Ricky Thornton Jr. triumphed in the first night of The Clash on the Wabash at Eldora Speedway, overcoming strong competition for the win.
On October 9, 2026, Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, hosted the opening night of The Clash on the Wabash, part of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. With top national dirt late model talent on track, the competition was fierce, and drivers were vying for a lucrative $10,000 winner's prize. They will return the following day for an even bigger challenge as the stakes rise to a $50,000 payday.
Main Event Highlights
The main event kicked off with Chris Madden and Garrett Alberson securing the front row positions. When the green flag waved, Madden quickly established control, while Alberson attempted to find speed on the outside. However, Alberson's early momentum came to an abrupt halt as he had to back off, falling outside the top five by the time the race settled in.
As the race unfolded, Josh Rice advanced from his position, moving past Jonathan Davenport to take over second place. With 30 laps still remaining, Rice made his bid against Madden but was unable to complete the pass, having to defend his position against Davenport's advances.
At 26 laps to go, the race saw its first caution when Chris Ferguson’s flat tire necessitated a temporary halt. The race resumed with Madden at the helm, although it was Brandon Sheppard who began to show serious speed from the second position. With 21 laps remaining, Sheppard made a bold move on the inside to steal the lead from Madden.
However, the battle for lead shifts continued. With 19 laps to go, Rice executed a daring pass on the outside, claiming second from Madden, while Ricky Thornton Jr. followed suit to take the third position, leading to an intense chase against Sheppard.
In the closing laps, Thornton Jr. rapidly closed the distance to Sheppard, capitalizing on slower traffic. With just four laps remaining, Thornton Jr. found an opening to thrust past Sheppard on the cushion, snatching the lead. The dramatic finale did not come without complications; a stalled car brought the race under caution again with three laps left, leading to a tense restart.
As the field dove back into action, Thornton Jr. skillfully defended his lead, adhering to a smart racing strategy that allowed him to maintain his advantage over the remaining field. Ultimately, Ricky Thornton Jr. crossed the finish line first, securing victory on night one of this prestigious event.
Race Results and Details
The official results from the main event on October 9 are as follows:
LOLMDS A-Main (40 Laps)
- 1. Ricky Thornton Jr. (20RT)
- 2. Brandon Sheppard (1)
- 3. Devin Moran (99)
- 4. Kyle Bronson (40B)
- 5. Hudson O'Neal (71)
- 6. Josh Rice (11)
- 7. Bobby Pierce (32)
- 8. Garrett Alberson (58)
- 9. Chris Madden (44M)
- 10. Nick Hoffman (9H)
- 11. Dale McDowell (17M)
- 12. Tyler Erb (1T)
- 13. Max Blair (111)
- 14. Garrett Smith (10)
- 15. Brian Shirley (8S)
- 16. Dillon McCowan (8)
- 17. Clay Harris (6)
- 18. Brandon Overton (76)
- 19. Daniel Hilsabeck (22)
- 20. Carson Ferguson (93F)
- 21. Dan Ebert (60)
- 22. Jonathan Davenport (49)
- 23. Boom Briggs (95)
- 24. Chris Ferguson (22F)
- 25. Brenden Smith (17SS)
Additional Insights: Practice and Qualifying
Before the main event, drivers participated in practice sessions which showcased the competitive edge of top contending drivers. Notably, Nick Hoffman topped the charts in Group A hot laps with a time of 16.061 seconds, while Garrett Alberson achieved the fastest time in Group B with 14.802 seconds. The qualifying rounds set the tone for the evening’s racing, with tight competition ensuring that every lap counted.
Drivers faced distinct challenges during heat races as well, with standout performances from Chris Madden and Ricky Thornton Jr., both securing crucial heat race victories that positioned them favorably for the main event. Heat races are particularly important in determining starting positions and can often influence a driver's approach in the main event, where strategy plays a significant role.
Looking Ahead
As the series continues into its second night, the anticipation builds for an even more competitive race. With a grander prize on the line and insights gleaned from the first night’s performances, teams will undoubtedly refine their strategies and vehicle setups. All eyes will remain on Thornton Jr., who looks to carry his momentum and secure consecutive victories.
For those looking to follow the action, more details and the latest updates can be found on the official Eldora Speedway and Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series websites.
