FAIRBURY, Ill. — Bobby Pierce held off a valiant charge from Brandon Sheppard to win Saturday’s Spring Shootout for the MARS Racing Series late models at Fairbury Speedway.
Pierce started on the pole and led all 60 laps but had to hold off Sheppard, who started third, during the closing laps in order to cash the $30,000 winner’s check.
The race was the fourth and final event in Illinois Speedweek.
Pierce took the checkered flag .367 seconds ahead of Sheppard, while Hudson O’Neal finished third.
Mike Marlar and Dennis Erb Jr. completed the top five.
Pierce was also the fast qualifier for the 50-car field with a 12.904-second lap.
The finish:
Bobby Pierce, Brandon Sheppard, Hudson O’Neal, Mike Marlar, Dennis Erb Jr., Ricky Thornton Jr., McKay Wenger, Frank Heckenast Jr., Spencer Hughes, Brian Shirley, Devin Moran, Tanner English, Kyle Hammer, Garrett Alberson, Jason Feger, Ashton Winger, Gordy Gundaker, Myles Moos, Tyler Erb, Chris Simpson, Shannon Babb, Stormy Scott.