After years of coming painfully close, Devin Moran’s long-awaited moment has arrived.

Following back-to-back runner-up finishes, including a devastating last-lap defeat to Hudson O’Neal in 2023, Moran captured the 2025 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing National Championship, cementing his place in dirt late model history.

The 31-year-old from Dresden, Ohio, became the tenth different champion in series history and will be awarded a record-setting $250,000 at the championship awards banquet, the largest payout ever for a Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series title.

Moran entered the season finale at Eldora Speedway with a slim but meaningful 15-point advantage over defending champion Ricky Thornton Jr. The math was simple: finish ahead of Thornton in the 100-lap finale and the championship would be his.

While Moran didn’t need a win, he delivered a steady and calculated performance, finishing fourth to lock up the title. Thornton’s hopes unraveled on Lap 61 when contact sent him to pit road for repairs, costing him several laps and effectively ending the championship battle. When the dust settled, Moran claimed the championship by an 85-point margin.

“This is honestly a sigh of relief,” Moran said. “We’ve been so strong and consistent all year, especially through the playoffs. To finally get this done means everything.”

The title carried special meaning for Moran, who became the first member of his family to earn a Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series championship.

“I’ve got an unbelievable group behind me,” Moran said. “My fans, friends, family, sponsors, and this entire team — none of this happens without them. I’m extremely grateful.”

Moran also credited Double Down Motorsports team owner Roger Sellars and his family for the opportunity.

“They trusted me with this ride, and driving for Double Down Motorsports has been a dream,” Moran said. “The work this team puts in every single day is incredible. They never stop pushing, and I can’t thank them enough.”

Moran’s championship season was built on consistency and speed. He closed the year with nine victories, 23 podium finishes, and an impressive 38 top-five results, proving to be the most complete driver across the tour.

His Longhorn Chassis, powered by a Clements Racing Engine, carried sponsorship from Big River Steel, Lazydays RV, C&W Trucking, Hazen Services, BOMAG, Anthony’s Pizza, Red Oak Pub, Refuel Wellness, Pee Wee’s Wrecker Service, Car Source Auto, McHugh Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Eibach Springs, VP Fuels, Smoky Mountain Speedway, and Haulin’ Haskell’s.

The 2025 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Point Fund payouts reflected the strength of the championship field, with Moran earning $250,000, followed by Ricky Thornton Jr. ($200,000) and Jonathan Davenport ($150,000).

Moran topped the Big River Steel Chase for the Championship standings with 9,175 points and more than $353,000 in season earnings, while Thornton Jr., Jonathan Davenport, Hudson O’Neal, and Brandon Sheppard completed the top five.

With his first Lucas Oil title finally secured, Moran now joins an elite list of champions that includes Scott Bloomquist, Jimmy Owens, Jonathan Davenport, Tim McCreadie, and Hudson O’Neal.

After years of near misses and heartbreak, Devin Moran’s perseverance paid off in the biggest way possible — not with a dramatic last-lap pass, but with the consistency, patience, and resolve of a true champion.