In a thrilling conclusion to the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series season, Bobby Pierce charged from 14th starting position to capture his first career Dirt Track World Championship at Eldora Speedway, while Ricky Thornton Jr. secured his first series championship with a strategic third-place finish.

Pierce’s remarkable drive to victory in the 44th Annual General Tire Dirt Track World Championship, worth $100,000, showcased his mastery of the legendary Eldora clay. The Oakwood, Illinois native became the 28th different winner in the event’s storied history, adding another crown jewel to his impressive 2024 campaign that includes 35 victories.

“The car was awesome,” Pierce said after his 24th career Lucas Oil Series victory. “I knew I had a car that could win, and I just had to catch them guys. I had to keep hitting my lines there; there was something about it; I just kept getting better and better.”

Tim McCreadie, who dominated much of the 100-lap feature by leading 79 laps, finished second after a valiant effort that saw him overcome having to switch to a backup car following hot laps. The final margin of victory was 8.717 seconds as Pierce pulled away in the closing laps.

The night’s other big story was Thornton’s championship-clinching performance. Needing only a sixth-place finish to secure the title, the Martinsville, Indiana driver stayed steady despite a scary moment when he brushed the turn two wall. His third-place finish was more than enough to claim the $200,000 championship prize.

“It took a lot of hard work and determination,” Thornton reflected on his championship season. “My job is pretty easy getting to wheel this thing. Overall, I get all the glory, and they do all the hard work. This is definitely a big team effort by everyone at Koehler Motorsports.”

The race featured several lead changes among the front runners, with McCreadie and Jonathan Davenport trading the top spot multiple times before Pierce made his decisive move to the front on lap 84. Davenport’s championship hopes ended with mechanical issues on lap 64 while battling for the lead.

Devin Moran and Max Blair completed the top five, with Moran earning Hard Charger honors by advancing 14 positions through the field. The event drew 61 entries to the historic Eldora Speedway, showcasing the best dirt late model talent in the country.

Pierce’s victory came in his Longhorn Chassis powered by a Vic Hill Racing Engine, adding another prestigious win to his resume just a month after claiming his second career World 100 at the same venue.

The victory marked a fitting end to the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series season, which saw Thornton ($435,669), Moran ($372,455), and Davenport ($387,275) finish as the top three in championship points after a grueling campaign across America’s dirt tracks.