8th Annual BRL Shootout Recap
23 September 2023
Bootleg Racing League | 8th Annual Shoutout | Southern National Motorsports Park | Late Model Stock
BRL’s 29th Birthday
During the live qualifying round of the highly anticipated 8th annual Stone River Shootout, the skilled driver J R Shepherd impressively secured the pole position, with James Tiernan following closely behind in second place and Matt Hoose taking the third spot. The race started off with a thrilling burst of excitement as the top three drivers quickly fell into a single-file racing pattern. However, the high energy was quickly disrupted by a quick caution on lap two. Despite this, Shepherd managed to maintain his momentum and had a great start after the restart, with Hoose attempting to pass Tiernan but ultimately settling back into the original qualifying order. As the race progressed, most of the track soon settled into single-file racing by lap 12, with all drivers trying to preserve their tires for later in the race.
By lap 32, Shepherd and Tiernan had managed to establish a comfortable lead of two seconds over the rest of the pack, with both drivers racing within two-tenths of a second of each other since the last restart. This lead between the top two extended to an impressive three seconds by lap 46, before a caution was called. The race resumed on Lap 53, with Shepherd once again taking a great start, followed closely by Tiernan and Spies retaining his third spot. Despite a big wreck on lap 61 that brought the race to a short pause, Mark Hertzog made an impressive maneuver to avoid the crash. Lap 68 went green and the top three drivers remained the same, but another chain reaction wreck caused a slowdown. The green flag was thrown again at lap 73, with Spies attempting to pass Tiernan but ultimately coming up short. An uncalled caution caused some intense mix-up of cars briefly, but the top three remained the same. A caution was flown for an unrelated incident on lap 78, and racing resumed on lap 84. However, a caution quickly came out at lap 85 with some cars fighting over real estate. Racing resumed on lap 91, with Shepherd taking the lead and Spies trying to pass Tiernan but ultimately coming up short a second time. Shepherd powered through and ran strong to take the win and his 4th Shootout win, followed by Tiernan in second place and Spies in third.
Overall, both Shepherd and Tiernan managed to dominate the race, but Shepherd proved to be the ultimate victor due to his impressive speed and skill. Although the top three remained consistent throughout the race, the rest of the field had a more dynamic race with numerous cautions and intense battles for positions. Looking ahead, the next season starts on Friday, September 29, at New Smyrna Speedway with the return of the BRL original Friday night race of the Outlaw Modified Series for Round 1 of its 33rd season.
BRL Shootout Qualifier Recap
22 September 2023
Bootleg Racing League | 8th Annual Shootout
Skitter Creek Qualifier | Southern National Motorsports Park
In an exhilarating night of racing at Southern National Motorsports Park, Stephen Spies of Gambler Motorsports emerged victorious in the Skitter Creek Qualifier, presented by the Bootleg Racing League. The evening promised high-speed drama, with Nathan Guilford starting from pole position and Spies alongside on the front row.
As the green flag waved, Guilford made an impressive start, surging ahead of Spies. However, Spies refused to be left behind, keeping Guilford within his sights and searching for opportunities to overtake.
The race took a dramatic turn just four laps in, as Guilford’s car lost traction through Turn 4, causing him to make contact with Spies before spinning into the path of the oncoming pack. This early incident brought out the caution flag and led to Guilford’s unfortunate early retirement. Spies, while sustaining minor damage, managed to continue and now found himself in the lead.
When the race resumed on Lap 16, Spies lined up alongside Adam “Shoes” Schoen at the front. Meanwhile, John Wilson executed an impressive move to snatch second place from Schoen, with Bruce Pearson closely observing the battle from fourth.
As the laps rolled on, more seasoned contenders began their ascent through the field, positioning themselves for a shot at the lead. Mark Hertzog, displaying patience and strategy, held sixth place, waiting for opportune moments to make his move.
Spies, however, was determined to maintain his lead and proceeded to build a substantial gap between himself and the pursuing duo of Schoen and Wilson.
The race, unfortunately, witnessed frequent caution periods in the second half, with drivers navigating treacherous territory, making contact, and striving to secure a top-eight finish to qualify for the prestigious 8th Annual Stone River Shootout the following night.
Throughout these restarts, Hertzog showcased his prowess by steadily advancing through the field, ultimately challenging Schoen for the second position.
In the end, Stephen Spies proved untouchable, delivering a commanding performance as he triumphantly crossed the finish line. Hertzog secured second place, while Schoen secured the final spot on the podium.
With their top-eight finishes, these drivers earned the coveted opportunity to compete in the 8th Annual Stone River Shootout, scheduled for the following night, September 23rd. This special event will see them face off against former Bootleg Racing League champions, promising another evening of intense racing action. Racing enthusiasts can catch all the excitement exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network, with the broadcast set to go live at 8:55 PM ET.
PGRL S6 W3 Recap
19 September 2023
Pretty Good Racing League | Season 6 | Week 3
Premier Series | Darlington Raceway
In the Wrong Time Watch Darlington Dash, the Pretty Good Racing League (PGRL) featured the NASCAR Craftsman Trucks in an exhilarating set of dual 60-lap races at the iconic Darlington Raceway. The first race of the night witnessed Thomas George executing a daring short pit stop strategy. Opting to take only two tires, George made a late-race surge to claim the checkered flag, showcasing his tactical prowess in tire management and race strategy.
As the night transitioned to the second race, the challenging nature of Darlington Raceway, often referred to as “Too Tough To Tame,” became increasingly evident. Tempers flared, and drivers faced the demanding track with its treacherous reputation. The new format introduced in season 6 continued to deliver intense racing, characterized by frequent caution periods that added to the drama.
In the midst of this high-stakes competition, Colton Salek demonstrated his exceptional speed and skill, ultimately securing victory and taking home the second checkered flag of the evening.
Despite the fierce battles on the track, Johnathon Caddell maintained his lead in the PGRL point standings, now holding a 29-point advantage over Ryan Zima.
Looking ahead to week 4, scheduled for September 26th, the Pretty Good Racing League will converge at Auto Club Speedway. This time, the NASCAR Gen 4 stock cars will take center stage, promising another night of thrilling racing action. Fans can catch all the excitement as it unfolds live at 8:50 PM ET, exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network.
BRL LM S23R11 Recap
16 September 2023
Bootleg Racing League | Season 23 | Round 11
Late Model Series | Five Flags Speedway
The much-awaited culmination of the Gargamel’s Kitchen Late Model Invitational Season 23 was marked by the 300th broadcast of Virtual Grip Network (VGN), and it did not disappoint. The legendary J R Shepherd clinched his 17th Late Model Season Championship with relative ease, having established a significant lead in points.
The race began with Joe Segalla and Ruben Altice in the front row, but second place quickly fell to Joseph Snyder. Further back, tight racing through the rest of the top 10 allowed for side-by-side racing. Joseph Snyder then took the lead away from Joe Segalla, with Ruben Altice following closely behind. The first and only yellow occurred on lap 11.
Green flag racing went back underway on lap 16, with Joseph Snyder and Ruben Altice leading the pack. Donny Moore and John Wilson started creeping up into the podium positions, with J R Shepherd closely behind in 4th by lap 20. J R Shepherd then passed for the 3rd spot on lap 24 and had his sights set on the leaders of Snyder and Moore. On Lap 32, Donny Moore took the lead from Joseph Snyder, bringing J R Shepherd closely behind in second. J R Shepherd then took the lead on lap 35 and retained it through the rest of the race.
The race was riveting, with several side-by-side racing moments before it eventually settled into a single-file race around lap 41. However, the intensity picked up again with an exhilarating fight for positions as tire wear became a factor, leading to J R Shepherd’s 10th triumphant victory of Season 23. John Wilson secured a commendable second position, while Lowell Jewell finished a respectable third on the podium.
Fans can look forward to the upcoming season, Season 24 Round 1, beginning at New Smyrna Speedway on September 30th at 8:55 pm ET in the Gargamel’s Kitchen Late Model Invitational, exclusively on Virtual Grip Network!
BRL SLM S22 R11 Recap
15 September 2023
Bootleg Racing League | Season 22 | Round 11
Super Late Model Series | Five Flags Speedway
In the thrilling final round of season 22 with the Bootleg Racing League Super Late Model Series at Five Flags Speedway, James Tiernan once again emerged victorious, solidifying his claim to the season championship. The race began with Donny Moore starting in the pole position, while Tiernan embarked on his quest from the 11th spot on the grid. However, the race was marred by frequent caution periods, preventing drivers from fully capitalizing on pit strategy as originally planned.
Moore adeptly controlled the lead until a pivotal caution flag waved on lap 43. During this caution, Moore decided to make his first pit stop of the night, setting the stage for the next phase of the race. On lap 59, Tiernan executed a brilliant move, slipping beneath Stephen Spies to seize the lead. Once in the front, Tiernan showcased his remarkable skill, maintaining the lead for the remainder of the night and delivering another commanding performance as he raced toward the checkered flag.
While Tiernan’s victory was certainly a highlight of the evening, the standout performance came from Lowell Jewell, representing Thunder Ridge Racing. Starting from the 19th position, Jewell quietly and steadily navigated his way through the competitive field, ultimately securing an impressive 3rd-place finish, with only Michael LeMieux finishing ahead of him after 200 intense laps of racing.
As the season concluded, it was announced that the Super Late Model Series would be transitioning back to a more traditional Bootleg Racing League format for the upcoming season. Additionally, the Friday broadcasted series will feature the Outlaw Modified Series, featuring 100 laps, no tire changes, and no fast repairs, with the SK Modifieds taking center stage on September 29th at New Smyrna Speedway. The action will go live at 8:55 PM ET, exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network.
PGRL S6 W2 Recap
12 September 2023
Pretty Good Racing League | Season 6 | Week 2
Premier Series | Atlanta Motor Speedway
In the Say No To Grip 100’s, presented by GamingGuyL, the Pretty Good Racing League thrilled fans with a showcase of Gen4 Cup Cars in two thrilling 65-lap races at Atlanta Motor Speedway. Colton Salek, racing for ERAU Esports, emerged victorious in the first race.
The first race became a masterclass in pit strategy, with most drivers attempting a 2-stop approach. Salek, however, opted to stretch his fuel window and go for a daring 1-stop race. Jeff Ward, leading the charge for the 2-stop strategy, managed to recover only to 3rd place before Salek took the checkered flag. It was a race filled with high-speed action, and remarkably, not a single caution interrupted the intense competition.
For the second race, the finishing order from the first race was inverted to set the grid. This placed Salek back in 35th position. Scott Eckrich demonstrated his prowess, claiming victory in the second race.
Race 2 proved to be considerably more chaotic than the first, with multiple cautions minimizing the impact of pit strategy. Eckrich seized the lead early in the race, taking it from Ricky Hardin on lap 40, with Jeff Ward closely following into 2nd. Ward made several attempts to wrest the lead from Eckrich but couldn’t execute the pass. Ultimately, Eckrich showcased winning speed, crossing the finish line to take the checkered flag.
In the championship standings, Johnathon Caddell maintained his lead with consistent finishes, currently sitting 19 points ahead of Ryan Zima. The excitement continues in the next round, scheduled for September 19th at Darlington Raceway, and fans can catch all the action live at 8:50 PM ET, exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network!
BRL LM S23 R10 Recap
09 September 2023
Bootleg Racing League | Season 23 | Round 10
Late Model Series | North Wilkesboro Speedway
In yet another impressive performance, J R Shepherd of Different Path Motorsports secured his ninth victory of the season at North Wilkesboro Speedway in the Bootleg Racing League Late Model Invitational Series presented by Gargamel’s Kitchen. The race night kicked off with Rubin Altice taking the pole position, while Shepherd started from the 11th position.
Bryan Dehn displayed remarkable speed early in the race, swiftly closing the gap on the leader within the first ten laps and eventually taking the lead, breaking away from the chasing pack. Meanwhile, Shepherd quietly and carefully maneuvered his way through the field, entering the top five within the initial 20 laps.
Dehn continued to command the race, maintaining a comfortable lead over Todd Liston, who occupied the second position. However, unexpected cautions disrupted Shepherd’s strategy, prompting him to accelerate his move for the lead much earlier than planned.
With 30 laps left in the race, Liston and Dehn engaged in a fierce battle for the lead, presenting Shepherd with a prime opportunity. Shepherd seized the moment, diving low and passing Dehn on the inside to claim second place. A few laps later, Shepherd completed his ascent to the front, overtaking Liston on lap 68 to secure the lead.
From that point onward, Shepherd held onto the lead and gracefully crossed the finish line, taking the checkered flag once more. His performance has earned him a commanding 80-point lead over Matt Shinoski, establishing him as the unofficial Season 23 champion.
The official coronation of Shepherd as the champion will take place after the season finale, scheduled for next week at Five Flags Speedway on September 15th. Be sure not to miss the action, as it will be broadcast live at 8:55 PM ET exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network!
BRL SLM S22 R10 Recap
08 September 2023
Bootleg Racing League | Season 22 | Round 10
Super Late Model Series | North Wilkesboro Speedway
In another impressive display of skill, James Tiernan from Elbows Up Simsport clinched victory at North Wilkesboro Speedway in the Bootleg Racing League Super Late Model Series. The evening began with John Wilson starting at the pole position and Tiernan positioned ninth on the grid.
Wilson led the pack in the opening laps, but by lap 11, Ryan Salvatore managed to overtake him for the lead. Meanwhile, Tiernan was on the move, steadily advancing through the field with aggressive maneuvers. Soon, Michael Goodman, Matt Hoose, and Tiernan occupied the second, third, and fourth positions.
The race took a dramatic turn on lap 61 when a communication breakdown among the front-runners resulted in a chaotic incident. This incident led to Goodman being forced onto pit road, causing him to lose several laps when he rejoined the race. Hoose also suffered significant front-end damage, prematurely ending his race. In the midst of this turmoil, Tiernan took control of the lead and held onto it comfortably until the finish line.
With this victory, Tiernan solidified his dominance in the Super Late Model Series, effectively securing the unofficial Season 22 championship. His lead in the points standings has become insurmountable, making him the virtual champion.
The excitement will continue in the final round of the season, slated for next Friday, September 15th, at Five Flags Speedway. Don’t miss a moment of the action, as it will be broadcast live at 8:10 PM ET exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network.
PGRL S6 W1 Recap
5 September 2023
Pretty Good Racing League | Season 6 | Week 1
Premier Series | Daytona International Speedway
The Pretty Good Racing League Premier Series kicked off its sixth season with an exciting new format featuring two short-distance races. For the inaugural race of the season, PGRL held two 40-lap races at Daytona International Speedway, delivering thrilling and unpredictable action on the track.
In the first round, Paul Pepper emerged victorious, demonstrating remarkable skill and strategy on his way to the checkered flag. Pepper started the race from 35th place in a field of 50 cars, highlighting the importance of patience and calculated moves in navigating the intense competition. However, fortune also played a role in his success, as a late-race incident involving the leaders, including Jeff Ward, Michael Chrobok, and Ricky Hardin, led to their elimination. This fortuitous turn of events allowed Pepper to make a dramatic surge from 10th place to claim victory under caution.
The second round of racing was equally chaotic and action-packed, featuring frequent cautions that eliminated the possibility of pit strategy. In this round, Ryan Zima emerged as the race winner. Zima, who had started the race from 33rd position, displayed his racing prowess by executing an aggressive maneuver to take the lead just moments before the final caution flag waved. This well-timed move secured him the victory, which was ultimately confirmed under caution.
With the first round of the season completed, Paul Pepper has established himself as the early leader in the standings, holding a 30-point advantage over Gael Brooks. Racing enthusiasts can look forward to the next round of the season, scheduled for September 12th at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The action will be broadcast live at 8:50 PM ET exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network.
BRL LM S23 R9 Recap
26 August 2023
Bootleg Racing League | Season 23 | Round 9
Late Model Series | Hickory Motor Speedway
In the Bootleg Racing League Late Model Invitational Series presented by Gargamel’s Kitchen, J R Shepherd from Different Path Motorsports once again demonstrated his prowess by claiming victory at Hickory Motor Speedway. The event commenced with Bruce Pearson securing the pole position, while Shepherd embarked on his challenge from the 9th spot on the grid.
The race was characterized by frequent caution periods, which disrupted the flow of the drivers and limited their ability to establish a consistent rhythm. The track conditions posed challenges for the competitors, particularly with loose handling cars, leading to several short green flag runs followed by more cautions.
Amidst this dynamic and unpredictable environment, Pearson and Joseph Snyder engaged in a battle for the lead, with their rivalry unfolding through restarts. However, Shepherd, operating under the radar, steadily progressed through the field, managing to climb to 3rd place within the initial 20 laps.
On lap 66, Shepherd executed a decisive maneuver by moving to the outside of Pearson, enabling him to secure the race lead. He maintained his position at the front for the remainder of the event, ultimately triumphing in a thrilling Green-White-Checkered (GWC) finish.
With this victory, Shepherd further solidified his position at the top of the championship standings, enjoying a substantial 66-point advantage over his closest competitor, Matt Shinoski. As the series progresses to its final stages, Round 10 is scheduled for September 9th at North Wilkesboro Speedway. Fans and enthusiasts can experience all the action live at 8:55PM ET exclusively on the Virtual Grip Network.
Virtual Grip Network 