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World of Outlaws World Finals
Thursday, November 07, 2024
Race Recap  

THORNTON X3: Ricky Thornton Jr. Claims Third Straight World Finals Victory 

“RTJ” earned his fifth career World of Outlaws Feature win; Nick Hoffman jumped to second in points, cutting Brandon Sheppard’s point lead in half

Ricky Thornton Jr. can count on one hand his number of starts at The Dirt Track at Charlotte during World of Outlaws World Finals but he already made history there Thursday night.

In his fifth start at the Charlotte track with the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models, Thornton scored his third straight victory, joining Jimmy Owens as the only driver to win three straight World Finals Features.

He put himself in position to do so by drawing the Bilstein Pole Award for the 35-lap Feature.

However, Hyndman, PA native Drake Troutman got the best of Thornton at the drop of the Gorsuch Performance green flag, passing him on the high side of the 4/10-mile dirt track.

While Troutman controlled the early going, Thornton had to fend off Gray Court, SC driver Chris Madden from stealing his second-place position as the two drivers traded both the high and low lanes to find an advantage.

When Troutman got caught in lap traffic, Thornton took advantage of the opportunity to build momentum by closing the bubble on the high side of the track as the laps continued to tick down.

Thornton took his chances to pass Troutman when he got caught by a lapped car on the bottom lane to open up the door for the No. 20RT to swing by for the lead with 13 laps remaining.

Continuing to use the high line to his advantage, Thornton extended his length from the field as Troutman had to battle Madden to retain second place.

Flying under the twin checkered flags, Thornton joined Owens in the record books.

“Jimmy’s always been my hero growing up, so it’s pretty cool to share something like that with him,” Thornton said. “This track kind of suits me, you can run hard around the bottom or roll through the middle or really get after it around the top. Last year, I felt really good, and this year is a different team, but it’s the same car, shocks, motor program. Hopefully, we can qualify in a good spot for the Heat, then get a good draw. Everyone was about as equal as you’re gonna get, so we’ll wait and see what happens.”

Thornton attempted to make the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Feature earlier in the night but missed the show. However, he credited the track time to helping him secure the Late Model victory.

“Running the Sprint Car definitely helped,” Thornton said. “It sucks that we didn’t make the show but running the LCS really helped me understand how racey the track was. Troutman was running through the middle early, and he was a little bit better than I was. Once we got to traffic and slowed down, I was able to get back around him. I think he saw me move down so I had to hustle really hard up on the wall to get by him.”

Ricky Thornton Jr. driving
Ricky Thornton Jr. joined Jimmy Owens with his spectacular drive (Emily Schwanke Photo)

Troutman finished second to Thornton with lessons he can use from Thursday to go after his first World of Outlaws CASE Late Models win in the two nights to come at Charlotte.

“That one was tough to swallow,” Troutman said. “I feel like Ricky was a little bit better than us, but I feel like if I would have known what he was doing and go up before him, maybe we could have held on. That lap traffic really hurt us. I felt like I got a really good line through the middle for the first 15 laps. But I used up my tires pretty bad at the beginning and I gotta use my head behind the seat and do a better job.”

Madden rounded out the opening night’s podium in his first Series start since May. Madden said it was the first Feature on his No. 44 Team22 Inc. Late Model that he piloted to the third-place result.

“It was pretty good there,” Madden said. “We just needed a little bit more of an adjustment there. This was my first time in this car, this is a brand new car, so it wasn’t bad. It came out of the box pretty good, so we’ll keep tuning on it and find what it’s asking for and give it (what it wants). I think we have a shot to win one of these races before we leave this weekend. We feel really good about what we got going on, we got a good hot rod, and we’ll get us one of these.”

Winfield, TN driver Mike Marlar finished fourth, and Fayetteville, NC native Daulton Wilson ended the night with a top-five result.

Behind the top runners was a wild shake up in the championship chase. With points leader Brandon Sheppard finishing 18th, Bobby Pierce finishing 13th and Nick Hoffman finishing sixth, Hoffman jumped to second in points, now 26 points behind Sheppard. Pierce is third, 34 points back.

RECAP NOTES:

Simpson Quick Time Award: Chris Madden

Heat Race Winners: Chris Madden, Drake Troutman, Ricky Thornton Jr, Jordan Koehler, Mike Marlar, Daulton Wilson

Last Chance Showdown Winners: Cade Dillard, Zack Mitchell, Kyle Strickler

Bilstein Pole Award: Ricky Thornton Jr

Fox Factory Hard Charger: Jonathan Davenport (+10)

Up Next: The World of Outlaws CASE Late Models rip around The Dirt Track at Charlotte for two more nights of the World of Outlaws World Finals on Friday, Nov. 8, and Saturday, Nov. 9. Drivers will again race for 35 laps with a $15,000 payday on Friday.

TICKETS: bit.ly/2024WorldFinals

If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch all of the action on DIRTVision, either online or with the DIRTVision app.

[Read More]
Results  
Feature Results
POSStart+/-#DriverLapsBehindLedStatusPointsMoney
12+12David Gravel 250.00025Running150$15,000
28+683Michael Kofoid 25-1.421Running146$7,000
33026Justin Peck 25-2.890Running144$4,000
41-321Brian Brown 25-3.329Running142$3,500
57+21SLogan Schuchart 25-3.947Running140$3,200
614+841Carson Macedo 25-4.871Running138$3,000
74-310Ryan Timms 25-4.875Running136$2,700
85-317Sheldon Haudenschild 25-5.450Running134$2,500
910+139MAnthony Macri 25-5.802Running132$2,300
1013+37BCTyler Courtney 25-6.319Running130$2,200
1111069KLogan Wagner 25-7.929Running128$2,100
129-388Austin McCarl 25-8.513Running126$2,000
1319+623Garet Williamson 25-8.878Running124$1,700
1425+1115Donny Schatz 25-9.979Running122$600
1512-31AJacob Allen 25-10.345Running120$1,400
1618+214Spencer Bayston 25-10.508Running118$1,300
1723+618Giovanni Scelzi 25-11.306Running116$1,200
1816-23ZBrock Zearfoss 25-12.026Running114$1,200
1917-22KSCory Eliason 25-12.970Running112$1,200
2015-523WJustin Whittall 25-13.973Running110$1,200
2122+113Daison Pursley 25-14.226Running108$1,200
2221-17SLandon Crawley 24-1 LapsRunning106$1,200
236-1727Emerson Axsom 24-1 LapsRunning104$1,200
2424017BBill Balog 24-1 LapsRunning102$1,200
2520-555C.J. Leary 24-1 LapsRunning102$1,200
KSE Hard Charger: Donny Schatz
Last Chance Showdown 1 Results
POSStart+/-#DriverLapsBehindLedStatusPointsMoney
1107SLandon Crawley 00.000Running0$0
23+113Daison Pursley 0-1.033Running0$0
34+118Giovanni Scelzi 0-1.941Running0$0
47+317BBill Balog 0-3.282Running0$0
59+424DDanny Sams III0-5.440Running0$500
616+109Kasey Kahne 0-6.129Running0$400
72-520RTRicky Thornton Jr.0-8.178Running0$350
86-291Kyle Reinhardt 0-10.294Running0$300
98-17NDarin Naida 0-11.248Running0$300
1011+170Kraig Kinser 0-11.937Running0$300
1110-199Skylar Gee 0-12.459Running0$200
1214+26KKaleb Johnson 0-13.546Running0$200
1315+217GPHank Davis 0-14.157Running0$200
1412-25KAdam Kekich 0-14.870Running0$200
155-1015Donny Schatz 0217.997Running0$0
1613-36XTim Shaffer 0214.735Running0$200
Dash 1 Results
POSStart+/-#DriverLapsBehindLedStatusPointsMoney
11021Brian Brown 00.000Running0$0
2202David Gravel 0-1.974Running0$0
33026Justin Peck 0-3.703Running0$0
46+210Ryan Timms 0-4.162Running0$0
58+317Sheldon Haudenschild 0-5.191Running0$0
64-227Emerson Axsom 0-6.328Running0$0
75-21SLogan Schuchart 0-7.295Running0$0
87-183Michael Kofoid 0-7.882Running0$0
C Main Results
POSStart+/-#DriverLapsBehindLedStatusPointsMoney
13+217GPHank Davis 00.000Running0$0
2209Kasey Kahne 0-1.726Running0$0
31-27NYMatt Farnham 0-2.528Running0$150
440W20Greg Wilson 0-3.360Running0$150
5506Dylan Cisney 0-4.165Running0$150
66077Geoff Dodge 0-4.687Running0$125
711+41Sammy Swindell 0-5.434Running0$125
89+197UKRyan Harrison 0-6.620Running0$125
97-21BKeith Baxter 0-8.248Running0$125
101000Glenn Styres 0-8.752Running0$125
118-3G5Gage Pulkrabek 0218.307Running0$125
Heat 1 Results
Pos.Start+/-#DriverLaps CompletedBehindLaps LedStatus
1102David Gravel 00.000Running
22017Sheldon Haudenschild 0-1.289Running
35+288Austin McCarl 0-3.614Running
4407BCTyler Courtney 0-4.222Running
59+42KSCory Eliason 0-5.616Running
66013Daison Pursley 0-6.496Running
710+317BBill Balog 0-7.381Running
88070Kraig Kinser 0-8.932Running
93-67SLandon Crawley 0-9.123Running
1011+117GPHank Davis 0-9.903Running
1112+11BKeith Baxter 0-11.908Running
127-51Sammy Swindell 0281.243Running
Heat 2 Results
Pos.Start+/-#DriverLaps CompletedBehindLaps LedStatus
11021Brian Brown 00.000Running
22010Ryan Timms 0-1.295Running
34+169KLogan Wagner 0-3.014Running
43-123WJustin Whittall 0-3.945Running
56+123Garet Williamson 0-5.314Running
67+115Donny Schatz 0-6.566Running
75-224DDanny Sams III0-7.285Running
89+16XTim Shaffer 0-8.655Running
910+17NYMatt Farnham 0-9.433Running
108-26Dylan Cisney 0-10.535Running
1111097UKRyan Harrison 0-11.240Running
Heat 3 Results
Pos.Start+/-#DriverLaps CompletedBehindLaps LedStatus
1101SLogan Schuchart 00.000Running
22027Emerson Axsom 0-0.994Running
34+139MAnthony Macri 0-2.616Running
47+341Carson Macedo 0-3.498Running
55014Spencer Bayston 0-5.034Running
66018Giovanni Scelzi 0-5.444Running
79+27NDarin Naida 0-6.481Running
811+35KAdam Kekich 0-8.789Running
10100W20Greg Wilson 0-9.732Running
118-3G5Gage Pulkrabek 0-10.180Running
Heat 4 Results
Pos.Start+/-#DriverLaps CompletedBehindLaps LedStatus
11083Michael Kofoid 00.000Running
24+226Justin Peck 0-2.069Running
3301AJacob Allen 0-3.879Running
45+13ZBrock Zearfoss 0-4.261Running
52-355C.J. Leary 0-5.583Running
66091Kyle Reinhardt 0-6.788Running
78+199Skylar Gee 0-7.936Running
89+16KKaleb Johnson 0-8.320Running
911+29Kasey Kahne 0-9.306Running
107-377Geoff Dodge 0-9.816Running
1110-10Glenn Styres 0-10.808Running
DIRTVision Highlights  
Event Info  

World of Outlaws World Finals

Wednesday, November 6th to Saturday, November 9th

The Dirt Track at Charlotte

5500 Concord Parkway S

Concord, NC, 28027

Event Description

The most prestigious dirt racing event in the country lights up The Dirt Track at Charlotte with four days of heart-pounding, clay-slinging action on the lightning-fast, four-tenths mile oval. The World of Outlaws World Finals brings together the top series in the sport, the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series and the Super DIRTcar Series, for four full days of racing, culminating in the crowning of all three series champions.

Series Racing
Super DIRTcar Series, World of Outlaws Late Model Series, World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series

Event Schedule


Tuesday
3pm-7pm: Pit Pass sales begin (Gate 2)
4pm-6pm: Hauler Parade


Wednesday
9am: Pit Pass sales begin
11am: Pit Gates Open
12pm: Display & Souvenir Areas Open
3pm: Main Gates Open
4:45pm: Opening Ceremonies

Thursday
9am: Pit Pass sales begin
11am: Pit Gates Open
12pm: Display & Souvenir Areas Open
3pm: Main Gates Open 
4pm: Opening Ceremonies

Friday
9am: Pit Pass sales begin
11am: Pit Gates Open
12pm: Display & Souvenir Areas Open
3pm: Main Gates Open 
4pm: Opening Ceremonies

Saturday
9am: Pit Pass sales begin
11am: Pit Gates Open
12pm: Display & Souvenir Areas Open
3pm: Main Gates Open 
4pm: Opening Ceremonies

*Subject to Change

*All times Eastern

Event Hashtag
#AllDirtRoads
Ticket Options  
Ticket Phone
800-455-3267
Options And Prices

Wednesday:
General Admission: $45
Pit Pass: $30
Thursday:
General Admission: $65
Pit Pass: $50
Friday:
General Admission: $65
Pit Pass: $50
Saturday:
General Admission: $65
Pit Pass: 450

Grandstand Type
Bleacher with backs
Family Section Location
n/a
Handicapped Seating Location
Lower level and Second level - Reserved seating required - Companion seating is available
Pit Age Requirement
All ages allowed. Minors ages 17 and under must have a signed waiver sheet. ONE parent must be present OR waiver should be notarized with the required ONE parent signature. Call 1-800-455-FANS with questions.
Pit Gate Location
Pit gate is located at Gate 2 of the zMax Dragway
Parking Cost
FREE
Handicapped Parking Location
Designated handicap parking between the dirt track and zMax dragway
Camping Availability
electric hookup, non-electric, onsite, showers, waste services
Camping Cost
Contact the track for pricing
Frequently Asked Questions  
Type of Grandstand
Bleacher with backs
Stadium Seating
Not allowed
Handicapped Seating
Lower level and Second level - Reserved seating required - Companion seating is available
Handicapped Parking
Designated handicap parking between the dirt track and zMax dragway
Pit Age Limit
All ages allowed. Minors ages 17 and under must have a signed waiver sheet. ONE parent must be present OR waiver should be notarized with the required ONE parent signature. Call 1-800-455-FANS with questions.
Pit Gate Location
Pit gate is located at Gate 2 of the zMax Dragway
Personal Coolers
Fans can bring in a soft-sided cooler no bigger than 14x14x14 and a bag/backpack no bigger than 18x18x14. Hard coolers are not allowed through the gates. Coolers are not allowed in Suites.
ATMs
1
Alcohol Sales
Alcohol is also sold at the track
Smoking Policy
designated smoking areas only
Family Section
n/a
Parking Cost
FREE
Camping Availability
electric hookup, non-electric, onsite, showers, waste services
Camping Cost
Contact the track for pricing
Track Info  

The Dirt Track at Charlotte

5500 Concord Parkway S

Concord, NC, 28027

Track Phone
(704) 455-3200
Ticket Phone
800-455-3267
Track Size
0.4
Track Type
semi banked
Closest Airport
Concord-Padgett Regional Airport
Other Airport
Charlotte Douglas International Airport
Pit Gate Location
Pit gate is located at Gate 2 of the zMax Dragway
Track Map
Competitor Info  
Tire Rules

Left Front Tire: Hoosier (Open)

Left Rear & Right Front Tire: Hoosier (90) NLMT2, (90) NLMT3 

Right Rear Tire: Hoosier (92) NLMT3, (92) NLMT4

** Grooving and siping will be allowed. **

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