Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Sheppard Wins in FALS Spring Shootout at Fairbury

Brandon Sheppard from New Berlin, Illinois, achieved victory on Saturday night at Fairbury Speedway, securing the FALS Spring Shootout presented by Titan Industries. The event, part of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing, awarded $30,000 to the winner.

Sheppard overtook Brian Shirley on lap 13 and maintained his lead for the rest of the race, successfully fending off a late surge from Nick Hoffman in the final five laps. This win marked Sheppard's 38th career victory in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series and his 17th win at Fairbury Speedway.

Shirley, who led the initial 12 laps, completed the Big River Steel podium in third place. Brandon Overton secured fourth place, while Bobby Pierce finished fifth.

This triumph represented Sheppard’s fourth win in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series this season and his seventh overall victory in 2026. As a result, he has moved to third place in the championship standings ahead of next weekend’s events at Eagle Raceway in Nebraska.

“This feels incredible. It seems like ages since we last won here,” Sheppard expressed in Lucas Oil Victory Lane. “We often win prelims at the Prairie Dirt Classic, but these major races have eluded me for some time, so winning here tonight is truly special.”

“Growing up, I dreaded coming to Fairbury because winning here is so challenging. It requires a unique driving style, and the track evolves significantly throughout the night. During the last eight laps, I felt like I was hanging on for dear life. I suspect the right rear tire was going down after hitting something during that caution, but this car is a dream to drive right now.”

Nick Hoffman, aiming for his second career victory in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, started in seventh and finished just 0.423 seconds behind Sheppard in the Tye Twarog Motorsports entry.

Hoffman moved into second place with 10 laps remaining after Clay Harris—who had advanced from 12th to second by lap 21—was slowed by lapped traffic.

“He’s the Fairbury GOAT,” Hoffman remarked about Sheppard. “There were times I felt like I could close in on him, and I was hoping we’d hit lapped traffic again after that caution. But he was simply better than me on the cushion and could really pull away on the straightaways. The key takeaway is learning for when we return for the Prairie Dirt Classic.”

Shirley, who started from pole position, was also eligible for the $1,000 Steering Buddy Darkhorse Award, presented to a first-time Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series feature winner in a full-points event.

“I think it’s honestly just about track time here,” said the defending Prairie Dirt Classic champion, who is following the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series full-time for the first time in his career. “We haven’t accumulated enough laps here yet to perfect the feel and balance. But this was a really solid finish for our team and sponsors. We need to focus on consistently finishing races before worrying about winning them. I felt like we had a chance tonight, and while we might not have been quite as good as Nick or Sheppy, being this competitive is a significant confidence boost for our team.”

Sheppard’s winning Mark Richards Racing, Rocket Chassis is powered by a Durham Racing Engine and supported by Valvoline, Seubert Calf Ranches, Ace Metal Works, Performance Grading, Petroff Towing, Franklin Enterprises, Sunoco Race Fuels, Gunter’s Honey, Stiles Marine and Maintenance, and Collins Brothers Towing.

Rounding out the top ten were Jason Feger, Josh Rice, Clay Harris, Trey Mills, and Justin Duty.