Hudson O’Neal’s most heart-throbbing moment Thursday at Lincoln Speedway didn’t even come during green flag competition.

Less than a half a circuit away from the checkers in round two of Illinois Speedweeks, the Martinsville, Ind., came mere feet away from clobbering a spun-around Ricky Thornton Jr., who drew the race’s final caution on the last lap.

O’Neal’s heart rate was likely higher than normal throughout the 50-lap Castrol FloRacing Night in America feature, though, as he held off a charging Brandon Sheppard down the stretch for the $23,023 victory. Sheppard, who finished 0.879 of a second behind, nearly erased O’Neal’s 2.6-second lead in the closing laps rallying around the top of the quarter-mile.

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Castrol FloRacing Night In America At Lincoln Speedway Highlights

VIDEO: Watch highlights from Castrol FloRacing Night in America at Lincoln Speedway. 

Winning Quote From Hudson O'Neal

"I didn’t know if I was going to get it (slowed) up. It was close. My butt was puckered.”

Castrol FloRacing Night In America At Lincoln Speedway Results

Castrol FloRacing Night In America Standings After Lincoln Speedway

With his win on Thursday night, Hudson O'Neal now trails series points leader Mike Marlar by just six points at the top of the championship standings. Jonathan Davenport (-9), Brandon Sheppard (-15) and Tim McCreadie (-18) complete the current top five. 

Updated Point Standings

Last Race: May 10   - Castrol FloRacing Night in America at Spoon River Speedway

Up Next: May 16 - Castrol FloRacing Night in America at Marshalltown Speedway

Castrol FloRacing Night In America Schedule