Clay Harris Pushes Hard for Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Win at All-Tech

Unheralded driver makes bold move for the lead but crashes into the wall in closing laps.

Mar. 1, 2026 at 3:31pm

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Clay Harris, a 25-year-old Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series regular from Jupiter, Florida, was running second and closing in on leader Brandon Sheppard in the closing laps of Thursday's $10,000-to-win feature at All-Tech Raceway. Determined not to settle for a podium finish, Harris made a risky move to the high side of the track in a last-ditch effort to catch Sheppard, but he ended up hitting the wall and damaging his car, finishing 22nd.

Why it matters

Harris' aggressive move highlights the competitive nature of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, where drivers are willing to take big risks to secure a win, even on the opening night of the season. The incident also showcases the challenging nature of the All-Tech Raceway, which has a reputation for being a demanding and unforgiving track.

The details

On lap 30, Harris entered turn one along the half-mile track's treacherous top side in an attempt to catch Sheppard for the lead. However, he missed his mark slightly, causing his car to four-wheel slide up the track and collide hard with the outside wall. The impact broke the J-bar, steering rack, and right-front spindle on Harris' car, ending his night.

  • On lap 13, Harris moved into second place, just ahead of a caution on lap 14.
  • On lap 21, Harris regained the second position by passing Brandon Overton.
  • In the closing laps, Harris was closing in on leader Brandon Sheppard before his crash on lap 30.

The players

Clay Harris

A 25-year-old Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series regular from Jupiter, Florida, who was running second and challenging for the lead when he crashed into the wall.

Brandon Sheppard

The eventual race winner, who was leading the event when Harris crashed while trying to catch him.

All-Tech Raceway

The half-mile racetrack in Ellisville, Florida, where the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series season opener took place and is known for its demanding and unforgiving nature.

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What they’re saying

“I did not want to ride. You know, as soon as I got to second … it's hard. I didn't want to run second.”

— Clay Harris, Driver

“I entered, like, a tire width too low, and it just four-wheel slid to the wall. I couldn't get back in the gas fast enough to get it sideways — it was already too tight.”

— Clay Harris, Driver

What’s next

Harris will look to rebound from the opening-night incident when the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series continues its Speedweeks schedule on February 26-28 at Ocala Speedway in Florida.

The takeaway

Harris' aggressive driving style and willingness to take risks in pursuit of a win showcases the competitive spirit of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, where every position and point matters. However, the crash also highlights the demanding nature of the All-Tech Raceway, which can punish even the slightest mistakes.