More than 80 events across 22 states will make up the 2022 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series schedule with $200,000 going to the championCONCORD, NC – The 2022 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car season is set to build off an exciting 2021, catapulting the Series into the future with a new million-dollar overall points fund and new surprises.The Greatest Show on Dirt will run more than 80 events from February to November across 22 states, contending for a $200,000 championship – a $50,000 increase from 2021. Overall, the 2022 points fund will see a $350,000 increase, with every position seeing at least a 33% increase. Second will now pay $100,000 (+$25,000) and third will pay $75,000 (+$20,000). The substantial increases are even apparent down the rankings with 10th getting $50,000 (+$20,000).“The strength of World of Outlaws Sprint Cars and our devotion to the Series was showcased in 2020 by overcoming the pandemic. Then, we took off running in 2021 with the return of big events and the increase in purses throughout the year. Now, in 2022, we’re eager to build off that momentum and continue to show why the World of Outlaws is The Greatest Show on Dirt,” said World of Outlaws CEO Brian Carter. “There are a lot of new and exciting things in store for drivers and fans alike in 2022 that we’ve been looking forward to for a while.”The 2022 season will again kick off in the sunshine state with three days at Volusia Speedway Park for the DIRTcar Nationals (Feb. 10-12). A couple of weeks later it will stay south, making its trek to California for the return of the Spring West Coast Swing and continue its year-long journey across the United States before landing in North Carolina for the championship-crowning NGK NTK World Finals at the Dirt Track at Charlotte.Along the way, there will be the return to tracks of the past, the return to familiar favorites and the debut of new marquee events.NEW ADDITIONSBakersfield Speedway (Friday, March 25) – When the World of Outlaws makes its Spring return to California, the 1/3-mile Bakersfield Speedway in Bakersfield, CA – two hours north of Los Angeles – will grace the schedule for the first time since 2018. Ten events have previously been held at the track. Sheldon Haudenschild won the last race and Bobby Davis, Jr. won the first in 1989.Vado Speedway Park (Tuesday, March 29) – After the pandemic postponed the World of Outlaws Sprint Car’s debut at the multi-million-dollar state-of-the-art facility in 2020, the Series will finally get to take its turn around the 3/8-mile track in Vado, NM. Located off Interstate 10 between Las Cruces, NM, and El Paso, TX, the facility features paved fan parking, a concrete midway, concrete pit pads and stadium-quality suites. It’ll also be the Series’ first appearance in New Mexico since 2008.Tri-City Speedway (IL) (Friday, April 22) – The World of Outlaws Sprint Cars have contested Tri-City Speedway, in Pontoon Beach, IL – across the Mississippi River from St. Louis – 56 times in its history. However, its last appearance at the 3/8-mile track was in 2008; won by 10-time Series champion Donny Schatz – currently the only active Series regular with a win at the track. Steve Kinser won the first Series race at Tri-City in 1979.Atomic Speedway (Saturday, May 28) – For the first time since 2014, the World of Outlaws Sprint Car schedule will feature four Ohio tracks with the addition of Waverly, OH’s Atomic Speedway. Even more significant, 2022 will be the first time since 2009 that the Series has visited the 3/8-mile track. The World of Outlaws Gumout Series was the first to visit the track in 2001 before the premier Series made its trip to Atomic in 2003. Seven events in total were run from 2003 to 2009 with Donny Schatz winning four of them.NEW SURPRISESPort Royal Adds Event (Wed., July 20 / Fri.-Sat., Oct. 7-8) – With the evolution of building a state-of-the-art facility and producing exceptional racing for each event, a long-awaited extra date for Port Royal Speedway has been added to the 2022 schedule. Pennsylvania fans will get the treat of seeing the World of Outlaws at the half-mile track in July before returning for the Nittany Showdown doubleheader in October.New Jackson Nationals Date (Thurs.-Sat., Aug. 18-20) – One of the fastest-growing marquee events on the schedule has found a new time slot for 2022. The AGCO Jackson Nationals at Jackson Motorplex will move from June to August, taking place the week after the Knoxville Nationals. This year, Logan Schuchart won his second consecutive Jackson Nationals title and took home the $50,000 prize.Huset’s Expands (Sun., June 5 / Thurs.-Sat. June 23-25) – Since being acquired by Tod Quiring in 2020, Huset’s Speedway was catapulted back into the racing scene as a marquee destination and, again, became a must-see event on the World of Outlaws schedule. In 2022, the Brandon, SD track will take a step toward being another crown jewel race with the new three-day Huset’s High Bank Nationals that will pay $100,000 to the winner on Saturday. The Series will first visit Huset’s on Sunday, June 5, with a fan appreciation party and concert the night prior. Then, the new three-day event will be on Thursday-Saturday, June 23-25. Thursday’s race will pay $15,000-to-win and Friday’s race will pay $20,000-to-win.Beaver Dam Ups The Ante (Fri.-Sat., June 17-18) – For the second time in the 21-year history of the World of Outlaws racing at Beaver Dam Raceway in Beaver Dam, WI, the 1/3-mile track will host a doubleheader weekend. Sheldon Haudenschild claimed the victory at the Wisconsin track this year while defending Series champion Brad Sweet swept the track’s last doubleheader in 2020.Sharon Times Two (Sat., May 21 / Sat., Sept. 24) – After making an unforgettable return to the World of Outlaws Sprint Car schedule for the first time since 2007 this year, Sharon Speedway will get a second date in 2022. Fans will get to enjoy the Hartford, OH track in May and September, extending the 2022 schedule to having 12 events at Ohio tracks.FAMILIAR FAVORITESSpring California Swing (March 11 – March 29) – California fans were denied Springtime World of Outlaws action for two years in a row due to the pandemic, but after making the trek back that way this fall, The Greatest Show on Dirt has nothing in its way of returning for Spring 2022. For all the tracks on the Spring tour, it’s been a long time coming.Thunderbowl Raceway / March 11-12 Merced Speedway / March 18 Ocean Speedway / March 19 Bakersfield Speedway / March 25 Perris Auto Speedway / March 26Bristol Bash (Thurs.-Sat., April 28-30) – The World of Outlaws Sprint Cars, along with the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Models, will return to Tennessee to play on the dirt-covered Bristol Motor Speedway for the second year in a row. The three-day event will again see practice for both series on Thursday with Feature events on Friday and Saturday, awarding the winners with the icon gladiator sword trophy.39th Kings Royal Week (Wed.-Sat., July 13-July 16) – While we’ll return to one Kings Royal in 2022, the week will be no less significant with the $100,000-to-win Historical Big 1 making its grand return for the first time in 19 years on Thursday, July 14. With the week officially expanding to four days at Eldora Speedway, the Jokers Wild will take place on Wednesday, the Knight Before the Kings Royal will be Friday. The 39th Kings Royal will once again pay $175,000-to-win on Saturday, July 16. The posted prize money for nearly every position in the Kings Royal Feature has been increased again, with the 2022 edition paying $5,000-to-start. The return of the Historical Big 1 will also see an increased purse, paying $25,000 to the runner-up, and $4,000-to-start. Eldora Speedway officials have posted over $800,000 in purse monies and awards for the summer’s most-fabled event.61st Knoxville Nationals (Wed.-Sat., Aug. 10-13) – One of the year’s most prestigious events returns for its 61st edition in August after a successful return for its historic 60th running in 2021. The last five events have produced countless memorable moments and five different winners – Kyle Larson, David Gravel, Brad Sweet, Donny Schatz and Jason Johnson.Skagit Nationals (Thurs.-Sat., Sept. 1-3) – After a successful debut in 2021, the Skagit Nationals at Skagit Speedway returns in 2022 for another triple-header weekend. Thursday and Friday’s events will pay $10,000-to-win while Saturday’s finale will pay $25,000-to-win. Carson Macedo became the first Skagit Nationals winner this year.National Open (Fri., Sept. 30 – Sat., Oct. 1) – Williams Grove Speedway will again have a prominent place on the 2022 World of Outlaws schedule with six stops at the historic half-mile in Mechanicsburg, PA. The track’s crown jewel National Open will again pin the Outlaws against the notorious PA Posse in Pennsylvania’s biggest Sprint Car event in October. The fierce rivalry creates an atmosphere like no other, making it another bucket list race to attend every year.Ticket renewals and on-sale details will be available in the coming weeks. When available, tickets to 2022 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series events will be available at Worldofoutlaws.com/tix.If you can’t make it to the event, the entire 2022 season will be live on DIRTVision – available either online or through the DIRTVision App. The 61st NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals is included at no extra charge in the annual Platinum FAST PASS subscription only.2022 POINTS PAYOUT1–$200,000 2–$100,000 3–$75,000 4–$70,000 5–$65,000 6–$62,500 7–$60,000 8–$57,500 9–$55,000 10–$50,000 11–$40,000 12–$30,000 13–$25,000 14–$20,000 15–$18,000 16–$16,000 17–$14,000 (same to 20th)FULL 2022 SCHEDULEThursday-Saturday, Feb. 10-12 – Volusia Speedway ParkFriday, Feb. 25 – Magnolia Motor SpeedwaySaturday, Feb. 26 – The RevFriday-Saturday, March 4-5 – Cotton Bowl Speedway Friday-Saturday, March 11-12 – Thunderbowl Raceway Friday, March 18 – Merced Speedway Saturday, March 19 – Ocean Speedway Friday, March 25 – Bakersfield SpeedwaySaturday, March 26 – Perris Auto SpeedwayTuesday, March 29 – Vado Speedway Park Friday, April 1 – Lawton SpeedwaySaturday, April 2 – Devil’s Bowl SpeedwayFriday, April 8 – US 36 Raceway Saturday, April 9 – Lake Ozark Speedway (Jason Johnson Classic) Friday-Saturday, April 15-16 – Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 Friday, April 22 – Tri-City Speedway (IL) Saturday, April 23 – Tri-State Speedway (IN)Thursday-Saturday, April 28-30 – Bristol Motor Speedway Friday-Saturday, May 6-7 – Eldora Speedway Tuesday, May 10 – Lincoln SpeedwayFriday-Saturday, May 13-14 – Williams Grove Speedway Tuesday, May 17 – Bridgeport Speedway Friday, May 20 – Attica Raceway Park Saturday, May 21 – Sharon SpeedwaySaturday, May 28 – Atomic Speedway Monday, May 30 – Lawrenceburg SpeedwayFriday, June 3 – River Cities Speedway Sunday, June 5 – Huset’s Speedway Friday-Saturday, June 10-11 – Knoxville RacewayFriday-Saturday, June 17-18 – Beaver Dam Raceway Thursday-Saturday, June 23-25 – Huset’s Speedway Friday-Saturday, July 1-2 – Cedar Lake SpeedwayFriday, July 8 – 34 Raceway Saturday, July 9 – Wilmot RacewayTuesday, July 12 ­– Attica Raceway Park (Brad Doty Classic) Wednesday-Saturday, July 13-16 – Eldora Speedway Wednesday, July 20 – Port Royal Speedway Friday-Saturday, July 22-23 – Williams Grove Speedway Friday, July 29 – TBA Saturday, July 30 – Weedsport Speedway Friday-Saturday, Aug. 5-6 – Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 Wednesday-Saturday, Aug. 10-13 – Knoxville Raceway Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 18-20 – Jackson Motorplex Friday, Aug. 26 – River Cities Speedway Saturday, Aug. 27 – Red River Valley Speedway Thursday-Saturday, Sept. 1-3 – Skagit Speedway Monday, Sept. 5 – Grays Harbor Raceway Friday-Saturday, Sept. 9-10 – Silver Dollar Speedway Friday, Sept. 16 – Keller Auto Speedway Saturday, Sept. 17 – Placerville Speedway Friday, Sept. 23 – Eldora Speedway Saturday, Sept. 24 – Sharon Speedway Friday, Sept. 30-Saturday, Oct. 1 – Williams Grove Speedway Friday-Saturday, Oct. 7-8 – Port Royal Speedway Friday-Saturday, Oct. 14-15 – TBA Friday-Saturday, Oct. 21-22 – TBA Friday-Saturday, Oct. 28-29 – TBA Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 3-5 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte

Sheppard, Madden, Erb, Weiss, and more hope to finish season on a high note

CONCORD, NC – November, 1 – All dirt roads lead to Charlotte this weekend for an epic conclusion to the 2021 season for the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Models. 

The Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet will contend for an elusive NGK NTK World Finals victory at The Dirt Track at Charlotte Nov. 4-6 and history will be made when Brandon Sheppard claims his fourth Series title – tying Josh Richards for the most in Series history.

The jam-packed action kicks off Thursday, Nov. 4, with two rounds of Slick Woody’s Qualifying—setting the Drydene Heat Race lineups for Friday and Saturday’s Feature events. The two 50-lap Features paying $12,000-to-win will finish out the weekend. 

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars and the Super DIRTcar Series will join the World of Outlaws Late Models on all three nights. 

Here are some of the storylines to keep an eye on this weekend:

One Win Away: Brandon Sheppard has already locked up the 2021 World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model championship—his third consecutive and fourth all-time, tying Josh Richards. He’ll formally claim those honors following Saturday’s Feature. 

But the New Berlin, IL driver is still chasing Richards in another category. He has 77 career Series victories—one away from tying “The Rocket Man” for most all-time. If Sheppard can sweep the weekend at The Dirt Track at Charlotte, he’ll be the new king atop that mountain.

He’s had success at the World Finals in the past, scoring three victories at Charlotte’s Dirt Track in 2018, 2017 and 2015.    

Charlotte Success: Another driver with success at The Dirt Track at Charlotte is Sheppard’s closest championship rival Chris Madden. 

The last time the World Finals were held in 2019, Madden made a trip to Victory Lane. The Gray Court, SC driver, also has three victories at the Tar Heel state oval and is due for a trip to World of Outlaws Victory Lane. His last win with the Series was in May at Port Royal Speedway. 

Despite the drought, Madden’s had a successful season, locking up second-place in the standings on the strength of 26 top-fives and 38 top-10s. 

Battling for 4th: Most drivers have locked up their positions in the season-long standings, but Dennis Erb Jr. and Ricky Weiss are fighting for fourth. 

Erb enters the NGK NTK World Finals with an 18-point advantage on Weiss—after Weiss gained ground on “The One-Man Band” at Senoia Raceway last month. 

While the two drivers fight for a victory this weekend, Erb may have an advantage after tasting Victory Lane at the World Finals in 2017. 

A win by the Carpentersville, IL driver would be his fourth of the season—tying Chris Madden and Devin Moran for the third most in 2021. 

If Weiss reaches Victory Lane this weekend, it’ll be his first win of the season, first in his Sniper Chassis, and the third World of Outlaws win of his career. 

Reaching a Milestone: No matter the NGK NTK World Finals results, there’s cause for celebration for World of Outlaws Late Models Veteran Boom Briggs.

The Bear Lake, PA driver, is expected to make his 300th career Series start on Friday, Nov. 5. 

Briggs will finish seventh in the standings in 2021, entering The Dirt Track at Charlotte with three top-fives and 11 top-10s. 

T-Mac Doubles Up: The NGK NTK World Finals will be a busy weekend for Tim McCreadie as another Late Model win in Charlotte isn’t the only thing he’s chasing. 

The Watertown, NY driver is also entering Super DIRTcar Series competition in a Big Block Modified. 

On the Late Model side, McCreadie is the most recent Series winner at Charlotte’s Dirt Track—winning at the “Last Call” in 2020. 

He enters the weekend with a national touring series championship under his belt and a World of Outlaws victory at Richmond Raceway. 

Big Sexy in Charlotte: The Dirt Track at Charlotte is the biggest stage for the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Models, and a big stage is where Brandon Overton thrives.

The Evans, GA driver is having a dream season—reaching Victory Lane 29 times, including five with the World of Outlaws. 

“Big Sexy” scored a win at 2020’s “Last Call” and again found Victory Lane at the track in July.

Another victory would add to his epic list of accolades this season, including two “Dirt Late Model Dream” wins and a World 100 triumph.

WHEN AND WHERE

Nov. 4-6 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte in Concord, NC

ABOUT THE TRACKS

The Dirt Track at Charlotte is a 4/10-mile semi-banked oval 

Previous Dirt Track at Charlotte Winners
2020-Brandon Overton on Nov. 4, Tim McCreadie on Nov. 5
2019 – Chris Madden on Nov. 8; Jimmy Owens on Nov. 9
2018 – Brandon Sheppard on Nov. 2; Scott Bloomquist on Nov. 3
2017- Brandon Sheppard on Nov.3; Dennis Erb Jr. on Nov. 4
2016- Josh Richards on Oct. 28; Chris Madden on Oct. 29
2015 – Brandon Sheppard on Nov. 6; Jonathan Davenport on Nov. 7
2014 – Darrel Lanigan on Nov. 7; Jimmy Owens on Nov. 8
2013 – Darrell Lanigan on Nov. 8; Josh Richards on Nov. 9
2012 – Rick Eckert on Oct. 10; Jimmy Owens on Nov. 2; Jimmy Owens on Nov. 3
2011 – Josh Richards on Oct. 12; Jonathan Davenport on Nov. 4; Jimmy Owens on Nov. 5
2010 – Josh Richards on Oct. 13; Jonathan Davenport on Nov. 6; Jimmy Owens on Nov. 6
2009 – Josh Richards on Nov. 5; Scott Bloomquist on Nov. 6; Jimmy Owens on Nov. 7
2008 – Steve Francis on April 19; Chris Madden on Oct. 29; Scott Bloomquist on Oct. 31; Josh Richards on Nov. 1
2007 – Scott Bloomquist on April 21; Shannon Babb on Oct. 10; Scott Bloomquist on Nov. 2; Donnie Moran on Nov. 3

ONLINE

The Dirt Track at Charlotte- https://www.charlottemotorspeedway.com  

TRACK RECORDS

The Dirt Track at Charlotte- 14.305 set by Kyle Larson on Nov. 4, 2020

On the Internet
World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Models Series
Twitter – Twitter.com/WoOLateModels – @WoOLateModels
Instagram – Instagram.com/WoOLateModels – @woolatemodels
Facebook – Facebook.com/WorldofOutlawsLateModelSeries
YouTube – Youtube.com/WorldofOutlaws
DIRTVision – DIRTVision.com – Platinum annual FAST PASS for $299 or monthly FAST PASS for $39/month

Around the Turn: The Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet kick off the 2022 season at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, FL for the second annual Sunshine Nationals Jan. 20-22. CLICK HERE for Tickets. 

Feature Winners: (21 Drivers)
Rank- Driver- Hometown-Wins

1. Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin, IL-8
2. Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-5
3. Chris Madden, Gray Court, SC-4
   Devin Moran, Dresden, OH-4
4. Dennis Erb Jr., Carpentersville, IL-3
5. Kyle Strickler, Mooresville, NC-2
   Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL-2
   Frank Heckenast Jr., Frankfort, IL-2
   Cade Dillard, Robeline, LA-2
   Kyle Larson, Elk Grove, CA-2
   Ashton Winger, Hampton, GA-2
6. Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL-1
   Mike Spatola, Manhattan, IL-1
   Josh Richards, Shinnston, WV-1
   Tim McCreadie, Watertown, NY-1
   Shannon Babb, Moweaqua, IL-1
   Rick Eckert, York, PA-1
   Dave Hess, Waterford, PA-1
   Jonathan Davenport, Blairsville, GA-1
   Gregg Satterlee, Rochester Mills, PA-1
   Ben Watkins, Rock Hill, SC-1
   

DRYDENE HEAT RACE WINNERS (57 Drivers)
Rank- Driver- Hometown-Wins

1. Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin, IL-20
2. Chris Madden, Gray Court, SC-18
3. Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-10
4. Cade Dillard, Robeline, LA-9’
   Tyler Bruening, Decorah, IA-9
5. Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL-8
6. Dennis Erb Jr., Carpentersville, IL-7
7. Rick Eckert, York, PA-6
8. Tim McCreadie, Watertown, NY-4
   Kyle Strickler, Mooresville, NC-4
   Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, IA-4
   Jimmy Mars, Menomonie, WI-4
   Max Blair, Titusville, PA-4
   Devin Moran, Dresden, OH- 4
   Jonathan Davenport, Blairsville, GA-4
9. Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL-3
   Ricky Weiss, Headingley, MB-3
   Boom Briggs, Bear Lake, PA-3
   Shannon Babb, Moweaqua, IL- 3
   Ross Bailes, Clover, SC- 3
   Ashton Winger, Senoia, GA-3
10. Scott Bloomquist, Mooresburg, TN-2
    Mason Zeigler, Chalk Hill, PA-2
    Hudson O’Neal, Martinsville, IN-2
    Jonathan Davenport, Blairsville, GA-2
    Chad Simpson, Mt. Vernon, IA-2
    Chase Junghans, Manhattan, KS-2
    Jimmy Owens, Newport, TN-2
    Chub Frank, Bear Lake, PA-2
    Kyle Larson, Elk Grove, CA-2
    Dale Mcdowell, Chickamauga, GA- 2
    Ben Watkins, Rock Hill, SC-2
    Brent Larson, Lake Elmo, MN-2
11. Darrell Lanigan, Union, KY-1
    Parker Martin, Milledgeville, GA-1
    Mike Marlar, Winfield, TN-1
    Ricky Thornton Jr., Chandler, AZ-1
    Brian Shirley, Chatham, IL-1
    Ryan Unzicker, El Paso, IL-1
    Taylor Scheffler, Waukesha, WI- 1
    Mike Spatola, Manhattan, IL-1
    Kevin Weaver, Gibson City, IL-1
    Josh Richards, Shinnston, WV-1
    Dan Stone, Thompson, PA-1
    Billy Moyer, Batesville, AR-1
    Frank Heckenast Jr., Frankfort, IL-1
    Dave Hess, Waterford, PA-1
    Chris Hackett, Erie, PA-1
    Spencer Hughes, Meridian, MS-1
    Mike Norris, Sarver, PA-1
    Mark Whitener, Middleburg, FL-1
    Stormy Scott, Las Cruces, NM-1
    Nick Hoffman, Mooresville, NC-1
    Wyatt Scott, Garland, PA-1
    Jason Feger, Bloomington, IL-1
    Chris Ferguson, Mt. Holly, NC-1
    Daulton Wilson, Fayetteville, NC-1

Last Chance Showdown Winners (45 drivers)
Rank- Driver- Hometown-Wins

1. Dennis Erb, Jr., Carpentersville, IL-5
2. Ricky Weiss, Headingley, MB-4
   Tyler Bruening, Decorah, IA-4
   Brent Larson, Lake Elmo, MN-4
3. Dale McDowell, Chickamauga, GA-3
   Boom Briggs, Bear Lake, PA-3
   Cade Dillard, Robeline, LA-3
4. Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin, IL-2
   Rick Eckert, York, PA-2
   Chad Simpson, Mount Vernon, IA-2
   Nick Hoffman, Mooresville, NC-2
5. Ross Robinson, Georgetown, DE- 1
   Scott Bloomquist, Mooresburg, TN-1
   Chase Junghans, Manhattan, KS-1
   Brandon Overton, Evans, GA- 1
   Mike Norris, Sarver, PA- 1
   Stacy Boles, Clinton, TN-1
   Kyle Strickler, Mooresville, NC-1
   Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL-1
   Jonathan Davenport, Blairsville, GA-1
   Chris Simpson, Oxford, IA-1
   Jake Timm, Winona, MN-1
   Taylor Scheffler, Waukesha, WI- 1
   Gordy Gundaker, St. Charles, MO-1
   Tyler Bare, Rockbridge Baths, VA-1
   Trevor Gundaker, St. Charles, MO-1
   Greg Oakes, Franklinville, NY-1
   Mark Whitener, Middleburg, FL-1
   Jared Miley, Pittsburgh, PA-1
   Mike Benedum, Salem, WV-1
   Darrell Lanigan, Union, KY-1
   Gregg Satterlee, Indiana, PA-1
   Chad Mahder, Eau Claire, WI-1
   Cole Schill, West Fargo, ND-1
   James Giossi, New Richmond, WI-1
   Kevin Eder, Ashland, WI-1
   Frank Heckenast Jr., Frankfort, IL-1
   Devin Moran, Dresden, OH-1
   Lukas Postl, Shawano, WI-1
   Jason Feger, Bloomington, IL-1
   Chad McClellan, Stoystown, PA-1
   Dutch Davies, Warren, PA-1
   Garrett Alberson, Las Cruces, NM-1
   Ross Bailes, Clover, SC-1
   Brent Dixon, Elberton, GA-1
   Oliver Gentry, Newnan, GA-1
   Michael Page, Douglasville, GA-1

PODIUM FINISHES (47 drivers)
Rank – Driver, Hometown – Podiums

1. Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin, IL-24
2. Chris Madden, Gray Court, SC-15
3. Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL-7
   Brandon Overton, Evans, GA – 7
4. Frank Heckenast Jr., Frankfort, IL- 6
   Devin Moran, Dresden, OH-6
5. Dennis Erb Jr., Carpentersville, IL-5
   Cade Dillard, Robeline, LA – 5
   Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, IA-5
   Tyler Bruening, Decorah, IA-5
6. Kyle Strickler, Mooresville, NC – 3
   Shannon Babb, Moweaqua, IL-3
   Ashton Winger, Senoia, GA-3
7. Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL – 2
   Rick Eckert, York, PA-2
   Scott Bloomquist, Mooresburg, TN – 2
   Jimmy Mars, Menomonie, WI-2
   Jonathan Davenport, Blairsville, GA-2
   Max Blair, Titusville, PA-2
   Kyle Larson, Elk Grove, CA-2
   Dave Hess, Waterford, PA-2
   Mark Whitener, Middleburg, FL-2
8. Darrell Lanigan, Union, KY – 1
   Hudson O’Neal, Martinsville, IN – 1
   Ricky Thornton, Jr., Chandler, AZ – 1
   Dale McDowell, Chickamauga, GA – 1
   Mike Marlar, Winfield, TN-1
   Ryan Unzicker, El Paso, IL-1
   Mike Spatola, Manhattan, IL-1
   Josh Richards, Shinnston, WV-1
   Tim McCreadie, Watertown, NY-1
   Ross Bailes, Clover, SC-1
   Ricky Weiss, Headingly, MB-1
   Scott James, Bright, IN-1
   Billy Moyer, Batesville, AR-1
   Brent Larson, Lake Elmo, MN-1
   Dan Stone, Thompson, PA-1
   Mike Norris, Sarver, PA-1
   Chase Junghans, Manhattan, KS-1
   Gregg Satterlee, Rochester Mills, PA-1
   Kyle Hardy, Stephens City, VA-1
   Chub Frank, Bear Lake, PA-1
   Brian Shirley, Chatham, IL-1
   Boom Briggs, Bear Lake, PA-1
   Jimmy Owens, Newport, TN-1
   Ben Watkins, Rock Hill, SC-1
   Michael Chilton, Salisa, KY-1
   Daulton Wilson, Fayetteville, NC-1

HARD CHARGER (27 drivers)
Rank – Driver, Hometown – H.C.

1. Ricky Weiss, Headingly, MB – 5
2. Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin, IL – 4
3. Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, IA-3
   Boom Briggs, Bear Lake, PA – 3
   Chris Madden, Gray Court, SC-3
4. Chase Junghans, Manhattan, KS – 2
   Brent Larson, Lake Elmo, MN-2
   Cade Dillard, Robeline, LA-2
   Darrell Lanigan, Union, KY-2
   Ross Robinson, Georgetown, DE-2
5. Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-1
   Ricky Thornton Jr., Chandler, AZ-1
   Jason Jameson, Lawrenceburg, IN-1
   Logan Martin, West Plains, MO-1
   Dan Stone, Thompson, PA-1
   Gregg Satterlee, Rochester Mills, PA-1
   Frank Heckenast Jr., Frankfort, IL-1
   Pat Doar, New Richmond, WI-1
   Dennis Erb Jr., Carpentersville, IL-1
   Ron Berna, Green Bay, WI-1
   Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL-1
   Jason Feger, Bloomington, IL-1
   Max McLaughlin, Mooresville, NC-1
   Dave Hess, Waterford, PA-1
   Brian Shirley, Chatham, IL-1
   Ryan Wilson, Margaret, AL-1
   Mack McCarter, Gatlinburg, TN-1
   Ben Watkins, Rock Hill, SC-1

SLICK WOODY’S QUICK TIME Award (22 drivers)
Rank – Driver, Hometown – QTs

1. Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin, IL-6
   Chris Madden, Gray Court, SC-6
2. Kyle Strickler, Mooresville, NC – 2
   Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-2
   Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL – 2
   Dennis Erb Jr., Carpentersville, IL-2
   Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, IA-2
   Brent Larson, Lake Elmo, MN-2
   Chris Ferguson, Mt. Holly, NC-2
3. Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL – 1
   Devin Moran, Dresden, OH – 1
   Donald McIntosh, Dawsonville, GA- 1
   Taylor Scheffler, Waukesha, WI- 1
   Billy Moyer, Batesville, AR-1
   Boom Briggs, Bear Lake, PA-1
   Rick Eckert, York, PA-1
   Dave Hess, Waterford, PA-1
   Mike Norris, Sarver, PA-1
   Tyler Bruening, Decorah, IA-1
   Cade Dillard, Robeline, LA-1
   Bryan Bernheisel, Lebanon, PA-1
   Matt Lux, Franklin, PA-1
   Zack Mitchell, Enoree, SC-1
   Ross Bailes, Clover, SC-1

2021 World of Outlaws Late Model Schedule & Winners

No./ Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner (Total Wins)
1. Thursday, Jan. 14 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Kyle Bronson (1)
2. Saturday, Jan. 16 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Kyle Strickler (1)
3. Wednesday, Feb. 10 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Kyle Strickler (2)
4. Thursday, Feb. 11 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Devin Moran (1)
5. Friday, Feb. 12 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Brandon Overton (1)
6. Saturday, March 6/ Smoky Mountain Speedway/ Maryville, TN/ Chris Madden (1).
7. Friday, March 26 / Cherokee Speedway / Gaffney, SC / Jimmy Owens/Brandon Sheppard
8.Friday, April 2/Farmer City Raceway/Farmer City, IL/ Mike Spatola(1)
9. Saturday, April 3/ Farmer City Raceway/Farmer City, IL/Bobby Pierce(1)
10. Friday, April 9/Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol, TN/Josh Richards(1)
11. Sunday, April 11/Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol, TN/Devin Moran(2)
12. Friday, April 23/Richmond Raceway, Richmond, KY/Tim McCreadie(1)
13. Friday, April 30/Boone Speedway, Boone IA/Cade Dillard(1)/Shannon Babb(1)
14. Saturday, May 1/Boone Speedway, Boone IA/Bobby Pierce(2)
15.Friday, May 7/Mississippi Thunder Speedway, Fountain City, WI/Brandon Sheppard(1)
16.Saturday, May 8/Mississippi Thunder Speedway, Fountain City, WI/Chris Madden(2)
17. Friday, May 21/ Port Royal Speedway, Port Royal, PA/Chris Madden(3)
18. Saturday, May 22/Port Royal Speedway, Port Royal, PA/Chris Madden (4)
19. Friday, June 4/Circle City Raceway, Indianapolis, IN/Dennis Erb Jr. (1)
20. Saturday, June 5/Plymouth Raceway, Plymouth, IN/Rick Eckert (1)
21. Thursday, June 17/Stateline Speedway, Busti, NY/Dave Hess(1)
22. Thursday, June 24/Lernerville Speedway, Sarver, PA/Brandon Sheppard(2)
23. Friday, June 25/Lernerville Speedway, Sarver, PA/Brandon Overton(2)
24. Saturday, June 26/Lernerville Speedway, Sarver, PA/Brandon Overton(3)
25. Friday, July 9/Jackson Motorplex, Jackson, MN/Frank Heckenast Jr. (1)
26. Saturday, July 10/Jackson Motorplex, Jackson, MN/Dennis Erb Jr.(2)
27. Tuesday July 13/Gondik Law Speedway, Superior, WI/Brandon Sheppard (3)
28. Friday, July 16/River Cities Speedway, Grand Forks, ND/Dennis Erb Jr. (3)
29. Saturday, July 17/I-94 Sure Step Speedway, Fergus Falls, MN/Frank Heckenast Jr. (2)
30. Sunday, July 18/Red Cedar Speedway, Menomonie, WI/Brandon Sheppard (4)
31. Saturday, July 31/Fairbury Speedway, Fairbury, IL/Kyle Larson(1)
32. Tuesday, August 3/Outagamie Speedway, Seymour, WI/Cade Dillard (2)
33. Friday, August 6/ Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, WI/Ashton Winger (1)
34. Saturday, August 7/ Cedar Lake Speedway, New Richmond, WI/Jonathan Davenport (1)
35. Thursday, August 19/Orange County Fair Speedway, Middletown, NY/Brandon Sheppard (5)
36. Friday, August 20/Williams Grove Speedway, Mechanicsburg, PA/Gregg Satterlee(1)
37. Saturday, August 21/Sharon Speedway, Hartford, OH/Kyle Larson(2)
38. Sunday, August 22/ Eriez Speedway, Erie, PA/Brandon Sheppard(6)
39. Thursday, August 26/Davenport Speedway, Davenport, IA/Devin Moran(3)
40. Friday, August 27/Davenport Speedway, Davenport, IA/Brandon Sheppard (7)
41. Saturday, August 28/Davenport Speedway, Davenport, IA/Devin Moran(4)
42. Thursday, September 2/Cherokee Speedway, Gaffney, SC/Brandon Overton (4)
43. Friday, September 3/Lavonia Speedway, Lavonia, GA/Ben Watkins (1)
44. Saturday, September 4/Volunteer Speedway, Bulls Gap, TN/Brandon Sheppard(8)
45. Friday, October 1/Cherokee Speedway, Gaffney, SC/Brandon Overton(5)
46. Saturday, October 2/Senoia Raceway, Senoia, GA/Ashton Winger

DETROIT (November 1, 2021) – Chevrolet has won the NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer’s Championship for a series-leading 40th time.

“Winning championships is a goal we set for ourselves at the beginning of every season, and capturing the NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer’s Championship is one we value very much,” said Mark Reuss, General Motors President. “The competition every week is so close, so to be able to win this year, Chevy’s 40th since 1958, is a testament to all of the continued collaboration and teamwork by owners, drivers, crew chiefs, crews, Chevrolet engineering and technical partners at the engine shops. This year was a different approach—one that drew on the strength of one team. From the engineering of the car for aero to the engines and pit crews—the one team approach brought the best for our drivers each race. We look forward to carrying over this momentum to 2022 and the new NASCAR Next Gen Camaro ZL1.” Heading into Sunday’s 2021 season finale’ at Phoenix International Raceway, Team Chevy drivers and teams have earned 18 wins in 35 races. It marks the most victories in a season for Chevrolet since it won 20 in 2014. Chevrolet won its first Manufacturer’s Championship in 1958 and reeled off a record 13 in a row between 2003-‘15.  The Team Chevy drivers who have contributed wins so far this season that helped achieve the manufacturers’ title are: Kyle Larson (nine wins), Alex Bowman (four), Chase Elliott (two), and AJ Allmendinger, William Byron and Kurt Busch (one each).  Earlier this season, Chevrolet became the first manufacturer to reach 800 all-time wins in the Cup series.  # # # #

·        Cruz Pedregon wins all-Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat final against Funny Car championship points leader Ron Capps at Dodge//SRT NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway

·        The Cruz Pedregon Racing Snap-on Tools HEMI-powered machine scored its second win of the year and moved into third place in the hunt for the 2021 Funny Car world championship crown with one event remaining 

·        Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) pilot Ron Capps leads the Funny Car championship battle by 58 points with a runner-up finish aboard the Pennzoil Synthetics/NAPA AUTO PARTS Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat

·        Despite an early exit, defending Funny Car world champion Matt Hagan and his Direct Connection Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat maintain their second place standing in the NHRA “Countdown to the Championship” less than two rounds behind his DSR teammate Capps

·        Leah Pruett wheeled her Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak and its Direct Connection livery from the No. 4 qualifying position to a runner-up finish in the eighth and final Constant Aviation Factory Stock Showdown (FSS) of the season to finish third in the series championship

October 31, 2021, Las Vegas, Nevada — The Dodge//SRT NHRA Nationals featured an all-Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat final elimination round at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway where Cruz Pedregon earned his second Wally trophy of the year with a victory over Funny Car championship points leader Ron Capps. The win moved the event winner into third place in the battle for the crown with one event remaining on the 2021 National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Camping World series schedule to determine who’ll earn the coveted Funny Car world championship title.

“Congratulations to Cruz Pedregon on his fourth career win at the Dodge//SRT Nationals,” said Tim Kuniskis, Dodge Brand Chief Executive Officer – Stellantis. “It’s been great to watch Cruz and his team demonstrate what Dodge//SRT performance looks like by taking their Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car to the winner’s circle.”

Pedregon’s drive began from the No. 7 starting position from which he was able to wheel his Snap-on Tools HEMI®-powered machine past Tony Jurado and Chris Morel to a semifinal match-up with No. 6 seed Bob Tasca. The Cruz Pedregon Racing team saw their driver hit the throttle with a 0.004-second reaction time against Tasca, and turn on win lights with a 3.924-second pass at 325.92 mph to advance to their fourth final round appearance of the year. 

As Pedregon and his team prepared for the Dodge//SRT Nationals final showdown against Capps, they found themselves solidly back in the hunt of the Funny Car crown after fellow top-five contenders Matt Hagan, J.R. Todd and John Force were all upset in the opening round.

With both Pedregon and Capps looking to make valuable gains in “Countdown to the Championship”, their crew chiefs both elected to push the performance of their Dodge racecars to the limit. The result was a good launch by both competitors with the slight starting advantage going to Pedregon, but just as Capps began to move past him, too much horsepower resulted in an explosion. Pedregon got a little bit further down the track before also losing power, but was able to coast his machine to the finish for the victory, marking the first time since 2013 that he has recorded multiple wins in a season.  

“We had a couple of good breaks with three of the top-five contenders dropped out in the first round but to be in this position (to be battling for a championship with one event remaining) is great,” said Pedregon who moves into third place behind the Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Cars of Capps and Hagan. “Coming into the race I think (our championship chances) were pretty dim because I just didn’t feel like the breaks were coming our way. We were just losing some close races. And I thought, ‘Man, well, if we could just finish in the top five, I felt that was good. But after winning today, yeah, hey, we’re, back in it.”

Capps, who is seeking a second Funny Car world championship after earning the 2016 title, arrived at the Dodge//SRT Nationals with a single point advantage over teammate Hagan.  From his eighth place starting position, Capps collected round wins over Tim Wilkerson, Alexis DeJoria and Robert Hight on his way to the runner-up finish; a result that extended his lead over No. 2 ranked Hagan by 58 points.

Hagan, who was looking to take over the lead and defend his back-to-back 2019 and 2020 win at the Las Vegas dragstrip, qualified his Direct Connection Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat fourth on the eliminations ladder for a first round meeting with No. 13-seed Chad Green. While Hagan had the quicker start, a dropped cylinder right at the hit of the throttle resulted in a 4.087 second pass at 316.15 mph that wasn’t quite enough to beat Green’s 4.009 sec./321.12 mph winning run and meant a disappointing early exit for the championship contender for a second consecutive event. 

Despite the setback, and thanks to other contenders failing to advance, Hagan maintained his second place standing with less than two rounds separating him from Capps heading into the Auto Club NHRA Finals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in two weeks for the conclusion of the NHRA “Countdown to the Championship”.

In Top fuel action, after qualifying her Direct Connection dragster ninth Leah Pruett began eliminations with a starting line advantage over No. 8 seed DSR teammate Antron Brown and went on to record her quickest and fastest pass of the weekend with a 3.752 seconds at 318.32 mph run for a first round win. Pruett was fired up for her next meeting against No. 1 qualifier Brittany Force and hoping to take her new Direct Connection livery through a few more rounds, but her anticipation got the best of her as she hit the throttle too early and the red light foul ended her race before it had even begun.

While her nitro run was done for the day, Pruett still had some work to do; After four years of competing in both Top Fuel and Constant Aviation Factory Stock Showdown (FSS), Pruett continued her final “double-duty” race day with the 2021 Direct Connection Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak. From the No. 4 spot on the eliminations ladder and working to close-out the FSS season with a Wally, the 2018 FSS champion began her final day of competition aboard her DSR-prepared Drag Pak with a first round win over No. 13-seed Ryan Priddy.

In the quarterfinals against No. 5 seed Mark Pawuk and his Empaco Equipment Mopar Dodge Challenger Drag Pak, Pruett had a quick start and recorded a 7.981-second run at 173.94 mph to beat her DSR teammate’s 7.998 sec./177.44 mph pass. Pawuk quarterfinal finish brought his 2021 FSS campaign to an end with an eight place ranking in the final standings.

Pruett continued on to a semifinal battle against No. 8 qualifier Stephen Bell where she put in another stout effort at 7.934 sec./174.53 mph to turn on win lights and advance to her third final round appearance in eight FSS events this year.

Pruett readied herself for the final showdown against the No. 2 qualifier and 2021 FSS Champion Aaron Stanfield in the opposite lane, and used another quick launch (0.036 seconds to 0.045 seconds) to give the Direct Connection Drag Pak an early lead. Despite a solid performance at 7.944 seconds at 174.30 mph, her hard-charging opponent made the pass at halftrack and edged her at the finish with a 7.903 sec./173.49 pass. With the runner-up result, Pruett closes out her FSS career with a third place finish in the category.

The NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series now heads west to crown their world champions at the Auto Club NHRA Finals which will feature a unique points-and-a-half format, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the 2021 season at Auto Club Raceway November 11-14 in Pomona, California.

ADDITIONAL NOTES and QUOTES
 
FUNNY CAR:
Matt Hagan, DSR Direct Connection Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye
(No. 4 Qualifier – 3.905 seconds at 321.65 mph) 
Round 1: (0.068-second reaction time, 4.087 seconds at 316.15 mph) loss to No. 13 Chad Green (0.107/4.009/321.12)

“I don’t know how you put a positive spin on that. I haven’t put a hole out at the step in I don’t know how long. But, that’s the cards we were dealt here in Vegas. We wanted to perform well in front of our sponsors and fans, and keep things going in this championship chase, so, it’s incredibly disappointing. That’s going to be a tough one to get over. We’re not used to first round losses like that but congrats to Chad Green and his team. They kept us honest and did a good job. It’s a major blow to us right now, but we’ll get over it and get back after it in Pomona.”

 
Ron Capps, DSR Pennzoil Synthetics NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
(No. 8 Qualifier – 3.926 seconds at 324.51 mph)
Round 1: (0.068-second reaction time, 3.915 seconds at 323.74 mph) defeats No. 9 Tim Wilkerson (0.055/3.947/330.72)

Round 2: (0.078/3.884/332.10) defeats No. 1 Alexis DeJoria (0.122/3.998/315.05)

Round 3: (0.066/3.904/326.87) defeats No. 5 Robert Hight (0.077/5.520/130.85)

Round 4: (0.049/6.854/80.86) loss to No. 7 Cruz Pedregon (0.022/4.257/225.03)

 
“Being the Dodge Nationals, we were motivated to put this Pennzoil Dodge SRT Hellcat into the final round and winner’s circle. You look at qualifying and look around and we didn’t qualify as well as we’d liked. It was one of our worst positions all season and we still had lane choice. That tells you how good this NAPA team has been all season. Then you have Tim Wilkerson first round. And we’re the last pair of Funny Cars, the 16th pair of nitro cars and we’re sitting there waiting and listening to so many of the other contenders fighting for a championship, (Matt) Hagan, J.R. (Todd), (John) Force, go out. It’s Halloween, but you think how strange of a day. And we had to wait and wait for our first round match-up with Tim. He beat us in the final at Indy and that’s such a tough car and team. We got by a close one there in that first round and that was huge. Then we had Alexis (DeJoria), the No. 1 qualifier, then Robert Hight, a three-time world champion, and Cruz Pedregon, another champion. That’s a murderers row on race day. We had to fight every round and this Pennzoil/NAPA car was just to fun to drive. 

“We’ll take any amount of points and Pomona is a such an outlier with the points-and-a-half deal. There’s so many points up for grabs. I’m not even thinking about winning this thing. We’ll keep doing what we’ve been doing and it was misfortunate in the final round, but it was two Dodges battling it out and that makes our friends in Auburn Hills (Mich.) proud and I can’t wait for Pomona. Two weeks cannot come soon enough.”

  
Cruz Pedregon, Cruz Pedregon Racing Snap-on® Tools Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
(No. 7 Qualifier –3.918 seconds at 325.69 mph)
Round 1: (0.072–second reaction time, 3.947 seconds at 295.08 mph) defeats No. 10 Tony Jurado (0.105/4.032/317.19)  

Round 2: (0.073/3.903/324.20) defeats No. 15 Chris Morel (0.093/4.193/281.19)

Round 3: (0.004/3.924/325.92) defeats No. 6 Bob Tasca (0.066/10.961/81.12)

Round 4: (0.022/4.257/225.03) defeats No. 8 Ron Capps (0.049/6.854/80.86)

“Coming into the race I think (our championship chances) were pretty dim because I just didn’t feel like the breaks were coming our way. We were just losing some close races. And I thought, ‘Man, well, if we could just finish in the top five, I felt that was good. But after winning today, yeah, hey, we’re, back in it.

“We had a couple of good breaks with three of the top-five contenders dropped out in the first round but to be in this position (to be battling for a championship with one event remaining) is great. We got it together midway through the season and started clicking as a team. I do want to thank Don Schumacher Racing for selling us quality parts and bending over backwards for me personally and did a lot to help us along the way. We’re a single car team and we’ve been going it alone for a lot of years and it really means a lot to mix it up with these big teams. We’re going to come out swinging at Pomona and see who the last man standing is. Just to be in the conversation for a change really is a victory for me.”

“Putting the right people and right equipment into place this season has really challenged me as a driver. And seeing everything come together has refocused this winning mindset for the team and me. I owe a lot of gratitude to this team. (Crew Chief) JC (John Collins) means a lot to me not only as a crew chief but as a friend. He knows how to talk to me and keep me motivated. Man, this really means a lot, we’re so grateful for all our great NHRA fans and loyal sponsors who are as proud of these wins as we are…and there’s one more win to go this season.”

 
TOP FUEL:
Leah Pruett, DSR Direct Connection Mopar Dodge//SRT Dragster  
(No. 9 Qualifier – 3.769  seconds at 314.61 mph)
Round 1: (0.044-second reaction time, 3.752 at 318.32 mph) defeats No. 8 Antron Brown (0.056/4.967/155.11)

Round 2: (-0.210/8.087/82.88) loss to No. 1 Brittany Force (-0.069/3.745/330.39)

“We had quite the Direct Connection facing Antron Brown, our teammate, this morning. We had a .044 light and I’ve been doing everything by the book that you should do as a driver from sleep schedule to eating right to preparing right to nutrition. You name it, I’ve been trying to refine it. We had a solid first round pass with that 3.75 to get the win. 

“I felt in a good head space and we went up to repeat what we had just done the round before. I thought had seen yellow and slapped the pedal and there was that bright red light right in my face. I’m sure the fans could probably hear the cuss words in the stands coming out of my mouth at the moment. It used to eat me and bog me down, but comparing it to other lights in that lane at that time of the day it shows me what I need to work on to really be at tip-top condition as a driver.”

FACTORY STOCK SHOOTOUT:

Leah Pruett, 2021 Direct Connection Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak 

(No. 4 Qualifier – 7.963 seconds at 173.21 mph)

Round 1: (0.036-second reaction time, 7.932 seconds at 174.77 mph) defeats No. 13 Ryan Priddy (0.060/10.179/92.86)

Round 2: (0.022/7.981/173.94) defeats No. 5 Mark Pawuk (0.063/7.998/177.44)

Round 3: (0.067/7.934/174.53) defeats No. 8 Stephen Bell (0.044/8.147/172.12)

Round 4: (0.036/7.944/174.30) loss to No. 2 Aaron Stanfield (0.045/7.903/173.49)

“We got a win in Factory Stock to start our day, and then we had our teammate, Mark Pawuk in round two. We really threw it down from burnout to turnout and was able to advance to the final. Man, nothing would have been sweeter than winning in my last race in this Drag Pak with Direct Connection on the sides for Dodge and SRT, but we came up a little short against the current champion, Aaron Stanfield. Overall, what a roller coaster of a day. I’m disappointed in myself for the second round performance against Brittany Force in Top Fuel, but I’m not disappointed by the progress this Drag Pak team has made this year.”

Mark Pawuk, Empaco Equipment Mopar Drag Pak

(No. 5 Qualifier – 7.970 seconds at 174.39 mph)

Round 1: (-0.098 second reaction time, 7.944 seconds at 175.00 mph) defeats No. 12 John Cerbone (-0.205/8.436/169.64)

Round 2: (0.063/7.998/177.44) loss to No. 4 Leah Pruett (0.022/7.981/173.94)

“Unfortunately, the Cowboy wasn’t on his game today on the tree. I gotta give my teammate credit, Leah (Pruett) is driving great in that Direct Connection Drag Pak. It’s great to see these Drag Pak’s running so well with Leah getting back to another final round. We’ll regroup over the winter and hopefully have a strong season in ’22. Overall, it was a good weekend at (Las) Vegas. We continue to improve and make progress and make consistent runs. We need to go just a little faster. We’ve made a lot of gains with the new car since its debut this summer and next year should be fun.”

David Davies, D H Davies Racing Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak

(No. 14 Qualifier – 8.039 seconds at 172.47 mph)

Round 1: (0.024 second reaction time, 8.015 seconds at 174.39 mph) loss to No. 3 Jason Dietsch (0.041/7.913/176.81)

“We had a great first season with the new car and crew. The crew hustled their butts off this weekend with some issues Leah (Pruett) and I had with some cars. I’m not happy with the early exit. I’m not happy with the way I performed or the car performed. We had great momentum coming in. We’ve had some great progression, but you’re bound to hit some bumps in the road. The last Constant Aviation Factory Stock Showdown event in ’21 and we stumbled a little bit, but we’ll get into some off season testing. We learned quite a bit and I expect us to come out and hit it hard next year. We did absolutely have fun racing this year.”

NHRA Championship Points Standings:
Following qualifying at the Dodge//SRT NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway
  
FUNNY CAR (season wins in parentheses)

1. Ron Capps (Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat) – 2,585 (2)

2. Matt Hagan (Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat) – 2,527 (3/1-Tommy Johnson Jr.)

3. Cruz Pedregon (Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat) – 2,502 (2)

4. J.R. Todd – 2,447 (1)

5. John Force – 2,430 (3)

6. Bob Tasca III – 2,417 (2)

7. Robert Hight – 2,412 (2)

8. Alexis DeJoria – 2,380 (1)

9. Tim Wilkerson– 2,282 (1)

10. Blake Alexander– 2,184

TOP FUEL (season wins in parentheses)

1. Steve Torrance – 2694 (10)

2. Brittany Force – 2,589 (1)

3. Mike Salinas – 2,522 (1)

4. Justin Ashley – 2,506 (2)

5. Billy Torrence – 2,411 (2)

6. Leah Pruett (Mopar Dodge//SRT) – 2,343 (1)

7. Clay Millican – 2,302 

8. Antron Brown – 2,285 (1)

9. Shawn Langdon – 2,260

10. Doug Kalitta – 2,211

Constant Aviation Factory Stock Showdown

1. Aaron Stanfield – 768

2. David Barton – 484

3. Leah Pruett (Mopar Drag Pak) – 461

4. Jesse Alexandra – 456

5. John Cerbone – 441

6. Stephen Bell – 412

7. David Janac – 377

8. Mark Pawuk (Mopar Drag Pak) – 358

9. Leonard Lottig – 315

10. Doug Hamp – 312

DodgeGarage: Digital Hub for Drag Racing News

Fans can follow all the NHRA action this season at DodgeGarage, the one-stop portal for Dodge//SRT and Mopar drag-racing news. The site includes daily updates and access to an online racing HQ, news, events, galleries, available downloads and merchandise. For more information, visit www.dodgegarage.com.

@DodgeMoparMotorsports on Instagram

The @DodgeMoparMotorsports Instagram channel continues to share content capturing Dodge//SRT Mopar drivers on the track. Fans can see action from the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series and NHRA Sportsman grassroots racers, competing in classes such as Factory Stock Showdown, Stock and Super Stock, as well as additional motorsports series.

Mopar

Mopar (a simple contraction of the words MOtor and PARts) offers exceptional service, parts and customer care. Born in 1937 as the name of a line of antifreeze products, the Mopar brand has evolved over more than 80 years to represent both complete vehicle care and authentic performance for owners and enthusiasts worldwide.

Mopar made its mark in the 1960s during the muscle-car era with performance parts to enhance speed and handling for both on-road and racing use. Later, the brand expanded to include technical service and customer support. Today, Mopar integrates service, parts and customer-care operations in order to enhance customer and dealer support worldwide.

Mopar is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.

Follow Mopar and company news and video on:

Company blog: blog.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Media website: media.stellantisnorthamerica.com

Mopar brand: www.mopar.com

Mopar blog: blog.mopar.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/mopar

Instagram: www.instagram.com/officialmopar

Twitter: @OfficialMOPAR

YouTube: www.youtube.com/c/mopar and www.youtube.com/StellantisNA

Dodge//SRT

For more than 100 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge. Their influence continues today as Dodge shifts into high gear with muscle cars and SUVs that deliver unrivaled performance in each of the segments where they compete.

Dodge drives forward as a pure performance brand, offering SRT versions of every model across the lineup. For the 2022 model year, Dodge delivers the drag-strip dominating 807-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock, the 797-horsepower Dodge Charger SRT Redeye, the most powerful and fastest mass-produced sedan in the world, and the Dodge Durango SRT 392, America’s fastest, most powerful and most capable three-row SUV. Combined, these three muscle cars make Dodge the industry’s most powerful brand, offering more horsepower than any other American brand across its entire lineup.

In 2020, Dodge was named the “#1 Brand in Initial Quality,” making it the first domestic brand ever to rank No. 1 in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS). In 2021, Dodge brand ranked No. 1 in the J.D. Power APEAL Study (mass market) — making it the only domestic brand ever to do so two years in a row.

(11/1/21) Sacramento, CA … The NARC-King of the West Fujitsu Sprint Cars are set for a strong send off with the popular Tribute to Gary Patterson at the Stockton Dirt Track slated to wrap up the 2021 season this Saturday, November 6th.

The event salutes one of the most legendary figures in the history of West Coast sprint car racing, Gary “The Preacher” Patterson. The National Sprint Car Hall of Famer made countless trips to various victory lanes until he sadly lost his life in an accident in 1983 at one of his favorite tracks, Calistoga Speedway.

A powerful field of drivers hungry to close out 2021 with a win are set to honor the late Patterson with what promises to be a fantastic finale at Stockton’s speedy three-eighths mile.

The NARC-King of the West 410 sprint cars will be joined by the Sprint Car Challenge Tour 360 Sprint Cars, who will also be completing their final points event of the season.

Saturday’s finale will be the 20th event of 2021 completing a resurgent year after pandemic regulations limited the series to only four trips to a racetrack in 2020.

Arguably sprint car racing’s greatest wheelman ever, Steve Kinser, will be in attendance signing autographs for fans on Saturday night.

Dominic Scelzi has all but locked up the title heading into Saturday. The championship will be his first and a fitting conclusion to a dominant season. The Fresno native has already collected six series victories, 13 podiums and 16 top-fives, leading the series in each category. Even though all the No. 41 team has to do is show up this weekend, Scelzi still hopes to add one more win to his tally at a track where he already owns a trio of NARC-King of the West wins including one recently in August.

The battle for second in the standings continues to be a tight three-car battle between former series champions San Jose’s Tim Kaeding, DJ Netto of Hanford and Campbell’s Bud Kaeding.

Netto currently holds the position by a slim margin and may be the favorite to take home the runner-up spot. The 2019 series champ claimed the season opener at Stockton back in March and has only missed the podium once in his last eight starts at the central valley speedway.

Two-time series champ, Tim Kaeding, won’t let Netto grab the spot easily. In TK’s last six KWS starts at Stockton, he’s snagged a pair of victories, four podiums and hasn’t finished worse than eighth.

Tim’s brother, Bud, still has a mathematical shot at second and is a recent series winner at Stockton (August 2019), but his competitors may have to have some bad luck for him to climb to the runner-up spot.

Justin Sanders is expected to compete in search of tying Dominic Scelzi for the most Fujitsu Feature event wins on the year at six. The Aromas, CA native has claimed four of the ten NARC-King of the West events he’s competed in since joining forces with Paul Silva in August to pilot the Works Limited No. 57. Sanders scored at Stockton in last year’s Tribute to GP in Larry Antaya’s 16A.

Other expected entrants include Iowa’s Austin McCarl, Shane Golobic of Elk Grove, Roseville’s Sean Becker, Billy Aton of Benicia, Clovis driver Sean Watts and more.

The NARC-King of the West Hoosier Tire format will feature ARP Fast Time Qualifying, Brown and Miller Racing Solutions 8-lap Heat Races, a 6-lap Sunnyvalley Bacon Trophy Dash, a Kaeding Performance Semi if necessary and the Fujitsu 30-lap Feature.

General Admission tickets for Saturday at Stockton will be $35 with kids ages 5-12, seniors ages 65+ and military (ID required) will be admitted for just $25. Kids 4 and under are free. Pit passes are priced at $40. The pit gates are set to open at 1:00 P.M. with the main gate to follow at 3 P.M. Racing is slated to begin at 6:00 P.M. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or online by visiting: stocktondirttrack.com.

The Tribute to Gary Patterson can also be viewed live on floracing.com as well as the entire NARC-KWS Fujitsu Sprint car schedule.

NARC King of the West Fujitsu 410 Sprint Car Series
Championship Points Standings (After 19 events in 20-race series 11/1/2021)

1. Dominic Scelzi, Fresno – 2131
2. DJ Netto, Hanford – 2052
3. Tim Kaeding, San Jose – 2050
4. Bud Kaeding, Campbell – 2041
5. Sean Becker, Roseville – 2004
6. Billy Aton, Benicia (R) – 1973
7. Sean Watts, Clovis – 1923
8. Justin Sanders, Aromas – 1839
9. Shane Golobic, Elk Grove – 1659
10. Joel Myers Jr, Sebastopol (R) – 1438
11. Geoffrey Strole, Hanford (R) – 1345
12. Mitchell Faccinto, Hanford – 1237
13. Corey Day, Salinas (R) – 1232
14. Austin McCarl, Altoona, Iowa – 1141
15. Jessie Attard, Sydney, AUS (R) – 1092
16. Mitchel Moles, Raisin City – 1100
17. Willie Croft, Colfax – 954
18. Blake Carrick, Lincoln – 937
19. Ryan Robinson, Foresthill (R) – 937
20. Rico Abreu, Rutherford – 865

The King of the West-NARC Fujitsu General USA Racing Series is also sponsored by Hoosier Racing Tires.  Associate and product award sponsors include Automotive Racing Products (ARP), Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Bullet Impressions, FloRacing.com, Johnstone Supply, Kaeding Performance Center, KSE Racing Products, Maxim, PAC Racing Springs, Pyrotect, Racing Optics, Saldana Racing Products, Schoenfeld Headers, SCI Racing Products, Swift Metal Finishing, Sunnyvalley Bacon, System 1 Ignition, Ultra Light Brakes, Wilwood Disc Brakes, and Winters Performance Products.

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(10/29/2021 – Alex Nieten) Hanford, CA… Though he prides himself on being one of sprint car racing’s most consistent drivers, Shane Golobic doesn’t come to the racetrack to run second.

Heading into Friday night’s Anthony Simone Classic at Hanford’s Keller Auto Speedway, Golobic had finished in the runner-up spot five times in 410-competition since his last 410 win in November of 2019 with the NARC-King of the West Fujitsu Sprint Cars.

The Fremont native appeared headed for yet another second-place result at the Kings County track, but a determined Golobic refused to settle and earned both his 13th career victory and 50th career podium with NARC-King of the West in the Anthony Simone Classic.

“It’s pretty cool to win in honor of Anthony,” Golobic said in victory lane. “I didn’t have the chance to be really good buddies with him, but anytime we parked near him in the pit area he was nothing but cool to me. I always remember him as one of the coolest, most unique guys in the pits. It really means a lot to get this win in honor of him.”

The 30-lap Fujitsu Feature kicked off with Sean Becker on pole and Golobic to his outside. Becker paced the field early in his Starr Property Management/Morrison Concrete No. 83V on a hooked-up Hanford surface as Golobic and Bud Kaeding loomed behind him.

The leaders hammered around the tacky bottom groove and quickly approached traffic, but the yellow flag flew just as the front of the field was about to enter slower cars as Sean Watts stopped on the back stretch.

When racing resumed hometown hero DJ Netto ripped around Kaeding to climb onto the podium but then got out of shape on the next circuit, dropping him to sixth. Shortly after Netto’s mishap the caution came out again, this time for a stopped Justin Sanders in turn three.

The ensuing restart saw Golobic briefly take the lead from Becker, but the pass was negated by the reg flag coming out for a vicious flip in turn one from Michael Faccinto. Faccinto climbed from the car uninjured. The wreck prompted an open red as officials wanted teams to have to opportunity to adjust on their cars for safety purposes considering the lightning-fast track conditions.

Becker learned from the previous start and didn’t allow Golobic to grab the top spot on the restart. Golobic, piloting the NOS Energy Drink/Elk Grove Ford No. 17W hung right with Becker as the pair again neared the tail of the field.

Just as it appeared Becker would get some breathing room when Golobic bobbled out of turn two, Becker went a little too high in turn four on lap 13, allowing Golobic to slip by for the lead, one he would not relinquish.

“That front row starting spot was huge,” Golobic said of what helped him get the lead. “I didn’t get a very good start. Sean (Becker) actually got a really good launch on the outside there at the beginning, so I knew it was going to come down to traffic, and luckily he made a mistake in traffic and I was able to sneak by.”

After taking over the lead, Golobic didn’t let up. He built a comfortable advantage, picking off slower cars while Becker, Kaeding, Cory Eliason and Joel Myers Jr. all ran close together but stuck behind traffic.

Ultimately Golobic cruised to the victory with a huge lead and the $10,000 payday thanks to his expertise navigating the slower cars.

“Coming through lap traffic is huge on a racetrack like this,” Golobic said. “I had a couple close calls and obviously that’s how I was able to get Sean. It’s all about bouncing the right way and trying to position yourself as best as possible. Those guys that are racing back there are racing hard too.”

Cory Eliason climbed onto the podium on the final lap in his Rudeen Racing No. 26 after Bud Kaeding’s left-rear tire went down just short of the finish.

Completing the top-10 was Joel Myers Jr., DJ Netto, Tyler Courtney, Corey Day, Bud Kaeding, Kyle Hirst and Rico Abreu.

Tyler Courtney scored the special 15-lap non-wing feature to honor Anthony Simone that followed the winged main event to become the first NARC wingless winner since 1985.

FUJITSU GENERAL USA WINGED FEATURE (30 laps):  1. Shane Golobic 17W 2. Sean Becker 83V 3. Cory Eliason 26 4. Joel Myers Jr. 46JR 5. DJ Netto 88N 6. Tyler Courtney 83 7. Corey Day 14 8. Bud Kaeding 69 9. Kyle Hirst 0 10. Rico Abreu 24 11. Dominic Scelzi 41S 12. Keith Day Jr. 22 13. Ryan Bernal 21 14. Bill Balog 7 15. Billy Aton 26X 16. Sean Watts 98 17. Tim Estenson 14T 18. Austin McCarl 88 19. Justin Sanders 57 20. Ryan Timms 5T 21. Mauro Simone 10 22. JJ Hickle 63 23. Michael Faccinto 56 24. Blake Carrick 38B 25. Max Adams 42XL

HOOSIER TIRE LAP LEADERS: Becker 1-12, Golobic 13-30
SWIFT METAL FINISHING HARDCHARGER: Ryan Bernal 22nd to 13th

FUJITSU GENERAL USA “NON-WINGED” FEATURE (15 laps): 1. Tyler Courtney 83 2. Bill Balog 7 3. Ryan Bernal 21 4. Max Adams 42XL 5. Billy Aton 26X 6. Sean Becker 83V 7. Bud Kaeding 69
HOOSIER TIRE LAP LEADERS:  Courtney 1-15

SUNNYVALLEY BACON TROPHY DASH (10-laps):  Shane Golobic, Sean Becker, Bud Kaeding, DJ Netto, Joel Myers Jr., Tyler Courtney, Michael Faccinto, Cory Eliason, Justin Sanders, Corey Day.

BROWN AND MILLER RACING SOLUTIONS HEAT RACE ONE (6 laps):  DJ Netto, Dominic Scelzi, Bud Kaeding, Sean Becker, Tim Estenson, Keith Day Jr., Ryan Timms

FUJITSU HEAT RACE TWO (6 laps): Justin Sanders, Sean Watts, Kyle Hirst, Joel Myers Jr., Billy Aton, Blake Carrick

FLORACING HEAT RACE THREE (6 laps): Austin McCarl, Cory Eliason, Tim Kaeding, Bill Balog, Shane Golobic, Mitchel Moles, JJ Hickle

KAEDING PERFORMANCE HEAT RACE FOUR (6 laps): Rico Abreu, Michael Faccinto, Tyler Courtney, Corey Day, Mauro Simone, Ryan Bernal, Max Adams

WILWOOD HEAT RACE FIVE (6 laps): Keith Day Jr., Sean Becker, Bud Kaeding, Tim Estenson, DJ Netto, Ryan Timms, Dominic Scelzi

PYROTECT HEAT RACE SIX (6 laps): Joel Myers Jr., Kyle Hirst, Blake Carrick, Justin Sanders, Sean Watts, Billy Aton

SCHOENFELD HEAT RACE SEVEN (6 laps): Shane Golobic, Cory Eliason, JJ Hickle, Bill Balog, Tim Kaeding, Austin McCarl, Mitchel Moles

SALDANA RACING PRODUCTS HEAT EIGHT (6 laps): Corey Day, Tyler Courtney, Michael Faccinto, Ryan Bernal, Max Adams, Mauro Simone, Rico Abreu

KAEDING PERFORMANCE LAST-CHANCE RACE (12-laps): JJ Hickle, Ryan Bernal, Billy Aton, Ryan Timms, Mauro Simone, Max Adams, Geoffrey Strole

NASCAR Truck Series Championship Contender to Compete Fulltime for RCR

WELCOME, NC (October 29, 2021) – Richard Childress Racing announced today that Austin Hill will join the organization’s NASCAR Xfinity Series stable in 2022. Hill will compete for RCR’s championship-winning Xfinity Series program on a fulltime basis, beginning with the 2022 season-opener at Daytona International Speedway on Saturday, February 19. RCR’s two-car NASCAR Xfinity Series lineup will also include defending NASCAR Truck Series champion Sheldon Creed. Hill joins RCR following four successful seasons in the NASCAR Truck Series, where the Winston, Georgia, native qualified for the NASCAR Playoffs the last three consecutive seasons and earned the 2020 regular season championship.  “Austin Hill has established himself as a very competitive racer within the NASCAR Truck Series and we know that he is ready for a fulltime opportunity in the NASCAR Xfinity Series,” said Richard Childress, Chairman and CEO of RCR. “Austin is a talented young driver and I feel confident that he will help contribute to wins at RCR.” The 27-year-old driver is an eight-time winner in the NASCAR Truck Series and led the series in top-five’s, top-10’s and average finish in 2020. He started his racing career at the age of six. “To say it’s an honor to drive for Richard Childress Racing is an understatement,” said Hill. “I’ve been working hard for an opportunity like this since I was a young kid. I really admire RCR’s NASCAR Xfinity Series program, and I am looking forward to having the chance to add my name to the impressive list of drivers who have won under the RCR banner.” Close to 20 drivers have contributed to RCR’s 86 wins in the NASCAR Xfinity Series, including Kevin Harvick, Clint Bowyer, Austin Dillon, Ty Dillon and Tyler Reddick, among others. Additional details on RCR’s 2022 Xfinity Series program will be announced at a later date. For more information, please visit rcrracing.com. About Richard Childress Racing:Richard Childress Racing (rcrracing.com) is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 16 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2021 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR champion, 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet), along with two-time NASCAR Xfinity Series champion Tyler Reddick (No. 8 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series program with Myatt Snider (No. 2 Chevrolet).

DETROIT – The 2022 NASCAR Camping World Truck Series will have a new Silverado on the track next season – the Silverado RST.

The production 2022 Silverado is a significantly updated version of the brand’s best-selling truck and one that offers customers more choices, more technology and more premium touches. The Silverado race truck sports the new front bumper and grille featured on every trim of the production Silverado, emphasizing the truck’s stability and strength with a wide, planted stance.  “The Silverado name means legendary performance both on and off the track, and the RST is the perfect example of that capability,” said Mark Sobczynski, Silverado Marketing manager. “With significant enhancements like a redesigned interior with standard 13.4-inch diagonal touchscreen, refreshed exterior and four different engine options, we’re excited for Chevy fans to experience the Silverado RST, regardless of whether they’re at the racetrack or their local dealership.” “We’ve been racing the Silverado model exclusively in the NASCAR Truck Series since its inception in 1995,” said Dayne Pierantoni, Chevrolet Motorsports Program manager. “We’ve worked hard to enhance the features of the current race truck to continue to closely align with the production vehicle. We’re really looking forward to seeing our 2022 Silverado on-track in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series next season.” Chevrolet Silverado has produced 256 victories – more than any other manufacturer in the NASCAR Truck series. The Silverado also has powered 10 Manufacturers Championships, including in 2020, and a series-leading 14 Drivers Championships, including Sheldon Creed’s win last year. The 2022 Chevrolet Silverado RST will debut in February during Speedweeks at Daytona International Speedway.

NGK NTK World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte provides premier stage for Super DIRTcar Series’ twin $10k-win, 40-lap Features

CONCORD, NC – The NGK NTK World Finals is the ultimate finale for the Super DIRTcar Series featuring two $10,000-to-win, 40-lap knockdown, drag out clashes on the crimson clay of The Dirt Track at Charlotte (Nov. 4-6). DIRTcar Big Block Modified rookie Adam Pierson has been creeping into the podium picture on the Super DIRTcar Series trail this year and now he’s ready for the bright lights of the biggest stage in dirt racing. 

Pierson, from Fairlee, VT, has driven his way into a Big Block ride with pure heart, determination, and an ability to assemble great people around him. His rise was punctuated by his first career Big Block win in a Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship race at Albany-Saratoga Speedway this year over a field including Marc Johnson, Kenny Tremont Jr., Jack Lehner, and more. 

It’s been a long and winding road for Pierson whose family is steeped in racing heritage. 

“Racing has been in the Pierson family for 50 years,” Pierson said. “My grandfather, great uncle, my uncles raced, so it’s in the blood. I’ve been around racing since I was born. My dad started racing in 1980 or ‘81. I was born in ‘84 and started going with him to race car shops when I was seven or six years old.” 

While funding is good, Pierson’s Gage Lawncare & Landscaping #215 is still a small team with Pierson as the primary builder. That’s DYI ability is something his father instilled in him at an early age.

“I started helping on the car then because my dad told me I’ll never get into a race car unless I started working on them first,” Pierson said. “When I was 13, I started really helping him and was on the crew. Then in 2000, my dad built a car for me. It was a Sportsman Coupe at Bear Ridge Speedway. That’s been my home track. I haven’t been there for three years now. I started going to Airborne and then running 358s and Big Blocks.”

Following the DIRTcar Northeast ladder has paid off because Pierson is a rare NGK NTK World Finals rookie with prior experience racing at The Dirt Track at Charlotte with three starts in his DIRTcar Sportsman Modified at the Drydene World Short Track Championship. 

“I’ve been down there at Charlotte three times racing for Gage,” Pierson said. “It’s a cool show [Drydene World Short Track Championship]. He had two Hig-Fab cars. It was 2016-2018. It’s a track that is only raced at once a year for us and actually having some laps there so that should help. Sometimes you are on the bottom or up on the wall. You gotta keep a Sportsman wound up but with a Big Block you can go where you need to and horsepower down the straightaways.”

One of Pierson’s most impressive feats in 2021 has been his ability to travel and adapt to new race tracks. But Pierson’s whole career has geared him for those types of challenges. His flexibility didn’t come out of racing a modified but a midget. 

“Learning how to adapt to new tracks started with me in the Midget racing,” Pierson said. “The late Frank Manafort got me on the track of going to different races and running different series. He brought me to North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and different places. That kinda jumped up my game a bit. I decided I wanted to do that with the Modifieds. So I started taking the Sportsman to Albany-Saratoga plus end-of-year stuff and Super DIRT Week.”

It was a seven-hour haul for Pierson to get to The Big ‘R’ in Niagara County, Ransomville Speedway, with the Super DIRTcar Series. Although he only finished 22nd, Pierson was particularly proud of his team’s efforts. 

“We went to Ransomville,” Pierson said. “We made the show [40 cars entered]. It was lucky and great. We ran in the top 15 most of the night. So running different race tracks makes you better. But you gotta have a team that knows what they are doing with shocks and tires. You gotta have everything clicking for it to all work. It’s made me better traveling on the Series. You learn a lot with these guys. You learn what to do and what not to do.”

Pierson had a strong seventh-place finish recently against the stars of the Super DIRTcar Series at Brewerton Speedway in the Demon 100. He’ll look to do that again, and better at the NGK NTK World Finals.

Get your tickets for the NGK NTK World Finals HERE and find out how Adam Pierson fairs against the best Big Block Modified drivers in the world at The Dirt Track at Charlotte Thursday through Saturday, November, 4-6. 

Can’t make it? Watch all the action live on DIRTVision pres

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE XFINITY 500 MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY MARTINSVILLE, VIRGINIA OCTOBER 31, 2021
RACE #35 – MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAYChevrolet drivers Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott sit 1-2 in NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) Playoffs points heading into the crucial Xfinity 500 on Sunday, October 31, at Martinsville Speedway. The penultimate race of the 2021 season on the .526-mile paperclip will determine the four drivers who will compete for the championship title at Phoenix Raceway. Larson, driving the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE, will start on the pole for the 12th time this season. Reigning NCS Champion, Elliott, will join him on the front row in the No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Camaro ZL1 1LE to help lead the field to the green in the 500-lap Playoff elimination race.
Larson is two-for-two in the Round of 8 after driving his Camaro ZL1 1LE to victory lane at Texas Motor Speedway and Kansas Speedway, clinching his spot in the Championship 4. Hendrick Motorsports teammate Chase Elliott enters into the Round of 8 elimination race second in the standings and 34 points above the cutline. A victory in the 263-mile race, in addition to multiple finishing order scenarios, will send Elliott to his second consecutive Championship 4 to battle for a back-to-back title. 
At Kansas Speedway, Larson became the third driver to win three consecutive races in the NASCAR Cup Series competition. Larson, who leads all drivers with nine wins this season, also won three points-paying races in a row between May 30 and June 20. This feat was last accomplished in 1987 by seven-time champion Dale Earnhardt. 
Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 57 victories at Martinsville Speedway, including 25 by Hendrick Motorsports – Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson each with nine; Darrell Waltrip with four; and Geoff Bodine, Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Chase Elliott each with one. Six of Johnson’s wins at the racetrack came in the Playoffs.
Team Chevy has recorded manufacturer highs of 17 victories, 147 top-10 finishes, 4,045 laps led and 31 stage wins through 34 races in NASCAR’s premier series. The Bowtie Brand has already surpassed its totals for wins (9), top-10 finishes (120), laps led (2,399) and stage wins (21) from the 36-race 2020 season.
Here is a capsule look at Team Chevy in the title hunt: 
Kyle Larson, No. 5 HendrickCars.com Camaro ZL1 1LE – 1st in Playoff Standings (Locked into Championship 4 by Win)Victories: 9 (field-high)Top-Fives: 19; Top-10’s: 25; Poles: 1; Laps Led: 2,397Average Finish: 9.2Stage Wins: 17At Martinsville (13 career NCS starts): Top-Fives: 2; Top-10’s: 3; Average Finish: 21.077Of Note: Larson has swept the NCS Playoffs Round of 8 thus far, scoring victories at Texas Motor Speedway and Kansas Speedway to lock-in his spot in the Championship 4 for the first time in his career. In the April 2021 race at Martinsville, Larson finished fifth. 
Chase Elliott, No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts ZL1 1LE – 2nd IN STANDINGS (+34 points above cutline)Victories: 2Top-Fives: 14; Top-10’s: 20; Laps Led: 569; Average Finish: 11.4Stage Wins: 4At Martinsville (12 career NCS starts): Wins: 1; Top-Fives: 5; Top-10’s: 7; Average Finish: 13.5 Of Note: Elliott enters the elimination race 34 points above the cutline after a 52-point day and a runner-up finish to Larson at Kansas Speedway. Elliott won the November 2020 race at Martinsville; and in 12 career starts at the track, has seven top-10 finishes. The 2021 NCS season marks Elliott’s sixth consecutive year of being part of the Playoff field. 
FOUR CHEVROLET DRIVERS HEAD INTO NXS ELIMINATION RACEFour drivers of the Chevrolet Camaro SS head into the NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) Dead On Tools 250 on Saturday, October 30, at Martinsville Speedway aiming to advance to the Championship 4. Regular-Season Champion AJ Allmendinger, driving the No. 16 Kaulig Racing Camaro SS, is tied for first in points after claiming a third-place finish at Kansas Speedway last week. Justin Allgaier is third in the standings, nine points above the cutline, while Justin Haley is fifth and Noah Gragson is sixth. Team Chevy finished 1-2 in the April race at the track, with Josh Berry leading Gragson across the line. Chevrolet, with 15 wins, continues to lead the Manufacturer Standings.
THREE TEAM CHEVY DRIVERS SEEK TO REACH CHAMPIONSHIP 4Team Chevy driver and reigning NASCAR Camping World Truck Series (NCWTS) champion Sheldon Creed, driver of the No. 2 GMS Racing Silverado, is in fourth-place in the Driver Standings heading into the United Rentals 200 on Saturday, October 30, at Martinsville Speedway. Carson Hocevar is seventh and Zane Smith is eighth in the standings leading into the 200-lap Round of 8 elimination race for the Series.
CHEVROLET CONTINUES ‘MAKING STRIDES AGAINST BREAST CANCER’ AT MARTINSVILLEFor Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Chevrolet again supports the American Cancer Society by contributing to the cause $350 for every lap run under caution, with a maximum of $50,000, during three NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) races in October, including this weekend’s NCS race at Martinsville Speedway. To also help raise awareness, a specially-themed pink “Making Strides Against Breast Cancer” Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will serve as the pace car for the 500-lap/263-mile NCS race at Martinsville Speedway as the third and final race of this year’s campaign. 
ON THE WAY TO THE GREENWith no practice or qualifying for the 500-lap race, the starting lineup is determined by NASCAR’s metrics system that was introduced to the series last year and incorporates results from both individual races and season-long results. Team Chevy’s Top-20 starters:1st     Kyle Larson, No. 5 HendrickCars.com Camaro ZL1 1LE 2nd    Chase Elliott, No. 9 NAPA Auto Parts Camaro ZL1 1LE 10th   Kurt Busch, No. 1 Monster Energy Camaro ZL1 1LE11th   William Byron, No. 24 Liberty University Camaro ZL1 1LE13th   Alex Bowman, No. 48 Ally Camaro ZL1 1LE14th   Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Camaro ZL1 1LE16th   Ross Chastain, No. 42 Clover Camaro ZL1 1LE18th   Tyler Reddick, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Camaro ZL1 1LE20th   Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Good Sam Camaro ZL1 1LE
BOWTIE BULLETS·       Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 17 wins, 147 top-10 finishes and 4,045 laps led of 8,387 total this season.·       In addition to its 57 wins, Chevrolet has amassed 267 top-five and 507 top-10 finishes in the 145 races at Martinsville Speedway.·       Kyle Larson paces all drivers with 2,397 laps led, which eclipsed Jeff Gordon’s 2001 record for a 36-race NCS season (2,320) set in 2001.·       Chase Elliott was runner-up to Kyle Larson at Kansas Speedway, giving Hendrick Motorsports its seventh 1-2 finish of the season.·       Hendrick Motorsports leads the Owner Standings.·       Kurt Busch has the most starts (42) and logged the most laps (20,381) at Martinsville Speedway of active drivers.·       Career Chevrolet driver Jeff Gordon leads all drivers with 38 top-10 finishes in 47 races at Martinsville Speedway.·       Five Team Chevy drivers have combined for 31 stage wins: Chase Elliott (Daytona RC, Michigan, Daytona2, Charlotte2); William Byron (Homestead, Pocono2, Road America, Kansas2); Tyler Reddick (Road America, Indianapolis road course x2); Kurt Busch (Nashville Superspeedway, Pocono1, Atlanta2); Kyle Larson (Las Vegas, Atlanta x2, Kansas, Dover x2, Charlotte x3, Sonoma x2, Nashville, Darlington2, Bristol2, Las Vegas2, Texas2, Kansas2).
TUNE INNBC will telecast the 500-lap NASCAR Cup Series Xfinity 500 at 2 p.m. ET Sunday, Oct. 31. Live coverage is also on MRN and Sirius XM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. NBCSN will telecast the 250-lap NASCAR Xfinity Series Dead On Tools 250 at 6 p.m. ET Saturday, Oct. 30. FS1 will telecast the 200-lap NASCAR Camping World Truck Series United Rentals 200 at Live coverage is also on MRN. 1 p.m. ET Saturday, Oct. 30. Live coverage of both races is also on MRN.
QUOTABLE QUOTESKYLE LARSON, NO. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 1st IN STANDINGSLARSON ON APRIL RACE AT MARTINSVILLE:“Martinsville has been a really tough track for me in the past. Earlier this year, we were really good there in Hendrick (Motorsports) equipment and I was able to run top five. That run helped my confidence a lot. I think if we can go there and have another good run and, heck, if we can get a win there, yes – I’ll be feeling great going to Phoenix.”
CLIFF DANIELS, CREW CHIEF, NO. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM CAMARO ZL1 1LEDANIELS ON SOMETHING TO PROVE AT MARTINSVILLE: “We definitely want to have a good run this weekend in Martinsville. We have had that one circled for a while because we, as a team, feel like we have something to prove. Hopefully, we can do that. Martinsville is an amazing track for the (No.) 9 team. So, I would imagine they’re going to be the favorite to win Martinsville, and hopefully both teams can go into Phoenix with some good momentum.”
CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 9 NAPA AUTO PARTS CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 2nd IN STANDINGS“I don’t know if it allows you to do much of anything now. After what we saw in Kansas, I am not really sure that any amount of points is safe. I really think anyone in this round can win this weekend. So, we are really going to have to be on it, but I’m looking forward to the opportunity and excited for the challenge.” 
WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 11th IN STANDINGSBYRON ON THE CHALLENGES OF RACING AT MARTINSVILLE: “I look forward to going to Martinsville this weekend. Ever since the second half of the 2019 season, I’ve looked forward to racing there even more. I feel like I’ve really found a good balance when going there now. It’s a fun track but it is always a challenge to race at, no matter how many times you have. You want to make the best lap times every lap because it’s so easy to get behind early and even harder to make up lost time. At the same time, you have to manage your brakes so they last the whole race. 500 laps around Martinsville are always tough. It’s about surviving and being there at the end.”
RUDY FUGLE, CREW CHIEF, NO. 24 LIBERTY UNIVERSITY CAMARO ZL1 1LEFUGLE ON KEEPING MOMENTUM THROUGH THE END OF THE SEASON: “We may not be in the playoffs anymore but I think the (No.) 24 team is still making a statement each and every week. That’s what we want to accomplish. We aren’t letting off the gas or waiting around for next season to start. Preparation for next season has already begun and we don’t want to lose the momentum that we have worked so hard to gain. I think this weekend at Martinsville will be another weekend where we can show how much we have elevated this team throughout the season. When we went there in the spring we had a good, solid race overall. This time, we’re looking to improve on that. William has really hit his stride at Martinsville the last couple years, and we have such great notes already from our teammates. This is a long, grueling race but as long as we take care of our car, we will have a shot at a win in the end. I’m confident in that.”
ALEX BOWMAN, NO. 48 ALLY CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 14th IN STANDINGS“I’m looking forward to Martinsville. We were actually really strong there in the spring (but) didn’t get to show it. We had a loose wheel and had to pit under green and then they all crashed on the next restart – we got run over like we did in Texas. I think we had a car capable of winning. We went to Richmond the week after that and won. I think our short track stuff is pretty solid right now, and I’m looking forward to getting there.” 
AUSTIN DILLON, NO. 3 RICHARD CHILDRESS RACING CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 17th IN STANDINGSHOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT SHORT TRACKS LIKE MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY? “I really like Martinsville Speedway. It is one of those places where you go through so many emotions during the course the race. Someone might bump you and that give-and-take can get frustrating. It’s a short little paper clip, with hard-braking corners. We’ve had some solid runs there, and I think that we can go back and do it again. We’d love to have a good run at Martinsville Speedway.”
DANIEL SUAREZ, NO. 99 GOOD SAM CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 24th IN STANDINGSWHAT MAKES MARTINSVILLE SPECIAL?         “I love going to Martinsville. It’s just a different atmosphere and they have things so unique to them – the trophy, the style of track, etc. It’s one of those tracks that you have to go slow in order to make yourself fast. You have to back up the corner and go slow going into it, then you really get your speed coming off of it to pass people. There’s a lot of beating and banging between all of us on the track and it’s something really fun to watch for the fans.”
TELL US ABOUT THE HELMET? “It’s Halloween this weekend and I’m also celebrating the Dia de los Muertos holiday, which is very special to my Mexican culture. The helmet has been popular the last few years so it’s a good weekend to bring it back.”
WHAT WAS FILIMING WITH JAY LENO LIKE? “It was so much fun to fly out to California and film with him. He was really great and he loves cars. There aren’t many people who know more about cars than Jay.”
ERIK JONES, NO. 43 GOODY’S COOL ORANGE CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 25th IN STANDINGSAS A DRIVER, WHAT IS YOUR APPROACH TO RACING AT MARTINSVILLE? “Martinsville (Speedway) has been a tough track for me. I don’t deny that has been a tough track. I think the approach to Martinsville is honestly, you think you need to go there and be really aggressive and really drive the car hard. But it’s kind of the total opposite. You really have to slow everything down and back everything up. It’s almost like a road course a little bit, even though it’s an oval, the way you kind of approach and drive it.”
“I feel like the last few times we’ve been there, I’ve started to figure some stuff out and improve there as a driver. But Martinsville is just a tough track. It’s one groove on the bottom. It’s tough to setup the passes. You need your car to do a lot of different things to be good there, but it’s a tough place. You feel like you have to be aggressive, but really slowing everything down is a lot of times the key.”
COREY LAJOIE, NO. 7 ARK.io CAMARO ZL1 1LE – 29th IN STANDINGS“Can’t wait to get to Martinsville this Sunday with our Ark.io Chevy Camaro. That place has turned into my favorite one on the schedule because I’ve ran so well there the last several times. The spring race was arguably our strongest run of the season, which unfortunately ended with an incident on pit lane. I love the afternoon race time because everyone struggles to find grip, and you’re working all day long. It’s a grueling 500 laps, so I hope our Camaro runs as fast as Ark’s transactions.”

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 The Cowboy Channel Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE at Martinsville Speedway… In 15 NASCAR Cup Series starts at Martinsville Speedway, Dillon earned his best finish of fourth in April 2016 at the half-mile short track after starting deep in the field from the 29th spot. He also has a fifth-place finish at the track (April 2017). He has made four appearances at the track in the NASCAR Truck Series, earning his best finish of third in October 2011. About The Cowboy Channel… The Cowboy Channel is the official network of ProRodeo and the first 24-hour television network totally dedicated to western sports and the western lifestyle. Headquartered in the historic Fort Worth Stockyards, The Cowboy Channel features content focused on ProRodeo, bull riding, roping, reining, barrel racing, and other western sports genres, along with western fashion and music. The programming lineup also features a wide variety of “live” coverage from major western events showcasing the world’s toughest and most talented cowboys and cowgirls and is home of the National Finals Rodeo in December. The network enjoys distribution into 42 million homes on cable/satellite systems on Altice, Charter Spectrum, DISH, DIRECTV®, AT&T U-Verse, Cox, Comcast, Mediacom, Verizon FIOS TV, and many other rural cable systems. In addition, The Cowboy Channel can be streamed online via The Cowboy Channel Plus at cowboychannelplus.com, DIRECTV NOW, Roku, iOS, Android, Firestick, Apple TV, and Sling TV’s Heartland Extra package. For more information, please visit thecowboychannel.com. This weekend, the No. 3 Chevrolet features promotion for The Cowboy Channel’s upcoming live coverage of the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) and Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas. For 10 straight days and nights this December 2-11, 2021, rodeo fans will once again transform Las Vegas into a country and western city as they take in the world’s best rodeo, packaged with the most exquisite gift shows, concerts, parties and horse shows, plus everything that Vegas is known for 365 days a year. And, new this year, the Cowboy Channel Cowboy Christmas will open on Wednesday, December 1 from 5 p.m. – 10 p.m. for a special preview and tree lighting ceremony and then run December 2-11 from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily. AUSTIN DILLON QUOTE:How do you feel about short tracks like Martinsville Speedway?“I really like Martinsville Speedway. It is one of those places where you go through so many emotions during the course the race. Someone might bump you and that give-and-take can get frustrating. It’s a short little paper clip, with hard-braking corners. We’ve had some solid runs there, and I think that we can go back and do it again. We’d love to have a good run at Martinsville Speedway.”

Tyler Reddick and the No. 8 Childress Vineyards Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE at Martinsville Speedway… Reddick has three NASCAR Cup Series starts at Martinsville Speedway, with his best finish of eighth coming earlier this season at the paperclip-shaped oval. Reddick also has six NASCAR Truck Series starts at the track in which he collected two top-five and three top-10 finishes. About Childress Vineyards… Childress Vineyards is a premier winery located at the southern gateway of the Yadkin Valley in Lexington, North Carolina. Owned by Richard Childress, NASCAR team owner and Hall of Fame member, Childress Vineyards produces award-winning wines with the expertise of Winemaker Mark Frizsolowski. Open daily for tours, tastings, and lunch in the Bistro. Information about Childress Vineyards can be found on Facebook at facebook.com/childresswines/, on Twitter at @ChildressWines and on Instagram at Instagram.com/childresswines. TYLER REDDICK QUOTE: What are your thoughts heading into 500 laps at Martinsville Speedway on Sunday?“It’s really unfortunate that we had a bad finish at Kansas for a number of reasons, but the biggest being pit selection for Martinsville. Pit road there is pure chaos and it’s so easy to be boxed in which will cost you significant track position. The guys that we are racing against to get the win are all playoff guys, who will have the eight best pit stalls. Our Childress Vineyards team has our work cut out for us, but you never know what may happen – with some one in front of or behind you on pit road having issues. We tried something a little different braking wise at Martinsville in the spring before we found the package that we have learned to love at road courses and short tracks, so I know we will be better there. Our team has also made gains since the first race earlier this season, so I’m looking forward to seeing what we bring to the table on Sunday.”

Myatt Snider and the No. 2 TaxSlayer Chevrolet Camaro at Martinsville Speedway… Snider has two career NASCAR Xfinity Series starts at Martinsville Speedway, both behind the wheel of a Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet. The Charlotte, N.C. native has also competed in three NASCAR Truck Series race at the paperclip half-mile, earning a third-place result in the 2018 fall race and a pair of sixth-place efforts in the 2018 and 2019 spring races respectively. About TaxSlayer… TaxSlayer makes online tax filing accessible for millions of Americans, with an easy-to-use platform and unlimited support at a fraction of the cost of the competition. Trusted for over 50 years, the Augusta-based tech company successfully completed more than 10 million federal and state e-filed tax returns in 2020 and processed $15 billion in refunds. TaxSlayer achieved a 4.5/5 TrustScore on consumer review site Trustpilot, with 87% of its customers rating the tax filing platform Great or Excellent. For more information, visit www.TaxSlayer.com. MYATT SNIDER QUOTE:Martinsville Speedway is one of your favorite tracks. What are you looking for on Saturday? “Hopefully, there is no rain in the forecast and the race can stay at night. Earlier this year, our TaxSlayer Camaro showed a ton of speed in the race at night, but once the rain came and we were postponed to the next day, our car wasn’t the same in the sunshine. Our team has learned a lot of lessons since that race, so I’m looking forward to getting on track. Our No. 2 Chevrolet will be well prepared heading into the race and that should set us up in a solid position right from the green flag. I personally have been chasing after the clock since 2013 and hopefully this is the year that I can pull it off. It would mean a lot to win at Martinsville.”

CHEVROLET AT LAS VEGAS  What: Dodge//SRT NHRA Nationals presented by PennzoilWhen: Friday, Oct. 29-Sunday, Oct. 31Where: The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Las Vegas, NevadaTV: FS1 will telecast eliminations live at 5 p.m. ET Sunday, Oct. 31
Stakes high for Chevrolet drivers at Las Vegas eventTitle contenders in all three pro classes enter penultimate Countdown race

DETROIT (Oct. 28, 2021) – Chevrolet drivers in Top Fuel, Funny Car and Pro Stock will aim to score maximum points toward their National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) championship quests this weekend at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
The penultimate race of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Countdown to the Championship will also mark the NHRA’s 1,000th national event, which includes 930 Top Fuel, 912 Funny Car and 898 Pro Stock races.
Chevrolet has been the commanding brand on the dragstrip and the Camaro has been the leading model with 2,970 final-round appearances, which began with Ben Wenzel winning the Stock class in his ’67 Camaro Z-28 and Bill Jenkins driving his big-block ’67 Camaro SS to the Super Stock title at the 1967 U.S. Nationals at Indianapolis.
The powerful Chevrolet COPO Camaro, which regularly visits the winner’s circle in Stock, Super Stock and the Constant Aviation Factory Stock Showdown classes, is a direct descendent of the ’67 Camaro.
Chevrolet won the first NHRA Pro Stock event in 1970, with Jenkins driving a 1968 Camaro to victory at Pomona, and has 344 wins and counting (226 in Camaros). Chevrolet has recorded 146 Funny Car wins since 1967 (66 in Camaros) and 12 Top Fuel victories.
Chevrolet swept the No. 1 qualifiers for the April 18 four-wide event at The Strip, with Brittany Force securing the first of her 11 honors on the season in Top Fuel, teammate Robert Hight claiming No. 1 in Funny Car and Greg Anderson rising to the top in Pro Stock.
Force, driving the Monster Energy Chevrolet dragster, is second in the Top Fuel standings. Sixteen-time Funny Car champion John Force is tied for fourth and Hight is seventh in the standings. Hight and Brittany Force advanced to the semifinals in the most recent event.
“Our Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac team is anxious to get to Las Vegas. We’re looking to win this thing and set ourselves up in the best position possible to win the championship at the Auto Club Finals,” Force said. “We had success at The Strip in 2019 when we won the event so it’s a very comfortable track for my entire team. It’s going to be a challenge but we’re ready for it.”
Anderson, who earlier this month passed Warren Johnson to become the all-time leader in Pro Stock victories with 98 in the HendrickCars.com Camaro SS, holds an 81-point advantage over reigning champion Eric Enders in the Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Camaro SS. She has won three of the past four events at The Strip and has seven Wallys total.
“The way I see it, it’s time to go to Vegas to try to win a championship,” said Anderson, who has eight career wins at The Strip. “I would love to go there and extend my lead enough that it doesn’t even matter at Pomona. That’s my goal, though it’s certainly going to be difficult to do. It’s a great place for us and a great place for our competition, too. Erica has had a good run. We’ll see who the track shines on this weekend.”
The event will also feature the finale of the Constant Aviation Factory Stock Showdown season. Aaron Stanfield, driving the Janac Brothers Racing COPO Camaro, has already locked up his second consecutive title. Chevrolet drivers have won six of the seven races.
FS1 will telecast eliminations live at 5 p.m. ET Sunday, Oct. 31. 
CHEVROLET FROM THE COCKPIT
TOP FUEL:
BRITTANY FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, MONSTER ENERGY/FLAV-R-PAC CHEVROLET DRAGSTER (Second in points; won at track in 2019):“The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a special track for me. My first full pass in a Top Fuel dragster was there back in 2012. It took seven years to end up in that Vegas winner’s circle, which I think shows you how competitive this sport is.”
FUNNY CAR:
JOHN FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, PEAK ANTIFREEZE AND COOLANT CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (Tied for fourth in points; six-time winner at track): “We’ve had a good season. We’ve had some bumps along the way, all three teams, but we all made it in the Countdown. We’re here, that’s what matters. This PEAK team, Danny Hood, Tim Fabrosis, Joe Barlam, they’ve really given me a great Chevy. I’ve had to learn to keep up, and I am. That’s why we’re here, they’ve worked hard, and I’ve had to do my job, really hold on with the rest of these young guys out here.”
ROBERT HIGHT, JOHN FORCE RACING, AUTO CLUB OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (Seventh in points; five-time winner at track): “It hasn’t been a consistent year for us. This Auto Club team has worked hard, Jimmy Prock and Chris Cunningham, they’ve put together some great runs in this Chevy. We’ve had some bad luck, made some mistakes and because the competition this year has been so tight, so intense, those mistakes and bad luck have put us in a tough spot. The goal is still to go out and win, qualify well, put up good reaction times, go rounds on Sunday and put this Auto Club car in the winner’s circle.”
PRO STOCK:
GREG ANDERSON, KB RACING, HENDRICKCARS.COM CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (Points leader; eight-time winner at track): “The way I see it, it’s time to go to Vegas to try to win a championship. I would love to go there and extend my lead enough that it doesn’t even matter at Pomona. That’s my goal, though it’s certainly going to be difficult to do. I love racing at Vegas; it’s been very good to me. It’s great racing in front of team owner Ken Black. It’s a great place for us and a great place for our competition, too. Erica (Enders) has had a good run. We’ll see who the track shines on this weekend. (Off since Oct. 10): We spent a lot of time in the shop trying to make our engines better. We went to Darlington last week to work on our car set-up. I think we did all we could do and we’re happy with the results. Itching to get to Vegas and see if we’ve made any ground.”
DALLAS GLENN, KB RACING, RAD TORQUE SYSTEMS CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (Third in points): “Two races left in my rookie season and I can’t believe the position we’re in. You always have faith in your equipment and yourself as a driver but it’s really cool to put both of those together for the most part this year. The RAD Torque/ Summit Racing/KB Racing Chevrolet Camaro is still mathematically in the hunt for the championship, although it’s a longshot. As long as the championship comes home with KB, I’m happy.”
KYLE KORETSKY, KB RACING, LUCAS OIL CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (Fourth in points; runner-up in 2020 season finale at track): “It’s down to the wire; we’re three points out of third behind Dallas (Glenn) and I’m looking to make it a KB 1, 2, 3 for the Countdown championship. Mathematically, we still have a shot at the title. I did a bit of bracket racing in New Jersey in my Camaro just to keep me in the car and down the track. I have all the confidence in the world in the (KB Racing) guys who prepare the car and I’m looking to go to Vegas to win. I feel real confident and I’m ready to make a statement in these last two races.”
TROY COUGHLIN JR., ELITE MOTORSPORTS, JEGS.COM/ELITE MOTORSPORTS CHEVROLET CAMARO SS (Seventh in points): “The world title isn’t in the cards for us this year but we continue to grow and I love to compete no matter what’s at stake so we’re going to have fun this weekend. If we can get in there and take out some of teams fighting Erica (Enders, teammate) for the championship, then we’ll be really happy. And sure, a win would be awesome.”

AUSTIN, TX (October 27, 2021) — The Bandero Premium Tequila ROKiT Toyota Camry Funny Car team knew they had all the pieces they needed to win at the highest level this season. Strong performances throughout the early part of the season showed driver Alexis DeJoria what her team was capable of and a runner-up finish at the Mile-High Nationals in July fired up the organization. Everything fell into place two weeks ago when the veteran driver qualified No. 1 and then took care of business on race day turning on four win lights on the way to DeJoria’s sixth career Nitro Funny Car win and her first win with her new team that started together in 2020.

The win was significant for DeJoria and her young team as they built an organization from the ground up. In 2020 they closed out the season with strong performances and several low qualifying efforts. This season they recorded six No. 2 qualifiers before they started No. 1 at the Thunder Valley Nationals. To take the victory from the top spot made for an emotional weekend all around.

Alexis DeJoria, Bandero Premium Tequila ROKiT Toyota Camry Funny Car

“I would say it’s one of the biggest (wins) because as a part-team owner definitely,” said DeJoria. “Coming back after taking the two years off and getting to work with my mentor, old teammate and friend in Del Worsham. I look up to him and I learned everything I know from Del. To be able to do this with him again and do something we couldn’t do at Kalitta when he ended up driving the other car.” 

With two races left in the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series DeJoria is locked into the Top Ten but now with a win under her belt she knows they have a race car that can compete to close out the season. She has two previous wins at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway getting wins in 2016 and 2014 at the annual spring national event. A win at the fall race would make her the eighth Funny Car driver to win both annual NHRA national events at Bruton Smith’s desert jewel racetrack.

AUSTIN, TX (October 27, 2021) — The Bandero Premium Tequila ROKiT Toyota Camry Funny Car team knew they had all the pieces they needed to win at the highest level this season. Strong performances throughout the early part of the season showed driver Alexis DeJoria what her team was capable of and a runner-up finish at the Mile-High Nationals in July fired up the organization. Everything fell into place two weeks ago when the veteran driver qualified No. 1 and then took care of business on race day turning on four win lights on the way to DeJoria’s sixth career Nitro Funny Car win and her first win with her new team that started together in 2020.

The win was significant for DeJoria and her young team as they built an organization from the ground up. In 2020 they closed out the season with strong performances and several low qualifying efforts. This season they recorded six No. 2 qualifiers before they started No. 1 at the Thunder Valley Nationals. To take the victory from the top spot made for an emotional weekend all around.

Alexis DeJoria, Bandero Premium Tequila ROKiT Toyota Camry Funny Car

“I would say it’s one of the biggest (wins) because as a part-team owner definitely,” said DeJoria. “Coming back after taking the two years off and getting to work with my mentor, old teammate and friend in Del Worsham. I look up to him and I learned everything I know from Del. To be able to do this with him again and do something we couldn’t do at Kalitta when he ended up driving the other car.” 

With two races left in the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series DeJoria is locked into the Top Ten but now with a win under her belt she knows they have a race car that can compete to close out the season. She has two previous wins at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway getting wins in 2016 and 2014 at the annual spring national event. A win at the fall race would make her the eighth Funny Car driver to win both annual NHRA national events at Bruton Smith’s desert jewel racetrack.

October 28, 2021

As the NASCAR Cup Series season comes down to the final two races, Matt DiBenedetto and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team are hoping to end their season with a couple of strong finishes.

The first chance comes this weekend at Martinsville Speedway, the Wood Brothers’ home track, in the 73^rd running of the race now known as the Xfinity 500.
 
The Woods have competed at Martinsville 120 times, beginning with in 1953 when the team’s late founder Glenn Wood drove a Lincoln on the half-mile paper-clip-shaped oval just east of the Woods’ hometown of Stuart, Va.
 
Since then they’ve won two times at Martinsville, along with posting 28 top-five and 45 top-10 finishes. Two of those top-10s came in 2020, DiBenedetto’s first year with the No. 21 team.
 
Back in April, DiBenedetto came close to adding a third straight top-10 at Martinsville but wound up 12^th.
 
He’s excited about returning to Martinsville for his 14^th career start there and his fourth aboard the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang.
 
“It’s one of my favorite tracks of the year,” he said. “Our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustangs are strong there.”
 
If DiBenedetto can score top-10 finishes in the next two races, including the season finale at Phoenix Raceway, he’ll tie his career-best season for top-10s, set last year with 11.
 
He’s vowing to do just that.
 
“We are going to make the most of it as the end of the season approaches,” he said.
 
There will be no practice or qualifying prior to the start of Sunday’s 500-lapper. DiBenedetto is set to start 21st, as the line-up was determined using performance metrics from last Sunday’s race at Kansas Speedway.
 
The green flag is set to fly at 2 p.m. Eastern Time, with Stage breaks at Laps 130 and 260. NBC will carry the live TV broadcast.  
 

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 27, 2021) – John Force and his PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS team have been in the championship conversation since kicking off the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season. With just two races left in the NHRA Countdown to the Championship, a win at the Dodge//SRT NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway would only solidify their run for the season crown. Tied for fourth and 101 points out of the lead, the PEAK Chevy team have made five final round appearances that included three wins first at the Charlotte Four-Wide, then New England Nationals, then sharing the winners circle with daughter Brittany in Topeka at Heartland Motorsports Park. In addition, they’ve had three No. 1 qualifying positions (Charlotte Four-Wide, U.S. Nationals and Carolina Nationals). A win at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway will not only keep them in the championship conversation but would extend to 14th the number of seasons Force has won at least four races. “We’ve had a good season. We’ve had some bumps along the way, all three teams, but we all made it in the Countdown. We’re here, that’s what matters,” Force said. “This PEAK team, Danny Hood, Tim Fabrosis, Joe Barlam, they’ve really given me a great Chevy. I’ve had to learn to keep up, and I am. That’s why we’re here, they’ve worked hard, and I’ve had to do my job, really hold on with the rest of these young guys out here.” While Force doesn’t gamble, he’s been lucky at Las Vegas, especially in the fall race in which he has won four times, most recently in 2016. In addition to clinching the 2013 championship with a final round victory over daughter Courtney, his final round win over Matt Hagan in 2010 enabled him to cut Hagan’s lead from 64 to 37 points, a margin he then overcame with a win at Pomona that clinched the title. Although he’s qualified No. 1 just one time in the fall race, he has reached the final round in every third start (six times in 18 tries). “I’ve had Lady Luck on my side more than a few times and in more places than just Las Vegas but this track, it’s been good to me,” Force said. “It’s one of Bruton Smith’s and you know they can put on a show. It will be exciting for the fans; it’ll be exciting for the drivers and maybe a little nerve wracking for the crew chiefs with how tight this competition in Funny Car is. I know I’m sure looking forward to it.” Qualifying at the Dodge//SRT NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway begins Friday with one session at 4 p.m. and continues Saturday with sessions at 1 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday’s eliminations are slated to begin at 11 a.m. Television coverage of the event will be featured on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) and begins Friday with a qualifying show at 7 p.m. ET and continues with a second qualifying show Sunday at 4 p.m. ET followed by the eliminations show at 5 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1.

After leading the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series national standings all year long, Rachel Meyer hasn’t sealed the deal yet. Rachel has collected over 733 points this year, winning the Gatornationals, Charlotte NGK NTK 4-Wides, and Houston Spring Nationals to start the year off, followed by winning the Topeka Nationals at her home track. But championship contender Jackie Fricke is hot on Rachel’s tail after Fricke won the U.S. Nationals and Dallas FallNationals.
 

“I’m really excited to head to Vegas this weekend,” said Rachel. “I’ve never been to this track before so it’s always exciting to go to a new track, but it’s even more exciting because the championship is on the line. We have to stop Jackie from winning the event, and if we, or any other competitor, can stop her then the Randy Meyer Racing Team and NGK Spark Plugs will win their third consecutive World Championship!”

“2021 was my first full season as a professional driver in the NHRA, and if I place second in the national standings after the race is over, I’ll still have a big smile on my face because it was a great season for us. Also, it’s pretty neat to see that a female has been leading points all year long and a female will win the championship for the third time in a row.”

If Jackie were to win this weekend’s Vegas Nationals race, she would pass Rachel by 1 point to become the 2021 Top Alcohol Dragster Champion. Therefore, Rachel has decided to enter the event although she will not be able to claim any more points per the NHRA rules. If a driver has competed in over 10 National events, they cannot collect points and only their best 7 count towards the championship. In addition to their best 3 out of their first 5 Regional races. You can see our team’s results in the table below:

Racer	Event	Qualified	Finished
Rachel	Belle Rose Regional GatorNationals Lucas Oil Southern Nationals NGK NTK 4-Wide Nationals NHRA SpringNationals Norwalk Nationals Topeka Regional Great Bend Regional Heartland Nationals Brainerd Nationals U.S. Nationals Earlville Regional Carolina Nationals St. Louis Regional Dallas FallNationals	02 05 02 04 03 01 01 01 03 03 07 03 09 01 02	Runner Up Winner Second Round Winner Winner Semi-Finals Winner Winner Winner Semi-Finals Semi-Finals Semi-Finals Second Round Runner Up Second Round
Julie	Gainesville Regional GatorNationals Vegas 4-Wide Nationals Lucas Oil Southern Nationals NGK NTK 4-Wide Nationals NHRA SpringNationals Norwalk Nationals Norwalk Regional Columbus Regional Indianapolis Regional Bowling Green Regional Jegs AllStars U.S. Nationals Carolina Nationals Dallas FallNationals	04 04 02 05 02 05 06 02 08 01 05 02 01 02 03	Winner Semi-Finals Semi-Finals Second Round Semi-Finals First Round Second Round Winner First Round Winner Winner Winner Semi-Finals Semi-Finals Second Round
Matt	St. Louis Regional	06	Quatreer Finals

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 27, 2021) – With just two events left in the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season, Brittany Force and her Monster Energy Top Fuel dragster team, currently sitting No. 2 in points, are prepared to keep up the fight for a second championship crown starting with this weekend’s Dodge//SRT NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. The Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac team has a total of 10 No. 1s with one win at Heartland Motorsports Park in Topeka, Kan., where Brittany went onto share a historic winners circle with legendary father John Force. It was the first time in NHRA history that a parent-child duo had won together in the pro categories. Force still can tie the Top Fuel and team records for No. 1 qualifying performances in a season (13) if she is No. 1 in the last two events. Not an unbelievable task for the team that has set track records with both their stellar elapsed times and speeds, staying consistent through qualifying. The David Grubnic and Mac Savage led team has been to the finals five times in the 2021 Camping World Drag Racing Series season, most recently finishing runner-up at the Carolina Nationals. “Our Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac team is anxious to get to Las Vegas. It’s the second to last race of season and we’re two in points. We’re looking to win this thing and set ourselves up in the best position possible to win the championship at the Auto Club Finals,” Force said. “We had success at The Strip in 2019 when we won the event so it’s a very comfortable track for my entire team. It’s going to be a challenge but we’re ready for it. On Halloween weekend, how could you not think that the fates favor the Monster car? In addition to the team’s win in 2019, Force is also the track record holder at 3.652 seconds, 338.17 mph, marks she set en route to her victory. Force also had a runner-up finish at the 2017 race that enabled her to cut Steve Torrence’s lead from 57 points to 20 points, a margin she erased at Pomona to win her first championship and the first Top Fuel championship for John Force Racing. But The Strip is important to Force for more than just her records and wins. “The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway is a special track for me,” Force continued. “My first full pass in a Top Fuel dragster was there back in 2012. It took seven years to end up in that Vegas winners circle which I think shows you how competitive this sport is.” Qualifying at the Dodge//SRT NHRA Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway begins Friday with one session at 4 p.m. and continues Saturday with sessions at 1 and 4:30 p.m. Sunday’s eliminations are slated to begin at 11 a.m. Television coverage of the event will be featured on FOX Sports 1 (FS1) and begins Friday with a qualifying show at 7 p.m. ET and continues with a second qualifying show Sunday at 4 p.m. ET followed by the eliminations show at 5 p.m. ET on FOX Sports 1.

The Mount Holly, NC driver will make his 12th World of Outlaws appearance at the NGK NTK World Finals 

CONCORD, NC – October 27, 2021 – The crisp November air and Fall scenery provides the backdrop for an epic stage to conclude the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Models season at the NGK NTK World Finals.

Add the chance to win in front of a home crowd and that stage grows even more significant.

Chris Ferguson, of Mount Holly, NC, has that opportunity, Nov. 4-6, at The Dirt Track at Charlotte when some of the best drivers in Dirt Late Model racing return to the Tar Heel State oval.

“It’s an honor; it’s awesome to be able to showcase how we’ve been doing all year in front of our sponsors, friends, family, and people who get to see us race on the biggest stage of the year,” Ferguson said. “I always try to get people to come to Eldora and try to get them to come to crown jewel races, but typically a lot of people can’t make it out of town for them things.

“So, it’s nice to be able to have that atmosphere in Charlotte and toward the end of the season when people have time to come out.” 

While Ferguson doesn’t run a national tour, he’s traveled across the country running various crown jewel events. “Fergy” racked up 20 top-10 finishes this season, so far, and one victory at Bristol Motor Speedway during the Bristol Dirt Nationals. 

Even though he hoped for more wins in 2021, he was close on multiple occasions, including his last two World of Outlaws starts at Cherokee Speedway. 

“It’s been very complicated, to say the least,” Ferguson said. “I look back and think of races that we’ve been in the hunt; particularly Eldora, The Dream and The World, and then Wheatland at the Lucas Oil Speedway we had a shot at winning a couple of times, and both Outlaw races at Cherokee sitting on the pole.  It’s been a weird year; we’ve been good, we haven’t really struggled; the only time we struggled was I-80 and Fairbury. 

“Everywhere else, we’ve been in the hunt, but when guys like Overton, Davenport are winning what they’re winning this year, and Sheppard, there hasn’t been a lot of food on the table for everyone else. It’s been a complicated year, but when I look back, I’m still proud of what we’ve done. I just would love to see more wins.”

An advantage Ferguson may have against his competitors at Charlotte’s Dirt Track is the red clay surface. It’s something he’s used to racing on in the Carolinas and puts him a step ahead of drivers who don’t run on it often.  

“It definitely shows up because last year I think we won Heat Races both nights and started inside the top-four both nights,” Ferguson said. “When you race down here, you have to be elbows up, and you have to be on the wheel and a lot of guys who aren’t from this area struggle with the wheelspin you have. So, when we come into these races, we feel confident with our ability to run good in these big races now. Overall, the mentality going into these races plays into our favor at Charlotte.”

That mentality allows Ferguson to have the confidence he needs entering the epic stage of the World Finals. Even though he’s won prestigious races in his career, a World Finals trophy on his mantle would mean more than all of them. 

“It would be huge, I’ve won some big races, but I’d have to say that it’s probably up there at the top,” Ferguson said. “Bristol was big, and so was Diamond Nationals along with my other Outlaws and Lucas Oil wins. But winning that big of an event in front of family, my crew, and anyone who supports us, that would be at the top, a career moment, to say the least.”

Ferguson will join the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Models as they travel to Charlotte for the NGK NTK World Finals Nov. 4-6.  For tickets to see the three-division sp

PLAINVIEW, NY (October 27, 2021) — With two races remaining in the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series, second year driver Justin Ashley has inserted himself into the Top Fuel championship hunt thanks to an impressive run in his first Countdown. The driver from Plainview, New York, has a win at the Texas NHRA Fall Nationals, a runner-up at the Reading Nationals and two semifinal finishes through the first five playoff races. The 2020 Rookie of the Year has moved from 7th place in the points to 3rd place and sits just 73 points out of second place. He is within striking distance of first place with a strong finish at this weekend’s Dodge//SRT NHRA Nationals from The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

“We have made the most out of our first Countdown together as a team,” said Ashley, following the Thunder Valley Nationals. “The expertise and experience of crew chief Mike Green has proved to be invaluable, and the leadership of Dustin Davis has been elite. This Smart Sanitizer Vita C Shot Top Fuel team has made huge strides in performance all season and we are excited to see what we can do over these last two races starting this weekend in Las Vegas.”

Justin Ashley, Smart Sanitizer Top Fuel dragster powered by Vita C Shot (Photo credit Ron Lewis Photography)

 This season has seen Ashley, who won his first event last July at the NHRA Summernationals, develop into one of the most consistent and successful drivers in the series. A season opening semifinal finish at the historic Gatornationals was followed up by runner-up finish at the Winternationals in July. The Smart Sanitizer Vita C Shot team really hit their stride once the Countdown began. Entering the seven race playoffs as the No. 7 seed Ashley quickly jumped to No. 4 in the standings with his second final round appearance of the season in Reading, Pennsylvania. The next weekend Ashley raced to the semifinals in Charlotte but an early exit in St Louis slowed his momentum momentarily only to have his second career victory in Dallas, Texas catapult him into the top three.

On race day at the Texas Motorplex Ashley defeated Billy Torrence, Brittany Force and Steve Torrence in a dominant day of race car performance and driver execution, winning two races on hole shots and then simply outrunning his opponent in the final round. The win closed the gap on the point leaders and his semifinal finish in Bristol, Tennessee, two weeks ago established the young driver as a legitimate championship contender.

“Dallas was an amazing weekend and to follow that up with a solid race in Bristol really gives our whole team a lot of confidence heading to Las Vegas this weekend,” said Ashley. “Our team is very young, but we have guys with championship winning experience and extraordinary talent. Mike, Dustin, and the entire team have been amazing, and we are only getting better every race. The off weekend between Bristol and Las Vegas was a great opportunity for me to recharge my batteries and get focused on this championship.”

As the season has progressed Ashley has worked on and off the track to build his race program. At the beginning of the Countdown, he announced Vita C Shot would be joining the team for the rest of the season and throughout 2022 as a co-primary sponsor. He is also working to solidify relationships with Auto Shocker and KATO Fastening Systems, two major associates who have been with the team since its inception. The team is continually looking for partners to introduce to the sport of NHRA drag racing as one of the most dynamic marketing environments in sports business.

As part of his marketing program Ashley will have his Top Fuel dragster on display during the SEMA Show, November 2-5, at the Las Vegas Convention Center in the NHRA booth (Booth 1000). He will also be meeting with attendees at the Auto Shocker booth (Booth 53089) during the event.

“We are excited to have Vita C Shot onboard for 2022 and grateful for the support of Chip Lofton,” said Ashley, “We are taking the time to build on our existing relationships for the 2022 season and have a lot of opportunities for new sponsorship as well, but right now we are focusing on a strong finish over the final two races. Then our focus will immediately shift to partnerships and the business of our program.”Qualifying for the Dodge//SRT NHRA Nationals gets underway at 4 p.m. PDT on Friday with two more qualifying session on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Final eliminations will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday from The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

All-Star Features follow new format on Thursday evening

CONCORD, NC – Oct. 26, 2021 – The green flag will soon fall on the Drydene World Short Track Championship, which brings the best in weekly racing to The Dirt Track at Charlotte for the biggest race on the fall calendar.

The sixth annual edition of this prestigious event will see more than 300 teams make the pilgrimage to one of Speedway Motorsports Incorporated’s most immaculate facilities – a 4/10-mile, red-clay oval, across the street from Charlotte Motor Speedway – to compete Thu-Sat, Oct. 28-30, open to spectators in the grandstands or streaming live on DIRTVision presented by Drydene.

Nine different classes make up the program, from full-size, open-engine UMP Modifieds to Chevy Performance Crate Engine Late Models, all the way to front-wheel drive Hornets.

The event commences Thursday night with a round of practice for all divisions and four All-Star Championship Features for the FOX Factory Pro Late Models, Summit Racing Equipment UMP Modifieds, VP Racing Fuels Sportsman Modifieds and SRI Performance Pro Stocks. A new format comes to these races this year, where Qualifying sessions will be held for all four divisions after all Hot Laps are complete.

The top-10 quickest drivers will be locked into the first five rows of these 20-lap Features. The final 10 starters will be made up of track champions, series champions, past event winners and the like, as selected by DIRTcar officials.

Friday and Saturday will consist of Heat Races, Last Chance Showdowns and Championship Feature events, awarding a boatload of prize money, trophies, contingencies and superlatives, all while making memories drivers will have for a lifetime.

A brand-new Chevy Performance 604 Crate engine will also be given away to one lucky competitor via random drawing at the drivers meeting on Saturday afternoon, in addition to the Sportsman of the Year Award presentations by Drydene Performance Products President Dave Klinger.

Here are the drivers to watch and the storylines to follow this weekend…

MODIFIED MADNESS – Since World Short Track’s inception in 2016, two men have dominated the UMP Modified division. Kyle Strickler has won the Saturday finale three times (2016, 2017, 2020), while defending DIRTcar National champion Nick Hoffman has won twice (2018-2019). Each also has an All-Star Feature win to their credit.

But this year might just be the field’s best chance to knock them off. Last year, Strickler was the man to beat all weekend, but Chris Arnold, from Matoaca, VA, hung tough inside the podium all race long to finish second in his very first start in the event, while Hoffman came from 23rd to finish third.

Arnold, along with several other big names in the division such as David Stremme, Curt Spalding and three-time NASCAR Truck Series champion Matt Crafton will aim for Victory Lane and the $4,000 prize as first-time World Short Track winners.

PRO POWER – Every year, the Pro Late Model division sees a big-time surprise entrant join its stacked field. Jonathan Davenport, of Blairsville, GA, took the checkered flag in 2017 in a car owned by St. Augustine, FL-based team Revolution Racing. Michael Brown, of Lancaster, SC, is the division’s leading and only two-time winner, which he established in 2018 and 2019.

Fellow Super Late Model stars Kyle Bronson, Mark Whitener, Ross Bailes, Brandon Overton, Zach Dohm and Chris Ferguson have all made appearances in the main event, and with the national/regional Super Late Model tours wrapping up around this time, several more could certainly join the roster.

John Ruggiero was victorious in the Saturday finale last year, leading all 30 laps and holding off Bronson for the win to collect the $4,000 grand prize. Ruggiero is pre-entered to compete again this weekend, where he’ll play defense against another hungry field of full-fendered talent.

NEW SHERIFF IN TOWN – The first four editions of the Drydene World Short Track Championship were ruled by Street Stock standout Mitchell Duvall. The Gaffney, SC-racer, and son of Dirt Late Model Hall-of-Famer Mike Duvall missed the event last year and was replaced atop the division throne by the man he beat to his fourth title in 2019 – Calob McLaughlin.

McLaughlin, of Belmont, NC, took the checkered flag in a time-limited Feature last year to become only the second Street Stock Feature winner in event history. This weekend, he’ll be back to try and defend his crown against fellow Street Stock contenders Ricky Greene, Damon Crump and Chris Rice.

DOUBLE DUTY DUDES – A host of multi-division talent will take to the track this weekend, several of which have run well at The Dirt Track before.

• John Ruggiero (Pro [604] and 602 Late Model) – The Lincolnton, NC-native is the defending winner of the Pro Late Model division. This will be his second year doubling up after a sixth-place run in the 602 division last year.

• Steven Axtell Jr. (UMP Modified and Pro Modified) – Making his World Short Track debut last year, Axtell will attempt his first UMP Modified start after a seventh-place Pro Modified finish in 2020.

• Mike Davidson (602 Late Model, Pro Modified) – Davidson, of Alto, GA, had a career-best run of third after starting on the pole of the 602 Late Model Feature in 2019. He attempts his first Pro Modified Feature start in the event this weekend.

• Terry Caples (602 Late Model and Mini Stock) – The Sumter, SC-driver debuted in the Mini Stock division in 2019, leading the field to the green from the pole. He’ll attempt his first 602 Late Model Feature start this weekend.

• Ricky Greene (Pro [604] Late Model and Street Stock) – Greene, of Newton, NC, has finished third three times in Drydene Street Stock competition. This weekend, he attempts his first Pro Late Model Feature start.

• Bryan Mullis (Pro [604], 602 Late Models) – Mullis, of Rock Hill, SC, will pull double duty for the second-straight year after scoring his first victory last year. He was declared the winner of the 602 Late Model Feature last year after Colton Trouille was disqualified for failing post-race technical inspection.

• Austin Holcombe (UMP Modified and Pro Modified) – Holcombe has competed in every World Short Track UMP Modified Feature thus far, his best finish of eighth coming just last year. This year, he’ll do the double behind the wheel of both Midwestern Modified types for the first time, chasing a possible $5,500 if he can win both.

NORTHEASTERN STORM – Both DIRTcar Northeast divisions return to the roster this weekend after a year off due to pandemic/travel restrictions.

Andrew Buff claimed the 2021 DIRTcar Sportsman Modified Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Points championship and will lead a stout field of drivers into Charlotte for the fifth time in event history. Kevin Ridley, who won the All-Star Invitational Feature in 2019, is scheduled to compete, as well as Robert Bublak, who ran second to winner Jackson Gill in 2019.

Luke Horning was the most recent Pro Stock Feature winner in 2019 and will lead the division southward, looking for some redemption after a sour end to his NAPA Super DIRT Week campaign two weekends ago, getting into an incident and retiring after starting on the pole. Pete Stefanski has also pre-entered and will be in the field this weekend, trying to best his third-place debut from two years ag