DIRTRACKR Daily Podcast - Episode Transcript
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Love it or hate it, the Gateway Dirt Nationals has it's place | Daily 12-8-2024
It wouldn't be the Dome without some drama, we'll talk about all of that today, including my response to the Dome haters. We'll also talk upgrades coming to the Gateway Dirt Nationals in the future, news from Kyle Reinhardt, and other weekend results. Let's go!
It's Sunday, December 8th, I'm Justin Fiedler. This is DIRTRACKR Daily presented by Kubota Genuine Parts.
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So, Gateway huh? This event continues to produce the drama and insanity every year. And the 2024 edition, absolutely no different. Plenty of storylines that were happening anyway, including Brandon Overton's Longhorn Factory team debut, Brandon Sheppard back in a Rocket, and some big updates coming to this event for the future which we will talk about in a bit. But because of the nature of the racing, crazy stuff always happens on track and suddenly we forget all of those other stories. The racing out front in the late model feature was relatively mild, with Gordy Gundaker out front early, and then BShepp took over with a slider after a caution at lap 11. Shepp then went untouched to the end to score his second Gateway Dirt Nationals win a row and a $30,000 pay day. We were setting up for a wild finish though with Bobby Pierce charging through field from 12th, and he was going to attempt a hail mary on the last lap, but something in his car's drivertrain broke coming to the checkered, and we didn't get to see the payoff. So Sheppard winner, Pierce coasted to second, and Ricky Thornton Jr. third. Out back though, plenty of hurt feelings, including Tanner English, who was upset at Pierce for getting spun out. But things really got wild after the checkered flag between Tyler Carpenter and Steve Sheppard Jr. Carpenter got spun after half way, and according to Sheppard, Carpenter thought it was him that did the dirty work, but as Sheppard told FloRacing, it was actually Hudson O'Neal who was the guilty party. That didn't stop Carpenter though, who was upset during that caution flag, and then he spun the 5S machine of Sheppard after the race was over. Shenanigans then continued on track, and then into the pit area. Things got physical between Sheppard and some of Carpenter's guys before security and officials broke things up. Sheppard also with the interview of the night on Flo with Chris Moore, dropping that they effed around and found out. And it's this type of action and antics that keeps people coming back to the Dome every year. I've seen this race compared to professional wrestling, and demolition derbies, and there is no lack of haters for this type of show. And to be fair, if this is what dirt late model racing was all the time, I think it would turn a lot of people off. But I think this event fits perfectly into the schedule. It doesn't matter that it's crazy, and guys are destroying six figure race cars. Remember they chose to show up. This isn't a series race that you need to be at for points. Nobody is holding a gun to these guys' heads. These drivers and teams know what they are getting into when they register for the event. But there are significant benefits for running this race. The nature of the racing means it's possible for some smaller teams to have a shot, Tyler Carpenter continues to be a perfect example of that. The payouts are good, getting better, and it's a very good place to bring the merch tent and sling some shirts. I know that, especially the big guys, make serious dollars at this race with merch. If you don't like it, don't watch, mute the social media stuff for the three days. Nobody would blame you or be upset at you for doing so. But for what it is, I think this event is perfect for what it is and where it exists in the dirt late model universe.
On the modified side, Trevor Neville the big winner last night. He ended up not having to deal with Ricky Thornton Jr. down the stretch, as RTJ broke running second. Trent Young and Mike Harrison also on the night's podium. Neville was fourth in UMP modified national points this season, and finished a close second to Mike McKinney during the Modified Nationals.
Looking ahead, there are going to be changes for the 2025 edition of the Gateway Dirt Nationals. Purses are being bumped, which includes an additional $20,000 to the winner, up to $50k to win. Money is also being added down through the field, including the show being $3000 to start. Promoter Cody Sommer did say they will change the registration process next year, which will include some vetting. It won't be completely invite-only, but there will be a process for who gets in on the late model side and who doesn't. They will also manually seed the prelim nights, and not do a random draw. I think both make a lot of sense. As for safety, I think it's pretty clear that some changes need to be made to the wall and fencing. You can't have that many cars going through fences, and I'm sure Sommer will make changes for next year. With racing at the Dome complete, so is major super late model racing for 2024. There is still crate action coming up at All-Tech, but the next time we'll see a lot of these teams will be on January 4th at Vado for the Wild West Shootout opener. There is also the Ice Bowl at Talladega that same weekend.
Speaking of crates, Mark Whitener was the $20,000 winner on Saturday at Golden Isles. He overcame a flat tire, drove back through the field, and topped Jeremy Steele and Colby Quick at the end.
And at All-Tech, Brandon Grubaugh a 360 winner with the Hurricane Area Super Sprints. He topped Tyler Clem and Danny Martin Jr.
One sprint car news item for you, going back to last week. Sprint car driver Kyle Reinhardt has decided to hang up the helmet, and instead transition into the crew chief role with the Capitol Renegade 91 car. Reinhardt ran 44 races in 2024, spread across Central PA, and national tour action. He had five top fives and 15 top tens, with a best finish of second, that came at Bridgeport in November. 2023 was Reinhardt's best season, at least statistically. Three wins, including an All Star score at Fremont, and 30 top tens in 62 starts. Now though, he'll focus on the crew chief spot with a young driver set to join the 91 team. Reinhardt told Jeremy Elliott 50-60 races is likely, with a focus on Central PA. No word yet on who that driver is, but it sounds like the deal is done and an announcement is expected soon. Looking around at open seats, we still don't know what will happen with the Sides 7S, Jay Kiser in Ohio still needs someone for the 23. No word yet on plans for Bill Rose, but I would expect another Outlaw season for them. Staying on the Outlaw side, the Premier Motorsports 70 might have their situation settled, and an announcement could come there soon. Still no word yet either on rides like the TKS 2KS machine, the Eichelberger 98, and the Trone 39. The PRI Show starts on Thursday in Indianapolis, and even though a lot of the major news has already been announced, including series schedules, I think we will have some news still breaking there around the trade show.
Alright, that's the daily for today. If you need some racing in your life, it looks like the Red Bluff Outlaws are running on Fast Four. That's on the streaming schedule over at dirtrackr.com/watchtonight. Your options though are going to stay pretty scattered for the next few weeks, outside of racing in Australia. All of those Clay Per View options will show up on that daily streaming schedule as well.
Hope you guys enjoy the rest of your Sunday out there. We'll see you back here tomorrow!