Consistency was key for Brill in Sooner Series title run

by John Rittenoure (Rickety Roach photo) - (October 28, 2026) - It was a nerve wracking season for Eric Brill in his quest to become the 2026 Hayden Ross Motorsports Foundation Sooner Late Model Series champion. But Brill was able to finally breath a sigh of relief at the season finale at Beaver County Raceway when his first career championship was finally a reality.

Despite not visiting the winners circle through 19 events Brill relied on consistency, and winning that way had special meaning to him.

“I won the championship just like Mark did,” Brill said, referring to his brother and  Sooner series owner Mark Brill who won a Pro Stock title in Oklahoma City the same way. “Mark won his first championship and never won a race.”

Brill chased points leader Dakota Dellinger for the first 13 weeks of the season. Staying with  striking distance, Brill finally moved into the lead on August 15 at Enid Speedway with a 7th place feature finish. Dellinger finished 13th that night.

“I was consistent and finished all the races,” said Brill who finished the season with 13 top 10 finishes. Three of those were in the top 5. “Everyone told me you have to be there at the end.

“Sometimes you just have to take what the track gives you. Sometimes it is not your night and sometimes it is really good. Sometimes there are a lot of second, third and fourth places and that is what it takes to get to the top of the mountain.”

With Dellinger trying to keep pace Brill was on pins and needles in the final weeks, especially after suffering engine problems. But a lot of late nights paid off to keep Brill on the track without missing a race.

“I was pretty hard to get along with the last couple of weeks,” Brill said of his final weeks of competition. “I had a crankshaft break the week before and Mark put one together.

“I sure appreciate my brother Mark Brill, Steve Parkhurst, Zach Nickell, Joe Godsey and the Hayden Ross Foundation for putting the money up and everyone that helped me.”