Jon Lee Crowned 2026 Chew On This – Jerky Rookie of the Year Alongside United Late Model Series Championship!
For Immediate Release: November 8, 2026
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Summerville, Pennsylvania’s Jon Lee capped off a remarkable 2026 campaign by capturing not only the Jay’s Automotive United Late Model Series Presented By M&T Appliances & Fueled By VP Racing Fuels Championship, but also the prestigious Chew On This – Jerky Rookie of the Year honors.
Lee became the 16th different champion in the United Late Model Series’ 26-year history, joining an exclusive group of competitors to capture both the overall series championship and Rookie of the Year honors in the same season.
Throughout the 2026 campaign, Lee demonstrated the consistency, speed, and adaptability needed to compete against some of the region’s best Super Late Model teams. Despite visiting several facilities where he had limited experience or had never previously competed, Lee and his #5L team consistently found themselves battling near the front of the field.
The 2026 Chew On This – Jerky Rookie of the Year class featured six competitors, making for a competitive season-long battle. Joining Lee were Bryan Bernheisel of Jonestown, Pennsylvania, Ken Schaffer of DuBois, Pennsylvania, Kevin Smith of Arkport, New York, Greg Oakes of Franklinville, New York, and Matt Glanden of Denton, Maryland.
Lee’s strongest competition in the rookie standings came from Bernheisel, who remained a championship contender throughout the season and ultimately finished runner-up in both the overall championship and Rookie of the Year standings.
The season culminated on October 24 at Potomac Speedway in Mechanicsville, Maryland, where Lee made his first career appearance at the facility for the $6,500-to-win Darryl Hills Memorial.
A sixth-place finish in the season finale officially secured both titles, completing a season-long effort that saw Lee compete in all 11 United Late Model 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 overall championship podium in third.
For Lee and his team, the 2026 season represented far more than a pair of championship trophies. It was the culmination of years of preparation, investment, and determination to compete at the highest level of regional Super Late Model racing.
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2026 Chew On This – Jerky Rookie 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 | 13X | Ken Schaffer | DuBois, PA | 1,725 |
| 4 | 97 | Kevin Smith | Arkport, NY | 1,535 |
| 5 | 22 | Greg Oakes | Franklinville, NY | 845 |
| 6 | 1 | Matt Glanden | Denton, MD | 440 |
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