By: Ron Burt
The World of Outlaw Sprints, Big Block Modifieds and Late Models wrapped up a busy weekend in Charlotte on the dirt track. When the weekend came to an end three champions raised their trophies as fireworks lit the sky and flames shot up around the awards podium where they stood together. Brad Sweet claimed his fourth straight World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series title (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022). Matt Sheppard claimed his second Big Block Modified title and ninth overall (2010, 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2021, 2022) and Dennis Erb Jr. earned his first career World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series championship and a check for $125,000. Erb out of Carpenters, IL, had the series points title wrapped up before even going to Charlotte. He had a great season in the Outlaw Late Models. Before his win last weekend, Erb’s best points finish was fourth – twice. This year, He ended the season with a season high four Series wins, 21 top 5’s and 33 top 10s. At 50 years old, Erb became the 11th different driver in World of Outlaws CASE Late Model Series history to win a championship.
Erb shared the moment with his only crew member all season, his Crew Chief Heather Lyne. By claiming the title, she became the first female crew chief to win a national Late Model championship and a national motorsports championship in North America.
In my personal favorite class, the Big Block Modifieds, Matt Sheppard arrived at the track with his Championship mathematically locked up. He managed to do so after winning his third Super DIRT Week Big Block title during the event’s historic 50th Running. The Waterloo, NY driver finished third during the first of three Features of World Finals, but then suffered mechanical issues the next two nights, rounding out the season with seven Series wins – more than 40 overall for his season – 13 top 5’s and 15 top 10s. Sheppard got to take home the $60,000 championship check.
World of Outlaw, Sprint car driver Brad Sweet, of Grass Valley, CA, and his Kasey Kahne Racing team had a tremendous season. He already had won three straight titles and this year entered the Championship weekend with a 16-point lead over David Gravel. He said this time he felt no pressure. He proved that by beating Gravel on all three nights of World Finals, finishing third the first two nights and then fifth on Saturday. He concluded the 2022 season with a 48-point lead over Gravel, five Series wins, 41 top 5’s and 59 top 10s. That’s a lot of racing!
Next week I will have the starting dates for the World of Outlaws 2023 season and dates for some of our tri-state tracks. Until next week, keep your wheels down. Ron Out! ohiosportsblitz@yahoo.com
