Story By: JEREMY PETERS / DRAKE TROUTMAN RACING – HYNDMAN, PA – Despite an early exit in Saturday’s Dirt Track World Championship at Eldora Speedway, Drake Troutman capped off his first year on tour with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series by claiming the 2024 O’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Year honors.
The driver of the Wheeler Fleet Solutions / CertainTeed No. 7 RFI Resources / Shoe’s Diesel Performance / Longhorn Race Car / Jay Dickens Racing Engine Super Late Model claimed the $20,000 award over four other drivers competing in the year-long chase.
Troutman’s rookie season was highlighted by a third-place finish in the Sunoco North-South 100 at Florence Speedway (Union, Ky.) in mid-August.
“It’s been an incredible experience,” Troutman said. “We knew going into this season there would be a lot of learning to do, but I think it was a success. I just need to thank everyone who helps out and plays a role on my team. All my crew guys, my mom, and all my sponsors; this season has been a total team effort. I am looking forward to the future.”
Troutman unloaded his Shaffer Construction No. 7 machine at Eldora Speedway (Rossburg, Ohio) on Friday evening as he prepared for the final weekend on tour with the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.
Among 60 Late Models signed in for the 44th annual General Tire Dirt Track World Championship presented by ARP, Troutman laid down the 11th-fastest lap in his group before racing to a runner-up finish in his heat race behind Jordan Koehler.
With $100,000 on the line in Saturday’s finale, Drake started 10th in the 100-lap feature but unfortunately dealt with mechanical issues which relegated him to a 27th-place outing.
The finish was still good enough to secure him the 2024 Rookie of the Year award with the series.
Troutman will hop behind the wheel of the Big Frog Motorsports No. 58V Late Model this coming weekend at Whynot Motorsports Park for the 30th annual Coors Light Fall Classic. The two-day event kicks off with dual preliminary features on Friday night followed by Saturday’s $20,000-to-win finale.