(June 18, 2024) Davenport, IA – Tyler Erb’s dominance in the 2024 DIRTcar Summer Nationals shows no signs of slowing down. With his victory on Tuesday night at Davenport Speedway, Erb has become the third driver in history to win the first four races of the Summer Nationals.
Joining Legendary Company
Erb’s impressive feat places him alongside National Dirt Late Model Hall-of-Famers Scott Bloomquist, who won four consecutive races to start the season in 1990, and Billy Moyer Sr., who won six straight in 1994.
“That’s pretty cool because Scott and Billy are two of the best ever,” said Erb, 27, from New Waverly, TX. “To be mentioned with them in any context is very, very cool.”
Battling for the Lead
Starting fourth on the grid after winning his Heat Race, Erb faced strong competition in a caution-free race. Erb moved up to second when polesitter Daryn Klein slipped off the track on the opening lap. He then engaged in a side-by-side battle with new leader Kye Blight.
Blight, a 31-year-old racer from Bunbury, WA, set a fast pace, maneuvering through lap traffic to maintain his lead. However, Erb steadily gained ground and, on Lap 23, capitalized on Blight’s struggle to pass a slower car, pulling even at the start/finish line.
Seizing the Lead
Erb made his move by diving to the bottom in Turn 1 and sliding in front of Blight out of Turn 2 to take the lead. From there, he opened a nearly two-second gap by the time the checkered flag waved.
“Kye was fast; his car was really good,” Erb said. “He was running as hard as he could, and I tried to just pace him without making mistakes.”
Team and Personal Triumphs
After each win, Erb has emphasized the importance of his team’s positive atmosphere and how it contributes to their success.
“My crew is happy and working well,” Erb said. “My home life is good, and that plays a role in building confidence. When my team believes in me, it makes me believe in myself. I feel like I’m becoming a better person overall, and that’s helping too.”
Looking Ahead
Erb now has the opportunity to become only the second driver to start the Summer Nationals with five consecutive wins as he heads to Adams County Speedway for the next race.
Upcoming Race
The DIRTcar Summer Nationals Late Models will race next at Adams County (IL) Speedway in Quincy, IL, alongside the DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals. Tickets are available at the gate, and fans can stream the event live on DIRTVision.
Abbreviated Results
- Feature (30 Laps):
- 1-Tyler Erb[4]
- 33-Kye Blight[2]
- 10-Garrett Smith[6]
- 43-Derrick Stewart[3]
- 25-Jason Feger[10]
- 58-Tyler Clem[8]
- 99JR-Frank Heckenast Jr[7]
- 99T-Dylan Thompson[5]
- 8-Dillon McCowan[12]
- 21-Billy Moyer Sr[14]
- 97-Cody Overton[15]
- 14JR-Trey Mills[18]
- 27M-Rodney Melvin[13]
- 22*-Max McLaughlin[17]
- 4G-Bob Gardner[19]
- 30-Mark Voigt[20]
- 29-Spencer Diercks[9]
- 25W-Allen Weisser[22]
- 28-Carson Brown[21]
- 10K-Daryn Klein[1]
- 22-Daniel Hilsabeck[16]
- 32S-Chris Simpson[11]
