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Poll Position: World 100 shakes up the rankings
Welcome to one of the newest DirtonDirt.com features, Poll Position, as DirtonDirt.com staffers Michael Rigsby, Todd Turner and Joshua Joiner rank the nation's top 25 Dirt Late Model racers by consensus. Future rankings will appear every Tuesday at DirtonDirt.com.
1. Jimmy Owens, Newport, Tenn.
Comment: Things got interesting late, but Owens held on at Eldora to notch his second World 100 victory. Series points: First (Lucas Oil). Last week's ranking: 1st (nc)
2. Scott Bloomquist, Mooresburg, Tenn.
Comment: Friday night’s fast qualifier at Eldora never got things going on Saturday. Series points: Second (Lucas Oil). Last week's ranking: 2nd (nc)
3. Josh Richards, Shinnston, W.Va.
Comment: Missed another opportunity at Eldora when he tangled with McDowell on lap 82. Series points: Second (World of Outlaws). Last week's ranking: 3rd (nc)
4. Darrell Lanigan, Union, Ky.
Comment: Had Owens in his sights, but couldn’t shake O’Neal long enough to make a move. Series points: Third (World of Outlaws). Last week's ranking: 5th (+1)
5. Don O'Neal, Martinsville, Ind.
Comment: Raced hard in the closing laps, but came up two spots short of an Eldora sweep. Series points: Third (Lucas Oil). Last week's ranking: 6th (+1)
6. Steve Shaver, Vienna, W.Va.
Comment: One of many drivers who “hit that hole” in turn one during the World 100 feature. Series points: None. Last week's ranking: 7th (+1)
7. Eddie Carrier Jr., Salt Rock, W.Va.
Comment: Proved he’s among the sport’s best by finishing in the top five of this year’s World and Dream features. Series points: Second (O'Reilly All Stars). Last week's ranking: 12th (+5)
8. Billy Moyer, Batesville, Ark.
Comment: Won a World 100 heat race, but was never a factor in the main event. Series points: None. Last week's ranking: 8th (nc)
9. Chris Madden, Gray Court, S.C.
Comment: Still winless at Eldora after failing to capitalize on pole start. Series points: First (Southern Nationals). Last week's ranking: 9th (nc)
10. Rick Eckert, York, Pa.
Comment: Missed the World 100 feature for first time since 2004. Series points: First (World of Outlaws). Last week's ranking: 10th (nc)
11. Shannon Babb, Moweaqua, Ill.
Comment: Still looking for Eldora victory six years after his would-be World 100 win was disqualified. Series points: First (Summernationals). Last week's ranking: 11th (nc)
12. Brian Birkhofer, Muscatine, Iowa
Comment: On sport’s biggest stage, Birky went mostly unnoticed all weekend. Series points: None. Last week's ranking: 4th (-8)
13. Scott James, Lawrenceburg, Ind.
Comment: Moved forward at Eldora, but fell out with overheating issues. Series points: Second (Summernationals). Last week's ranking: 15th (+2).
14. Jimmy Mars, Menomonie, Wis.
Comment: One of two drivers thankful for additional World 100 starting spots. Series points: None. Last week's ranking: 13th (-1)
15. Tim McCreadie, Watertown, N.Y.
Comment: Heat race winner had suspension trouble in World feature. Series points: Fourth (World of Outlaws). Last week's ranking: 16th (+1)
16. Steve Francis, Ashland, Ky.
Comment: Missed Eldora feature, continuing his disappointing season. Series points: Fourth (Lucas Oil). Last week's ranking: 14th (-2)
17. Jason Covert, York Haven, Pa.
Comment: Finished third behind Jared and Jared at Roaring Knob. Series points: First (Three State Flyers). Last week's ranking: 18th (+1)
18. Jared Landers, Batesville, Ark.
Comment: Was one of the biggest movers in the World feature, but fell out after tagging the wall late. Series points: Fifth (Lucas Oil). Last week's ranking: Not ranked.
19. Jared Hawkins, Fairmont, W.Va.
Comment: Followed up career weekend with runner-up finish at Roaring Knob. Series points: None. Last week's ranking: 19th (nc).
20. Dale McDowell, Chickamauga, Ga.
Comment: Was up front for majority of World feature, but ran into trouble late. Series points: 11th (Lucas Oil). Last week's ranking: Not ranked.
21. Brady Smith, Solon Springs, Wis.
Comment: Stayed close to home and scored runner-up finish in John Seitz Memorial. Series points: None. Last week's ranking: 22nd (+1).
22. Chad Simpson, Mount Vernon, Iowa
Comment: Skipped Eldora and took weekend off. Series points: First (Corn Belt Clash). Last week's ranking: 21st (-1).
23. John Blankenship, Williamson, W.Va.
Comment: Continued solid season with top-five World 100 finish. Series points: Eighth (Lucas Oil). Last week's ranking: Not Ranked.
24. Jeep Van Wormer, Pinconning, Mich.
Comment: Always entertaining to watch at Eldora, but still winless in major events. Series points: none. Last week's ranking: Not ranked.
25. Klint Byars, Carrollton, Miss.
Comment: Eldora rookie looked impressive until a flat tire denied a potential heat race victory. Series points: First (MSCCS). Last week's ranking: Not ranked.
DROPPED OUT: Kelly Boen, Jonathan Davenport, Robbie Blair, Shane Clanton, Austin Hubbard.
OUTSIDE LOOKING IN: Kelly Boen, Jonathan Davenport, Jon Henry, Robbie Blair, Dave Hess Jr.
