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USA Nationals
Cedar Lake Speedway | New Richmond, Wisconsin
Saturday, August 05, 2023
Race Recap  

A DUEL BY THE LAKE: Bobby Pierce Inches Hudson O’Neal To Earn First USA Nationals Win

A week ago, a World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series crown jewel slipped away from Bobby Pierce. And when the next opportunity came Saturday at Cedar Lake Speedway, he wouldn’t waste it. 

With $50,000 on the line, he survived a last-lap slide job by Hudson O’Neal, beating him to the checkered flag by 0.073 seconds to earn his first USA Nationals win. 

O’Neal, the outside pole sitter, grabbed the lead on Lap 1 of the 100-lap battle, storming past Ricky Thornton Jr. on the outside of Turn 2. And as the Martinsville, IN driver controlled the race’s first quarter, Pierce ascended toward the front.

The Oakwood, IL driver, who started fifth, drove around Brandon Sheppard and Thornton on the outside to move into second on Lap 22. That’s when he set his sights on O’Neal.

Pierce made his first attempt at the lead 10 laps later, but O’Neal slid in front of him in Turn 4 to stay ahead. That wouldn’t stop the “Smooth Operator,” though. As the two reached Turns 1 and 2, Pierce dove underneath O’Neal, sliding in front of him to take the lead.

Bobby Pierce and Hudson O'Neal
Bobby Pierce passes Hudson O’Neal for the lead on Lap 35/Jacy Norgaard photo

From there, Pierce cruised through the next 60 laps. But with five laps to go, traffic became heavier, allowing O’Neal another chance at the win.

As Pierce took the white flag, Kyle Bronson, a lap car, was right in front of him in the outside lane. That allowed O’Neal to get a burst of speed in Turn 2, closing rapidly on Pierce’s spoiler. O’Neal dove under Pierce in Turn 3, and as they reached the apex of the corner, slid his Rocket Chassis across the nose of the #32.

When O’Neal’s spoiler shot across his nose, Pierce switched lanes as they entered Turn 4, diving to the bottom with one last gasp. It was a gasp that paid off, as he beat O’Neal to the checkered flag by 0.073 seconds to win the $50,000 prize.

“I knew [O’Neal] was getting pretty close,” Pierce said. “I barely saw the flagman throw the white, and I was like, ok, last corner here. My last couple of laps weren’t that great, and I caught (Kyle) Bronson. He pushed really bad, and I was kind of at the mercy of him. And I couldn’t quite get to the point where I could slide him.

“I saw Hudson’s blue flopper there last second, and then I backed it into the wall and tried to shoot down the corner as fast as I could. He hit it really good, too. I did not expect him to get off the corner that well. We came to the line pretty close, but I figured I had him when I nosed ahead of him and pinched him a little bit.”

The victory is Pierce’s eighth Series victory of 2023, and the 12th of his career. He also extended his points lead to 108 over Chris Madden, who finished eighth.

This win stands out for Pierce because it brings him redemption. He said he’s been hungry to win the Wisconsin crown jewel after finishing second to Jimmy Owens in 2014.

“I’ve always wanted to lead laps in this race towards the end,” Pierce said. “We were always getting there too late. I’ve finished with a lot of top fives and top 10’s in this race. It was a long time coming here, and if I had the experience I had back in 2014, I probably could’ve beaten Jimmy (Owens). I kind of gave that race away to him. I never knew if I’d ever get that opportunity again. And here it was.”

O’Neal’s second-place finish was his sixth consecutive World of Outlaws top five after narrowly missing out on his second career Series victory.

He said he gave it everything he had in the last few laps to give his Rocket Chassis a chance to steal the win.

“It was a last-ditch effort with everything I had,” O’Neal said. “I tried to get a run on him. I felt like I did a good job of getting through [Turns] 1 and 2 and making sure I got close enough to him to try and do that.”

“I’ve ran second a lot here the last couple of months. And it’s aggravating, but it’s rewarding. It’s good, and we’re proud to have a good race car and to be competing for these races. For some reason, we just can’t quite put the nail in the coffin.”

Tanner English crossed the line third—his fourth podium this season in races 60 laps or more. The Benton, KY, driver said he struggled through traffic while racing in the middle lane.

Brandon Sheppard and Tanner English
Tanner English and Brandon Sheppard battle for 3rd/Jacy Norgaard photo

“We kind of caught lap traffic at a weird time,” English said. “It just kind of messed us up a little bit. I messed up there about halfway through the race, too. I hit the kill switch twice going down the front stretch, trying to turn on four-wheel brakes. It’s a little bit my fault, but I wish we had a caution there to catch back up about halfway to see what happened.”

Defending Series champion Dennis Erb Jr. finished fourth, and Sheppard rounded out the top five. The four-time Series champion is now third in points, 144 points behind Pierce.

Despite losing out on the Prairie Dirt Classic, Bobby Pierce bounced back to earn his first World of Outlaws crown jewel win a week later. He can now leave the USA Nationals checked off on his resume for the rest of his career.

“Anyone that’s asked me before knows this race is right up there with the Prairie Dirt Classic,” Pierce said. “It’s one I’ve wanted to win for a long time.”

UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws CASE Late Models travel to Davenport Speedway in Davenport, IA, for the My Place Hotels Quad Cities 150 Aug. 24-26, along with the Xtreme Outlaws Midget Series presented by Toyota. FOR TICKETS: CLICK HERE.

If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch every World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model race live on DIRTVision.

CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series Feature (100 Laps): 1. 32-Bobby Pierce[5]; 2. 1-Hudson O’Neal[2]; 3. 96V-Tanner English[3]; 4. 28-Dennis Erb Jr[8]; 5. B5-Brandon Sheppard[4]; 6. 49-Jonathan Davenport[12]; 7. B1-Brent Larson[26]; 8. 44-Chris Madden[9]; 9. 25-Shane Clanton[15]; 10. 7W-Ricky Weiss[27]; 11. 40B-Kyle Bronson[18]; 12. 97-Cade Dillard[10]; 13. 19R-Ryan Gustin[17]; 14. 11-Gordy Gundaker[25]; 15. 3S-Brian Shirley[6]; 16. 28S-Dustin Sorensen[24]; 17. 1ST-Johnny Scott[13]; 18. 9-Nick Hoffman[16]; 19. 31-Kye Blight[22]; 20. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[1]; 21. 49T-Jake Timm[23]; 22. 12-Ashton Winger[20]; 23. 8-Kyle Strickler[19]; 24. 1T-Tyler Erb[14]; 25. 18D-Daulton Wilson[11]; 26. 18-Shannon Babb[7]; 27. 30-Todd Cooney[28]; 28. 14W-Dustin Walker[29]; 29. 14G-Trevor Gundaker[21] FOX FACTORY HARD CHARGER: Brent Larson [+19]

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Results  
Feature Results
POSStart+/-#DriverLapsBehindLedStatusPointsMoney
15+432Bobby Pierce 1000.00066Running150$50,000
2201Hudson O'Neal 100-0.07337Running146$20,000
33096VTanner English 100-6.516Running144$10,000
48+428Dennis Erb Jr100-7.018Running142$6,000
54-1B5Brandon Sheppard 100-7.400Running140$5,000
612+649Jonathan Davenport 100-8.739Running138$4,800
726+19B1Brent Larson 100-9.785Running136$4,600
89+144Chris Madden 100-10.885Running134$4,400
915+625Shane Clanton 100-12.087Running132$4,200
1027+177WRicky Weiss 100-13.524Running130$4,000
1118+740BKyle Bronson 100-15.822Running128$3,800
1210-297Cade Dillard 99-1 LapsRunning126$3,600
1317+419RRyan Gustin 99-1 LapsRunning124$3,400
1425+1111Gordy Gundaker 99-1 LapsRunning122$3,350
156-93SBrian Shirley 99-1 LapsRunning120$3,300
1624+828SDustin Sorensen 99-1 LapsRunning118$3,250
1713-41STJohnny Scott 99-1 LapsRunning116$3,200
1816-29Nick Hoffman 98-2 LapsRunning114$3,150
1922+331Kye Blight 98-2 LapsRunning112$3,100
201-1920RTRicky Thornton Jr.73-27 LapsDNF110$3,075
2123+249TJake Timm 69-31 LapsDNF108$3,050
2220-212Ashton Winger 52-48 LapsDNF106$3,025
2319-48Kyle Strickler 52-48 LapsDNF104$3,010
2414-101TTyler Erb 44-56 LapsDNF104$3,000
2511-1418DDaulton Wilson 44-56 LapsDNF104$1,000
267-1918Shannon Babb 39-61 LapsDNF104$1,000
2728+130Todd Cooney 24-76 LapsDNF104$110
2829+114WDustin Walker 17-83 LapsDNF104$110
2921-814GTrevor Gundaker 15-85 LapsDNF104$1,000
FOX Factory Hard Charger: Brent Larson
Last Chance Showdown Results
POSStart+/-#DriverLapsBehindLedStatusPointsMoney
11019RRyan Gustin 150.00015Running0$0
25+38Kyle Strickler 15-1.746Running0$0
39+614GTrevor Gundaker 15-5.647Running0$0
42-2B1Brent Larson 15-5.921Running0$0
58+38MDillon McCowan 15-7.159Running100$1,800
67+149TJake Timm 15-7.684Running0$0
76-130Todd Cooney 15-8.380Running0$0
812+411GJames Giossi 15-10.696Running100$930
913+47HHarry Hanson 15-11.694Running100$1,200
1014+438Thomas Hunziker 15-20.332Running100$1,100
114-711Gordy Gundaker 12-3 LapsDNF0$0
123-97Drake Troutman 2-13 LapsDNF100$110
1310-358A.J. Diemel 2-13 LapsDNF100$110
1411-314WDustin Walker 1-14 LapsDNF0$0
1515099Sawyer Specht 0-15 LapsDNS0$0
161606MJeff Massingill 0-15 LapsDNS0$0
Last Chance Showdown 2 Results
POSStart+/-#DriverLapsBehindLedStatusPointsMoney
11040BKyle Bronson 150.00015Running0$0
24+212Ashton Winger 15-2.061Running0$0
33031Kye Blight 15-3.725Running0$0
45+128SDustin Sorensen 15-4.794Running0$0
56+155CChad Mahder 15-7.667Running100$1,500
67+122Daniel Hilsabeck 15-8.261Running100$1,020
78+115Nick Anvelink 15-8.888Running100$1,300
810+225FJason Feger 15-9.363Running100$1,900
911+290Lance Matthees 15-10.953Running100$1,050
1012+27XJesse Glenz 15-11.475Running100$1,010
1113+210Paul Parker 15-13.207Running100$110
1214+247Danny Vang 14-1 LapsRunning100$110
139-47WRicky Weiss 6-9 LapsDNF0$0
142-12174Ethan Dotson 4-11 LapsDNF100$110
1515042Terry Casey 0-15 LapsDNS100$0
1616042SDon Shaw 0-15 LapsDNS100$0
Hot Laps Results
POSStartCarDriverHometownTimeDifference
1032Bobby Pierce Oakwood, IL13.9850.000
201Hudson O'Neal Martinsville, IN14.082-0.097
3097Cade Dillard Robeline, LA14.135-0.150
4020RTRicky Thornton Jr.Adel, IA14.349-0.364
5096VTanner English Benton, KY14.389-0.404
601TTyler Erb New Waverly, TX14.427-0.442
703SBrian Shirley Chatham, IL14.430-0.445
8044Chris Madden Gray Court, SC14.432-0.447
90B5Brandon Sheppard New Berlin, IL14.514-0.529
10025Shane Clanton Zebulon, GA14.565-0.580
11018Shannon Babb Moweaqua, IL14.587-0.602
12028Dennis Erb JrCarpentersville, IL14.614-0.629
1309Nick Hoffman Mooresville, NC14.745-0.760
14018DDaulton Wilson Fayetteville, NC14.768-0.783
1501STJohnny Scott Las Cruces, NM14.879-0.894
16049Jonathan Davenport Blairsville, GA14.880-0.895
King of the Hill Results
POSStart+/-#DriverLapsBehindLedStatusPointsMoney
15+449TJake Timm 150.000Running0$0
22028SDustin Sorensen 15-0.456Running0$0
310+725FJason Feger 15-0.985Running0$0
43-18MDillon McCowan 15-1.338Running0$0
54-155CChad Mahder 15-1.661Running0$0
68+215Nick Anvelink 15-2.566Running0$0
711+47HHarry Hanson 15-3.112Running0$0
813+538Thomas Hunziker 15-3.603Running0$0
912+390Lance Matthees 15-4.855Running0$0
107-330Todd Cooney 10-5 LapsDNF0$0
119-211GJames Giossi 10-5 LapsDNF0$0
126-622Daniel Hilsabeck 9-6 LapsDNF0$0
1314+17XJesse Glenz 0-15 LapsDNF0$0
141-13B1Brent Larson 0-15 LapsDNS0$0
Lock-In Hot Laps Results
POSStart+/-#DriverLapsBehindLedStatusPointsMoney
10-1174Ethan Dotson 00.000Running0$0
20-219RRyan Gustin 0-0.041Running0$0
30-349TJake Timm 0-0.053Running0$0
40-425FJason Feger 0-0.068Running0$0
50-540BKyle Bronson 0-0.082Running0$0
60-6B1Brent Larson 0-0.107Running0$0
70-731Kye Blight 0-0.110Running0$0
80-811Gordy Gundaker 0-0.172Running0$0
90-955CChad Mahder 0-0.204Running0$0
100-1015Nick Anvelink 0-0.214Running0$0
110-1122Daniel Hilsabeck 0-0.286Running0$0
120-1214GTrevor Gundaker 0-0.444Running0$0
130-1311GJames Giossi 0-0.510Running0$0
140-1438Thomas Hunziker 0-0.519Running0$0
150-1528SDustin Sorensen 0-0.550Running0$0
160-1690Lance Matthees 0-0.559Running0$0
170-1710Paul Parker 0-0.580Running0$0
180-187WRicky Weiss 0-0.616Running0$0
190-198MDillon McCowan 0-0.675Running0$0
200-2058A.J. Diemel 0-0.737Running0$0
210-2130Todd Cooney 0-0.746Running0$0
220-228Kyle Strickler 0-0.847Running0$0
230-237Drake Troutman 0-1.312Running0$0
240-2414WDustin Walker 0-1.832Running0$0
DIRTVision Highlights  
Event Info  

USA Nationals
Saturday, August 05, 2023
Cedar Lake Speedway
2275 County Road CC
New Richmond, Wisconsin 54017 

Event Description
The USA Nationals is back as the most powerful Late Models on the planet take on three nights of action at Cedar Lake Speedway. The highly anticipated event will once again pay $50,000-to-win.

Series Racing
World of Outlaws Late Model Series

Support Divisions
DIRTcar Late Models

To Win Amount
$50,000.00

Feature Laps Length
100

Event Schedule
THURSDAY
6:30 Hot Laps
7:00 Complete event of $6,000-to-Win World of Outlaw Late Model & Local Late Models.
After race party in the Cedar Lake Arena!

FRIDAY
8:30 Breakfast served in both restaurants
11:00 or 12:00 Tubing down the Apple River
6:30 Hot Laps
7:00 Complete event of $6,000-to-Win World of Outlaw Late Models & complete show of local Late Models
After race party in the Cedar Lake Arena

SATURDAY
8:30 Breakfast served in both restaurants
11:00 or 12:00 Apple River Tubing
12:30 FansFund Luncheon
2:00 Lawn Mower Racing in Arena
4:30 Driver Autograph/Meet & Greet
6:30 Hot Laps
7:00 Last Chance Showdowns & 100 lap, $50,000-to-Win USA Nationals and complete event of local Late Models
*All times Central

Ticket Options  
Ticket Phone
(612) 363-0479

Options And Prices
Thursday only at gate $30 Adults, $15 Student, $35 Pits
Friday only at gate $35 Adults, $17 Students, $40 Pits
Saturday only at gate $45 Adults, $22 Students, $45 Pits
Advance Friday / Sat Pass* $75 Adults, $37 Students
Advance Thu/Fri/Sat Pass* $100 Adults, $50 Students

* Note: Reduced 2 or 3 day advanced tickets available online or by calling 612-363-0479. Must be purchased at least 2 days before the event starts.

Grandstand Type
Bleachers / chairbacks

Reserved Seating
You can reserve any seat in advance

Family Section Location
all areas are family friendly

Handicapped Seating Location
Both sides of stadium have wheel chair accessible seating

Pit Age Requirement
NO age restriction for pits. 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent/ guardian.

Parking Cost
$0.00

Handicapped Parking Location
Outside the front gate

Camping Availability
non-electric, onsite, sanitary facility, showers, waste services

Camping Cost
$60 for the Weekend

Frequently Asked Questions  
Support Divisions
DIRTcar Late Models

To Win Amount
$50,000.00

Reserved Seating
You can reserve any seat in advance

Type of Grandstand
Bleachers / chairbacks

Stadium Seating
Stadium seats are allowed.

Handicapped Seating
Both sides of stadium have wheel chair accessible seating

Handicapped Parking
Outside the front gate

Pit Age Limit
NO age restriction for pits. 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent/ guardian.

Personal Coolers
Coolers are permitted at the speedway, however you are NOT ALLOWED to bring in any alcoholic beverages or glass containers.

ATMs
1

Credit Card Use
Ticket Window

Alcohol Sales
Beer and wine will be available to purchase

Smoking Policy
No smoking in Grandstands

Family Section
all areas are family friendly

Parking Cost
$0.00

Camping Availability
non-electric, onsite, sanitary facility, showers, waste services

Camping Cost
$60 for the Weekend

Track Info  

Cedar Lake Speedway
2275 County Road CC
New Richmond, Wisconsin 54017 

Track Phone
(715) 248-7119

Ticket Phone
(612) 363-0479

Track Email
[email protected]

Track Type
0.375;

Sprint Car Track Record
10.775 seconds by Terry McCarl on 9/11/04

Late Model Track Record
12.950 by Shannon Babb on 8/3/23

Closest Airport
Minneapolis, MN (MSP / KMSP) Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport

Other Airport
Eau Claire, WI (EAU / KEAU) Chippewa Valley Regional Airport

Track Map
Competitor Info  
Competitor Downloads
 https://www.dirtcarmembers.com/downloads.php

Tire Rules
Left Front & Left Rear & Right Front Tire: Hoosier (90) NLMT3, (90) W30 Right Rear Tire: Hoosier (92) NLMT3, (92) W30, (92) NLMT4 **Grooving & Siping will be allowed**

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