CONCORD, NC – All dirt roads lead to Charlotte this weekend for an epic conclusion to the 2021 season for the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Models.
The Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet will contend for an elusive NGK NTK World Finals victory at The Dirt Track at Charlotte Nov. 4-6 and history will be made when Brandon Sheppard claims his fourth Series title – tying Josh Richards for the most in Series history.
The jam-packed action kicks off Thursday, Nov. 4, with two rounds of Slick Woody’s Qualifying—setting the Drydene Heat Race lineups for Friday and Saturday’s Feature events. The two 50-lap Features paying $12,000-to-win will finish out the weekend.
The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars and the Super DIRTcar Series will join the World of Outlaws Late Models on all three nights.
Here are some of the storylines to keep an eye on this weekend:
One Win Away: Brandon Sheppard has already locked up the 2021 World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model championship—his third consecutive and fourth all-time, tying Josh Richards. He’ll formally claim those honors following Saturday’s Feature.
But the New Berlin, IL driver is still chasing Richards in another category. He has 77 career Series victories—one away from tying “The Rocket Man” for most all-time. If Sheppard can sweep the weekend at The Dirt Track at Charlotte, he’ll be the new king atop that mountain.
He’s had success at the World Finals in the past, scoring three victories at Charlotte’s Dirt Track in 2018, 2017 and 2015.
Charlotte Success: Another driver with success at The Dirt Track at Charlotte is Sheppard’s closest championship rival Chris Madden.
The last time the World Finals were held in 2019, Madden made a trip to Victory Lane. The Gray Court, SC driver, also has three victories at the Tar Heel state oval and is due for a trip to World of Outlaws Victory Lane. His last win with the Series was in May at Port Royal Speedway.
Despite the drought, Madden’s had a successful season, locking up second-place in the standings on the strength of 26 top-fives and 38 top-10s.
Battling for 4th: Most drivers have locked up their positions in the season-long standings, but Dennis Erb Jr. and Ricky Weiss are fighting for fourth.
Erb enters the NGK NTK World Finals with an 18-point advantage on Weiss—after Weiss gained ground on “The One-Man Band” at Senoia Raceway last month.
While the two drivers fight for a victory this weekend, Erb may have an advantage after tasting Victory Lane at the World Finals in 2017.
A win by the Carpentersville, IL driver would be his fourth of the season—tying Chris Madden and Devin Moran for the third most in 2021.
If Weiss reaches Victory Lane this weekend, it’ll be his first win of the season, first in his Sniper Chassis, and the third World of Outlaws win of his career.
Reaching a Milestone: No matter the NGK NTK World Finals results, there’s cause for celebration for World of Outlaws Late Models Veteran Boom Briggs.
The Bear Lake, PA driver, is expected to make his 300th career Series start on Friday, Nov. 5.
Briggs will finish seventh in the standings in 2021, entering The Dirt Track at Charlotte with three top-fives and 11 top-10s.
T-Mac Doubles Up: The NGK NTK World Finals will be a busy weekend for Tim McCreadie as another Late Model win in Charlotte isn’t the only thing he’s chasing.
The Watertown, NY driver is also entering Super DIRTcar Series competition in a Big Block Modified.
On the Late Model side, McCreadie is the most recent Series winner at Charlotte’s Dirt Track—winning at the “Last Call” in 2020.
He enters the weekend with a national touring series championship under his belt and a World of Outlaws victory at Richmond Raceway.
Big Sexy in Charlotte: The Dirt Track at Charlotte is the biggest stage for the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Models, and a big stage is where Brandon Overton thrives.
The Evans, GA driver is having a dream season—reaching Victory Lane 29 times, including five with the World of Outlaws.
“Big Sexy” scored a win at 2020’s “Last Call” and again found Victory Lane at the track in July.
Another victory would add to his epic list of accolades this season, including two “Dirt Late Model Dream” wins and a World 100 triumph.
WHEN AND WHERE
Nov. 4-6 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte in Concord, NC
ABOUT THE TRACKS
The Dirt Track at Charlotte is a 4/10-mile semi-banked oval
Previous Dirt Track at Charlotte Winners
2020-Brandon Overton on Nov. 4, Tim McCreadie on Nov. 5
2019 – Chris Madden on Nov. 8; Jimmy Owens on Nov. 9
2018 – Brandon Sheppard on Nov. 2; Scott Bloomquist on Nov. 3
2017- Brandon Sheppard on Nov.3; Dennis Erb Jr. on Nov. 4
2016- Josh Richards on Oct. 28; Chris Madden on Oct. 29
2015 – Brandon Sheppard on Nov. 6; Jonathan Davenport on Nov. 7
2014 – Darrel Lanigan on Nov. 7; Jimmy Owens on Nov. 8
2013 – Darrell Lanigan on Nov. 8; Josh Richards on Nov. 9
2012 – Rick Eckert on Oct. 10; Jimmy Owens on Nov. 2; Jimmy Owens on Nov. 3
2011 – Josh Richards on Oct. 12; Jonathan Davenport on Nov. 4; Jimmy Owens on Nov. 5
2010 – Josh Richards on Oct. 13; Jonathan Davenport on Nov. 6; Jimmy Owens on Nov. 6
2009 – Josh Richards on Nov. 5; Scott Bloomquist on Nov. 6; Jimmy Owens on Nov. 7
2008 – Steve Francis on April 19; Chris Madden on Oct. 29; Scott Bloomquist on Oct. 31; Josh Richards on Nov. 1
2007 – Scott Bloomquist on April 21; Shannon Babb on Oct. 10; Scott Bloomquist on Nov. 2; Donnie Moran on Nov. 3
ONLINE
The Dirt Track at Charlotte- https://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com
