CHARLOTTE SHOWSTOPPER: Davenport Scores Fourth NGK NTK World Finals Victory

Even “Superman” has a way of preventing history.

Brandon Sheppard was on the cusp of tying Josh Richards for the most World of Outlaws wins, but Jonathan Davenport had other ideas Friday night at The Dirt Track at Charlotte. The Blairsville, GA driver pulled a slide job on Sheppard, stealing the victory away on night one of the NGK NTK World Finals.

Ricky Weiss grabbed the early lead in the 50-Lap Feature, but it was short-lived once Sheppard wrestled the position away on Lap 12. That’s when Davenport and Weiss waged war for the second, fighting tooth and nail through several restarts in the first half of the event.

Once Davenport dispatched of Weiss, he set his sights on Sheppard and his chance at a win—an opportunity that may not have come without Sheppard catching the back of the field.

“I couldn’t make up hardly any ground on him when he was in clean air,” Davenport said. “Once we got to lap traffic, that’s when I could make some ground up on him and just see what his strengths were and my weaknesses, and I tried to capitalize on what his weaknesses were.”

That’s what Davenport did. Capitalize. A perfectly timed run entering Turn 3 allowed “Superman” to become Sheppard’s kryptonite, crushing “The Rocket Shepp’s” hopes on Lap 32.

“I got a big run, and he messed up at just the perfect time for me and worst time for him,” Davenport said. “I slid him getting into Turn 3 and just tried to hold on from there.

“We can’t see those signal guys from here, so I was just trying to make consistent laps and try not to mess up.”

The win is Davenport’s fourth NGK NTK World Finals victory and ninth career World of Outlaws win.

Sheppard settled for second—his 25th World of Outlaws podium of 2021. The reigning Series champion stated his Rocket1 Racing car was fast but tightened up near the end.

“Towards the end, I just got tight and couldn’t really make the corners as good as I needed to,” Sheppard said. “I kind of burnt my tires off late in the race just from having to slide the car. We had a really fast car all night, though, so I definitely can’t complain. We’re just going to get back to work on this thing, and hopefully, we can get one spot better on [Saturday].”

Fellow Illinois driver Dennis Erb Jr. crossed the line third, grabbing a top-three for the sixth time this season. While he didn’t have the start he hoped for, “The One-Man Band’s” Rocket Chassis came to life in the second half of the race—allowing him to grab the final podium spot from Tyler Erb on the last lap.

“My car didn’t fire off very good, but the longer the race went, the car was getting better and better,” Erb said. “I was able to drive back up through there, so I was happy with that.”

Tyler Erb finished fourth—his first World of Outlaws top-five of the season, and early race leader Ricky Weiss rounded out the top-five.

Jonathan Davenport’s ability to strike while the iron is hot has paved the way to victories on some of the sport’s biggest stages. Whether it’s beating Brandon Overton at DIRTcar’s World 100 at Eldora Speedway or Sheppard at the World Finals, “Superman” has a way of preventing history.

UP NEXT: The Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet finish their 2021 season Saturday at The Dirt Track at Charlotte for night two of the NGK NTK World Finals. Hot Laps are scheduled for 1 p.m.

If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch all the action live on DIRTVision – either online or through the DIRTVision App.

Morton Buildings Feature 50 Laps | 00:27:39.532 – 1. 49-Jonathan Davenport[4]; 2. 1-Brandon Sheppard[2]; 3. 28-Dennis Erb Jr[7]; 4. 1T-Tyler Erb[13]; 5. 7-Ricky Weiss[1]; 6. 01-Chris Ferguson[8]; 7. 14-Josh Richards[10]; 8. 8-Kyle Strickler[15]; 9. 111V-Max Blair[21]; 10. 44-Chris Madden[9]; 11. 16-Tyler Bruening[17]; 12. 72-Jason Covert[19]; 13. 99B-Boom Briggs[23]; 14. 10-Garrett Smith[16]; 15. B1-Brent Larson[24]; 16. 7R-Ross Robinson[22]; 17. 20-Jimmy Owens[6]; 18. 111-Steven Roberts[14]; 19. 19R-Ryan Gustin[12]; 20. 0H-Nick Hoffman[20]; 21. 11-Austin Kirkpatrick[5]; 22. 76-Brandon Overton[11]; 23. 39-Tim McCreadie[3]; 24. 23B-John Blankenship[18]; 25. 42-Cla Knight[25]; Hard Charger – Max Blair (+12)

Slick Woody’s Qualifying Group A 2 Laps | 00:06:45.000 – 1. 39-Tim McCreadie, 00:14.790[5]; 2. 49-Jonathan Davenport, 00:14.886[15]; 3. 01-Chris Ferguson, 00:14.891[11]; 4. 20-Jimmy Owens, 00:14.969[9]; 5. 1T-Tyler Erb, 00:14.994[2]; 6. 76-Brandon Overton, 00:15.034[8]; 7. 44-Chris Madden, 00:15.067[12]; 8. 8-Kyle Strickler, 00:15.097[16]; 9. 72-Jason Covert, 00:15.117[17]; 10. 89-Ashton Winger, 00:15.177[13]; 11. 91-Cody Overton, 00:15.255[24]; 12. 0-Scott Bloomquist, 00:15.278[18]; 13. 32-Dustin Mitchell, 00:15.283[14]; 14. 111V-Max Blair, 00:15.317[22]; 15. 99B-Boom Briggs, 00:15.322[7]; 16. 16-Tyler Bruening, 00:15.407[4]; 17. 48-Colton Flinner, 00:15.438[6]; 18. 2-Dan Stone, 00:15.464[23]; 19. 17-Tim Vance, 00:15.758[1]; 20. 99-Jesse Glenz, 00:15.906[21]; 21. B1-Brent Larson, 00:15.957[19]; 22. 44L-Dylan Lewis, 00:16.058[10]; 23. 3S-Brian Shirley, 00:16.087[20]; 24. 15-Donny Schatz[3]

Slick Woody’s Qualifying Group B 2 Laps | 00:00:55.000 – 1. 1-Brandon Sheppard, 00:14.985[15]; 2. 7-Ricky Weiss, 00:15.076[14]; 3. 28-Dennis Erb Jr, 00:15.117[9]; 4. 10-Garrett Smith, 00:15.185[8]; 5. 23B-John Blankenship, 00:15.186[3]; 6. 11-Austin Kirkpatrick, 00:15.202[24]; 7. 1G-Ryan King, 00:15.211[22]; 8. 19R-Ryan Gustin, 00:15.279[12]; 9. 116-Randy Weaver, 00:15.340[10]; 10. 42-Cla Knight, 00:15.345[13]; 11. 14-Josh Richards, 00:15.356[6]; 12. 20H-Bryson Harper, 00:15.513[19]; 13. K7-Gary Dillon, 00:15.544[2]; 14. 93-Pancho Lawler, 00:15.635[16]; 15. 119-Bryan Bernheisel, 00:15.664[1]; 16. 6-Blake Spencer, 00:15.672[5]; 17. 7R-Ross Robinson, 00:15.696[17]; 18. 0H-Nick Hoffman, 00:15.722[20]; 19. 111-Steven Roberts, 00:15.735[23]; 20. 06-Mike Lupfer, 00:15.895[21]; 21. 55-Benji Hicks, 00:16.027[7]; 22. 07-Brian Ledbetter, 00:16.112[4]; 23. 23-Derek Rogers, 00:16.401[11]; 24. 354-Chris Nash, 00:16.659[18]

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NGK NTK World of Outlaws World Finals
Friday, November 05, 2021
The Dirt Track at Charlotte
5500 Concord Parkway S
Concord, North Carolina 28027 

Event Description
The most prestigious dirt racing event in the country lights up The Dirt Track at Charlotte with three days of heart-pounding, clay-slinging action on the lightning-fast, four-tenths mile oval. The NGK NTK 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 Morton Buildings Late Model Series and the the Super DIRTcar Series, for a full weekend of racing culminating in the crowning of all three series champions.

Series Racing
World of Outlaws Late Model Series

Support Divisions
Super DIRTcar Series, World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series

To Win Amount
$12,000.00

Event Schedule
Saturday, November 6, 2021
8:30 a.m. Pit area secured (Pit sweep)
9:00 a.m. Pit gate re-opens
Pit Pass voucher exchange re-opens (event ticket & pit pass voucher must be presented for wristband)
Pit Pass sales resume
10:00 a.m. Souvenir and display area opens
DIRTcar HP Luncheon Hospitality Tent
12 - 3:00 p.m. National Sprint Car Hall of Fame Auction (Dragway Pavilion)
12:00 p.m. Grandstand Gates Open
12:00 p.m. Drivers Meetings (Series trailers, Sprint Cars @ 12:00, Late Models @ 12:15, Big Blocks @ 12:30)
12:30 p.m. Sprint Cars push for heat
I-600 Road closes
1:00 p.m. Opening Ceremonies & Flag Ceremony
World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series Hot Laps (by qualifying flight)
World of Outlaws Sprint Car Qualifying (2 laps)
Super DIRTcar Series non-timed Hot Laps
World of Outlaw Morton Buildings Late Model Series Hot Laps (by qualifying flight)
Super DIRTcar Series Time Trial Groups
World of Outlaws Late Model Qualifying (2 laps)
World of Outlaws Sprint Car Heat #1 (8 laps)
World of Outlaws Sprint Car Heat #2
World of Outlaws Sprint Car Heat #3
World of Outlaws Sprint Car Heat #4
World of Outlaws Late Model Heat #1 (10 laps)
World of Outlaws Late Model Heat #2
World of Outlaws Late Model Heat #3
World of Outlaws Late Model Heat #4
Late Model 2-seater rides
Super DIRTcar Series Heat #1 (8 laps)
Super DIRTcar Series Heat #2
Super DIRTcar Series Heat #3
Super DIRTcar Series Heat #4
Track Maintenance
World of Outlaws Sprint Car C-Main (10 laps)
World of Outlaws Sprint Car DIRTVision FAST PASS Dash (6 laps)
World of Outlaws Sprint Car Last Chance Showdown (12 laps)
World of Outlaws Late Model Last Chance Showdown #1 (12 laps)
World of Outlaws Late Model Last Chance Showdown #2
Super DIRTcar Series Last Chance Showdown #1 (10 laps)
Super DIRTcar Series Last Chance Showdown #2
Track Maintenance
World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series Feature (30 laps)
Victory Lane - Top 3 (Flagstand)
Super DIRTcar Series Feature (40 laps)
Victory Lane Celebration (Top 3)
World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series Feature (50 laps)
Victory Lane - Top 3 (Flagstand)
Pit Pass sales end
Victory Late Celebration: Series Championship Awards - All Three Divisions (INFIELD AREA)
END OF SHOW
*All times Eastern

Event Hashtag
#AllDirtRoads

Ticket Phone
(800) 455-3267

Options And Prices
Single Seat Tickets ON SALE October 26

Discounts
Student

Grandstand Type
Bleacher with backs

Reserved Seating
Yes

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

Support Divisions
Super DIRTcar Series, World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series

To Win Amount
$12,000.00

Reserved Seating
Yes

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

The Dirt Track at Charlotte
5500 Concord Parkway S
Concord, North Carolina 28027 

Track Phone
(704) 455-3200

Ticket Phone
(800) 455-3267

Track Size
0.4

Track Type
semi banked

Sprint Car Track Record
11.880 seconds by Jeff Shepard on 10/6/01

Late Model Track Record
14.183 seconds by Kyle Larson on 11/5/20

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

Competitor Info
Online Registration for Late Models and Big Block Modifieds

World of Outlaw Late Model Series
Technical/Safety Rules will be under the guidelines of the 2021 World of Outlaws Rulebook

Feature you will get one (1) pound per lap burn-off.

Tire Rule:
1350 or D21 on RF,LR,RR
D70 Right Rear Option
LF will be open tire
{Grooving and Siping is Allowed}

Work Area:
Turns 3 & 4 - 2 laps for flat tires only

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
28-47 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

Driver Radio: 454.0000