Newlyweds Bobby and Abby Jo Pierce in Farmer City victory lane.
What won the race: Bobby Pierce of Oakwood, Ill., carved through the field from the 10th-starting spot to win Saturday’s 19th annual Illini 100 at Farmer City Raceway, mastering both the top and bottom of the quarter-mile bullring for his third World of Outlaws Late Model Series victory in the $25,000-to-win event. Pierce led the final 19 of 60 laps after overtaking midrace leader Brandon Sheppard on lap 42.
Quotable: "Farmer City was badass. Hats off to Lance (Spieker), everyone at Farmer City," Pierce said in victory lane. "Whoever did the track prep, the heat races weren't a lot of fun, but that's what it took for the feature to be awesome. ... Heck, they got three and four dialed in tonight. We were making passes on the bottom. I can't remember the last time we done that here."
Key notes: The win is Pierce’s 47th on the World of Outlaws tour, tying Shane Clanton for fourth all-time. … All of Pierce’s three Illini 100 triumphs have come over the last four runnings of the event. … Reigning Illini 100 winner and Friday victory Brandon Sheppard of New Berlin, Ill., led laps 22-41 while pole-starting Drake Troutman of Hyndman, Pa., paced the opening 21 circuits. ... Pierce and Hoffman finished 1-2 for the fourth time on tour this year, all over the last nine WoO races. They've also won nine of 16 features. ... One stoppage slowed the 60-lap feature — a lap-49 red flag involving Tristan Chamberlain, Brian Shirley and Tim McCreadie in turns three and four, where Shirley tipped onto his side between the cars of Chamberlain and McCreadie. … Hoffman snatched second from Sheppard on the final and lone restart of the 24-minute feature. ... Fifteen drivers finished on the lead lap. ... Heat races (won by Hoffman, Sheppard, Trey Mills and Troutman) were eventful with Daulton Wilson rallying from seventh to second in the second heat. ... In the third heat, outside front-row starter Dan Ebert slid into the turn-four wall after Pierce dove under him — but didn't make contact — in a battle for second. Ebert was OK and made repairs. ... On the restart, Jason Feger grabbed second going into turn one, but Pierce caught the rear of Feger's car and sent him for a spin. Feger initially believed Dennis Erb Jr. had tagged him, but immediately after the race Pierce came to Feger's pit stall, apparently to apologize. ... In the final heat, polesitter Tyler Erb was clipped exiting turn two by Chamberlain, sening d Erb for a spin and into a consolation. A livid Erb argued his case with WoO officials in turn two, then with series director Steve Francis in the pits. \"You can't make a judgement call,\" Francis said after Erb headed back to his pit.
On the move: Tyler Erb of New Waverly, Texas, rebounded from a heat race wreck, starting 24th to finish fifth.
Winner's sponsors: Pierce’s Longhorn Chassis is powered by a Vic Hill Racing Engine and sponsored by Low Voltage Solutions, Rio Grande Waste Services, Mesilla Valley Transportation, Churchill Transport, Collins Brothers Towing, Fort Knox Safes & Vaults, Carnaghi Towing & Repair, Pontiac RV, Steidinger Construction, Leka Tree Service, River Bottom Dog Training, Precision Cabinets, JT’s Trackside Catering, Bert by Budda Transmissions, VP Racing Fuels, Ohlins Shocks, Swift Springs, Velocita Suits and Slicker Graphics.
Points chase: After Farmer City: 1. Nick Hoffman (2,198); 2. Bobby Pierce (2,196); 3. Tim McCreadie (2,059); 4. Daulton Wilson (2,040); 5. Tyler Erb (2,025); 6. Ryan Gustin (2,020); 7. Drake Troutman (2,006); 8. Ethan Dotson (1,992); 9. Dustin Sorensen (1,937); 10. Dennis Erb Jr. (1,931).
Current weather: Clear, 57°F
Car count: 39
Fast qualifier: Nick Hoffman
Time: 12.830 seconds
Polesitter: Drake Troutman
Heat race winners: Nick Hoffman, Brandon Sheppard, Trey Mills, Drake Troutman, , , ,
Consolation race winners: Brian Shirley, Jason Feger, ,
Provisional starters: Ryan Gustin, Tyler Erb, Ethan Dotson, Logan Zarin,
Next series race: April 24, Talladega Short Track (Eastaboga, AL) $12,000