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Sunoco North/South 100

 

WALTON, KY (August 8, 2026) – Josh Rice finally sealed the deal Saturday night, capturing the biggest win of his career at his home track with a victory in the 44th Annual Sunoco Race Fuels North/South 100 Presented by Lucas Oil at Florence Speedway. Rice earned a career-high $75,000 before a packed grandstand.

 

Rice and Jonathan Davenport endured a wild, lead-swapping duel, with Rice leading the final two laps to earn the victory at the track where he began his career in an open-wheel modified.

 

Luke Morey, making his first North-South 100 start, finished third, followed by Devin Moran and Brandon Overton.

 

Dan Ebert took the lead at the start and paced the first seven laps before Davenport took over the top spot. On a lap 11 restart, Ebert’s driveline broke, causing him to slow coming off turn four and triggering a 15-car pileup. The incident eliminated LOLMDS championship points leader Brandon Sheppard and Bobby Pierce, who was seeking his fourth consecutive North-South 100 victory.

 

After a lengthy cleanup, Davenport maintained the lead until lap 25, when Kyle Bronson took over the top spot. Bronson and Davenport were battling for the race lead when the two made contact coming off turn two, sending Davenport spinning into the inside berm.

 

Bronson then led until lap 62, when Devin Moran took over. Moran held the lead until Davenport, who had pitted for repairs following the lap 51 incident, charged back to the front. Davenport’s lead was short-lived, as Moran regained the top spot on lap 85. Davenport answered immediately, passing Moran to retake the lead on lap 86.

 

Davenport held the lead until Rice charged from fourth and caught him as the duo raced to the white flag. Rice took the lead off turn four, then lost it between turns three and four after getting into the wall on the final lap. He drove back underneath Davenport to take the checkered flag.

 

In Wieland Victory Lane for the fifth time in his career, the current O’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie-of-the-Year points leader reflected on the victory.

 

“I am a frickin’ North-South 100 winner. We put on four different tires, wrecked three different times and we had a Daytona 500 crash on the front stretch. It worked out and I didn’t even know I had a left front. I had about six pep talks when I pitted. I am speechless. What just happened? I can’t thank my dad and mom enough for everything. We have made a mess of this race so many times. I just can’t thank my sponsors enough throughout the years, and just everybody who stuck by me. All of my guys, all of my family and friends are here. It’s incredible,” said the Crittenden, Kentucky, racer, who is in his first full season of national touring racing.

 

“Man, I just kept getting crowded off the corners. When you slide those guys, it’s either hit ’em down the straightaway or slide them to let them know you are coming. Man, I’d get runs on those guys and I’d have to calm myself down. My car was not good, but when I hit it right, my car was really good. I just tried to stay focused, and I don’t know how clean some of those sliders were on JD. I felt like I owed him one, and I got it back down in three. He apologized afterwards. I think a lot of JD. We’ve had a lot of good racing here recently,” said the 28-year-old racer.

 

Rice explained what went through his mind during the frenetic final laps of the race.

 

“You have no idea how hard it is to be, like, the fans are paying attention. They’re just crazy. When I slid him (Davenport) down here, I got all crossed up on the cushion and I cut down on him, and I probably figured he was aggravated about that. All the way down the back chute, I didn’t know what to do, whether to slide myself, and I started to think about last night and how out of control I was getting to it. So I guess I will just enter it and prepare to cross, and my right-rear tire hit the cushion just perfectly and it launched me. I knew it was over before it was over, and I’m like, this is perfect. Got the best run that I could ever imagine.”

 

Davenport, who was seeking his third career North/South 100 victory, finished second, 0.574 seconds behind Rice.

 

“I can’t remember everything that happened. We took off pretty good there. I just hated it for all the guys that got taken out there in that wreck. It definitely changed the complexion of the race. The first time me and Josh got together, I really thought I left him just enough room and he jumped my right front. It was just a racing deal, and I knew he would probably be mad. I was coming back through there after I pitted. I started picking them off. I never could really run the cushion; I got to bouncing a couple of times. I just progressed back up through there and got by Josh again. I thought I was going to be okay, and I got by Devin (Moran) and I got a little excited. I guess we started to really roll through the middle, and I could catch the brown in three and four pretty good. I couldn’t circle there and leave pretty good.”

 

Morey, who before this weekend had raced only once at Florence in his career, made his first North-South 100 start and rounded out the Big River Steel Podium in third after starting 19th.

 

“Yeah, that was crazy. It was the first North-South for me. I had only been here one other time. I am telling you, it was crazy watching Rice and them go after it and the fans freaking out. I would have been thankful to battle for 20th. I never thought we’d be here standing on the frontstretch afterwards.”

 

The winner’s James Rattliff/JRR Motorsports Rocket Chassis is powered by a Vic Hill Racing Engine and sponsored by Glenwood Electric, The KAG, Rice Excavating and Plumbing, Chain Locker, Sunoco Race Fuels, BC Fluid Power, MGL Auto Sales, Jessie Insurance Agency, Cheap Chevrolet, Lonkard Construction, JRR Motor Sales, JRR Trucking, Keltner Contracting, and Big Al’s Guns and Outdoor.

 

Completing the top 10 were Dallon Murty, Clay Harris, Carson Ferguson, Brian Shirley, and Kyle Bronson.

 

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 

Race Summary 

44th Annual Sunoco North/South 100 Presented by Lucas Oil

Saturday, August 8, 2026

Florence Speedway | Union, KY

 

Penske Shocks Heat Race #1 Finish (10 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 99-Devin Moran[3]; 2. 40B-Kyle Bronson[2]; 3. 157-Mike Marlar[4]; 4. 49M-Luke Morey[8]; 5. 12M-Ryan Montgomery[5]; 6. 16-Justin Rattliff[6]; 7. 21-Kirk Phillips[9]; 8. 79-Donald McIntosh[1]; 9. (DNS) 09-Michael Leach; 10. (DNS) 18S-Quade Schoonover


 

Summit Racing Products Heat Race #2 Finish (10 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 76-Brandon Overton[4]; 2. 1T-Tyler Erb[3]; 3. 93L-Cory Lawler[7]; 4. 7S-Justin Smith[8]; 5. 49G-Billy Green[9]; 6. 81F-Jadon Frame[5]; 7. 12J-Jason Jameson[2]; 8. 18L-Trevor Landrum[1]; 9. T1-Todd Morrow[6]; 10. (DNS) H22-Brandon Hardgrove


 

Cool-It Thermo-Tec Heat Race #3 Finish (10 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 49-Jonathan Davenport[2]; 2. 11-Josh Rice[4]; 3. 8-Dillon McCowan[1]; 4. 17D-Zack Dohm[3]; 5. 22F-Chris Ferguson[5]; 6. 126-Kaede Loudy[6]; 7. 17SS-Brenden Smith[7]; 8. (DNS) 317-Blake Creech; 9. (DNS) 31-Tyler Millwood; 10. (DNS) 20-Glenn Hounshell


 

Simpson Race Products Heat Race #4 Finish (10 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 60-Dan Ebert[1]; 2. 93F-Carson Ferguson[3]; 3. 71-Hudson O'Neal[4]; 4. 18-Shannon Babb[2]; 5. 3S-Brian Shirley[5]; 6. 111-Max Blair[6]; 7. 5N-Dustin Nobbe[8]; 8. T8-Steve Banal[9]; 9. (DNS) D48-Derek Groomer; 10. (DNS) 15-Brad Rickels


 

Lucas Oil Products Heat Race #5 Finish (10 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 1-Brandon Sheppard[4]; 2. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[3]; 3. 99JR-Frank Heckenast Jr[5]; 4. 6-Clay Harris[1]; 5. 93-Devin Gilpin[6]; 6. C7-Adam Stricker[2]; 7. 4G-Kody Evans[8]; 8. (DNS) 0-Jake O'Neil; 9. (DNS) 6C-Calvin Carlton; 10. (DNS) 96-Josh Vineyard


 

FloRacing Heat Race #6 Finish (10 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 58-Garrett Alberson[3]; 2. 22-Daniel Hilsabeck[5]; 3. 13-Dallon Murty[6]; 4. 5-Drake Troutman[1]; 5. 32-Bobby Pierce[4]; 6. 11M-Michael Chilton[7]; 7. 9-Josh Dietz[9]; 8. 20O-Jimmy Owens[2]; 9. 17SR-Brody Smith[8]

 

Fast Shafts B-Main Race #1 Finish (7 Laps, Top 2 Transfer): 1. 49M-Luke Morey[1]; 2. 16-Justin Rattliff[5]; 3. 12M-Ryan Montgomery[3]; 4. 81F-Jadon Frame[6]; 5. 49G-Billy Green[4]; 6. 21-Kirk Phillips[7]; 7. 7S-Justin Smith[2]; 8. (DNS) 12J-Jason Jameson; 9. (DNS) 18L-Trevor Landrum; 10. (DNS) T1-Todd Morrow


 

UNOH B-Main Race #2 Finish (7 Laps, Top 2 Transfer): 1. 18-Shannon Babb[2]; 2. 17D-Zack Dohm[1]; 3. 111-Max Blair[6]; 4. 22F-Chris Ferguson[3]; 5. 3S-Brian Shirley[4]; 6. 5N-Dustin Nobbe[8]; 7. 126-Kaede Loudy[5]; 8. (DNS) 17SS-Brenden Smith; 9. (DNS) T8-Steve Banal

 

MyRacePass B-Main Race #3 Finish (10 Laps, Top 2 Transfer): 1. 32-Bobby Pierce[4]; 2. 5-Drake Troutman[2]; 3. 11M-Michael Chilton[6]; 4. 93-Devin Gilpin[3]; 5. 9-Josh Dietz[8]; 6. 6-Clay Harris[1]; 7. C7-Adam Stricker[5]; 8. 79-Donald McIntosh[11]; 9. 17SR-Brody Smith[10]; 10. 20O-Jimmy Owens[9]; 11. (DNS) 4G-Kody Evans

 

Ron & Madeleine Jerger Dash for Cash Finish (6 Laps): 1. 60-Dan Ebert[1]; 2. 76-Brandon Overton[5]; 3. 49-Jonathan Davenport[3]; 4. 1-Brandon Sheppard[2]; 5. 99-Devin Moran[4]; 6. 58-Garrett Alberson[6]


 

Non-Qualifier Finish (12 Laps): 1. 93-Devin Gilpin[5]; 2. 12M-Ryan Montgomery[1]; 3. 81F-Jadon Frame[3]; 4. 11M-Michael Chilton[2]; 5. 5N-Dustin Nobbe[9]; 6. 9-Josh Dietz[7]; 7. 17SR-Brody Smith[14]; 8. 49G-Billy Green[6]; 9. 17SS-Brenden Smith[16]; 10. 126-Kaede Loudy[11]; 11. 21-Kirk Phillips[8]; 12. 7S-Justin Smith[10]; 13. (DNS) 22F-Chris Ferguson; 14. (DNS) C7-Adam Stricker; 15. (DNS) 79-Donald McIntosh; 16. (DNS) 20O-Jimmy Owens


 

44th Annual Sunoco North/South 100 Presented by Lucas Oil | Feature Finish (100 Laps):

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

1 - 9 - 11 - Josh Rice - Crittenden, KY - $75,900

2 - 3 - 49 - Jonathan Davenport - Blairsville, GA - $25,500

3 - 19 - 49M - Luke Morey - Zeeland, MI - $10,000

4 - 5 - 99 - Devin Moran - Dresden, OH - $10,350

5 - 2 - 76 - Brandon Overton - Evans, GA - $9,900

6 - 18 - 13 - Dallon Murty - Chelsea, IA - $7,000

7 - 27 - 6 - Clay Harris - Jupiter, FL - $3,500

8 - 10 - 93F - Carson Ferguson - Lincolnton, NC - $5,900

9 - 26 - 3s - Brian Shirley - Chatham, IL - $5,650

10 - 7 - 40B - Kyle Bronson - Brandon, FL - $5,400

11 - 16 - 71 - Hudson O'Neal - Martinsville, IN - $5,450

12 - 12 - 22 - Daniel Hilsabeck - Earlham, IA - $4,900

13 - 14 - 93L - Cory Lawler - Hanover, PA - $3,750

14 - 25 - 111 - Max Blair - Centerville, PA - $4,600

15 - 6 - 58 - Garrett Alberson - Las Cruces, NM - $4,650

16 - 8 - 1T - Tyler Erb - New Waverly, TX - $3,600

17 - 23 - 17D - Zack Dohm - Cross Lanes, WV - $3,550

18 - 22 - 16 - Justin Rattliff - Campbellsville, KY - $3,500

19 - 11 - 20RT - Ricky Thornton Jr - Chandler, AZ - $4,700

20 - 15 - 8 - Dillon McCowan - Urbana, MO - $4,400

21 - 24 - 5 - Drake Troutman - Hyndman, PA - $3,500

22 - 1 - 60 - Dan Ebert - Lake Shore, MN - $9,400

23 - 4 - 1 - Brandon Sheppard - New Berlin, IL - $4,750

24 - 13 - 157 - Mike Marlar - Winfield, TN - $3,500

25 - 21 - 32 - Bobby Pierce - Oakwood, IL - $3,500

26 - 17 - 99JR - Frank Heckenast Jr - Frankfort, IL - $3,500

27 - 20 - 18 - Shannon Babb - Moweaqua, IL - $3,500

 

Race Statistics  

Entrants: 59

Bilstein Shocks Pole Sitter: Dan Ebert

MD3 Lap Leaders: Dan Ebert (Laps 1-7); Jonathan Davenport (Laps 8-24); Kyle Bronson (Laps 25-62); Devin Moran (Laps 63-82); Jonathan Davenport (Laps 83-84); Devin Moran (Lap 85); Jonathan Davenport (Laps 86-98); Josh Rice (Laps 99-100)

Hellraizer Jacks Halfway Leader: Kyle Bronson

Wieland Feature Winner: Josh Rice

Margin of Victory: 0.574 seconds

Hellraizer Jacks Cautions: Justin Rattliff (Lap 12); Dan Ebert, Devin Moran, Dallon Murty, Dillon McCowan, Drake Troutman, Luke Morey, Brian Shirley, Mike Marlar, Brandon Sheppard, Bobby Pierce, Hudson O’Neal, Clay Harris, Max Blair, Zack Dohm, Shannon Babb, Frank Heckenast, Jr. (Lap 12 restart); Tyler Erb (Lap 20); Daniel Hilsabeck (Lap 20 restart); Dillon McCowan (Lap 41); Josh Rice (Lap 49); Jonathan Davenport (Lap 50); Max Blair (Lap 60); Garrett Alberson (Lap 60 restart); Debris (Lap 63); Max Blair (Lap 65); Debris (Lap 75); Debris (Lap 81)

MyRacePass Series Provisional: Max Blair; Brian Shirley

Fast Time Provisional: n/a

Emergency Provisionals: Clay Harris

Track Provisional: n/a

Big River Steel Podium Top 3: Josh Rice, Jonathan Davenport, Luke Morey

Penske Shocks Top 5: Josh Rice, Jonathan Davenport, Luke Morey, Devin Moran, Brandon Overton

Behrent’s One-Lap-to-Go Top 3: Josh Rice, Jonathan Davenport, Luke Morey

PEM 4th Place Feature: Devin Moran

Diversified Machine 5th Place Feature: Brandon Overton

Wilwood Brakes 7th Place Feature: Clay Harris

Wehrs Machine 11th Place Feature: Hudson O’Neal

Velocity Manufacturing 13th Place Feature: Cory Lawler

XS Power Batteries 15th Place Feature: Garrett Alberson

Hoker Trucking Hard Charger of the Race: Clay Harris (Advanced 20 positions)

MD3 Most Laps Led: Kyle Bronson (38 Laps)

Sunoco Race Fuels Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Josh Rice

Midwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Brandon Sheppard

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

Pro Fabrication Headers Fastest Lap of the Race: Dan Ebert | Lap 2 | 17.341 seconds

FK Rod Ends Hard Luck Award: Dan Ebert

Victory Fuel Power Move of the Race: Josh Rice

Outerwears Crew Chief of the Race: Daniel Clark

ARP Engine Builder of the Race: Vic Hill Racing Engines

Miller Welders Chassis Builder of the Race: Rocket Chassis

Dirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps: Jonathan Davenport | 16.4384 seconds

Time of Race: 1 hour, 51 minutes 57 seconds

 

Big River Steel Championship Standings Presented by ARP:

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

1 - 1 - Brandon Sheppard - New Berlin, IL - 5735 - $252,550

2 - 71 - Hudson O'Neal - Martinsville, IN - 5650 - $225,500

3 - 99 - Devin Moran - Dresden, OH - 5590 - $292,774

4 - 76 - Brandon Overton - Evans, GA - 5285 - $137,800

5 - 111 - Max Blair - Centerville, PA - 5215 - $136,375

6 - 20RT - Ricky Thornton Jr - Chandler, AZ - 5110 - $196,125

7 - 58 - Garrett Alberson - Las Cruces, NM - 4995 - $119,075

8 - 11 - Josh Rice - Crittenden, KY - 4945 - $181,075

9 - 3s - Brian Shirley - Chatham, IL - 4945 - $100,800

10 - 40B - Kyle Bronson - Brandon, FL - 4665 - $80,775

11 - 6 - Clay Harris - Jupiter, FL - 4590 - $90,900

12 - 93 - Carson Ferguson - Lincolnton, NC - 4550 - $82,050

13 - 60 - Dan Ebert - Lake Shore, MN - 4355 - $84,300

14 - 8 - Dillon McCowan - Urbana, MO - 4345 - $102,300

15 - 22 - Daniel Hilsabeck - Earlham, IA - 4015 - $61,875

16 - 17SS - Brenden Smith - Dade City, FL - 3620 - $41,275

17 - 93L - Cory Lawler - Hanover, PA - 3470 - $33,725

 

 

WALTON, KY (August 7, 2026) - Brandon Overton and Josh Rice used last-lap passes to win their respective 25-lap preliminary features for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series on Friday night at Florence Speedway.

 

Overton's first series win since last May nearly slipped away when Mike Marlar got by him as they headed to the white flag. Overton fought back, storming past Marlar to regain the lead and taking the checkered flag by a scant 0.192 seconds. Hudson O'Neal finished third, with Jimmy Owens and Adam Stricker completing the top five in the first feature.

 

Rice's win also featured a dramatic last-lap finish. He got by Bobby Pierce as the two took the white flag, making a daring move for the lead that paid off as he held off Pierce for the win. Zack Dohm was third, with Dan Ebert and Devin Moran rounding out the top five in the second 25-lap feature.

 

In Wieland Victory Lane for the 20th time in his career, Overton, an Evans, Georgia, native who sits fourth in the championship standings, was relieved to finally claim his first series win in more than a year.

 

“I said, oh no, not again. I was fine early on, and those guys got to racing behind, and all I can say is hats off to Josh King. I look forward to coming here every year, and this is why: you can race all over it. Obviously, it's hard to leave because you don't know where everybody else is. It's $6,000 to win and they're racing like it's the Daytona 500. I don't expect anything less. It was a fun race with Mikey, and man, they drive so hard, and we will take them any way we can. It was fun, but my heart did sink when Mikey came sliding by me. I was just doing the best I could. It may be just a prelim night, but it's a shot in the arm for us.”

 

Marlar, who won a preliminary feature on Thursday night, came close to becoming the first driver to win two races this week.

 

“It was fun all the way around. I had a little bit of a messed-up tire deal there. We went and changed a tire and couldn't get the lug nut off of it, so I was struggling with my steering, but it's all right. It was a fun race, and I had a little bit of a cushion, so I could steer on that just fine. Probably the part that hurt me was the corner steering, and I didn't want to hit him (Overton) or something when I turned under him.”

 

O'Neal came from 11th to round out the Big River Steel Podium in third in the first feature.

 

“I had the best seat in the house. These guys were going at it. I really thought I was in the best spot whenever they were going down into three, and Mikey had a small run. I thought he was going in there to slide him, and I was hoping they would rub a little bit and I would sneak in there and get one.”

 

The winner's Scott and Jason Riggs/Riggs Motorsports Longhorn Chassis is powered by Clements Racing Engines and sponsored by Budweiser, Garnto Southern, Riggs Fiber, Muscle Factory, Harco Construction, Big Dog Stump and Tree, and R.W. Powell Construction.

 

Completing the top 10 in the first feature were Carson Ferguson, Ricky Thornton Jr., Dillon McCowan, Shannon Babb, and Ryan Montgomery.

In the second $6,000-to-win preliminary feature, current LOLMDS points leader Brandon Sheppard took the lead at the start over Bobby Pierce and held it until Pierce passed him for the top spot on lap 10. Rice then got by Sheppard for second. With three laps to go, Pierce, Rice, Sheppard, and Dohm were all battling for the lead when Sheppard suffered a flat tire, forcing him to make a pit stop.

 

On the final restart, Pierce led the field to the white flag, but Rice threw a slider entering turn one to take the lead. He held his line into turn three and, despite banging the cushion hard in turn four, held on for the win.

 

In Wieland Victory Lane for the second time this year and the fourth time in his career, the two-time Ralph Latham Memorial winner set his sights on his first Sunoco Race Fuels North-South 100 win on Saturday night.

 

“I know Bobby (Pierce) won three of these North-South races in a row, but this is Rice Brothers, y'all. I tried that slider line right before the caution, and I closed up probably six car lengths. I don't know if Bob (Pierce) told him that was good or not. He was messing my air really bad, and I finally just hit it right. I don't know how clean it was; it was time to throw it. Man, what a hot rod. I can't thank Mark Richards enough. It's crazy to come out here and be on the podium and then win the first weekend out. This place is so darn cool to run good at. I have won everything here except the Big One, and we will give it our best shot tomorrow night.”

 

Pierce, who will be looking for his fifth North-South 100 victory on Saturday night, led 14 laps and crossed the finish line 0.252 seconds behind Rice.

 

“I felt like I didn't get great off of four, and then I went to protect the slider if someone was there in one, and then I hit that hole. But all in all, I think the track was really good. They gave us lots of room to race on and gave us a last-lap pass in both features, so it was a really good track. I think we made a lot of good gains with the car throughout the weekend so far. We've learned a lot more, and I think the more we can apply for tomorrow, the better.”

 

Dohm earned his first Big River Steel Podium finish of the year with the series, finishing a close third.

 

“I thought I was sitting pretty. I knew what tires everybody had on, and it seems like those 3s fade after a caution. So I figured Josh would make a run on Bobby, and I was hoping they would get a little more aggressive. I thought even on that last lap Bobby was going to drive back up beside him and they both would go up the hill, but Josh had him cleared too much. Third is good. We have had just a terrible weekend. We had a transmission go out and a bent spindle when we hit the wall before qualifying yesterday, and it ruined my lap. But in the features, we have passed cars, and that's what it's all about.”

 

The winner's James Rattliff/JRR Motorsports Rocket Chassis is powered by a Vic Hill Racing Engine and sponsored by Glenwood Electric, Rice Excavating and Plumbing, Chain Locker, Cheap Chevrolet, Sunoco Race Fuels, BC Fluid Power, MGL Auto Sales, Berea Collision, Lonkard Construction, JRR Trucking, JRR Motor Sales, Jessie Insurance Agency, Keltner Contracting, Big Al's Guns and Outdoor, and The KAG.

 

Completing the top 10 in the second feature were Tyler Erb, Jason Jameson, Justin Rattliff, Kaede Loudy, and Max Blair.

 

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 

Race Summary 

44th Annual Sunoco North/South 100 Presented by Lucas Oil | Night 2

Friday, August 7, 2026

Florence Speedway | Union, KY

 

Group A Results:

 

Allstar Performance Time Trials

Fast Time Group A: Michael Leach | 15.984 seconds (overall)

 

Penske Shocks Heat Race #A11 Finish (8 Laps, Top 6 Transfer): 1. 76-Brandon Overton[5]; 2. 20O-Jimmy Owens[4]; 3. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[2]; 4. 09-Michael Leach[1]; 5. 79-Donald McIntosh[6]; 6. 49-Jonathan Davenport[3]; 7. 18L-Trevor Landrum[7]; 8. 9-Josh Dietz[8]; 9. 21-Kirk Phillips[9]; 10. H22-Brandon Hardgrove[10]

 

Summit Racing Products Heat Race #A-2 Finish (8 Laps, Top 6 Transfer): 1. 157-Mike Marlar[1]; 2. 93F-Carson Ferguson[4]; 3. 5-Drake Troutman[3]; 4. 71-Hudson O'Neal[6]; 5. 12M-Ryan Montgomery[7]; 6. 3S-Brian Shirley[2]; 7. 0-Jake O'Neil[9]; 8. 18-Shannon Babb[5]; 9. D48-Derek Groomer[8]

 

Cool-It Thermo-Tec Heat Race #A-3 Finish (8 Laps, Top 6 Transfer): 1. 22F-Chris Ferguson[1]; 2. C7-Adam Stricker[2]; 3. 17SS-Brenden Smith[3]; 4. 40B-Kyle Bronson[7]; 5. 5N-Dustin Nobbe[5]; 6. 8-Dillon McCowan[4]; 7. 49G-Billy Green[8]; 8. 18S-Quade Schoonover[9]; 9. 93-Devin Gilpin[6]


 

Fast Shafts B-Main Group A Finish (10 Laps, Top 6 Transfer): 1. 0-Jake O'Neil[2]; 2. 18L-Trevor Landrum[1]; 3. 18-Shannon Babb[5]; 4. 49G-Billy Green[3]; 5. D48-Derek Groomer[8]; 6. 93-Devin Gilpin[9]; 7. 21-Kirk Phillips[7]; 8. H22-Brandon Hardgrove[10]; 9. 9-Josh Dietz[4]; 10. 18S-Quade Schoonover[6]

 

44th Annual Sunoco North/South 100 Presented by Lucas Oil Group A - Feature Finish (25 Laps):

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

1 - 1 - 76 - Brandon Overton - Evans, GA - $6,000

2 - 2 - 157 - Mike Marlar - Winfield, TN - $3,000

3 - 11 - 71 - Hudson O'Neal - Martinsville, IN - $2,000

4 - 4 - 20O - Jimmy Owens - Newport, TN - $1,250

5 - 6 - C7 - Adam Stricker - Batavia, OH - $1,000

6 - 5 - 93F - Carson Ferguson - Lincolnton, NC - $900

7 - 7 - 20RT - Ricky Thornton Jr - Chandler, AZ - $850

8 - 18 - 8 - Dillon McCowan - Urbana, MO - $800

9 - 21 - 18 - Shannon Babb - Moweaqua, IL - $750

10 - 14 - 12M - Ryan Montgomery - Fairmont, WV - $700

11 - 12 - 40B - Kyle Bronson - Brandon, FL - $650

12 - 20 - 18L - Trevor Landrum - Florence, KY - $600

13 - 17 - 3s - Brian Shirley - Chatham, IL - $550

14 - 16 - 49 - Jonathan Davenport - Blairsville, GA - $500

15 - 13 - 79 - Donald McIntosh - Dawsonville, GA - $500

16 - 9 - 17SS - Brenden Smith - Dade City, FL - $500

17 - 24 - 93 - Devin Gilpin - Columbus, IN - $500

18 - 19 - 0 - Jake O'Neil - Tucson, AZ - $500

19 - 8 - 5 - Drake Troutman - Hyndman, PA - $500

20 - 15 - 5N - Dustin Nobbe - Batesville, IN - $500

21 - 22 - 49G - Billy Green - Walton, KY - $500

22 - 23 - D48 - Derek Groomer - Bloomington, IN - $500

23 - 3 - 22F - Chris Ferguson - Mt. Holly, NC - $500

24 - 10 - 9 - Michael Leach - Sun River, MT - $500

 

Group A Race Statistics  

Entrants: 56

Bilstein Shocks Pole Sitter: Brandon Overton

MD3 Lap Leaders: Brandon Overton (Laps 1-23); Mike Marlar (Lap 24); Brandon Overton (Lap 25)

Hellraizer Jacks Halfway Leader: Brandon Overton

Wieland Feature Winner: Brandon Overton

Margin of Victory: 0.190 seconds

Hellraizer Jacks Cautions: Michael Leach (Lap 1); Donald McIntosh (Lap 3); Jake O’Neil (Lap 18); Drake Troutman (Lap 23)

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 Overton, Mike Marlar, Hudson O’Neal

Penske Shocks Top 5: Brandon Overton, Mike Marlar, Hudson O’Neal, Jimmy Owens, Adam Stricker

Behrent’s One-Lap-to-Go Top 3: Mike Marlar, Brandon Overton, Hudson O’Neal

PEM 4th Place Feature: Jimmy Owens

Diversified Machine 5th Place Feature: Adam Stricker

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

Wehrs Machine 11th Place Feature: Kyle Bronson

Velocity Manufacturing 13th Place Feature: Brian Shirley

XS Power Batteries 15th Place Feature: Donald McIntosh

Hoker Trucking Hard Charger of the Race: Shannon Babb (Advanced 12 positions)

MD3 Most Laps Led: Brandon Overton (24 Laps)

Sunoco Race Fuels Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Hudson O’Neal

Midwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Brandon Sheppard

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

Pro Fabrication Headers Fastest Lap of the Race: Brandon Overton | Lap 2 | 16.748 seconds

FK Rod Ends Hard Luck Award: Michael Leach

Victory Fuel Power Move of the Race: Mike Marlar

Outerwears Crew Chief of the Race: Ryder Cantillo

ARP Engine Builder of the Race: Clements Race Engines

Miller Welders Chassis Builder of the Race: Longhorn Chassis

Dirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps: Jonathan Davenport | 16.116 seconds

Time of Race: 24 minutes 18 seconds

 

Group B Results:

 

Allstar Performance Time Trials

Fast Time Group B: Brandon Sheppard | 16.155 seconds


 

Simpson Race Products Heat Race #B-4 Finish (8 Laps, Top 6 Transfer): 1. 1-Brandon Sheppard[1]; 2. 11-Josh Rice[2]; 3. 93L-Cory Lawler[9]; 4. T1-Todd Morrow[3]; 5. 111-Max Blair[10]; 6. 12J-Jason Jameson[6]; 7. 22-Daniel Hilsabeck[7]; 8. 11M-Michael Chilton[5]; 9. 49M-Luke Morey[4]; 10. 7S-Justin Smith[8]

 

MyRacePass Heat Race #B1-5 Finish (8 Laps, Top 6 Transfer): 1. 32-Bobby Pierce[2]; 2. 17D-Zack Dohm[6]; 3. 99-Devin Moran[1]; 4. 16-Justin Rattliff[8]; 5. 4G-Kody Evans[4]; 6. 6-Clay Harris[5]; 7. 31-Tyler Millwood[7]; 8. T8-Steve Banal[9]; 9. 58-Garrett Alberson[3]

 

Lucas Oil Heat Race #B-6 Finish (8 Laps, Top 6 Transfer): 1. 60-Dan Ebert[1]; 2. 1T-Tyler Erb[2]; 3. 13-Dallon Murty[3]; 4. 126-Kaede Loudy[4]; 5. 17SR-Brody Smith[7]; 6. 81F-Jadon Frame[5]; 7. 317-Blake Creech[8]; 8. 99JR-Frank Heckenast Jr[6]; 9. 6C-Calvin Carlton[9]


 

UNOH B-Main Group B Finish (10 Laps, Top 6 Transfer): 1. 22-Daniel Hilsabeck[1]; 2. 58-Garrett Alberson[8]; 3. 11M-Michael Chilton[4]; 4. 317-Blake Creech[3]; 5. 99JR-Frank Heckenast Jr[6]; 6. 7S-Justin Smith[10]; 7. T8-Steve Banal[5]; 8. 49M-Luke Morey[7]; 9. 6C-Calvin Carlton[9]; 10. 31-Tyler Millwood[2]

 

44th Annual Sunoco North/South 100 Presented by Lucas Oil Group B - Feature Finish (25 Laps):

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

1 - 4 - 11 - Josh Rice - Crittenden, KY - $6,000

2 - 2 - 32 - Bobby Pierce - Oakwood, IL - $3,000

3 - 5 - 17D - Zack Dohm - Cross Lanes, WV - $2,000

4 - 3 - 60 - Dan Ebert - Lake Shore, MN - $1,250

5 - 8 - 99 - Devin Moran - Dresden, OH - $1,000

6 - 6 - 1T - Tyler Erb - New Waverly, TX - $900

7 - 16 - 12J - Jason Jameson - Lawrenceburg, IN - $850

8 - 11 - 16 - Justin Rattliff - Campbellsville, KY - $800

9 - 12 - 126 - Kaede Loudy - Rogersville, TN - $750

10 - 13 - 111 - Max Blair - Centerville, PA - $700

11 - 10 - T1 - Todd Morrow - Penton, AL - $650

12 - 18 - 81F - Jadon Frame - Winchester, TN - $600

13 - 9 - 13 - Dallon Murty - Chelsea, IA - $550

14 - 20 - 58 - Garrett Alberson - Las Cruces, NM - $500

15 - 19 - 22 - Daniel Hilsabeck - Earlham, IA - $500

16 - 1 - 1 - Brandon Sheppard - New Berlin, IL - $500

17 - 17 - 6 - Clay Harris - Jupiter, FL - $500

18 - 23 - 99JR - Frank Heckenast, Jr. - Frankfort, IL - $500

19 - 22 - 317 - Blake Creech - Richmond, IN - $500

20 - 7 - 93L - Cory Lawler - Hanover, PA - $500

21 - 24 - 7S - Justin Smith - Barbourville, KY - $500

22 - 21 - 11M - Michael Chilton - Salvisa, KY - $500

23 - 15 - 17SR - Brody Smith - Dade City, FL - $500

24 - 14 - 4G - Kody Evans - Camden, OH - $500

 

Group B Race Statistics  

Entrants: 56

Bilstein Shocks Pole Sitter: Brandon Sheppard

MD3 Lap Leaders: Brandon Sheppard (Laps 1-10); Bobby Pierce (Laps 11-24); Josh Rice (Lap 25)

Hellraizer Jacks Halfway Leader: Bobby Pierce

Wieland Feature Winner: Josh Rice

Margin of Victory: 0.252 seconds

Hellraizer Jacks Cautions: Cory Lawler (Lap 22)

MyRacePass Series Provisional: n/a

Fast Time Provisional: n/a

Emergency Provisionals: n/a

Track Provisional: n/a

Big River Steel Podium Top 3: Josh Rice, Bobby Pierce, Zack Dohm

Penske Shocks Top 5: Josh Rice, Bobby Pierce, Zack Dohm, Dan Ebert, Devin Moran

Behrent’s One-Lap-to-Go Top 3: Bobby Pierce, Josh Rice, Zack Dohm

PEM 4th Place Feature: Dan Ebert

Diversified Machine 5th Place Feature: Devin Moran

Wilwood Brakes 7th Place Feature: Jason Jameson

Wehrs Machine 11th Place Feature: Todd Morrow

Velocity Manufacturing 13th Place Feature: Dallon Murty

XS Power Batteries 15th Place Feature: Daniel Hilsabeck

Hoker Trucking Hard Charger of the Race: Jason Jameson (Advanced 9 positions)

MD3 Most Laps Led: Bobby Pierce (14 Laps)

Sunoco Race Fuels Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Josh Rice

Midwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Brandon Sheppard

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

Pro Fabrication Headers Fastest Lap of the Race: Brandon Sheppard | Lap 1 | 17.303 seconds

FK Rod Ends Hard Luck Award: Brandon Sheppard

Victory Fuel Power Move of the Race: Josh Rice

Outerwears Crew Chief of the Race: Daniel Clark

ARP Engine Builder of the Race: Vic Hill Race Engines

Miller Welders Chassis Builder of the Race: Rocket Chassis

Dirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps: Brandon Sheppard | 16.107 seconds

Time of Race: 12 minutes 45 seconds

 

Sunoco North/South 100 Prelim Points:

Pos – Car # - Driver - Thu - Fri - Total - Fastest Lap | Thu - Fastest Lap | Fri

1 - 157 - Mike Marlar - 250 - 230 - 480 - 16.082 - 16.02

2 - 76 - Brandon Overton - 230 - 250 - 480 - 16.363 - 16.42

3 - 11 - Josh Rice - 220 - 250 - 470 - 16.312 - 16.217

4 - 71 - Hudson O'Neal - 220 - 220 - 440 - 16.415 - 16.471

5 - 1 - Brandon Sheppard - 260 - 160 - 420 - 15.929 - 16.155

6 - 32 - Bobby Pierce - 185 - 230 - 415 - 16.398 - 16.244

7 - 99 - Devin Moran - 200 - 205 - 405 - 16.251 - 16.168

8 - 1T - Tyler Erb - 200 - 200 - 400 - 15.917 - 16.277

9 - 17 - Zack Dohm - 180 - 220 - 400 - 16.573 - 16.468

10 - 93F - Carson Ferguson - 195 - 200 - 395 - 15.992 - 16.411

11 - 20RT - Ricky Thornton, Jr. - 195 - 195 - 390 - 15.996 - 16.071

12 - 58 - Garrett Alberson - 230 - 160 - 390 - 16.012 - 16.342

13 - 40B - Kyle Bronson - 210 - 175 - 385 - 16.483 - 16.545

14 - 12J - Jason Jameson - 175 - 195 - 370 - 16.277 - 16.466

15 - 49 - Jonathan Davenport - 205 - 160 - 365 - 16.019 - 16.229

16 - 18 - Shannon Babb - 180 - 185 - 365 - 16.034 - 16.425

17 - C7 - Adam Stricker - 160 - 205 - 365 - 16.044 - 16.22

18 - 20O - Jimmy Owens - 155 - 210 - 365 - 16.43 - 16.368

19 - 79 - Donald McIntosh - 210 - 155 - 365 - 16.37 - 16.465

20 - 18L - Trevor Landrum - 190 - 170 - 360 - 16.277 - 16.52

21 - 8 - Dillon McCowan - 170 - 190 - 360 - 16.495 - 16.417

22 - 60 - Dan Ebert - 140 - 210 - 350 - 16.295 - 16.187

23 - 6 - Clay Harris - 195 - 145 - 340 - 16.311 - 16.446

24 - 5 - Drake Troutman - 200 - 135 - 335 - 16.026 - 16.286

25 - 12M - Ryan Montgomery - 155 - 180 - 335 - 16.267 - 16.523

26 - 81F - Jadon Frame - 165 - 170 - 335 - 16.273 - 16.452

27 - 22F - Chris Ferguson - 205 - 125 - 330 - 16.221 - 16.042

28 - 3s - Brian Shirley - 165 - 165 - 330 - 16.21 - 16.208

29 - 99JR - Frank Heckenast, Jr - 185 - 140 - 325 - 16.008 - 16.553

30 - 22 - Daniel Hilsabeck - 170 - 155 - 325 - 16.368 - 16.582

31 - 16 - Justin Rattliff - 125 - 190 - 315 - 16.382 - 16.73

32 - T1 - Todd Morrow - 135 - 175 - 310 - 16.171 - 16.307

33 - 126 - Kaede Loudy - 125 - 185 - 310 - 16.357 - 16.429

34 - 111 - Max Blair - 125 - 180 - 305 - 16.259 - 0

35 - 93 - Devin Gilpin - 160 - 145 - 305 - 16.396 - 16.513

36 - 13 - Dallon Murty - 130 - 165 - 295 - 16.165 - 16.357

37 - 09 - Michael Leach - 145 - 135 - 280 - 16.096 - 15.984

38 - 93L - Cory Lawler - 150 - 130 - 280 - 16.286 - 16.852

39 - 17SS - Brenden Smith - 125 - 150 - 275 - 16.328 - 16.321

40 - D48 - Derek Groomer - 150 - 125 - 275 - 16.558 - 16.856

41 - 0 - Jake O'Neil - 125 - 140 - 265 - 16.324 - 16.979

42 - 11M - Michael Chilton - 140 - 125 - 265 - 16.514 - 16.436

43 - 49M - Luke Morey - 145 - 115 - 260 - 16.13 - 16.389

44 - 7S - Justin Smith - 135 - 125 - 260 - 16.501 - 16.715

45 - 317 - Blake Creech - 125 - 135 - 260 - 16.517 - 16.763

46 - 5N - Dustin Nobbe - 125 - 130 - 255 - 16.293 - 16.426

47 - 4G - Kody Evans - 125 - 125 - 250 - 16.473 - 16.424

48 - 17SR - Brody Smith - 120 - 125 - 245 - 16.324 - 16.596

49 - 21 - Kirk Phillips - 120 - 120 - 240 - 16.783 - 16.967

50 - 49G - Billy Green - 115 - 125 - 240 - 17.005 - 16.904

51 - 31 - Tyler Millwood - 130 - 105 - 235 - 16.208 - 16.591

52 - T8 - Steve Banal - 115 - 120 - 235 - 16.57 - 16.883

53 - 6C - Calvin Carlton - 110 - 110 - 220 - 17.576 - 17.251

54 - 9 - Josh Dietz - 105 - 110 - 215 - 16.36 - 16.553

55 - 18S - Quade Schoonover - 110 - 105 - 215 - 17.596 - 17.166

56 - H22 - Brandon Hardgrove - 50 - 115 - 165 - 17.666 - 17.191

57 - 20 - Glenn Hounshell - 105 - 0 - 105 - 17.981 - 0

58 - 15 - Brad Rickels - 50 - 0 - 50 - 17.222 - 0

59 - 96 - Josh Vineyard - 50 - 0 - 50 - 18.707 - 0

 

Penske Shocks Heat 1 (10 Laps | Top 3 Transfer):

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

1 - 79 - Donald McIntosh - Dawsonville, GA - 40B - Kyle Bronson - Brandon, FL

2 - 99 - Devin Moran - Dresden, OH - 157 - Mike Marlar - Winfield, TN

3 - 12M - Ryan Montgomery - Fairmont, WV - 16 - Justin Rattliff - Campbellsville, KY

4 - 09 - Michael Leach - Sun River, MT - 49M - Luke Morey - Zeeland, MI

5 - 21 - Kirk Phillips - Ashland, KY - 18S - Quade Schoonover - Peebles, OH


 

Summit Racing Heat 2 (10 Laps | Top 3 Transfer):

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

1 - 18L - Trevor Landrum - Florence, KY - 12J - Jason Jameson - Lawrenceburg, IN

2 - 1T - Tyler Erb - New Waverly, TX - 76 - Brandon Overton - Evans, GA

3 - 81F - Jadon Frame - Winchester, TN - T1 - Todd Morrow - Penton, AL

4 - 93L - Cory Lawler - Hanover, PA - 7S - Justin Smith - Barbourville, KY

5 - 49G - Billy Green - Walton, KY - H22 - Brandon Hardgrove - Burnside, KY


 

Cool-It Thermo Tec Heat 3 (10 Laps | Top 3 Transfer):

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

1 - 8 - Dillon McCowan - Urbana, MO - 49 - Jonathan Davenport - Blairsville, GA

2 - 17D - Zack Dohm - Cross Lanes, WV - 11 - Josh Rice - Crittenden, KY

3 - 22F - Chris Ferguson - Mt. Holly, NC - 126 - Kaede Loudy - Rogersville, TN

4 - 17SS - Brenden Smith - Dade City, FL - 317 - Blake Creech - Richmond, IN

5 - 31 - Tyler Millwood - Kingston, GA - 20 - Glenn Hounshell - Lancaster, KY


 

Simpson Race Products Heat 4 (10 Laps | Top 3 Transfer):

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

1 - 60 - Dan Ebert - Lake Shore, MN - 18 - Shannon Babb - Moweaqua, IL

2 - 93F - Carson Ferguson - Lincolnton, NC - 71 - Hudson O'Neal - Martinsville, IN

3 - 3s - Brian Shirley - Chatham, IL - 111 - Max Blair - Centerville, PA

4 - D48 - Derek Groomer - Bloomington, IN - 5N - Dustin Nobbe - Batesville, IN

5 - T8 - Steve Banal - Lincolnton, NC - 15 - Brad Rickels - Verona, KY


 

Lucas Oil Heat 5 (10 Laps | Top 3 Transfer):

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

1 - 6 - Clay Harris - Jupiter, FL - C7 - Adam Stricker - Batavia, OH

2 - 20RT - Ricky Thornton Jr - Chandler, AZ - 1 - Brandon Sheppard - New Berlin, IL

3 - 99JR - Frank Heckenast Jr - Frankfort, IL - 93 - Devin Gilpin - Columbus, IN

4 - 0 - Jake O'Neil - Tucson, AZ - 4G - Kody Evans - Camden, OH

5 - 6C - Calvin Carlton - Lawrenceburg, KY - 96 - Josh Vineyard - Harrodsburg, KY


 

FloRacing Heat 6 (10 Laps | Top 3 Transfer):

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

1 - 5 - Drake Troutman - Hyndman, PA - 20O - Jimmy Owens - Newport, TN

2 - 58 - Garrett Alberson - Las Cruces, NM - 32 - Bobby Pierce - Oakwood, IL

3 - 22 - Daniel Hilsabeck - Earlham, IA - 13 - Dallon Murty - Chelsea, IA

4 - 11M - Michael Chilton - Salvisa, KY - 17SR - Brody Smith - Dade City, FL

5 - 9 - Josh Dietz - Hebron, KY

 

WALTON, KY (August 6, 2026) – Brandon Sheppard and Mike Marlar took top honors in Thursday night’s dual 25-lap features for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series at Florence Speedway to kick off the 44th Annual Sunoco Race Fuels North-South Weekend.

 

In the first $6,000-to-win main event, Sheppard took the lead from Chris Ferguson on lap 13 and then pulled away for his ninth series win of the season. Garrett Alberson, who passed Ferguson for second on lap 14, then held off a charging Josh Rice for second over the final 10 laps of the race. Rice, the current O’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Year points leader, was debuting a new Rocket Chassis as he rounded out the Big River Steel Podium in third.

 

Donald McIntosh, last year’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Year, was fourth, with Ferguson rounding out the top five.

 

In Wieland Victory Lane for the 44th time in his career, the current championship points leader finally picked up his first win at Florence as he eyes the $75,000 top prize in Saturday night’s 44th Annual Sunoco Race Fuels North-South 100.

 

“I am pretty sure this is my first Florence win. We have been really good in the big race on Saturday a few times. In 2016, I was there at the end and got a flat tire. It’s been one of them places where things haven’t went my way. I felt like we had a pretty decent car in the spring when we were here, so I was excited to come back, especially with as good as we have been running. My confidence is at an all-time high with this race car.”

 

Alberson fought off Rice in a great battle to snag the runner-up spot.

 

“I knew once Josh (Rice) got to third, I was like, alright, we are going to have us a fight right there, you know, because I was a little too tight to really run that top the way I needed to. I kind of had to back it in there, but hats off to Josh. We had a good little race right there. It was a lot of fun, and Sheppy, his car was really good. It’s super balanced right now.”

 

Rice, who entered the weekend having won 13 times at Florence since 2021, rounded out the Big River Steel Podium in third in front of his home-track fans.

 

“That was fun racing with Garrett. I wanted to get to second for Mark (Richards). He worked a lot on my race car this week, and I can’t thank him enough for that. It was just like home. It was typical Florence on the cushion. I was probably a little too tight for the cushion. I probably didn’t have much for Shep, but congrats to those guys.”

 

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

 

Completing the top 10 in the first feature were Devin Moran, Clay Harris, Trevor Landrum, Bobby Pierce, and Shannon Babb.

In the second $6,000-to-win main event, Marlar took the lead from Brandon Overton on lap 20 and held on the rest of the way for his first LOLMDS win of the year. Marlar, who started eighth, led Overton, Hudson O’Neal, Kyle Bronson, and Jonathan Davenport across the finish line for his 24th Lucas Oil win, tying him with Hall of Famer Billy Moyer.

 

Ricky Thornton Jr. led the first eight laps of the 25-lap nightcap until he relinquished the lead to Overton on lap nine. Two laps later, Thornton brushed the wall in turn four, resulting in a right-rear flat tire as he slowed to bring out a caution flag.

 

Overton, who was looking for his first series win since Circle City last year, was in front until Marlar got by him on lap 20 to take over the lead. Marlar then beat Overton to the finish line by 1.244 seconds in a highly competitive race.

 

Marlar, like Sheppard, is looking for his first career Sunoco Race Fuels North-South 100 victory on Saturday night.

 

“I tried to be a little bit of everywhere. The track was just racy, you know. When you’ve got a great track like that, that’s how you’ve got to be. There was a lot of thinking going on in that race and strategies on restarts and stuff like that. It was fun to race with the top guys up here and have a good time and get a win. My car was really good, so I was on offense. When you’re on defense, you don’t want to see those cautions, but when you are on offense, every caution is an opportunity. I want to really thank Mark Richards for his help on the car today. I kind of told him what I was looking for, and he helped me a little bit.”

 

Overton, who led the most laps (11) in the second feature, came home in second.

 

“The other cars had me moving all over the racetrack, and I was kind of holding them off. They said Mikey had a 3 on, so I don’t know if the softer tires, you know, played into it at the end on them restarts. I didn’t feel bad. Honestly, I felt pretty good at the beginning. I know Ricky had a softer tire on earlier. He was doing what he does out front, and he got into the fence, and I don’t know whether that cut his tire down or what. On those restarts, it was hard getting back into a rhythm, and it is what it is. We’re alright.”

 

O’Neal, who started ninth, rounded out the Big River Steel Podium in third.

 

“We worked, and I think we worked in the right direction, and we’ll see tomorrow when we unload. We just found ourselves in really bad positions on those restarts. I felt like my race car was okay. I just jumped the cushion one time and made one mistake and let two or three cars get by me, and then I had to drive back through there to get to third.”

 

The winner’s Ronnie Delk-owned, Rocket Chassis is powered by a Cornett Racing Engine and sponsored by Delk Equipment, Langenfelder Mechanical Contractors, Mesilla Valley Transportation, Petroff Towing, Certain Teed, Can Am Auto Salvage, Fox Shocks, and Spirit Fuel Racing.

 

Completing the top 10 in the second feature were Drake Troutman, Carson Ferguson, Tyler Erb, Ricky Thornton Jr., and Zack Dohm.

 

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 

Race Summary 

44th Annual Sunoco North/South 100 Presented by Lucas Oil | Night 1

Thursday, August 6, 2026

Florence Speedway | Union, KY

 

Allstar Performance Time Trials

Fast Time Group A-1: | Frank Heckenast | 16.008 seconds

Fast Time Group A-2: | Brandon Sheppard | 15.929 seconds

 

Group A Results:

 

Penske Shocks Heat Race #A1-1 Finish (8 Laps, Top 5 Transfer): 1. 22F-Chris Ferguson[3]; 2. 99JR-Frank Heckenast Jr[1]; 3. 18L-Trevor Landrum[4]; 4. 60-Dan Ebert[5]; 5. 32-Bobby Pierce[8]; 6. 16-Justin Rattliff[7]; 7. 18-Shannon Babb[2]; 8. 17SR-Brody Smith[6]

 

Summit Racing Products Heat Race #A1-2 Finish (8 Laps, Top 5 Transfer): 1. 58-Garrett Alberson[1]; 2. 11-Josh Rice[5]; 3. 79-Donald McIntosh[6]; 4. 93L-Cory Lawler[4]; 5. 49M-Luke Morey[2]; 6. 93-Devin Gilpin[7]; 7. 111-Max Blair[3]

 

Cool-It Thermo-Tec Heat Race #A2-3 Finish (8 Laps, Top 5 Transfer): 1. 1-Brandon Sheppard[1]; 2. 99-Devin Moran[2]; 3. 5N-Dustin Nobbe[3]; 4. 4G-Kody Evans[5]; 5. 22-Daniel Hilsabeck[4]; 6. 49G-Billy Green[6]; 7. H22-Brandon Hardgrove[7]


 

Simpson Race Products Heat Race #A2-4 Finish (8 Laps, Top 5 Transfer): 1. 13-Dallon Murty[1]; 2. 81F-Jadon Frame[2]; 3. 6-Clay Harris[3]; 4. 20O-Jimmy Owens[4]; 5. 7S-Justin Smith[5]; 6. 6C-Calvin Carlton[6]; 7. 20-Glenn Hounshell[7]

 

44th Annual Sunoco North/South 100 Presented by Lucas Oil Group A - Feature Finish (25 Laps):

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

1 - 2 - 1 - Brandon Sheppard - New Berlin, IL - $6,000

2 - 3 - 58 - Garrett Alberson - Las Cruces, NM - $3,000

3 - 7 - 11 - Josh Rice - Crittenden, KY - $2,000

4 - 11 - 79 - Donald McIntosh - Dawsonville, GA - $1,250

5 - 1 - 22F - Chris Ferguson - Mt. Holly, NC - $1,000

6 - 6 - 99 - Devin Moran - Dresden, OH - $900

7 - 12 - 6 - Clay Harris - Jupiter, FL - $850

8 - 9 - 18L - Trevor Landrum - Florence, KY - $800

9 - 17 - 32 - Bobby Pierce - Oakwood, IL - $750

10 - 21 - 18 - Shannon Babb - Moweaqua, IL - $700

11 - 5 - 99JR - Frank Heckenast Jr - Frankfort, IL - $650

12 - 18 - 22 - Daniel Hilsabeck - Earlham, IA - $600

13 - 8 - 81F - Jadon Frame - Winchester, TN - $550

14 - 24 - 93 - Devin Gilpin - Columbus, IN - $500

15 - 16 - 20O - Jimmy Owens - Newport, TN - $500

16 - 15 - 93L - Cory Lawler - Hanover, PA - $500

17 - 19 - 49M - Luke Morey - Zeeland, MI - $500

18 - 13 - 60 - Dan Ebert - Lake Shore, MN - $500

19 - 20 - 7S - Justin Smith - Barbourville, KY - $500

20 - 4 - 13 - Dallon Murty - Chelsea, IA - $500

21 - 14 - 4G - Kody Evans - Camden, OH - $500

22 - 10 - 5N - Dustin Nobbe - Batesville, IN - $500

23 - 22 - 16 - Justin Rattliff - Campbellsville, KY - $500

24 - 23 - 111 - Max Blair - Centerville, PA - $500

 

Group A Race Statistics  

Entrants: 59

Bilstein Shocks Pole Sitter: Chris Ferguson

MD3 Lap Leaders: Chris Ferguson (Laps 1-12); Brandon Sheppard (Laps 13-25)

Hellraizer Jacks Halfway Leader: Brandon Sheppard

Wieland Feature Winner: Brandon Sheppard

Margin of Victory: 3.116 seconds

Hellraizer Jacks Cautions: Justin Rattliff (Lap 13); Dan Ebert (Lap 18)

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, Garrett Alberson, Josh Rice

Penske Shocks Top 5: Brandon Sheppard, Garrett Alberson, Josh Rice, Donald McIntosh, Chris Ferguson

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

PEM 4th Place Feature: Donald McIntosh

Diversified Machine 5th Place Feature: Chris Ferguson

Wilwood Brakes 7th Place Feature: Clay Harris

Wehrs Machine 11th Place Feature: Frank Heckenast, Jr.

Velocity Manufacturing 13th Place Feature: Jadon Frame

XS Power Batteries 15th Place Feature: Jimmy Owens

Hoker Trucking Hard Charger of the Race: Shannon Babb (Advanced 11 positions)

MD3 Most Laps Led: Brandon Sheppard (13 Laps)

Sunoco Race Fuels Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Brandon Sheppard

Midwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Brandon Sheppard

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

Pro Fabrication Headers Fastest Lap of the Race: Brandon Sheppard| Lap 1 | 16.329 seconds

FK Rod Ends Hard Luck Award: Max Blair

Victory Fuel Power Move of the Race: Garrett Alberson

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: Brandon Sheppard | 16.120 seconds

Time of Race: 15 minutes 36 seconds

 

Allstar Performance Time Trials

Fast Time Group B-1: | Ricky Thornton, Jr. | 15.996 seconds

Fast Time Group B-2: | Tyler Erb | 15.917 seconds (Overall)

 

Group B Results:

 

Penske Shocks Heat Race #B1-1 Finish (8 Laps, Top 5 Transfer): 1. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[1]; 2. 5-Drake Troutman[2]; 3. 71-Hudson O'Neal[5]; 4. 12J-Jason Jameson[3]; 5. 17SS-Brenden Smith[4]; 6. 11M-Michael Chilton[6]; 7. T8-Steve Banal[7]; 8. (DNS) 96-Josh Vineyard

 

Summit Racing Products Heat Race #B1-2 Finish (8 Laps, Top 5 Transfer): 1. 76-Brandon Overton[4]; 2. 49-Jonathan Davenport[1]; 3. 0-Jake O'Neil[3]; 4. 40B-Kyle Bronson[5]; 5. 317-Blake Creech[6]; 6. 31-Tyler Millwood[2]; 7. 18S-Quade Schoonover[7]

 

Cool-It Thermo-Tec Heat Race #B2-3 Finish (8 Laps, Top 5 Transfer): 1. 1T-Tyler Erb[1]; 2. C7-Adam Stricker[2]; 3. 09-Michael Leach[3]; 4. 3S-Brian Shirley[4]; 5. 126-Kaede Loudy[5]; 6. 17D-Zack Dohm[7]; 7. 15-Brad Rickels[8]; 8. 8-Dillon McCowan[6]


 

Simpson Race Products Heat Race #B2-4 Finish (8 Laps, Top 5 Transfer): 1. 93F-Carson Ferguson[1]; 2. 157-Mike Marlar[2]; 3. 12M-Ryan Montgomery[4]; 4. T1-Todd Morrow[3]; 5. D48-Derek Groomer[6]; 6. 21-Kirk Phillips[7]; 7. 9-Josh Dietz[5]

 

44th Annual Sunoco North/South 100 Presented by Lucas Oil Group B - Feature Finish (25 Laps):

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

1 - 8 - 157 - Mike Marlar - Winfield, TN - $6,000

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

3 - 9 - 71 - Hudson O'Neal - Martinsville, IN - $2,000

4 - 15 - 40B - Kyle Bronson - Brandon, FL - $1,250

5 - 7 - 49 - Jonathan Davenport - Blairsville, GA - $1,000

6 - 5 - 5 - Drake Troutman - Hyndman, PA - $900

7 - 4 - 93F - Carson Ferguson - Lincolnton, NC - $850

8 - 2 - 1T - Tyler Erb - New Waverly, TX - $800

9 - 1 - 20RT - Ricky Thornton, Jr. - Chandler, AZ - $750

10 - 21 - 17D - Zack Dohm - Cross Lanes, WV - $700

11 - 13 - 12J - Jason Jameson - Lawrenceburg, IN - $650

12 - 24 - 8 - Dillon McCowan - Urbana, MO - $600

13 - 14 - 3s - Brian Shirley - Chatham, IL - $550

14 - 6 - C7 - Adam Stricker - Batavia, OH - $500

15 - 12 - 12M - Ryan Montgomery - Fairmont, WV - $500

16 - 20 - D48 - Derek Groomer - Bloomington, IN - $500

17 - 10 - O9 - Michael Leach - Sun River, MT - $500

18 - 22 - 11M - Michael Chilton - Salvisa, KY - $500

19 - 16 - T1 - Todd Morrow - Penton, AL - $500

20 - 23 - 31 - Tyler Millwood - Kingston, GA - $500

21 - 19 - 317 - Blake Creech - Richmond, IN - $500

22 - 11 - 0 - Jake O'Neil - Tucson, AZ - $500

23 - 17 - 17SS - Brenden Smith - Dade City, FL - $500

24 - 18 - 126 - Kaede Loudy - Rogersville, TN - $500

 

Group B Race Statistics  

Entrants: 59

Bilstein Shocks Pole Sitter: Ricky Thornton, Jr.

MD3 Lap Leaders: Ricky Thornton, Jr. (Lap 1-8); Brandon Overton (Laps 9-19); Mike Marlar (Laps 20-25)

Hellraizer Jacks Halfway Leader: Brandon Overton

Wieland Feature Winner: Mike Marlar

Margin of Victory: 1.244 seconds

Hellraizer Jacks Cautions: Kaede Loudy (Lap 5); Ricky Thornton, Jr. (Lap 10); Brenden Smith (Lap 12); Jake O’Neil (Lap 16); Todd Morrow, Michael Chilton (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: Mike Marlar, Brandon Overton, Hudson O’Neal

Penske Shocks Top 5: Mike Marlar, Brandon Overton, Hudson O’Neal, Kyle Bronson, Jonathan Davenport

Behrent’s One-Lap-to-Go Top 3: Mike Marlar, Brandon Overton, Hudson O’Neal

PEM 4th Place Feature: Kyle Bronson

Diversified Machine 5th Place Feature: Jonathan Davenport

Wilwood Brakes 7th Place Feature: Carson Ferguson

Wehrs Machine 11th Place Feature: Jason Jameson

Velocity Manufacturing 13th Place Feature: Brian Shirley

XS Power Batteries 15th Place Feature: Ryan Montgomery

Hoker Trucking Hard Charger of the Race: Dillon McCowan (Advanced 12 positions)

MD3 Most Laps Led: Brandon Overton (11 Laps)

Sunoco Race Fuels Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Hudson O’Neal

Midwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Brandon Sheppard

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

Pro Fabrication Headers Fastest Lap of the Race: Ricky Thornton, Jr. | Lap 1 | 16.564 seconds

FK Rod Ends Hard Luck Award: Dillon McCowan

Victory Fuel Power Move of the Race: Mike Marlar

Outerwears Crew Chief of the Race: Josh Davis

ARP Engine Builder of the Race: Cornett Race Engines

Miller Welders Chassis Builder of the Race: Rocket Chassis

Dirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps: Ricky Thornton, Jr. | 15.9031 seconds

Time of Race: 20 minutes 53 seconds
 
Sunoco Race Fuels Returns as Title Sponsor of Florence Speedway's Historic North/South 100

 

BATAVIA, Ohio (July 28, 2026) - Florence Speedway is proud to announce the return of Sunoco Race Fuels as the title sponsor of the prestigious Sunoco Race Fuels North/South 100 presented by Lucas Oil, continuing one of the most recognizable and enduring partnerships in dirt late model racing.

 

For decades, Sunoco Race Fuels has been synonymous with premier motorsports competition, and its continued support of the North/South 100 reinforces a longstanding commitment to one of the sport's crown jewel events.

 

"The North/South 100 has long been one of the marquee events in dirt late model racing, and we're excited to continue our relationship with Sunoco Race Fuels," said Florence Speedway promoter Josh King. "Sunoco has been an incredible partner for many years, and their support has helped elevate this event into one of the most prestigious races on the calendar. We're proud to have them back as the title sponsor."

 

The 43rd Annual Sunoco Race Fuels North/South 100 presented by Lucas Oil will once again attract the nation's top dirt late model drivers to Florence Speedway, where they'll compete for one of the sport's most coveted victories in front of thousands of passionate fans. The North/South 100 is well-known for countless memorable moments and has become a must-win event for the biggest names in dirt late model racing.

 

To purchase tickets or find more information regarding the Sunoco Race Fuels North/South 100 presented by Lucas Oil, visit: FlorenceSpeedway.com

 

Sunoco Race Fuels has expanded its global reach, supplying premium racing fuels to a wide range of professional motorsports and performance applications. Products like DXP 116 continue to set the standard for performance, making Sunoco the preferred choice for engine builders, racers, tracks, and sanctioning bodies worldwide. With more than 40 years of proven success, Sunoco remains the largest manufacturer of racing gasoline in the world. To learn more about DXP 116, visit:

SunocoRaceFuels.com

 

For the latest news, results, and championship standings from the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing, visit: LucasDirt.com

 

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