(June 28, 2024) Farmer City, IL – After a three-year hiatus, Garrett Alberson made a triumphant return to the DIRTcar Summer Nationals, capturing his first Series victory at Farmer City Raceway on Friday night. The Las Cruces, NM native dominated the 40-lap Feature, leading every lap to secure the $10,000 payday while holding off some of the best competitors in the Hell Tour, including four-time Series champion Shannon Babb and 2022 World of Outlaws Late Model Rookie of the Year Tanner English.
“It’s a big confidence booster,” Alberson said of his victory. “I’ve been hit and miss in the Summer Nationals stuff for a few years and have watched it forever. The guys on this deal are so tough, and it’s always got a good mix of people. To win a race like that is really cool.”
A Memorable Win
This victory marked Alberson’s 10th start with the Summer Nationals Late Models and his first of the season. Reflecting on his success, Alberson expressed his admiration for Farmer City Raceway: “I’ve watched hundreds of videos growing up of all the racing here at Farmer City and always wanted to come here. I’ve always loved the way this track drives. The flow and the momentum it’s got going on. I’ve always loved just getting around here.”
The Race Unfolds
Alberson set the tone for the night by earning Quick Time in his qualifying group and winning his Heat Race. Drawing the outside pole for the Feature, he started next to Tanner English. At the drop of the green flag, Alberson won the sprint into Turn 1, edging out English and quickly establishing a lead. He maintained a torrid pace around the 1/4-mile dirt track, maneuvering through lap traffic by Lap 10 and extending his lead.
A caution on Lap 33 brought the field back together, forcing Alberson to restart with some of the best names in the sport behind him, including Babb, English, reigning Summer Nationals champion Ashton Winger, and Week 1 champion Tyler Erb. Despite the pressure, Alberson executed a flawless restart and held on to secure his first Hell Tour win, finishing nearly a second ahead of Babb.
Overcoming Challenges
“I feel like restarts have been one of my struggle points this year,” Alberson said. “For some reason, I was in a good head space today, and I kind of knew where my strengths were and didn’t let go of my game plan.”
Notable Performances
Behind Alberson, Tyler Erb and Jason Feger also delivered impressive performances. Erb climbed from 11th to fourth, tying with Winger for the Week 3 points lead. Feger, who was running in the top five for most of the race, suffered a blown left rear tire late in the race. Despite restarting at the back, he managed to fight his way back to finish fifth.
Looking Ahead
The DIRTcar Summer Nationals Late Models continue their tour at Highland Speedway on Saturday, June 29, racing alongside the Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals. Tickets will be available at the gate, and fans can also catch all the action live on DIRTVision.
Feature (40 Laps):
- Garrett Alberson [2]
- Shannon Babb [4]
- Tanner English [1]
- Tyler Erb [11]
- Jason Feger [5]
- Dillon McCowan [10]
- Tyler Clem [14]
- Frank Heckenast Jr [12]
- Daniel Adam [8]
- Kyle Hammer [13]
- Ashton Winger [6]
- Mark Voigt [22]
- McKay Wenger [17]
- Jeffrey Ledford [7]
- Trevor Gundaker [15]
- Rickey Frankel [16]
- Kye Blight [19]
- Donny Walden [3]
- Roben Huffman [21]
- Kevin Weaver [20]
- Ryan Unzicker [18]
- Rodney Melvin [9]
