Two-Time National 100 Winner Erb Eager to Add to East Alabama Legacy

When East Alabama Motor Speedway was reintroduced to the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision schedule after two decades, no one was more thrilled than Tyler Erb.

With good reason. Since his debut at the Phenix City, AL facility seven years ago, "Terbo" has consistently demonstrated speed. He secured second place in his first two National 100 appearances, trailing Chris Madden in 2019 and Brandon Overton in 2022. His lowest finish in the track’s signature event was fifth in 2023, but he has excelled since then, winning the last two editions in 2024 and 2025.

Erb is not typically known for winning at every southeastern track, but the "Playground of Power" has always been an exception for him.

"The nature of the racetrack demands aggressive driving and utilizing the banking to maintain speed," Erb explained. "I can’t pinpoint exactly why, but from the beginning, I’ve always felt comfortable there and have performed exceptionally well."

Both of Erb’s victories in the event came under unique track conditions. In 2024, the groove seemed to narrow through the middle until Erb found enough traction at the bottom to overtake Jimmy Owens. Last year, the race adopted a much faster pace, allowing Erb to exchange sliders with 2025 track champion Dalton Cook for the lead.

"It’s fast. You have to make quick decisions and often be the aggressor," Erb said. "You’re moving really fast for the track’s size and shape. It facilitates good racing and numerous slide jobs. The top is usually preferred, but navigating it without mishaps is challenging.

"Last year, I pitted due to a suspected issue, yet managed to start from the tail and reclaim the lead within 20 to 30 laps. It’s a track where passing is possible, and I thoroughly enjoy racing where overtaking is feasible."

However, Friday’s race will present a different set of circumstances than what Erb and others are accustomed to at East Alabama. Instead of a 100-lap race in early November, the Chattahoochee Clash will feature a 40-lap sprint on a spring evening with a forecasted high of 86 degrees.

"Phenix City has always been tough on tires," Erb noted. "Tire management is crucial in a 100-lap race. Recent prelim races before the 100-lapper on Sunday have been even more aggressive. You aim to lead, set a strong pace. In a 40-lap race, tires are less of a factor, but beyond 50 laps, strategy becomes trickier. The racing will differ, but it remains one of the most exciting places to watch a race."

East Alabama’s reputation for unforgettable racing has cultivated a passionate group of Late Model fans. They enjoy numerous opportunities to watch the division at the National 100 and other regional shows, but Erb acknowledges it’s been too long since they last saw the World of Outlaws in 2006. He’s eager to deliver a performance worth the 20-year wait.

"I’ve heard stories from 20, 30 years ago about the excitement and the crowds camping for a week," Erb said. "The regular attendees must be incredibly excited. Similar to other venues recently, Magnolia [Motor Speedway] had the largest crowd I’ve seen there. Smoky Mountain [Speedway] and Bulls Gap were equally impressive."

For Erb’s Best Performance Motorsports team, there is reason to believe he’s on the right track early in his return to full-time World of Outlaws racing. His fifth-place finish at Magnolia was his first Series top five since the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals, followed by another top five at Talladega Short Track in a Hunt the Front Super Dirt Series race featuring fellow Outlaws.

The primary goal remaining is securing his first win of the year. With the upcoming schedule taking him to East Alabama and Senoia Raceway—where he won a Southern Nationals Series race in 2018 and achieved three top-five finishes in national events—it might be his best opportunity yet.

"We’ve been fast all year, but it’s about finding rhythm and momentum," Erb said. "Currently, things seem to be heading in the right direction, which is crucial for contending throughout the year. I’m eager to continue racing. Although we haven’t been home for months, I’m excited about the momentum as we approach two tracks, Phenix City and Senoia, where I’ve had success. We’re ready and eager to perform."

Erb and the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision will continue the 2026 season at East Alabama Motor Speedway (Friday, March 27) and Senoia Raceway.