ST. LOUIS — Brandon Sheppard won the Gateway Dirt Nationals finale for the second consecutive year Saturday night inside The Dome at America’s Center.
Sheppard started the eighth annual event from the pole and chased early leader Gordy Gundaker before taking the point on lap 11.
Sheppard led the rest of the 40-lap event despite a late-race challenge from Bobby Pierce, who romped to the front of the field from 12th starting spot.
Sheppard earned $30,000 for the victory.
Pierce was within striking distance of Sheppard when he broke a driveshaft on the final lap and coasted to a second-place finish.
Ricky Thornton Jr., who won Friday’s main event, finished third, with Thursday night winner Mike Spatola and Nick Hoffman completing the top five.
It was announced that next year’s Gateway Dirt Nationals (Dec. 4-6) will pay $50,000 to win.
The finish:
Brandon Sheppard, Bobby Pierce, Ricky Thornton Jr., Mike Spatola, Nick Hoffman, Gordy Gundaker, Josh Rice, Hudson O’Neal, Kyle Hammer, Steve Sheppard Jr., Tyler Carpenter, Tanner English, Jonathan Davenport, Brandon Overton, Ryan Unzicker, Ashton Winger, Ryan Gustin, Rich Bell, Jadon Frame, Jack Riggs.
