By Ben Deatherage
BATTLE GROUND, Ind. (Aug. 15, 2025) — At just 26 years old, Sheldon Oberle already holds a distinction no one else from his state can claim — the only Indiana native to win a Sunoco IMCA Stock Car feature. That milestone came June 14 at Maquoketa Speedway, a night that felt like the payoff for years of work.
“That was a long time coming,” Oberle said. “The competition is so hard, and to win it coming from seventh—it gave me the confidence I needed that I don’t suck,” he laughed.
Oberle’s connection to the sport started long before he was born.
“My grandpa, Billy Neal, was the first to race in the family, but he ran asphalt,” Oberle said. “My mom grew up going to the track, and my dad was always around cars. That’s how they got together.”
Even as a kid, speed was part of his everyday life.
“I’ve been driving before I was adding and subtracting. I was four years old in a go-kart my dad got me, and we’d run it in my school parking lot.”
From Parking Lot to Dirt Tracks
The go-kart years lasted more than a decade before Oberle stepped into his first full-sized car at age 15. The family could only afford one stock car, shared between Sheldon and his older brother Preston.
“The original plan was to take turns,” Oberle said. “But my brother did a lot better starting out, so I ended up sitting out the whole season helping him.”
That’s when a turning point came.
“My dad’s boss and friend saw how dedicated I still was after being forced out of the seat and ended up buying me my first complete car and helped me get started in big cars,” Oberle said. “I wouldn’t be here without that break.”
But he wanted more.
“I want to race for a living and I’m trying to get my name out there, so we put this IMCA car together and started traveling,” he said. “The competition in Iowa is nothing to joke about—it’s tough—but we’ve had some pretty good results.”
This year, Oberle committed to running Maquoketa weekly to sharpen his program.
“We stuck with one track weekly and worked on getting dialed in,” he said. “When we go to Maquoketa, we’re up at 8 a.m., on the road by 10, and it’s about a five-hour trip. People ask why I do it, but I tell them—I’m just trying to get better. You only improve by racing guys better than you.”
Sheldon Oberle and crew celebrate his June 14 Sunoco IMCA Stock Car feature win at Maquoketa Speedway. (Photo by B.A. Photography)
The Big Stage
Before his first Speedway Motors IMCA Super Nationals fueled by Casey’s, Oberle got a taste of the touring grind at the Frostbusters.
“Four tracks in four days—that made me feel like a professional driver,” he laughed.
The Super Nationals themselves were a reality check.
“We had no idea what we were getting into, but we learned a lot,” he said. “I’m looking forward to going back this year and having a better run.”
Much of his fascination with IMCA started from afar.
“I’ve watched a lot of the IMCA TV highlights on Facebook—Stock Cars doing Stock Car things. I do a lot of online racing with drivers from the IMCA world, built relationships with them, and I’ve always wanted to come out here. They’ve got so many big races. I wanted to get a car together to see where I stack up.”
The Story Behind 105
Oberle’s number—105—was never part of a master plan.
“I started out with the 5, but a local kid already had that number. I went to 05, and so did he the next year,” Oberle said. “I stuck a 1 in front of it. We used to do a big race in the winter in Mississippi where the higher your number, the later you went out in qualifying. A lot of guys would stick an extra digit in front, and I liked how it looked.”
That number has been on the side of his car ever since, following him from Indiana to the high-banked bullrings of Iowa.
A young Sheldon Oberle in his no. 5 go-kart, where his racing career began at just four years old. (Courtesy Photo)
Home in Battle Ground
For Oberle, Battle Ground isn’t just a hometown — it’s the place that shapes his weekends away. About 1,300 people call it home, tucked in Tippecanoe County just six miles from Purdue University and within quick reach of both Chicago and Indianapolis via I-65.
It’s a place with a deep historical footprint — the Battle of Tippecanoe was fought here in 1811 between Tecumseh and his confederation and William Henry Harrison, who would later become the ninth president of the United States — but also offers a few modern diversions. There are concerts at Purdue’s Ross-Ade Stadium, summer afternoons at the Tropicanoe Cove water park, trips to the zoo, and tubing and fishing along the Wabash River.
“It’s a small town, but we’re close enough to get to a lot of places fast,” Oberle said. “That’s worked out pretty well for chasing races.”
His girlfriend, Stevie, is from Bloomington, home of Indiana University, making Purdue basketball season a friendly rivalry in their house.
The Team Behind the Wheel
Oberle’s racing life is a family effort.
“I’ve got to thank my dad—he’s out in the garage with me almost every day,” he said. “Without him pushing me, I wouldn’t be where I’m at. My girlfriend supports me, even though I’m hardly ever home. I also want to thank my mom for all the sacrifices growing up, allowing us to race our whole lives. And I need to thank my brother Preston—he raced with me my whole life until about five years ago before focusing on his family, but he still helps me in the garage anytime I need it and at the tracks on the weekend.”
He also remembers those who left a lasting impact.
“I want to thank ‘Cookie’ for all the help he was to my program for 10 years before he passed away last year,” Oberle said. “He was the GOAT at cleaning any and all cars, and he always had my car shining on the track, helping me stand out from the rest. He would always tell me I was the total package on and off the track, and he was one of the few to believe in me from the start. I really miss having him around.”
Oberle also credits Lee Hobbs and Crispy for sharing their knowledge over the years, helping him become the driver he is today.
Sponsors and supporters keep the wheels turning, and include Snow White Services, Crawfordsville Moose Lodge, Tempest Homes, Car Tech of Lafayette, Full Auto Supply, AeroShine, Jaime Williams-Hallmark Home Mortgage, Trish’s Red Bird Café, Hobbs Chassis, Frosty Management, Chuck & Kathy Oliver, Erv’s Card Shack, Brandi Williams-The Shaw Team, B&B Chassis, Zeuli’s Racing Engines, Del Real Auto Sales, Dragon Racing Fuel, and 2BR.
From a school parking lot in a go-kart to hauling 290 miles one way for a Saturday night in Iowa, Sheldon Oberle has built his own path — one road trip, one feature race, and one big goal at a time.
