STATEMENT MADE: Unstoppable Overton Controls Cedar Lake's USA Nationals Opener

Brandon Overton said he’s having fun right now, probably the most fun he’s ever had in his career; which is something that should have the rest of the dirt late model racing world worried.

Overlooked far too often in 2020, “Big Sexy” has been the metaphorical third wheel to the the flashy national headlines sparked by World of Outlaws’ champion Brandon Sheppard and Lucas Oil points leader Jimmy Owens. Building his own remarkable campaign in the shadows, Overton has quietly pieced together a pristine portfolio this season which now includes a dominating victory in the USA Nationals preliminary.

Leading from flag-to-flag, the Evans, Ga. 29-year old controlled all 30 laps of Thursday’s Morton Buildings feature at Cedar Lake Speedway for his eighth career World of Outlaws Late Model Series victory. Overton officially booked his 16th triumph of the year aboard the Wells Motorsports No. 76 Longhorn Chassis with the wire-to-wire win.

“Hell, I like it that way,” Overton said on Sheppard & Owens owning the spotlight. “Those guys are seriously good though, we’re just happy to be here and racing against them. To beat those guys and really this whole field, it’s pretty cool.”

Coming over a stout 46-car field, Overton’s opener wasn’t just a win, but a sweep of the preliminary program. He was fastest in Group A Qualifying at 13.666 seconds, won his Team Drydene Heat Race from the pole, pulled the 1 in the Morton Buildings redraw, and led all 30 laps of the $6,000-to-win feature.

“I’m having fun right now, and when I’m having fun I always run a whole lot better,” Overton said on his newfound confidence. “Hats off to David Wells, Eric, everyone for believing in me. This is a dream come true to drive for these guys. They’re giving us all of the pieces to the puzzle and I just have to put it together. It’s cool to get back out on the road and race with these guys.”

With Overton large and in charge (winning by 1.908-seconds), the action behind him heated up as Jimmy Owens, Tyler Erb, Billy Moyer and Mike Marlar jockeyed for the top five slots all race long. “The O-Show” and “Terbo” were the main thrill-providers going at each other door-to-door during a handful of restarts with the runner-up spot on the line. Erb squeaked his BEST Performance Motorsports No. 1T ahead of Owens’ Ramirez Motorsports ride for a few laps past halfway, but couldn’t make it stick as the Newport, Tenn. native rallied to take the spot back and ultimately secure a second-place bid.

For Owens, his second-place result in the Rocket Chassis No. 20 keeps his streak alive with four-straight World of Outlaws podium finishes over the last month. The 2014 $50,000 winner at Cedar Lake, Owens is one of seven former USA Nationals champions chasing a second wooden eagle trophy this weekend.

“This track was excellent tonight – you could run high, you could run low, you didn’t really know where to be because it had so many great spots,” Owens stated on the track conditions. “The car wasn’t near as good as we wanted it to be, but I’m glad to bring it home with a second-place finish. We’ll try to get better tomorrow and go for the big win on Saturday.”

Making his fourth appearance of 2020 with the World of Outlaws Late Models, Tyler Erb of New Waverly, Tex. snagged his first podium finish and first top five result of the year with the Outlaws on Thursday night. Returning to Cedar Lake with a chip on his shoulder, “Terbo” still remember last year’s USA Nationals when he put the BEST Performance No. 1T on the pole position of the 100-lapper, but a lap one error cost him a shot at the $50,000. A memory that motivates him this weekend.”

“Jimmy and I had a really great race there,” Erb thought afterwards. “Brandon definitely had the best car tonight though. It just means we have to go to work and make this thing better tomorrow.”

Closing out the top five in Thursday’s 30-lapper was “Mr. Smooth” Billy Moyer in fourth, who continues his absurd run of Cedar Lake Speedway success which dates back to his five USA Nationals titles in the 80’s and 90’s; and then Mike Marlar, the 2018 World of Outlaws champion, in the fifth spot aboard his Desk Equipment No. 157 Rocket Chassis.

Louisiana’s Cade Dillard, who led the first 60 laps of last year’s USA Nationals finale, brought the MB Customs No. 97 home in sixth-place. Dennis Erb Jr. of Carpenterville, Ill. nabbed his third consecutive top ten effort at Cedar Lake Speedway in seventh. Ross Bailes of Clover, S.C. impressed many in his Cedar Lake Speedway debut with an eighth-place run in the Big Frog Motorsports No. 58.

Current World of Outlaws point leader Brandon Sheppard missed the top five for a second-straight race by finishing in ninth aboard the Rocket1 Racing house car. Also for the second straight race, Scott Bloomquist took home hard charger honors with a +14 performance in taking his Team Drydene No. 0 from 24th-to-10th in the 30-lap feature.

The 33rd annual USA Nationals resumes tomorrow on Friday, August 7 with the second of three nights at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wisconsin. The $50,000-to-win program officially gets underway with two rounds of heat races utilizing passing points to line up the top eight drivers in the Morton Buildings Dash, which will decide the starting order of Saturday’s 100-lap feature. Hot Laps are slated to hit the track at 6:30pm CT on Friday night. Tickets are available for purchase at the gates. DIRTVision will have tonight’s live coverage on pay-per-view for $24.99.

Morton Buildings Feature Results (30 Laps) – FULL RESULTS HERE
1. 76-Brandon Overton [1][$6,000]; 2. 20-Jimmy Owens [3][$3,000]; 3. 1t-Tyler Erb [2][$2,000]; 4. 21-Billy Moyer [4][$1,750]; 5. 157-Mike Marlar [6][$1,500]; 6. 97-Cade Dillard [8][$1,400]; 7. 28-Dennis Erb [5][$1,300]; 8. 58-Ross Bailes [7][$1,200]; 9. 1-Brandon Sheppard [12][$1,100]; 10. 0-Scott Bloomquist [24][$1,000]; 11. 18b-Shannon Babb [10][$900]; 12. 12-Ashton Winger [25][$250]; 13. 3s-Brian Shirley [11][$800]; 14. 40b-Kyle Bronson [13][$775]; 15. 7-Ricky Weiss [18][$750]; 16. 32-Bobby Pierce [9][$700]; 17. 18-Chase Junghans [23][$660]; 18. 32s-Chris Simpson [14][$640]; 19. 29v-Darrell Lanigan [17][$620]; 20. 99b-Boom Briggs [21][$600]; 21. 99jr-Frank Heckenast [16][$600]; 22. B1-Brent Larson [19][$600]; 23. 8-Kyle Strickler [20][$600]; 24. 15-Nick Anvelink [15][$600]; 25. 28m-Jimmy Mars [22][$600]. Lap Leader(s): Overton 1-30; Hard Charger Award: 0-Scott Bloomquist [+14].

[Read More]

USA Nationals
Thursday, August 06, 2020
Cedar Lake Speedway
2275 County Road CC
New Richmond, Wisconsin 54017 

Series Racing
World of Outlaws Late Model Series

To Win Amount
$6,000.00

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
$6,000.00

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