NEW BERLIN, Ill. — Brandon Sheppard’s plans for the 2023 dirt late model racing season are set.
Following his departure from Mark Richards’ Rocket Racing house car at the end of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Car Series, Sheppard and Scott Riggs have announced the formation of Sheppard Riggs Racing.
“Honestly, the week the press release came out to announce I was coming back home to drive was super chaotic,” said Sheppard. “The fan and family support was incredible, but at the same time I knew it was a big business opportunity because of the number of phone calls that came from inside the industry wondering if and how they could be involved. When you’ve worked with the best — guys like Mark (Richards) and Steve (Baker) and the Rocket1 team, I think people are excited to jump onboard and support knowing you have high expectations to continue to win at the highest level.”
Sheppard had discussions with various parties before finding a different kind of opportunity with Scott Riggs, who owns Riggs Motorsports.
“When Brandon announced his desire to race from home because of his family, Jason and I began talking about combining resources to give both teams a better shot at what it takes to win a national tour,” said Riggs. “I have watched Brandon Sheppard since he was 15 years old grow to become one the best dirt late model drivers in the country and we believe in his vision to build a successful racing program. Jason, Courtney, Tara and myself are all thrilled to be able to partner along-side the entire Sheppard family and we look forward to a great relationship both on and off the track.”
SRR has committed to running the No. B5 car full time in a national touring series during the 2023 season, but will wait to make the decision on which exact series until after Florida Speedweeks.
The team will field four calls in all, with Steve Sheppard Jr. (5s), Jason Riggs (81) and Jack Riggs (81j) running limited schedules.
Sheppard, a four-time World of Outlaws Late Model Series champion, finished second in the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series standings this year.
“No one wants to finish second in anything. We all work really hard to prove that we are the best, and I trust the people around me and my experience to get us back on top of the box and win these series championships,” Sheppard said. “Equally as important, we want to build a program that is just as strong off the track representing our partners through social media and activations to promote the sport of dirt late model racing.”