The Super DIRTcar Series kicked off their 2019 season at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, F.L. for the annual DIRTcar Nationals during Speedweeks.

With five nights scheduled of racing, mother nature only rained on the very first night, allowing for four straight days of ground pounding Big Block Modified action at the fast half-mile. 

Despite a little rain washing out night one of the DIRTcar Nationals, the Big Block Modifieds made the best of their four days in Florida and did not disappoint. A total of 39 drivers made the trek south. Four of the 39 drivers wrangled their way through a stout field to earn their very own coved gator trophy.

DIRTcar Nationals Victors

Billy Decker’s first night back in the No.91 Gypsum Express proved that he will be a strong force this season. Decker held off his teammate, Larry Wight, and Billy Pauch to run away with the 30-lap victory. 

Thursday nights race was a battle down to the very end. ‘Super’ Matt Sheppard made a two-for-one pass coming out of turn two to pick up his first win of the season over Friesen and Peter Britten.

The third round of the DIRTcar Nationals was won high up on the cushion by ‘Lightning’ Larry Wight. Once Wight overtook the lead from Sheppard, there was no looking back for the No.99L machine.

On the final night, all eyes were at the front of the pack as the leaders were swapping positions through heavy lapped traffic. Danny Johnson gave Friesen a good run for his money early on in the race. Once Friesen claimed the lead it didn’t take long for Wight to come knocking on his door. At the end, Friesen emerged on top.

Gator Championship

Heading into the final night of the DIRTcar Nationals, twelve different drivers had a fighting chance for the championship, and to go home with the prestigious big gator trophy.

‘Lightning’ Larry Wight picked up right where he left off after his prestigious victory at Oswego Speedway during Super DIRT Week and showed the boys he’ll be a strong force once again this season by bringing home the big gator from the DIRTcar Nationals.

Despite finishing second on the final night, the driver of the No.99L machine was consistent all week with four top-10 finishes and one victory.

“We really had a phenomenal week,” Wight said. “We came down and were fast right out of the trailer. We had a new addition on the crew come on, Brandon Ford, and we hit it right where we left off.”

Sheppard, who finished seventh Saturday night, finished in a close second-place in the Gator Championship point standings by just six points behind Wight. Anthony Perrego, Billy Decker, and Peter Britten rounded out the top-five in the overall standings. 

Mystery Driver

Former asphalt driver from Western Pennsylvania made himself known during the DIRTcar Nationals. The driver out of Sharpsville, PA, Will Thomas, was one of the most talked about drivers of the week.

Thomas runs weekly at Sharon Speedway, just a few miles from his home. Thomas dabbled in several different divisions after making the switch to dirt and has since stuck with the Big Block Modifieds for the past three years.

Despite his results at the end of the night, Will Thomas had heads turning during qualifying.

“When it slicks off it’s hard for me to figure it out,” he said. “Early on I can charge real hard.” 

With about 20 starts in the division, Thomas has some catching up to do against the series regulars, however, he proved that he was competitive and was able to make the mystery driver known at the DIRTcar Nationals.

Perrego and New Team Off to a Strong Start

It was only just a month ago when the 24-year-old, Anthony Perrego, announced his plans to run with Graham Racing for the Super DIRTcar Series.

Perrego and his new team made the trek south to Volusia Speedway Park to show off his new No.18 machine and put it to the test.

Even though Perrego didn’t make any of the headlines, he was there. Perrego was running up front all week, however, came a few spots shy every night.

Perrego was consistent with four top-10 finishes during the DIRTcar Nationals. He even had a chance at clinching the Gator Championship but fell two spots short.

Perrego’s DIRTcar Nationals summed up in a nutshell was ‘close but not close enough.’

Although Perrego and his new team won’t be heading north with a gator in tow, the new combination showed that their consistency will be a key strength this season on the tour.

New Platinum Drivers

Two new drivers signed the Super DIRTcar Series platinum agreement while competing at Volusia Speedway Park this past week. The Super DIRTcar Series will see two new hot-shoes getting added to the acclaimed mix this season. The St. Catherine’s, Ontario, Mat Williamson and Saratoga Springs, NY, Jack Lehner have signed on to compete fulltime against the best of the best this season.