Devin Dodson Joins Empire Racing’s Late Model Program Full-Time in 2018

Campaigning in his first full-time season with Empire Racing Development Group, hotshoe Devin Dodson will make his first appearance in 2018 next month, competing in the NASCAR Whelen All-American Series sanctioned event at Myrtle Beach Speedway.

 

Dodson, 18, is making a transition from the Southeast Limited Late Model Series (SELLMS), where he finished second in the championship standings last season, to the late model ranks with the No. 9 Ford Mustang team this season.

 

Hailing from Bishopville, Md., last season was Dodson’s first on asphalt. Previous to 2017 in the SELLMS, the fan favorite competed at Delaware dirt tracks, where he had proclaimed success and multiple victories.

 

“We learned a lot from last season on asphalt,” Dodson said. “It was a nice transition from dirt and I think we learned what to do and what not to do. I feel like this season we are much more prepared. I think we’re going to come out even stronger then last season and be much more competitive.”

 

Late last season, however, Dodson and supporters made a change from Orion Motorsports, who he competed with in four races in the SELLMS, to Empire Racing, a developmental team for the accredited Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series team Richard Petty Motorsports.

 

In doing so, Dodson was able to receive seat time in three events driving the blue and black No. 9 Ford for Empire Racing, competing in both the Thanksgiving All-Star Classic 400 at Southern National Motorsports Park and the Myrtle Beach 400 — two marquee late model events.

 

“I feel like the switch to Empire gave me a big boost in confidence,” Dodson expressed. “We were able to qualify on pole in the limited late model event at Myrtle Beach, but then unfortunate circumstances took us out of our first two late model races.

 

“Either way, I still felt very proud in what we did accomplish in those starts and our speed on the racetrack..”

 

After those starts, Dodson was able to sign a deal with Empire to compete with their late model program full-time this season, running alongside teammate Thad Moffitt.

 

Along with confirming the fresh deal, the former dirt standout was able to spend time earlier this month with the team during the Lucas Oil 200 at Daytona Int’l Speedway, which is the season-opening race for the ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards.

 

Empire Racing fielded two cars in that event, which gave Dodson a chance to view how their operation works in the ARCA Series. 

 

“I feel like my relationship with Empire grew a lot in being able to go spend time with them during the ARCA event,” Dodson explained. “I strongly believe I can learn a lot from Mike ‘Grumpy’ Cheek this season and even my teammate Thad Moffitt. I think we have a ton of potential, for sure.”

 

However, the offseason is now behind Dodson and his mind is focused on his opening race at Myrtle Beach, which is where he concluded last season. Having track time under his belt at that short track in South Carolina, he also expects that to give him a slight advantage.

 

“I’m really looking forward to this season. I have some track time at Myrtle Beach now. I expect to come right out of the gates swinging. I’m confident in our No. 9 Ford Mustang team. I think we will be right up front contending each and every week.”

 

More details about his season debut and other information concerning Dodson’s season will be released in the coming weeks.

 

For now, follow along with Devin on Facebook and keep tuned to his social media pages as he prepares to host contests and other unique events for his fans — which will include giving out FREE Devin Dodson merchandise.

 

Devin Dodson PR