Pierce Takes Night 1 MARS Nippy 50

Photo Credit - Brendon Bauman Photos

Bobby Pierce slid under race leader Brian Shirley on lap 24 to take the opening night win of the MARS sanctioned Nippy 50. Ricky Thornton Jr was second with pole sitter Brandon Sheppard third in the family owned XR1.2 Rocket Chassis. Brian Shirley and Garrett Alberson rounded out the top five.

44 Late Models signed into Maquoketa Speedway in Iowa. After qualifying it was Hawkeye State driver Ryan Gustin topping the charts. Heat race wins went to Brian Shirley, Jason Feger, Bobby Pierce, and Brandon Sheppard. All four winners from the state of Illinois. Chad Simpson and Dylan Thornton took B Main wins.

BShepp drew the pole for the 50 lap $10,000 to win prelim night. He would lead the first 20 laps before "Squirrel" Brian Shirley took charge.

His lead was short lived as the World of Outlaws point leader took the lead on lap 24 and didn't look back to take the win. He would admit in victory lane he thought he almost gave it away on the last lap as he hit a rut causing his car to bottom out. He had a comfortable lead and was taking it easy but maybe too easy.

Today's finale has been bumped up with hot laps to begin at 5:30 to ensure drivers and fans they get the racing before the unfavorable forecast ruins the night. You can catch the action live on FloRacing for all of the MARS races.

Nippy 50 Prelim Night

1. BOBBY PIERCE

2. Thornton Jr

3. Sheppard

4. Shirley

5. Alberson

6. English

7. Gustin

8. Jackson Jr

9. D.Thornton

10. Ebert

11. Babb

12. Erb Jr

13. Chris Simpson

14. Gardner

15. Wenger

16. Feger

17. Duty

18. Klein

19. Chad Simpson

20. Adam

21. Unzicker

22. Gundaker