The St. Charles, MO driver will compete for Rookie of the Year honors this season

BARBERVILLE, FL – December 31, 2021– When the sun rises on the 2022 World of Outlaws Late Models season, a burst of orange from the Midwest will hit Volusia Speedway Park for the first time. 

Gordy Gundaker’s maiden voyage with the Series kicks off at Sunshine Nationals Jan 20-22, as he starts his ascension toward Rookie of the Year honors. 

The St. Charles, MO driver, has competed against the best the World of Outlaws has to offer on numerous occasions, but it’s the first time he’ll strap on his helmet in a Late Model at “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile.” Despite having little experience, he’s excited to get behind the wheel of his orange number #11 machine.  

“I’m really excited to get down there,” Gundaker said. “I’ve never raced a Late Model there, but I’ve raced a Modified, and I’ve been there a thousand times with Dad over the years, and the last couple of years I’ve been there helping Nick Hoffman when he races there.”

Gundaker is one of five drivers running for Rookie of the Year in 2022, including Max Blair, Kyle Hammer, Gary Dillon, and Tanner English. While he’s excited to compete against all of them this season, battling with English brings a sense of familiarity.  

“Me and Tanner grew up together, and obviously our dads raced together, and we’ve been against each other now for six, seven, eight years, and we race each other hard and always will,” Gundaker said. “It should be a lot of fun; it should be a lot of good competitiveness, but I think it’s going to make the Series even better.”

One of the drawing points for Gundaker to join the World of Outlaws was the 2022 schedule. The Series returns to several tracks he already has experience at and will make a trip to Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, IL—a venue operated by his parents. 

“That was something we looked at when we signed up to do this deal,” Gundaker said. “We’ve been to a lot of tracks, and the Series is coming to Mom and Dad’s place (Tri-City Speedway) this year. Pevely, Fairbury, Farmer City, last year we went up to Fountain City (Mississippi Thunder Speedway) with the Outlaws and went to Boone with the Outlaws, so the nice thing is we already have a bit of a notebook going at these places. 

“I’d like to think the Illinois tracks pla

Sprint Cars will run 14 races presented by Low-E Insulation; Midgets have 12-race schedule

CONCORD, NC – December 30, 2021 – More pieces of the puzzle are coming together as the Xtreme Outlaw Series prepares for its inaugural season in 2022, announcing today schedules for the Xtreme Outlaw Sprints presented by Low-E Insulation and the Xtreme Outlaw Midgets.

“Since we announced the Xtreme Outlaw Series earlier this month, the momentum has continued to build,” said Brian Carter, World of Outlaws and DIRTcar Racing CEO. “Drivers have already committed to run each series, now we’re continuing that momentum by announcing schedules and sponsorship, with more to come as interest in each division is at a very high level.”

The Xtreme Outlaw Sprint Cars presented by Low-E Insulation will consist of 14 events, with the series champion taking home $20,000.  The Xtreme Outlaw Midgets are set for 12 events with their series champion taking home $10,000.  In efforts to work with existing sanctions bodies, the Series will closely follow POWRi/USAC rule books, with a few small changes.  Mandatory head and neck restraints, containments seats, along with the World of Outlaws’ wheel cover rule will be in place.

XTREME OUTLAW SPRINTS

Kicking off the 14-race slate for the Xtreme Outlaw Sprints presented by Low-E Insulation is the debut on Monday & Tuesday, Feb. 14-15, during Volusia Speedway Park’s DIRTcar Nationals, where the Series will race with DIRTcar Late Models and the Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds.

The non-wing stars will also race alongside the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars on April 8-9 at Missouri’s US-36 Raceway and Lake Ozark Speedway and join the World of Outlaws Late Models for a weekend at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 on June 24-25.

Another six standalone shows are scheduled for Lake Ozark (June 10-11), Illinois’ Jacksonville Speedway (Sept. 9) and Spoon River Speedway (Sept. 10), and Ohio’s Atomic Speedway (Oct. 7-8).

The season finale for the Xtreme Outlaw Sprint Series will go out with a bang featuring a $5,000-to-win and $10,000-to-win weekend on October 28-29 with the location being announced soon.

Championship points fund is as follows: 1. $20,000; 2. $10,000; 3. $6,000; 4. $5,000; 5. $4,500; 6. $4,000; 7. $3,500; 8. $3,000; 9. $2,500; 10. $2,000.

XTREME OUTLAW MIDGETS

The Xtreme Outlaw Midgets will support the World of Outlaws Late Models at five races including the season opener at Farmer City (IL) Raceway on April 1-2, a Sunday show at Jacksonville (IL) Speedway on June 26, and a doubleheader at Davenport (IA) Speedway on Aug. 26-27.

On Monday & Tuesday, May 23-24, the Midgets will travel to North Carolina’s Millbridge Speedway for a star-studded event ahead of NASCAR’s huge Memorial Day Weekend events at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The already prestigious Ironman 55 will grow bigger and better in 2022 as the Xtreme Outlaw Midgets join the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars for a trip to Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 on August 5-6.

An Oklahoma tripleheader will conclude the season with October 13 at Tulsa’s Port City Raceway —owned by 2005 World of Outlaws Rookie of the Year Shane Stewart — and then October 14-15 at Oklahoma City’s I-44 Riverside Speedway.

Championship points fund is as follows: 1. $10,000; 2. $7,000; 3. $5,000; 4. $4,000; 5. $3,000; 6. $2,500; 7. $2,000; 8. $1,500; 9. $1,200; 10. $1,000.

Xtreme Outlaw Sprints presented by Low-E Insulation 2022 Schedule:

Mon-Tues, Feb. 14-15: Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville, FL) – $5,000/$10,000
Fri, April 8: US-36 Raceway (Osborn, MO) – $5,000
Sat, April 9: Lake Ozark Speedway (Eldon, MO) – $5,000
Fri-Sat, June 10-11: Lake Ozark Speedway (Eldon, MO) – $5,000/$6,000
Fri-Sat, June 24-25: Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 (Pevely, MO) – $5,000/$6,000
Fri, September 9: Jacksonville Speedway (Jacksonville, IL) – $5,000
Sat, September 10: Spoon River Speedway (Canton, IL) – $5,000
Fri-Sat, October 7-8: Atomic Speedway (Waverly, OH) – $5,000/$6,000
Fri, October 28:  TBA – $5,000
Sat, October 29: TBA – $10,000

Xtreme Outlaw Midgets 2022 Schedule:

Fri-Sat, April 1-2: Farmer City Raceway (Farmer City, IL) – $4,000/$4,000
Mon-Tues, May 23-24: Millbridge Speedway (Salisbury, NC) – $4,000/$4,000
Sun, June 26: Jacksonville Speedway (Jacksonville, IL) – $4,000
Fri-Sat, August 5-6: Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 (Pevely, MO) – $4,000/$5,000
Fri-Sat, August 26-27: Davenport Speedway (Davenport, IA) – $4,000/$4,000
Thur, October 13: Port City Raceway (Tulsa, OK) – $5,500
Fri-Sat, October 14-15: I-44 Riverside Speedway (Oklahoma City, OK) – $4,000/$5,000

BARBERVILLE, FL – January 5th, 2022 – Attempting a journey for the first time will have its ups and downs, especially if that journey lasts eleven months. 

Five drivers, each with different levels of experience, take their first step toward World of Outlaws Late Models glory when the Series opens its season Jan. 20-22 at Volusia Speedway Park, as part of the Late-Model-Palooza known as Sunshine Nationals. 

Gary Dillon, Kyle Hammer, Max Blair, Gordy Gundaker, and Tanner English have all thrown their hat in the ring to compete for Rookie of the Year in 2022. 

Gundaker, who made a name for himself racing in Illinois, knows it’ll be a fun uphill climb.

“Across the board, it’s obviously going to be tough,” Gundaker said. “Running this deal isn’t supposed to be easy, but running with guys like Max and Tanner, and Hammer and Dillon is going to be a lot of fun.” 

All five drivers will travel to new venues throughout the season. But each will have a home region advantage at some point throughout the season, adding another level of difficulty to the battle.

“They are definitely good competitors in their area, no doubt,” English said. “Max can hardly be beat in his area it seems like, and Gordy’s good around home, and they are tough for sure. They’ll be right there with us, and I feel like we’ll have a real good battle between all of us.”

Despite the strengths of each Rookie of the Year contender racing at home; veterans and former champions will try to keep them out of Victory Lane.  

Western Pennsylvania’s Max Blair, who has three Series wins to his credit knows while he may have an advantage at home, that’s not the case for most of the schedule. 

“There’s a lot more nights that everyone else has a bigger advantage than I do,” Blair said. “There’s a lot of the racetracks that I’ve never even seen before.

“I’m hopeful. But you have to be real about it at the same time with what we’re getting ready to go do here.”

North Carolina’s Gary Dillon is taking a different approach to the season. He only has a few Super Late Model races under his belt, including a World Finals appearance and with the Drydene Xtreme DIRTcar Series over the winter. 

This year, he’s looking for a change of pace. A faster pace.

“I want to just try to get away from the drama of Limited Late Model racing and try to accomplish something,” Dillon said. “Maybe try to go full-time and get Rookie of the Year possibly and run for that. Just a different change of scenery; I’m not getting any younger.

“It’s definitely a challenge, but I mean, any of this stuff is a challenge. “You’re not running against Mom and Pop anymore; it’s a serious thing.” 

Illinois driver Kyle Hammer is going all-in on the 2022 season, including a new Longhorn by Wells in his stable. He’s optimistic about getting a good start at Sunshine Nationals because of his experience in a Modified. 

“I’m looking forward to it, really,” Hammer said. “Last year, we went there for the first time in a modified, and had a couple of good runs, made all but one of the A-mains, and actually locked into the big Modified show from our qualifier.

“We were running good there before we had a mechanical failure, but I think we’ll be alright there and especially having seven nights being able to fine-tune it by the end of the last night.”

Hammer and the four other Rookie hopefuls kick off their journey of ups and downs January 20-22 as the main Late Model attraction of Sunshine Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park. 

Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year Battle Begins at Volusia on February 10-12

CONCORD, NC – January 6, 2022 – With the season-opening DIRTcar Nationals still over a month away, the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series roster is continuing to take shape.

Today, Noah Gass of Mounds, OK announced his intention to hit the road and go full-time with The Greatest Show on Dirt in 2022. The teenager will pilot his family-owned Arrowhead Electric, Big G Transport, Triple-X/Claxton #20G across the near 90-race slate this season.

He’ll be waging war with Kasey Kahne (KKR #9) and Spencer Bayston (CJB #5) in the chase for Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year honors.

“Being only 18-years-old, this is about as cool as it gets,” Gass said. “Being able to run with the best of the best every weekend all over the country, I mean how badass is that to say. It’s The Greatest Show on Dirt for a reason, and I can’t wait to be a part of it.”

Less than a year removed from his World of Outlaws debut in March of 2021, Gass has shown signs of improvement all throughout his first 25 events with the Series. Things started slowly by only making three Features in his first 13 attempts, but quickly improved with 10 starts over his last 12 races, including a career-best 12th-place finish at River Cities (ND) in August.

A fellow “Sooner State” native along with Oklahoma City’s Wayne Johnson, Gass rose through the ranks with experience in Micro Sprints, Midgets, and Sprint Cars of the wingless and winged variety. Last year alone he scored a pair of Interstate Racing Association (IRA) victories in Wisconsin and earned several top-fives with the Midwest Open Wheel Association (MOWA) in Illinois.

“It’s definitely not going to be easy going on the road full-time, but if it was then everyone would do it,” Gass mentioned. “We are going to have our challenges, so it will be important to stay positive and keep our team morale and attitude up. We have a lot of goals going into the 2022 season and we’re ready to get it going at Volusia.”

“I have complete confidence in Cody [Cordell] and Robert [McQuinn] that they’re going to work hard to make sure I have a great car every night,” he continued. “We are not as big as most of the teams on the road and we know that, but we’re not going to let it hold us back at all.”

The 2022 season begins in just over a month on Thursday-Saturday, February 10-12 at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, FL as part of the 51st DIRTcar Nationals. Fans can BUY TICKETS HERE or watch Every Lap LIVE on DIRTVision.

Gass, along with Johnson, will both enjoy their lone homecoming of the upcoming campaign on April 1 at Lawton Speedway. Tickets for the

Sprint Cars will run 14 races presented by Low-E Insulation; Midgets have 12-race scheduleCONCORD, NC – December 30, 2021 – More pieces of the puzzle are coming together as the Xtreme Outlaw Series prepares for its inaugural season in 2022, announcing today schedules for the Xtreme Outlaw Sprints presented by Low-E Insulation and the Xtreme Outlaw Midgets.“Since we announced the Xtreme Outlaw Series earlier this month, the momentum has continued to build,” said Brian Carter, World of Outlaws and DIRTcar Racing CEO. “Drivers have already committed to run each series, now we’re continuing that momentum by announcing schedules and sponsorship, with more to come as interest in each division is at a very high level.”The Xtreme Outlaw Sprint Cars presented by Low-E Insulation will consist of 14 events, with the series champion taking home $20,000.  The Xtreme Outlaw Midgets are set for 12 events with their series champion taking home $10,000.  In efforts to work with existing sanctions bodies, the Series will closely follow POWRi/USAC rule books, with a few small changes.  Mandatory head and neck restraints, containments seats, along with the World of Outlaws’ wheel cover rule will be in place.XTREME OUTLAW SPRINTSKicking off the 14-race slate for the Xtreme Outlaw Sprints presented by Low-E Insulation is the debut on Monday & Tuesday, Feb. 14-15, during Volusia Speedway Park’s DIRTcar Nationals, where the Series will race with DIRTcar Late Models and the Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds.The non-wing stars will also race alongside the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars on April 8-9 at Missouri’s US-36 Raceway and Lake Ozark Speedway and join the World of Outlaws Late Models for a weekend at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 on June 24-25.Another six standalone shows are scheduled for Lake Ozark (June 10-11), Illinois’ Jacksonville Speedway (Sept. 9) and Spoon River Speedway (Sept. 10), and Ohio’s Atomic Speedway (Oct. 7-8).The season finale for the Xtreme Outlaw Sprint Series will go out with a bang featuring a $5,000-to-win and $10,000-to-win weekend on October 28-29 with the location being announced soon.Championship points fund is as follows: 1. $20,000; 2. $10,000; 3. $6,000; 4. $5,000; 5. $4,500; 6. $4,000; 7. $3,500; 8. $3,000; 9. $2,500; 10. $2,000.XTREME OUTLAW MIDGETSThe Xtreme Outlaw Midgets will support the World of Outlaws Late Models at five races including the season opener at Farmer City (IL) Raceway on April 1-2, a Sunday show at Jacksonville (IL) Speedway on June 26, and a doubleheader at Davenport (IA) Speedway on Aug. 26-27.On Monday & Tuesday, May 23-24, the Midgets will travel to North Carolina’s Millbridge Speedway for a star-studded event ahead of NASCAR’s huge Memorial Day Weekend events at Charlotte Motor Speedway.The already prestigious Ironman 55 will grow bigger and better in 2022 as the Xtreme Outlaw Midgets join the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars for a trip to Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 on August 5-6.An Oklahoma tripleheader will conclude the season with October 13 at Tulsa’s Port City Raceway —owned by 2005 World of Outlaws Rookie of the Year Shane Stewart — and then October 14-15 at Oklahoma City’s I-44 Riverside Speedway.Championship points fund is as follows: 1. $10,000; 2. $7,000; 3. $5,000; 4. $4,000; 5. $3,000; 6. $2,500; 7. $2,000; 8. $1,500; 9. $1,200; 10. $1,000.Xtreme Outlaw Sprints presented by Low-E Insulation 2022 Schedule:Mon-Tues, Feb. 14-15: Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville, FL) – $5,000/$10,000 Fri, April 8: US-36 Raceway (Osborn, MO) – $5,000 Sat, April 9: Lake Ozark Speedway (Eldon, MO) – $5,000 Fri-Sat, June 10-11: Lake Ozark Speedway (Eldon, MO) – $5,000/$6,000 Fri-Sat, June 24-25: Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 (Pevely, MO) – $5,000/$6,000 Fri, September 9: Jacksonville Speedway (Jacksonville, IL) – $5,000 Sat, September 10: Spoon River Speedway (Canton, IL) – $5,000 Fri-Sat, October 7-8: Atomic Speedway (Waverly, OH) – $5,000/$6,000 Fri, October 28:  TBA – $5,000 Sat, October 29: TBA – $10,000Xtreme Outlaw Midgets 2022 Schedule:Fri-Sat, April 1-2: Farmer City Raceway (Farmer City, IL) – $4,000/$4,000 Mon-Tues, May 23-24: Millbridge Speedway (Salisbury, NC) – $4,000/$4,000 Sun, June 26: Jacksonville Speedway (Jacksonville, IL) – $4,000 Fri-Sat, August 5-6: Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 (Pevely, MO) – $4,000/$5,000 Fri-Sat, August 26-27: Davenport Speedway (Davenport, IA) – $4,000/$4,000 Thur, October 13: Port City Raceway (Tulsa, OK) – $5,500 Fri-Sat, October 14-15: I-44 Riverside Speedway (Oklahoma City, OK) – $4,000/$5,000Stay tuned to XtremeOutlawSeries.com or @Xtreme_Outlaw on Twitter for more details as the inaugural season approaches.For fans unable to make it to the track, you can watch Every Lap LIVE on DIRTVision.

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink® Sprint Car Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Drydene (Official Motor Oil), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), Morton Buildings (Official Building), NOS Energy (Official Energy Product), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider) and VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel); contingency sponsors include ARP (Automotive Racing Products), Cometic Gasket, COMP Cams, KSE Racing Products (Hard Charger Award), MSD and Slick Woody’s (Quick Time Award); manufacturer sponsors include FireAde, Intercomp, K1 Race Gear, and Racing Electronics.The World of Outlaws Morton Buildings® Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Drydene (Official Motor Oil), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), Morton Buildings (Official Building), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider) VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors, including: Arizona Sport Shirts/Gotta Race, ARP (Automotive Racing Products), Cometic Gasket, COMP Cams, MSD, Penske Racing Shocks, Quarter Master, Slick Woody’s (Quick Time Award), and Wrisco (Exclusive Racing Aluminum); along with manufacturer sponsors, including: Capital Race Cars, FireAde, Integra Shocks, Intercomp, K1 Race Gear, Racing Electronics, Reliable Painting, and Rocket Chassis.

The St. Charles, MO driver will compete for Rookie of the Year honors this seasonBARBERVILLE, FL – December 31, 2021– When the sun rises on the 2022 World of Outlaws Late Models season, a burst of orange from the Midwest will hit Volusia Speedway Park for the first time. Gordy Gundaker’s maiden voyage with the Series kicks off at Sunshine Nationals Jan 20-22, as he starts his ascension toward Rookie of the Year honors.  The St. Charles, MO driver, has competed against the best the World of Outlaws has to offer on numerous occasions, but it’s the first time he’ll strap on his helmet in a Late Model at “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile.” Despite having little experience, he’s excited to get behind the wheel of his orange number #11 machine.   “I’m really excited to get down there,” Gundaker said. “I’ve never raced a Late Model there, but I’ve raced a Modified, and I’ve been there a thousand times with Dad over the years, and the last couple of years I’ve been there helping Nick Hoffman when he races there.” Gundaker is one of five drivers running for Rookie of the Year in 2022, including Max Blair, Kyle Hammer, Gary Dillon, and Tanner English. While he’s excited to compete against all of them this season, battling with English brings a sense of familiarity.   “Me and Tanner grew up together, and obviously our dads raced together, and we’ve been against each other now for six, seven, eight years, and we race each other hard and always will,” Gundaker said. “It should be a lot of fun; it should be a lot of good competitiveness, but I think it’s going to make the Series even better.” One of the drawing points for Gundaker to join the World of Outlaws was the 2022 schedule. The Series returns to several tracks he already has experience at and will make a trip to Tri-City Speedway in Pontoon Beach, IL—a venue operated by his parents.  “That was something we looked at when we signed up to do this deal,” Gundaker said. “We’ve been to a lot of tracks, and the Series is coming to Mom and Dad’s place (Tri-City Speedway) this year. Pevely, Fairbury, Farmer City, last year we went up to Fountain City (Mississippi Thunder Speedway) with the Outlaws and went to Boone with the Outlaws, so the nice thing is we already have a bit of a notebook going at these places.  “I’d like to think the Illinois tracks play more to my advantage than most just because of how many times I’ve raced there.” RELATED: World of Outlaws Late Models prepare for jam-packed campaign Despite his experience in the Midwest, he knows it’ll still be a challenge at every race on the schedule in 2022. “Obviously, Sheppard’s won a lot of races at those places, and Tanner’s good (in the Midwest),” Gundaker said. “But at the same time, we have to go out East and race at places I’ve never been or never thought of looking at. It’s going to be challenging, but it’s going to be good for us.” One of the tracks he’ll see for the first time is Port Royal Speedway during the season’s first Northeast swing.  “I’ve heard a ton about Port Royal,” Gundaker said. “It seems like a place everyone talks about how awesome it is, and it’s something I’m really looking forward to. I’ve always wanted to get out to some of these race tracks I’ve never seen. It’s just something new and exciting for us. Before the Series travels across the country, it’ll have an extended stay in the Southeast as the first seven races are at Volusia. Gundaker knows a strong start is vital for his orange Late Model to burst onto the scene in 2022.  “I’m just really pumped to get down there, and into warmer weather, that’s for sure, and I’m excited to kick the season off. If we can get down there and have some good runs and get out of there in one piece, that’s the main goal and obviously look forward to the long season.” Gundaker and the World of Outlaws Late Models open the curtain on the 2022 season Jan. 20-22, as the main attraction of Sunshine Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park. SUNSHINE NATIONALS TICKETS: CLICK HERE If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch the World of Outlaws Late Models live on DIRTVision – either online or with the DIRTVision App.

The World of Outlaws Morton Buildings® Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Drydene (Official Motor Oil), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), Morton Buildings (Official Building), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider) VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors, including: Arizona Sport Shirts/Gotta Race, ARP (Automotive Racing Products), Cometic Gasket, COMP Cams, MSD, Penske Racing Shocks, Quarter Master, Slick Woody’s (Quick Time Award), and Wrisco (Exclusive Racing Aluminum); along with manufacturer sponsors, including: Capital Race Cars, FireAde, Integra Shocks, Intercomp, K1 Race Gear, Racing Electronics, Reliable Painting, and Rocket Chassis.Founded in 1978, the World of Outlaws®, based in Concord, NC, is the premier national touring series for dirt track racing in North America, featuring the most powerful cars on dirt, the World of Outlaws NOS® Energy Drink Sprint Car Series and the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings® Late Model Series. Annually, the two series race nearly 140 times at tracks across the United States and Canada. CBS Sports Network is the official broadcast partner of the World of Outlaws. DIRTVision® also broadcasts World of Outlaws events over the Internet to fans around the world. Learn more about the World of Outlaws.

Sprint Cars will run 14 races presented by Low-E Insulation; Midgets have 12-race schedule

CONCORD, NC – December 30, 2021 – More pieces of the puzzle are coming together as the Xtreme Outlaw Series prepares for its inaugural season in 2022, announcing today schedules for the Xtreme Outlaw Sprints presented by Low-E Insulation and the Xtreme Outlaw Midgets.

“Since we announced the Xtreme Outlaw Series earlier this month, the momentum has continued to build,” said Brian Carter, World of Outlaws and DIRTcar Racing CEO. “Drivers have already committed to run each series, now we’re continuing that momentum by announcing schedules and sponsorship, with more to come as interest in each division is at a very high level.”

The Xtreme Outlaw Sprint Cars presented by Low-E Insulation will consist of 14 events, with the series champion taking home $20,000.  The Xtreme Outlaw Midgets are set for 12 events with their series champion taking home $10,000.  In efforts to work with existing sanctions bodies, the Series will closely follow POWRi/USAC rule books, with a few small changes.  Mandatory head and neck restraints, containments seats, along with the World of Outlaws’ wheel cover rule will be in place.

XTREME OUTLAW SPRINTS

Kicking off the 14-race slate for the Xtreme Outlaw Sprints presented by Low-E Insulation is the debut on Monday & Tuesday, Feb. 14-15, during Volusia Speedway Park’s DIRTcar Nationals, where the Series will race with DIRTcar Late Models and the Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds.

The non-wing stars will also race alongside the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars on April 8-9 at Missouri’s US-36 Raceway and Lake Ozark Speedway and join the World of Outlaws Late Models for a weekend at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 on June 24-25.

Another six standalone shows are scheduled for Lake Ozark (June 10-11), Illinois’ Jacksonville Speedway (Sept. 9) and Spoon River Speedway (Sept. 10), and Ohio’s Atomic Speedway (Oct. 7-8).

The season finale for the Xtreme Outlaw Sprint Series will go out with a bang featuring a $5,000-to-win and $10,000-to-win weekend on October 28-29 with the location being announced soon.

Championship points fund is as follows: 1. $20,000; 2. $10,000; 3. $6,000; 4. $5,000; 5. $4,500; 6. $4,000; 7. $3,500; 8. $3,000; 9. $2,500; 10. $2,000.

XTREME OUTLAW MIDGETS

The Xtreme Outlaw Midgets will support the World of Outlaws Late Models at five races including the season opener at Farmer City (IL) Raceway on April 1-2, a Sunday show at Jacksonville (IL) Speedway on June 26, and a doubleheader at Davenport (IA) Speedway on Aug. 26-27.

On Monday & Tuesday, May 23-24, the Midgets will travel to North Carolina’s Millbridge Speedway for a star-studded event ahead of NASCAR’s huge Memorial Day Weekend events at Charlotte Motor Speedway.

The already prestigious Ironman 55 will grow bigger and better in 2022 as the Xtreme Outlaw Midgets join the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars for a trip to Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 on August 5-6.

An Oklahoma tripleheader will conclude the season with October 13 at Tulsa’s Port City Raceway —owned by 2005 World of Outlaws Rookie of the Year Shane Stewart — and then October 14-15 at Oklahoma City’s I-44 Riverside Speedway.

Championship points fund is as follows: 1. $10,000; 2. $7,000; 3. $5,000; 4. $4,000; 5. $3,000; 6. $2,500; 7. $2,000; 8. $1,500; 9. $1,200; 10. $1,000.

Xtreme Outlaw Sprints presented by Low-E Insulation 2022 Schedule:

Mon-Tues, Feb. 14-15: Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville, FL) – $5,000/$10,000
Fri, April 8: US-36 Raceway (Osborn, MO) – $5,000
Sat, April 9: Lake Ozark Speedway (Eldon, MO) – $5,000
Fri-Sat, June 10-11: Lake Ozark Speedway (Eldon, MO) – $5,000/$6,000
Fri-Sat, June 24-25: Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 (Pevely, MO) – $5,000/$6,000
Fri, September 9: Jacksonville Speedway (Jacksonville, IL) – $5,000
Sat, September 10: Spoon River Speedway (Canton, IL) – $5,000
Fri-Sat, October 7-8: Atomic Speedway (Waverly, OH) – $5,000/$6,000
Fri, October 28:  TBA – $5,000
Sat, October 29: TBA – $10,000

Xtreme Outlaw Midgets 2022 Schedule:

Fri-Sat, April 1-2: Farmer City Raceway (Farmer City, IL) – $4,000/$4,000
Mon-Tues, May 23-24: Millbridge Speedway (Salisbury, NC) – $4,000/$4,000
Sun, June 26: Jacksonville Speedway (Jacksonville, IL) – $4,000
Fri-Sat, August 5-6: Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 (Pevely, MO) – $4,000/$5,000
Fri-Sat, August 26-27: Davenport Speedway (Davenport, IA) – $4,000/$4,000
Thur, October 13: Port City Raceway (Tulsa, OK) – $5,500
Fri-Sat, October 14-15: I-44 Riverside Speedway (Oklahoma City, OK) – $4,000/$5,000

Four-Time Champion Car Owner will Chase New Title as Driver of KKR #9

CONCORD, NC – December 22, 2021 – For the first time ever, Kasey Kahne is set to embark on a full-time campaign with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series in 2022.

Driving his own famed #9, Kasey will link up with his three-time and defending driver champion Brad Sweet to form a potent two-car team out of Kasey Kahne Racing’s Mooresville, NC shop.

“I’ve realized through my commitments as a team owner that I still want to race and challenge myself at this level,” Kahne said. “I am grateful to have propelled into the NASCAR ranks as quickly as I did, but sprint car racing has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, and this is the first chance I’ve had to dedicate myself to it full-time.”

The Enumclaw, WA superstar has long been associated with The Greatest Show on Dirt. Look no further than his Series debut at age 17 in 1997, his first entry fielded as a car owner in 2005, the first championship for KKR in 2013, and now the dynasty established with a hat trick from 2019-21 for proof on that.

Over his career, which has largely been consumed by 700+ starts and 31 victories across the NASCAR Cup, Xfinity & Truck Series, Kahne managed to fit in 140 World of Outlaws Features to this point. The bulk of that came just last year when he subbed for James McFadden in his #9 and piloted the Roth Motorsports #83, tallying 32 starts, 11 top-10 finishes, and 10 laps led.

A full-time slate with the Series is something he’s always dreamed of and will finally accomplish in 2022. Fans from coast-to-coast will have the opportunity to witness Kahne wheel a Sprint Car across 90+ nights of racing from February to November.

“The World of Outlaws puts the top competitors in the sport with the most grueling schedule; traveling to tracks nationwide, night-in and night-out,” Kahne added. “A lot of people don’t realize this is one of the toughest Series in the world, and I’m excited to finally be a part of it as a driver.”

It all begins at the 51st DIRTcar Nationals on February 10-12 at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, FL. Fans can BUY TICKETS HERE or watch every lap live on DIRTVision.

Before stock car aspirations were even a thought, Kasey and the Kahne’s were Sprint Car junkies from the beginning. Between parents Kelly & Tammy, siblings Kale & Shanon, and cousins Willie & Kole, the family spent many nights together at Washington’s Skagit Speedway.

New avenues led him to Indianapolis to become the 2000 USAC NOS Energy Drink National Midget champion and eventually to Charlotte as a full-timer in NASCAR by 2003. He enjoyed a lengthy 15-year career in the Cup Series before retiring in 2018 and returning to his roots: Sprint Car racing.

Karavan Trailers will return as a primary sponsor on the #9 and FuelMe will enter a new partnership as the official fuel supplier of Kasey Kahne Racing next year.

Headlined among 90+ nights of racing in 2022 for Kahne is iconic events such as the Knoxville Nationals, King’s Royal, Historical Big One, National Open, Gold Cup Race of Champions, High Bank Nationals, season-ending World Finals, and of course the season-opening DIRTcar Nationals, among many other shows.

Labor Day Weekend will also serve as a homecoming for the Enumclaw, WA native as Kahne returns to the Pacific Northwest for the booming Skagit Nationals (September 1-3) and a one-night stop at Gray’s Harbor Raceway on September 5.

Outside of teammate and reigning champion, Brad Sweet, Kahne will have to contend with the likes of 10-time champion Donny Schatz at Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing, established stars David Gravel & Logan Schuchart, rising young guns Carson Macedo & Sheldon Haudenschild, veterans Kraig Kinser, Jason Sides & Wayne Johnson, and newer travelers like James McFadden, Brock Zearfoss & Spencer Bayston.

Fans unable to make it to the track next year can watch Every Lap LIVE on DIRTVision.

COMPETITIONPLUSTV TO UNVEIL LATEST LEGENDS: THE SERIES 

WEDNESDAY EVENING FEATURING BILLY MEYER

SPARTANBURG, SC (December 22, 2021) – Legends: The Series, the brainchild of CompetitionPlus.com founder Bobby Bennett, stands as one of the most highly regarded and in-depth online drag racing documentary series. On Wednesday, December 22, 2021, at 8 PM EST, drag racing Hall of Famer and innovator Billy Meyer will become the latest in a line of drag racing icons to have his story told by Legends: The Series. 

Meyer is excited to be part of a featured list that has included Don Garlits, Shirley Muldowney, John Force, and most recently, Kenny Bernstein. 

“I spent a lot of time with Bobby and he has obviously done his research. I feel he put together a great documentary,” said Meyer. “This isn’t something that I pursued but Bobby did some excellent work, and I can’t imagine how many hours he put into this project. I am proud of the things I accomplished over my career. Drag racing was the biggest part, but Bobby also shows some of my successes away from the drag strip. I want to thank Bobby for not just doing a Legends movie on me but for taking the time to chronicle so many important figures and personalities from a sport I have dedicated my life to.”

The hour-long episode will delve into the life of the drag racing visionary Meyer, where he discusses everything from his childhood in a positive energy household to making a grand entrance on the professional drag racing scene. Meyer also discusses his career as one of drag racing’s individuals responsible for taking professional drag racing to the next level in terms of business-to-business sponsorships and building the Texas Motorplex. 

Legends: The Series is in its sixth season of production, dating back to the pilot, which aired in 2013, featured the 16-time champion Force, who discussed his years of drag racing before he became part of the corporate-backed community. 

“We have spent a lot of hours developing the stories which are not common knowledge until decades after the fact,” Bennett said. “Case in point, Billy Meyer was thought to be just a rich kid racing on dad’s money. Little did many know, there were many times he came up on the short end of the money deal when out on the road. Magazines back in those days didn’t always do a good job reporting past the facade many drivers portrayed.”

The episode can be viewed on CompetitionPlus.com‘s  YouTube channel (https://www.youtube.com/CompetitionPlusTV) and on the magazine itself (www.competitionplus.com) when it premieres at 8 PM EST, Wednesday, December 22.

CompetitionPlus.com is a recognized leader in online drag racing magazines. For 22 years, the pioneering online publication has brought news where “You can believe what you read on the internet.”

BARBERVILLE, FL– December 22, 2021 – A true Late-Model-Palooza kicks off the 2022 season highlighted by the World of Outlaws Late Models and DIRTcar Pro Late Models. 

Six new full-time drivers will kick off their World of Outlaws title aspirations at Sunshine Nationals Jan. 20-22 at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, FL, while several rising stars will try to make their mark amongst the veterans with the DIRTcar Pro Late Models.

World of Outlaws Late Models

The Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet will battle in 40-lap Features on all three nights, each paying $10,000-to-win.  

It’s only the second time the Series has raced at Sunshine Nationals, as Kyle Strickler and Kyle Bronson scored victories in 2021. 

The 2022 event sees the return of four-time champion Josh Richards to the World of Outlaws after a four-year hiatus—as a teammate to Boom Briggs. The Shinnston, WV driver has more World of Outlaws wins than any other driver (78). 

He’ll be joined in his quest for five championships by fellow four-time and reigning Series champion Brandon Sheppard, who’s one win away from tying the “Rocket Man” in the win column.  

Richards isn’t the only driver trying to find Victory Lane at Sunshine Nationals, as five rookies start their World of Outlaws campaign at Volusia Speedway Park. 

Max Blair, Gordy Gundaker, Kyle Hammer, Tanner English, and Gary Dillon are all fighting to be the top Rookie in 2022—and all but Blair are searching for their first Series win. 

Those names, plus drivers like Ryan Gustin, Dale McDowell, and Devin Moran highlight a stout field of competitors hoping to take home the first checkered flag of the season. 

TO REGISTER: CLICK HERE

DIRTcar Pro Late Models

The Chevy Performance 604 Crate-engine-powered DIRTcar Pro Late Models are also on the card for the third annual Late Model Palooza. Drivers will compete all three days of the event, chasing the $10,000 grand prize as victor of the 30-lap finale on Saturday night.

Historically, the Sunshine Nationals Pro Late Model division has been the meeting ground for both present and future Super Late Model stars. The nation’s top rookie competitors and future Super Late Model prospects collide with the veterans of the 850hp Super ranks in a weeklong chase for the division championship, awarding a unique trophy to the high-points driver after Saturday night’s main event. 

National Super Late Model star Kyle Bronson, of Brandon, FL, swept the inaugural event in 2020, winning all three Pro Late Model Features for a weekend prize money total of $13,500. While fellow Super Late Model contenders Michael Page, Max Blair and Mark Whitener gave him a run, Bronson also defeated Crate standouts such as Dillon Brown, Cody Overton and former Crate graduate Ashton Winger to capture the event finale.

The competition clash continued in 2021 with the rise of Tennessee Crate racer Mack McCarter. The 28-year-old put on a passing clinic in January, driving 19th-to-second on Thursday and 20th-to-second on Saturday to clinch the division title by five points. Bronson was victorious in the Saturday finale for the second-straight year, defeating Super regulars through the field such as Cory Hedgecock, Jensen Ford and Mark Whitener.

2022 is poised to pit some of the best Crate and Super Late Model racers in the nation against each other once again at the World’s Fastest Half-Mile.

For Tickets: CLICK HERE.

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Dec. 20, 2021 – After a six-month-long regular season, the DIRTcar national and regional champions have been decided, and it’s time to deliver the hardware.

Each champion and special award winner will be honored at the 36th annual DIRTcar Racing awards banquet on Saturday, Jan. 8 at the Springfield Crowne Plaza.

Late Model and UMP Modified drivers finishing inside the top-50 of national points plus any driver in the top-20 of all other divisions are eligible to receive their points fund check at the banquet. The top-10 of each division’s region are also eligible for recognition during the ceremony.

Congratulations to each of the 2021 DIRTcar national points champions.

Late Model – Bobby Pierce (Oakwood, IL)

For the fourth time in his 25-year-old career, Bobby Pierce is a DIRTcar Late Model national champion.

Love him or hate him, there’s no denying his prowess behind the wheel this season. Twenty DIRTcar Feature wins in 57 starts put him atop both categories in the national standings, tying runner-up Rusty Schlenk for wins and beating him by 90 points – the smallest margin of victory in each of his four titles, three of which he also defeated Schlenk.

Among his accomplishments this year comes a fourth DIRTcar Summer Nationals title, where he won a personal record 13 Features aboard the 29-race slate, defeating Hell Tour rookie Ashton Winger by 178 points en route to the $29,000 grand prize.

Related – A LONG, SMOOTH SUMMER: Pierce Feels Improved, Back on Top After Fourth Hell Tour Crown

View – 2022 DIRTcar Summer Nationals Schedule

Several highlights included a $20,000 payday in his first career victory with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series in Farmer City Raceway’s Illini 100, another $30,000 marquee event win against the Outlaws at Boone Speedway in Iowa, and three Summer Nationals victories in-a-row at Beaver Dam, Davenport and Route 66.

“I’ve just gotta give a huge thanks to my dad, mostly,” Pierce said, reflecting on his accomplishments in a September release. “Starting me off pretty young, going to all these racetracks right in the beginning of my racing career. He pushed me to be the best that I could be, and it goes a long way.

“It’s been a long journey, even though I’m pretty young. It’s been a long journey so far, and I’m excited to maybe go on and get another four championships.”

Pierce now joins Rodney Melvin (’01, ’03-’05) as the only four-time national champions of the DIRTcar Late Model division.

UMP Modified – Nick Hoffman (Mooresville, NC)

Since 2019, the UMP Modified world has been ruled by a man who continued his domination tour throughout the country in 2021. With 26 Feature wins in 49 starts, Nick Hoffman is now a three-time DIRTcar UMP Modified national champion.

Just when the dirt track world thought things couldn’t get better for Blue Deuce & Co. after their dominant 2020 season, Nick, father Darrell, road crew member Shawn O’Neill and all of Elite Chassis put together a car and campaign that won a fourth DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals title, 19 of their 20 Summit Modified starts, and several marquee races along the way.

Read Also – SUMMIT OF THE MOUNTAIN: Hoffman Reflects on Record-Breaking Season, Fourth Championship

View – 2022 Summit Modified Schedule

The accomplishments list doesn’t stop with those he earned in the Modified – Hoffman also made four consecutive Feature starts in June at Eldora Speedway’s Dirt Late Model Dreams, where he bagged two top-10s against the best drivers in the country. Then came his big break with Scott Bloomquist Racing at the end of July, where a phone call from team co-owner Cody Sommer put him in behind the wheel of the Hall-of-Famer’s Drydene #0 for several races to finish out the season.

Hoffman even expanded his reach further into the open-wheel world with success in the Dirt Midget ranks – a place DIRTcar fans could potentially see him more often in 2022 with the formation of the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series, coming to Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 next summer.

Hoffman is now tied with Devin Gilpin for third-most national UMP Modified championships in DIRTcar history behind only Jimmy Owens (4) and Mike Harrison (7).

“It’s kinda weird looking back at it, as it was going on,” Hoffman said in an August release. “We didn’t really realize what we were doing. You just kinda look past it and are always racing for the next day.

“Now that we’ve had a couple weeks here, it’s just pretty wild to look back at it. I guess we took it for granted at the time. It’s going to be something that people talk about for years, I think.”

Pro Late Model – Jose Parga (New Berlin, IL)

For the second time in his career, Jose Parga is king of the DIRTcar Pro Late Models.

Parga first won the division’s national championship in 2015 by a slim margin of 18 points over Nick Bauman. This year, he flat-out dominated, winning seven of nine Feature starts at Lincoln Speedway to clinch the track championship, and the national title by 86 points over Billy Knippenberg.

Other highlights included seven wins in eight Feature starts at Farmer City Raceway and eight wins in 10 Feature starts at Macon Speedway. In total, Parga scored 20 Feature victories in 38 starts for a win percentage of just under 53 – no other driver had more than 10 wins in the division this year.

Pro Modified – Owen Steinkoenig (Highland, IL)

The first of four first-time DIRTcar national champions made a mark on his home track this year, winning 10 of the 13 Features he started at Highland Speedway to clinch his first track championship.

“I won one at [Belle-Clair Speedway] in 2019 – the last year they raced – and that was cool, but it wasn’t as cool as winning at Highland with everybody that we know and grew-up with being there every weekend,” Steinkoenig said.

Other Feature wins for the 19-year-old came at I-55, Lincoln, Farmer City and Charleston for a total of 15 in 28 DIRTcar Feature starts – a win percentage of just over 53.

With visions of becoming a UMP Modified national champion in his future, Steinkoenig said his new journey toward that goal begins in 2022, driving a new car he and his father put together this year.

“I’m looking forward to next year with what we’ll be doing,” Steinkoenig said. “Full-time UMP Modified, traveling and running some of the Summit Modified stuff.”

Steinkoenig thanks each of his sponsors and crew members Adam, Lance, Jimmy and Jacob for their continued support through the 2021 season.

UMP Sportsman – Wes McClara (Blanford, IN)

After finishing top-five in the national standings three out of the past four years, Wes McClara has finally sealed the deal on his first-ever DIRTcar UMP Sportsman national championship.

With 10 Feature wins in 34 recorded nights of racing in 2021, McClara also bagged the Lincoln Park Speedway track championship for the first time since 2017, defeating fellow national championship contenders Austin Phelps, Larry Raines and 2020 track champion Josh Litton.

McClara becomes the fifth different national champion of the division in the last five years.

“I never dreamed I’d be a national champion, to be honest,” he said. “A couple months in, I had led most of it, and then I thought, ‘man, I can do this if I just keep going.’ I just kept at it, and it feels pretty awesome to finally pull it off.”

Stock Car – Nick Macklin (Argenta, IL)

A veteran of dirt track racing for nearly 25 years, having raced everything from quarter-midgets to Modifieds, Nick Macklin has captured his first career DIRTcar national points championship with the Stock Cars.

In one of the closest points races of the season, Macklin bested rivals Terry Reed Jr. and Megan Erwin by under 60 points, winning 11 of his 36 recorded Features for a win percentage of just over 30. Both Reed and Erwin had 12 more recorded races, but Macklin’s diverse track list (Farmer City, Macon, Lincoln, Jacksonville) enabled him to collect wins against different local fields throughout the season.

“Somebody actually told us we were in third in points, and we didn’t even have our 20 nights in yet,” Macklin said. “That’s when I started paying attention to it, and then we started racing as much as we possibly could.

“We weren’t expecting it, but it actually ended in a lot of fun at the end of the year.”

Macklin becomes the eighth different driver to win the national Stock Car title in the past eight years.

Factory Stock – Trevor Isaak (Highland, IL)

Picking up right where he left off last year, Highland Speedway veteran Trevor Isaak sits atop the DIRTcar Factory Stock mountain once again in 2021.

Last year, Isaak and the #9x crew went on a tour of domination across the Midwest, winning 14 races and capturing their second national championship by 98 points. This time around, it nearly came right down to the wire, beating Sheldon Oberle by a narrow 11 points for the title. The two drivers matched in total wins with 13 apiece.

Nine of those 13 victories this year came at Highland, where he captured the track championship for the second-straight year. Now armed with his third Factory Stock national title, Isaak stands in a class of his own as the only three-time champion of the division.

“It’s been phenomenal, everything just kinda worked out,” Isaak said. “We only had one or two DNFs from parts and pieces breaking that just kinda happened. But overall, the consistency was there all season.”

Sport Compact – Joshua Hawkins (Imperial, MO)
The fourth and final first-time national champion honor goes to the 2021 Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 Sport Compact track champion, Joshua Hawkins.

Hawkins won 11 of the 15 Features he started at the Missouri oval this year, which propelled him to the win by 10 points over Dave Lauritson, who has now finished runner-up in each of the last four seasons.

Most remarkable may be Hawkins’ efficiency, winning 18 times in 23 races for a win percentage of just over 78. Every other driver inside the top-10 in national standings had more recorded races than he, yet none were able to match his win total. Additional victories at Tri-City, Highland and Spoon River completed his dominant year.

With only four cylinders under the hood, Hawkins said the key to racing up front as often as he does is proper maintenance.

“This Sport Compact class is so [dependent] on consistency and making sure you don’t have parts failures night-in and night-out,” Hawkins said. “That’s one thing I try and value my whole racing program on, making sure I go through the car every night and making sure I stay consistent to where I can run up front, and it proved itself this year.”

Tickets for award winners and drivers receiving points fund checks are available for purchase at the link below. Order form is due by Jan. 3.

TICKET ORDER FORM

Batavia, OH (December 20, 2021) – Ricky Thornton Jr added his name to the record books in 2021, ending the season as the Eibach Springs Rookie of the Year for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. Thornton, Jr. adds his name to a list of other Rookie’s that have gone on to win a host of championships, which is his next goal. “I’ve got to thank everyone, especially the whole Lucas Oil deal. It has been a dream come true to come out this year and be able to run this series, we look forward to going into next year. I have to thank Todd and Vickie Burns and everyone with the whole SSI Motorsports crew, we bust our butts all year to try to do the best we can; it definitely worked out. To come out and win rookie of the year was our goal starting out the year.” Thornton, Jr. had two series points race wins on the year, one being the $100,000-to-win series finale, the Dirt Track World Championship. In addition to his wins, he also had nine top-five appearances, and 20 top-ten finishes; however, these numbers don’t entirely reflect Thornton Jr’s season as he made a lot of noise on the track, showing a promising future for the 31-year-old. The 2021 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion, Tim McCreadie said about the newest Rookie of the Year, “Like I told several rookies years ago because I was one back when we all had flip phones, stick with it you’re going to get it. The problem is, you’ve already got it. Hopefully you don’t take over too soon but congrats on your year, I know how hard it is to jump in and do something like that.” The Eibach Springs Rookie of the Year’s Todd and Vickie Burns-owned SSI Motorsports Longhorn Chassis is powered by a Clements Racing Engine and sponsored by Hoker Trucking, Sub-Surface of Indiana, Dyno One, Inc., West Side Tractor Sales, Excel Floor Covering, Certified Inspection Service Co, Inc., D&E Outside Services, Shelby Materials, Penske Racing Shocks, and VP Race Fuels.

About Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt SeriesFounded in 2005, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series showcases the talents of the top dirt late model drivers from across the country. In 2021, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will sanction 59 events across 18 states, including some of the biggest marquee events in the industry, providing dirt slinging, sideways, door-to-door racing action lap after lap.  The series receives national exposure through a television package filmed, produced and edited by Lucas Oil Production Studios. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series events will broadcast on four networks including CBS, NBC Sports, CBS Sports Network and the MAVTV Motorsports Network.   The in your face excitement of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series is second to none in motorsports. For more information, including the latest news, tour schedule, driver information, and more, visit the official website at: www.LucasDirt.com.

Batavia, OH (December 18, 2021) – Consistency was key for the 2021 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion; five wins, 27 top-five appearances, and 32 top-ten finishes landed Tim McCreadie on top when all was said and done. This consistency allowed Tim McCreadie and Paylor Motorsports to pocket an extra $94,000 in cash plus a multitude of hardware; bringing his year-end winning total to $385,305. The 47-year-old took the stage as a past Champion in the sport, but a first-time Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion. McCreadie reminisced, “I am not the youngest guy in the world anymore, but I hope I can keep digging away and ascending. I feel like the whole late model sport is going up, who would have thought that 15 years ago when I said ‘man, look at these late model cars’ and I thought it would be pretty neat to try that stuff (driving super late models). I have been very fortunate that I have been able to do a lot of things in my career.” Like many other dirt late model drivers, McCreadie began his racing career in go-karts; unlike others, his resume is quite extensive on both dirt and asphalt. McCreadie is not only competitive but has his name etched in the history books for Championships and Crown Jewel event wins across a wide array of classes and different series’. “I truly appreciate everything you guys (Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series staff) do; I don’t always show it, I don’t know how to show it sometimes. When you look around this room, you truly understand that this is a special event. I have sat at every table but this one and you don’t realize how awesome and truly rewarding it is until you get lucky enough to sit over there. Thank you and your whole staff for everything you guys do for us and thank you to Forrest (Lucas).” The 2021 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion’s Donald and Gena Bradsher – owned Longhorn Chassis is powered by a Cornett Racing Engine, and sponsored by Mega Plumbing of the Carolinas, Bilstein Shocks, New Point Lighting and Design, D&E Marine, Racing for Heroes, and The Aesthetic Haus. “Donald and Gena, I love you guys to death. I talked to you guys and you’re a North Carolina team, didn’t know if you wanted to mess with a New York driver. It hasn’t always been perfect, but it has been a positive vibe that you guys have given to all of us. I know I have tried to be better myself personally, because of how you feed onto us. I am truly fortunate to drive for you all and I hope I represent you well. This championship is the cherry on top but hopefully not the end of the dessert.” Hudson O’Neal (IN) finished second in the final Championship standings, followed by Jonathan Davenport (GA), Jimmy Owens (TN), and Tyler Erb (TX), rounding out the top five in series standings. Sixth through twelfth are: Kyle Bronson (FL), Ricky Thornton Jr (IA), Josh Richards (WV), Shane Clanton (GA), Earl Pearson Jr (FL), Mike Marlar (TN), and Stormy Scott (NM).

(12/18/2021 – Alex Nieten) Sebastopol, CA… In recent years the West Coast has become a proving ground for some of the most talented youth behind the wheel of a sprint car, and the trend will continue in 2022 with Joel Myers Jr. teaming with Dave and Debbie Vertullo for the NARC Fujitsu General Sprint Car campaign.

In just the past 15 years, drivers like Gio Scelzi, Carson Macedo and Kyle Larson all turned heads in their teenage years with impressive NARC seasons before establishing the national profiles they have today. Coincidentally, Larson got his start in sprint cars and his first series victory in the Vertullo No. 83V.

Now, the 15-year-old Myers Jr. has parlayed his early sprint car success and a recently developed friendship into a chance in the notorious yellow and black machine.

“This year we became friends with Dave (Vertullo),” Myers Jr. said of how the deal began to piece together. “We pitted next to each other, always talked and hung out. Later on this year Dave started talking about a couple things once their season ended. Then we were able to all sit down and have a little meeting and kind of finalize everything.”

On top of helping Larson kickstart his career, Vertullo Motorsports has also played a role in developing other potent drivers like Brad Sweet and Chuck Gurney. Though he’s young, Myers Jr. is aware of the history and looking forward to his own chapter in the car.

“I feel like it’s a very cool opportunity,” Myers Jr. said. “You know, it’s where Larson started out and kind of got his feet wet. Then you had (Brad) Sweet in it and Chuck Gurney. You’ve just had a lot of people in that car, and it’s very cool to be able to get the opportunity of something like that.”

After a wildly successful tenure in the karting ranks of California that included a nearly 60-race win streak, Myers Jr. stepped into his family-owned No. 46JR sprint car a couple years ago and then made a name for himself as one of the sport’s rising talents in 2021.

The Sebastopol native finished second in Placerville Speedway points this year, trailing only local legend, Andy Forsberg. In 15 starts at the tricky quarter mile, he tallied 12 top-10s including one against a loaded field at NARC’s Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial.

While the majority of Myers Jr.’s starts at Placerville were in a 360, he proved to be a worthy contender whenever they bolted in the 410 to compete with NARC at a variety of tracks. In just his second series start with the West Coast’s premier 410 series, Myers Jr. stood on the podium at night’s end with a third-place finish at Petaluma Speedway.

The young driver’s 2021 results are dotted with many other noteworthy performances. Driving the Mike Phulps’ No. 56, Myers Jr. led the July NARC race at Petaluma until contact with a slower car ended his hopes for a first win. He finished in the top-five at Keller Auto Speedway’s Anthony Simone Classic and capped the NARC season with a solid sixth-place result at Stockton. At Arizona Speedway’s year-ending Copper Classic, Myers Jr. earned a pair of top-10s against massive fields both nights.

“I feel like 2021 was a pretty good year,” Myers Jr. commented. “We got 90 races in and were overall pretty good, I felt.”

The ascending star points to getting acclimated quickly and confidently in the sprint car as the main reasoning behind his early speed.

“I feel like just being comfortable and having confidence,” Myers Jr. said of what’s helped him make the transition to sprint cars. “I was able to work with a couple crew chiefs along the way that were very helpful with my confidence. Confidence is probably one of the biggest things in sprint car racing now.”

Now, Myers Jr. will take over driving duties of the Vertullo machine aiming for an even stronger 2022. The teenager will have some big shoes to fill as NorCal mainstay Sean Becker wheeled the No. 83V to a fifth-place finish in 2021 NARC points with five top-fives, 13 top-10s and a memorable win in the Howard Kaeding Classic.

And speaking of winning, that’s one box Myers Jr. hopes his new partnership will click early on in 2022. Despite flirting with victory lane many times this past year, Myers Jr. is yet to snag his inaugural sprint car victory.

“I definitely would like to get my first win out of the way,” Myers Jr. said of his 2022 goals. “It’s been, I feel, a while coming. We’ve had some bad luck on parts or just some things fell not our way, so hopefully that comes this year, and it would be very cool to get one in the Vertullo car.”

Next season will offer plenty of opportunities for Myers Jr. to claim his first win. The NARC calendar alone features 27 races with a handful of dates at tracks both Myers Jr. and Vertullo have found plenty of success.

A few months remain for Myers Jr. and the Vertullo team to prepare for the driver’s rookie NARC campaign. Though he’s excited for the golden opportunity, Myers Jr. is wise beyond his years and will carry a pragmatic approach into 2022 as he looks to take more steps in his racing journey.

“I feel like we’re going to take it day by day and see how everything goes,” Myers Jr. said. “You could fast in one car and kind of struggle in another, but I feel like Dave works very well with anyone he brings in, and I feel like all of us will get along pretty good and we can all make the best out of it.”

Honda drivers claim both FIA Formula One and NTT INDYCAR SERIES championships in the same year for the first time
Acura sweeps IMSA Michelin Endurance Championship titles; Honda Ridgeline wins Baja 1000
Other significant 2021 victories include Indianapolis 500, the Rolex 24 at Daytona and the Grand Prix of Monaco

TORRANCE, Calif. (December 18, 2021) – Honda is celebrating its most successful season of racing worldwide, highlighted by its drivers claiming both the FIA Formula One and NTT INDYCAR SERIES championships. This marks the first time Honda-powered drivers have won these titles in the same season – and the first time for any racing engine firm in nearly 40 years.
The titles won by Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen in Formula One and Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou in INDYCAR competition are just two of the championships and major race victories recorded by Honda this year, including:
Honda’s 10th INDYCAR Manufacturers’ Championship, the fourth consecutive title for the company
Honda’s 14th Indianapolis 500 win, and a record-tying fourth Indy victory, for Meyer Shank Racing’s Helio Castroneves; with Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon claiming pole
Manufacturer, Driver and Team IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup championship for Acura, Wayne Taylor Racing and drivers Filipe Albuquerque, Ricky Taylor and Alexander Rossi
Eleven wins in Formula One competition, including the prestigious Grand Prix of Monaco for eventual champion Verstappen
Victory for the Honda Ridgeline Race Truck in November’s Baja 1000, with drivers Jeff Proctor, Rossi, Richard Glaszczak and Steve Hengeveld
Acura’s first overall Rolex 24 at Daytona victory with Wayne Taylor Racing
Ten INDYCAR wins in 2021, for a total of 262 victories in CART, IRL and INDYCAR competition

Videos celebrating this accomplishment have been posted to several Social Media channels, with links below.  Additional links to still photos from Hondanews.com and Acuranews.com also are attached.

            “It’s been an incredible season from start to finish,” said David Salters, president and technical director of Honda Performance Development, the North American motorsports arm for Honda Racing and Acura Motorsports.  “We began the season with an historic win for Acura at the Rolex 24 at Daytona; and we finished it with the FIA Formula One Drivers World Championship; plus the Indianapolis 500, INDYCAR titles and Baja 1000.  It’s a credit to our awesome teams, brilliant drivers, magnificent HPD associates and the inspiring women and men involved in Honda’s worldwide racing programs.  Thank you Honda, for supporting our challenging spirit and providing joy to millions of race fans worldwide.”
Racing is ingrained in the corporate culture of Honda, in a way unlike any other automotive manufacturer. A former racer himself, founder Soichiro Honda believed in competition at the highest levels as a means of improving his company, its people and products.
More than 55 years later, Honda continues to view racing as an ideal training ground for engineers and designers. The pressures of racing challenge them, forcing them to find new solutions to problems as they arise. They also demand that you be ready on time – for the new season, for qualifying, for the race. If you can’t respond quickly and correctly, you’ll be left behind.

2021 Season Celebration at Lucas Oil Stadium

Batavia, OH (December 16, 2021) – This past Friday night, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series celebrated a successful 2021 season, honoring drivers, teams, crew, series staff, marketing partners, promotors, specials guests, and more, at the Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, IN and on a live stream on MAVTV Plus and social media. Tim McCreadie, 2021 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion and Ricky Thornton Jr, Eibach Springs Rookie of the Year rightfully received the most acknowledgement during the championship awards banquet, but they were not the only ones receiving recognition. On behalf of everyone at the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, Lucas Oil Products, and MAVTV Plus, we would like to thank everyone that contributed to a successful season and joined in the celebration either in person or by tuning in to watch. We look forward to an even more monumental season in 2022. Below is a list of awards, product certificates, cash, and other awards given out during the night: Miller Welders Chassis Builder of the Year Winner: Longhorn ChassisWelder from Miller Welders, Summit Racing Equipment $250 Product Certificate  ARP Engine Builder of the Year: Clements Racing Engines$1,000 Check, ARP – Automotive Racing Products Product Certificate Brodix Cylinder Heads $200 Product Certificate, COOL IT-Thermo Tec 30% off Product Certificate, CP Carrillo Pistons Product Certificate, E3 Spark Plugs (1) Free Plugs Certificate, K&N Engineering $100 Gift Card, Summit Racing Equipment $250 Product Certificate ARP Engine Builder of the Year Runner Up: Cornett Racing Engines ARP – Automotive Racing Products Product Certificate, Brodix Cylinder Heads $150 Product Certificate, CP Carrillo Pistons Product Certificate, E3 Spark Plugs (1) Free Plugs Certificate, K&N Engineering $100 Gift Card, Summit Racing Equipment $100 PC Outerwears Crew Chief of the Year: Jason Durham$1,000 check from Outerwears Sunoco Race for Gas:1st Place Tyler Erb $3,000 check2nd Place Jimmy Owens $2,000 check3rd Place Josh Richards $1,000 check Arizona Sport Shirts / DirtonDirt.com Crown Jewel Cup:1st Place Hudson O’Neal $10,000 check2nd Place Tim McCreadie $5,000 check3rd Place Jimmy Owens $3,000 check4th Place Ricky Thornton, Jr. $2,000 check5th Place Tyler Erb $1,000 check Brandon Ford TV Challenge:1st Place Tim McCreadie $10,000 check2nd Place Hudson O’Neal $3,000 check3rd Place Jonathan Davenport $2,000 check Tim McCreadie:2021 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion $75,000 Check, Champions Ring, Swift Springs Product Certificate for a set of springs, Vahlco Wheels Four Wheels, and Thermo-Tec Product CertificateOther awards: Simpson Race Products Most Heat Race Wins $1,000 Check, Midwest Sheet Metal Point Leader Challenge $1,000 Check, Big River Steel Most Podium Finishes $1,000 Check, Penske Shocks Most Top 5’s $500 Check, Hot Rod Processing Most Laps Led $500 Check Philip Snellen:Champion Crew Chief of the Year Paylor Motorsports/Donald & Gena Bradsher:Car Owner of Year (Series Champion)  Hudson O’Neal:2nd Place $47,000 Check Jonathan Davenport:3rd Place $35,000 CheckOther awards: Wrisco Most Feature Wins $1,000 check, Allstar Most Fast Time Awards $500 check & product certificate, Dirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps $500 check Jimmy Owens:4th Place $30,000 CheckOther awards: LINE-X Most B-Main’s Winner $1,000 check Tyler Erb:5th Place $27,000 Check Kyle Bronson:6th Place $25,000 CheckOther awards: Product Certificate from Stop-Tech Brakes, Fast Shafts Tough Break $500 check Ricky Thornton, Jr:7th Place $22,500 CheckEibach Springs Rookie of the Year $10,000 Check, Rookie of the Year Ring, Earnhardt Technologies Group $500 Product Certificate, Fast Shafts Carbon Fiber Driveshaft, Keyser Manufacturing $500 Product Certificate, Performance Bodies Product Certificate, Schoenfeld Headers $300 Product Certificate, Thermo-Tec Cool-It Product Certificate, Slicker Graphics Free Wrap, Wrisco Aluminum Product Certificate for Ten (10) Sheets of Aluminum, Vahlco Wheels Certificate for Four Wheels Josh Richards:8th Place $20,000 CheckOther awards: Optima Batteries Hard Charger $500 check Shane Clanton:9th Place $17,500 Check Earl Pearson, Jr.:10th Place $16,500 Check Mike Marlar:11th Place $12,000 Check Stormy Scott: 12th Place $10,000 Check Mike Swims Award of Excellence: Dave Argabright

Fan Favorite Schedules 60+ Races with The Greatest Show on Dirt

CONCORD, NC – December 16, 2021 – Rico Abreu will face a new challenge in 2022 as he prepares for the largest campaign of his career with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.

The St. Helena, CA native is slated to run 80% of the schedule next year including iconic events such as the Knoxville Nationals, Kings Royal, Historical Big One, National Open, High Bank Nationals, World Finals, and much more, all LIVE on DIRTVision.

“The biggest thing is the World of Outlaws are the best, it’s that simple,” Abreu noted. “It’s the best drivers in the world, they bring the most fans to the races, and they pay the best all throughout the field.”

An eight-time winner with The Greatest Show on Dirt, Abreu’s victories are spread between two Gold Cup titles (2016, 2018) at Silver Dollar Speedway, two Ironman 55 titles (2016-17) at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55, two additional wins at Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway, and one win apiece at Stockton Dirt Track and Arizona Speedway.

At 29-years-old, the ever-popular superstar has amassed more than 200+ Feature starts with the Series and enters 2022 only four shy of hitting 100 top-10 finishes. He’s been a mainstay in Sprint Car / Midget racing for the past decade, but hasn’t had all the pieces of the puzzle to go completely full-time. He hinted that this is the next step in eventually getting there, though.

“I think this is my 11th season now and I haven’t ran a full-time World of Outlaws schedule yet because I feel like I’ve been working the past six years or so to put together a team that can accomplish that,” Abreu elaborated. “It’s important that everything is done properly and I’m working towards that direction, but we’re not entirely there.”Ricky Warner, one of the most successful crew chiefs in the history of Sprint Car racing, will join Rico Abreu Racing ahead of this loaded 2022 schedule.

From his early days with Tyler Walker to winning hundreds of races with Donny Schatz, “Tricky Ricky” is noted as arguably the greatest wrench-spinner of his era. Lessons from legends including Karl Kinser, Kenny Woodruff, and Daryl Saucier eventually paid off in the form of 10 World of Outlaws championships and 10 Knoxville Nationals titles for the Carlisle, PA native.

The other angle of Rico’s hopeful goal to become a full-time Outlaw is delivering the results to companies like Lucas Oil Products, Rowdy Energy, and Curb Records, who have backed him for years.

“You know I’ve brought on huge cooperations and they deserve not just the promotional and marketing side to their product, but they deserve the results too,” he mentioned. “I haven’t been in that position to commit to that, but this is building to there.”

The 2022 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series season begins in less than two months at the 51st DIRTcar Nationals held at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, FL. The Greatest Show on Dirt will battle for three nights from Thursday, February 10 to Saturday, February 12 and TICKETS ARE AVAILABLE HERE.

For fans unable to make it to the track next year, you can watch every event LIVE on DIRTVision.

sInaugural Season Begins at Volusia’s DIRTcar Nationals on February 14-15CONCORD, NC – December 15, 2021 – Commitments to the newly-formed Xtreme Outlaw Series continue to roll in ahead of the 2022 debut season.This time, Kent Schmidt of Owensville, IN has confirmed his KO Motorsports operation will bring not one, but two full-time entries on the road with the Xtreme Outlaw Sprint Car Series next year.His beautifully crafted Hutson John Deere machines will first hit the clay on Monday & Tuesday, February 14-15 when Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, FL welcomes traditional sprint cars for the first time ever at DIRTcar Nationals, which airs LIVE on DIRTVision. Fans can BUY TICKETS HERE.Chase Stockon and Jason McDougal will be behind the wheel of a pair of Velocity Chassis #5’s with veteran crew chief Davey Jones on the wrenches.”It’s a new and exciting Series that really caught our attention,” Schmidt said. “Especially with the World of Outlaws backing it, we knew we wanted to be a part of it. We’ll get to see some different tracks across the country, and I feel like our team and our sponsors will benefit tremendously from the exposure.”Fans of the non-wing ranks will immediately recognize both drivers, especially record-holding Chase Stockon of Fort Branch, IN.The 33-year-old gasser owns 14 USAC National Sprint Car victories and most notably started 324 consecutive Features from 2012 to 2021, an all-time record with the Series. He also claimed the 2020 Indiana Sprint Week title as if his resume wasn’t stout enough already.Across from the wily veteran, Stockon, is the young apprentice, McDougal. The 24-year-old native of Broken Arrow, OK has quickly turned heads in only a handful of seasons since relocating to Indianapolis to go full-time racing.On top of his many Micro/Midget accomplishments, “J-Mac” is a two-time USAC National Sprint Car winner with 35 top-10 finishes in a small sampling of 65 career starts with the Series.Schmidt’s operation will feature Stockon in the #5S and McDougal in the #5M with support from Hutson John Deere, Peterbilt, State Farm Insurance, Dewig Meats, FloTech, S&C Machine, and Superior Tank & Trailer, among other loyal sponsors.More details on the Xtreme Outlaw Series will be released in the coming weeks as schedules, formats, rules, purses, and more are announced.Stay updated on the Series at xtremeoutlawseries.com, @Xtreme_Outlaw on Twitter, or Xtreme Outlaw Series on Facebook.Photo – Josh James

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink® Sprint Car Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Drydene (Official Motor Oil), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), Morton Buildings (Official Building), NOS Energy (Official Energy Product), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider) and VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel); contingency sponsors include ARP (Automotive Racing Products), Cometic Gasket, COMP Cams, KSE Racing Products (Hard Charger Award), MSD and Slick Woody’s (Quick Time Award); manufacturer sponsors include FireAde, Intercomp, K1 Race Gear, and Racing Electronics.The World of Outlaws Morton Buildings® Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Drydene (Official Motor Oil), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), Morton Buildings (Official Building), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider) VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors, including: Arizona Sport Shirts/Gotta Race, ARP (Automotive Racing Products), Cometic Gasket, COMP Cams, MSD, Penske Racing Shocks, Quarter Master, Slick Woody’s (Quick Time Award), and Wrisco (Exclusive Racing Aluminum); along with manufacturer sponsors, including: Capital Race Cars, FireAde, Integra Shocks, Intercomp, K1 Race Gear, Racing Electronics, Reliable Painting, and Rocket Chassis.DIRTcar Racing is brought to fans by many important sponsors and partners, including: DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider), VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel), Chevy Performance Parts, iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), Arizona Sport Shirts/Gotta Race, and NAPA Auto Parts (SDS). Contingency sponsors include: ARP (Automotive Racing Products), ASI Race Wear (SDS), Bassett, Bicknell Racing Products, Billy Whittaker Cars & Trux (SDS), Cometic Gasket (SDS), COMP Cams, Drydene, Fast Shafts, Fox Factory (SDS), Arizona Sport Shirts/Gotta Race, Jerovetz Motorsports Shock Service, KSE Racing Products, MSD, Quarter Master, Schoenfeld Headers, Summit Racing Equipment, and Wrisco (Exclusive Racing Aluminum) (SDS); along with manufacturer sponsors, including: Beyea Headers, FireAde, Intercomp, K1 Race Gear, Racing Electronics and Velocita USA.

The Shinnston, WV driver will drive a car owned by Boom Briggs for the 2022 season

BARBERVILLE, FL – December 14, 2021 – A new – yet familiar – challenge awaits Josh Richards in 2022. 

The four-time World of Outlaws Late Models Series champion, of Shinnston, WV, returns full-time to the Series he dominated the stats sheets in for years. However, with less than 40 days until the 2022 season-opening race during the Sunshine Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park (Jan. 20-22), Richards acknowledged there’s still a lot of work ahead for he and his new Boom Briggs team to get back to his old stats.

That’s not diminishing the “Rocket Man’s” excitement to return to the Series that sent his career into liftoff, though.

“It feels good,” Richards said. “Obviously, I’ve spent most of my career on the Outlaws side and had success on the [Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series] side, and I wasn’t really sure what I was going to do next year, and Boom came along and offered me a ride.

“There’s still a lot of things in motion right now, and a lot of things are up in the air. But I’m excited about the opportunity.”

His return pits him against the team he helped built – also owned by his father Mark Richards – on the track and in the record books. Richards currently holds the most wins with 78, while Brandon Sheppard in the Rocket1 Racing car is a step behind him with 77 wins. The two drivers are also tied for the most Series titles (4). And while some have their eye on who will come out on top in 2022, Richards isn’t one of them.

“Everyone’s up looking at numbers and statistics and things, but that’s the least of my worries right now; we’re just trying to get to the track,” Richards said. “Boom and Steve Briggs both have been phenomenal, and we’ve been able to find a little sponsor help, but it’s all a work in progress. We have only one crew guy and one truck and trailer to run two teams.

“We don’t really have expectations. I know what I’m capable of, it’s just a matter of getting the team and equipment there, and it’s all going to be a work in progress. We’re starting from ground zero, but we’ve had a few guys, P&W Sales, Excess Storage, Mike Tucker, some guys that have come to help out, and it’s been great. We’re probably six months behind on preparation, but we’ll get there.”

There’s also nothing but respect between Richards and Sheppard, on and off the track.

“We don’t have any rivalry at all,” Richards said. “Brandon is phenomenal, and he’s super cool, and we get along really well. He’s racing for a team that I helped build for my whole career, so I feel like even with his success, I’ve been a part of that. He’s done a phenomenal job and settled in really well. That team is tough, and they can put up some big numbers.”

As “The Rocket Man’s” newly formed team prepares to compete against a stout 2022 field of Outlaw drivers, he stated he’s excited about the number of new tracks next season—something that’s different from the last few years of his career.  

“I’m always excited to go to new tracks,” Richards said. “That’s one thing the last couple years with the Lucas side, we’ve gone to some new places, but we’ve gone to the same places over and over again. As a racer, you always want to see new things and new places.”

World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars and World of Outlaws Late Models join to race April 28-30 at dirt-covered Bristol Motor Speedway

BRISTOL, TN – December 13, 2021 – The Greatest Show on Dirt and The Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet are set to invade the dirt-covered Bristol Motor Speedway for a bash like no other, April 28-30. And tickets are on sale now for you to see this historic event.

GET TICKETS NOW AT BristolMotorSpeedway.com

For the first time in history, the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars and World of Outlaws Late Models will come together to race on the same weekend at the “Last Great Colosseum” for three nights of can’t miss action.

It’s the second consecutive year both series will venture to the iconic Tennessee track after the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars returned for the first time in 20 years and the World of Outlaws Late Models made their debut this year. However, in 2022, it’ll be the first time the two premier dirt racing series make for a mega weekend, bringing together a plethora of superstars like three-time and defending Sprint Car champion Brad Sweet, four-time and defending Late Model champion Brandon Sheppard, 10-time Sprint Car champion Donny Schatz and many more.

“Bringing the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars and the World of Outlaws Late Models together at Bristol Motor Speedway will be a phenomenal event,” World of Outlaws CEO Brian Carter said. “The best drivers in the world racing at one of the most iconic short tracks in the world, it’s what the fans asked for and we’re proud to make it happen.”

David Gravel, who chased Brad Sweet all the way to the final checkered flag in 2021, was the class of the field in his April Bristol debut, sweeping the weekend for the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars. He’ll return with his Big Game Motorsports team in 2022 to defend those victories and pick up two more famed gladiator sword trophies.

Four-time World of Outlaws Late Model champion Josh Richards and eight-time World of Outlaws Late Model winner Devin Moran split the Late Model Bristol Bash victories this year. Both will go into 2022 with the chance to make history and be the first repeat Late Model winner, or rising Series stars Ryan Gustin and 2021 Rookie of the Year Tyler Bruening could find themselves having a career moment.

It all sets up another exciting weekend that will be etched in the memories of those who attend. Make sure to reserve your camping and get your tickets now for the 2022 World of Outlaws Bristol Bash. The three-day reserve combo ticket is $90 for adults – $120 for Flag Stand Reserve seats (by the start/finish line) – and only $20 for kids 12 and under – $25 for reserve. Seats are for the front stretch only. All other ticket, parking and camping information can be found at BristolMotorSpeedway.com or contact the track at 866-415-4158.