(July 16, 2024) Harlan, IA – Defending Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion Hudson O’Neal delivered an impressive performance at Shelby County Speedway, securing his second consecutive series win of the week. O’Neal took the lead with a daring three-wide pass on lap 22 and maintained his position for the remaining 31 laps, finishing 3.503 seconds ahead of Ricky Thornton Jr.
Race Highlights
The first national touring late model race at Shelby County Speedway was eventful, with three different drivers leading the Kosiski Family 53. Ricky Thornton Jr. initially led from the pole for 14 laps before Garrett Alberson, starting from sixth, took the lead on the outside. O’Neal made his decisive move on lap 22, passing both Thornton and Alberson to claim the lead.
Key Moments
A caution with ten laps remaining erased the substantial lead O’Neal had built. On the restart, Thornton attempted to challenge O’Neal by running the top side but fell short with less than five laps to go. O’Neal’s victory at Shelby County Speedway marks his 29th career win in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and his fifth series win of the season.
Reflections from the Drivers
In Lucas Oil Victory Lane, O’Neal shared his thoughts on the race and his strategy. “I started right around that bottom and then Garrett was making that middle work there for a minute. I got a little bit nervous about it… It just feels awesome to come out here and be able to drive these guys’ race car.”
Ricky Thornton Jr., who remains the series points leader, expressed his satisfaction with the event despite finishing second. “I think the fans loved it… I let him [O’Neal] get away and his lead kept growing so I went back to the bottom.”
Garrett Alberson, who finished third, praised his team and reflected on his performance. “These guys are the best in the country you know so to be close and right there with them is great… It was a good solid top three.”
Upcoming Event
The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series heads to Huset’s Speedway this weekend for the Silver Dollar Nationals, promising more thrilling action and competition.
Feature Results:
- Hudson O’Neal [3]
- Ricky Thornton Jr [1]
- Garrett Alberson [6]
- Devin Moran [2]
- Jonathan Davenport [4]
- Daulton Wilson [5]
- Max Blair [9]
- Clay Harris [16]
- Blair Northdurft [17]
- Brandon Sheppard [8]
- Mike Marlar [23]
- Tim McCreadie [10]
- Drake Troutman [14]
- Ross Robinson [11]
- Logan Seavey [21]
- Jimmy Owens [7]
- Brenden Smith [20]
- Derrick Stewart [19]
- Tad Pospisil [13]
- Allan Hopp [15]
- Carson Ferguson [12]
- Boom Briggs [18]
- Chad Simpson [22]
- Cory Lawler [24]
