CONCORD, N.C.  Entering his second season with the World of Outlaws Late Models, Cody Overtons primary objective was simply to continue building.

After a 2024 season that included eight top 10s and a third-place finish in the MD3 Rookie of the Year standings, he knew there was still plenty of room for improvement on his way to becoming a serious title contender.

So, when Overton was informed after Saturdays DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals finale that he was leading the standings, he couldnt help but think there must have been a mistake.

But there wasnt. Thanks to his first podium finish on Friday night and a 11th-place run on Saturday, Lil Sexy sits as the man to beat by four points over reigning champion Brandon Sheppard.

I dont know, its just awesome, Overton said. I thought this year was going to be a really good year. Just got to keep up with it and keep going and try not to think about it much.

Overton began his 2025 campaign with a performance more reminiscent of a seasoned veteran than someone still learning the ropes of super late model racing.

On a night when track conditions remained unpredictable from start to finish and few cars made it back to the hauler unscathed, Overton kept his nose clean and drove from 23rd to third in the 35-lap affair.

There appeared to be plenty more where that came from early in Saturdays program, as Overton qualified second and won his Heat Race, but then faded to 11th in the feature. It was a valuable learning opportunity for the Thomson, Ga., driver heading into his return to Volusia Speedway Park for the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Feb. 13-15).

Just missed it a little bit, Overton said. Just kind of over-tightened up early. Which I thought I was going to be better late, but I thought it would blow off a lot faster than that, so I dont know. Its just our new car, just got to go through the cycles and learn it.

If Overtons year-over-year improvement mimics his Volusia gains his third-place result on Friday was his first super late model top 10 at the track he could find himself much higher up the points table come World of Outlaws World Finals in November compared to last year. Fortunately for him, there are plenty of opportunities for growth. Out of 32 tracks on this years schedule, Overton has a notebook on 24 of them, whereas last season he was flying blind more often than not.

I feel a lot better, definitely, Overton said regarding his optimism toward this year compared to the start of his rookie season. I feel way more confident. Its going to have its ups and its going to have its downs, I know that. Just got to see how the year goes.