A NIGHT LIKE NO OTHER: Brandon Overton Banks $50,000 in Wild USA Nationals Finale

It was a night, no, a weekend, that should’ve been solely about celebrating Brandon Overton and his history-making performance at Cedar Lake Speedway. After all, “Big Sexy” controlled the final 57 laps on Saturday night’s 100-lapper to score $50,000 with his first career USA Nationals title – becoming the ninth different champion in as many years, and the eighth first-time winner since 2012.

For Overton of Evans, Ga., Saturday’s $50,000 triumph of Cedar Lake’s USA Nationals joins his $30,000 score from Lernerville’s 2017 Firecracker as his second Crown Jewel victory. An accomplishment coming in a 2020 season where the 29-year old has risen the ranks into contention as one of the best dirt late model drivers in the country. Unfortunately, due to the acts of others, Overton’s dominance aboard the Wells Motorsports No. 76 Longhorn Chassis powered Clements Race Engines won’t attract all the love he deserves.

It all changed on lap 85, when a caution created one of the craziest and most shocking moments in World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series history. The infamous incident between Tyler Erb of New Waverly, Tex. and Bobby Pierce of Oakwood, Ill. quickly sent social media into a frenzy.

There was contact, then there was retaliation, and more retaliation, and more retaliation, before a crew member became involved, and ultimately a World of Outlaws official went flying to the ground. Erb was disqualified and towed off to the roar of boos from a standing-room only crowd, while Pierce too was sent to the pits for crew members entering the racing surface. A full penalty report with additional ramifications for the incident is expected to come this week.

For Overton though? The $50,000 check is still going to cash the same way come Monday morning.

“I never in a million years dreamed that I would win this,” Overton exclaimed in victory lane. “I’m just a boy from Georgia trying to get it done. I don’t know what to say.”

Starting from the fifth spot in the 100-lap feature, “that boy from Georgia” quickly made his way to the second spot by lap nine and followed suit of pole sitter and leader, Billy Moyer. While the track continued to widen out, Overton bided his time behind Moyer, sitting through a few rounds of lap traffic, before waiting to pounce when the time was right.

That time came on lap 44. With the help of lap traffic, an observant Overton methodically watched the ever-changing surface and made his move underneath Moyer off turn two to secure the race lead.

“I was riding around and I could see the top kind of die off, then the bottom came in,” Overton said on track conditions. “Then I could see the bottom die off and I had to move up. I kind of knew both routes, like which line I needed to use if I had to protect. My car was really good there through the middle especially. Funny thing is, I was like a half-second slow in hot laps tonight and thought we were terrible. Everything worked out though. I was just trying to manage my tires all race long really.”

It seemed as if Overton’s biggest challenge awaited when 2018 USA Nationals winner and reigning World of Outlaws Late Models champion, Brandon Sheppard, roared into second on lap 56. Coming from 11th-to-2nd, the Rocket1 Racing No. 1 cut into Overton’s gap before eventually stalling out and losing momentum.

Going up in smoke on lap 85, Sheppard’s attempt at stopping Overton ended at the same time of the Erb/Pierce incident, as he was pushed back to the pits with motor trouble. With a massive shakeup in the running order, it seemed as if Overton had a whole new crew chasing him to the final restart with 15 laps left.

None of the veterans entering the mix or the legends still in play could throw anything at derailing the No. 76, however, as Overton controlled the last segment and drove away to a 2.213-second advantage at the checkered flag with $50,000 and his first career USA Nationals title waiting for him in victory lane.

“This is so cool man,” an enthused Overton let out. “It’s an honor for me to be in the discussions with Brandon [Sheppard] and Jimmy [Owens] this year. I’ve got a lot of catching up to do if I’m gonna be as good as those two are though. All we can do is keep going, I want to win all the time.”

Driving the Drydene Performance Products No. 0e, Rick Eckert of York, Pa. ended up with a second-place finish from 12th in Saturday’s USA Nationals finale. A runner-up effort worth $20,000, “Scrub” stayed patient and capitalized on the trouble for others to guide his Rocket Chassis to the front. It’s the first time the former World of Outlaws champion is back on the USA Nationals podium since he won the event way back in 2002.

“This is a difficult race and it’s hard on an old guy, that’s for sure,” Eckert joked afterwards. “It’s just so fast early on and the track changes so much over 100 laps. “I really thought I would have a shot there at the end after I saw Brandon [Sheppard] was smoking and then we got that restart. Overton was just too good in clean track, he’s a hard guy to beat. We’re not gonna hang our heads running second to him. Hopefully we can come back next year!”

Rounding out the podium and leading the charge for the home state was Menomonie, Wisc. native Jimmy Mars in the third spot. “The Iceman” picked up his fifth career USA Nationals podium finish (first since 2014) and made it 11 top five finishes, an event record he shares with Billy Moyer. After starting ninth, it was a slow, but steady crawl to the front for the MB Customs No. 28.

“We started out really fats and had little spurts of speed, but then we got slow there, and then picked it up again,” Mars commented on his pace. “We definitely got fortunate with some of the others dropping out, but sometimes you gotta be lucky.”

A pair of legends in Scott Bloomquist and Billy Moyer rounded out the top five in the 100-lap feature. Ricky Weiss, who used a World of Outlaws points provisional to start 25th, ended up as the Hard Charger with an impressive +19 run to the sixth spot in his Team Drydene No. 7.

Closing out the top ten at the 33rd annual USA Nationals was Iowa’s Chris Simpson in seventh, “The High Side Tickler” Kyle Strickler in eighth-from-2oth, New Mexico’s Stormy Scott in ninth-from-18th, and South Carolina’s Ross Bailes in his Cedar Lake Speedway debut from 27th-to-tenth.

The World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series has next weekend off before returning to action with a big four-day swing through Pennsylvania and Ohio in two weeks. On the docket for that trip is Lincoln Speedway on Thursday, August 20, Williams Grove Speedway on Friday, August 21, Sharon Speedway on Saturday, August 22, and Eriez Speedway on Sunday, August 23. Tickets for all four events can be purchased HERE.

Morton Buildings Feature (100 Laps) – 1. 76-Brandon Overton [5][$50,000]; 2. 0e-Rick Eckert [12][$20,000]; 3. 28m-Jimmy Mars [9][$10,000]; 4. 0-Scott Bloomquist [19][$6,000]; 5. 21-Billy Moyer [1][$5,000]; 6. 7-Ricky Weiss [25][$4,800]; 7. 32s-Chris Simpson [14][$4,600]; 8. 8-Kyle Strickler [20][$4,400]; 9. 2s-Stormy Scott [18][$4,200]; 10. 58-Ross Bailes [27][$4,000]; 11. 97-Cade Dillard [16][$3,800]; 12. B1-Brent Larson [24][$3,600]; 13. 3s-Brian Shirley [2][$3,400]; 14. 98-Jason Rauen [8][$3,350]; 15. 99jr-Frank Heckenast [10][$3,300]; 16. 1-Brandon Sheppard [11][$3,250]; 17. 32-Bobby Pierce [22][$3,200]; 18. 20-Jimmy Owens [6][$3,150]; 19. 29v-Darrell Lanigan [13][$3,100]; 20. 157-Mike Marlar [15][$3,075]; 21. 28-Dennis Erb [23][$3,050]; 22. 19r-Ryan Gustin [21][$3,025]; 23. 18-Chase Junghans [26][$3,010]; 24. 55c-Chad Mahder [17][$3,000]; 25. 40b-Kyle Bronson [3][$3,000]; 26. 18b-Shannon Babb [28][$3,000]; 27. 12-Ashton Winger [4][$3,000]; 28. 1t-Tyler Erb [7][]. Lap Leader(s): Moyer 1-43; Overton 44-100. Hard Charger Award: 7-Ricky Weiss[+19]

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USA Nationals
Saturday, August 08, 2020
Cedar Lake Speedway
2275 County Road CC
New Richmond, Wisconsin 54017 

Series Racing
World of Outlaws Late Model Series

To Win Amount
$50,000.00

Event Schedule
THURSDAY
6:30 Hot Laps
7:00 Complete show of World of Outlaw Late Model show & USRA Limited Late Models.
After race party in the Cedar Lake Arena!

FRIDAY
8:30 Breakfast served in east and west restaurants
11:00 or 12:00 Tubing down the Apple River
1:00 Trout Fishing
6:30 Hot Laps
7:00 Double Heat Races & Dash for USA Nationals & complete show of local Late Models
After race party in the Cedar Lake Arena

SATURDAY
8:30 Breakfast served in east and west restaurants
11:00 or 12:00 Apple River Tubing
12:30 FansFund Luncheon
3:00 Lawn Mower Racing in Arena
4:30 Driver Autograph/Meet & Greet
6:30 Hot Laps
7:00 B Mains & 100 lap, $50,000 to Win USA Nationals and complete show of local Late Models
*All times Central

Ticket Phone
(612) 363-0479

Options And Prices
Thursday only at gate $25 Adults, $12 Student, $35 Pits
Friday only at gate $30 Adults, $15 Students, $40 Pits
Saturday only at gate $35 Adults, $17 Students, $45 Pits
Advance Friday / Sat Pass* $60 Adults, $30 Students
Advance Thu/Fri/Sat Pass* $80 Adults, $40 Students

* Note: Reduced 2 or 3 day advanced tickets available online or by calling 612-363-0479. Must be purchased at least 2 days before the event starts.

Grandstand Type
Bleachers / chairbacks

Family Section Location
all areas are family friendly

Handicapped Seating Location
Both sides of stadium have wheel chair accessible seating

Pit Age Requirement
NO age restriction for pits. 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent/ guardian.

Parking Cost
$0.00

Handicapped Parking Location
Outside the front gate

Camping Availability
non-electric, onsite, sanitary facility, showers, waste services

Camping Cost
$60 for the Weekend

To Win Amount
$50,000.00

Type of Grandstand
Bleachers / chairbacks

Stadium Seating
Stadium seats are allowed.

Handicapped Seating
Both sides of stadium have wheel chair accessible seating

Handicapped Parking
Outside the front gate

Pit Age Limit
NO age restriction for pits. 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent/ guardian.

Personal Coolers
Coolers are permitted at the speedway, however you are NOT ALLOWED to bring in any alcoholic beverages or glass containers.

ATMs
1

Alcohol Sales
Beer and wine will be available to purchase

Smoking Policy
No smoking in Grandstands

Family Section
all areas are family friendly

Parking Cost
$0.00

Camping Availability
non-electric, onsite, sanitary facility, showers, waste services

Camping Cost
$60 for the Weekend

Cedar Lake Speedway
2275 County Road CC
New Richmond, Wisconsin 54017 

Track Phone
(715) 248-7119

Ticket Phone
(612) 363-0479

Track Email
[email protected]

Track Size
0.375

Sprint Car Track Record
10.775 seconds by Terry McCarl on 9/11/04

Late Model Track Record
12.950 by Shannon Babb on 8/3/23

Closest Airport
Minneapolis, MN (MSP / KMSP) Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport

Other Airport
Eau Claire, WI (EAU / KEAU) Chippewa Valley Regional Airport

Track Map

Competitor Downloads
 https://www.dirtcarmembers.com/downloads.php

Competitor Info
Tire Rules:
ALL FOUR (4) CORNERS: HOOSIER LM-30/W30
FEATURES ONLY IT IS MANDATORY FOR THE RIGHT REAR TO BE LM-40
GROOVING AND SIPING IS ALLOWED

Technical/Safety Rules:
Will be under the guidelines of the 2020 World of Outlaws Rulebook
Heat races, Last Chance Showdowns, and Feature you will get one (1) pound lap.(Not in Qualifying)

Thursday Event Format:
1-20 Entries = Overall Qualifying | Two Heats | All Cars Transfer | Top 2 from each heat redraw
21-24 Entries = Overall Qualifying | Three Heats | All Cars Transfer | Top 2 from each heat redraw
25-27 Entries = Overall Qualifying | Three Heats | Top 6 Transfer | Top 2 from each heat redraw | One LCS | Top 4 Transfer
28-47 Entries = A/B Group Qualifying | Four Heats | Top 4 Transfer | Top 2 from each heat redraw |Two LCS | Top 3 Transfer
48+ Entries = A/B Group Qualifying | Six Heats | Top 3 Transfer | Heat Race Winner Redraws | Three LCS | Top 2 Transfer

Friday and Saturday Event Format:

Friday Night
• Friday will be double heat races and drivers will accumulate passing points.
• There will be 5 heats (10 heats total)
• First round of heat races on Friday will be lined-up per pill draw.
• Second round of heat race starting positions will be inverted off the 1st round of heat races pill draw, and randomly shuffled for your position so you may not be in the same heat.
• Heat races will be 12 laps
• Top 16 in points will be in the USA Nationals
• Top 8 in points will go to the dash.
• Dash cars will redraw on the front stretch and that will set the lineup for the dash.
• The order you finish in the dash is the order you will start the USA Nationals.
• Dash will be 8 laps.
• Points will be posted after the night racing has completed.

Saturday Night
• Last Chance Showdowns will be lined up based on points accumulated Friday night in heats.
• See below the full line up grid for the Last Chance Showdown.
• Last Chance Showdowns will be 15 laps
• Top 3 Transfer to the USA Nationals.
• Next top 8 non-transferred cars will race the Last Chance Qualifier.
• Top 2 of the Last Chance Qualifier will start the USA Nationals.
• Last Chance Qualifier will be 15 Laps
• When lining up for the driver intros you must line up in reverse order.
• See below the full line up grid for the 100 lap 32nd Annual USA Nationals.

Last Chance Showdown 1 (Top 3 Transfer to USA Nationals)
Based off of points from Friday night heats
1 17th Place in Points 2 19th Place in Points
3 21st Place in Points 4 23rd Place in Points
5 25th Place in Points 6 27th Place in Points
7 29th Place in Points 8 31st Place in Points
9 33rd Place in Points 10 35th Place in Points
11 37th Place in Points 12 39th Place in Points
13 41st Place in Points 14 43rd Place in Points
15 45th Place in Points 16 47th Place in Points

Last Chance Showdown 2 (Top 3 Transfer to USA Nationals)
Based off of points from Friday night heats
1 18th Place in Points 2 20th Place in Points
3 22nd Place in Points 4 24th Place in Points
5 26th Place in Points 6 28th Place in Points
7 30th Place in Points 8 32nd Place in Points
9 34th Place in Points 10 36th Place in Points
11 38th Place in Points 12 40th Place in Points
13 42nd Place in Points 14 44th Place in Points
15 46th Place in Points 16 48th Place in Points

Last Chance Qualifier (Top 2 Transfer to USA Nationals)
Based off of finish of Last Chance Showdowns
1 4th Place in LCS 1 2 4th Place in LCS 2
3 5th Place in LCS 1 4 5th Place in LCS 2
5 6th Place in LCS 1 6 6th Place in LCS 2
7 7th Place in LCS 1 8 7th Place in LCS 2
9 8th Place in LCS 1 10 8th Place in LCS 2
11 9th Place in LCS 1 12 9th Place in LCS 2
13 10th Place in LCS 1 14 10th Place in LCS 2
15 11th Place in LCS 1 16 11th Place in LCS 2

Feature Lineup for the USA Nationals
1st–8th finish in the Dash will determine the starting order of the 32nd Annual USA Nationals
1 Winner of Dash 2 2nd Place in the Dash
3 3rd Place in the Dash 4 4th Place in the Dash
5 5th Place in the Dash 6 6th Place in the Dash
7 7th Place in the Dash 8 8th Place in the Dash
9 9th Place in Points 10 10th Place in Points
11 11th Place in Points 12 12th Place in Points
13 13th Place in Points 14 14th Place in Points
15 15th Place in Points 16 16th Place in Points
17 LCS 1 – Winner 18 LCS 2 – Winner
19 LCS 1 – 2nd Place 20 LCS 2 – 2nd Place
21 LCS 1 – 3rd Place 22 LCS 2 – 3rd Place
23 Last Chance Qualifier Race Winner 24 Last Chance Qualifier 2nd Place
25 WoO Points Provisional 26 WoO Points Provisional
27 F.A.N.S Fund Provisional 28 Track Provisional (not guaranteed)

Radio Frequencies:
Driver Radio: 454.0000