2/8/2026
Brandon Lopez earns runner-up finish during World Series opening weekend
Bryson Lopez Racing kicked off its 2026 Late Model schedule from Friday through Sunday, competing in the first weekend of the 60th World Series of Asphalt Stock Car Racing at New Smyrna Speedway. Driver Brandon Lopez piloted both a Pro and Super Late Model at the half-mile oval in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, turning in a best finish of second.
On Friday, Lopez qualified his No. 6 Cadillac Ranch Chevrolet 14th out 32 cars to attempt a qualifying lap in the Pro Late Model division. Despite starting mid-pack, Lopez avoided significant carnage and advanced 12 positions to finish as runner-up, 0.268 seconds behind Cole Robie. Vito Cancila, Gage Galby and Jayden Johson rounded out the top five in the race, which was shortened from 60 to 43 laps due to time constraints.
Lopez also competed in Friday’s Super Late Model program. He rolled off 15th in the 27-car field and climbed five positions to bring home a top-10 finish in the 60-lapper.
Saturday saw Lopez again take part in the Super Late Model race while the Pros had the night off. Lopez started and finished 18th in the clean 60-lap feature.
For Super Bowl Sunday, the Pro Late Models took to the track while the Supers sat idle. Lopez clocked the fourth-quickest time in qualifying and started from the pole after the redraw. However, his night ended when he tangled with Gabriel Casagrande in the opening laps. Lopez ultimately finished 26th in the 31-car field.
Full results from the first weekend of the World Series are at www.newsmyrnaspedway.org.
Article Credit: Jason Reasin image
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