Curious which drivers you should keep an eye on at each World of Outlaws Late Model Series event? Series Announcer Ruben Mireles will bring you his five drivers to watch each week.
This week: World of Outlaws Connor Bobik Memorial at Marion Center Raceway on May 16-17
RUBEN’S FIVE:
Brian Shirley
Why: Four of the last six outings with the World of Outlaws have been podiums for Shirley. The 4-Time DIRTcar Summer Nationals Champion has proven when the schedule gets frenetic, this team shines. Shirley has been climbing the point standings slowly but “Shirley” and after collecting five wins with the series a year ago, he’s close to the first one of 2025! The Conner Bobik Memorial has produced 14 different winners in all 14 years of its history. Shirley could become the 15th different winner with $30,000 on the line!
Nick Hoffman
Why: Hoffman’s showings at Marion Center have been stellar! Hoffman will make his third visit to Marion Center after a 4th and 3rd in his two Conner Bobik Memorial starts. Hoffman picked up his first career series win on this swing two years ago, and with a two-day show this year, the third time could be the charm for Hoffman.
Dennis Erb Jr.
Why: The first Conner Bobik Memorial repeat winner could be Dennis Erb Jr. After speaking with Heather and Dennis in the pit area, you can see and sense the confidence starting to build back up. The 2022 Champion has found speed as of late, passing a total of 84 cars during feature action this season. If Dennis can position himself in a solid starting spot like he did in 2022 here, the competition will be in trouble. The bottom lane here is lethal if you know how to run it like Madden and Dennis who both won here with the Outlaws.
Jon Lee
Why: While Jon Lee has minimal experience running with the World of Outlaws he does have a lot of experience around Marion Center Raceway. The two-time Track Champion only has 4 feature starts with the series but finished fifth in the 2022 Conner Bobik Memorial. Lee recently elevated his program with the switch to a Longhorn and has a win already in 2025 at Mercer Raceway beating some of the best the region has to offer. Two top 5’s in 4 starts for Lee to kick off the year is a good momentum booter to face the Outlaws in his backyard this weekend.
Drake Troutman
Why: We are on the brink of witnessing Troutman’s first career World of Outlaws victory. He’s been so close as of late and he continues to extend the MD3 Rookie of the Year Point lead. Troutman positioned himself well last year starting 5th but ended up finishing 25th. With a whole new and better program this year Troutman has the recipe for success at Marion Center. It would be a sweet birthday present also as he celebrates his 20th birthday on the Friday portion of Marion Center Raceway.
You can follow these drivers and more all weekend by getting your tickets in advance or at the gate.
If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch every lap live – with Ruben Mireles – on DIRTVision.
UP NEXT: World of Outlaws Billy Winn Classic at Bedford Speedway, May 18
