There is no denying Bobby Pierce is on an incredible roll. The Illinois driver has won over $275,000 in the last 3 weeks with wins in the Prairie Dirt Classic, the USA Nationals, and Saturday’s North/South 100. He almost made it four big wins in a row at Husests Speedway by winning the first two preliminary night and just falling short in the Silver Dollar Nationals main event to Devin Moran.
Other drivers have been on similar rolls in August only to come up short in the World 100. Chris Madden’s run in 2019 was similar when he won the USA Nationals, North/South 100, and Topless 100 in consecutive weeks. Madden was not able to translate that run into the ultimate win at Eldora.
Unlike Madden’s run in 2019, Pierce has not been dominating the wins the way Madden did. Pierce had to come from the rear just past the halfway point in the PDC to win with a last lap pass. The USA Nationals was rained-shortened. And Pierce lost the lead to Mike Marlar on lap 42 only to take it back on lap 66.
What does any of that mean? Probably not much. Pierce has become a more controlled driver the last few seasons. Yes, he’s still a hard charger and loves to run the high side and bang the boards when track conditions dictate. Unlike past North/South 100 wins, Pierce spent most of his time running the lower line around Florence Speedway as opposed to his heat race when he ran most of the 10 laps running near the wall. Re-working the track before the feature played into that. Pierce noted in victory lane how slick the track was most of the 100 laps. A younger Pierce might have run the top line anyway.
Another thing to consider about the World 100 is Eldora is still Jonathan Davenport territory until someone proves otherwise. Brandon Overton has his share of wins there too. Hudson O’Neal’s win last year is the only time a driver other than Davenport or Overton won the World 100 going back to 2018 when Tim McCreadie won the race that was held in October.
Pierce will have his work cut out for him. Right now, he looks as though he can get the job done on September 7th.
Photos from Saturday’s North/South 100:
