Shepard Overcomes Pressure Cooker Season to Win Championship

Jacob Shepard earned the championship in the 2025 King of the Hill category, but the numbers tell little of the story.  

Going into the final points race of the season, five competitors had a realistic chance to earn the championship. Shepard started the day 3^rd, with just under two rounds separating him from the title. After the first round, three of the racers were no longer in contention.  Battling through a murder’s row of racers, Shepard won the semi-final round to find himself in the finals and in the points lead. While waiting at the finish line, he watched the final racer that could have passed him lose, securing Shepard’s championship.  Not to be stopped, Shepard won the final round that also put his Carburetor Shop Team (Sweet Baby Jesus) into the points lead for the season crown. The job still wasn’t done though, as Shepard put the helmet back on to compete against the champs in Super Pro, Pro ET, and Street Eliminator to earn the King of the Track.  Through seven rounds of competition on this day, Shepard was no worse than .022 on the tree.  A list of accomplishments racers fight for decades was accomplished in one day!!

Having raced now for only three full years, Jacob enjoys the competition and the friends, and the excitement of racing. “There is nothing as exciting as climbing into your race car to make passes.  It doesn’t matter if it’s a time trial or a final round, staging up to go down the race track is a thrill like nothing else.” said Shepard.

When he isn’t chasing that racing thrill, Shepard enjoys going fishing and spending time with his friends, family, and girlfriend.  Shepard looks forward to continuing his racing adventures by getting into the NHRA Super Stock category in the future.

Jacob thanked Mac Tools for providing the wrenching he needs on his hot rod, as well as his parents, both sets of his grandparents, and his girlfriend for their support over an incredible racing season.

Congratulations to your 2025 Rock Falls Raceway King of the Hill Champion, Jacob Shepard!