Shirley Beats the Heat at Highland

Photo Credit - Mike Ruefer Photo

Brian Shirley took the lead from Tyler Bruening just before the halfway mark to win the first ever visit for the World of Outlaws to the World Famous Highland Speedway. Bobby Pierce and Bruening would round the podium with Sheppard and Dillard filling out the top 5.

33 cars and a Highland Speedway record crowd were on hand to battle on the tiny Illinois bullring. Cade Dillard took fast time honors. Heat winners were Dennis Erb Jr , who unveiled he's switched to a Barry Wright for the remainder of the year , Sheppard , Bruening , and Shirley. B Main wins went to Babb and Chamberlain.

Tyler Bruening would blast out to the early race lead from his outside front row starting spot. He appeared to be well on his way to getting that elusive first series win until Shirley took over after a lap 19 restart.

Pierce , from his 7th starting spot , would pass Bruening for 2nd but never really challenged for the win. He would close in on the leader when Shirley was held up in slower traffic but once Shirley cleared it he stretched out to a comfortable lead.

Shirley has hit some confidence and consistently lately as he currently sits 7th in the season standings. He would say in victory lane he's not 100% where he needs to be in the features like Pierce but getting better.

Point leader Sheppard heads into tonight's race at Spoon River with more of a point cushion over Hoffman as Nick struggled all night and finished 14th in the A Main. Hoffman has several wins at Spoon River in a modified and hopes he can use his track experience for a better night tonight.

Beat the Heat 40

1. BRIAN SHIRLEY

2. Pierce

3. Bruening

4. Sheppard

5. Dillard

6. Gustin

7. Klein

8. Bronson

9. Feger

10. Erb Jr

11. Babb

12. Sorensen

13. Overton

14. Hoffman

15. Larson

16. Chamberlain

17. Zobrist

18. Suhre

19. Bailey

20. McLaughlin

21. Rehg

22. Gundaker

23. Harrison

24. Melvin

25. Stuckey