SON OF THE SHINE: Kyle Bronson opens Late Model season with exciting home state win

Before climbing out of his Late Model to cheers and trophies, Kyle Bronson placed a symbolic straw hat on his head.

The large sun cover fit his cranium as if it was custom made; reminiscent of how he worked Volusia Speedway Park to perfection Thursday night for the 2021 World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model season-opener during the Sunshine Nationals.

Bronson, of Brandon, FL – about two hours from Volusia – looked as comfortable as a traveling salesman in his own bed around the half-mile speedway. He became the first driver this year to set Slick Woody’s Cornhole Company Quick Time, win a Drydene Heat Race and park his car in Victory Lane with the $10,000 check.

When asked how it felt to win in his home state, Bronson simply said with a wide grin, “Awesome.”

The victory is his second career World of Outlaws win. His first win also came at Volusia Speedway Park seven years ago. He was the first Sunshine Nationals champion last year with the DIRTcar Late Models, as well.

His Florida dominance was almost halted by Robeline, LA’s Cade Dillard, who was going for his first Volusia win.

Bronson led the first half of the 40-lap Feature but had pressure from 2006 Series champion Tim McCreadie and Dillard the entire time. McCreadie worked his way from fourth to second on the first lap and focused his scope on Bronson’s orange #40B car.

The duo looked like fighter jets maneuvering their way through a tight canyon when they hit lap traffic on Lap 6. The roadblocks hindered Bronson’s momentum and brought McCreadie closer to his rear bumper.

While they tangoed with obstacles, Dillard took advantage of the opportunity to close on them from third. He passed McCreadie for second on Lap 12 and three laps later was on a run to take the lead from Bronson. However, before he could, McCreadie slowed down the backstretch with an issue that brought out a caution took him out of the race.

Dillard picked up where he left off when the Feature resumed, breathing down Bronson’s neck. That didn’t help Bronson’s tight-handling condition, either. On Lap 22, as he struggled to get a clean exit off Turn 4, Dillard slid by the Floridian for the lead and pulled away.

“I was extremely, extremely tight there,” Bronson said. “The more I tried to slow down and pace myself, the tighter I got.”

Bronson continued to fade, giving up second to three-time Series champion Darrell Lanigan, of Union, KY, four laps later.

The win was in Dillard’s hand. Lanigan couldn’t catch him. Then, a caution with five laps to go. Lanigan knew he had one shot at Dillard and was willing to take it. He was going to go for it.

Lanigan threw a Hail Mary slider underneath Dillard going into the first corner. Wanting the win, he stayed in the gas on the exit of Turn 2 and the two cars collided, sending Lanigan spinning and damaging Dillard’s left front fender.

“I had a chance to go for it, a chance to go for the win. Any guy in this pit area would have done the same thing with the same car,” Lanigan said. “He (Dillard) just jumped over my right front. He did what he had to do, too. Like, I said, we’re all going for the win.”

His winning attempt ultimately cost Dillard his own and gave Bronson new life. The damage on Dillard’s car was enough that a large piece of his fender had to be removed, killing his aero.

When the race resumed, Bronson pulled the same move as Lanigan, but cleared Dillard and ran away with the victory.

“Man, we had a really good car,” Dillard said before having to take a breath to force out more words. “When we lost the left front this whole car just got terrible. These things are so aero dependent. I don’t know, man, it is disappointing. We had a really good car and we’ve been working really hard. I’m not going to bad mouth anybody. I know bad things happen. Just unfortunate.”

Dillard still managed to finish second with Kyle Strickler rounding out the podium. Last year’s runner-up in points Ricky Weiss earned the hard charger award with an impressive run from 23rd – after not transferring out of the Last Chance Showdown – to seventh in his new self-built chassis.

Three-time defending champion Brandon Sheppard had a quiet start to the season with a ninth-place run. And another heartbreak came when rookie contender Tony Jackson, Jr., who was making his World of Outlaws and Volusia Speedway Park debut, broke while running fifth.

For Bronson, the sun shined on him all night. He put on his celebratory straw hat in Victory Lane and basked in the glory.

“I had a damn good time racing,” he said.

UP NEXT

The World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series continues its residency at Volusia Speedway Park, Jan. 15, for the second night of the Sunshine Nationals. For tickets, click here.

If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch all the action live on DIRTVision.

RESULTS

Morton Buildings Feature (40 Laps) – 1. 40B-Kyle Bronson [2][$10,000]; 2. 97-Cade Dillard [6][$6,000]; 3. 8-Kyle Strickler [9][$3,500]; 4. OE-Rick Eckert [12][$2,800]; 5. 54-David Breazeale [8][$2,500]; 6. 28-Dennis Erb [10][$2,300]; 7. 7-Ricky Weiss [23][$2,200]; 8. 19R-Ryan Gustin [20][$2,100]; 9. 1-Brandon Sheppard [13][$2,050]; 10. 16-Tyler Bruening [5][$2,000]; 11. 12-Ashton Winger [24][$1,600]; 12. 7R-Ross Robinson [17][$1,400]; 13. 44-Chris Madden [14][$1,200]; 14. 1P-Earl Pearson [19][$1,100]; 15. 99B-Boom Briggs [18][$1,050]; 16. 29V-Darrell Lanigan [3][$1,000]; 17. O-Scott Bloomquist [16][$1,000]; 18. 18-Chase Junghans [21][$1,000]; 19. B1-Brent Larson [25][$110]; 20. 14JR-John Baker [15][$1,000]; 21. 56-Tony Jackson [7][$1,000]; 22. 17M-Dale McDowell [1][$1,000]; 23. 6-Blake Spencer [26][$110]; 24. 6JR-Parker Martin [11][$1,000]; 25. 39-Tim McCreadie [4][$1,000]; 26. 58-Ross Bailes [27][$110]; 27. 20-Jimmy Owens [22][$1,000]; 28. OS-Ryan Scott [28][$110];Hard Charger : 7-Ricky Weiss[+16]

Qualifying Flight-A – 1. 40B-Kyle Bronson, 15.839; 2. 17M-Dale McDowell, 15.868; 3. 16-Tyler Bruening, 16.083; 4. 385-Mark Whitener, 16.118; 5. 8-Kyle Strickler, 16.18; 6. 6JR-Parker Martin, 16.206; 7. 7R-Ross Robinson, 16.34; 8. 97-Cade Dillard, 16.361; 9. 1-Brandon Sheppard, 16.369; 10. 58-Ross Bailes, 16.421; 11. 18-Chase Junghans, 16.554; 12. 1P-Earl Pearson, 16.692; 13. 6-Blake Spencer, 16.76; 14. 14JR-John Baker, 16.819; 15. 7-Ricky Weiss, 16.922; 16. 14R-Jeff Roth, 17.037; 17. OS-Ryan Scott, 17.171; 18. OG-Deshawn Gingerich, 17.288; DNS. 3-Mike Collins, NT

Qualifying Flight-B – 1. 39-Tim McCreadie, 16.075; 2. 29V-Darrell Lanigan, 16.116; 3. 54-David Breazeale, 16.15; 4. O-Scott Bloomquist, 16.193; 5. 28-Dennis Erb, 16.25; 6. 56-Tony Jackson, 16.293; 7. 44-Chris Madden, 16.301; 8. 10-Ryan Crane, 16.367; 9. 12-Ashton Winger, 16.414; 10. OE-Rick Eckert, 16.426; 11. 99B-Boom Briggs, 16.456; 12. 2-Dan Stone, 16.463; 13. 25-Donnie Chappell, 16.483; 14. 33-Jeff Mathews, 16.525; 15. 19R-Ryan Gustin, 16.646; 16. 14G-Josiah Godsey, 16.884; 17. B1-Brent Larson, 17.024; 18. 20-Jimmy Owens, 17.345; 19. 31-Tyler Millwood, 17.617

[Read More]

DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals
Thursday, January 14, 2021
Volusia Speedway Park
1500 East State Road 40
Barberville, Florida 32130 

Event Description
The World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Models kick off the 2021 season at the World's Fastest Half-Mile! 3 days, 3 complete 10,000-to-win shows for a full Late Model Palooza with the DIRTcar Pro Late Models, Florida Late Models and 602 Late Models!

Series Racing
World of Outlaws Late Model Series

Support Divisions
Florida Late Models, 602 Late Models, DIRTcar Pro Late Models

To Win Amount
$10,000.00

Event Schedule
Wednesday January 13
4-8 PM Pre-Registration opens; Hauler Staging
6-8 PM Open Practice: Rotational Hot Laps
602 Late Models
Florida Late Models
Super Late Models
604 Late Models
Thursday January 14
11:00 AM Pit Pass sales and registration opens (turn 4)
11:00 AM Pit gate opens
Hauler load-in
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM Inspection begins
3:00 PM World of Outlaws Late Model Draw at Command Center (closes at 5)
4:30 PM Drivers Meeting: Pro/602/Florida at backstretch bleachers
Drivers Meeting: World of Outlaws at Command Center
5:00 PM Tickets and Front Gate Opens
5:30 PM Hot Laps 602 Late Models (4 Laps)
Hot Laps Florida Late Models (4 Laps)
Hot Laps 604 Late Models (4 Laps)
World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series Hot Laps
6:20 PM Hot Laps/ Time Trials 602 Late Models (3 laps)
World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series Qualifying - 3 cars/ 2 Laps
Hot Laps/ Time Trials Florida Late Models (3 Laps)
Hot Laps/Time Trials 604 Late Models (3 Laps)
6:50 PM Opening Ceremonies
Heats 602 Late Models (6 Laps)
World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series Heats – 8 Laps
Heats Florida Late Models (8 Laps)
Heats 604 Late Models (8 Laps)
LCS 602 Late Models (8 Laps)
World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series Redraw
World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series LCS - 10 Laps
LCS Florida Late Models (10 Laps)
LCS 604 Late Models (10 Laps)
Feature 602 Late Models (15 Laps)
World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series Feature (40 Laps)
Feature Florida Late Models (20 Laps)
Feature 604 Late Models (25 Laps)
Friday, January 15
2:00 PM Pit Sales Open
3:00 PM World of Outlaws Late Model Draw at Command Center (closes at 5)
4:30 PM Drivers Meeting All Divisions (same Location)
5:00 PM Tickets and Front Gate Open
5:30 PM Hot laps/ Time Trials Florida Late Models (3 laps)
Hot Laps/ Time Trials 604 Late Models (3 Laps)
World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series Hot Laps
Hot laps/ Time Trials 602 Late Models (3 laps)
World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series Qualifying - 3 cars/ 2 Laps
6:50 PM Opening Ceremonies
Heats Florida Late Models (8 Laps)
Heats 604 Late Models (8 Laps)
World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series Heats (8 Laps)
Heats 602 Late Models (6 Laps)
LCS Florida Late Models (10 Laps)
LCS 604 Late Models (10 Laps)
World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series Redraw
World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series LCS 10 Laps
LCS 602 Late Models (8 Laps)
Feature Florida Late Models (25 Laps)
Feature 604 Late Models (25 Laps)
World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series Feature - 40 Laps
Feature 602 Late Models (20 Laps)
Saturday January 16
2:00 PM Pit Sales Open
3:00 PM World of Outlaws Late Model Draw at Command Center (closes at 5)
4:00 PM Tickets and Front Gate Open
4:30 PM Drivers Meeting All Divisions
5:00 PM World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series Hot Laps
Hot laps/ Time Trials 604 Late Models (3 laps)
World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series Qualifying - 3 cars/ 2 Laps
Hot Laps/ Time Trials 602 Late Models (3 Laps)
Hot laps/ Time Trials Florida Late Models (3 laps)
6:00 PM Opening Ceremonies
World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series Heats - 8 Laps
Heats 604 Late Models (8 Laps)
Heats 602 Late Models (6 Laps)
Heats Florida Late Models (8 Laps)
World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series Redraw
World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series LCS - 10 Laps
LCS 604 Late Models (10 Laps)
LCS 602 Late Models (8 Laps)
LCS Florida Late Models (10 Laps)
World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series Feature - 40 Laps
Feature 604 Late Models (30 Laps)
Feature 602 Late Models (20 Laps)
Feature Florida Late Models (20 Laps)
Sunday January 17 Rain Date
*All times Eastern

Event Hashtag
#SunshineNats

Options And Prices
Thursday— RESERVED $35, GA $30, Children 12 and Under Free
Friday— RESERVED $35, GA $30, Children 12 and Under Free
Saturday— RESERVED $35, GA $30, Children 12 and Under Free
THREE DAY RESERVED: $95
THREE DAY GA: $80

Discounts
None

Grandstand Type
Bleachers, Chairbacks

Reserved Seating
Yes

Handicapped Seating Location
All Handicap seating is the first rows of each section

Pit Pass Price
Wednesday: $25 Thursday-Saturday: $40 (non-member) $35 (member) Pits Package: 4-Day Pit Combo (Member): $110 4-Day Pit Combo (Non-Member) $130 3-Day Pit Combo (Member): $90 3-Day Pit Combo (Non-Member): $110 2-Day Pit Combo (Member): $60 2-Day Pit Combo (Non-Member): $70

Pit Age Requirement
There is no age restriction in the pits. Anyone 17 years of age or younger will need to fill out a minor waiver form and be accompanied by an adult.

Pit Gate Location
East or West side of the Track.

Parking Cost
General Parking Free

Handicapped Parking Location
Handicap parking spots available. All spots are first come first serve.

Camping Availability
Electric Hookup, Non-Electric, Onsite, Sanitary Facility, Showers

Camping Cost
Single Day Dry Camp $30
Single Day Water/Electric $75 (Special Event $80)
Single Day Full Hook Up $100
Weekend Dry Camp $60
Weekend Electric/Water $150
Weekend Full Hook Up $200

Support Divisions
Florida Late Models, 602 Late Models, DIRTcar Pro Late Models

To Win Amount
$10,000.00

Reserved Seating
Yes

Type of Grandstand
Bleachers, Chairbacks

Stadium Seating
Stadium seats are allowed as long as they don't conflict with the aisle behind you.

Handicapped Seating
All Handicap seating is the first rows of each section

Handicapped Parking
Handicap parking spots available. All spots are first come first serve.

Pit Age Limit
There is no age restriction in the pits. Anyone 17 years of age or younger will need to fill out a minor waiver form and be accompanied by an adult.

Pit Gate Location
East or West side of the Track.

Personal Coolers
Six-pack maximum cooler size. No alcohol. No glass.

ATMs
1

Alcohol Sales
Beer is available for purchase at the track.

Smoking Policy
No smoking in the Grandstands.


Parking Cost
General Parking Free

Camping Availability
Electric Hookup, Non-Electric, Onsite, Sanitary Facility, Showers

Camping Cost
Single Day Dry Camp $30
Single Day Water/Electric $75 (Special Event $80)
Single Day Full Hook Up $100
Weekend Dry Camp $60
Weekend Electric/Water $150
Weekend Full Hook Up $200

Volusia Speedway Park
1500 East State Road 40
Barberville, Florida 32130 

Track Phone
(386) 985-4402

Track Email
[email protected]

Track Size
0.482

Track Type
D-shaped oval

Sprint Car Track Record
12.569s by Paul McMahan on 2-10-11; 360 Sprint Car: 14.160 sec. by Brenham Crouch on Jan. 27, 2023; Non-Wing: 16.362s by Thomas Meseraull on Feb. 14, 2023

Late Model Track Record
Super: 15.100 sec. by Bobby Pierce on Jan. 19, 2024

Closest Airport
Daytona International Airport

Other Airport
Orlando Sanford

Pit Gate Location
East or West side of the Track.

Track Map

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

Competitor Info
REGISTRATION

COMPETITION GUIDE

• Technical/Safety Rules will be under the guidelines of the 2021 World of Outlaws Rulebook

• Cars must weigh 2350 and (1) pound per lap burn-off for the Feature Only

• Tire Rule: (Hoosier LM-20) on all four (4) corners. Hoosier LM-30 RF & RR Option {Grooving and Siping is Allowed}

• Work Area: Outside Turn 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

• Feature Payouts •
World of Outlaws Morton Building Late Model Series Place Amount
1 $10,000
2 $6,000
3 $3,500
4 $2,800
5 $2,500
6 $2,300
7 $2,200
8 $2,100
9 $2,050
10 $2,000
11 $1,600
12 $1,400
13 $1,200
14 $1,100
15 $1,050
16 $1,000
17 $1,000
18 $1,000
19 $1,000
20 $1,000
21 $1,000
22 $1,000
23 $1,000
24 $1,000

Driver Radio: 454.0000