CONCORD, N.C. – From January to November, World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series competitors fought tooth and nail to earn their positions for the end of the season.
Those drivers were honored Sunday for their efforts at the year-end awards banquet.
Everyone had something to celebrate, from collecting a championship to having the best average pill draw.
The Slick Woody’s Quick Time Award is for the driver with the most Quick Times throughout the 2021 season. Both Chris Madden and Brandon Sheppard each set Quick Time six times, forcing a tiebreaker. Madden and Sheppard played one round of cornhole Saturday during the World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte to determine who would get the $3,000 prize. Madden won the game and the money to get the Slick Woody’s Quick Time Award.
The Team Drydene Blood, Sweat, and Gears Award went to the driver with the most improved best average finish on the season. Brent Larson took home the award after upping his average finish from 18.2 to 16.2.
The VP Makin’ Power Award offered up a $500 bonus to the driver who received it. This year’s award went to Dennis Erb Jr.
The Raye Vest Award winners go to drivers with the worst and best average Qualifying Pill Draw. Raye Vest was a long-time supporter of 2011 champion Rick Eckert, whose favorite part of the night was the draw. This year’s winners were Tyler Bruening had the lowest average, while Ryan Gustin had the highest.
The Engine Builder and Chassis Builder of the Year award went to the manufacturers behind Sheppard’s fourth series championship. Steve Baker from Rocket Chassis accepted the prize for both Durham Engines and Rocket Chassis.
The 2021 Crew Chief of the Year ward went to Heather Lyne, crew chief for Dennis Erb Jr. Lyne is one of the hardest working individuals in the pit area, and she’s the first woman to win this award. She was an integral part of Dennis Erb Jr.’s best season with the World of Outlaws, so far.
In addition to the award winners, the eight drivers who contested the full series schedule were honored during the awards banquet. They were headlined by Sheppard, who claimed his fourth series championship this year. His fourth title ties him with Josh Richards for most all-time. It’s also Sheppard’s third consecutive title.
The New Berlin, Ill., driver had eight wins in 2021, along with 34 top-fives and 43 top-10s. A large part of his success is the team chemistry between Sheppard, Danny White, Austin Hargrove, Joel Rogers, and Mark Richards. Sheppard’s title is also the eighth championship for car-owner Mark Richards.
Madden was recognized for finishing second in the series standings, with Tyler Bruening third, Erb fourth and Ricky Weiss fifth.