As the 2021 DIRTCar Summer Nationals schedule came closer, Bobby Pierce made it known publicly that he would plan on missing five races due to prior commitments as he tried to chase his fourth career Hell Tour championship.
It’s something that’s never ideal with the Hell Tour, and because of dates they run, usually results in a few drivers missing out on battling for a points title because of bigger races happening elsewhere.
What’s new for 2021 is that the tour planned on only taking the 31 best finishes of the 36 races on the schedule for the drivers. Although three events have been permanently rained out, 33 races are still planned to be ran, meaning each driver would still be able to utilize two drops at the end of the season.
After three weeks, Pierce remains the series points leader – holding a 35-point gap over second place Tanner English, despite missing a race last week.
That’s big for Pierce, because each of the top six finishing positions are separated by five points.
Hell Tour Late Models points format
1. 75
2. 70
3. 65
4. 60
5. 55
6. 50
7. 48
8. 46
9. 44
10. 42
11. 40
12. 39 (decreasing by one after)
As the tour continues to roll through the Midwest, Pierce will continue to try and manage the points gap en route to a title against his biggest competitors in English and defending champion Brian Shirley.
There’s no telling what’s ahead regarding rainouts and such, but as we go on, it’s imperative for Pierce to continue to perform at the elite level he’s bringing to the series right now.
The Hell Tour continues its season on Tuesday night with at the Knox County Fair. As always, the action can be seen live on DirtVision.
| Hell Tour Standings | ||||
| Position | Driver | Points | Behind | |
| 1 | Bobby Pierce | 787 | – | |
| 2 | Tanner English | 752 | -35 | |
| 3 | Brian Shirley | 697 | -90 | |
| 4 | Ashton Winger | 634 | -153 | |
| 5 | Jason Feger | 615 | -162 | |
| 6 | Joe Godsey | 504 | -283 | |
| 7 | Frank Heckenast Jr. | 504 | -283 | |
| 8 | Tim Lance | 495 | -292 | |
| 9 | Mitch McGrath | 487 | -304 | |
| 10 | Billy Moyer Jr. | 422 | -365 | |
