(July 12, 2024) Crystal, MI – Tyler Erb has developed a knack for dramatic late-race passes in the DIRTcar Summer Nationals Late Models. The 27-year-old from New Waverly, TX, showcased his skill again during the 40-lap Feature at Crystal Motor Speedway on Friday night. Erb, who started seventh, hunted down race-long leader Dona Marcoullier and made a decisive pass with five laps to go to secure his 10th Summer Nationals win of 2024.
Strategic Racing and Key Passes
Erb spent the first half of the race biding his time, advancing to fourth by Lap 20. A caution on Lap 23, caused by runner-up Logan Nickerson pulling off the track, allowed Erb to take second place on the restart. From there, Erb methodically closed in on Marcoullier.
“The racing gods wanted me to try really hard today,” Erb said. “Had to change my line up and try different lines that way when I did get close, I could figure out how to pass [Marcoullier].”
The Decisive Move
By Lap 30, Erb was on Marcoullier’s tail. He began exploring the middle groove in the corners, finding a way to pass. On Lap 36, Erb dove low into Turn 1, slid in front of Marcoullier, and took the lead as Marcoullier bumped the cushion. Erb then led the final laps, finishing just under two seconds ahead of Marcoullier.
Reflecting on the Win
“That’s probably the hardest one I’ve won,” Erb said. “I had to earn it. I really had to make good decisions and make passes when I could and keep my nose clean when I could, and it worked out.”
With this victory, Erb extended his points lead in the DIRTcar Summer Nationals to 44 points over Dillon McCowan, who finished fourth.
Upcoming Race
Week 5 of the 39th annual DIRTcar Summer Nationals continues on Saturday, July 13, at Oakshade Raceway in Wauseon, OH. Tickets will be available at the gate, and fans can also stream the event live on DIRTVision.
Feature Results
Feature (40 Laps):
- Tyler Erb [7]
- Dona Marcoullier [1]
- Ashton Winger [4]
- Dillon McCowan [8]
- Chad Finley [15]
- Derrick Hilliker [3]
- Trey Mills [13]
- Jackson Hise [16]
- Curtis Roberts [2]
- Thomas Hunziker [24]
- Devin Shiels [19]
- Rusty Schlenk [5]
- Brandon Thirlby [22]
- Logan Nickerson [6]
- Wil Herrington [10]
- Rylee Knoll [9]
- David Hilliker [12]
- Bry Johnson [14]
- Garrett Wiles [23]
- Ryan Vanderveen [18]
- Clayton Stuckey [11]
- Eric Spangler [17]
- Travis Stemler [26]
- Ashlee Scott [25]
- Mark Voigt [21]
- (DNS) Joe Pomeroy
