3-FOR-3 AT KCRP!

May 7, 2016 - The kid raced to his third win at Kern County Raceway Park on Mother's Day Eve, but only after a very challenging day for the KCRP team.

Just when you think the weather couldn't get any crazier, a storm blew through on Friday leaving several feet of water and mud on the track surface, flooded the drive thru tunnel to the pits which left quite a mess to be cleaned up.  With the dedication of track personnel, owners and several volunteers they were able to get all classes on the track for one practice at 6:30pm.  Once practice concluded main events began, due to time restraints there was not any qualifying for any of the classes.

In the one and only practice for the day and with practice being cancelled on Friday night, Buddy and his team decided to make a short run to scuff tires for the main and a brief pit stop during to switch tires and shake down the car.

Their plan was an excellent choice as they earned their third win in three races, leading 118 laps of 120 since the 2016 season began.  It didn't come easy though...yellows brought the field back together twice, and he had a fellow competitor breathing down his neck most the race. At times you could throw a blanket over the top three cars!

A HUGE THANK YOU TO THE ENTIRE KCRP CLEAN UP CREW!

Next Race:  May 21, 2016 @ Kern Co. Raceway Park - SRL Southwest Tour.

Race On!!!

TWO WINS-IN-A-ROW AT KCRP!

April 23, 2016 - Buddy and his team made it two wins in a row at Kern County Raceway Park!

Once again, no practice on Friday night prior to Saturday's Race Day due to a crazy weather system that brought in wind kicking up so much dust that it had to be cancelled.  Buddy qualified second fastest, as luck would have it, a two was rolled for the invert.  Buddy started on the outside of the front row and led all 40 laps of the caution free main event.  Since opening night, he has led 76 of the 80 laps in the late model division! 

He celebrated in victory lane with his crew and family:  Joel Askew, Tom Barton, Andy Worley, Gary Spangle, Darin Grantham, Bo Bohanon, John Worley, Mike Keen, mom and dad for all their dedication.  And, Beau!

Buddy's sponsors:  HALL AMBULANCE, H&M MOTORSPORTS, D'ANGELOS, AXALTA, Bakersfield Muffler, H&S Body Works and Towing, Crystal Pools, Cow-Boy Bail Bonds, Advanced Distribution, RTS, Schaeffer's Racing Oil, Ron's Rear Ends, VDL Fuel Systems, Dragster Joe Custom DieCast.

Next Race:  May 7, 2016 @ Kern County Raceway Park.

Race On!!!

"VICTORY" for Buddy and his Team at KCRP!

April 16, 2016 - Buddy and his stellar team celebrated in VICTORY LANE after winning their first victory of the 2016 season at Kern County Raceway Park!

The young sixteen year old and his team had their work cut out for them as there was only one practice session scheduled on race day.  They made numerous changes during and after practice and sent Buddy out to qualify in a whole different hot rod.

Buddy put his HALL AMBULANCE, H&M MOTORSPORTS, D'ANGELOS, AXALTA hot rod on top the board, with a valiant qualifying run.  His hot rod had to go to impound until the scheduled 40 lap main event was to line up.  No changes could be made to the car, unless the driver wanted to start at the rear of the field and one lap down.  Yes, one lap down!  

Not knowing how racie his hot rod was going to be for the 40 lap feature, he held onto his weekly goal of completing all 40 laps.  With his last handful of races plaguing him of mechanical issues, flat tires, all he wanted was to finish on the lead lap.

He earned the roll of the dice as being the fastest qualifier, rolled a "1" to start the field straight up from the qualifying order. Buddy chose to start front row outside, battled side-by-side for seven laps, edged out in front only for a yellow to come out. On the restart, he again chose the front row outside and raced side-by-side for a few laps until he inched his way into the lead. Competition was stout, he never looked back and earned his first victory of 2016!

Next Race:  April 23, 2016 @ Kern Co. Raceway Park

Race On!!!

NASCAR K&N Pro Series West Race Results

April 2, 2016 - Finishing P19 in the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West NAPA Auto Parts 150 event at Kern County Raceway Park, was not the outcome Buddy had hoped for in his third K&N West career start, first for the 2016 racing season.  

Without any previous days' practice in the HALL AMBULANCE, H&M MOTORSPORTS, H&S BODY WORKS and TOWING, JPR hot rod, Buddy brought his A+ wheeling game in the two short practices on race day.  Him and his team, crew chiefed by Jason Jefferson, found the key in the last few minutes of the second/last practice session.  A few minor adjustments were made before he qualified, unfortunately not for the better, put him P12 on the board when qualifying was in the books.  The #55 hot rod went to impound until the main event.

After an amazing group of Buddy's fans joining him on the track for the autograph session, racing began with the K&N West main starting at 9pm.  Buddy has the BEST fans in the racing world, they cheered and chanted him, the loudest of ALL drivers there!  It was SO loud that the flags on the flag poles blew straight out from their pleasure.

Buddy's night was cut short though, ending his goal of bettering his best finish of third at Meridian Speedway in Idaho as an oil line detached itself from the frame, dropping onto the header and melting a hole right through it on lap 4.  Buddy thought the motor blew, the smoke entered the cockpit, his spotter told him to back it down and come into the pits.

Thinking his night was completely over in just 4 laps, the JPR team went to work, making repairs and getting him back in the race, only to be 28 laps down.  Buddy with the speed, skill and determination, passed several cars throughout the remaining laps of the race.  The down side to it all was that NASCAR would line him up at the rear of the field at the beginning of each restart because of the number of laps lost.  Buddy never gave up, he kept digging!

Buddy wants to Thank everyone who supports him through the good and bad races, never give up on your dreams, always dig!

Next Race:  April 16, 2016 - Kern County Raceway Park - Late Model

Race On!!!

Buddy pilots his H&M MOTORSPORTS, HALL AMBULANCE hot rod in the 2016 SRL WINTER SHOWDOWN

February 28, 2016 - Buddy drove his H&M MOTORSPORTS, HALL AMBULANCE, BAKERSFIELD MUFFLER hot rod across the finish line in P11 in the 250 lap SRL Winter Showdown.

After selling his gorgeous 1968 Chevy Camaro last month in January, Buddy made a trip to Theodore, Alabama and purchased his open late model ride from Dan, Linda and DJ Vanderlay Racing Team (VDL Fuel Systems) out of Theodore, Alabama.

 It was a challenging three days out at Kern County Raceway for Buddy's crew and himself as they experienced the first race in their newly purchased ride.  Their determination took Buddy from mid pack of practice times on Friday to being top 10 in Saturday's practice out of 41 cars!

When it was time for qualifying on Saturday, he qualified the fastest he's gone around the 1/2 track, placing him P20 out of 41 cars!  He then ran a 30 lap qualifier race, finishing third, placing him P18 for the start of the 250 lap SRL Winter Showdown.

Being the longest race he has ever experienced, it took three hours to run 250 laps! Buddy held his own while the field made risky moves which he dodged throughout the entire race.  At the ten minute half way break on lap 125, the team went to work changes tires, refueling, a few minor adjustments, and a clear view through his windshield.

During the course of the remaining laps, he experienced a flat, coming from a piece of metal on the track, lodging into his left rear tire.  He came into the hot pit under green, his stellar crew  replaced the tire but lost a few laps to the lead cars.

He drove his heart out until the end in a loose handling race car to finish P11.  His dirt track racing roots kept him and his hot rod on the track without incident.

A HUGE THANKS to his sponsors:  H&M MOTORSPORTS, HALL AMBULANCE and BAKERSFIELD MUFFLER.  And another HUGE THANKS for his volunteer crew:  Joel Askew, Tom Barton, Gary Spangle, Andy Worley, Darin Grantham, Dick Shepherd, Kellie Shepherd, Bo Bohannan, John Worley, Joe Castro, Mike Keen.  A special thanks to Dan James and The Johnny Ginn Family for their contributions for the race weekend.

Next Race:   March 12, 2016 - LoanMart Open Late Model 5K to Win!  Madera Speedway.  Buddy will be piloting Johnny Ginn's Open Late Model hot rod.

Race On!!!

15 Year Old Buddy Shepherd wins at KCRP!

April 11, 2015 - The young gun Buddy Shepherd and crew celebrated once again in victory lane to earn their second win of their sophomore late model year, and their first win on the fast 1/2 mile banked oval at Kern County Raceway Park! And shared the win with one of their sponsors, H & M MOTORSPORTS at victory lane. Buddy currently leads the points race at both Madera Speedway and Kern County Raceway Park!

The win didn't come easy.  First the team was trying to get an oil leak under control which plagued them throughout the entire practice on Friday night and spilled over into Saturday. Buddy's team worked hard to get him and his hot rod out for qualifying only to have a plug wire pop off while making his run.   Their determination earned them a six place qualifying run, the invert put Buddy on the pole for the start of the first 35 lap main event, however, he chose to start on the outside front row.  Note: This is the first time that lady luck has gone his way, starting him on the front row since he began his late model racing career last season at the age of 14.  Once the green flag waved for the first of two 35 lap main events scheduled, his win didn't come easy as there were two yellows in the 35 lap main event. He had an AMAZING start and jumped out into the lead, holding off all the heavy hitters behind him. Once he got his groove on, he was able to get a little breathing room between him and the second place car. The first yellow came out about two-thirds of the way through with the second making it a green, white, checkered dash to the end.  Buddy chose the outside front row for both,  he bolted into the lead with stellar restarts!  He had to be on top of the wheel since the driver starting on the inside of him was the winner of the opening race at KCRP.  Buddy crossed the finish line with a respectable win, theBuddy Shepherd Racing Team celebration was on in victory lane.  "I made sure I had a good spotter up there!".

Once Buddy's hot rod sat in tech for a bit after the celebration, his left front tire went flat.  Apparently he ran over some debris on the track towards the end of the race, evidence showed by a hole in the tire.  As all the cars were in a mandatory impound after the first main and tech, Buddy had to take his hot rod back to the pit to replace the tire.  Unfortunately ,1)  after passing tech, he was sent back to the rear of the line up for the second main for leaving impound and 2) the crew had to replace the tire with another that had multiple laps on it.  We can only run the tires that we qualified on for the entire night, no exceptions can a new tire be bolted on, per track rules.

Even with the handicap of the worn out left front tire for the entire second main,  Buddy pulled out a third place finish.  Making an awesome run on the outside at the start of the race, Buddy drove his hot rod to the front, but without any yellows there was just too much time lost to make a run at the two cars in front of him.

Buddy and his team are very stoked on their win and performance, they're looking forward to Race #2 at Madera Speedway in a few weeks.

Thanks to my sponsors:  D'ANGELOS Automotive and Industrial Coatings, AXALTA, H & M MOTORSPORTS, Cow-Boy Bail Bonds, Advanced Distribution, H & S Body Works and Towing, RTS, Crystal Pools, HONDO, Inc., Schaeffer's Racing Oil, RaceHard and Ron's Rear Ends.  Special Thanks:  John and Susan Bentley, Big John and Dan James.

Thanks to my team:  Mike, Derek, Joel, Tom, Gary, Bo, John, Andy, Joe, dad and mom.

Next Race:    April 25, 2015 @ Madera Speedway.

Race On!!!

CROWD PLEASER 3RD PLACE FINISH FOR BUDDY!

March 28, 2015 - Buddy had the crowd on their feet and cheering over the engines as he crossed the finish line!

His stellar crew worked hard all weekend finding the "sweet spot" that they all have so desired to obtain on the big track at KCRP.  Their efforts didn't disappoint.  Buddy qualified third fastest, with the fast qualifier rolling a 7 invert, lining Buddy up on the inside of row three for the start of the 75 lap main event.  The team set the #22 hot rod up for a late, hard charge around the half way point of the race. Their efforts were just what they wanted, as Buddy dropped back into the field at the beginning, cruising around the race track, regaining the positions that he lost, and hunting down the top 5 in front of him.  By this point they looked as though they were untouchable, however, never count out the 15 year old in his sophomore year driving late models, Buddy looked more like a focused veteran planning his attack.  As he drove closer and closer to the front running pack, he started picking each one off until he reached the second place car with two laps to go.  By now the crowd was at their feet cheering him on, which could be heard in the pits over all the engines zooming by.  Buddy gave it all he had taking his hot rod to its limits in an attempt to overtake the second place position.  As they crossed the finish line, Buddy was only a foot behind! The outpouring from the fans was amazing, they have all expressed how excited they are about coming back to watch Buddy compete again.  In their words, "Buddy was the show".

Next Race:     April 11, 2015 @ Kern County Raceway Park.

Race On!!!

BUDDY WINS HIS FIRST CAREER OPEN LATE MODEL RACE AT MADERA SPEEDWAY'S SHORT TRACK!

March 14, 2015 - After a long hard battle Buddy crossed the finish line to win his first career Open Late Model race on the short track at Madera Speedway Saturday night!

His team was unable to attend practice on Friday night, but proved that they were ready for the 125 lap LoanMart Open Late Model $5,000.00 to win race.  His third place qualifying efforts earned him a top 10 starting position in the feature.  He drew a two, starting him on the outside of the front row (the best starting position in his history at Madera Speedway).  Buddy motored into the lead early in the first 50 lap segment and was enjoying the ride until he was passed around lap 40.  He maintained his respectable second position when crossing the finish line.  After a few adjustments in the pits, he again started on the outside of the front row, battling again for the lead, until he relinquished it and settled into second for the remaining second 50 lap segment.  In hopes that he saved enough of his tires (a car has to race the feature on the same tires that it qualified on) for the third and final 25 lap segment, Buddy went into it knowing that it was going to be a 25 lap shootout to the finish.  His prediction didn't disappoint him.  He started again on the outside of the front row, drag racing to each corner, side-by-side action, Buddy crossing each lap in first but only be a few feet ahead of second place on each lap. Then, the car on the inside, lost his brakes and drove deeper and deeper into each corner on the inside while using Buddy up.  On lap 119 the car on the inside slid into Buddy, knocking Buddy into the wall coming out of turn four, took himself out and collecting the third place car along the way.  Buddy somehow managed to continue on and maintained the lead. Under the yellow he radioed to the crew that something wasn't quite right, did a little maneuvering to check on his hot rod and decided to continue on.  He was in a side-by-side battle for the lead on the restart then broke away with some breathing room from the second place car.  As he was motoring around the track in first place with two laps to go, a yellow flag was thrown.  The field was restarted with Buddy choosing the outside line.  His car was on just about on it's last leg, when the green was thrown and had to work extremely hard to maintain his position.  On the last turn of the last lap the second place car tried to use Buddy up by sliding into him coming out of turn four.  Buddy kept cool and crossed the finish line for the win by a slim margin!

A HUGE celebration followed in the winners circle with MANY fans, sponsors, friends, crew and family. The race will be televised on MAVTV in a few weeks.  An update will follow on this website and Buddy Shepherd facebook page.  Also, it will be posted on YouTube possibly within the next few days, search Madera Speedway March 14, 2015.

Thanks to all my continued partners:  H & M MOTORSPORTS, D'ANGELOS Automotive and Industrial Coatings, AXALTA, Cow-Boy Bail Bonds, Advanced Distribution, H & S Body Works and Towing, RTS, Crystal Pools, HONDO, Inc., Schaeffer's Racing Oil, RaceHard and Ron's Rear Ends.

Thanks to my crew at and away from the track:  Mike Keen, Derek Thorn, Travis Thorn, Brian Brown,  Joel, Tom, Gary, John, Bo, Andy, Travis, Joe, my mom and dad.

Next Race:   March 28, 2015 @ Kern County Raceway Park

Race On!!!

*** 2014 ACHIEVEMENTS *** and *** 2015 plans ***

December 2014 - Buddy was decorated with many prestigious awards at the end of his freshman Late Model racing season.  Buddy and his teams' efforts earned them the 2014 NASCAR Whelen All American Series UNOH Youth Achievement Award*, 2014 KCRP Citgo Late Model Rookie of The Year, and overall 2014 KCRP Citgo Late Model Third Place in Points honors.  Buddy is very proud of his accomplishments and for the team effort from his crew and sponsors supporting his opportunity to race each weekend. As being the youngest driver on the track in the Late Model Division at KCRP and Madera Speedway, he is more humbled for being able to live his dream.  

As he looks forward to the 2015 season piloting two Late Models, one at Madera Speedway(short track 1/3 mile oval) and the other at Kern County Raceway Park (1/2 mile paved oval) he has set many goals for himself, winning races and a Championship!  MAV.TV will be onboard Buddy's hot rod for some in car camera action, and MAV.TV will also be televising each Late Model event at Madera Speedway for your watching enjoyment.

Buddy is also excited to have his sponsors aboard for the 2015 season:  H & M MOTORSPORTS, D'ANGELOS Automotive and Industrial Coatings,  AXALTA,  Cow-Boy Bail Bonds, Advanced Distribution, H & S Body Works and Towing,  RTS,  Crystal Pools, HONDO, Inc.,  Schaeffer's Racing Oil,  RaceHard, Ron's Rear Ends.

*UNOH Youth Achievement Award:  "Daytona Beach, Fla. - As the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series returns to Daytona for its annual July date, everywhere you look in the garage is another fresh face looking to make an impact at NASCAR's top level.

This youth movement isn't restricted to the top series - It is a tidal wave moving through the NASCAR system, starting at its foundation:  The NASCAR Whelen All-American Series.

Not only are younger drivers racing, but they're winning.  And chasing championships.

This year, they have a new prize to purse:  The UNOH Youth Achievement Award.

"We wanted to implement a program in the NASCAR Whelen All American Series that recognizes the best young talent at the sport's grassroots level,'  said Steve Farmer, V.P. of corporation development at the University of Ohio.  These drivers are the future of motorsports, and we could not be more excited to reward their efforts on the track."

"With our automotive technology and high performance motorsports program, UNOH is heavily invested in providing the opportunities and resources to today's youth who want to become involved in the sport. The UNOH Youth Achievement Award, which spotlights the successes of young drivers across the short-track level, is a perfect fit."

The UNOH Youth Achievement Award is open to NASCAR drivers between the ages of 14-17 - drivers may accumulate points until their 18th birthday -  and are based on the best 14 finishes regardless of division.

Track Champions will receive a $500 cash reward and a $500 UNOH scholarship.  The national champion will receive a $10,000 UNOH scholarship and will be recognized at the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series Awards in Charlotte, North Carolina."

Next Race:  March 14, 2015 @ Madera Speedway $5,000.00 to win!  www.racemadera.com

Race On!!!

BUDDY AND HIS 22 HOT ROD LEADS 47 LAPS AT MADERA SPEEDWAY

October 18, 2014 - The $10,000.00 to win race at Madera Speedway drew 25 cars to compete in the 125 lap Short Track Shoot Out, many of them with countless laps of experience.  Buddy piloted his rocket fast hot rod to be the second fastest qualifier, just missing fast time by a gap of 0.014!  And at the same time posting a personal best qualifying effort.

Buddy drew a four, starting him on the second row outside.  The race was broken up into three segments, 50-50-25 laps.  He patiently and skillfully moved around the other cars on the outside, and took the lead on lap 23, and never looked back!  There were a few restarts within the first 50 lap segment, Buddy choosing the outside row for each of them, it is the choice of the leader to restart in the #1 or #2 position on the front row.  Although a few drivers thought it would be to their advantage to drive him up into the high groove on the restarts, the cool headed 22 wheelman drove right around them.  Buddy rocketed his blistering fast hot rod across the finish line in first place upon the completion of the first 50 lap segment.

In his interview he thanked his crew for working their butts off and his sponsors for their support.

After a short break the field lined straight up, with Buddy having the option to start on the pole or outside pole.  He chose the outside pole for the second 50 lap segment.  He once again jumped out into the lead, and with another strong finish in this segment, it would put him in a perfect position to start the last 25 lap segment.  However, loosing all power on lap 70, he pulled into the infield pits.   The crew busted tail to get him back out.  Unfortunately, they came up empty handed and had to forfeit the remaining laps for the night due to a coil in the distributor.

It was extremely heartbreaking for everyone, including the fans.  They were wanting the 15 year old wheelman from Bakersfield, California to get his first win of his young late model career at Madera Speedway.

Buddy gives a big shout out to all his Madera Speedway fans, staff and promoter, Kenny Shepherd for their professionalism, hospitality and enthusiasm!  All the help of his crew, sponsors and Mike King.

Next Race:  November 1, 2014 @ Kern Co Raceway Park, honoring Make-A-Wish.  Buddy has a surprise in store for one lucky fan!

Race On!!!

BUDDY SETS FAST TIME!!!

May 24, 2014 - More personal bests for the 14 year old kid and his team, setting fast time and finishing second in the 50 lap CITGO Lubricants Late Model Main Event at Kern County Raceway Park last night.

Once again Buddy topped the leader board in all practice sessions friday and saturday.  He then backed it up with earning a very respectful fast qualifying time of 18.848 (Buddy is Car No. 02 on the leader board, picture to left).  Buddy rolled a 5 invert which put him in the inside third row for the 50 lap Main Event, no Trophy Dash was scheduled for the night.  When the green flag flew he motored into third and on the tail of second place.  A few yellows later, and bad restarts from the car in front of him, he got shuffled back into the field and came across the finish line in fifth. HOWEVER, in post race tech, the top three cars were disqualified and Buddy was awarded second place for all his efforts.  "My hot rod was a bit too loose tonight, but over the top proud of my team, they worked hard and we had some amazing moments throughout the weekend", the kid said of their stellar weekend.

Buddy will be traveling to Madera, California on May 31st.  He digs this 1/3 mile race track and threw down some awesome practice laps earlier in the season there.  Madera Speedway is no stranger to him, he raced his legend car there several times and had awesome results.

Upcoming races:  May 31st @ Madera Speedway, June 14th @ Kern County Raceway Park

Race On!!!