Jon Lee Clinches 2026 Jay’s Automotive United Late Model Series Championship!
For Immediate Release: November 1, 2026
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Summerville, Pennsylvania’s Jon Lee capped off a remarkable 2026 season by securing his first career Jay’s Automotive United Late Model Series Presented By M&T Appliances & Fueled By VP Racing Fuels Championship on Saturday, October 24, following a sixth-place finish in the Darryl Hills Memorial at Potomac Speedway in Mechanicsville, Maryland.
The championship marks a significant milestone for Lee, who becomes the 16th different champion in the United Late Model Series’ 26-year history, while also claiming the Chew On This – Jerky Rookie of the Year honors in his first full season of series competition.
Entering 2026, Lee had several goals in mind: complete his first full United Late Model Series campaign, contend for the championship, and compete for Rookie of the Year honors. After a difficult conclusion to his 2025 racing season, Lee and his team entered the new year determined to take their program to the next level.
The offseason brought significant improvements to the operation, including a new Longhorn Chassis, additional engines, and a new truck and trailer to support the demands of traveling with the series. Lee had long expressed his desire to pursue a United Late Model Series championship, and in 2026, the pieces finally fell into place for the Pennsylvania racer.
From the opening events of the season, Lee demonstrated the consistency that would ultimately define his championship campaign.
Early in the year, Lee found himself second in the championship standings behind defending series champion Mason Zeigler. Competing against one of the region’s most accomplished Super Late Model drivers provided an early confidence boost, one that Lee continued building upon as the season progressed.
Throughout the year, Lee faced the challenge of competing at several facilities where he had limited experience or had never previously turned a lap. Rather than allowing unfamiliar tracks to slow his progress, Lee consistently adapted and delivered strong performances against some of the region’s top competitors. In fact, he would go on to record top-five finishes against competitive regional and national fields, further proving that his team belonged among the championship contenders.
As the season continued, Lee’s consistency became his greatest strength. While a feature victory eluded him, his ability to qualify well, remain competitive, and consistently finish near the front allowed him to establish control of the championship standings.
The season culminated on October 24 at Potomac Speedway, where Lee made his first career appearance at the Maryland facility for the $6,500-to-win Darryl Hills Memorial.
A sixth-place finish in the season finale was more than enough to officially secure the championship, completing a season-long effort that saw Lee compete in all 11 series events, record nine top-ten finishes, six top-five finishes, five Fast Time awards, and two heat race victories.
With 2,255 championship points, Lee finished 305 points ahead of runner-up Bryan Bernheisel, while Dylan Lewis completed the championship podium in third.
For Lee and his team, the 2026 season represented far more than a championship trophy. It was the culmination of years of preparation, investment, and determination to compete at the highest level of regional Super Late Model racing.
2026 Jon Lee Championship Season Statistics
- Events Entered: 11 of 11 (100%)
- Top-Ten Finishes: 9
- Top-Five Finishes: 6
- Fast Time Awards: 0
- Heat Race Victories: 2
- Feature Victories: 0
- Average Feature Finish: 6.55
- Championship Points: 2,255
- Race Earnings: $29,125.00
- Chew On This – Jerky Rookie of the Year: Champion
- Jay’s Automotive United Late Model Series Championship: Champion
Championship Season Earnings & Elite Driver Benefits
In addition to his $29,125 in race earnings, Lee benefited from his participation in the United Late Model Series Elite Driver Program, saving an additional $2,750 throughout the season through complimentary pit passes and waived event fees.
These savings represent money kept directly in the team’s pocket, helping offset the substantial costs associated with traveling from one United Late Model Series event to another.
For claiming the 2026 championship, Lee also received a new Accelo Racewear APEX Racing Suit valued at $1,449.
Combined, Lee’s race earnings, Elite Driver savings, and championship award brought his total season value to:
$33,324.00 – Excluding Additional Nightly Contingency Awards!
The financial benefits highlight the United Late Model Series’ continued commitment to supporting its traveling competitors and rewarding teams that dedicate themselves to the full championship schedule.
Jon Lee Racing Sponsors
The United Late Model Series would like to recognize the sponsors and supporters who helped make Lee’s championship season possible:
S&S Pierce Hauling, Blose Logging Inc., Five Star Improvements, Red River Roadhouse, Accelo Racewear, Daugherty Motorsports, Big Run Flooring, High Class Calls, Pinned Designs, TQ Metals, Colonial Concrete, Martin Diesel LLC, Barrick Brothers Junk Removal & Demolition, Slick Chic Apparel Co., Bud Lundy, Integra Racing Shocks, Pro Power Racing, Henry Racing Engines, Close Racing Supply, Keyser Manufacturing Co., and Longhorn Chassis.
Be sure to follow Jon Lee Racing (@jonleeracing) for updates as the team prepares for the 2027 racing season!
2026 United Late Model Series Elite Driver Final Point Standings
| Pos. | Car | Driver | Hometown | Points |
| 1 | 5L | Jon Lee | Summerville, PA | 2,255 |
| 2 | 119 | Bryan Bernheisel | Jonestown, PA | 1,950 |
| 3 | 44 | Dylan Lewis | Oakland, MD | 1,755 |
| 4 | 13X | Ken Schaffer | DuBois, PA | 1,725 |
| 5 | 97 | Kevin Smith | Arkport, NY | 1,535 |
| 6 | 10S | Dave Stamm | Milmont, PA | 1,130 |
| 7 | 25Z | Mason Zeigler | Chalk Hill, PA | 980 |
| 8 | 22 | Greg Oakes | Franklinville, NY | 845 |
| 9 | 1 | Matt Glanden | Denton, MD | 440 |
2026 Jay’s Automotive United Late Model Series Final Championship Point Standings (Top 10)
| Pos. | Car | Driver | Hometown | Points |
| 1 | 5L | Jon Lee | Summerville, PA | 2,255 |
| 2 | 119 | Bryan Bernheisel | Jonestown, PA | 1,950 |
| 3 | 44 | Dylan Lewis | Oakland, MD | 1,755 |
| 4 | 13X | Ken Schaffer | DuBois, PA | 1,725 |
| 5 | 97 | Kevin Smith | Arkport, NY | 1,535 |
| 6 | 10S | Dave Stamm | Milmont, PA | 1,130 |
| 7 | 555 | Brock Pinkerous | Ellenville, NY | 1,080 |
| 8 | 10* | Levi Yetter | Cabot, PA | 1,010 |
| 9 | 25Z | Mason Zeigler | Chalk Hill, PA | 980 |
| 10 | 91 | Chad Homan | Penfield, NY | 855 |
2026 United Late Model Series Marketing Partners
The United Late Model Series extends its appreciation to the businesses and organizations that supported the series throughout its 26th season of competition:
Jay’s Automotive, M&T Appliances, Close Racing Supply, Chew On This – Jerky, American Racer Tire, Lias Tire Racing Division, Hoosier Racing Tire, VP Racing Fuels, Accelo Racewear, Keizer Racing Wheels, Beyea Headers, Siple Racing Edits (SRE), Cousins Designs, Zarin Truck & Automotive, The Garage Crawl, and B & T Milne Photography.
The continued support of these partners plays an essential role in providing competitive purses, championship incentives, contingency awards, and opportunities for Super Late Model teams throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions.
Looking Ahead to 2027
With the 2026 championship season officially complete, the United Late Model Series now turns its attention toward preparations for its 27th season of competition in 2027.
The series would like to thank its drivers, teams, officials, sponsors, participating speedways, and loyal race fans for their continued support throughout another season of Super Late Model racing.
Interested in becoming a United Late Model Series marketing partner for 2027?
Whether you’re a small local business or a larger regional organization, the United Late Model Series offers sponsorship and marketing opportunities designed to accommodate businesses of all sizes.
Join one of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic region’s premier Super Late Model touring series and become part of the excitement in 2027!
We look forward to seeing everyone back at the track!
United Late Model Series Contact Information
Email: press@ulmsracing.com
Phone: (814) 596-8150
Website: www.ulmsracing.com