2nd-generation Sheppard takes Summer National Late Model victory at Lincoln Speedway

[July 06, 2011]  On Sunday, fans and racers packed into the Lincoln Speedway for the UMP Summer National Late Model show. The UMP Modifieds saw a record-high 40 cars in attendance, vying for a shot at the winner's circle and the $1,000 payout.

Racing action was at its finest with some of the best competition in the country at the speedway. Youngsters dominated the Late Models, with two second-generation drivers starting on the front row, leading the pack, in the feature event. Bobby Pierce, son of Bob Pierce, driving the 32, and Brandon Sheppard, son of Steve Sheppard, in the B5, are no strangers to racing action despite their ages. Jason Feger, in the 25, the defending 2010 Summer National Tour champion, was running the high side and putting on a show for the fans. Known as the "High Side Hustler," the 25 was in hot pursuit of the lead but was unable to catch Sheppard's B5. Sheppard found himself in victory lane in front of a packed house. He is the youngest driver to win on the Summer National Tour.

The Modified drivers also gave the fans at Lincoln Speedway what they came for: great racing action. Heat races looked like feature events, with some of the top drivers in the nation in this class competing for the transfer spots to the feature. Ray Bollinger from Peoria, in the 77, captured the checkered flag and the $1,000. Brandon Roberts from Ashland, in the 35, put on an impressive run for the checkered flag, finishing fourth.

The Street Stock winner Sunday night was the 57 driven by Brandon Kessinger. Kenny Butterfield, in the 24 car, took the win in the Hornet class.

Friday night the Monster Energy Sprint Car Series will be at the Lincoln Speedway. Wing Sprints will also be running, as well as Monster Energy Sprints, Illinois Lighting Sprints, Crate Late Models, Street Stocks and Hornets. Come out and enjoy the races and see the Sprint cars in action.

[Text from file received from Lincoln Speedway]