Brandon Sheppard & Mike Marlar Win Dirt Million Night Two Duels At Mansfield

Story By: JAMES ESSEX / LUCAS OIL LATE MODEL DIRT SERIES – MANSFIELD, OH – Brandon Sheppard and Mike Marlar won Duel feature events on Friday night of the 2nd annual Dirt Million – Presented by Arizona Sport Shirts at Mansfield Motor Speedway.

Each driver earned $10,000 for their 30-lap victories and are guaranteed a starting spot in Saturday night’s Dirt Million finale.

Sheppard took the lead on lap two from pole-sitter Kent Robinson and led the rest of the way to win the first Duel. It was not an easy win for the 26-year-old Illinois racer, as he had to hold off both a charging Jimmy Owens and the defending Dirt Million winner, Earl Pearson Jr. Brandon Overton was fourth, with Hudson O’Neal coming from the fifteenth starting spot to register a fifth-place finish at the checkers.

“It was really hard staying out front,” said Sheppard. “They have got the track really good right now. You had to have a line where the car would go best. With traffic in front of us, we really didn’t know where to go. My crew guys are awesome, they kept me up to date on where I needed to be on the track. It was tricky out there. I felt good around the top of three and four and in one and two I felt good all over.”

“This car is just phenomenal right now. They have it really tuned in. We had a car that was capable of winning last night. It was just a little harder to pass last night,” said the winner, who recorded his 13th career Lucas Oil win and his first since winning the Indiana Icebreaker at Brownstown (IN) Speedway in March.

Owens was in the hunt for the win from the halfway mark and came home in second after passing Pearson on lap 21. “It is hands down better than we ran here last night. It felt good to be battling for the win. Brandon [Sheppard], he is one of the toughest guys in the country right now, and to have him moving around and looking over his shoulder the whole race was pretty awesome.”

Pearson; who collected over $202,000 for his win in the Dirt Million a year ago; returned to the Lucas Oil podium with his third-place finish: “It wasn’t too bad tonight. We got up on the cushion and did our thing, which is unusual for me to go to the cushion. We weren’t bad up on the cushion either. When Brandon moved up there, we couldn’t do much after that.”

The winner’s Mark Richards Racing, Rocket Chassis is powered by a Durham Racing Engine and sponsored by: Valvoline, Seubert Calf Ranches, Ace Metals Works, Gunter’s Honey, Keyser Manufacturing, Sunoco Race Fuels, and Integra Racing Shocks.

Completing the top ten were Kent Robinson, Shannon Babb, Shane Clanton, Max Blair, and Gordy Gundaker.

Marlar claimed his fourth Lucas Oil win of the season, leading all 30-laps for a convincing victory. Chase Junghans; for the second night in a row; recorded a second-place finish. Michael Norris, in the Clint Bowyer Racing #5 entry, posted his best career Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series finish rounding out the podium. Jonathan Davenport finished fourth with Tyler Erb crossing the finish line in fifth.

Marlar who also started on the pole of a Thursday night duel was not going to be denied tonight as he stormed to the lead early on over Norris and Junghans. Norris, who like Junghans, was seeking his first career Lucas Oil win, closed on Marlar in heavy traffic with twelve laps scored. Junghans made the pass on Norris for second on lap 20.

Marlar held steady in lapped traffic as Junghans and Norris could not get close enough in the waning laps to challenge for the win. Like Sheppard, the win also marked Marlar’s thirteenth career win with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.

Marlar led every lap for his win. “Last night was a bummer when you get a good starting spot like that. It’s tough when you win a heat and get to start up front like we did. The car was something I could deal with today better than last night. It was definitely ‘elbows up’ early. Last year we had a real good shot for the win and a carburetor spring broke I think I was running second when it broke and I had to start lifting on the gas pedal.”

Junghans was pleased with another runner-up finish. “The third times the charm, right? Mikey is hard to beat. I wish the track would have gotten a little wider for us. We still have a little bit of tuning on the car to do yet. But it’s really good right now. We just need to build off of last night and tonight.”

Norris was thrilled with his podium finish. “Just to run with these guys is pretty awesome. The car was really good there. I thought we might actually have a shot at Mikey. The car got a little snug at the end there and that kind of played a factor. Congrats to him. We are glad to have two solid nights here.”

The winner’s Ronnie Delk-owned, Rocket Chassis is powered by a Cornett Racing Engine and sponsored by: Marathon Oil, Mark Martin Timber and Farms, Franklin Enterprises, RS Equipment Sales and Rentals, Integra, VP Fuels, and Delk Equipment Sales.

Completing the top ten were Rick Eckert, Ricky Weiss, Jared Landers, Josh Richards, and Darrell Lanigan.

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series
Race Summary
Friday, August 23, 2019
Mansfield Motor Speedway – Mansfield, Ohio

Duel 1: Miller Welders Fast Time: Jimmy Owens 17.217 seconds
Duel 2: Miller Welders Fast Time: Tyler Erb 17.350 seconds

Penske Race Shocks Heat Race #1 Finish: Jimmy Owens, Bobby Pierce, Shane Clanton, Ryan Markham, Doug Drown, Dan Angelicchio, Stormy Scott, Brent Bee, Robby Hensley

FK Rod Ends Heat Race #2 Finish: Brandon Sheppard, Earl Pearson, Jr., Max Blair, Brian Shirley, Shannon Babb, Johnny Scott, David Scott, Steve Sabo, Eddie Carrier, Jr.

Simpson Race Products Heat Race #3 Finish: Kent Robinson, Brandon Overton, Gordy Gundaker, Scott Bloomquist, Hudson O’Neal, Mike Benedum, Donald McIntosh, Greg Oakes, Ryan Missler

Duel 2:
Lucas Oil Products Penetrating Oil Heat Race #1 Finish: Chase Junghans, Tyler Erb ®, Rick Eckert, Ricky Weiss, Kyle Bronson, Dennis Erb, Jr., Mason Zeigler, Chris Ferguson, Gregg Satterlee

Sunoco Race Fuels Heat Race #2 Finish: Mike Marlar, Boom Briggs, Josh Richards, Tim McCreadie, Steve Casebolt , Billy Moyer, Dale McDowell, Matt Irey, Jason Miller

Arizona Sport Shirts Heat Race #3 Finish: Michael Norris, Jonathan Davenport, Jared Landers, Darrell Lanigan, Billy Moyer, Jr., Shanon Buckingham, Devin Moran ®, Ryan Scott, Justin Chance

Duel 1:
Lucas Oil Products Red “N” Tacky Spray Grease B-Main Finish: Stormy Scott, David Scott, Donald McIntosh, Greg Oakes, Eddie Carrier, Jr., Ryan Missler, Robby Hensley, Brent Bee, Steve Sabo

Duel 2:
FAST Shafts B-Main Finish: Dale McDowell, Mason Zeigler, Devin Moran ®, Matt Irey, Jason Miller, Chris Ferguson, Gregg Satterlee, Ryan Scott, Justin Chance

Duel 1:
Lucas Oil Feature Finish (30 Laps):

FINISH
START
CAR #
DRIVER NAME
HOMETOWN
EARNINGS
1
2
1S
Brandon Sheppard
New Berlin, IL
$10,000
2
3
20
Jimmy Owens
Newport, TN
$5,000
3
4
1
Earl Pearson, Jr.
Jacksonville, FL
$2,000
4
5
2
Brandon Overton
Evans, GA
$1,000
5
15
71
Hudson O’Neal
Martinsville, IN
$900
6
1
7R
Kent Robinson
Bloomington, IN
$800
7
14
18
Shannon Babb
Mowequa, IL
$750
8
7
25
Shane Clanton
Zebulon, GA
$700
9
8
111
Max Blair
Centerville, PA
$650
10
9
11G
Gordy Gundaker
St. Charles, MO
$600
11
21
1M
Devin Moran ®
Dresden, OH
$590
12
11
3s
Brian Shirley
Chatham, IL
$580
13
17
1st
Johnny Scott
Las Cruces, NM
$570
14
18
8Bx
Mike Benedum
Salem, WV
$560
15
16
14A
Dan Angelicchio
Mt. Pleasant, PA
$550
16
10
5m
Ryan Markham
Ashland, OH
$540
17
13
12d
Doug Drown
Wooster, OH
$530
18
20
4s
David Scott
Garland, PA
$520
19
6
32P
Bobby Pierce
Oakwood, IL
$510
20
12
0
Scott Bloomquist
Mooresburg, TN
$500
21
19
2s
Stormy Scott
Las Cruses, NM
$500

DUEL 1:
Race Statistics
Entrants
: 56
Lap Leaders: Kent Robinson (Lap 1); Brandon Sheppard (Laps 2 – 30)
Wrisco Feature Winner: Brandon Sheppard
Margin of Victory: 0.724 seconds
Cautions: Scott Bloomquist (Lap 9)
Series Provisionals: Devin Moran
Optima Batteries Hard Charger of the Race: Hudson O’Neal (Advanced 10 Positions)
Midwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader
: Jonathan Davenport
Allstar Performance Power Move of the Race: Mike Benedum
Sunoco Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Brandon Sheppard
Eibach Springs Rookie of the Race: Devin Moran
COMP Cams Engine Builder of the Race: Durham Racing Engines
Ohlins Shocks Chassis Builder of the Race: Rocket Chassis
Outerwears Crew Chief of the Race: Austin Hargrove (Brandon Sheppard)
Dirty Girl Racewear Fastest Lap of the Race: Brandon Sheppard (Lap #3 – 18.3008 seconds)
Hot Rod Processing Tough Break of the Race: Stormy Scott
STEEL-IT Most Laps Led: Brandon Sheppard (29 Laps)
PFC Brakes Pole Award: Kent Robinson
Time of Race: 11 minutes 29 seconds

Duel 2:
Lucas Oil
Feature Finish (30 Laps):
FINISH
START
CAR #
DRIVER NAME
HOMETOWN
EARNINGS
1
1
157
Mike Marlar
Winfield, TN
$10,000
2
3
18J
Chase Junghans
Manhattan, KS
$5,000
3
2
5
Michael Norris
Sarver, PA
$2,000
4
5
49
Jonathan Davenport
Blairsville, GA
$1,000
5
6
1T
Tyler Erb ®
New Waverly, TX
$900
6
7
0E
Rick Eckert
York, PA
$800
7
10
7w
Ricky Weiss
Headingley, MB
$750
8
9
777
Jared Landers
Batesville, AR
$700
9
8
14
Josh Richards
Shinnston, WV
$650
10
12
29
Darrell Lanigan
Union, KY
$600
11
11
39
Tim McCreadie
Watertown, NY
$590
12
14
C9
Steve Casebolt
Richmond, IN
$580
13
4
99B
Boom Briggs
Bear Lake, PA
$570
14
16
28
Dennis Erb, Jr.
Carpentersville, IL
$560
15
18
50
Shanon Buckingham
Morristown, TN
$550
16
20
25Z
Mason Zeigler
Chalk Hill, PA
$540
17
13
40B
Kyle Bronson
Brandon, FL
$530
18
9
18m
Dale McDowell
Chickamauga, GA
$520
19
17
21
Billy Moyer
Batesville, AR
$510
20
15
21JR
Billy Moyer, Jr.
Batesville, AR
$500

DUEL 2:
Race Statistics
Entrants
: 56

Lap Leaders: Mike Marlar (Laps 1 – 30)
Wrisco Feature Winner: Mike Marlar
Margin of Victory: 0.738 seconds
Cautions: n/a
Series Provisionals: n/a
Optima Batteries Hard Charger of the Race: Mason Zeigler (Advanced 4 Positions)
Midwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader
: Jonathan Davenport
Allstar Performance Power Move of the Race: Chase Junghans
Sunoco Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Chase Junghans
Eibach Springs Rookie of the Race: Tyler Erb
COMP Cams Engine Builder of the Race: Cornett Racing Engines
Ohlins Shocks Chassis Builder of the Race: Rocket Chassis
Outerwears Crew Chief of the Race: Josh Davis (Mike Marlar)
Dirty Girl Racewear Fastest Lap of the Race: Mike Marlar (Lap #1 – 18.6536 seconds)
Hot Rod Processing Tough Break of the Race: Boom Briggs
STEEL-IT Most Laps Led: Mike Marlar (30 Laps)
PFC Brakes Pole Award: Mike Marlar
Time of Race: 9 minutes 47 seconds

Saturday DIRT MILLION Heat Race Line Ups:
Penske Race Shocks
Heat Race #1 Line Up:

DRIVER
INSIDE
OUTSIDE
DRIVER
Josh Richards
14
29
Darrell Lanigan
Shannon Babb
18
111
Max Blair
Mike Benedum
8Bx
22
Gregg Satterlee
Eddie Carrier Jr.
28c
94M
Jason Miller
Zack Dohm
17d
FK Rod Ends Heat Race #2 Line Up:
DRIVER
INSIDE
OUTSIDE
DRIVER
Ricky Weiss
7w
2
Brandon Overton
Jared Landers
777
18m
Dale McDowell
Kyle Bronson
40B
1st
Johnny Scott
Donald McIntosh
7m
8b
Brent Bee
Dave Hess Jr.
44
Simpson Race Products Heat Race #3 Line Up:
DRIVER
INSIDE
OUTSIDE
DRIVER
Jimmy Owens
20
0E
Rick Eckert
Bobby Pierce
32P
50
Shannon Buckingham
Mason Zeigler
25z
99B
Boom Briggs
Gregg Oakes
22G
92
Justin Chance

Lucas Oil Products Penetrating Oil
Heat Race #4 Line Up:
DRIVER
INSIDE
OUTSIDE
DRIVER
Hudson O’Neal
71
39
Tim McCreadie
Kent Robinson
7R
3s
Brian Shirley
Doug Drown
12d
21JR
Billy Moyer Jr.
Matt Irey
36
0R
Ryan Scott
Sunoco Race Fuels Heat Race #5 Line Up:
DRIVER
INSIDE
OUTSIDE
DRIVER
Tyler Erb
1T
28
Dennis Erb Jr.
Devin Moran
1M
11G
Gordy Gundaker
Chris Ferguson
22F
2s
Stormy Scott
Robby Hensley
21H
16
Steve Sabo
Arizona Sport Shirts Heat Race #6 Line Up:
DRIVER
INSIDE
OUTSIDE
DRIVER
Earl Pearson Jr.
1
C9
Steve Casebolt
Shane Clanton
25
21
Billy Moyer
David Scott
4s
14A
Dan Angelicchio
Ryan Missler
50Y
5m
Ryan Markham

DIRT MILLION Dash Line Up:
DRIVER
INSIDE
OUTSIDE
DRIVER
Brandon Sheppard
1s
49
Jonathan Davenport
Mike Marlar
157
18J
Chase Junghans
Scott Bloomquist
0
5
Michael Norris