Brandon Sheppard secured his first Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing national championship Sunday night, capping the 2026 season with a runner-up finish in the 46th Annual ARP Dirt Track World Championship presented by Summit Racing Equipment at West Virginia Motor Speedway.
The New Berlin, Illinois, driver earned the $250,000 Big River Steel Championship presented by ARP, finishing 55 points ahead of defending series champion Devin Moran. Sheppard's championship campaign included nine victories, 28 top five finishes and 39 top 10 finishes.
"It sounds so sweet, honestly," Sheppard said after clinching the championship. "It hasn't sunk in yet, for sure."
Sheppard carried a 45-point advantage over Moran into the season's final weekend at the Mineral Wells, West Virginia, oval. Weather delayed the program, setting up Saturday's preliminary features and Sunday's 100-lap championship finale.
Starting sixth Sunday, Sheppard worked his way into contention as the championship battle unfolded. A caution with 10 laps remaining placed Moran second and Sheppard third behind race leader Ricky Thornton Jr. Sheppard overtook Moran on lap 91 and maintained second through the checkered flag, securing the title while Thornton celebrated the race victory.
The championship rewarded the preparation and teamwork of the Shinnston, West Virginia-based Rocket1 Racing organization. Throughout the season, Sheppard credited his crew for keeping him competitive on the national tour.
"Consistency is key to winning a championship," the Rocket Chassis house car driver said after another consistent run, adding that his title is "just a testament to how good my guys are and how good this team is."
Sheppard pilots the Mark Richards-owned No. 1 Rocket Chassis, powered by Durham Racing Engines. The team's supporters include 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.
Moran finished second in the championship standings, followed by Hudson O'Neal. Thornton placed fourth with, and Brandon Overton completed the top five.
Big River Steel Championship Standings Presented by ARP:
Pos - Car # - Competitor - Hometown - Points - YTD Earnings
1 - 1 - Brandon Sheppard - New Berlin, IL - 7585 - $356,100
2 - 99 - Devin Moran - Dresden, OH - 7530 - $455,774
3 - 71 - Hudson O'Neal - Martinsville, IN - 7405 - $298,700
4 - 20RT - Ricky Thornton Jr - Chandler, AZ - 7195 - $538,325
5 - 76 - Brandon Overton - Evans, GA - 6915 - $198,975
6 - 111 - Max Blair - Centerville, PA - 6865 - $201,875
7 - 11 - Josh Rice - Crittenden, KY - 6655 - $264,575
8 - 3S - Brian Shirley - Chatham, IL - 6405 - $187,650
9 - 58 - Garrett Alberson - Las Cruces, NM - 6245 - $135,325
10 - 40B - Kyle Bronson - Brandon, FL - 6070 - $110,625
11 - 6 - Clay Harris - Jupiter, FL - 5970 - $115,175
12 - 93 - Carson Ferguson - Lincolnton, NC - 5950 - $111,625
13 - 60 - Dan Ebert - Lake Shore, MN - 5890 - $164,325
14 - 8 - Dillon McCowan - Urbana, MO - 5740 - $127,900
15 - 22 - Daniel Hilsabeck - Earlham, IA - 5140 - $73,350
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16 - 17SS - Brenden Smith - Dade City, FL - 4770 - $54,825
17 - 93L - Cory Lawler - Hanover, PA - 4470 - $34,475
*Earnings do not include points fund or other awards paid at the Championship Awards Banquet.
Previous Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champions:
2026 - Brandon Sheppard
2025 - Devin Moran
2024 - Ricky Thornton Jr.
2023 - Hudson O'Neal
2022 - Tim McCreadie
2021 - Tim McCreadie
2020 - Jimmy Owens
2019 - Jonathan Davenport
2018 - Jonathan Davenport
2017 - Josh Richards
2016 - Scott Bloomquist
2015 - Jonathan Davenport
2014 - Don O'Neal
2013 - Jimmy Owens
2012 - Jimmy Owens
2011 - Jimmy Owens
2010 - Scott Bloomquist
2009 - Scott Bloomquist
2008 - Earl Pearson Jr.
2007 - Earl Pearson Jr.
2006 - Earl Pearson Jr.
2005 - Earl Pearson Jr.