Brandon Sheppard to step away from Rocket Chassis house car

Sheppard issues a note explaining his decision

On Friday, Brandon Sheppard announced that he’ll be stepping away from the Rocket1 Racing team at the end of the 2022 season. The car is the Rocket Chassis house car fielded by Mark Richards.

The team has claimed the World of Outlaws Late Model Series title in 2017, 2018, and 2020. Until 2022, the team chased points on World of Outlaws Late Model Series tour.

For the 2022 season, the team made the jump to the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. Currently, Sheppard sits 2nd in the standings to Tim McCreadie.

At the end of this season, Sheppard will return to his hometown of New Berlin, Illinois. He’ll pilot his family-owned B5 full-time.

Brandon Sheppard issues a statement

Brandon Sheppard wins at East Bay Raceway Park - Lucas Series 4495
Brandon Sheppard wins at East Bay Raceway Park – Lucas Series 4495

“I guess like they say, ‘All good things must come to an end.’ This past week, I notified Mark Richards and Steve Baker that I will be leaving Rocket1 Racing at the end of this season with the Dirt Track World Championship being our final race together,” Sheppard opened in the statement.

“While it’s certainly not been an easy decision to make, I know that it’s the right decision to make for me and my family of which they will always come first.”

“With everything we’ve accomplished in the last 6 years, there’s no way I could ever express how appreciative I am for the opportunity that Mark Richards has given me. I say all the time that while Dad and Grandpa taught me how to win, Mark Richards taught me how to be a Champion.”

“But, those Championships could not have happened without a great team behind me. The wins, crown jewels and titles definitely don’t happen without the great workd from Dan, Austin, Joel, Dylan and everyone back at Rocket Chassis who gave me a chance to win night in and night out. You guys will always be family to us and it was an honor to race the Valvoline Rocket1 with you all across the nation.”

2023 plans

“As for my future plans in 2023, I will be back driving the B5 full-time based out of our home shop in New Berlin where I can try to find a new balance as an Owner, Driver, Dad and Husband.”

“This dirt racing world is a humbling one for sure and while I’m excited to take the B5 back on the road next year, this Rocket1 ride isn’t done quite yet.”

Sheppard concluded, “So cheers fellas. Thank you for a storybook ride. Let’s finish strong.”

Links

Rocket 1 Racing | Rocket Chassis | Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series | World of Outlaws Late Model Series

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