5/4/2026
Crate Racin' USA
Starnes Strikes at Southern Oklahoma; Claims First ACLMS Win of 2026
(Ardmore, OK – May 4, 2026) – The American Crate Late Model Series returned to action over the weekend for Race 4 of the 2026 season, as Mother Nature forced a change of plans and turned a scheduled doubleheader into a single-race weekend. Friday night’s $2,500-to-win 5th Annual Jerry Shipp Memorial at Hunt County Raceway was washed out, shifting the focus to Southern Oklahoma Speedway for Saturday night’s $1,500-to-win showdown.
When the dust settled in Ardmore, it was points leader Robbie Starnes of Baytown, Texas, continuing his strong start to the season, capturing his first victory of 2026 and maintaining his grip atop the championship standings.
Starnes methodically worked his way forward from the fifth starting position and found himself in contention as the race approached the midway point. Pole-sitter Dennie Gieber set the early pace, leading the opening 14 laps while fending off a hard-charging field. On lap 15, Starnes made his move, taking command of the race and never looking back en route to the victory.
The win marked Starnes’ fourth Top-5 finish in five events this season, further solidifying his consistency and championship bid.
Gieber settled for a strong runner-up finish after leading the early portion of the race, while Trey Langley completed the podium in third. Beau Begnaud crossed the line in fourth, with Shannon Parker rounding out the Top-5.
A total of 19 CRUSA Dirt Late Models signed in for competition, delivering a full night of action that included qualifying, heat races, and the 25-lap feature event.
Feature Results (25 Laps):
1-25 Robbie Starnes[5]
2-22 Dennie Gieber[1]
3-00 Trey Langley[2]
4-32 Beau Begnaud[3]
5-18 Shannon Parker[7]
6-48 Cody Leonard[9]
7-75 Patrik Daniel[14]
8-52 AJ Dancer[12]
9-1 Chase Raymond[8]
10-53X Matt Fox[15]
11-85S Tim Simmons[13]
12-25D Donnie Shipp[4]
13-18C Cody Flowers[10]
14-41P Brooks Petzold[17]
15-93 Aaron Leddy[16]
16-ZZ Sloppy Hog[11]
17-77 Robbie Starnes Sr[6]
18-777 Destiny Robinson[19]
19-903 Brandon Biffle[18]
Feature Lap Leaders: Gieber (1-14), Starnes (15-25)
Heat race victories went to Trey Langley, Beau Begnaud, and Dennie Gieber, while qualifying honors were earned by Donnie Shipp, Shannon Parker, and Robbie Starnes.
With four races now complete, the American Crate Late Model Series continues to build momentum as drivers chase valuable points and early-season victories.
Next up, the series heads back to Texas for another $1,500-to-win event at Kennedale Speedway Park. Fans unable to attend can catch every lap of the action live on Race On.
The American Crate Late Model Series extends its appreciation to its outstanding partners: Race On, Champ Pans, Maxima Racing Oils, Bobcat of North Texas, Smiley's Racing Products, Pinnacle Roofing and Construction, Bulletproof Tees, Cliff's Goodyear Auto Service, Pestmatri Pest Control, Xtreme Graphics, Love Graphics, Sherman Chevrolet, Hoosier Tire Southwest, Fab X, Rogers-Dabbs Performance Parts, Jones Supply & Manufacturing, Deatherage Racing Opticians, Bakers Ribs, and Superior Glass & Mirrors, for their continued support throughout the 2026 season.
Article Credit: Cody Earley
