BRL LM S23 R2 Recap
08 July 2023
Bootleg Racing League | Season 23 | Round 2
Late Model Series | Myrtle Beach Speedway
In yet another display of skill and determination, J.R. Shepherd of Different Path Motorsports secured another impressive victory in the highly competitive Bootleg Racing League Late Model Invitational Series, presented by Gargamel’s Kitchen, at Myrtle Beach Speedway. Tre Blohm commenced the race from the pole position, while Shepherd embarked on his ascent through the field from the 12th starting position.
Blohm showcased his prowess in the early stages, leading the pack for the first 15 laps. However, Lowell Jewell seized the opportunity and eventually overtook Blohm to assume control of the field, with Matt Hoose hot on his heels, claiming second place. Shepherd, ever the tactician, steadily made his way through the ranks, breaking into the top 10 just 20 laps into the race.
On lap 46, Hoose saw his chance and made a daring move, diving low under Jewell to snatch the lead. Todd Liston, demonstrating his own impressive performance, surged into second place, while Matt Shinoski relentlessly closed the gap, pushing Jewell back to fourth. In an unexpected turn of events, Liston made a move to challenge Hoose for the lead, resulting in contact between the two drivers and sending them both sliding across the infield. Shinoski, poised to capitalize on the opportunity, took over the lead.
Shepherd, positioning himself for success, quickly climbed into second place, applying intense pressure on Shinoski as the race resumed. Kenny Kibbey of Nocturnal Sim Racing quietly advanced through the field, steadily making his way to third place. As the laps dwindled, Shepherd saw an opening and decisively dove low, executing a skillful maneuver to seize the lead with 30 laps remaining.
Although Kibbey fought valiantly to secure second place, he ultimately fell short in challenging Shepherd for the lead. With a display of remarkable skill and composure, Shepherd emerged from the final corner, crossing the finish line to claim the checkered flag.
With this victory, Shepherd further solidifies his position at the top of the championship standings, now holding a nine-point lead over Todd Liston. The excitement continues to build as the next round is scheduled to take place on July 15th at USA Speedway. Racing enthusiasts won’t want to miss a moment of the heart-pounding action, with all the drama unfolding live at 8:55 PM, exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network.
BRL LM S23 R1 Recap
24 June 2023
Bootleg Racing League | Season 23 | Round 1
Late Model Series | New Smyrna Speedway
In a thrilling start to Season 23 of the Bootleg Racing League Late Model Invitational Series presented by Gargamel’s Kitchen, J R Shepherd of Different Path Motorsports emerged victorious in the opening round at New Smyrna Speedway. The race was filled with intense battles, impressive overtakes, and strategic maneuvers.
Todd Liston of Indy Autosport started the race from the pole position, while Shepherd began his campaign from the 7th spot on the grid. Liston led the field for the first 44 laps, displaying strong pace and control at the front. Meanwhile, Shepherd showcased his skill by making steady progress through the pack, gradually closing the gap to Liston.
On lap 45, Shepherd made his move, overtaking Liston to claim the lead. Michael Goodman seized the opportunity and followed Shepherd through, securing the second position. Aiden Young of Gambler Motorsports, starting from 11th, quietly made his way up the field, eventually breaking into the top five. In the second half of the race, Young continued his impressive charge, climbing to third place.
Despite Young’s efforts, he was unable to surpass Goodman before the race’s conclusion. Shepherd, meanwhile, maintained his composure and held onto the lead, crossing the finish line ahead of Goodman to secure the checkered flag.
Round 2 of the Late Model Invitational Series is scheduled to take place at Myrtle Beach Speedway on July 8th. Racing enthusiasts can look forward to another exhilarating event, with all the thrilling action unfolding live at 8:55 PM ET exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network. Stay tuned as the competitors battle it out for supremacy on the track.
BRL LM S22 R11 Recap
17 June 2023
Bootleg Racing League | Season 22 | Round 11
Late Model Series | Five Flags Speedway
Photography by: Michael Goodman
Aiden Young, representing Gambler Motorsports, showcased his exceptional racing skills as he crossed the finish line to claim the checkered flag in the Season 22 finale at Five Flags Speedway. The Bootleg Racing League Late Model Invitational Series, presented by Gargamel’s Kitchen, not only provided exhilarating racing action but also served as a meaningful charity event in support of Mission 22. The race brought together a formidable field of 28 drivers, all united in their efforts to raise funds and awareness for this important cause, as organized by Jeffery Hardin.
The event kicked off with Kevin Nunn of Razor Racing leading the pack from the pole position, while Aiden Young embarked on his journey from a seemingly disadvantageous 20th starting position. Undeterred by the odds, Young wasted no time making his presence felt on the track, executing a calculated charge through the field. Within a mere 30 laps, he had already advanced an impressive ten positions, finding himself in 10th place, silently but determinedly climbing his way towards the front.
Meanwhile, Matt Shinoski emerged as an early frontrunner, skillfully maneuvering past Nunn and Mike Allen to seize control of the race at its outset. As the contest progressed into its second half, Shinoski faced mounting pressure from the trio of Michael Goodman, Donny Moore, and Adam Schoen, all vying for the coveted second-place position, poised to challenge the leader’s dominance.
However, it was Aiden Young who truly stole the show with his remarkable display of talent and strategy. Patiently and methodically, he continued his relentless pursuit of success, navigating his way through the pack with precision and determination. Lap after lap, Young meticulously carved his path towards the front, eventually finding himself in the enviable position of 2nd place by the 81st lap.
Exhibiting the tenacity of a seasoned competitor, Young wasted no time capitalizing on his hard-earned position. With a decisive move, he dove low under Shinoski, executing a breathtaking pass and wresting the lead away from the former frontrunner with a mere 15 laps remaining. From that point onward, Aiden Young was unstoppable, rapidly extending his advantage over the chasing pack as he set his sights on victory.
In a remarkable display of skill and composure, Young expertly maneuvered his car around the track, expertly managing the remaining laps to secure his well-deserved win. As he crossed the finish line, the cheers of triumph and the satisfaction of knowing that his efforts contributed to the charitable cause of Mission 22 filled the air.
While Jeffery Hardin, representing Loose Luggs, may have finished the night in a modest 9th place, his consistently strong performances throughout Season 22 earned him the ultimate reward – the championship title. With his unwavering determination and commendable sportsmanship, Hardin stood as a shining example of the values that the Bootleg Racing League embodies.
As the checkered flag fell on Season 22, anticipation for the upcoming Season 23 opener at New Smyrna Speedway on June 24th began to build. Racing enthusiasts eagerly awaited another thrilling chapter in the league’s history, knowing that they would once again witness exhilarating battles, breathtaking overtakes, and awe-inspiring displays of skill. The Virtual Grip Network would be the exclusive home for fans, ensuring they could savor every moment of the electrifying action as it unfolded, beginning at 8:55 PM ET.
BRL Mission 22 Charity Race
The Bootleg Racing League Late Model Invitation Series is known for its thrilling races and passionate community of racers. As the season 22 finale approaches, anticipation is building not just for the competition on the track, but also for the charitable cause it aims to support. Presented by Gargamel’s Kitchen and streamed on the Virtual Grip Network, this race seeks to raise donations and awareness for Mission 22, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting veterans dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other mental health challenges.
Taking place at the iconic Five Flags Speedway, a virtual racing venue that mirrors the real-life racetrack in Pensacola, Florida, the event promises an exciting evening of fierce competition and heartfelt generosity. Racers from around the world will come together on June 17th, at 8:55 PM Eastern Time, to demonstrate their driving skills and rally behind a cause that affects the lives of many brave men and women who have served their countries.
Mission 22 has been at the forefront of the fight against veteran suicide by offering comprehensive programs and services that address the complex issues surrounding mental health. Through initiatives such as counseling, treatment programs, and community outreach, the organization strives to improve the lives of veterans and their families.
With the Bootleg Racing League Late Model Invitation Series season finale being streamed on the Virtual Grip Network, fans and supporters will have the opportunity to tune in from the comfort of their homes and witness the exhilarating race unfold. By showcasing the race online, the event aims to attract a global audience, spreading the message of Mission 22 to a wider community while encouraging viewers to contribute to the cause.
Throughout the race, viewers will have the opportunity to donate directly to Mission 22, ensuring that every contribution goes directly towards supporting veterans struggling with mental health challenges. By leveraging the immense reach and accessibility of the Virtual Grip Network, the organizers hope to surpass previous fundraising efforts and make a substantial impact in the lives of those affected by PTSD.
The Bootleg Racing League Late Model Invitation Series has always exemplified the spirit of competition and camaraderie, and this charity race demonstrates the community’s commitment to giving back. As the season 22 finale draws near, mark your calendars for June 17th, 8:55 PM Eastern Time, and join the Virtual Grip Network to witness this thrilling race and contribute to the vital cause of Mission 22.
Together, let’s rev up our engines, spread awareness, and support our veterans who have selflessly served our nations. You can make a difference and help bring hope and healing to those who need it the most. Head over to https://give.mission22.com/campaign/bootleg-racing-league-charity-event/c495690 to give what you can to help the Bootleg Racing League reach their goal of $5,000 by the end of the race.
BRL LM S22 R10 Recap
10 June 2023
Bootleg Racing League | Season 22 | Round 10
Late Model Series | South Boston Speedway
Joseph Snyder, representing Rougarou Racing, celebrated his first checkered flag victory at South Boston Speedway in the Bootleg Racing League Late Model Invitational Series, presented by Gargamel’s Kitchen. Steve Hilbert started the race on the pole position, with Snyder alongside him in 2nd.
Hilbert initially maintained the lead, but on lap 21, Snyder found an opportunity on the inside line and successfully cleared Hilbert to take the lead. From there, Snyder led the remaining 79 laps of the race, steadily extending his advantage over the rest of the 18-car field to over 6 seconds. Impressively, the entire 100-lap race went green, showcasing the skill and consistency of the drivers in the league.
After securing the win, Snyder expressed his surprise, stating, “I didn’t see anybody behind me, I was just driving easy, you know, trying not to use it up in case [a caution came out], so the car felt great.” He also added, “I thought everyone disconnected, that was the craziest race.”
Jeffery Hardin had a quiet race but finished in 3rd place, further solidifying his lead in the points standings. Hardin now holds a 26-point advantage over Snyder, who moved up to 2nd place with his victory, surpassing Joe Segalla.
The season finale is scheduled to take place at Five Flags Speedway on June 18th, and fans can catch all the thrilling action live at 8:50 PM ET exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network!
BRL LM S22 R9 Recap
03 June 2023
Bootleg Racing League | Season 22 | Round 9
Late Model Series | Hickory Motor Speedway
Photograph By: Michael Goodman
Jeffery Hardin, representing Loose Luggs, emerged as the victor in the Bootleg Racing League Late Model Invitational Series presented by Gargamel’s Kitchen at Hickory Motor Speedway. The race saw John Wilson, racing for Team CDR, start from the pole position, while Hardin began the race in 7th place.
Wilson held the lead for the first six laps until Bruce Pearson managed to make a move to the inside and overtake him for the top spot. The race was marked by a high number of cautions, which provided frequent restarts and aided Pearson in maintaining his lead going into the second half of the race.
Stephen Spies and Jason Menda engaged in a side-by-side battle for 2nd place, with Hardin patiently positioned behind them in 4th, waiting for an opportunity to advance. On lap 58, Spies seized an opening and dove low to take the lead from Pearson. Menda and Hardin followed suit, advancing to 2nd and 3rd positions respectively.
Menda put pressure on Spies lap after lap and managed to take the lead on lap 78. However, his lead was short-lived as Hardin maneuvered his way past Menda, going for the top spot. Menda attempted to block Hardin in the corner but the contact resulted in Menda spinning and undoing his progress, allowing Hardin to claim the lead with 15 laps remaining.
Hardin displayed his signature patient and calculated driving style for the remainder of the race, fending off challenges from Spies and Adam Schoen. With a caution coming out on lap 97, the race concluded under yellow flag conditions, and Hardin secured the victory.
With this win, Hardin maintains his lead in the point standings, now sitting 24 points ahead of Joe Segalla with two rounds remaining in the season. The next event is scheduled to take place at South Boston Speedway on June 10th, and fans can catch all the action live at 8:50 PM ET exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network!
BRL LM S22 R8 Recap
20 May 2023
Bootleg Racing League | Season 22 | Round 8
Late Model Series | Southern National Motorsports Park
Photograph By: Michael Goodman
In the Bootleg Racing League Late Model Invitational Series presented by Gargamel’s Kitchen at Southern National Motorsports Park, Michael Goodman from 8 Ball Motorsports emerged as the winner. The race saw Aiden Young start on the pole, while Michael Goodman began in 3rd position.
Early on, an incident occurred on lap 6 in turn 2 involving multiple drivers. Although it didn’t initially bring out a caution, the unaware leaders narrowly avoided contact with cars still trying to turn themselves around on the backstretch. Unfortunately, Mike Holloway couldn’t avoid Mike Allen in the confusion, resulting in contact and bringing out the first caution of the night.
Racing resumed on lap 13 with Young still in the lead. However, Goodman utilized the outside lane to make his way around Young and took the lead on lap 15. Goodman held onto the lead during a long green flag run but faced mounting pressure from Matt Hoose, who had climbed up to 2nd place and was rapidly closing in on the lead with the race entering its final 10 laps.
On lap 92, a miscalculation from Goodman while maneuvering through lap traffic led to contact with the rear of Lowell Jewell’s car, sending Jewell around and bringing out the second caution of the night. Hoose, showing great sportsmanship, lifted off the throttle to allow Goodman to retain his position for the restart with only 3 laps remaining. Hoose commented after the race, “I didn’t want to pass him that way. It did run through my mind real quick, but I just slowed up so I didn’t get involved in anything and just let him have it.”
Before Hoose could make a final attempt for the lead, another caution emerged on lap 99 due to an incident further back in the field involving Joseph Snyder and Rubin Altice battling for 7th place. Goodman then took the checkered flag on the final lap under caution, securing his victory.
Jeffery Hardin from Loose Luggs finished in 5th place and currently leads the point standings, holding a 15-point advantage over Snyder. The next event in the series will take place at Hickory Motor Speedway on June 3rd, and fans can tune in live at 8:55 PM ET exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network to catch all the action.
BRL LM S22 R7 Recap
13 May 2023
Bootleg Racing League | Season 22 | Round 7
Late Model Series | Irwindale Speedway
Photograph By: Michael Goodman
The Bootleg Racing League Late Model Invitational Series Season 22 Round 7 presented by Gargamel’s Kitchen at Irwindale Speedway was an exciting and intense race that saw plenty of drama, close racing, and unexpected twists and turns.
Michael Goodman started the race on the pole position, with Jeffery Hardin starting in 9th, Aiden Young starting in 11th, Matt Hoose starting in 14th, and Mike Holloway starting in 15th. Chris Davis quickly moved up to 2nd, clearing ahead of Mark Hertzog on the 6th lap of the race. However, he got loose as he cleared ahead, forcing Hertzog to lift and fall back to 4th behind Jason Menda.
With passing being a tough task at Irwindale Speedway, most drivers were forced to run single file along the high line just to maintain their positions. Despite this, Aiden Young was aggressive in using the inside line to try and move forward in the field, managing to move up to 8th place.
However, the first caution of the night came out on lap 37 when Menda and Hertzog made contact as Hertzog was trying to reclaim lost positions from earlier in the night. Goodman was in control of the field as racing resumed on lap 43, with Bruce Pearson battling with Lowell Jewell over 3rd, with Jewell managing to hold onto the position.
Young saw the success Jewell had and got in behind him to clear up into 4th. By the halfway mark of the race, Goodman had stretched out his lead to over 1 second ahead of Davis.
Lap 59 saw the second caution of the night when Joe Segalla had to check up to avoid getting into the back of Stephen Spies and was hit from behind by Mike Allen, collecting Joseph Snyder in the resulting slide.
As racing resumed on lap 65, Young was up to 3rd and trying to take 2nd place away from Davis, but had to lift to avoid sliding up into him. Pearson had contact with Kurt Smith on lap 70 and slid onto pit road sideways, while further up in the field a checkup caught Mike Holloway out, sending him hard into the outside wall and flipping him onto his roof, bringing out the third caution of the night.
Goodman led the field around again to take the green flag on lap 76, with Menda quickly pushing back up through the field and battling with Hardin after recovering from his earlier incident with Hertzog. Menda aggressively slid his car up the track to overtake Davis for 2nd place.
After a failed crossover from Davis, Davis tried to slot up behind Menda, but Jewell had already filled the gap. Davis came up and brought out a caution on lap 85, pinching Jewell into the outside wall and sending Davis around, collecting several drivers in the chaos as Davis fell back to 16th.
Racing resumed on lap 91, with Menda making several attempts on the lead, but Goodman running a defensive line to block him. Another caution came out with 7 laps remaining from contact between Jeffrey Kemper and Jewell.
The green flag came back out for a 2 lap shootout to the checkered flag. Michael Goodman with 8 Ball Motorsports led every lap of the race, taking the checkered flag and earning a well-deserved victory. Menda was able to hold off Hardin, coming home with 2nd place after an amazing recovery, while Hardin finished in 3rd.
With Hardin leading in the point standings for Loose Luggs, he now sits 10 points ahead of Joseph Snyder. The next event is on May 20th at 8:55PM with the action brought to you exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network!
BRL LM S22 R6 Recap
06 May 2023
Bootleg Racing League | Season 22 | Round 6
Late Model Series | Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway
Photograph By: Michael Goodman
It was an intense night of racing in the Bootleg Racing League Late Model Series presented by Gargamel’s Kitchen at Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway. Ruben Altice led the field from the pole position with Lowell Jewell and Kurt Smith hot on his tail. Aiden Young started back in 15th, but he quickly made his way through the pack and found himself in the top 10 within the first 10 laps. However, a caution on lap 18 for a collision between Jason Menda and Jeffrey Kemper slowed the pace.
Altice continued to hold the lead after the restart, but another caution on lap 26 involving Kurt Smith and Donny Moore shook things up. On the restart, Menda made a bold move and passed Kevin Nunn and Mike Holloway to take third place. Meanwhile, Young was trying to make up for lost ground, but he lost control of his car and spun out, causing another caution.
Menda then overtook Jewell for second place and chased down Altice for the lead. He succeeded in passing Altice on lap 41, with Holloway following him into second. However, Menda’s lead was short-lived when he was caught up in a multi-car accident on lap 50. Jewell took advantage of the situation and moved into the lead, with Hoose hot on his heels.
Despite Hoose’s best efforts, Jewell maintained his lead until a caution on lap 80 for Davis spinning out. Jewell continued to lead after the restart, but Young made an aggressive move and passed Hoose for second place. Jewell held onto the lead until Young executed a daring move on the final green flag lap, overtaking Jewell and crossing the finish line under caution.
In the end, Young took the checkered flag ahead of Jewell, securing an exciting victory in a race filled with intense moments and multiple cautions. Jeffery Hardin remains in the lead of the point standings, followed closely by Joe Segalla and Donny Moore. The drivers of the Bootleg Racing League will next head to Irwindale Speedway on May 13th for another thrilling night of racing, exclusively broadcasted on the Virtual Grip Network at 8:55PM ET.
BRL LM S22 R5 Recap
29 April 2023
Bootleg Racing League | Season 22 | Round 5
Late Model Series | Lucas Oil Raceway
Photograph By: Michael Goodman
The Bootleg Racing League Late Model Series took on Lucas Oil Raceway in a thrilling race that saw several lead changes and exciting moments on track. Jeffery Hardin started in second place and quickly overtook pole sitter Steve Hilbert on the backstretch. Todd Liston followed closely in third, while Matt Hoose started the race in the 13th position.
Hoose wasted no time moving up the field, breaking into the top ten and patiently waiting for an opportunity to advance further. Hardin and Liston pulled away from the rest of the pack, with Hardin fiercely defending his lead against Liston’s persistent pressure.
As the race entered its second half, Lowell Jewell emerged as a challenger for the top positions, attempting to overtake Liston for second place. However, contact between the two drivers ended their hopes of victory and opened up the door for Adam Schoen and Hoose to move up into second and third place, respectively.
Schoen’s position was short-lived as a rare mistake sent him into the outside wall, allowing Hoose to move up to second and start chasing after Hardin. After leading for the first 66 laps, Hardin lost his lead to Hoose, who pulled away from the rest of the pack with open track ahead of him.
Michael Goodman quietly made his way up the field and secured the third position, quickly closing the gap between himself and Hoose in the final laps. However, Hoose was able to hold on to his lead, crossing the finish line just 0.108 seconds ahead of Goodman.
With Mike Holloway maintaining his lead in the points standings, the Bootleg Racing League Late Model Series heads to Nashville Fairgrounds Speedway on May 6th for the next event, exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network.
Virtual Grip Network 