At a Glance: Tensions Rise as Outlaws Set out for Posse Territory
The World of Outlaws Craftsman® Sprint Car Series heads into Posse territory on Wednesday, May 18 for the Gettysburg Clash at Lincoln Speedway in Abbottstown, Pa., then the Morgan Cup double-header at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pa on Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21
CONCORD, N.C. – May 17, 2016 – This week the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series will wage war with the Pennsylvania Posse on their home turf when the series travels to Lincoln Speedway in Abbottstown, Pa. for the Gettysburg Clash on Wednesday, May 18, and then the Morgan Cup weekend at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, Pa. on Friday, May 20 and Saturday, May 21.
In 2015, the Posse landed the first punch when Greg Hodnett took home the Gettysburg Clash checkered flag at Lincoln Speedway, as the Posse swept the podium with Stevie Smith and Ryan Smith finishing second and third respectively.
The battle continued two days later when Donny Schatz evened things up with a win on the opening night at Williams Grove Speedway. The Posse did not let the Outlaws take all the glory, however, as Hodnett finished second and Brian Montieth finished third.
At Lincoln, the Posse have owned the winner’s circle since the series returned there in 2012. Only one Outlaws driver has tasted victory, and that was Daryn Pittman on July 17, 2014. The other four races were dominated by Posse drivers Hodnett, Stevie Smith and Danny Dietrich.
Before 2012, the last time the series took to the track at Lincoln was in 1998, which concluded a 20-year stretch the Outlaws raced there, beginning in the inaugural season of 1978. In the earlier years, legendary series drivers such as Steve Kinser, Sammy Swindell and Bobby Allen have all dominated at the track.
At Williams Grove, the battle has been a lot closer. The World of Outlaws have raced at the half-mile every year since the series started in 1978, with 1985 being the lone exception.
In the last five years at The Grove, the Outlaws have captured 13 wins compared to the Posse’s nine. In that stretch, Schatz and Pittman have seven of the 13 wins combined, making them the most dangerous Outlaws at The Grove this weekend.
This season the Outlaws have owned victory lane so far. Of the 25 races so far in 2016, all but two have been won by Outlaws drivers, with Brad Sweet claiming the most checkered flags at six.
As the first round of the Outlaws vs. Pennsylvania Posse prepares to kick-off on Wednesday, one thing is certain: this war will come down to the last lap of the last race and will incite can’t-miss action all season-long.