By: Tyler Altmeyer | Photo: Paul Arch
ROSSBURG, Ohio (September 23, 2023) – The 2023 Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions presented by Mobil 1 championship chase came down to the wire, literally, but when the dust settled Saturday night at the “World’s Greatest Dirt Track,” Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio, it was Rudeen Racing’s Zeb Wise who came out on top, not only earning a 4-Crown Nationals title, but ultimately, an All Star team championship for Rudeen Racing. In addition, the Eldora Speedway win was a first-ever for the Angola, Indiana, native, chased to the line by championship rival and fellow Hoosier, Tyler Courtney.
The final championship margin of victory was just eight markers over Clauson Marshall Racing and Tyler Courtney; the closest battle in All Star history.
“Eldora Speedway is awesome…I love coming here,” Zeb Wise, ace of the Rudeen Racing/Sundollar Restoration/Rayce Rudeen Foundation/No. 26 sprint car, said. “I really, really can’t say enough about the four guys standing behind me. I’m just so proud of this team. Kevin and Monika Rudeen have wanted an All Star championship for the last few years. I’m glad we were able to earn it for them. They pour their heart and soul into this race team.”
Although he was there at the end, it was not until lap six when Wise first battled into a podium spot, working by Kokomo, Indiana’s Parker Price-Miller and Apollo, Pennsylvania’s Sye Lynch to drive ahead from fifth in the running order. Early race leader, “Sunshine” Tyler Courtney, was next on Wise’s hit list, battling side-by-side with the Clauson Marshall Racing entry on laps 15 and 16 before solidifying the runner-up spot the following circuit.
A dramatic finish, at that, Wise led only the last four laps at Eldora Speedway, inheriting command after mid-race leader, Rico Abreu, made contact with the turn four retaining wall. The St. Helena, California, native and Befour the Crowns Showdown champion suffered too much damage and was unable to continue.
Once the lone restart finally commenced, the final four circuits were a breeze for Wise, racing off to a $10,000 4-Crown Nationals payday, and an $80,000 team championship for Rudeen Racing.
“I’ve had to work really hard to get better at this place,” Wise continued. “I’m now really comfortable with racing up near the top..right up against the wall. I’ve watched a lot of videos of Tyler [Courtney] and Rico [Abreu]. Just trying to do whatever it took to get better. Thank you so much, Ford Performance for making such an incredible engine. I’m not sure I’d be standing here without it.”
ON DECK:
The Tezos All Star Circuit of Champions presented by Mobil 1 will continue, and conclude, their 2023 campaign with the rescheduled Tuscarora 50 at Port Royal Speedway in Port Royal, Pennsylvania, on Thursday, October 5. The one-night showstopper will award a $60,000 top prize; the richest payday on the All Star trail.
For those who can not witness the All Star Circuit of Champions live and in person, FloRacing.com, the official media partner and broadcast provider of the All Stars, has you covered. To access live and on-demand racing action from the All Star Circuit of Champions, visit FloRacing.com and become an annual PRO subscriber. Race fans can see all the USAC and dirt late-model action they want in addition to Eldora Speedway’s slate of races and those of the All Star Circuit of Champions. The subscription unlocks access to premium content across the entire FloSports network. Watch the events across all screens by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast. Find subscription here: https://flosports.link/3XJOg5Z
Tyler Altmeyer | Photo: Paul Arch
