Double Globes: What to Watch This Weekend at Eldora

By Tyson Graves

(Rossburg, Ohio) – The biggest event of our sport is undoubtedly the World 100. Last year, due to the pandemic that cancelled and postponed many events the World 100 did not happen. But Eldora Speedway has a special treat for us in 2021. Not one but two World 100 programs at the famous half-mile birthed by Earl Baltes and carried on by Tony Stewart. Fans from all over the world will either gather around the half-mile or watch from a distance on the FloRacing broadcast. One thing is for sure everyone is ready to return to Eldora.

Driver & Storylines to Follow:

BRANDON OVERTON – Last time we were at Eldora we saw a feat that may never be topped anytime soon. Brandon Overton sweep all four nights of the double Late Model Dream events. Taking home well over a quarter of a million dollars, Brandon etched a memory in our mind that will always remain. One of the major storylines we will be following this week is will be can Brandon Overton duplicate what we seen back in June? Winning the World 100 is a major feat, many things have to go right. But the chance of winning two, especially in a few days would be a spectacular feat.

KYLE LARSON – Kyle Larson has stole the spotlight in the motorsports world the past two seasons. From losing his ride in Nascar due to a racial slur during an I-Racing event to winning the Knoxville Nationals just a couple weeks ago, He definitely is the hottest driver in all of racing. Kyle has has had a dream season so far in 2021. He started off with a Chili Bowl Nationals win in Tulsa (in a midget), He has won the Kings Royal at Eldora (in a sprint car), wins the late model Crown Jewel Prairie Dirt Classic, wins the Knoxville Nationals (in a sprint car), he just wrapped up the Nascar regular season title and now he looks to add the World 100 title this week. Due to his schedule he will only be able to compete in the first program this weekend. With Kyle’s talent and his growing experience behind the wheel of a dirt late model don’t be surprised if he can make a bid to win the most prestigious late model race in the world.

JONATHAN DAVENPORT – There is no other driver who has shown as much success in the World 100 over the past 6 years. Three World 100 victories and last year the Intercontinental Classic makes Jonathan Davenport a must watch driver this week. He always finds the speed and the best line to use at Eldora. Jonathan has had a up and down year but make no mistake about it, this weekend Davenport will have his Longhorn set on kill.

BRANDON SHEPPARD – Brandon Sheppard has been the top driver in our sport over the last 5 years or so and has been eluded of the World 100 victory. He did get to Dream victory lane a couple years ago but is still longing for that globe. Mark Richards and his crew will have the Rocket 1 house car ready to go this week. Brandon has shown some consistency as of late and has some momentum heading into this week. Can Brandon Sheppard etch his name on the globe trophy or two this weekend?

DEVIN MORAN – One eye will be on the youth at Eldora this weekend, particularly those that are sons of past Eldora hero’s. Devin Moran has had some big wins in 2021 from the Bristol Nationals to just a couple weeks ago taking the $30,000 at Davenport Speedway. Devin has had some shows of speed and promise at the oval that gave his dad a million dollar payday just over 20 years ago. Does Devin have the experience and speed to etch his name on the same trophy his dad has won multiple times.

BOBBY PIERCE – Bobby Pierce is the youngest driver in history to win a globe trophy. Bobby has ran a different schedule than normal the last couple months. After making the decision to follow the Hell Tour out and win the title for the fourth time he skipped some crown jewel events that he has had success at in the past. Pierce skipped the North South 100 and Silver Dollar Nationals for the first time in years. He is a past winner at both events. This weekend he gets back in Crown Jewel action at the Big E, a place Pierce has had some shining moments over the years. One thing is certain, if the Eldora cushion is there Pierce will be a factor in the outcome or at least put on a show for the fans. Bobby will look to add a second or even third globe to his trophy case.

HUDSON O’NEAL – Another young gun we will be looking for some noise is Hudson O’Neal. Hudson has adjusted quickly with his new team of Double Down Motorsports. With consistency and wins on the Lucas Oil tour this year Hudson may have the maturity to put together 100 laps and take one of the globes this year. Speed at Eldora has always been there and the time is now for the youngster to make a serious bid for the history books.

CHRIS FERGUSON – There is not a nicer guy in the pit area than Chris Ferguson. The guy has gotten real good at Eldora over the years. Earlier this year Chris was the fastest car on the track in the closing laps of the second Dream. I think Fergy is poised for another strong run at the Big E this week. Overcoming Covid-19 in August and dealing with other obstacles including a dear friend passing away it would be an emotional win for Chris. Eldora is a place where storylines come together and what a story it would be for Chris Ferguson to hoist a globe trophy this weekend.

CHRIS MADDEN – It’s his favorite track, but Chris Madden has never got to piece together the right weekend to get that first crown jewel win at Eldora. Bad luck has always found a way to keep Chris from really challenging for a globe. But back in June Chris Madden led some laps in the middle stages of the Dream and came home runner up to Overton. Chris Madden is seasoned and ready for Eldora glory! Don’t be surprised if Madden takes home a globe this weekend.

NICK HOFFMAN – There is no one in country that can drive a modified better than Nick Hoffman. But a super late model? Well he has had a few runs behind the wheel in the past at Eldora including make the big show a few times. But when Nick arrives at Eldora this time to compete in the World 100 he will be in the best equipment he has ever had. Recently taking the seat for the legend Scott Bloomquist, Nick is starting to find his comfort level in the Team Zero car. I would not be one bit surprised if Nick can get in a rhythm and be competitive this weekend. With Scott’s knowledge and Nick’s driving ability Nick could use this opportunity to show the world he is just not a modified racer.

SCOTT BLOOMQUIST – You cannot come to Eldora and not talk about Scott Bloomquist. The multi-time Eldora winner looks to get back behind the wheel this weekend after being out the last several weeks due to issues with his leg and numbness. He feels he is ready to go and get back behind the wheel. We will be on watch to see what kind of story develops around Scott this weekend. From no green light to dominating wins Scott always makes his presence known at Eldora. Is there any Scott magic left?

DALE MCDOWELL – There is no other driver who is more consistent at Eldora than Dale McDowell. The guy is almost a lock for a top 5 finish when the gates open at the Big E. The veteran driver still has it and look forward to watching him quietly be in the mix come the end of each of these events.

SHANNON BABB – There are a handful of other drivers who have been so close to Eldora glory or been trying for years. One driver is Shannon Babb, he did win one year but fell short of weight at the scales. He has found some speed the last couple trips in the Team Zero car. Maybe Shannon can get it done this year.

There are many storylines to follow as for the first time in history we will crown two World 100 winners in the same weekend. Just the thought of that is overwhelming. One thing is certain it will be one for the record books, who will be the players in the story? We are hours away from finding out. Stay tuned in to RPM for all the news and notes from this weekend’s World100’s.

WORLD 100 ENTRY LIST