NASCAR LATE MODEL PREVIEW: LeBrun Bound For Late Model Repeat, or Will Rose, Others Step Up?

LEBRUN SET TO RUN FOR BACK TO BACK CHAMPIONSHIPS

Luke LeBrun made his way into the Championship 4 last year - and found himself on top at the end - winning his first career Late Model championship at Seekonk Speedway. Entering 2025, can LeBrun make it back-to-back in Seekonk’s second highest division?

The speed will definitely be there for LeBrun, who has shown to be able to win in multiple divisions at Seekonk - including the Mini Cups, Legends Cars and Late Models. 

But, who will be among his top challengers?

Charlie Rose stands out. Perhaps the most dominant car for much of the 2024 season, Rose is definitely the veteran in the division. Entering the new year, Rose will be looking to chase trophies to add more wins to his resume, while hoping to make the Championship 4 and be there when it matters. If he makes it there, his experience could shine through.

Names like Richie Murray, Mark Jenison and Chase Belcher should also be considered. All three are former track champions, but only Jenison in the Late Models. Three years ago, Jenison won both the Late Model and Pro Stock titles on the same night. He is a two-time Pro Stock champion, with the one in the Late Models. The No. 22 loves to ride the outside line, and looks to get back to title form this year.

Murray and Belcher are former Sport Truck champions and multiple-time Late Model winners. Since the inception of the Sunoco Drive For The Cup, both have found themselves experiencing the Championship 4. Fans can expect both of these drivers to win, and be in contention when it comes time to crown the champion. 

Defending Late Model Rookie of the Year Andrew Gomes returns for another year looking to pounce. In the stretch run of 2024, Gomes came close to winning multiple times. After moving from the Bandolero division into the Late Models, Gomes became a quick study. His first win is right around the corner, after showing he drives like a veteran.

Jacob “Rowdy” Burns may be moving to the Pro Stocks full-time, but is also expected to compete in the Late Models in at least select events. Fans will also see Pro Stock winner and former Late Model champion Bobby Pelland III in the field from time-to-time in the No. 12.

Other names to watch going into the year include former Sport Truck winner Brittany Campbell, former Sportsman winner Tyler Lallier, Ryan Souliere, Rey Lovelace, Bill Goodrow, former Sport 4 winner Jarrod Freitas and two newcomers to the division - David Lougee and Tyler Almeida. 

Both Lougee and Almeida have experience in some of the lower NASCAR Saturday divisions, although Lougee hasn’t competed at Seekonk in many years after racing in the Sport Trucks. Almeida has been among the frontrunners in the Sportsman and moves into the Late Models looking to battle with Lougee and others for the Rookie of the Year.

Fans should also look for names like Jeramee Lillie, Legends Cars and Bandolero standout Ryan Vanasse Jr. running select events, Lucas Tourgee making his debut, and Manny Dias, a Connecticut native, returning. Jeff Belyea, the setup master behind David Darling’s Pro Stock, also intends to race in at least select events.

The Late Model season begins at Seekonk Speedway on Sunday, May 4 at 2 p.m. For more information on Seekonk Speedway and to purchase tickets for all events, visit SeekonkSpeedway.com.