10. (DNS) 20-Jimmy Owens

 

Mountain Moonshine Classic | Night 2 | Feature Finish (60 Laps):

Pos - Start - Car # - Competitor - Hometown - Earnings

1 - 2 - 17M - Dale McDowell - Chickamauga, GA - $30,000

2 - 7 - 99 - Devin Moran - Dresden, OH - $16,300

3 - 1 - 1 - Brandon Sheppard - New Berlin, IL - $7,900

4 - 6 - 0 - Jake O'Neil - Tucson, AZ - $5,500

5 - 5 - 44M - Chris Madden - Gray Court, SC - $4,500

6 - 10 - 93 - Carson Ferguson - Lincolnton, NC - $4,400

7 - 21 - 111 - Max Blair - Centerville, PA - $3,900

8 - 3 - 40B - Kyle Bronson - Brandon, FL - $3,400

9 - 15 - 16S - Sam Seawright - Fort Payne, AL - $2,400

10 - 11 - 8 - Dillon McCowan - Urbana, MO - $3,300

11 - 17 - 6 - Clay Harris - Jupiter, FL - $3,100

12 - 4 - 71 - Hudson O'Neal - Martinsville, IN - $3,600

13 - 14 - 17SS - Brenden Smith - Dade City, FL - $2,000

14 - 20 - 76 - Brandon Overton - Evans, GA - $2,800

15 - 19 - 22 - Daniel Hilsabeck - Earlham, IA - $2,700

16 - 16 - 60 - Dan Ebert - Lake Shore, MN - $2,650

17 - 24 - 3S - Brian Shirley - Chatham, IL - $2,600

18 - 26 - 93L - Cory Lawler - Hanover, PA - $250

19 - 25 - 11 - Josh Rice - Crittenden, KY - $1,100

20 - 12 - 20RT - Ricky Thornton Jr - Chandler, AZ - $2,850

21 - 22 - 15 - Noah Phillips - Sevierville, TN - $1,550

22 - 13 - 7M - Donald McIntosh - Dawsonville, GA - $1,500

23 - 9 - 22F - Chris Ferguson - Mt. Holly, NC - $1,500

24 - 23 - 58 - Garrett Alberson - Las Cruces, NM - $2,400

25 - 8 - 18X - Michael Page - Douglasville, GA - $1,500

26 - 18 - 157 - Mike Marlar - Winfield, TN - $1,500

 

Race Statistics  

Entrants: 37

Bilstein Shocks Pole Sitter: Brandon Sheppard

MD3 Lap Leaders: Dale McDowell (Laps 1-60)

Hellraizer Jacks Halfway Leader: Dale McDowell

Wieland Feature Winner: Dale McDowell

Margin of Victory: 1.113 seconds

Hellraizer Jacks Cautions: Daniel Hilsabeck, Michael Page, Dan Ebert, Mike Marlar, Garrett Alberson (Initial Start); Cory Lawler (Lap 40); Ricky Thornton, Jr. (Lap 44)

MyRacePass Series Provisional: Garrett Alberson; Brian Shirley

Fast Time Provisional: n/a

Emergency Provisionals: Josh Rice; Cory Lawler

Track Provisional: n/a

Big River Steel Podium Top 3: Dale McDowell, Devin Moran, Brandon Sheppard

Penske Shocks Top 5: Dale McDowell, Devin Moran, Brandon Sheppard, Jake O’Neil, Chris Madden

Behrent’s One-Lap-to-Go Top 3: Dale McDowell, Devin Moran, Brandon Sheppard

PEM 4th Place Feature: Jake O’Neil

Diversified Machine 5th Place Feature: Chris Madden

Wilwood Brakes 7th Place Feature: Max Blair

Wehrs Machine 11th Place Feature: Clay Harris

Velocity Manufacturing 13th Place Feature: Brenden Smith

XS Power Batteries 15th Place Feature: Daniel Hilsabeck

Hoker Trucking Hard Charger of the Race: Max Blair (Advanced 11 positions)

MD3 Most Laps Led: Dale McDowell (60 Laps)

Sunoco Race Fuels Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Brandon Sheppard

Midwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Hudson O’Neal

O’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Race: Dillon McCowan

Pro Fabrication Headers Fastest Lap of the Race: Dale McDowell | Lap 1 | 15.442 seconds

FK Rod Ends Hard Luck Award: Hudson O’Neal

Victory Fuel Power Move of the Race: Devin Moran

Outerwears Crew Chief of the Race: Shane McDowell

ARP Engine Builder of the Race: Clements Race Engines

Miller Welders Chassis Builder of the Race: Team Zero Race Cars

Dirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps: Brandon Sheppard | 13.8131 seconds

Time of Race: 29 minutes 06 seconds

 

Big River Steel Championship Standings Presented by ARP:

Pos - Car # - Competitor - Hometown - Points - Earnings

1 - 71 - Hudson O'Neal - Martinsville, IN - 3920 - $170,500

2 - 1 - Brandon Sheppard - New Berlin, IL - 3900 - $158,800

3 - 99 - Devin Moran - Dresden, OH - 3740 - $183,324

4 - 76 - Brandon Overton - Evans, GA - 3555 - $79,800

5 - 20RT - Ricky Thornton Jr - Chandler, AZ - 3495 - $106,125

6 - 111 - Max Blair - Centerville, PA - 3485 - $72,875

7 - 58 - Garrett Alberson - Las Cruces, NM - 3325 - $70,075

8 - 3s - Brian Shirley - Chatham, IL - 3260 - $58,200

9 - 11 - Josh Rice - Crittenden, KY - 3225 - $59,975

10 - 40B - Kyle Bronson - Brandon, FL - 3205 - $50,975

11 - 6 - Clay Harris - Jupiter, FL - 3130 - $62,950

12 - 93 - Carson Ferguson - Lincolnton, NC - 3090 - $50,800

13 - 60 - Dan Ebert - Lake Shore, MN - 2955 - $47,150

14 - 8 - Dillon McCowan - Urbana, MO - 2795 - $36,600

15 - 22 - Daniel Hilsabeck - Earlham, IA - 2650 - $34,775

16 - 17SS - Brenden Smith - Dade City, FL - 2535 - $29,625

17 - 93L - Cory Lawler - Hanover, PA - 2355 - $19,075

 

Sheppard Sweeps Opening Night of Mountain Moonshine Classic at Smoky Mountain

MARYVILLE, TN (June 19, 2026) – Brandon Sheppard completed a clean sweep Friday night at Smoky Mountain Speedway, leading all 40 laps of the opening night of the Mountain Moonshine Classic to earn his fourth Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series victory of the season.

 

The New Berlin, Illinois driver earned $10,000 for the victory after setting overall fast time, winning his heat race, and capping off a perfect evening in Wieland Victory Lane. The win marked the 40th Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series triumph of Sheppard’s career.

 

Sheppard crossed the finish line 1.342 seconds ahead of Dale McDowell, who finished second. Garrett Alberson rounded out the Big River Steel podium in third. Chris Madden and Sam Seawright completed the top five.

 

With championship points leader Hudson O’Neal finishing eighth, Sheppard trimmed his deficit from 150 points to 80 heading into Saturday night’s $30,000-to-win Mountain Moonshine Classic finale.

 

“It’s hard to win here. It’s nothing like any place I grew up racing,” Sheppard said in Lucas Oil Victory Lane. “I think we won a Southern All Stars race here a long time ago, but we haven’t been able to get it done since. Anytime you can run up front with Dale (McDowell) and those guys at a place like this, you know you’ve accomplished something.”

 

“This is our Eldora car, and I knew it was really good. I was happy with it from hot laps on. The guys did a phenomenal job getting it back together, and it was definitely a fast piece.”

 

Sheppard admitted navigating lapped traffic was one of the biggest challenges of the race.

 

“Honestly, while I was leading, I was already thinking about what I was going to do when I got to traffic,” he said. “I know better than to try passing those guys on the outside here, but they were racing three-wide in front of me. When Dale showed me a nose, I knew I had to figure out a way to get back by him and get to the bottom. I just bided my time and made it work.”

 

McDowell challenged Sheppard on multiple occasions but was never able to complete a pass for the lead.

 

“I think I had a chance, but I hit the wall once and damaged a spoiler support, and that hurt us,” McDowell said. “I was trying to widen my entry and thought I had an opening going into turn one. It was a good night for us. Once the race stayed green, I thought lapped traffic might give us an opportunity, but Brandon had really good speed in clean air. We’ll work on it and see what we can do tomorrow night.”

 

Alberson continued his strong season with a third-place finish and an important gain in the championship standings.

 

“I needed the start to go a little better,” Alberson said. “If I could have gotten to Sheppard’s door at the start-finish line, maybe it would have been a different race. He did exactly what he was supposed to do. We just need a little bit more. This car is really close, and honestly, this feels like a win for us. This place has been tricky for us in the past, so it’s a big confidence boost.”

 

Sheppard’s winning Mark Richards Racing Rocket Chassis is powered by a Durham Racing Engine and backed by Valvoline, Seubert Calf Ranches, Ace Metal Works, Performance Grading, Petroff Towing, Franklin Enterprises, Sunoco Race Fuels, Gunter’s Honey, Stiles Marine and Maintenance, and Collins Brothers Towing.

 

Completing the top ten were Devin Moran, Ricky Thornton Jr., Hudson O’Neal, Chris Ferguson, and Josh Rice.

 

The evening concluded with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series crew chiefs taking center stage in a Crown Vic Challenge. Jason Durham, crew chief for Hudson O’Neal, claimed the victory in the 15-lap event. Danny White, crew chief for Brandon Sheppard, finished second, while Anthony Burroughs, crew chief for Ricky Thornton Jr., rounded out the podium in third.

 

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 

Race Summary 

Mountain Moonshine Classic | Night 1

Friday, June 19, 2026

Smoky Mountain Speedway | Maryville, TN

 

Allstar Performance Time Trials

Fast Time Group A: Brandon Sheppard | 16.019 seconds (Overall)

Fast Time Group B:Garrett Alberson | 16.036 seconds

 

Penske Shocks Heat Race #1 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 1-Brandon Sheppard[1]; 2. 16S-Sam Seawright[2]; 3. 93-Carson Ferguson[3]; 4. 3S-Brian Shirley[5]; 5. 22F-Chris Ferguson[8]; 6. 111-Max Blair[4]; 7. 15-Noah Phillips[7]; 8. 20-Jimmy Owens[6]; 9. 18P-Gray Parton[9]

 

Summit Racing Products Heat Race #2 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 17M-Dale McDowell[1]; 2. 40B-Kyle Bronson[3]; 3. 0-Jake O'Neil[2]; 4. T1-Todd Morrow[5]; 5. 157-Mike Marlar[4]; 6. 17SS-Brenden Smith[8]; 7. 76-Brandon Overton[6]; 8. 16W-Ben Watkins[7]; 9. 8-Dillon McCowan[9]


 

Cool-It Thermo-Tec Heat Race #3 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 58-Garrett Alberson[1]; 2. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[2]; 3. 71-Hudson O'Neal[4]; 4. 60-Dan Ebert[3]; 5. 17AU-Dylan Barrols[6]; 6. 91-Heath Hindman[5]; 7. 22-Daniel Hilsabeck[8]; 8. 11B-Stacy Boles[7]; 9. 93L-Cory Lawler[9]; 10. (DNS) 48-Hunter Kohn


 

Simpson Race Products Heat Race #4 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 44M-Chris Madden[2]; 2. 99-Devin Moran[1]; 3. 11-Josh Rice[3]; 4. 6-Clay Harris[5]; 5. 7M-Donald McIntosh[4]; 6. 93J-Donovan Jackson[6]; 7. 101-Casey Roberts[8]; 8. 79-Joshua Sneed[9]; 9. (DNS) 7S-Justin Smith

 

Fast Shafts B-Main Race #1 Finish (10 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 22F-Chris Ferguson[1]; 2. 157-Mike Marlar[2]; 3. 111-Max Blair[3]; 4. 76-Brandon Overton[6]; 5. 17SS-Brenden Smith[4]; 6. 15-Noah Phillips[5]; 7. 20-Jimmy Owens[7]; 8. 16W-Ben Watkins[8]; 9. 8-Dillon McCowan[10]; 10. 18P-Gray Parton[9]


 

UNOH B-Main Race #2 Finish (10 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 91-Heath Hindman[3]; 2. 93J-Donovan Jackson[4]; 3. 22-Daniel Hilsabeck[5]; 4. 17AU-Dylan Barrols[1]; 5. 101-Casey Roberts[6]; 6. 11B-Stacy Boles[7]; 7. 93L-Cory Lawler[9]; 8. 7S-Justin Smith[10]; 9. 79-Joshua Sneed[8]; 10. (DNS) 7M-Donald McIntosh; 11. (DNS) 48-Hunter Kohn

 

Mountain Moonshine Classic | Night 1 | Feature Finish (40 Laps):

Pos - Start - Car # - Competitor - Hometown - Earnings

1 - 1 - 1 - Brandon Sheppard - New Berlin, IL - $10,000

2 - 3 - 17M - Dale McDowell - Chickamauga, GA - $5,500

3 - 2 - 58 - Garrett Alberson - Las Cruces, NM - $3,500

4 - 4 - 44M - Chris Madden - Gray Court, SC - $2,700

5 - 5 - 16S - Sam Seawright - Fort Payne, AL - $2,500

6 - 8 - 99 - Devin Moran - Dresden, OH - $2,300

7 - 6 - 20RT - Ricky Thornton Jr - Chandler, AZ - $2,200

8 - 10 - 71 - Hudson O'Neal - Martinsville, IN - $2,200

9 - 17 - 22F - Chris Ferguson - Mt. Holly, NC - $2,050

10 - 12 - 11 - Josh Rice - Crittenden, KY - $2,100

11 - 7 - 40B - Kyle Bronson - Brandon, FL - $1,600

12 - 14 - 60 - Dan Ebert - Lake Shore, MN - $1,400

13 - 16 - 6 - Clay Harris - Jupiter, FL - $1,200

14 - 9 - 93 - Carson Ferguson - Lincolnton, NC - $1,000

15 - 13 - 3S - Brian Shirley - Chatham, IL - $950

16 - 21 - 111 - Max Blair - Centerville, PA - $925

17 - 11 - 0 - Jake O'Neil - Tucson, AZ - $900

18 - 19 - 157 - Mike Marlar - Winfield, TN - $875

19 - 15 - T1 - Todd Morrow - Penton, AL - $850

20 - 23 - 76 - Brandon Overton - Evans, GA - $825

21 - 24 - 8 - Dillon McCowan - Urbana, MO - $800

22 - 22 - 22 - Daniel Hilsabeck - Earlham, IA - $800

23 - 20 - 93J - Donovan Jackson - Hope Mills, NC - $800

24 - 25 - 17SS - Brenden Smith - Dade City, FL - $100

25 - 18 - 91 - Heath Hindman - Signal Mountain, TN - $800

 

Race Statistics  

Entrants: 37

Bilstein Shocks Pole Sitter: Brandon Sheppard

MD3 Lap Leaders: Brandon Sheppard (Laps 1-40)

Hellraizer Jacks Halfway Leader: Brandon Sheppard

Wieland Feature Winner: Brandon Sheppard

Margin of Victory: 1.342 seconds

Hellraizer Jacks Cautions: n/a

MyRacePass Series Provisional: Brandon Overton; Dillon McCowan

Fast Time Provisional: n/a

Emergency Provisionals: Brenden Smith

Track Provisional: n/a

Big River Steel Podium Top 3: Brandon Sheppard, Dale McDowell, Garrett Alberson

Penske Shocks Top 5: Brandon Sheppard, Dale McDowell, Garrett Alberson, Chris Madden, Sam Seawright

Behrent’s One-Lap-to-Go Top 3: Brandon Sheppard, Dale McDowell, Garrett Alberson

PEM 4th Place Feature: Chris Madden

Diversified Machine 5th Place Feature: Sam Seawright

Wilwood Brakes 7th Place Feature: Ricky Thornton, Jr.

Wehrs Machine 11th Place Feature: Kyle Bronson

Velocity Manufacturing 13th Place Feature: Clay Harris

XS Power Batteries 15th Place Feature: Brian Shirley

Hoker Trucking Hard Charger of the Race: Chris Ferguson (Advanced 9 positions)

MD3 Most Laps Led: Brandon Sheppard (40 Laps)

Sunoco Race Fuels Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Brandon Sheppard

Midwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Hudson O’Neal

O’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Race: Josh Rice

Pro Fabrication Headers Fastest Lap of the Race: Brandon Sheppard | Lap 1 | 15.669 seconds

FK Rod Ends Hard Luck Award: Dillon McCowan

Victory Fuel Power Move of the Race: Devin Moran

Outerwears Crew Chief of the Race: Danny White

ARP Engine Builder of the Race: Durham Race Engines

Miller Welders Chassis Builder of the Race: Rocket Chassis

Dirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps: Dale McDowell | 16.1408 seconds

Time of Race: 11 minutes 08 seconds

 

Big River Steel Championship Standings Presented by ARP:

Pos - Car # - Competitor - Hometown - Points - Earnings

1 - 71 - Hudson O'Neal - Martinsville, IN - 3750 - $166,900

2 - 1 - Brandon Sheppard - New Berlin, IL - 3670 - $150,900

3 - 99 - Devin Moran - Dresden, OH - 3510 - $167,024

4 - 76 - Brandon Overton - Evans, GA - 3395 - $77,000

5 - 20RT - Ricky Thornton Jr - Chandler, AZ - 3365 - $103,275

6 - 111 - Max Blair - Centerville, PA - 3290 - $68,975

7 - 58 - Garrett Alberson - Las Cruces, NM - 3200 - $67,675

8 - 3s - Brian Shirley - Chatham, IL - 3115 - $55,600

9 - 11 - Josh Rice - Crittenden, KY - 3090 - $58,875

10 - 40B - Kyle Bronson - Brandon, FL - 3015 - $47,575

11 - 6 - Clay Harris - Jupiter, FL - 2955 - $59,850

12 - 93 - Carson Ferguson - Lincolnton, NC - 2890 - $46,400

13 - 60 - Dan Ebert - Lake Shore, MN - 2805 - $44,500

14 - 8 - Dillon McCowan - Urbana, MO - 2615 - $33,200

15 - 22 - Daniel Hilsabeck - Earlham, IA - 2495 - $32,075

16 - 17SS - Brenden Smith - Dade City, FL - 2370 - $27,625

17 - 93L - Cory Lawler - Hanover, PA - 2215 - $18,825

 

 

 
 

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The RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Hovis Auto & Truck Supply together with Born2Run Lubricants along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, FK Rod Ends, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, TBM Brakes, Performance Bodies & Parts, Racing Electronics, Wieland Metal Services, Frankland Racing Supply, Landrum Performance Spring, Ontime Body & Graphic, Sherwood Wheels, Precise Racing Products, Velocita-USA, Novus Home Mortgage Hermitage, Wedge Motorsports, 3C Graphix, D&V Jewelers, DrumPreserve, CrateInsider.com, Marthinsen & Salvitti Insurance Group and Terry Bowser

 

MAX BLAIR WINS $20,000 "BILL EMIG MEMORIAL" PRESENTED BY SUNOCO FOR THE 4TH TIME IN THE LAST 8 YEARS WITH THE HOVIS RUSH LATE MODEL FLYNN'S TIRE/GUNTER'S HONEY TOUR AT LERNERVILLE & ALSO TAKES HOME $8,000 D&V JEWELERS DIAMOND RING PRESENTED BY MOTORAD

By Mike Leone


 

June 25-27, 2026 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Sarver, PA)...The Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Dirt Late Model Series presented by Born2Run Lubricants participated in the “Bill Emig Memorial” presented by Sunoco Race Fuels with support from Joseph J. Oliva Attorney at Law, Seal-Tite Paving & Excavating, Keyser Manufacturing, and Integra Shocks alongside Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series in the "Firecracker 100" weekend for the eighth straight year at Lernerville Speedway.  Heavy thunderstorms in the evening washed out Thursday's program and threatened on both Friday and Saturday with periodic light shows, but the dedication of Lernerville's staff to once again complete the event won out.  A record $85,000 in cash and contingencies were distributed to RUSH racers! The event was streamed live on FloRacing.

 

Making his first RUSH Late Model start since winning the $10,000 "Bill Hendren Memorial" last October at Pittsburgh PA Motor Speedway, Max Blair added another marquee victory to his illustrious racing career on Saturday night. Blair, who started eighth in the 50-lap feature, passed Christian Schneider on lap 10 and was never challenged over the last 40 caution-free laps on his way to the $20,000 victory. It was Blair's fourth "Bill Emig Memorial" win in the last eight years. Blair also received the $8,000 D&V Jewelers championship diamond ring presented by MotoRad Spec Racing Development along with the beautifully designed trophy from Design Creations (DCi Awards) in Landrum Performance Springs Victory Lane.

 

"I really didn't think we had a chance with Dave (Hess) and Mason (Zeigler) starting on the front row," acknowledged the 36-year-old Centerville, Pa. standout. "I'm not sure what happened down there (turn four) on the opening lap, but the seas parted and it just worked out. We definitely had some luck on our side getting up there, but once we got up front we felt good.  When we hot lapped, I felt like a fish out of water like I never drove a race car before. I didn't qualify good and don't race these things (crates) enough anymore so it takes me some time to get back into the swing. Once we got going in the heat, I felt pretty comfortable but by then Dave was already leading and it was too late."  

 

2024 "Bill Emig Memorial" winner, Dave Hess, Jr., and 2025 winner, Mason Zeigler, led the 25-car field to green. A wild first lap saw third starting Christian Schneider fly into the lead and Blair shoot from eighth to second after Hess made contact with Zeigler in turn four as cars scattered everywhere. Hess was able to keep his car straight to cross the line in third with Joe Martin going sixth to fourth and Dylan Cecce in fifth.

 

Schneider was setting a good pace out front and caught the back of the pack when Jeff Watson spun to bring out the caution with nine laps scored. When racing resumed, Blair made the winning pass driving around Schneider to lead lap 10 before Austin Hauser, Jake Gunn, and Watson tangled in turns three and four to bring out the event's second and final caution.

 

Blair took off first in the IllusionPowder Coats "Firing Zone" on the restart and was in clean air until he caught lapped traffic for the first time on lap 21; meanwhile, Hess caught Schneider in the battle for second. The duo raced side-by-side on laps 28 and 29, but Schneider was able to maintain the runner-up spot. Blair went unchallenged the rest of the way and took the checkered flag first by 3.165 seconds for his all-time leading 37th career Flynn's Tire/Gunter's Hone Tour victory in the Centerline Motorsports-owned, Riggs Fiber/Virgile Iron & Steel-sponsored #111. Blair also became the season's fifth different winner in the first five events.

 

"It's so hard to run two cars- I don't think people realize that; it's so hard to focus and make either car better because you're constantly strapping into one," explained Blair. "We had this car at the house and this is the same crate engine from last year so we decided to put it together to come down and play and it all worked out.  I was saying all weekend I probably wasn't going to do this anymore, but now I'll probably have to next year!"

 

Schneider, who won his first career Flynn's Tire/Gunter's Honey Tour event last July at Pittsburgh worth over $6,000 in the "Jook George Steel City Classic", earned a career best $7,000 for his runner-up finish. Schneider also received a Milwaukee 3799-22 M18 FUEL 2-Tool Combo Kit valued at $429 from Brocious Lumber, which is owned by Martin. After a slow start to the season, Schneider has rebounded with a fourth, a ninth, and now a runner-up finish to move into sixth in points and second in the 3C Graphix Rookie-of-the-Year chase just four points behind Kurt Stebbins.

 

"Max (Blair) showed some displeasure on that one restart but man I wanted to get one for the local guys," revealed the 29-year-old Pittsburgh, Pa. resident. "These guys are so good and I wanted to win so bad. If I turn him a little down the straightaway- soak it up, we try to win. That was a gift from God on that opening lap and I was almost too tight to even turn under them so I was just saying in the car, 'please turn, please turn this is the only chance I'm going to get'. This was a really racey track; hats off to Dan Bauman, Lernerville Speedway, and all you people for staying here and supporting me. Thank you to everyone who bought a t-shirt- we're the broke guys of the sport; every t-shirt helps, along with all of the RUSH Officials- I appreciate it!" 


 

(Note: Blair and Schneider's engines were found to be 100% legal per the Chevrolet Performance 604 Technical Manual following post-race engine inspection.  The results will be official once the fuel and tire samples that were taken are verified to be in compliance for both racers.)

 

Hess earned $3,500 for third in the Alex Anderson-owned #44 for his third straight top four finish in Flynn's Tire/Gunter's Honey Tour competition this season. Hess has now finished on the podium in the "Bill Emig Memorial" the last three years. "I know Mason (Zeigler) and those guys aren't going to want to hear it but that was an awful move on my part," explained the 41-year-old Waterford, Pa. racer. "I got in there too hot and it was just slick enough that I lost the front end. There's just no excuse for that on lap one. It totally made a long weekend worth nothing for those guys. I couldn't stop regretting it the whole race." 

 

"One-hundred laps with those other cars (Super Late Models) and how the weather was just changed the track a little bit on us and we weren't the best car and ended up third," added Hess. "Thank you to Alex Anderson and all of his sponsors for giving me this opportunity and busting their butts all weekend. We had a great car and I wish we could have capped it off with a win, but with the level of competition here, there's no reason to hang our heads with a third. I'm just not happy with that first lap incident and it just put a dark cloud over everything. Hopefully those guys can forgive us. We race up and down the road with him (Zeigler) a lot and I don't want any hard feelings. Thank you to Lernerville for working their butt off with the weather conditions and giving us a track along with RUSH and everyone for putting this race on- it's an awesome deal." 

 

After finishing a season best sixth at the last event Tour event at Stateline, Cecce did two spots better in fourth after getting by Martin on lap 36 and earned $3,000 for car owner Russ Clark. Martin, who won the June 6 $4,000 event at Sharon, was fifth for $2,000 for car owner Jonathan Stockdale. Martin also received a spoiler kit from Ontime Body & Graphic.    

 

Cody Dawson went 10th to 6th for his best finish of the season on the Tour and earned $1,500. Michael Norris made his 2026 RUSH debut and was seventh for $1,200 driving for his brother-in-law, Nico Dabecco. Demetrios Drellos earned $1,200 for eighth, which was his fifth top 10 finish in as many events to maintain second in Flynn's Tire/Gunter's Honey Tour points. Delaware's Trevor Collins advanced three spots to ninth for $1,100. Austin Allen went 16th to 10th for $1,000. 

 

After pitting early, second place starting Zeigler came back to finish 11th and was awarded the Close Racing Supply "Tough Break of the Night" $100 gift card. Jeremy Wonderling raced from 25th to 12th to earn the $100 Big Daddy's Speed Center/Hoosier Tire Western PA Hard Charger gift card. Wonderling still leads the $20,000 to-win Flynn's Tire/Gunter's Honey Tour points in search of an unprecedented sixth Series title.

 

Jason Knowles led wire-to-wire to win the 15-lap Real Merchant Services DMV Non-Qualifier presented by Close Racing Supply. The 44-year-old Addison, NY driver earned $500 aboard his Empire Crushing/Mobile Tech Communications/Griswolds ETR Service/Lewis Lawn Landscaping/Leland Harris Bus & Trucking/Davis Electric-sponsored #4. Knowles became the amazing 91st different winner in 114 races run all-time! Knowles also received approximately $600 in contingencies including a RUSH Hoosier Tire compliments of Big Ed's Tire Service, $200 Wedge Motorsports gift card, a set of GM 604 Valve Springs from Rohrich Automotive, and a $50 Holley Performance Parts gift card.

 

Fresh off from winning his first career Flynn's Tire/Gunter's Honey Tour event two weeks ago at Stateline, Ben Easler failed to qualify for the feature, but came home second in the Non-Qualifier. After two cautions on the opening lap, Easler chased fellow Tour racer, Knowles, the entire 15 non-stop laps, but came up 0.821 seconds shy. Breyton Santee was third. Mike Wonderling went eighth to fourth over Tony Musolino. 

 

Martin was fastest in Schneider Trucks hot laps with a lap of 17.559 and earned $50. Hess set fast time overall against the season high 48-car field in FK Rod Ends "Shock the Clock" Qualifying presented by Siple Racing Edits with a lap of 18.182. Michael Duritsky, Sr. added $50 in memory of his son and former RUSH Late Model racer, Michael, Jr., which bumped up Hess' total to $250 for fast time honors!

 

Cecce, Drellos, Schneider, Hess, Martin, and Zeigler won the $25 FK Rod Ends heat races. Hess became the fourth different Sunoco Dash winner of the season to earn a $100 Sunoco Fuel card and $100 cash for the "John Buzzard Memorial". Tour drivers Ryan Hare and Stebbins also received $100 Sunoco Fuel cards in the random draws presented by Bazell Race Fuels, while the $50 Sunoco Fuel cards were won by Blair, Hauser, Tom Snyder, Jr., and Jake Gunn.

 

The new Weather Capital Sales "Uncle Sam's Grand" drawing was won by Tony Magill. Magill not only won $1,000 in the random drawing but was also very lucky in the contingency drawings for non-qualifiers. Magill won a $300 gift card from Brandon Ingram's Competition Crate Parts and a front drive system from Jones Racing Products valued at $223 all on top of his $225 Non-Qualifier race winnings.  

 

The first Capital Contracting Service "Allegiance Rewards" drawings were held for Touring member drivers that competed in 75% of the first four completed events and were won by Kyle Zimmerman ($300), Brodie Oravetz ($200), and Allen ($100).

 

Landrum Performance Springs, which will award a $5,000 Loyalty Bonus at the season ending event, distributed BOGO certificates that were won by Darrell Lanigan, Wyatt White, Tim Shaffer, Schneider and Sean Boskovich.

 

The Flynn’s Tire/Gunter's Honey Touring Series will return to Stateline Speedway in Busti, NY for the second and final time of 2026 next Saturday night, July 4 for race #6 of the 2026 season paying $4,000 to-win. Schneider Trucks hot laps will begin at 6:15 p.m. followed by FK Rod Ends "Shock the Clock" Qualifying and heat races.

 

Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Late Model Flynn’s Tire/Gunter's Honey Touring Series "Bill Emig Memorial" presented by Sunoco Race Fuels Race #5 (50 laps, $20,000 to-win): 1. MAX BLAIR (Centerline 111) 2. Christian Schneider (Daugherty 56) 3. Dave Hess, Jr. (Anderson 44) 4. Dylan Cecce (Clark 18*) 5. Joe Martin (Stockdale 31) 6. Cody Dawson (36) 7. Michael Norris (Dabecco N1) 8. Demetrios Drellos (111) 9. Trevor Collins (72) 10. Austin Allen (Mullen 32) 11. Mason Zeigler (25z) 12. Jeremy Wonderling (3J) 13. Devin Brannon (137) 14. Daryl Charlier (Dobnak 42) 15. Kyle Zimmerman (Stockdale 101) 16. Marino Angelicchio (55) 17. Tommy Schirnhofer, Jr. (8s) 18. Ashton Biggs (11A) 19. Kurt Stebbins (26) 20. Jake Gunn (14G) 21. Ryan Hare (29) 22. Austin Hauser (51) 23. Darrell Lanigan (Zulisky 58TAZ) 24. Jeff Watson (1*) 25. Clinton Hersh (16). (Note: Jeremy Wonderling took a Tour provisional)

 

Real Merchant Services DMV Non-Qualifier presented by Close Racing Supply (15 laps, $500 to-win): 1. Jason Knowles (4) 2. Ben Easler (02) 3. Breyton Santee (9) 4. Mike Wonderling (White 5w18) 5. Tony Musolino (Dobnak 42D) 6. Jacob Whitt (33) 7. Brodie Oravetz (91B) 8. Sean Boskovich (33) 9. Jared Costello (6J) 10. Jamie Wrightsman (21J) 11. Tom Snyder, Jr. (10s) 12. Wyatt White (5w) 13. Hunter Proctor (432) 14. Leo Iarrapino (45L) 15. Rob Coffaro (24c) 16. Chuck Recker (6) 17. Tony Magill (M5) 18. Chuck Medved (2M). DNS: Zach Gunn (17G), Allan Hammond (97), Tim Shaffer (45), Dusty Waters (14), Anthony Monteparte (66).

 

Car Count: 48

Feature Margin of Victory: 3.165 seconds

Feature Lap Leaders: Christian Schneider (1-9), Max Blair (10-50)

Capital Contracting Service "Allegiance Rewards": Kyle Zimmerman ($300), Brodie Oravetz ($200), Austin Allen ($100)

Close Racing Supply “Tough Brake of the Night: Mason Zeigler

Hoosier Tire Western PA/Big Daddy’s Speed Center Hard Charger: Jeremy Wonderling (+13)

Holley Performance Group “Nosed Out”: Jason Knowles

Landrum Performance Springs BOGO Certificates: Darrell Lanigan, Wyatt White, Tim Shaffer, Christian Schneider & Sean Boskovich

Ontime Body & Graphic “Spoiler Alert” Spoiler Kit: Joe Martin

Schneider Trucks “Hottest of the Hot” Fastest in Hot Laps: Joe Martin (17.559)

Sunoco Fuel Card Winners presented by Bazell Race Fuels: Kurt Stebbins ($100), Ryan Hare ($100), Austin Hauser ($50), Tom Snyder, Jr. ($50), Max Blair ($50), Jake Gunn ($50)

Weather Capital Sales "Uncle Sam's Grand" $1,000 Drawing: Tony Magill

 

FK Rod Ends “Shock the Clock” Flight A Qualifying presented by Siple Racing Edits (Track record 16.750 by Bryce Davis on 10/15/21) 1. 18*-Dylan Cecce, 18.287[20]; 2. 111D-Demetrios Drellos, 18.354[5]; 3. 56-Christian Schneider, 18.383[22]; 4. 51-Austin Hauser, 18.496[12]; 5. 17G-Zach Gunn, 18.521[3]; 6. 101-Kyle Zimmerman, 18.555[24]; 7. N1-Michael Norris, 18.584[19]; 8. 58TAZ-Darrell Lanigan, 18.649[4]; 9. 02-Ben Easler, 18.676[14]; 10. 4-Jason Knowles, 18.774[23]; 11. 1*-Jeff Watson, 18.808[9]; 12. 55A-Marino Angelicchio, 18.846[16]; 13. 16-Clinton Hersh, 18.953[10]; 14. 66-Anthony Monteparte, 18.969[1]; 15. 9S-Breyton Santee, 19.081[11]; 16. 11A-Ashton Briggs, 19.132[17]; 17. 6R-Chuck Recker, 19.160[6]; 18. 5W18-Mike Wonderling, 19.204[7]; 19. 21J-Jamie Wrightsman, 19.327[15]; 20. 5W-Wyatt White, 19.365[8]; 21. 45-Tim Shaffer, 19.556[21]; 22. 42D-Tony Musolino, 19.684[18]; 23. 432-Hunter Proctor, 20.029[13]; 24. 3J-Jeremy Wonderling, NT.

 

FK Rod Ends “Shock the Clock” Flight B Qualifying presented by Siple Racing Edits ($250 for fast time) (Track record 16.750 by Bryce Davis on 10/15/21): 1. 44-Dave Hess Jr, 18.182[3]; 2. 31-Joe Martin, 18.235[2]; 3. 25Z-Mason Zeigler, 18.367[7]; 4. 111-Max Blair, 18.440[13]; 5. 36-Cody Dawson, 18.627[9]; 6. 72-Trevor Collins, 18.703[1]; 7. 137-Devin Brannon, 18.708[12]; 8. 14G-Jake Gunn, 18.758[10]; 9. 91B-Brodie Oravetz, 18.767[6]; 10. 33W-Jacob Whitt, 18.841[4]; 11. 32A-Austin Allen, 18.847[22]; 12. 8S-Tommy Schirnhofer Jr, 18.885[8]; 13. 29-Ryan Hare, 18.935[23]; 14. 97-Allan Hammond, 18.955[17]; 15. 42-Daryl Charlier, 19.014[14]; 16. 26-Kurt Stebbins, 19.048[5]; 17. 14W-Dusty Waters, 19.112[15]; 18. 33-Sean Boskovich, 19.197[18]; 19. 2M-Chuck Medved, 19.256[24]; 20. 10S-Tom Snyder Jr, 19.360[21]; 21. 6J-Jared Costello, 19.720[16]; 22. 45L-Leo Iarrapino, 20.042[19]; 23. M5-Tony Magill, 20.110[20]; 24. 24C-Rob Coffaro, 21.268[11].

 

FK Rod Ends Heat 1 (8 laps, Top 3 transfer to A, $25 to-win): 1. 18*-Dylan Cecce[1]; 2. N1-Michael Norris[3]; 3. 51-Austin Hauser[2]; 4. 16-Clinton Hersh[5]; 5. 4-Jason Knowles[4]; 6. 11A-Ashton Briggs[6]; 7. 21J-Jamie Wrightsman[7]; 8. 42D-Tony Musolino[8]

 

FK Rod Ends Heat 2 (8 laps, Top 3 transfer to A, $25 to-win): 1. 111D-Demetrios Drellos[1]; 2. 1*-Jeff Watson[4]; 3. 58TAZ-Darrell Lanigan[3]; 4. 17G-Zach Gunn[2]; 5. 66-Anthony Monteparte[5]; 6. 6R-Chuck Recker[6]; 7. 432-Hunter Proctor[8]; 8. 5W-Wyatt White[7]

 

FK Rod Ends Heat 3 (8 laps, Top 3 transfer to A, $25 to-win): 1. 56-Christian Schneider[1]; 2. 101-Kyle Zimmerman[2]; 3. 55A-Marino Angelicchio[4]; 4. 02-Ben Easler[3]; 5. 9S-Breyton Santee[5]; 6. 5W18-Mike Wonderling[6]; 7. 45-Tim Shaffer[7]. DNS: 3J-Jeremy Wonderling.

 

FK Rod Ends Heat 4 (8 laps, Top 3 transfer to A, $25 to-win): 1. 44-Dave Hess Jr[1]; 2. 111-Max Blair[2]; 3. 137-Devin Brannon[3]; 4. 29-Ryan Hare[5]; 5. 26-Kurt Stebbins[6]; 6. 33W-Jacob Whitt[4]; 7. 2M-Chuck Medved[7]; 8. 45L-Leo Iarrapino[8].

 

FK Rod Ends Heat 5 (8 laps, Top 3 transfer to A, $25 to-win): 1. 31-Joe Martin[1]; 2. 36-Cody Dawson[2]; 3. 32A-Austin Allen[4]; 4. 14G-Jake Gunn[3]; 5. 14W-Dusty Waters[6]; 6. 97-Allan Hammond[5]; 7. 10S-Tom Snyder Jr[7]; 8. M5-Tony Magill[8].

 

FK Rod Ends Heat 6 (8 laps, Top 3 transfer to A, $25 to-win): 1. 25Z-Mason Zeigler[1]; 2. 72-Trevor Collins[2]; 3. 8S-Tommy Schirnhofer Jr[4]; 4. 42-Daryl Charlier[5]; 5. 91B-Brodie Oravetz[3]; 6. 6J-Jared Costello[7]; 7. 33-Sean Boskovich[6]; 8. 24C-Rob Coffaro[8]

 

Cleetus Motorsports Last Chance B Main 1 (12 laps, Top 2 transfer to A, $50 to-win): 1. 16-Clinton Hersh[1]; 2. 11A-Ashton Briggs[5]; 3. 4-Jason Knowles[3]; 4. 42D-Tony Musolino[9]; 5. 17G-Zach Gunn[2]; 6. 21J-Jamie Wrightsman[7]; 7. 5W-Wyatt White[10]; 8. 6R-Chuck Recker[6]; 9. 432-Hunter Proctor[8]; 10. 66-Anthony Monteparte[4].

 

Cleetus Motorsports Last Chance B Main 2 (12 laps, Top 2 transfer to A, $50 to-win): 1. 29-Ryan Hare[2]; 2. 26-Kurt Stebbins[4]; 3. 02-Ben Easler[1]; 4. 9S-Breyton Santee[3]; 5. 3J-Jeremy Wonderling[10]; 6. 5W18-Mike Wonderling[5]; 7. 45-Tim Shaffer[7]; 8. 33W-Jacob Whitt[6]; 9. 45L-Leo Iarrapino[9]; 10. 2M-Chuck Medved[8].

 

Cleetus Motorsports Last Chance B Main 3 (12 laps, Top 2 transfer to A, $50 to-win): 1. 14G-Jake Gunn[1]; 2. 42-Daryl Charlier[2]; 3. 10S-Tom Snyder Jr[7]; 4. 91B-Brodie Oravetz[4]; 5. 97-Allan Hammond[5]; 6. M5-Tony Magill[9]; 7. 33-Sean Boskovich[8]; 8. 6J-Jared Costello[6]; 9. 14W-Dusty Waters[3]; 10. 24C-Rob Coffaro[10].

 

"John Buzzard Memorial" Sunoco Dash (6 laps, $100 cash & $100 Sunoco fuel card to-win): 1. 44-Dave Hess Jr[1]; 2. 25Z-Mason Zeigler[2]; 3. 56-Christian Schneider[3]; 4. 111D-Demetrios Drellos[4]; 5. 18*-Dylan Cecce[5]; 6. 31-Joe Martin[6].

 

Non-Qualifier Product Package Winners List ($12,000):

1. FK Rod Ends: One Complete Set 4130 Black FK Rod Ends ($500) (Wyatt White)

2. FK Rod Ends: One Complete Set 4130 Black FK Rod Ends ($500) (Hunter Proctor) 

3. Ed Carley Motorsports: Gift Certificate for Consultation/Tech Support/Labor ($500) (Mike Wonderling)

4. Daugherty Motorsports/Integra Shocks: Gift Certificate for Consultation/Tech Support/Labor ($500) (Tom Snyder, Jr.)

5. Milwaukee Tool Compliments of Brocious Lumber: Milwaukee Drill/Driver-2 M18 Batteries, Charger & Case ($429) (Ben Easler)

6. Milwaukee Tool Compliments of Brocious Lumber: Milwaukee Drill/Driver-2 M18 Batteries, Charger & Case ($429) (Ben Easler)

7. Tru-Form Race Products: Custom Helmet Wrap ($425) (Breyton Santee)

8. Wieland Metal Services/Rohrich Performance Parts: 2 Sheets White Aluminum/1 Set GM 604 Valve Springs ($353) (Anthony Monteparte)

9. Wieland Metal Services/Rohrich Performance Parts: 2 Sheets White Aluminum/1 Set GM 604 Valve Springs ($353) (Chuck Recker)

10. Landrum Performance Springs: Package of 4 VB Standard Springs ($350) (Jared Costello)

11. Landrum Performance Springs: Package of 4 VB Standard Springs ($350) (Jamie Wrightsman)

12. Landrum Performance Springs: Package of 4 VB Standard Springs ($350) (Zach Gunn)

13. ARC Racing (Roy Anderson)/Rohrich Per. Parts: $200 Gift Certificate/1 Set GM 604 Valve Springs ($303) (Chuck Recker)

14. Wedge Motorsports/Rohrich Performance Parts: $200 Gift Certificate/1 Set GM 604 Valve Springs ($303) (Jason Knowles)

15. Competition Crate Parts: $300 Gift Certificate ($300) (Tony Magill)

16. Dave Poske's Performance Parts: $300 Gift Certificate ($300) (Allan Hammond)

17. Russ King Racing: $300 Gift Certificate ($300) (Chuck Recker)

18. JDS Racing (Jim Stevens): $300 Close Racing Supply Gift Certificate ($300) (Jacob Whitt)

19. Shuttleworth Auto Sales: $300 Close Racing Supply Gift Certificate ($300) (Brodie Oravetz)

20. Insinger Performance: $300 Gift Certificate ($300) (Leo Iarrapino)

21. Velocita-USA/Rohrich Performance Parts: Pair of 2-Layer Racing Gloves/1 Set GM 604 Valve Springs ($272) (Rob Coffaro)

22. Ontime Body & Graphic/Big Daddy's: Complete Spoiler Kit/$100 Gift Card ($250) (Dusty Waters)

23. Ontime Body & Graphic/Big Daddy's: Complete Spoiler Kit/$100 Gift Card ($250) (Tony Musolino)

24. Big Ed's Tire Service: 1 RUSH Hoosier Racing Tire ($240) (Jason Knowles)

25. Neff Motorsports: 1 RUSH Hoosier Racing Tire ($240) (Tom Snyder, Jr.)

26. Ray's Racing Collectibles: 1 RUSH Hoosier Racing Tire ($240) (Jacob Whitt) 

27. Hoosier Racing Tire: 1 RUSH Hoosier Racing Tire ($240) (Jamie Wrightsman)

28. Hoosier Racing Tire: 1 RUSH Hoosier Racing Tire ($240) Zach Gunn)

29. Hoosier Racing Tire: 1 RUSH Hoosier Racing Tire ($240) (Tim Shaffer)

30. Racing Electronics/Performance Bodies: Switch-R Driver Radio and Case/$100 Gift Certificate ($235) (Anthony Monteparte)

31. Jones Racing Products: RUSH Dirt LM Front Drive/Part #1035-S-CE ($223) (Tony Magill)

32. Insinger Performance/Race Jugs: $150 Gift Certificate for Sunoco Race Fuel/2 Fuel Jugs ($216) (Rob Coffaro)

33. Insinger Performance/Race Jugs: $150 Gift Certificate for Sunoco Race Fuel/2 Fuel Jugs ($216) (Allan Hammond)

34. Insinger Performance/Race Jugs: $150 Gift Certificate for Sunoco Race Fuel/2 Fuel Jugs ($216) (Leo Iarrapino)

35. Insinger Performance/Race Jugs: $150 Gift Certificate for Sunoco Race Fuel/2 Fuel Jugs ($216) (Sean Boskovich)

                                   

Additional Drawings:                        

1. Ed Carley Motorsports: $500 off a new set of Genesis Shocks (Zach Gunn)

2. Ed Carley Motorsports: $500 off a new Rocket Chassis (Ben Easler)

 

The RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Hovis Auto & Truck Supply together with Born2Run Lubricants along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, Colussy Chevrolet Flynn's Tire, Gunter's Honey, Rustler Sales & Service, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, FK Rod Ends, Capital Contracting Service, Joseph J. Oliva Attorney at Law, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, Landrum Performance Springs, Russ King Racing, 3C Graphix, Velocita-USA, Wieland Metal Services, Real Merchant Services DMV, IllusionCoats Powder Coating, Hoosier Tire Western Pennsylvania/Big Daddy's Speed Center, Close Racing Supply, Keyser Manufacturing/Integra Racing Shocks, Seal-Tite Paving & Excavating, MotoRad, Schneider Trucks, Ontime Body & Graphic, Henry's Headers & Exhaust Systems, D&V Jewelers, AERO Race Wheels, Racing Electronics, Design Creations, and Competition Crate Parts.

 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300. The RUSH Late Model website is www.rushlatemodels.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) @RUSHLM.

 
 

BEN EASLER, BILLY HENRY JR, BRANDON BURGOON & DAVE DUBOIS ALL SCORE THEIR 1ST HOVIS RUSH LATE MODEL WINS OF 2026

By Marcie Barlow


 

June 19, 2026 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 (Pulaski, PA)...It was a big weekend for the Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Racing Series presented by Born2Run Lubricants with four of the five divisions in action. Billy Henry, Jr. tallied his first win of 2026 in RUSH Late Model action as Raceway 7 finally got their 2026 season underway, while Ben Easler, Brandon Burgoon and Dave DuBois also visited victory lane for the first time this season in Colussy Chevrolet RUSH Late Model Weekly Series action. Veterans Gale Ruth, Jr., and John Mollick scored victories in Hovis RUSH Sprint Car Rustler Sales & Service Weekly Series action, while William Baker, Jr. did the same in RUSH Stock Car action. The RUSH Sportsman Modified season finally got underway with Kole Holden victorious at Raceway 7.

 

Raceway 7 finally managed to get their 2026 season opener completed on Friday.  Jacob Peterson and Cory Sines led the RUSH Late Model main event to green.  Peterson led the first four circuits before defending divisional champion Billy Henry, Jr. took the top spot.  Henry led the remainder of the 20-lap event to score his first win of 2026 Colussy Chevrolet Weekly Series action.  Peterson finished a career best second with Jeff Watson getting third.  Albert Bull and William Pinckney rounded out the top five.

 

Tommy Snyder, Jr. won his second of the season at Dog Hollow Speedway on Friday night in the RUSH Late Models. Jeremy Wonderling won the $2,058 special in the 2026 opener at Freedom Motorsports Park on Friday night for his third overall win of 2026. No results were available to date. 

 

Saturday evening at Woodhull Raceway, Marshall O’Brian and Rickie Loucks led the RUSH Late Model field to green.  O’Brian led the first eight laps as he held off the challenges of both Steve LeBarron and Brett Marlett. Lebarron made the winning pass on lap nine and went on to score his second victory of the season at the New York oval. Marlatt came home in second with O’Brian finishing third.  Garrett Heffner and Loucks completed the top five.

 

RUSH Late Model Weekly Series action at Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Motor Speedway saw second place starter Brandon Burgoon take command to lead the first 11 laps before Jake Gunn wrestled the top spot away on lap 12.  Gunn also led lap 13 before Burgoon reclaimed the lead on lap 14. Burgoon went on to lead the final six circuits to score a 1.819 victory over Gunn.  Tommy Schirnhofer, Jr., Mike Reft, and Tony Magill rounded out the top five.

 

Colussy Chevrolet RUSH Late Model Weekly Series action at The Dirt Track at Genesee saw Jon Rivers lead the first lap of the main event before David Pangrazio took the top spot. By lap nine, ninth place starter Jimmy Johnson took the lead however another caution would slow the field. Johnson got too high, hit the turn four wall when the action resumed, and retired from the event giving Dave DuBois the lead.  DuBois would weather several more cautions and go on to score his first divisional win of the season over David Pangrazio by 0.517 seconds.  Doug Ricotta, Ohio invader Brian Nethers, and Rivers followed.

 

Devin Brannon scored his second consecutive win of the 2026 season and his fifth overall at Winchester Speedway in RUSH Late Model action Saturday evening.  Brannon led the entire distance of the 20-lap main event to score the win.  Kristopher Hutton posted his best finish of the season and came home in second position with Bobby Tharp, Jr. getting third. Branson Woodward and Davin Kaiser completed the top five.

 

The RUSH Dirt Late Model Flynn’s Tire/Gunter’s Honey Touring Series returned to Stateline Speedway on Saturday to complete the ninth Annual Bill Law Memorial after three prior rainouts in May.  The event saw 43 cars in attendance from five states.  Ben Easler and Dave Hess, Jr. led the 26-car field to green however Ashton Briggs, Randy Hall and Austin Hauser tangled, negating the start.  When the action resumed Easler immediately took the top spot while Hess, Jr. and Austin Allen battled for second. Hess, Jr. finally broke free of Allen on lap 17 and began to track down Easler. Easler and Hess, Jr. then battled for the top spot with Allen slipping under Hess, Jr. for the second spot on lap 24. Easler withstood the challenge of Allen to score a 0.636 second victory and his career first RUSH Tour checkered and first RUSH Late Model win since 2024.  Easler also collected $4,000 for his efforts.   Allen matched his career best Tour finish in second with Jeremy Wonderling getting third.  Hess, and Daryl Charlier rounded out the top five.

 

RUSH Sprint Car teams started the weekend at Tri-City Raceway Park on Friday evening. The main event got off to a rough start with Zach Morrow and Luke Roessner making contact resulting in Morrow flipping. Morrow was not injured but his racing for the weekend was cut short.  Roessner led the first two circuits when the action resumed before veteran Gale Ruth, Jr. used the top side of the speedway to take command. Ruth, Jr. led the remainder of the 20-lap event to tally his second win of the season in Rustler Sales and Service Weekly Series action.  The win was also the 29th of Ruth’s career in the division.  Blaze Myers, Joe Buccola, Roessner, and Devon Deeter completed the top five. Logen Lockhart was the recipient of the $100 "Kenny's Cash" in memory of Kenny Kent from Arnie Kent,

 

RUSH Sprint Car Rustler Sales & Service Weekly Series action continued on Saturday at Pennsylvania Motor Speedway.  Luke Mulichak and Gale Ruth, Jr. led the main event to the green,but it was third place starter John Mollick who would take the lead. A lap three caution closed the field, but Mollick wasted no time in taking command once the action resumed.  The Toronto, OH driver went on to lead the final 12 circuits and score the 3.682 victory over Wyatt Long. Ruth, Jr., Mulichak and Trent Marshall finished third through fifth, respectively. T.J. Rosario was the recipient of the $100 "Kenny's Cash".

 

RUSH Sportsman Modified teams returned to action for the first time in 2026 at Raceway 7 on Friday.  Kole Holden held off the race long challenges of Doug Rutana to score the victory.  Todd English, Jacob Rutana and Russ King Racing Futures Cup driver Nolan Burns rounded out the top five.

 

Hovis RUSH Stock Car teams were in action at Tri-City Raceway Park Friday evening.  Raiddan Wilson and William Baker, Jr. raced side-by-side for the two laps with Wilson grabbing the top spot. A caution for Jim Buchanan slowed the field and on the double file restart that followed the duo continued their battle. Baker used the top groove to grab the top spot, but Wilson tried valiantly to take the top spot. At the checkered flag it was Baker earning a hard-fought $600 win- his third in the four events held at the speedway this season over Wilson. Billy Myers, Cole Laskey, and Buchanan rounded out the top five.

 

Weather claimed the events scheduled at Eriez Speedway and Bradford Speedway on Sunday.

 

Hovis Auto and Truck Supply RUSH Late Model Colussy Chevrolet Weekly Series action is scheduled for Friday at Dog Hollow Speedway and Raceway 7.  Saturday’s action includes The Dirt Track at Genesee, Muskingum County Speedway, Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Motor Speedway, Stateline Speedway, Winchester Speedwayand Woodhull Raceway. Sunday RUSH Late Model action is scheduled at both Bradford and Eriez Speedways.

Hovis RUSH Sprint Car Rustler Sales & Service Weekly Series action is scheduled for Tri-City Raceway Park on Friday evening. The lone RUSH Pro Mod event will take place at Stateline Speedway on Saturday.


 

Hovis RUSH Sportsman Modified teams have two nights of racing action scheduled.  They will start off the weekend Friday evening at Raceway 7 and then conclude the weekend at Tri-City Raceway Park for $600 to-win on Sunday evening.

Hovis  RUSH Stock Car competitors have another three-race weekend on tap.  They will be in action Friday at Tri-City Raceway Park, move to Stateline Speedway on Saturday and conclude the weekend at Eriez Speedway on Sunday.

Another great weekend of Hovis Auto and Truck Supply RUSH Racing Series action presented by Born2Run Lubricants is on tap so be sure to get out and enjoy a night or two at a local speedway near you.


 

The RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Hovis Auto & Truck Supply together with Born2Run Lubricants along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, Colussy Chevrolet Flynn's Tire, Gunter's Honey, Rustler Sales & Service, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, FK Rod Ends, Capital Contracting Service, Joseph J. Oliva Attorney at Law, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, Landrum Performance Springs, Russ King Racing, 3C Graphix, Velocita-USA, Wieland Metal Services, Real Merchant Services DMV, IllusionCoats Powder Coating, Hoosier Tire Western Pennsylvania/Big Daddy's Speed Center, Close Racing Supply, Keyser Manufacturing/Integra Racing Shocks, Seal-Tite Paving & Excavating, MotoRad, Schneider Trucks, Ontime Body & Graphic, Henry's Headers & Exhaust Systems, D&V Jewelers, AERO Race Wheels, Racing Electronics, Design Creations, and Competition Crate Parts.

 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300. The RUSH Late Model website is www.rushlatemodels.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) @RUSHLM.

 

JOE MARTIN ENDS A NEAR 3-YEAR WINLESS DROUGHT ON THE HOVIS RUSH LATE MODEL FLYNN'S TIRE/GUNTER'S HONEY TOUR AFTER A FLAWLESS PERFORMANCE IN THE RETURN TO SHARON ON KUHNLE MOTORSPORTS PARK NIGHT

By Mike Leone


 

June 6, 2026 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Hartford, OH)...The Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Dirt Late Model Flynn's Tire/Gunter's Honey Touring Series returned to Sharon Speedway on Saturday night for the first time since July 9, 2022. The weather-challenged 2026 season continued as there was a 90% chance of thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. The storms however all went around the Hartford, Ohio oval allowing just the third event of 2026 to be completed out of 10 tries. The event was streamed live on DIRTVision. 

 

Saturday was a storybook ending for Joe Martin. The former Flynn's Tire/Gunter's Honey Touring Series regular made his first Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Late Model start of 2026 as he returned to one of his favorite tracks- Sharon Speedway. Martin had won the two previous Tour events contested at Sharon in 2021 and 2022. 

 

On Saturday night, Martin drove a flawless 30 laps as he kept Northeast legend, Dave Hess, Jr., at bay throughout the caution-free event to give car owner Jonathan Stockdale his first career Tour victory, worth $4,000, and his first since September 30, 2023 at Pittsburgh PA Motor Speedway. Even more meaningful was Saturday's event was presented by Kuhnle Motorsports Park, which is owned by the team's primary sponsor, Kuhnle Brothers Trucking. The non-stop race was timed in 9:45.529.

 

"I'm proud of this and can't thank Jonathan (Stockdale) enough for the opportunity," expressed the 41-year-old Punxsutawney, Pa. driver from Landrum Performance Springs Victory Lane. "I have to thank the Kuhnles as I think they were responsible for getting us back here. Kim Kuhnle is here and they have a suite- I want to thank the family for putting this on and allowing me to race this car once in awhile." 

 

"This place is awesome," added Martin. "It doesn't matter what division; you can race the top guardrail, around the tires, and anywhere in between. I love this place- I really do. It was getting dirty up top late. I think there were too many cars running down low and kicking the crumbs up. If I would have stuck with it and guys followed me we could have run up there the entire race. When you look up and see 44 (Hess) on the board and he didn't start right behind me, I figured I better get down. I started getting free at the end and tried to keep from spinning the tires. This car is so good. I show up at the last minute with my helmet and suit and jump in so I can't take much credit for it."

 

Following his Sunoco Dash win, Martin raced into the early lead at the start of the 30-lap feature, while Jeremy Wonderling passed Austin Allen for second. Hess started in fifth and was up to fourth on the opening lap. Hess then drove around Allen for third on lap three, while Martin began to distance himself from the field. Hess ran down Wonderling and drove around the five-time champion off turn four to nip him at the start-finish line for second on lap six. 

 

Martin had a full straightaway advantage by the time Hess made his way to second. Lapped traffic came into play on lap 11 and it wasn't until lap 15 when Hess began to chew into Martin's lead cutting the deficit more than half. Martin had to negotiate heavy lapped traffic on lap 22, but continued to maintain his lead. On lap 24, both racers cleared lapped traffic giving Martin clean air for the first time since time since the first 1/3rd of the event. Hess would eat into Martin's lead in the ensuing laps, but Martin had just enough to keep Hess at bay by 0.555 seconds.   

 

Martin became the season's third different winner in three races. His seventh career Flynn's Tire/Gunter's Honey Tour victory came aboard the Jonathan Stockdale-owned, Kuhnle Brothers Trucking/Penske Shocks/Doc Howard's Distillery/E&S Towing/Slowride Transport/Interstate Towing/Sunnyside Farm Transit/Whitehill Garage/Dasly Supply-sponsored #31. It was also Martin's eighth career win on Sharon's 3/8-mile track.

 

Hess earned $2,000 for his runner-up finish aboard the Alex Anderson-owned #44, which is sponsored by IllusionCoats Powder Coating- the "Official Powder Coater" of RUSH and the presenting sponsor of the "Firing Zone". "I had to make the crew work hard tonight," acknowledged the 41-year-old Waterford, Pa. great. "I bent the spoiler against the fence twice tonight and knocked the bumper off on an infield tire. It's been a busy night. I think we changed every shock and spring and adjustment we could make and finally hit on something in the feature where we were pretty good. It was a good race. Joe (Martin) was awesome. I thought we were so close and if I was out front, he'd have been in the same boat as the cars were so even. I felt I'd gain a little bit and push a little too hard and lose a bit." 

 

"It's always great racing and love racing with all these guys- the whole crew is great sportsmanship," added Hess.  "I love racing here whenever we get the chance- the track is phenomenal. I can't thank my parents enough for putting a car behind me my whole life to get me where I am and all that experience is paying off. Thanks to Alex Anderson and his group of sponsors for putting me in a great hot rod; we were one spot short but aren't hanging our head on that. We made a lot of strides tonight that will hopefully get us up front for the big 'Bill Emig Memorial' race."

 

 

Wonderling was third for a $1,000 payday as his third top four finish in the first three races has him atop the $20,000 standings in search of an unprecedented sixth Flynn's Tire/Gunter's Honey Tour title. Christian Schneider started eighth and finished fourth after getting by Kyle Zimmerman on lap 20. Schneider earned the $100 Big Daddy's Speed Center/Hoosier Tire Western PA gift card for being the "Pedal Down" Hard Charger following his best finish of the season. Zimmerman, who was aboard a second Jonathan Stockdale/Kuhnle Brothers Trucking entry, was fifth for his season's best finish as well.   

 

Kurt Stebbins went 10th to 6th to maintain his points lead in the $3,000 to-win 3C Graphix Rookie-of-Year standings. Demetrios Drellos, the 2025 3C Graphix Rookie-of-the-Year, was seventh in his first ever visit to Sharon as his three top eight finishes has him second in the standings. Daryl Charlier was eighth. Allen backpedalled to ninth after starting on the outside pole. Jason Knowles completed the top 10.

 

Ben Easler, who finished 11th, in the feature opened the night by going fastest in hot laps with a lap of 17.367 to earn the $50 "Hottest of the Hot" honors from Schneider Trucks. Wonderling captured his first $100 FK Rod Ends "Shock the Clock" fast time honors of 2026 with a lap of 17.577 over the 27-car field, which was hampered by the poor forecast. Approximately a dozen teams that posted they were coming to Sharon failed to make the trip due to the weather. 

 

Wonderling, Zimmerman, and Martin won the $25 FK Rod Ends heat races. Cory Sines, who made his first RUSH Late Model start since the 2024 season, won the last chance B main. A flat tire before the green flag of the B main ended Jake Gunn's night early and was awarded the $100 Close Racing Supply Hard Luck gift card. 

 

Martin received a $100 Sunoco fuel card for winning the Sunoco Dash. Touring drivers, Wonderling and Drellos won the $100 Sunoco fuel card drawings, while Gunn, Cale Schwartzmiller, Logan Zarin, and Tommy Schirnhofer, Jr. were the lucky recipients of the $50 Sunoco fuel card drawings.

 

Landrum Performance Springs, which will award a $5,000 Loyalty Bonus at the season ending event, distributed BOGO certificates, which were won by Stebbins, Easler, Albert Bull, Ashton Briggs, and Zimmerman.

 

Up next for the Flynn’s Tire/Gunter's Honey Touring Series will be the fourth try to complete the "Bill Law Memorial" on Saturday, June 13 at Stateline Speedway in Busti, NY. The $4,000 to-win event was previously rained out for three consecutive weeks on May 9, May 16, and May 23 without a car ever hitting the speedway. 

 

Hovis Auto & Truck Supply RUSH Late Model Flynn’s Tire/Gunter's Honey Touring Series Race #3 (30 laps, $4,000 to-win): 1. JOE MARTIN (Stockdale 31) 2. Dave Hess, Jr. (Anderson 44) 3. Jeremy Wonderling (3J) 4. Christian Schneider (Daugherty 56) 5. Kyle Zimmerman (Stockdale 101) 6. Kurt Stebbins (26) 7. Demetrios Drellos (111) 8. Daryl Charlier (Dobnak 42) 9. Austin Allen (Mullen 32) 10. Jason Knowles (4) 11. Ben Easler (02) 12. Logan Zarin (Beach 33x) 13. Tommy Schirnhofer, Jr. (8s) 14. Breyton Santee (9) 15. Cory Sines (25s) 16. Bill Holmes III (8) 17. Zach Gunn (17G) 18. Ashton Briggs (11a) 19. Marino Angelicchio (55) 20. Brodie Oravetz (91B) 21. Chuck Medved (2M) 22. Ryan Hare (29) 23. Cale Schwartzmiller (28s) 24. Cody Dawson (36).

 

DNQ: Albert Bull (19), Jake Gunn (14G) & Jeff Watson (1*).

 

Car Count: 27

Feature Margin of Victory: 0.555 seconds

Feature Lap Leaders: Joe Martin (1-30)

Close Racing Supply “Tough Brake of the Night: Jake Gunn

Hoosier Tire Western PA/Big Daddy’s Speed Center Hard Charger: Christian Schneider (+4)

Landrum Performance Springs BOGO Certificates: Kurt Stebbins, Ben Easler, Albert Bull, Ashton Briggs & Kyle Zimmerman

Ontime Body & Graphic “Spoiler Alert” Spoiler Kit: Jeremy Wonderling

Schneider Trucks “Hottest of the Hot” Fastest in Hot Laps: Ben Easler (17.367)

Sunoco Fuel Card Winners: Jeremy Wonderling ($100), Demetrios Drellos ($100), Jake Gunn ($50), Cale Schwartzmiller ($50), Logan Zarin ($50) & Tommy Schirnhofer, Jr.

 

FK Rod Ends “Shock the Clock” Qualifying (Track record 16.419 by Max Blair on 9/11/15)  ($100 for fast time): 1. 3J-Jeremy Wonderling, 17.577[1]; 2. 56-Christian Schneider, 17.766[12]; 3. 31-Joe Martin, 17.853[17]; 4. 26-Kurt Stebbins, 17.854[7]; 5. 101-Kyle Zimmerman, 18.010[26]; 6. 111D-Demetrios Drellos, 18.063[4]; 7. 32A-Austin Allen, 18.065[21]; 8. 42-Daryl Charlier, 18.127[10]; 9. 02-Ben Easler, 18.167[8]; 10. 55A-Marino Angelicchio, 18.221[19]; 11. 44-Dave Hess Jr, 18.224[11]; 12. 4-Jason Knowles, 18.228[25]; 13. 25S-Cory Sines, 18.248[6]; 14. 36-Cody Dawson, 18.270[14]; 15. 1*-Jeff Watson, 18.282[18]; 16. 8S-Tommy Schirnhofer Jr, 18.295[24]; 17. 9S-Breyton Santee, 18.317[15]; 18. 33X-Logan Zarin, 18.402[23]; 19. 8-Bill Holmes, 18.493[13]; 20. 91B-Brodie Oravetz, 18.513[2]; 21. 17G-Zach Gunn, 18.587[5]; 22. 2M-Chuck Medved, 18.588[20]; 23. 14G-Jake Gunn, 18.748[3]; 24. 11A-Ashton Briggs, 19.084[16]; 25. 19-Albert Bull, 19.221[9]; 26. 28S-Cale Schwartzmiller, 19.240[22]; 27. 29-Ryan Hare, NT.

 

FK Rod Ends Heat 1 (8 laps, Top 6 transfer to A, $25 to-win): 1. 3J-Jeremy Wonderling[1]; 2. 32A-Austin Allen[3]; 3. 55A-Marino Angelicchio[4]; 4. 26-Kurt Stebbins[2]; 5. 8S-Tommy Schirnhofer Jr[6]; 6. 8-Bill Holmes[7]; 7. 25S-Cory Sines[5]; 8. 2M-Chuck Medved[8]; 9. 19-Albert Bull[9].

 

FK Rod Ends Heat 2 (8 laps, Top 6 transfer to A, $25 to-win): 1. 101-Kyle Zimmerman[2]; 2. 44-Dave Hess Jr[4]; 3. 56-Christian Schneider[1]; 4. 42-Daryl Charlier[3]; 5. 9S-Breyton Santee[6]; 6. 91B-Brodie Oravetz[7]; 7. 14G-Jake Gunn[8]; 8. 36-Cody Dawson[5]; 9. 28S-Cale Schwartzmiller[9].

 

FK Rod Ends Heat 3 (8 laps, Top 6 transfer to A, $25 to-win): 1. 31-Joe Martin[1]; 2. 111D-Demetrios Drellos[2]; 3. 4-Jason Knowles[4]; 4. 02-Ben Easler[3]; 5. 33X-Logan Zarin[6]; 6. 17G-Zach Gunn[7]; 7. 11A-Ashton Briggs[8]; 8. 1*-Jeff Watson[5]. DNS: 29-Ryan Hare

 

Last Chance B Main (8 laps, Top 6 transfer to A): 1. 25S-Cory Sines[1]; 2. 11A-Ashton Briggs[3]; 3. 2M-Chuck Medved[4]; 4. 36-Cody Dawson[5]; 5. 29-Ryan Hare[9]; 6. 28S-Cale Schwartzmiller[8]; 7. 19-Albert Bull[7]; 8. 14G-Jake Gunn[2]. DNS: 1*-Jeff Watson

 

Sunoco Dash (6 laps, $100 Sunoco fuel card to-win): 1. 31-Joe Martin[2]; 2. 32A-Austin Allen[1]; 3. 3J-Jeremy Wonderling[5]; 4. 101-Kyle Zimmerman[6]; 5. 44-Dave Hess Jr[4]; 6. 111D-Demetrios Drellos[3]

 

The RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Hovis Auto & Truck Supply together with Born2Run Lubricants along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, Colussy Chevrolet Flynn's Tire, Gunter's Honey, Rustler Sales & Service, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, FK Rod Ends, Capital Contracting Service, Joseph J. Oliva Attorney at Law, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, Landrum Performance Springs, Russ King Racing, 3C Graphix, Velocita-USA, Wieland Metal Services, Real Merchant Services DMV, IllusionCoats Powder Coating, Hoosier Tire Western Pennsylvania/Big Daddy's Speed Center, Close Racing Supply, Keyser Manufacturing/Integra Racing Shocks, Seal-Tite Paving & Excavating, Schneider Trucks, Ontime Body & Graphic, Henry's Headers & Exhaust Systems, D&V Jewelers, AERO Race Wheels, Racing Electronics, Design Creations, and Competition Crate Parts.

 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300. The RUSH Late Model website is www.rushlatemodels.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) @RUSHLM.

 

IAN TRAVIS, CODY DAWSON, ZACK CARLEY & JOE MARTIN CAPTURE 1ST WINS OF 2026 IN HOVIS RUSH LATE MODELS; COLE STRICKLAND & NICK ARNOLD WIN THEIR 1ST RACES OF 2026 IN RUSH STOCKS & RUSH PRO MODS

By Marcie Barlow


 

June 13, 2026 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Pulaski, PA)...It was a busy weekend as four of the five Hovis Auto and Truck Supply RUSH Racing Series divisions presented by Born2Run Lubricants were in action.  Hovis RUSH Late Model action saw Joe Martin score a career first Flynn’s Tire/Gunter’s Honey RUSH Late Model Tour victory for car owner Jonathan Stockdale at Sharon Speedway on Saturday.  Other first-time winners in Late Model Colussy Chevrolet Weekly Series action included Ian Travis (Stateline Speedway), Cody Dawson (Dog Hollow Speedway) and Zack Carley (Woodhull Raceway).  Cole Strickland claimed his career first win in RUSH Stock Car action at Stateline, while Blaze Myers and John Mollick were repeat winners in Hovis RUSH Sprint Car Rustler Sales & Service Weekly Series action. Nick Arnold tallied a win in the lone RUSH Pro-Mod main event that was held. 

 

Delaware racer Cody Dawson stopped at Dog Hollow Speedway on his way to Saturday's Flynn's Tire/Gunter's Honey Touring Series event at Sharon Speedway and captured his first RUSH Late Model victory of the season. Dawson defeated Christian Schneider, Brad Neff, Sean Boskovich and Tom Snyder, Jr.

 

Ian Travis and William Pinckney led the 21-car RUSH Late Model field to green at Stateline Speedway on Saturday.  Travis led every lap to score his career first divisional victory over Jake Wilber. Pinckney ended up third with Andy Michael and Randy Hall rounding out the top five.

 

The father-son duo of Zack and Ed Carley led the RUSH Late Model main event to the green at Woodhull Raceway Saturday.  Zach Carley immediately took command and went on to score his first victory of the season by 1.293 seconds over his father.  Brett Marlatt, John Waters and Rickie Loucks completed the top five.

 

Devin Brannon used his second-place starting spot to take the lead in Saturday night’s RUSH Late Model feature at Winchester Speedway.  Brannon held off the challenges of defending divisional champion Davin Kaiser to pick up his fourth win of the season at the Virginia oval. Kris Hutton, Bubby Tharp, Jr. and Steven Powell completed the top five.

 

Veteran Joe Martin made his first start of the 2026 season a successful one as he scored the victory in the Flynn’s Tire/Gunter’s Honey RUSH Late Model Tour event presented by Kuhnle Motorsports Park at Sharon Speedway on Saturday.  It was the Tour’s first event at the speedway in nearly four years. Martin led the entire distance of the 30-lap main event to collect the $4,000 top prize- his third straight at Sharon.  The caution-free event was completed in under 10 minutes and was the first ever Tour victory for car owner Jonathan Stockdale.  Fifth place starter Dave Hess, Jr., came home in second with current Tour points leader Jeremy Wonderling claiming third. Christian Schneider and Kyle Zimmerman in a second Stockdale entry finished fourth and fifth respectively. 

 

Jeremy Wonderling and Jake Wilber paced the RUSH Late Model main event at Eriez Speedway on Sunday. Wonderling took command and went on to score his second win at the Erie, Pa. track and third of the season overall in Colussy Chevrolet Weekly Series action. Sixth place starter Kurt Stebbins finished second with Billy Henry getting third. Tenth place starter Ben Easler had a good run to claim fourth with Andy Michael finished fifth.

 

Hovis RUSH Sprint Car Rustler Sales & Service Weekly Series action kicked off on Friday at Tri-City Raceway Park. Youngster Blaze Myers started in the second position and grabbed the lead when the green flag waved. Myers led the entire distance of the 20-lap event to score his third victory of the season and his 29th overall in divisional action. Zach Morrow claimed the second spot with Gale Ruth, Jr. getting third. Ricky Tucker III and Joe Buccola completed the top five.

 

Saturday evening the RUSH Sprint Car competitors were in action at Sharon Speedway for the first time in 2026.  Third place starter John Mollick slipped under Zach Morrow on the second circuit and went on to score his 32nd career win in the division by 5.672 second over Morrow.  Luke Mulichak came from the seventh spot to get third while Arnie Kent claimed fourth. Wyatt Long completed the top five.

 

Hovis RUSH Pro Mod action at Stateline Speedway Saturday evening saw Nick Arnold lead flag-to-flag to secure the victory in his 2026 debut.  Josh Wilcox, Josh Canfield, Victor Earle, Jr. and Derek Austin finished second through fifth respectively.

 

It was a busy three-race weekend for the Hovis RUSH Stock Car teams. Their action began Friday at Tri-City Raceway Park where William Baker, Jr. appeared headed for victory before mechanical issues ended his night on lap four.  Billy Myers inherited the lead and successfully held off a determined challenge from Russ King Racing Futures Cup driver Cole Laskey to secure his first win of the season. Raiddan Wilson, Baker and Jim Buchanan followed.

 

Cole Strickland captured his first career RUSH Stock Car feature victory Saturday evening at Stateline Speedway. Strickland drove a flawless race in a 15-lap battle with Raiddan Wilson to pick up the checkered. Alex Bush, Kaden Michael and David McAvoy completed the top five.

 

RUSH Stock Car competitors completed their weekend at Eriez Speedway.  William Baker, Jr. scored the win, his fourth overall in divisional action.  Two-time and defending champion, Kaden Michael, who started in the sixth position, came home in the runner-up position with Raiddan Wilson getting third. Cole Laskey and Kaden Kinder rounded out the top five.

 

Weather claimed the RUSH events scheduled at Raceway 7 and Pittsburgh PA Motor Speedway.

 

The Hovis RUSH Late Model Flynn's Tire/Gunter's Honey Touring Series will attempt the fourth try to complete the "Bill Law Memorial" on Saturday, June 13 at Stateline Speedway in Busti, NY. The $4,000 towin event was previously rained out for three consecutive weeks on May 9, May 16, and May 23 without a car ever hitting the speedway. 

 

Saturday evening Weekly Series action is scheduled at Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Motor Speedway, Winchester Speedway, the Dirt Track at Genesee, and Woodhull Raceway.  Sunday evening RUSH Late Model teams will be in action at both Bradford Speedway and Eriez Speedway.  

 

Hovis RUSH Sprint Car Rustler Sales & Service Weekly Series action gets underway Friday at Tri-City Raceway Park and then moves on to Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Motor Speedway on Saturday.

 

Hovis RUSH Sportsman Modified competitors will be in action Friday at Raceway 7.

 

RUSH Stock Car competitors will be at Tri-City Raceway Park on Friday for $600 to-win and Eriez Speedway on Sunday.

 

There is no shortage of RUSH racing action regardless of where in the region you are located so get out and enjoy an evening of exciting racing action this weekend.

 

The RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Hovis Auto & Truck Supply together with Born2Run Lubricants along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, Colussy Chevrolet Flynn's Tire, Gunter's Honey, Rustler Sales & Service, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, FK Rod Ends, Capital Contracting Service, Joseph J. Oliva Attorney at Law, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, Landrum Performance Springs, Russ King Racing, 3C Graphix, Velocita-USA, Wieland Metal Services, Real Merchant Services DMV, IllusionCoats Powder Coating, Hoosier Tire Western Pennsylvania/Big Daddy's Speed Center, Close Racing Supply, Keyser Manufacturing/Integra Racing Shocks, Seal-Tite Paving & Excavating, Motorad, Schneider Trucks, Ontime Body & Graphic, Henry's Headers & Exhaust Systems, D&V Jewelers, AERO Race Wheels, Racing Electronics, Design Creations, and Competition Crate Parts.

 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300. The RUSH Late Model website is www.rushlatemodels.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) @RUSHLM.

 

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6 DRIVERS SCORE THEIR 1ST HOVIS RUSH LATE MODEL COLUSSY CHEVROLET WEEKLY SERIES WINS OF 2026; JOHN MOLLICK GOES 2-FOR-2 IN HIS 1ST 2 RUSH SPRINT STARTS OF 2026; 1ST WINS TO BREWER (PRO MODS) ALONG WITH MICHAEL & BUSH IN STOCK

By Marcie Barlow


 

June 5, 2026 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Pulaski, PA)…After several weeks of minimal racing action, race fans were finally treated to plenty of exciting racing in the various Hovis Auto and Truck Supply RUSH Racing Series divisions presented by Born2Run Lubricants. Mike Wonderling tallied his first victory in three years at the Dirt Track at Genesee on Memorial Day.  Brett Marlatt (Woodhull Raceway), Tommy Schirnhofer, Jr. (Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Motor Speedway), Jimmy Johnson and Doug Ricotta (The Dirt Track at Genesee) and Jake Wilber (Bradford Speedway) visited victory lane for the first time this season in RUSH Late Model Colussy Chevrolet Weekly Series action. Veteran Al Brewer nipped Victor Earle, Jr. by a mere 0.001 seconds in Pro-Mod action at Stateline Speedway.  John Mollick made the most of his season debut in RUSH Sprint Car Rustler Sales & Service Weekly Series as he tallied wins at Mercer Raceway Park and Stateline Speedway, while Alex Bush and Kaden Michael were first time 2026 victors in RUSH Stock Car action.

 

RUSH Late Model competitors at the Dirt Track at Genesee had a busy week with three main events completed. The speedway hosted a special on Memorial Day which saw Dave DuBois and Mike Wonderling lead the field to green. Dubois led early before Wonderling took the top spot on the fourth circuit. Wonderling led the remainder of the 25-lap event to score his first win since 2023 as well as the $1,050 payday.  Austin Allen, Jimmy Johnson, Bill Taylor and Billy Dubois completed the top five.

 

Saturday’s action at Genesee included the May 9 makeup for the RUSH Late Models. Mechanical woes sidelined original pole position Demetrios Drellos which placed Jimmy Johnson out front.  Johnson went on to weather several cautions and a red flag to score the win.  New Hampshire's Allan Hammond claimed second for his career best finish in a Late Model. Jon Rivers, Bill Holmes and DuBois rounding out the top five.

 

In the regularly scheduled RUSH Late Model main event at Genesee, Jon Rivers led the first 11 laps before Doug Ricotta took command. Ricotta wasted no time in driving away from the rest of the field to score a 3.967 second win over Rivers and his first victory since 2024. DuBois, Paul Grigsby and Bill Taylor finished third through fifth respectively. 

 

Two main events were held at the Dog Hollow Speedway last Friday night as well. The feature that was postponed from May 8 saw Mike Laughard score his third victory of the season. Tom Snyder, Avery Macmellen, Leo Iarrapino, and Tyler Ellenberger completed the top five. Snyder would redeem himself in the regularly scheduled RUSH Late Model main event as he scored the win over Kolbe Kimbrew. Ellenberger, Snyder and Macmellen finished third through fifth.

 

RUSH Late Model Colussy Chevrolet Weekly Series action at Stateline Speedway saw a big 29-car field for their opener with 24 competitors taking the green flag in tyhe feature. Pole sitter Jeremy Wonderling delivered a dominating performance leading wire-to-wire to capture the win.  Zack Carley, Randy Hall, Kurt Stebbins and Jake Wilber completed the top five.

 

Anthony Monteparte and Brodie Oravetz led the 24-car RUSH Late Model field to the green at Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Motor Speedway on Saturday. Monteparte led the first two circuits before a lengthy caution slowed the field. On the ensuing restart Monteparte appeared to develop mechanical problems and Jake Gunn took the top spot. A lap four caution slowed the field and provided Tommy Schirnhofer with the opportunity he needed to battle for the top spot.  Gunn and Schirnhofer battled for the lead with Schirnhofer getting the top spot on lap five. Schirnhofer would then lead the final 15 circuits to score his first victory of the 2026 season. Gunn held on for second with Daryl Charlier getting third. Ben Easler and Zach Gunn completed the top five.

 

RUSH Late Model action at Winchester Speedway saw Devin Brannon and former track champion Logan Roberson lead the field to green. Roberson led the entire distance to score his first victory of the season over Brannon, who is current divisional points leader at the track.  Dylan Cecce, Shawn Walker and 10th place starter Steven Powell rounding out the top five.

 

RUSH Late Model action at Woodhull Raceway on Saturday saw Marshall O’Brian and Garrett Heffner pace the field to green. O’Brian led the first six laps before fourth place starter Brett Marlatt took the top spot. Marlatt led the remainder of the 20-lap main event to claim his first Colussy Chevrolet Weekly Series win of 2026. Austin Allen was second.  Russ King Racing Futures Cup racer, Marshall O’Brian, was a career best third over another Futures Cup racer in Wyatt White. Joe Layfield rounded out the top five.

 

Bradford Speedway got their season opener for the RUSH Late Models in the books on Sunday evening.  Front row starters Kurt Stebbins and Jeremy Wonderling waged a side-by-side battle during the early portion of the main event before third place starter Jake Wilber joined in the battle. Wilber drove underneath both Stebbins and Wonderling to take the lead and score his first Colussy Chevrolet Weekly Series victory of 2026. Stebbins, Wonderling, Jason Dobson and Austin Hauser completed the top five.  

 

Hovis Auto and Truck Supply RUSH Sprint Car Rustler Sales & Service Weekly Series competitors were in action for the first time this season at Michaels Mercer Raceway Park last Wednesday.  Veterans John Mollick and Arnie Kent led the field to green with Mollick wasting no time in taking the lead. The Toronto, OH driver, who was making his season debut in divisional action, led the entire distance of the 20-lap event and scored an impressive 4.847 second victory over Kent.  The win was also Mollick’s milestone 30th divisional action. Zach Morrow, Grayson Bayle and Gale Ruth, Jr. rounded out the top five.  

 

RUSH Sprint Car competitors visited the Stateline Speedway on Saturday for their first of two appearances at the Busti, NY oval. Mollick once again scored the win, this one worth $800, after weathering several cautions.  Youngster Luke Mulichak had a good run to claim the runner-up position with Brayden Blackshear claiming third. Lady racer Samantha Priest was fourth Gale Ruth, Jr. rounded out the top five.

 

RUSH Sprint Car Rustler Sales & Service Weekly Series concluded the weekend at Tri-City Raceway Park on Sunday. Zach Morrow led the first six laps before Blaze Myers took command and went on to score his second checkered flag of the season. The win was also Morrow’s 28th career victory with the Series and was worth $800. Luke Mulichak had another solid second place finish with Morrow getting third. Fourteen-year-old Brayden Blackshear was fourth for his second top five in as many nights. Samantha Priest registered her second straight top five as well in fifth and won the $100 "Kenny's Cash" for the second straight night in memory of Kenny Kent.

 

The lone Hovis Auto and Truck Supply RUSH Pro-Mod event took place at Stateline Speedway on Saturday for the division's season opener.  Adam Peterson led the first circuit before Al Brewer took the top spot. Brewer built up a sizeable lead during the early stages of the race as fourth place starter Victor Earle, Jr. battled with Josh Wilcox for the second spot. A restart with three laps to go provided Earle, Jr. with the opportunity he needed to grab second spot away from Wilcox. Earle, Jr. then set his sights on Brewer, caught him on the final lap, and the duo raced side-by-side coming for the checkered.  The 70-year-old Brewer got the win by a mere.001 seconds with a disappointed Earle, Jr. finishing second. Wilcox, Dave Shagla, Jr. and Josh Canfield rounded out the top five.

 

Hovis Auto and Truck Supply RUSH Stock Car action at Stateline Speedway saw Alex Bush survive a three-car battle for the lead to win his first event of the season. Kaden Michael, Darr Diegelman, David McAvoy and Raiddan Wilson followed.

 

RUSH Stock Car teams then travelled to Eriez Speedway to complete their weekend action on Sunday with a season high 14-car field on hand. Darr Diegelman led the first three laps before sixth place starter Kaden Michael took command and led the remainder of the 12-lap event for the victory.  Cole Strickland claimed the second spot with Diegelman getting third. Alex Bush and William Baker, Jr. finished fourth and fifth respectively.

 

Flynn’s Tire/Gunter’s Honey RUSH Late Model Tour action is scheduled at Sharon Speedway on Saturday.  The event will pay $4,000 to-win and is presented by Kuhnle Motorsports Park. The RUSH Sprint Cars are also on the racing card in their season debut at the track.

 

Hovis Auto and Truck Supply Colussy Chevrolet RUSH Late Model Weekly Series action is scheduled at Dog Hollow on Friday. Saturday evening weekly series action is scheduled at Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Motor Speedway, Stateline Speedway, Winchester Speedway, and Woodhull Raceway.  Sunday evening RUSH Late Model teams will be in action at Eriez Speedway.  

 

Hovis Auto and Truck Supply RUSH Sprint Car Rustler Sales & Service Weekly Series action gets underway Friday at Tri-City Raceway Park and then moves on to Sharon Speedway on Saturday.

 

The lone RUSH Pro-Mod event is scheduled at Stateline Speedway on Saturday. RUSH Stock Car competitors have three days of racing action scheduled. They will be at Tri-City Raceway Park on Friday, Stateline Speedway on Saturday, and Eriez Speedway on Sunday.

 

The weather is finally cooperating so whether you prefer open wheel or full-bodied racing action get out and enjoy the exciting RUSH racing action at a speedway near you.

 

The RUSH Racing Series is brought to you by Hovis Auto & Truck Supply together with Born2Run Lubricants along with the support of Hoosier Tire, Sunoco Race Fuels, Bazell Race Fuels, Insinger Performance, Colussy Chevrolet Flynn's Tire, Gunter's Honey, Rustler Sales & Service, MSD Performance, Holley Performance Products, FK Rod Ends, Capital Contracting Service, Joseph J. Oliva Attorney at Law, Schoenfeld Headers, Jones Racing Products, Landrum Performance Springs, Russ King Racing, 3C Graphix, Velocita-USA, Wieland Metal Services, Real Merchant Services DMV, IllusionCoats Powder Coating, Hoosier Tire Western Pennsylvania/Big Daddy's Speed Center, Close Racing Supply, Keyser Manufacturing, Integra Racing Shocks, Seal-Tite Paving & Excavating, Schneider Trucks, Ontime Body & Graphic, Henry's Headers & Exhaust Systems, D&V Jewelers, AERO Race Wheels, Racing Electronics, Design Creations, and Competition Crate Parts.

 

E-mail can be sent to the RUSH Racing Series at info@rushracingseries.com and mail to 4368 Route 422, Pulaski, PA 16143. Office phone is 724-964-9300. The RUSH Late Model website is www.rushlatemodels.com. Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/rushlatemodels and follow us on X (formerly known as Twitter) @RUSHLM.
 

 

 

lucas late model seriesrush late model series

2026 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing Schedule

 

Wednesday, February 18 / All-Tech Raceway / Lake City, FL

Winter Nationals / Open Practice

Thursday, February 19 / All-Tech Raceway / Lake City, FL

Winter Nationals / $10k to win / $49k purse

Friday, February 20 / All-Tech Raceway / Lake City, FL

Winter Nationals / $12k to win / $53k purse

Saturday, February 21 / All-Tech Raceway / Lake City, FL

Winter Nationals / $15k to win / $64k purse

 

Monday, February 23 / Ocala Speedway / Ocala, FL

Winter Nationals / Open Practice

Tuesday, February 24 / Ocala Speedway / Ocala, FL

Winter Nationals / $7k to win / $31k purse

Wednesday, February 25 / Ocala Speedway / Ocala, FL

Winter Nationals / $7k to win / $31k purse

Thursday, February 26 / Ocala Speedway / Ocala, FL

Winter Nationals / $10k to win / $49k purse

Friday, February 27 / Ocala Speedway / Ocala, FL

Winter Nationals / $12k to win / $53k purse

Saturday, February 28 / Ocala Speedway / Ocala, FL

Winter Nationals / $25k to win / $83k purse

 

Tuesday, March 3 / Golden Isles Speedway / Brunswick, GA

Super Bowl of Racing / Open Practice

Wednesday, March 4 / Golden Isles Speedway / Brunswick, GA

Super Bowl of Racing / $7k to win / $31k purse

Thursday, March 5 / Golden Isles Speedway / Brunswick, GA

Super Bowl of Racing / $10k to win / $49k purse

Friday, March 6 / Golden Isles Speedway / Brunswick, GA

Super Bowl of Racing / $12k to win / $53k purse

Saturday, March 7 / Golden Isles Speedway / Brunswick, GA

Super Bowl of Racing / $25k to win / $83k purse

 

Friday, March 27 / Atomic Speedway / Chillicothe, OH

Buckeye Spring 50 / $15k to win / $64k purse

Saturday, March 28 / Brownstown Speedway / Brownstown, IN

Indiana Icebreaker / $25k to win / $83k purse

 

Friday, April 24 / Georgetown Speedway / Georgetown, DE

The Melvin L. Joseph Memorial / $21k to win / $70k purse

Saturday, April 25 / BAPS Motor Speedway / York Haven, PA

Superior Homes Late Model York County Nationals Presented by Pancho's Racing Products / $25k to win / $83k purse

Sunday, April 26 / Hagerstown Speedway / Hagerstown, MD

Conococheague 40 / $10k to win / $49k purse

 

Friday, May 1 / Circle City Raceway / Indianapolis, IN

$15k to win / $64k purse

Saturday, May 2 / Florence Speedway / Union, KY

40th Annual Ralph Latham Memorial / $25k to win / $83k purse

 

Friday, May 8 / Farmer City Raceway / Farmer City, IL

Farmer City 74 / $25k to win / $83k purse

Saturday, May 9 / Fairbury Speedway / Fairbury, IL

FALS Spring Shootout Presented by Titan Industries / $30k to win / $100k purse

 

Thursday, May 14 / Eagle Raceway / Eagle, NE

Malvern Bank Presents High Bank Heist / $10k to win / $49k purse

Friday, May 15 / Eagle Raceway / Eagle, NE

Malvern Bank Presents High Bank Heist / $10k to win / $49k purse

Saturday, May 16 / Eagle Raceway / Eagle, NE

Malvern Bank Presents High Bank Heist / $50k to win / $150k purse

 

Thursday, May 21 / Lucas Oil Speedway / Wheatland, MO

13th Annual Cowboy Classic / $10k to win / $49k purse

Friday, May 22 / Lucas Oil Speedway / Wheatland, MO

The Tribute to Don & Billie Gibson / $10k to win / $49k purse

Saturday, May 23 / Lucas Oil Speedway / Wheatland, MO

34th Annual Show-Me 100 / $75k to win / $208k purse

 

Friday, June 19 / Smoky Mountain Speedway / Maryville, TN

Mountain Moonshine Classic / $10k to win / $49k purse

Saturday, June 20 / Smoky Mountain Speedway / Maryville, TN

Mountain Moonshine Classic / $30k to win / $100k purse

 

Thursday, June 25 / Lernerville Speedway / Sarver, PA

20th Annual Firecracker 100 / Twin $5k to win / $50k purse

Friday, June 26 / Lernerville Speedway / Sarver, PA

20th Annual Firecracker 100 / Twin $5k to win / $50k purse

Saturday, June 27 / Lernerville Speedway / Sarver, PA

20th Annual Firecracker 100 / $50k to win / $150k purse

 

Friday, July 3 / Atomic Speedway / Chillicothe, OH

Independence 50 / $25k to win / $83k purse

Saturday, July 4 / Muskingum County Speedway / Zanesville, OH

Freedom 60 / $25k to win / $83k purse

 

Thursday, July 9 / 34 Raceway / Burlington, IA

$15k to win / $64k purse

Friday, July 10 / Lucas Oil Speedway / Wheatland, MO

Salute to Forrest / $15k to win / $64k purse

Saturday, July 11 / Lucas Oil Speedway / Wheatland, MO

20th Annual CMH Diamond Nationals / $25k to win / $83k purse

 

Tuesday, July 14 / Adams County Speedway / Corning, IA

$15k to win / $64k purse

Thursday, July 16 / Shelby County Speedway / Harlan, IA

Go 50 / $15k to win / $64k purse

Friday, July 17 / Shelby County Speedway / Harlan, IA

16th Annual Silver Dollar Nationals / Prelims / $40k purse

Saturday, July 18 / Shelby County Speedway / Harlan, IA

16th Annual Silver Dollar Nationals / $52k to win / $230k purse

 

Thursday, August 6 / Florence Speedway / Union, KY

44th Annual Sunoco North/South 100 / Twin $6k to win / $50k purse

Friday, August 7 / Florence Speedway / Union, KY

44th Annual Sunoco North/South 100 / Twin $6k to win / $50k purse

Saturday, August 8 / Florence Speedway / Union, KY

44th Annual Sunoco North/South 100 / $75k to win / $213k purse

 

Friday, August 14 / Batesville Motor Speedway / Batesville, AR

34th Annual Nutrien Ag Solutions Topless 100 Presented by Big River Steel / Twin $5k to win / $50k purse

Saturday, August 15 / Batesville Motor Speedway / Batesville, AR

34th Annual Nutrien Ag Solutions Topless 100 Presented by Big River Steel / $50k to win / $150k purse

 

Friday, August 28 / Port Royal Speedway / Port Royal, PA

The Rumble by the River / $10k to win / $49k purse

Saturday, August 29 / Port Royal Speedway / Port Royal, PA

The Rumble by the River / $50k to win / $150k purse

 

Thursday, September 17 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA

Lucas Oil Late Model Nationals / $10k to win / $49k purse

Friday, September 18 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA

Lucas Oil Late Model Nationals / $10k to win / $49k purse

Saturday, September 19 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA

Lucas Oil Late Model Nationals / $75k to win / $218k purse

 

Friday, September 25 / Brownstown Speedway / Brownstown, IN

5th Annual CJ Rayburn Memorial / $10k to win / $49k purse

Saturday, September 26 / Brownstown Speedway / Brownstown, IN

47th Annual Jackson 100 / $50k to win / $150k purse

 

Friday, October 2 / Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway / Imperial, PA

38th Annual Pittsburgher / $10k to win / $49k purse

Saturday, October 3 / Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway / Imperial, PA

38th Annual Pittsburgher / $50k to win / $150k purse

 

Friday, October 9 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH

$10k to win / $49k purse

Saturday, October 10 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH

$50k to win / $150k purse

 

Friday, October 16 / West Virginia Motor Speedway / Mineral Wells, WV

46th Annual Dirt Track World Championship / Twin $5k to win / $50k purse

Saturday, October 17 / West Virginia Motor Speedway / Mineral Wells, WV

46th Annual Dirt Track World Championship / $100k to win / $216k purse

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