BUDDY EARNS ANOTHER TOP TEN FINISH IN NASCAR'S K&N PRO SERIES WEST FOR JPR!

August 26, 2017 - Wheeling the Jefferson Pitts Racing #27 hot rod to a sixth place finish in his first NASCAR K&N Pro Series West race of the 2017 season at Douglas Co. Speedway in Roseburg, Oregon in front of a record crowd.

Even though it was his first time ever racing on the 3/8 asphalt track, it was clear that when Buddy's name was announced for the start of the NASCAR K&N Pro Series West CLINT NEWALL TOYOTA 150 presented by NAPA AUTO PARTS race, he was by far the fan favorite of the 21 car field, in the packed grandstands at Douglas County Speedway.

With no scheduled practice on Friday night, Saturday was a very fast paced day, only two 45 minute practice sessions, group qualifying, and the 150 lap event.  Buddy took advantage of his track time, was fifth fastest at the end of practice.  Unfortunately, with one bobble in qualifying he earned P9, starting him P9 in the race.

Starting P9, he drove hard in the field of stout drivers.  With his respectful race style, maneuvering himself pass drivers on the one groove track, with the most exciting side-by-side, lap after lap racing besides a veteran driver.  Buddy taking the sixth position away from him, going on to put a whole straightaway between him and seventh place after the pass.  Clocking faster lap times than all five cars in front of him, only to run out of laps in catching and challenging the top 5.

Buddy describing this opportunity as humbling, appreciates the decision of JPR for choosing him to wheel one of their hot rods.  In choosing this opportunity, Buddy gave up the points lead in the RPM Mortgage Open Late Model Series at Madera Speedway. 

Next Race:  September 23, 2017 - Madera Speedway - Open Late Models

Race On!!!

Racing for Jefferson Pitts Racing 08/26/17 - NASCAR K&N Pro Series West - Douglas Co Spdwy - Oregon

August 24, 2017 - Buddy's heading to Oregon tomorrow to compete in NASCAR'S K&N Pro Series West CLINT NEWALL TOYOTA 150 presented by NAPA AUTO PARTS race at Douglas Co Spdwy in Roseburg Oregon! 

He will wheel the #27 hot rod for Jefferson Pitts Racing on the 3/8 mile paved oval track Saturday 8/26.  Another amazing opportunity to show his stellar racing talent with one of the most outstanding, leading teams in the series.

Watch "Near Live" scrolling updates on hometracks.nascar.com/series/KN-Pro-Series-West for updates throughout the race. 

5:15p = Qualifying

8:00p = 150 lap race

RACE ON!!!

BUDDY WINS THE $5K TO WIN RACE AT MADERA SPEEDWAY!

July 29, 2017 - Buddy drove a dominating race to win $5K at Madera Speedway, also earning another fast qualifier award!

Buddy's crew prepared and put another stellar hot rod underneath him, going on to win in dominating fashion.

Starting the race day earning himself another fast qualifier award, pulling P5 for the start of the 125 RPM Mortgage Pro Late Model Series, 5K to win race at Madera Speedway.

Buddy found himself leading on lap 3, after a handful of very strategic restarts with a stellar hot rod, and earning himself five extra points for crossing the start/finish line first at the half-way break.

At the ten minute on track half-way break, refueling and a few minor adjustments it was time to roll out and finish his day at the office.  The remaining laps saw many restarts.  The seventeen year old didn't look back, winning the BIG payday and extending his points lead in the series in the late night ending event.

Next race:  August 26, 2017 @ Douglas County Speedway, Roseburg, Oregon - NASCAR K&N Pro Series West.  Racing for Jefferson Pitts Racing!

Race On!!!

Buddy WINS his first SPEARS SRL race in Nick Sivesind/Wilson Motorsports #15 hot rod at Madera Speedway!

July 15, 2017 - Driving for the Nick Sivesind/Wilson Motorsports team, Buddy found himself in Victory Lane celebrating his first career win in the Spears Manufacturing Southwest Tour Division at Madera Speedway!

Buddy received a call from Nick two weeks before the race asking him to wheel their #15 hot rod, normally driven by Lance Wilson, who unfortunately couldn't make the race due to work. Kindly accepting the humbling offer, wheeling for the first time a VanDoorn built race car, working with a great team under the direction of Butch VanDoorn/builder and crew chief of VanDoorn Racing Development.  Butch flew to California from Michigan, and put a super sweet set up on the #15 hot rod.

Topping the board in practice on Saturday with the fastest lap time, qualifying P2 of a stellar 20 car field, with only a .043 gap off of the pole sitter, drawing P3 for the start of the "51 FIFTY Energy Drink 125".

It was a fast pace setting, a handful of cautions, one red, super hot night rounding Madera Speedway.  After dropping back to P4 on the start, Buddy would wheel the #15 hot rod back up to third.  Exciting it was, Buddy making it three wide in the middle of one/two on lap 70 battling for second.  Then three wide again on the following lap in three/four, on the apron making the pass for the lead, earning him the "FLUIDYNE High Performance Move of the Race!".

Buddy saw his last restart on lap 98, powering to the lead, and crossing over the finish line for his first ever Spears Manufaturing SRL Series win! 

He can't thank Nick, Butch, Charlie, Rob, Andy, Joel, Dick/dad, Kellie/mom, TiJera, family, fans, friends for the amazing opportunity and support.

Next Race:  July 29, 2017, Madera Speedway - Open Late Model.

RACE ON!!!

MADERA SPEEDWAY Round #4

June 17, 2017 -   Fast qualifier, and a seventh place finish for the seventeen year old Bakersfield California kid.

With the hottest day on record for the year, Buddy wheeled his #22 hot rod to earn another fast qualifier award.  Drew P9 for the start of the first 50, he methodically weaved his way through the heavy hitters in front of him until he drove himself into the lead.  Buddy crossed the finish line in the lead at the halfway break.

Buddy's stellar crew refueled his hot rod, made a few minor changes, sent him back out to lead the field after the ten minute break.

Buddy maintained his lead, had blazing restarts, was challenged a few times during the remainder of the race.  However, on the last turn, of the last lap, Buddy was leading, got dumped, spun, and was hit by three other cars which had no where to go. 

It will be a busy month on the car with numerous repairs, but planning to compete at Madera Speedway on July 29th for Round #5 of the 51 FIFTY, MAVTV televised RPM Mortgage PRO Late Model Series $5K to win!

Next Race:  July 15, 2017 Spears Southwest Tour 51 FIFTY Energy Drink 125 @ Madera Speedway.

Race On!!!

TWIN 30'S WINNER = BUDDY SHEPHERD!

June 10, 2017 - Returning for his first race at Kern County Raceway Park in 2017, Buddy wins both twin 30 lap main events!

The seventeen year old didn't disappoint his ecstatic fans when returning to KCRP for his first late model race of 2017.  Missing a handful of late model events for the 2017 late model season, accumulating funds in hopes to race his Spears Southwest Tour car a few more races than originally planned in the series.  He came hungry for WINS, and to defend his undefeated 2016 CHAMPIONSHIP season in his RaceCar Factory built, Bill Lowe powered rebuilt 604 crate motor hot rod.

Qualifying second fastest in a 15 car field, just missing fast time by a very slim margin.  Starting P3 in the first of two twin 30 lappers, moving into the lead on lap 9.  Starting P8 in the second twin 30 lapper, maneuvering his well-handling, stout, Mike Keen car chiefed hot rod into the lead on lap 10.  Crossing the finish line P1 in both Twin 30's, rewarding himself and his crew for a victory celebration in the Raymond's Trophy Victory Lane!

Thanks to my sponsors for their continuing support:  H&M MOTORSPORTS, AXALTA, FINISHMASTER, Advanced Distribution, Dragster Joe Custom DieCast, Crystal Pools, Schaeffar's Racing Oil, H&S Body Works and Towing, Ron's Rear Ends, VDL Fuel Systems, Bakersfield Muffler, Campbell Motorsports.

Next Race:  June 17, 2017 @ Madera Speedway - Pro Late Model

Race On!!!

BUDDY WINS PRO LATE MODEL SERIES ROUND #3 AT MADERA SPEEDWAY!

June 1, 2017 - Buddy wins Round #3 of the 51FIFTY ENERGY DRINK, MAVTV televised, RPM Mortgage Pro Late Model Series at Madera Speedway on Military Tribute Night!  And meets his newest fan, Sabrina!

After an amazing coast to coast racing adventure, leaving Bakersfield on Wednesday, May 24thfor K&N East practice at the Motor Mile Speedway in Virginia, returning home in the very early morning hours on Saturday, May 27th at 3am, a few hours of Zzzzz, it was time to leave Bakersfield at 8:30am for Madera Speedway.

Starting the night off with fast qualifying honors, and flirting with beating his own track record, Buddy drew P8 for the start of the 100 lap main event.  Meticulously passing his fellow racers, Buddy found himself in the lead on lap 37/100.  Maintaining his lead at the ten minute halfway break 50/100, Buddy's stellar crew made a few adjustments per the direction of Mike Keen, on his AXALTA, FINISHMASTERS, H&M MOTORSPORTS hot rod.

The remaining half of the race only saw a few yellows.  He was challenged on the restarts, but he remained focused, maintained his lead, and crossed the finish line in P1.

Who knew that he would meet his newest, biggest fan, Sabrina, that night in the Winner's Circle.  Buddy saw her at the fence on the front straightaway, cheering him on the entire race!  He was so excited to share his victory with her in Victory Lane, and presented her with his winner's trophy!

Concluding the celebration, he drove to tech, but there was a discrepancy.  Five days after crossing the finish line in P1, with much consulting with Kenny Shepherd, Dave, and the Race Committee, it was determined that what was initially believed to be a DQ in tech inspection, was reversed.  Buddy and his team have the utmost respect for their professionalism and owe them a big thank you in getting the call right.  There isn't any other track in the country that would be so thorough in verifying all the details to make the decision.

Also a big thank you to the guys who got us there in Victory Lane, and to all the sponsors who got us to the track.

Race On!!!

Next Race:  June 17, 2017 @ Madera Speedway, Pro Late Model Series.

K&N EAST PRACTICE AT VIRGINIA'S MOTOR MILE SPEEDWAY

May 26, 2017 - Buddy received a call from Teddy & Jennifer Brown/On Point Performance/NEXTGEN MOTORSPORTS for the opportunity of a lifetime to practice one of their K&N East hot rods at Motor Mile Speedway in Fairlawn, Virginia.

Everything was set in motion, flying out Wednesday from the west coast, practice at Motor Mile on Thursday, and returning on Friday.  However, due to the weather only a few days before flying out practice was postponed to Friday. 

Thursday was no loss, with an invite to drive to Lake Norman, NC to the Brown's racing facility to get fitted to the car.  With their down to earth southern hospitality, they planned an amazing heart of the country racing tour of Monster Energy Cup shops, speed shops, met with vendors we do business with, and of course Lake Norman.  And it didn't stop there...

Dinner at Lancaster's, with the Brown Family and crew, a delicious barbeque/race fan eatery, displaying hoods, pictures, memorabilia of past and present cup drivers and a bus!  Yes, a bus that you can actually eat inside, located inside of the eatery!  It was awesome..

Following dinner was a delightful evening, meeting with Jose and Art Sabates and their family at Art's home on Lake Norman.  They were so welcoming, great conversation, with encouraging words for Buddy.  Then it was back to the hotel for a little shut eye, and to practice on Friday.

Buddy didn't disappoint during the six hour practice session with the team.  He showed his west coast driving talent with impressive lap times and feedback on the car.  They were ecstatic with his driving and communication skills.  He is so appreciative to the Brown's for their hospitality and giving him this opportunity. It was definitely a great experience, and hopes to drive for them in the future.

After practice it was off to the airport to catch the flight home, arriving at LAX on Saturday morning at 12:30am!

Race On!!!

Buddy wins Race #2 at Madera Speedway!

April 29, 2017 -  Buddy drove his hot rod to another impressive $2K win at Madera Speedway!

After a super busy Friday night practice, Buddy and his team topped the qualifying board with fast time, placing himself on top of a 26 car field!  He started P9, fifth row inside, for the start of the MAVTV televised RPM Mortgage PRO Late Model Series 100 lap main event.  On lap 26 Buddy took over the lead, after several stellar restarts, a 10 minute on track half way break on lap 50 with a few minor adjustments and to refuel, it was time to head back out for the remaining 50 laps, his sights set on the WIN.

Buddy's challenge came with several restarts.  His lightening fast reflexes, state of the art RACE CAR FACTORY hot rod powered by Bill MAROPULOS RACING ENGINES, car chief MIKE KEEN, spotter BRYAN BROWN, crew chief DICK SHEPHERD, and my on track stellar team: ANDY, TJ, GARY, TONY, CORY, STEVE, MEGAN, MOM, my stellar shop team:  JOHN, BO, JOEL catapulted him to the lead each time.  End result:  CELEBRATING IN VICTORY LANE!

Kudos to my sponsors:  FINISHMASTER, AXALTA, H&M MOTORSPORTS, H&S BODY WORKS, Advanced Distribution, Dragster Joe custom DieCast, Bakersfield Muffler, Schaeffer's Racing Oil, Campbell Motorsports, Crystal Pools, Ron's Rear Ends, and VDL Fuel Systems.  And much appreciation to my family, fans, friends, and all Madera Speedway crew!

Race On!!!

Freight Train Peters powerplant is stout!

 April 22, 2017 -    Out the gate Friday night SRL-Spear's Southwest Tour Series practice was phenomenal!  Then we struggled with the car set up the remaining of the weekend. 

The most positive outcome of the race weekend was that our rebuilt Freight Train Peters Ford engine is stout!   We will continue to work with the set up and get a handle on it.

Thanks to my crew, sponsors, family, fans, and friends for your continued support.  We'll be better next time out, guaranteed!

Race On!!!

Fast Time at Madera Speedway in dedication to Ron Zajicek /Ron's Rear Ends

March 11, 2017 - Buddy and his team "came in hot" to the track with the fastest hot rod the entire weekend.  They topped the board in practice Friday night, qualified P1, pulled number eight staring position, and a shortened race by three minutes before curfew, with five laps to go, Buddy and team claimed second place honors in the 125 lap short track race.

Buddy started fourth row outside, careful maneuvering through the field, he found himself leading on lap 20!  A red flag halted the field on lap 20, Buddy's motor was getting warmer than he would like so he relinquished his lead to come into the hot pit.  His stellar crew figured out the issue, and got him back out without being down any laps before the field went green.

Restarting from the rear of the 24 car field, he once again, carefully maneuvered his hot rod through the field, claiming his lead once again by the end of the first seventy-five lap segment. When he pulled into the pits for the break, his hot rod didn't have a scratch on it proving his patience and young gentleman like racing talents.

When the race resumed for the remaining fifty laps, Buddy's hot rod proved again to be lightening fast.  He managed to get amazing restarts and again driving with patience.  There were yellows and restarts, from overaggressive driving in the field behind him.  On the very last restart of the race, the green was jumped by the second place driver, it wasn't called back, and the checkered flag flew with three minutes remaining and 5 laps to go.

He thanked his crew and sponsors for all their hard work and support.  And dedicated the night to a great man and sponsor who passed earlier in the week, Ron Zajicek/Ron's Rear Ends.

Next Race:  April 22, 2017 @ Kern County Raceway Park - Spears Southwest Tour

Race On!!! 

Buddy out-qualifies NASCAR's Kyle Busch at the Winter Showdown!

February 11, 2017 - Buddy out-qualifies one of the best of the best NASCAR drivers, Kyle Busch, at the Winter Showdown at Kern County Raceway Park for a TOP 5 starting position!

Buddy's low budget race team rewarded theirselves with a P5 qualifying position out of 45+ professional drivers from all over the country, starting him on the inside third row for the most prestigious race on the West Coast, $30K payday!  Seventeen year old Buddy sized himself up quite well against them and was happy with his well handling hot rod, crew chiefed by David Ray out of Alabama and his stellar local crew.

Holding his own and dicing it up with the drivers at the start of the 250 lap race, only for the engine to start laying down around lap 40.  Buddy's night came to an end having pulling into the garage. He was disappointed for his crew and sponsors for not being able to complete the race and himself for having to pull in early with the best handling Retro Rocket to date.  "SO many people helped me to get to this race tonight and it's disappointing that I couldn't diced it up with the drivers and race them to the end", said Buddy.

The engine will come out and be sent to diagnose and repairs be made in order to race it in the Spears Southwest Tour Series a few times this season.  Buddy and his team would race the entire season if the funding was available to do so.

Next Race:  March 11, 2017 @ Madera Speedway.

Race On!!!

Retro Rocket @ KCRP

October 29, 2016 - Buddy and his team sporting their new Retro Rocket themed hot rod (designed by Joe Castro/Dragster Joe), made their third start in the Spears SRL Southwest Tour Series at Kern County Raceway Park in The Bulwark 150.  

A good friend, DAN JAMES, surprised us with paying our teams' entry into the race weekend and a set of tires!  THANKS DAN!!!

It was a busy Friday night practice with numerous adjustments in hopes of getting his H&M MOTORSPORTS, D'ANGELOS Automotive and Industrial Coatings, AXALTA Retro Rocket hot rod competitive. 

Returning to the track the next day, race day, the team went to work making changes.  With an hour of practice before qualifying they gave it all they had to get a better handling hot rod for Buddy to pilot.

With more adjustments, Buddy hit the the track for qualifying.  He somehow managed to pull out a P12 in qualifying, with only .033 separating him from P6!  Each car was sent to qualifying impound, then to the on track autograph session for some trick or treating fun!  At which time during, one of our sponsors DRAGSTER JOE, Joe Castro, presented a personalized, hand crafted, amazing 1:32 diecast of Buddy's Championship Late Model to Steve Hughes.  THANKS JOE!

Buddy started in the P12 position for the first half of the Bulwark 150.  On lap 12 he radioed in saying he thought the motor was laying down.  He had been hit from behind just prior to the motor issue.  It was thought and discovered at the eight minute half way break that a plug wire popped off and had logged itself on the header, damaging the plug wire.

A shout out to Brandon White and his crew, for providing us with a spare plug wire, without it, it would have been the end of Buddy's race night.  AND to Buddy's team for their valiant pit stop, just in time to get him back out for the remaining half of the race.

When the checkered flag flew, Buddy's Retro Rocket team earned an eighth place finish in a challenging drive for Buddy, and an exhausting weekend for his crew.  

Next Race:  SRL Southwest Tour, November 19, 2016 @ The Las Vegas Bullring.

Race On!!!

KCRP CHAMP AND A PERFECT SEASON CLEAN SWEEP!

October 15, 2016 - After a clean sweep of the season, winning 11/11, Buddy and his crew were awarded their NASCAR Whelen All-American Late Model Series CHAMPIONSHIP crown Saturday night at Kern County Raceway Park!

The competition was stout with cars from Irwindale entering the race weekend.  However, Buddy prevailed and earned another fast qualifier award with a 18.818, and the win!

With a bullseye on his back, he started the main in the P8 position.  A slow start for the outside row, Buddy found himself dropping back positions.  With patients and focus he gathered himself and began his passing magic.  He saw that the leader had checked out, and with no yellows, Buddy had to drive a hard, mistake free race.

On lap 23 of 40 he made his way around the leader and never looked back.  He crossed the finish line in P1 and the celebration began in the Raymond's Trophy Victory Lane with crew, family, fans, sponsors.

"My stellar crew worked their butts off all year and this is for them and my mom and dad who have sacrificed so much who allow me to live my dream!"

Kudos to my STELLAR CREW:  MIKE KEEN, DICK & KELLIE SHEPHERD, JOEL ASKEW, ANDY WORLEY, TONY LAMAS,, GARY SPANGLE, DARIN GRANTHAM, JOHN WORLEY, BO BOHANNON, TOM BARTON, DEREK THORN, JOE CASTRO, BRYAN BROWN, Kylie Worley, and all their families.  Thank you TiJera and Kylie Worley for the great signs and decorated victory bottles!

My AMAZING SPONSORS:  H&M MOTORSPORTS, HALL AMBULANCE, D'ANGELO'S Automotive and Industrial Coatings, AXALTA, BAKERSFIELD MUFFLER, Advanced Distribution, Cow-Boy Bail Bonds, H&S Body Works and Towing, Crystal Pools, Ron's Rear Ends, RTS, Schaeffer's Racing Oil, Dragster Joe, Campbell Motorsports, VDL Fuel Systems, Big John, John & Susan Bentley, Dan James.

Next Race:  October 29, 2016 @ Kern Co. Raceway Park - SPEARS SRL Southwest Tour Division

Race On!!!

Fast Qualifier at Madera Speedway!

October 8, 2016 - Buddy drove his brand new, sporty fast, never hit the track until Friday nights practice, almost breaking his own track record H&M MOTORSPORTS hot rod to the top of the qualifying board, with a 14.92 on a super hot, slick race track!

Buddy's new RaceCar Factory hot rod arrived on Tuesday afternoon to the race shop.  And after his stellar team spent countless volunteer hours putting the remaining work into it, it was loaded into the race hauler Thursday night for the haul up to Madera Speedway the next morning.

Friday nights practice was amazing, bettering his time each time he hit the track, putting him P3 in all practices combined.  During practice he laid down a record breaking lap when the track cooled off, a 14.89!  The track record being a 14.90, set by Buddy in September of 2015 with his 12 year old 2015 championship hot rod!

With only one practice on Saturday morning, Buddy and his stellar team showed they were ready to go out and flirt with his own track record.  Pulling a high number for his qualifying line up, putting him out 39th of 44 cars, Buddy had to deal with hotter, slicker track conditions than most.  However, the 16 year old kid went back to his dirt roots and wheeled his new hot rod on the slick race track to top the qualifying board!

He drew P8 starting position, putting him on the outside of the fourth row for the first 75 lap session of the 125 lap, 10K to win main event.  He drove through the field into the P2 position and began battling for the lead, proving his new, stout hot rod was going to be the one to beat!  A yellow, and a restart later, Buddy found himself in the lead for a few laps.  Another yellow, Buddy radioed in that he was coming to the hot pit as he lost power.

Unfortunately, on lap forty, Buddy did not make it back out to finish the race due to a malfunctioning distributor.  Once arriving to the hot pit his stellar crew began diagnosing the problem, they found that there was power going into the distributor but no power coming out. It then began to melt and caught fire, no worries though, as soon as it caught fire, it was extinguished.  

Buddy was  bummed not only for himself, but for his stellar crew that spent all those countless hours getting him there to race, and all the fans that were overjoyed to have Buddy back racing at Madera Speedway.  And I do mean overjoyed, they gave him the loudest cheer when he was announced, fans relayed many personal messages that were ecstatic to see him back.

Next Race:  October 15, 2016 @ Kern County Park Raceway - Late Models

Race On!!!

WIN #10 FOR BUDDY AND TEAM!

September 24, 2016 - Buddy and his stellar team raced to their tenth straight victory at Kern County Raceway Park!

After earning yet another fast qualifier award for the night, Buddy and his team proved to be unstoppable, winning 10 for 10!

Starting on the second row outside of the 40 lap NASCAR Late Model main event, Buddy broke out into the lead on the first lap.  With two yellows and two outstanding restarts, Buddy drove to his tenth straight victory of the season!  Victory Lane was amazing, celebrating with his crew, family, sponsors, and fans.

His stellar CREW:  Mike, Joel, Andy, Tony, Gary, Bo, John, Joe, dad, mom and Kylie.

Thank you to his SPONSORS:  H&M MOTORSPORTS, HALL AMBULANCE, D'ANGELOS Automotive and Industrial Coatings, AXALTA, Bakersfield Muffler, Campbell Motorsports, H&S Body Works and Towing, Advanced Distribution, Cow-Boy Bail Bonds, Schaeffer's Racing Oil,  Crystal Pools, Ron's Rear Ends, Dragster Joe Custom Diecast, VDL Fuel Systems, RTS.

Next Race:  (tentative, car is being built) October 8, 2016 @ Madera Speedway, Open Late Model, 10K TO WIN!  "OR" October 15, 2016 @ Kern County Raceway Park, Late Model Division, last point race.

Race On!!!

9/9 at KCRP!

September 10, 2016 - Buddy raced to his NINTH STRAIGHT VICTORY in a row at Kern County Raceway Park!

The sixteen year old kid continued his winning season by starting out the night earning yet another fast qualifying honor.  He passed the dice roll honors to his crew member Joel, who rolled a five for the forty lap main invert.  Buddy started on the third row inside and within two laps he found himself in the lead!

There were two cautions bringing the field together.  But with lighting fast shifting restarts he was able to inch his way into the lead once again.  The last caution came on lap 36, he took the lead out of turn two and never looked back.

A celebration followed in Raymond's Trophy Victory Lane with Buddy pausing to honor the 911 victims and their families.  Even though Buddy was only a year old when the tragedy occurred, he has seen, and read of the horrific event that sad day.  He can't imagine the heartache these families have gone through.  He then thanked his crew for all of their hard work, his sponsors, and quoted " The car was really hooked up, Mike Keen really knows how to set up a race car and I can't thank him enough".  And a big THANKS to the mystery person who bought his tires for the weekend!

Next Race:  September 24, 2016 @ Kern County Raceway Park, Late Model Division.

Race On!!!

RACING TO ANOTHER GOLD!

August 20, 2016 - After earning yet another fast qualifier award for the night, Buddy and his team, along with sponsor Alan McCostlin of H&M Motorsports, celebrated their eighth win in a row in the Raymond's Trophy Victory Lane at Kern County Raceway Park!

Buddy's stellar qualifying effort gave him the roll of the dice for the 40 lap late model main invert.  Rolling a one, put him on the front row outside.  He had his work cut out for him, a drag race to turn one at the start, his competitors breathing down his neck for most of the race. Buddy kept his cool and stayed smooth and was able to pull away by the end of the 40 laps to take the checkered flag, winning his eighth race in a row!

Kudos to his crew:  Mike, Joel, Darin, Tony, Andy, Gary, Mom and Dad, John, Bo and Tom. A BIG thank you to: family, friends and fans.  A HUGE thank you to his sponsors:  H&M MOTORSPORTS, HALL AMBULANCE, D'ANGELOS Automotive and Industrial Coatings, AXALTA, Bakersfield Muffler, Advanced Distribution, Cow-Boy Bail Bonds, H&S Body Works and Towing, RTS, Crystal Pools, Ron's Rear Ends, Schaeffer's Racing Oil, John & Susan Bentley.

Next Race:  September 10, 2016 @ Kern Co. Raceway Park, Late Model Division.

Race On!!!

LUCKY #7!!!

July 23, 2016 - Win #7 for the Buddy Shepherd Racing Team!  

Buddy and his team earned their seventh win in seven straight races at Kern Co. Raceway Park Saturday night! 

It was a hot race weekend, cockpit temperatures reaching scorching highs.  Buddy's team overcame many hurdles before his H&M MOTORSPORTS, HALL AMBULANCE, D'ANGELOS, AXALTA hot rod was ready for the main event.

Before Buddy hit the track, he was once again called up to drive the two-seater and give another thrilling ride.  When it was time to line up for the main, Buddy got an amazing start from the fifth position.  Settling into third place, he discovered that his opponent had a lot more horsepower, Buddy's move had to be very strategic.

After the pass was made, Buddy set his sites on the leader.  It was a drag race for the lead, with both maneuvering around a lap car on the back straightaway.  Buddy was sucked up to the wall as he beat the leader to turn three to make a clean pass.

After Buddy took over the lead, two yellows bunched up the field.  Buddy chose the top side of the front row for each restart, holding his position coming out of turn two to regain his lead. Second place made a few good runs to take the lead away, but the 16 year old kid prevailed and crossed the finish line to much of the fans' liking.

It was a BIG Victory Lane celebration with his crew who worked hard ALL day to get him there. A HUGE shout out to his crew:  Andy, Darin, Tony, Mike, my mom and dad, John, Bo, Gary.

Next Race:  August 20,2016 @ Kern Co. Raceway Park, Late Model Division.

Race On!!!

SRL at Madera Speedway

July 16, 2016 - A podium finish was the goal, however, after a challenging two days Buddy put on an impressive eighth place finish wheeling an ill handling hot rod.

Buddy and his team worked their hearts out to give Buddy a competitive H&M MOTORSPORTS, HALL AMBULANCE, D'ANGELOS, AXALTA hot rod during the SRL Friday night practice at Madera Speedway.  A few mechanical issues robbed them of most the practice assigned for the class.  However his team was able to overcome the challenges and get him out for a session at the very end of the last practice.  

They had a lot of work to do when they returned on race day.  With only one 40 minute practice session before qualifying, they got a little closer figuring out what Buddy's hot rod needed to be a qualifying contender.  Unfortunately, Buddy's hot rod was still not handling well and ended up eleventh on his qualifying attempt.

Disappointing as qualifying was, the team decided the only way to be competitive for the 125 lap race was to pull the hot rod from qualifying impound, bring her into the pits, and get some handling in her.

Buddy started the race at the rear of the field, he had to relinquish his eleventh place starting position since they pulled the car from qualifying impound.  Buddy still unhappy with the handling, opted to come into the hot pit for some quick adjustments on the first and ONLY yellow very early in the race.  Unfortunately, too much of a good thing was a bad thing.  Starting at the rear of the field again, Buddy had to wheel an over the top loose hot rod for the remainder of the race (110+ laps!).

She was a handful, but with his dirt racing experience and his coach Charles Spangler at Crossfit661, he was able to focus and wheel his hot rod to a sweaty, but not exhausting eighth place finish.  Buddy said that was the most challenging and toughest handling car he has ever driven!

Buddy's so proud of his team, they continued to dig even though it looked dim.  Racing a limited SRL schedule, Buddy and his team look forward to competing in the next SRL race at Kern County Raceway in October and plan to make his hot rod a rocket ship!

Next Race:  July 23, 2016 @ Kern County Raceway Park, Late Model Division.

Race On!!!