Summer Nationals Hell Tour: The Training Ground for Late Model Racing's Elite Stars
The DIRTcar Summer Nationals Hell Tour has served as a crucial proving ground for many of dirt Late Model racing's biggest stars. This grueling series, featuring 30+ races between June and July, has helped shape the careers of numerous champions.
Recent Hell Tour champions who've advanced to national prominence include:
- Ashton Winger (2023)
- Bobby Pierce (2015-2017, 2021-2022)
- Brandon Sheppard (2013)
- Brian Shirley (2012, 2018-2020)
- Dennis Erb Jr (2007-2009)
- Tyler Erb (2024)
- Nick Hoffman (Modified Nationals: 2016, 2019-2022)
Race car driver Dennis Erb Jr
Many champions emerged from the Midwest's heartland, like Brian Shirley from Chatham, IL, who has claimed 42 wins since 2002. Dennis Erb Jr. from Carpentersville, IL, dominated the late 2000s with three consecutive championships. Nick Hoffman from St. Louis became a Modified division powerhouse with five titles before age 30.
Summer Nationals Racing Champions Collage
Bobby Pierce, following in his father Bob's footsteps, started racing the Hell Tour at age 12 and went on to secure five championships and 49 wins. Brandon Sheppard used his 2013 Summer Nationals title as a springboard to become the World of Outlaws' most successful champion.
Brandon Sheppard racing at Spoon River
The tour has also attracted talent from outside the Midwest. Georgia's Ashton Winger won the 2023 title before returning to the World of Outlaws, while Texas native Tyler Erb claimed 11 wins and his first championship in 2024.
The 2025 Hell Tour begins June 10 at Brownstown Bullring in Illinois, featuring 31 races over 34 days. This intense schedule continues to attract both regional stars and national champions, maintaining its reputation as dirt racing's ultimate test of endurance and skill.