Tanner Riedel made his return to the iRacing Champions League count in a major way, winning the Pro Late Model West Regional Championship race at Fairbury Speedway. It was Riedel’s first ICL start since January 2025, his fourth career start overall, and his first career victory. His previous best finish was sixth, making the Fairbury win a major breakthrough performance.
The opening laps at Fairbury Speedway produced one of the best early battles of the Pro Late Model West Regional Championship season. Richie Gaines led the opening three laps, while Gaines, Tommy Toughknuckles, and Judy Defrance-Gustin battled three-wide near the front. When Gustin threw a slider and temporarily moved into position to take control, Riedel was able to sneak by the group and take over the top spot.
Once Riedel got to the lead, he controlled the race from there. He led 27 of the 30 laps and held off Gustin by 1.909 seconds at the finish. Gustin made an immediate impact in a first career start, finishing second and scoring 11 points. Aidan Strawberry completed the podium in third, giving him 10 points and moving him into the crowded top-10 fight in the championship standings.
Landon Murray continued to build his championship case with a fourth-place finish after starting 14th. While he did not win for the second race in a row, Murray gained 10 spots and left Fairbury Speedway with the points lead. That run was the biggest move of the race among the top finishers and became one of the most important championship moments of the night. With Brayden E Carter not in the field after winning the first two races of the season, Murray took full advantage and moved to the top of the standings.
Tommy Toughknuckles finished fifth and earned the bonus point, giving him nine total points on the night. Levy Runge made his first career start and finished sixth, while Cade Jaeger, Doug Welch, Gavin Murray, and Jesse Hickman2 completed the top 10. Gavin Murray’s ninth-place finish kept him third in the championship standings, giving the Murray family two of the top three spots after four races.
Aidan Strawberry recorded the fastest race lap with a 12.573, while Riedel’s 12.611 and Landon Murray’s 12.612 were also among the quickest laps of the race. The toughest night among the front-starting drivers belonged to Brenden McGlothlin, who started fourth and finished 11th after losing seven spots. Gaines also had a difficult finish after leading early, ending up 13th after starting second.
The championship picture now has a new leader with three races remaining. Landon Murray leads the Pro Late Model West Regional Championship with 33 points, seven points ahead of Brayden E Carter. Gavin Murray sits third with 22 points, while Riedel’s victory launches him into fourth with 12. Behind them, the standings are packed tightly, with Nik Camper, Judy Defrance-Gustin, and Ben Joly tied at 11 points, and several drivers sitting at 10.
What’s Next
The Pro Late Model West Regional Championship continues with Round 5 at Huset’s Speedway in South Dakota. With Landon Murray now leading the standings and Brayden E Carter still within striking distance despite missing Fairbury, Huset’s becomes a key race in the championship stretch. Gavin Murray remains in range as well, while Tanner Riedel now has momentum after his first career ICL win.
Full Race Results
- Tanner Riedel, 2) Judy Defrance-Gustin, 3) Aidan Strawberry, 4) Landon Murray, 5) Tommy Toughknuckles, 6) Levy Runge, 7) Cade Jaeger, 8) Doug Welch, 9) Gavin Murray, 10) Jesse Hickman2, 11) Brenden McGlothlin, 12) Jake Witherspoon, 13) Richie Gaines, 14) Blake M Andrews, 15) Gracin Klimek, 16) Austin Weekley2, 17) Toban Keefe
Top 10 Points Standings
- Landon Murray – 33, 2) Brayden E Carter – 26, 3) Gavin Murray – 22, 4) Tanner Riedel – 12, 5) Nik Camper – 11, 5) Judy Defrance-Gustin – 11, 5) Ben Joly – 11, 8) Michael D Carter – 10, 8) Taylor Garberich – 10, 8) Leo Lemire – 10, 8) Aidan Strawberry – 10
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