(June 20, 2024) Summertown, TN – Brandon Sheppard and the Longhorn Factory Team celebrated their first World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models victory together on the opening night of the Heartland Grand Tour at Thunderhill Raceway Park. This win marks a significant milestone since their partnership began in January.
A Hard-Fought Victory
Sheppard, hailing from New Berlin, IL, faced intense competition throughout the 40-lap feature. The race turned into a thrilling duel between Sheppard and Cade Dillard, with both drivers exchanging the lead multiple times. In the final laps, Sheppard made a decisive move to secure the victory, finally putting the Longhorn team in Victory Lane.
“This means so much, honestly,” Sheppard said. “The whole team has been working super hard to get this car to fit my driving style. My guys have had my back through thick and thin, and their hard work is paying off.”
Early Race Dynamics
MD3 Rookie of the Year contender Cody Overton started on the pole, with reigning Series champion Bobby Pierce alongside him. The two battled fiercely for the lead until Pierce’s left rear tire blew, ending his chances for a win. This opened the door for Dillard, who took the lead, followed closely by Sheppard and Brian Shirley.
The Decisive Move
As the race progressed, Sheppard steadily closed the gap on Dillard by running the bottom line. With three laps to go, Sheppard made his move, sliding up in Turn 4 to overtake Dillard and take the lead. From there, Sheppard pulled away, clinching his 84th World of Outlaws victory and his 16th career win at a new track on the series schedule.
“Thunderhill was badass,” Sheppard said. “The track was really good, and you don’t know what to expect at a new place. They put a lot of effort into it, and it created a heck of a race.”
Dillard’s Perspective
Dillard, who had not won since 2021, finished second but praised Sheppard for a clean race.
“It was a fun place to race,” Dillard said. “You really had to stay on it, and Brandon has always raced me clean. We’re getting closer, and I’m looking forward to getting back to Victory Lane soon.”
Brent Larson’s Podium Finish
Lake Elmo, MN driver Brent Larson secured his first podium of the season, finishing third after a late pass on Shirley.
“Thunderhill fit our tire choice really well,” Larson said. “It’s always a challenge at a new track, but we made the right adjustments, and it paid off.”
Upcoming Races
The World of Outlaws CASE Late Models head to Junction City, KY for the Billy Todd Classic at Ponderosa Speedway on Friday, June 21. The weekend concludes at Brownstown Speedway on Saturday, June 22. For more information and tickets, click here.
Fans can watch every race live on DIRTVision.
Feature Results (40 Laps):
- Brandon Sheppard (5)
- Cade Dillard (3)
- Brent Larson (8)
- Brian Shirley (4)
- Ryan Gustin (22)
- Dennis Erb Jr (12)
- Nick Hoffman (19)
- Bobby Pierce (2)
- Kyle Bronson (6)
- Cody Overton (1)
- Tristan Chamberlain (18)
- Dustin Sorensen (24)
- Tyler Bruening (11)
- Dustin Walker (21)
- Max McLaughlin (15)
- Matthew Brocato (13)
- Daniel Hilsabeck (14)
- Parker Martin (17)
- Jack Riggs (7)
- Jadon Frame (9)
- Christian Hanger (23)
- Oakley Johns (10)
- Grayson Brewer (16)
- GR Smith (20)
