Ricky Thornton Jr. led wire-to-wire to claim Friday night's Wieland Winter Nationals at Ocala Speedway, earning $12,000 for his 45th career Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series victory.

Thornton took the lead from Devin Moran on lap one and never looked back, crossing the finish line 2.503 seconds ahead of Hudson O'Neal, who claimed second place on lap 17. Moran finished third, followed by Bobby Pierce in fourth and Jonathan Davenport in fifth.

The defending series champion dominated in his Longhorn Chassis powered by Clements Racing Engine, marking his third series win of 2025 and fourth career victory at Ocala. Brian Shirley's hopes for his first career series win ended with a flat right rear tire on lap 16 while running second.

"I felt like we had a great pace going, and this Longhorn/Bilstein car is really showing how good it is," Thornton said in Victory Lane. "We're picking up right where we left off last year."

O'Neal secured his best tour finish of the year, while Moran continued his consistent season performance. Kyle Bronson, Drake Troutman, Daulton Wilson, Brandon Sheppard, and Max Blair completed the top ten.

Key Race Stats:

• Winner: Ricky Thornton Jr.
• Margin of Victory: 2.503 seconds
• Led all 50 laps
• Time of Race: 24:07
• Total Entrants: 43
• Cautions: 4
• Fast Time: Ricky Thornton Jr. (14.181 seconds)

The winner's car was sponsored by Ultimate Towing and Recovery, Hoker Trucking, Coltman Farms Racing, Elite Ready Mix, Capital Waste, Bilstein Shocks, Sunoco Race Fuels, EMD Wraps, and Certified Inspection Services.

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