Matt Sheppard didn't wait long to claim his first big check of the 2023 racing season. Fresh off his historic season in 2022, the driver known as "Super Matt" flew to victory lane in Saturday's Short Track Super Series Elite Hard Clay Open at Orange County Fair Speedway. 

Sheppard had his work cut out for him after starting the 50-lap race from the 11th position, but he quickly worked his way into top five during the first half of the race. From there, Sheppard settled into the third position behind leaders Larry Wight and Jimmy Horton. When Horton's car began to fall off the pace with 17 laps to go, it set up a two-car duel between Wight and Sheppard. 

The two drivers battled through lapped traffic for a handful of laps before Sheppard ultimately took the lead for good with 10 laps remaining and set sail to a $12,000 payday. 

Winning Quote From Orange County Fair Speedway

"For a long time I didn't think we had it. I did pretty good on the first long green flag run and got up to fifth or whatever, then we had that string of cautions and I just didn't feel like we had enough. We finally strung some green flag laps together again and I felt like I got a little bit better, little bit better." - Matt Sheppard

Short Track Super Series Orange County Fair Speedway Results

Did Not Qualify: Charles Loiodice, Richard Smith, Shane Jablonka, Josh Allen, Chad Brachmann, Mike Kolka, Kevin Root, Matt Janiak, Melvin Schrufer, Roger Henion, Jr., John Brown, Chris Stevens, Rich Eurich, Daniel Morgiewicz, Ryan Walther, Jerry Higbie, Steve Bernier, Tanner Siemons, Derek Bornt, Bob McGannon, Dylan Scribner, Joey Coppola, Shawn McPhee, Will Shields, Nick Plumstead

Short Track Super Series Elite Point Standings

Defending Short Track Super Series Elite champion Matt Sheppard jumps out to the early lead in the point standings with his win at Orange County Fair Speedway. Larry Wight sits five points back in second, with Mat Williamson, Dillon Steuer and Jack Lehner completing the current top five. 

Last Race: March 18 - Short Track Super Series at Selinsgrove Speedway

Next Race: May 9 - Short Track Super Series North Region at Accord Speedway

2023 Short Track Super Series Elite Schedule