SPIRIT OF 76: Overton scores Firecracker Preliminary win

When you’re on a hot streak it doesn’t take much to keep the fire burning. Brandon Overton powered from his fifth starting spot to win Friday’s Morton Buildings Feature at Lernerville Speedway during the second night of the Firecracker 100 weekend.

The Evans, GA driver passed Mark Whitener for the lead with 16 laps to go and mastered slower traffic en route to a $6,000 payday.

It’s “Big Sexy’s” 15th career World of Outlaws victory, breaking the tie with Tim Fuller for 13th all-time.

Even though Overton stood tall at the end of the night, the changes he made for the Heat Race pointed him in the right direction.

“We just threw some things at it and didn’t really know what to expect,” Overton said. “We drove right up through there and I was good, so it just showed me later on in the race what direction I needed to go with my changes.”

The win puts Overton in a good position for Saturday’s 100-lap Firecracker finale, which he’s looking forward to because of the different tire compound he knows he’ll use.

“I’m kind of looking forward to getting on a harder tire,” Overton said. “We’ve kind of got what we got because of the five-tire limit [implemented by Series officials]. So, I think we should be better with a harder tire on it, but 100 laps is a long time.”

Mike Norris, the two-time Lernerville Speedway track champion, finished second. The Sarver, PA driver expressed content with his run despite coming up short.

“There’s nothing to hang our heads about,” Norris said. “I feel like my car was really good, I just couldn’t get past [Mark Whitener] quick enough [before he was passed by Overton], and [Overton] is really good.”

Mark Whitener, who’s driving the Big Frog Motorsports car, crossed the line third.

Despite dropping two spots after leading the first 14 laps, he knows he battled against some of the toughest Late Model drivers in the country.

“Hell, we’re happy, I’m proud to be in the top three with this group of cars,” Whitener said. “I feel like we’re gaining and I’m learning how to race the car so we’re all good.”

Dennis Erb Jr. had a strong run all night and ultimately settled for a fourth-place finish. The “One Man Band” thought he could’ve done better but waited too long to make his move.

“We had a good car, but we should’ve just went a little sooner,” Erb said. “Track position just means a lot here right now, but we’ve had a good car the last couple of nights and did really good starting up front.”

Three-time and defending Series champion Brandon Sheppard finished fifth, extending his Series points lead over Chris Madden for the second straight night. Sheppard also leads the Firecracker 100 standings after two nights of racing, putting him on the pole for the first Drydene Heat Race on Saturday.

The “Rocket Shepp” is prepared for what’s to come during Saturday’s 100-lap finale.

“I take [Friday] as a good run for us,” Sheppard said. “Overton’s got his stuff together, so we know we’re going to have to race him [Saturday]. We got a good balance going right now, and I hope we can just keep it rolling that way and carry this momentum into [Saturday].”

If Brandon Overton can keep his hot streak going and pick up another Firecracker 100 victory – he won his first in 2017 – he could add $30,000 to his bank account, adding up to more than $300,000 in overall winnings in June.

UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Models return to Lernerville Speedway for Saturday’s Firecracker finale.

Here are the Top-6 in Firecracker points, heading into Saturday’s finale:

1. Brandon Sheppard 1476
2. Mike Norris 1465
3. Chris Madden 1437
4. Brandon Overton 1417
5. Chub Frank 1417
6. Spencer Hughes 1403

Morton Buildings Feature (30 Laps)-1. 76-Brandon Overton [5][$6,000]; 2. 72-Mike Norris [3][$3,000]; 3. 58-Mark Whitener [1][$2,000]; 4. 28-Dennis Erb [4][$1,750]; 5. 1-Brandon Sheppard [8][$1,500]; 6. 111V-Max Blair [6][$1,400]; 7. 119-Chub Frank [2][$1,300]; 8. 7-Ricky Weiss [7][$1,200]; 9. 44-Chris Madden [10][$1,100]; 10. 22F-Chris Ferguson [13][$1,000]; 11. 19R-Ryan Gustin [11][$900]; 12. 25Z-Mason Zeigler [15][$850]; 13. 29-Darrell Lanigan [23][$800]; 14. 10-Jared Miley [12][$775]; 15. 0E-Rick Eckert [14][$750]; 16. 11H-Spencer Hughes [9][$700]; 17. 16-Tyler Bruening [19][$660]; 18. 25-Mike Benedum [20][$640]; 19. 1C-Alex Ferree [17][$620]; 20. 17M-Dale McDowell [21][$600]; 21. 97-Cade Dillard [16][$600]; 22. 0-Scott Bloomquist [24][$600]; 23. 2-Dan Stone [22][$600]; 24. B1-Brent Larson [25][$600]; 25. 99B-Boom Briggs [18][$600]; 26. 8-Kyle Strickler [26][$600] Hard Charger: 29-Darrell Lanigan[+10]

Qualifying Flight-A –1. 72-Mike Norris, 15.986; 2. 11H-Spencer Hughes, 16.297; 3. 19R-Ryan Gustin, 16.417; 4. 16-Tyler Bruening, 16.483; 5. 25Z-Mason Zeigler, 16.505; 6. 25-Mike Benedum, 16.512; 7. 7-Ricky Weiss, 16.537; 8. 58-Mark Whitener, 16.672; 9. 119-Chub Frank, 16.766; 10. 22F-Chris Ferguson, 16.797; 11. 2-Dan Stone, 16.893; 12. 1C-Alex Ferree, 16.919; 13. C02-Kyle Lukon, 16.963; 14. 8-Kyle Strickler, 17.059; 15. 16H-Clinton Hersh, 17.14; 16. 42-Chad Finley, 17.162; 17. 14-Dan Angellicchio, 17.215; 18. 42K-Cla Knight, 17.268; 19. 7R-Ross Robinson, 17.363; 20. 10L-Gary Lyle, 17.474; 21. O6-Mike Lupfer, 17.487; 22. 94-Charles Powell, 17.565; 23. 66-Todd Bachman, 17.712; 24. 4-Gary Stuhler, 17.745; 25. 93-Pancho Lawler, 17.803; 26. 11-Joshua Powell, 17.929; 27. 44P-Joe Petyak, 17.98

Qualifying Flight-B-1. 1-Brandon Sheppard, 16.605; 2. 97-Cade Dillard, 16.822; 3. 99B-Boom Briggs, 16.928; 4. 29-Darrell Lanigan, 16.939; 5. 44-Chris Madden, 16.943; 6. 10-Jared Miley, 16.977; 7. 111V-Max Blair, 16.986; 8. 48-Colton Flinner, 17.008; 9. 28-Dennis Erb, 17.039; 10. 0E-Rick Eckert, 17.101; 11. 0-Scott Bloomquist, 17.139; 12. 17M-Dale McDowell, 17.222; 13. 22-Gregg Satterlee, 17.222; 14. 76-Brandon Overton, 17.259; 15. 72C-Jason Covert, 17.26; 16. B1-Brent Larson, 17.314; 17. 29S-Ken Schaltenbrand, 17.417; 18. 1Z-Logan Zarin, 17.52; 19. 77-Tyler Dietz, 17.554; 20. 9-Levi Yetter, 17.604; 21. 0S-Ryan Scott, 17.618; 22. 23-Ahnna Parkhurst, 17.635; 23. 26-Shawn Schaltenbrand, 18.007; 24. 2T-Rich Wicker, 18.162; 25. 311-Ken Monahan, 18.178; DNS. 8S-Tommy Schirnhofer, NT

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Firecracker 100
June 24, 2021 to June 26, 2021
Lernerville Speedway
313 N Pike Rd
Sarver, PA 

Event Description
The historic World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series Firecracker 100 featuring $6,000-to-win 30 lap features Thursday and Friday, the Uncle Sam 30, and a$30,000-to-win 100 feature lap feature Saturday; plus the RUSH Late Model 10,000-to-win 50 lap Bill Emig Memorial.

Series Racing
World of Outlaws Late Model Series

Sprint Car Track Record
12.334 seconds by Joey Saldana on 5/15/02

Late Model Track Record
14.812 seconds by Mike Marlar on 6/22/18

To Win Amount
$6,000.00

Feature Laps Length
30

Event Schedule
ORDER OF EVENTS
*All times and events subject to change*

Tuesday, June 22nd 2021
12 Noon Camping Opens

Wednesday, June 23rd 2021
11:00pm Camper load in continues
3pm – 5pm Vendor Parking
4pm-8pm Hauler Parking

Thursday, June 24th 2021
Noon – 4pm Vendor Parking Continues
4:00pm Pits Gates Open
5:00pm Main Gates Open
5:30pm Drivers Meeting
6:00pm World of Outlaw Late Model Hot laps (GWC)
World of Outlaw Late Model Qualifying (3 Cars/2 Laps)
RUSH Late Model Hot Laps (GWC)
Opening Ceremonies
World of Outlaw Late Model Heat Races (8 Laps)
RUSH Late Model Time Trials (4 Cars/2 Laps)
World of Outlaw Late Model Last Chance Showdowns (10 Laps)
World of Outlaw Late Model Feature (30 Laps) $6,000 to win
Victory Lane
Pits Open to all Fans
DJ Concert @ The Fan Stage

Friday, June 25th 2021
11:00am Pit Parking Begins
3:00pm Judging of the best tailgating & camp site party
3:30pm Ticket Box Office Opens
4:00pm Pit Gates Open
5:00pm Main Gates Open
5:30pm Drivers Meeting
6:00pm World of Outlaws Late Model Hot Laps (GWC)
World of Outlaws Late Model Qualifying (3 Cars/2 Laps)
RUSH Crate Late Model Hot Laps
Opening Ceremonies
World of Outlaws Late Model Heat Races (8 Laps)
RUSH Late Model Heat Races (10 Laps)
World of Outlaws Late Models Last Chance Showdowns (10 Laps)
RUSH Late Model Dash (6 Laps)
World of Outlaws Late Model Feature (30 Laps) $6,000 to win
Victory Lane
Firework Show
Pits Open to all Fans
Concert @ The Fan Stage

Saturday, June 26th 2021
Noon Slick Woody’s Corn Hole Tournament
3:00pm Pit Gates Open
3:30pm Advanced Ticket Gate opens for Autograph Session line-up
4:00pm Main Gates Open/ Autograph Session Starts
5:30pm Drivers Meeting
6:00pm RUSH Late Model Non-Qualified Cars Hot lap (GWC)
World of Outlaws Late Model Hot laps (W/ Heat Race Group)
Opening Ceremonies
World of Outlaws Late Model Heat Races (10 Laps)
RUSH Late Model Last Chance Showdowns (12 Laps)
World of Outlaws Late Model Last Chance Showdowns (10 Laps)
RUSH Late Model Qualified Cars Hot laps (GWC)
“Uncle Sam 30” ($2,000 to win or start the Firecracker 100)
Track Prep (if needed)
Driver Intro/Fireworks
“Firecracker 100” ($30,000 to win)
Victory Lane
RUSH Late Models “Bill Emig Memorial” (50 Laps) $10,000 to win
RUSH Late Model Non-Qualifier Race (15 Laps)
Pits Open to all Fans

**Sunday, June 27th 2021 – Firecracker 100 Rain Date**
*All times Eastern

Event Hashtag
#FIRECRACKER

Options And Prices
Free Fan Pit Upgrade for Thursday & Friday with purchase of a 3-day Reserved Package in advance
3-Day Reserved Adult: $69 ($74 on day of race)
3-Day Reserved Students: $45 (17 and under)
3-Day GA Adult: $69 ($74 on day of race)
3-Day GA Student: $45 (11-17)
3-Day GA Kid: FREE (10 and under)
Thursday Reserved Adult: $34 ($39 on day of race)
Thursday Reserved Student: $20 (17 and under)
Thursday GA Adult: $34 ($39 on day of race)
Thursday GA Student: $20 (11-17)
Thursday GA Kid: FREE (10 and under)
Friday Reserved Adult: $34 ($39 on day of race)
Friday Reserved Student: $20 (17 and under)
Friday GA Adult: $34 ($39 on day of race)
Friday GA Student: $20 (11-17)
Friday GA Kid: FREE (10 and under)
Saturday Reserved Adult: $40 ($45 on day of race)
Saturday Reserved Student: $25 (17 and under)
Saturday GA Adult: $40 ($45 on day of race)
Saturday GA Student: $25 (11-17)
Saturday GA Kids: FREE (10 and under)

See and download latest schedule.

Pit Pass Price
3-day Pit Pass is $90.00 for members, $95.00 for non-members • Thursday or Friday Pit Pass: $40.00 non-members, $35.00 for members • Saturday Pit Pass: $45.00 non-members, $40.00 for members

Parking Cost
$0.00

Camping Availability
non-electric, onsite, waste services

Camping Cost
$75 (ALL Weekend)

To Win Amount
$6,000.00

Type of Grandstand
Bleachers

Stadium Seating
Small stadium seats are allowed

Handicapped Seating
In front of main concession stand

Handicapped Parking
In front of main gate

Pit Age Limit
No age Requirement

Pit Gate Location
North side of the track

Personal Coolers
Small (14") coolers are permitted, no glass or alcohol

ATMs
1

Credit Card Use
Pit Gate, Ticket Window

Alcohol Sales
Alcohol is available at the track

Smoking Policy
No smoking in the grandstands

Family Section
Sec AA

Parking Cost
$0.00

Camping Availability
non-electric, onsite, waste services

Camping Cost
$75 (ALL Weekend)

Closest Airport
Pittsburgh International

Other Airport
Latrobe

Lernerville Speedway
313 N Pike Rd
Sarver, PA 

Track Phone
(724) 353-1511

Ticket Phone
(844) 347-8849

Track Email
[email protected]

Track Size & Type
0.400;

Sprint Car Track Record
12.334 seconds by Joey Saldana on 5/15/02

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

Competitor Info
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
28-31 Entries = A/B Group Qualifying | Four Heats | Top 4 Transfer | Top 2 from each heat redraw |One LCS | Top 6 Transfer
32-47 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

Thursday Event Payout: 30 Laps
1. $6,000; 2. $3,000; 3. $2,000; 4. $1,750; 5. $1,500; 6. $1,400; 7. $1,300; 8. $1,200; 9. $1,100; 10. $1,000; 11.$900; 12. $850; 13. $800; 14. $775; 15. $750; 16. $700; 17. $660; 18. $640; 19. $620; 20. $600; 21. 600; 22. $600; 23. $600; 24. $600 Tow Money: $110 - MUST start LCS in order to receive Tow Money

Friday Event Payout: 30 Laps
1. $6,000; 2. $3,000; 3. $2,000; 4. $1,750; 5. $1,500; 6. $1,400; 7. $1,300; 8. $1,200; 9. $1,100; 10. $1,000; 11.$900; 12. $850; 13. $800; 14. $775; 15. $750; 16. $700; 17. $660; 18. $640; 19. $620; 20. $600; 21. 600; 22. $600; 23. $600; 24. $600 Tow Money: $110 - MUST start LCS in order to receive Tow Money

Saturday Event Payout: 100 Laps
1. $30,000; 2. $15,000; 3. $7,000; 4. $6,000; 5. $5,000; 6. $4,500; 7. $4,000; 8. $3,500; 9. $3,000; 10. $2,500; 11.$2,300; 12. $2,200; 13. $2,100; 14. $2,000; 15. $1,800; 16. $1,700; 17. $1,600; 18. $1,550; 19. $1,500; 20. $1,500; 21. $1,500; 22. $1,500; 23. $1,500; 24. $1,500 Tow Money: $110 - MUST start LCS in order to receive Tow Money

Technical & Safety Rules:
GENERAL RULES: Under the guidelines of Chapter 1
TECHNICAL & SAFETY RULES: Under the guidelines of Chapter 3
Weight Rule is 2350. Pound per lap burn off in the Feature event ONLY

Tire Rules:
ALL FOUR (4) CORNERS: 1300 & 1425
RIGHT REAR OPTION: 1600
GROOVING AND SIPING IS ALLOWED
**All weekend you must qualify, heat race, and LCS on the same tires. Thursday and Friday you may change right rear tire for the Feature. Saturday you may change RR tire for the Uncle Sam 30 and (4) tires for the Firecracker 100.