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Rocket1 Returns to Racing with Pair of Podium Finishes

The Rocket1 Racing team’s return to competition amid the Covid-19 pandemic was highlighted by a pair of podium finishes over the weekend.

The World of Outlaws (WoO) Morton Buildings Late Models Series returned to racing for the first time in 77 days with a doubleheader at Minnesota’s Jackson Motorplex. Piloting the Valvoline No. 1 Seubert Calf Ranches/ Durham Racing Engines-powered Rocket Chassis, Brandon Sheppard raced to Top-3 finishes both nights.

On Friday night, Sheppard locked his spot into the $6,000-to-win A-Main with a fourth-place finish in his heat race. Starting 10th in the 30-lap affair, a slew of cautions hampered the early running.

Once the pace picked up, Sheppard made his presence known and drove to the third spot in just six laps; then moved into second on lap 9. From there, Sheppard set his sights on race-long leader, Ricky Weiss.

Sheppard closed the gap on Weiss, cutting his lead from more than 2.4 seconds down to less than one second, but he could never mount a serious charge for the top spot. Sheppard settled for second behind Weiss, with Shannon Babb, Chase Junghans, and Chris Madden completing the Top-5.

“We had a really balanced car in the feature, I mean before the top got dirty, I could really move around,” Sheppard stated. “I just messed up qualifying with the wrong line. I haven’t been up to par lately and it has cost us later in the night. I’ve been really struggling there since the pandemic, so I’ve got to do a better job of qualifying to position us better in the feature.”

Saturday’s finale painted a picture much-like Friday for Sheppard and the Rocket1 crew. A third-place finish in his heat race earned Brandon the 11th starting position on the grid for the $20,000-to-win main event.

Making his way into the Top-5 early in the 60-lapper, Sheppard was in contention throughout much of the race. A restart with six laps to go set the stage for one last ditch run at the race lead, but it wasn’t enough. Sheppard took the checkered flag in third behind winner Ricky Thornton Jr., and Ricky Weiss. Chad Simpson and Chris Madden rounded out the Top-5.

“I’m definitely disappointed we didn’t win one this weekend,” said Sheppard. “Especially considering how good my car was. I just needed to be more aggressive in the beginning. We have got to work on qualifying and win some heat races to start up front.”

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