The Longhorn Factory Team provided an update on its plans for 2025 after Brandon Sheppard announced he was leaving Riggs Racing at the end of the 2024 World of Outlaws Late Model Series.
Brandon Sheppard via FloRacing.com
Sheppard confirmed a leaked document with a post to social media on September 12th announcing he was separating from Riggs Racing. He wrote on X, “Thank you to: Scott & Jason Riggs – & family – for everything they have done for me over the past couple of years – thankful for our longtime friendship over the past 10 years.”
“Thank you to: Steve Arpin, Paul, John & Mikey Leach – Matt Langston, Kevin Rumley, Tommy Grecco, Cameron Cobb, Troy Loomis, Tony, Tim Zock, Joey Washburn, Ty, Dylan Warden, Kevin King, Kirk, Alec Goodman, Brandon Barrett, Logan + everyone else whose path I crossed at the shop – for the amazing opportunity to become a small part of your family for awhile.”
Thank you to my crew: Marco Costa, Corey Lash, Jeff McGee, Lucas LeBlanc, Jerry Patterson for your unwavering support. Let’s finish this year boys. & special thank you to all of my sponsors this year, I have enjoyed partnering with each & everyone of you all.
Brandon Sheppard via FloRacing.com
He then addressed the leaked release, “My comment on the leaked release: I’m a real person, our team consists of real people, with real sponsorship relationships. When you see people sharing these things without seeing it on the drivers social media – do the right thing. Be the good person. Don’t fall into the trap of likes & shares – this is my livelihood, my career, & my family. Cheers to ’25.”
Sheppard will end his tenure with Riggs Racing at the World of Outlaws World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte between November 6-9th where he will be racing to win another championship.
In 2025, he detailed he will begin his season at the Wild West Shootout in New Mexico racing his family-owned B5, but indicated he was “still looking to lock some things down” moving forward.
Thank you to: Scott & Jason Riggs – & family – for everything they have done for me over the past couple of years – thankful for our longtime friendship over the past 10 years.
Thank you to: Steve Arpin, Paul, John & Mikey Leach – Matt Langston, Kevin Rumley, Tommy Grecco,… pic.twitter.com/y9G8XNoxLh
— Brandon Sheppard (@bsheppb5) September 12, 2024
Following Sheppard’s announcement, The Longhorn Factory Team issued their own statement.
It begins, “With today’s news that Brandon Sheppard and Scott and Jason Riggs will be dissolving Sheppard Riggs Racing at the end of the season, we want to extend our genuine and heartfelt appreciation for Brandon and the efforts he has put in to helping us grow our racing program here at Longhorn.”
The team praised Sheppard, “He truly is a generational talent with a fun-loving personality which further exemplifies just why he is such a fan and industry favorite. We wish he and his family the very best in their future endeavors and look forward to continuing our on and off-track friendships for many years to come.”
Brandon Sheppard via FloRacing.com
As for their plans for 2025, the team stated, “As we continue to finalize our 2025 plans for the Longhorn Factory Team, we’re excited to continue our partnership with the Riggs family, along with their rebranded Riggs Motorsports.”
“We’re truly thrilled about the future and what’s in store. More details to come very soon,” the team concluded.
What do you make of Longhorn’s statement?