(March 18, 2024) Port Royal, PA – Matt Sheppard showcased his experience at the ‘Speed Showcase’ held at Port Royal Speedway, clinching the $50,000 top prize. The 75-lap race demanded strategic tire management, and Sheppard excelled by conserving his right-rear tire, which ultimately led him to victory.
Sheppard’s Strategic Victory
Starting from the ninth position, Sheppard made a significant move on a lap-20 restart, advancing from fourth to first. He maintained the lead for the remaining 55 laps, demonstrating his ability to pace himself and manage tire wear efficiently. This victory also secured him the 2023 Ollie’s ‘Elite’ Series Championship, adding $15,000 to his winnings, making his total earnings $65,250.
Reflecting on his strategy, Sheppard said, “As soon as I got to the lead, the first thing that went through my mind was the tires. I started doing everything I know how to do to conserve them and take care of them.”
Challenges from Competitors
Billy Decker, starting from the 24th position, emerged as a strong contender, reaching the second spot with 25 laps remaining. Despite several late-race cautions, Decker couldn’t overtake Sheppard. Decker believed a longer green-flag run might have given him a better chance to challenge Sheppard.
“I don’t know what I would’ve done with him if I could get to him other than make him run harder and hope his tire went,” Decker remarked.
Notable Performances
Louden Reimert impressed by securing a third-place finish after starting 16th. Tim Fuller, starting 26th, finished fourth, showcasing a remarkable performance by advancing 24 positions. Mat Williamson, who briefly ran second, rounded out the top five.
Upcoming Events
The STSS schedule continues in May at the Delaware International Speedway with the ‘Diamond State 50,’ where competitors will race for a 50-lap $5,000 prize.
Feature Results (75 laps)
- Matt Sheppard [9]
- Billy Decker [24]
- Louden Reimert [18]
- Tim Fuller [26]
- Mat Williamson [7]
- Jack Lehner [22]
- Marc Johnson [33]
- Alex Yankowski [23]
- Max McLaughlin [14]
- Anthony Perrego [31]
- Ryan Krachun [35]
- Dalton Slack [16]
- Mike Mahaney [2]
- Jeff Strunk [5]
- Jimmy Phelps [13]
- Alex Payne [11]
- Michael Trautschold [34]
- Danny Bouc [17]
- Danny Johnson [32]
- Dillon Steuer [29]
- Bobby Hackel IV [30]
- Jessica Friesen [6]
- Michael Maresca [20]
- Ryan Watt [4]
- Danny Creeden [8]
- Erick Rudolph [19]
- Brandon Grosso [36]
- Matt Stangle [15]
- Austin Hubbard [21]
- Willy Decker [28]
- Ronnie Johnson [1]
- Sammy Martz Jr [27]
- Ryan Godown [3]
- Mike Gular [10]
- Billy Pauch Jr [12]
- Rocky Warner [25]
Supporting Events
In the STSS Crate 602 Sportsman race, Logan Watt emerged victorious by leveraging a late-race restart to surpass Joe Toth, securing the $4,000 prize. Watt’s strategy of pitting for new tires early in the race paid off, allowing him to climb back to the front and clinch the win.
The Pro Stock feature event saw Rich Crane benefit from a major wreck that took out four of the top five competitors. Crane, who started eighth, avoided the chaos and took home the $1,200 victory.
