March 17, 2021

The last time Atlanta Motor Speedway got a new coat of asphalt was during the middle of the 1997 season.

Bill Clinton was President at that time. Gasoline was $1.23 a gallon, “Titanic” was playing in theaters and “Candle in the Wind” was the top song. In the NASCAR world, Michael Waltrip was driving the Wood Brothers’ No. 21 Taurus, North Wilkesboro Speedway has been dropped from the Cup Series schedule, and inaugural races were held at Texas Motor Speedway and Auto Club Speedway.

There have been lots of changes since – in America, in NASCAR and at the Atlanta track. The old Weaver grandstands, named for one of the track’s first presidents, Nelson Weaver, have been removed as have the Elliott Family Grandstand in Turn Three. The track lost and then regained its second Cup race, which will be run in July.

But through it all, the original pavement, laid down when the track was reconfigured from a true oval to the current quad-oval, has remained. The surface has faded from black to a light gray, and multiple cracks have been sealed with ribbons of tar.
 
Plans to repave have been nixed, largely due to pleas from drivers like Matt DiBenedetto, who will start the No. 21 Menards/Maytag Mustang from 20^th place in Sunday’s Folds of Honor/QuikTrip 500.
 
Despite the excessive tire wear and other issues that arise from the work surface, drivers love it.

“The old pavement gives the track character,” DiBenedetto said. “It’s fun to race on, and it has multiple grooves. Tracks get better with age, and Atlanta is definitely an old one. It’s extremely fun.”
 
Last year, in his first Atlanta drive in the Menards Mustang, DiBenedetto showed top-10 speed and was poised to finish well until an unscheduled pit stop forced the team to try to make a set of tires last through a long-green flag run. The track chewed them up, and DiBenedetto was forced to pit in the closing laps.
 
Still, he’s optimistic headed into Sunday’s race.
 
“This could be a pretty good place for our Menards/Maytag team,” he said. “Last year, we started out really loose, got it fixed and had a top-10 car.”
  
There are other reasons for his optimism.
 
“The mile-and-a-half tracks are a strong point for us,” he said. “I feel pretty good.”

There will be no practice or qualifying prior to Sunday’s 500-miler, which is set to start just after 3 p.m. Eastern Time with TV coverage on FOX.

Australia’s James McFadden Begins Full-Time Ride in KKR #9 This Weekend at Cotton BowlMOORESVILLE, NC – March 16, 2021 – Statistically, Kasey Kahne just completed the greatest six-race stretch of his career with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.His four top-ten finishes were highlighted by a hard charging 23rd-to-fifth bid at Magnolia and a pole position at The Rev. The Enumclaw, WA native didn’t just fill the seat and turn some laps to collect points; he became a true contender to win on a nightly basis with The Greatest Show on Dirt.By result of Kahne’s impressive numbers, his early-season success has the Kasey Kahne Racing, Karavan Trailers #9 in a good position with the World of Outlaws Owners Championship in mind. Beginning this weekend at Cotton Bowl Speedway, James McFadden will begin his tenure – sitting -82 out of the points lead – and Kahne will return to his role as team owner of McFadden’s #9 and Brad Sweet’s NAPA Auto Parts #49.”It’s been a lot of fun,” Kahne said on his driving duties. “I don’t really remember driving to every race this early in the year before, just running the World of Outlaws tour is pretty cool. I’ve really enjoyed it this last month or so. I’ve been working with the team more and more, and that’s been fun. Racing and running up and down the road, though, I kind of feel like a real World of Outlaws driver at the moment.”Since established in 2006, the KKR #9 has been one of the most potent rides in the sport, and Kahne takes immense pride in that. McFadden, of Warrnambool, VIC, AUS, will become only the third driver in 16 years to pilot the #9 on a full-time basis with the World of Outlaws.The Brownsburg Bullet Joey Saldana first drove the #9 for seven years from 2006-12 and collected 68 wins before Daryn Pittman took the wheel from 2013-18, another highly-successful relationship which brought 47 victories and Kasey Kahne Racing’s first-ever World of Outlaws championship in 2013. Now, it’s McFadden’s turn to build that heritage.”To me, I think the #9 car is one of the best sprint cars in the country when we put it on the track,” Kahne spoke on his passion for the #9. “We want it to be in the title hunt and competitive every single night, which is tough with the guys out here. Overall, that’s our biggest goal, though. I’m excited to get James in the car this week. We’ve worked to get everything in a good spot these first few weeks of the season.”For McFadden, a sensational Australian talent, this new full-time opportunity marks his third season at KKR. He began driving the #9 in 2019 and has since racked up 40 starts, one win, 13 top-five finishes, and 22 top-tens with the World of Outlaws. His lone win came at Lake Ozark Speedway last October, where he’ll return as the defending Jason Johnson Classic champion next weekend on Saturday, March 27.For Kahne, this is his chance to continue bonding with the well-established organization he has built at Kasey Kahne Racing. The 18-time NASCAR Cup Series winner believes their team environment is partially responsible for his early-season success behind the wheel.”I’ve really enjoyed racing this year, but I enjoy a lot of just because of the team that I’m with,” Kahne mentioned. “Working with these guys is why I think I’m having the most fun right now. I won’t be driving anymore, but I’ll still have the same group on both teams and I’ll still be working with everybody and traveling up and down the road.”Justin Adams will continue as crew chief on McFadden’s #9 with Rob Beattie and Gary “Woodman” also on board. For Sweet’s championship-winning #49, it’s still crew chief Eric Prutzman, Joe Mooney, and Andrew Bowman.UP NEXT – James McFadden makes his first start of the 2021 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car season this Friday and Saturday, March 19-20 at Cotton Bowl Speedway in Paige, TX.Anyone unable to make it to the track can watch all of the action live on DIRTVision with the annual Platinum FAST PASS subscription for $299/year or the monthly FAST PASS subscription for $39/month.

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink® Sprint Car Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Drydene (Official Motor Oil), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), Morton Buildings (Official Building), NOS Energy (Official Energy Product), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider) and VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel); contingency sponsors include ARP (Automotive Racing Products), Cometic Gasket, COMP Cams, KSE Racing Products (Hard Charger Award), MSD and Slick Woody’s (Quick Time Award); manufacturer sponsors include FireAde, Intercomp, K1 Race Gear, and Racing Electronics.

SUPER SUB: Kasey Kahne’s Success is Crucial for KKR #9’s Owner Title HopesAustralia’s James McFadden Begins Full-Time Ride in KKR #9 This Weekend at Cotton BowlMOORESVILLE, NC – March 16, 2021 – Statistically, Kasey Kahne just completed the greatest six-race stretch of his career with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.His four top-ten finishes were highlighted by a hard charging 23rd-to-fifth bid at Magnolia and a pole position at The Rev. The Enumclaw, WA native didn’t just fill the seat and turn some laps to collect points; he became a true contender to win on a nightly basis with The Greatest Show on Dirt.By result of Kahne’s impressive numbers, his early-season success has the Kasey Kahne Racing, Karavan Trailers #9 in a good position with the World of Outlaws Owners Championship in mind. Beginning this weekend at Cotton Bowl Speedway, James McFadden will begin his tenure – sitting -82 out of the points lead – and Kahne will return to his role as team owner of McFadden’s #9 and Brad Sweet’s NAPA Auto Parts #49.”It’s been a lot of fun,” Kahne said on his driving duties. “I don’t really remember driving to every race this early in the year before, just running the World of Outlaws tour is pretty cool. I’ve really enjoyed it this last month or so. I’ve been working with the team more and more, and that’s been fun. Racing and running up and down the road, though, I kind of feel like a real World of Outlaws driver at the moment.”Since established in 2006, the KKR #9 has been one of the most potent rides in the sport, and Kahne takes immense pride in that. McFadden, of Warrnambool, VIC, AUS, will become only the third driver in 16 years to pilot the #9 on a full-time basis with the World of Outlaws.The Brownsburg Bullet Joey Saldana first drove the #9 for seven years from 2006-12 and collected 68 wins before Daryn Pittman took the wheel from 2013-18, another highly-successful relationship which brought 47 victories and Kasey Kahne Racing’s first-ever World of Outlaws championship in 2013. Now, it’s McFadden’s turn to build that heritage.”To me, I think the #9 car is one of the best sprint cars in the country when we put it on the track,” Kahne spoke on his passion for the #9. “We want it to be in the title hunt and competitive every single night, which is tough with the guys out here. Overall, that’s our biggest goal, though. I’m excited to get James in the car this week. We’ve worked to get everything in a good spot these first few weeks of the season.”For McFadden, a sensational Australian talent, this new full-time opportunity marks his third season at KKR. He began driving the #9 in 2019 and has since racked up 40 starts, one win, 13 top-five finishes, and 22 top-tens with the World of Outlaws. His lone win came at Lake Ozark Speedway last October, where he’ll return as the defending Jason Johnson Classic champion next weekend on Saturday, March 27.For Kahne, this is his chance to continue bonding with the well-established organization he has built at Kasey Kahne Racing. The 18-time NASCAR Cup Series winner believes their team environment is partially responsible for his early-season success behind the wheel.”I’ve really enjoyed racing this year, but I enjoy a lot of just because of the team that I’m with,” Kahne mentioned. “Working with these guys is why I think I’m having the most fun right now. I won’t be driving anymore, but I’ll still have the same group on both teams and I’ll still be working with everybody and traveling up and down the road.”Justin Adams will continue as crew chief on McFadden’s #9 with Rob Beattie and Gary “Woodman” also on board. For Sweet’s championship-winning #49, it’s still crew chief Eric Prutzman, Joe Mooney, and Andrew Bowman.UP NEXT – James McFadden makes his first start of the 2021 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car season this Friday and Saturday, March 19-20 at Cotton Bowl Speedway in Paige, TX.Anyone unable to make it to the track can watch all of the action live on DIRTVision with the annual Platinum FAST PASS subscription for $299/year or the monthly FAST PASS subscription for $39/month.

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink® Sprint Car Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Drydene (Official Motor Oil), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), Morton Buildings (Official Building), NOS Energy (Official Energy Product), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider) and VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel); contingency sponsors include ARP (Automotive Racing Products), Cometic Gasket, COMP Cams, KSE Racing Products (Hard Charger Award), MSD and Slick Woody’s (Quick Time Award); manufacturer sponsors include FireAde, Intercomp, K1 Race Gear, and Racing Electronics.

SUPER SB: Kasey Kahne’s Success is Crucial for KKR #9’s Owner Title HopesAustralia’s James McFadden Begins Full-Time Ride in KKR #9 This Weekend at Cotton BowlMOORESVILLE, NC – March 16, 2021 – Statistically, Kasey Kahne just completed the greatest six-race stretch of his career with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.His four top-ten finishes were highlighted by a hard charging 23rd-to-fifth bid at Magnolia and a pole position at The Rev. The Enumclaw, WA native didn’t just fill the seat and turn some laps to collect points; he became a true contender to win on a nightly basis with The Greatest Show on Dirt.By result of Kahne’s impressive numbers, his early-season success has the Kasey Kahne Racing, Karavan Trailers #9 in a good position with the World of Outlaws Owners Championship in mind. Beginning this weekend at Cotton Bowl Speedway, James McFadden will begin his tenure – sitting -82 out of the points lead – and Kahne will return to his role as team owner of McFadden’s #9 and Brad Sweet’s NAPA Auto Parts #49.”It’s been a lot of fun,” Kahne said on his driving duties. “I don’t really remember driving to every race this early in the year before, just running the World of Outlaws tour is pretty cool. I’ve really enjoyed it this last month or so. I’ve been working with the team more and more, and that’s been fun. Racing and running up and down the road, though, I kind of feel like a real World of Outlaws driver at the moment.”Since established in 2006, the KKR #9 has been one of the most potent rides in the sport, and Kahne takes immense pride in that. McFadden, of Warrnambool, VIC, AUS, will become only the third driver in 16 years to pilot the #9 on a full-time basis with the World of Outlaws.The Brownsburg Bullet Joey Saldana first drove the #9 for seven years from 2006-12 and collected 68 wins before Daryn Pittman took the wheel from 2013-18, another highly-successful relationship which brought 47 victories and Kasey Kahne Racing’s first-ever World of Outlaws championship in 2013. Now, it’s McFadden’s turn to build that heritage.”To me, I think the #9 car is one of the best sprint cars in the country when we put it on the track,” Kahne spoke on his passion for the #9. “We want it to be in the title hunt and competitive every single night, which is tough with the guys out here. Overall, that’s our biggest goal, though. I’m excited to get James in the car this week. We’ve worked to get everything in a good spot these first few weeks of the season.”For McFadden, a sensational Australian talent, this new full-time opportunity marks his third season at KKR. He began driving the #9 in 2019 and has since racked up 40 starts, one win, 13 top-five finishes, and 22 top-tens with the World of Outlaws. His lone win came at Lake Ozark Speedway last October, where he’ll return as the defending Jason Johnson Classic champion next weekend on Saturday, March 27.For Kahne, this is his chance to continue bonding with the well-established organization he has built at Kasey Kahne Racing. The 18-time NASCAR Cup Series winner believes their team environment is partially responsible for his early-season success behind the wheel.”I’ve really enjoyed racing this year, but I enjoy a lot of just because of the team that I’m with,” Kahne mentioned. “Working with these guys is why I think I’m having the most fun right now. I won’t be driving anymore, but I’ll still have the same group on both teams and I’ll still be working with everybody and traveling up and down the road.”Justin Adams will continue as crew chief on McFadden’s #9 with Rob Beattie and Gary “Woodman” also on board. For Sweet’s championship-winning #49, it’s still crew chief Eric Prutzman, Joe Mooney, and Andrew Bowman.UP NEXT – James McFadden makes his first start of the 2021 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car season this Friday and Saturday, March 19-20 at Cotton Bowl Speedway in Paige, TX.Anyone unable to make it to the track can watch all of the action live on DIRTVision with the annual Platinum FAST PASS subscription for $299/year or the monthly FAST PASS subscription for $39/month.

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink® Sprint Car Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Drydene (Official Motor Oil), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), Morton Buildings (Official Building), NOS Energy (Official Energy Product), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider) and VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel); contingency sponsors include ARP (Automotive Racing Products), Cometic Gasket, COMP Cams, KSE Racing Products (Hard Charger Award), MSD and Slick Woody’s (Quick Time Award); manufacturer sponsors include FireAde, Intercomp, K1 Race Gear, and Racing Electronics.

February 2021

It was a sweet 3rd attempt. Giving him enough wow factor for the fans to secure the 1st of many wins for Team War Wizard. We sat the remainder of racing out checking the truck out to make sure all was well before freestyle. With this happening they put RJ out 1st in the line up for freestyle. He ran a soft run but gave the fans a show, with big air, clearing the center pod a few times as well as a stoppie or two to close out his run. Leaving the fans with a lasting impression being 1st in the line up securing his 2nd win of the weekend.

The picture above says it all. With nearly 6 months out of the seat RJ was happy to be back in his office! February 5th & 6th we hit the ground full of excitement and ready to greet our fans.

We started the Friday night show on fire. In racing qualifying RJ flat tracked the Ole Wizard around the Chicago track with the fast time earning him a bi run in the 1st round of racing. Only to let the fans down when he was on a great run yet again but the truck hooked hiking the left front tire up over the turn post a little to much. Which lead to a roll over in his bi run! Not much body damage was cause. We rolled him over and he fired up and went and got ready for the rest of the show.

In the skilled event contested RJ said I’m going to try a stoppie and see what happens.

5006 General Stuart CT. Sharpsburg, MD 21782 Office: 407-314-6936 wwr@warwizardracing.com

qualifier run, but this time RJ made sure to keep the truck on all 4’s in the bi run going to the next round. Only to make his way to semi finals to lose gracefully when the truck hooked and hiked again but this time he saved it and road it out and down to finish the run. Skilled contest was another win with a good sky wheelie followed up with a stoppie. Then there was freestyle!, 2nd to last in the line up RJ went out on fire. Clearing the pod several times, big air, cross threading the jumps, yet another stoppie and then he stepped it up one more time with his 1st attempt at a bicycle. The fans loved it. Locking in the 5th win out of 9 events and 2 fastest qualifying pasts was a great welcome back for our team and our marketing partners.

Kicking Friday night off with some good luck we still had two more shows Saturday. Saturday running on the conservative side RJ fell a little shy of fastest qualifier but advanced a round of racing only to have rear steer issues putting him out of racing. The skills contest was soft for us as well taking in a close 2nd. But the fan’s favorite was next, RJ made up for the slacking in the other events. With a very nice freestyle run the included big air, cross threading and a few more stoppie’s but this time he stepped it up and back the truck up the ramp putting the grill on the ground crunching it just a tad. Claiming the 3rd win for the weekend.

The 3rd and final show was here. With body work done, oil changed & truck doubled checked between shows we were ready. RJ came out hot nailing yet another fastest

5006 General Stuart CT. Sharpsburg, MD 21782 Office: 407-314-6936 wwr@warwizardracing.com

5006 General Stuart CT. Sharpsburg, MD 21782 Office: 407-314-6936 wwr@warwizardracing.com

$40,000 in total winnings and three trophies on the line between two nights of racing, March 26-27, for the World of Outlaws Late ModelsGAFFNEY, SC – March 16, 2021 – The month of money continues for the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Models, March 26-27, at Cherokee Speedway for the first annual Rock Gault Memorial with $40,000 in winnings and three trophies waiting for a new home.Friday night’s event – giving show-up points only – will feature twin 25-lap Features – splitting the night’s field of cars – each paying $5,000-to-win/$500-to-start. Then, Saturday’s event – a regular points night – will award the winner with one of the biggest payouts of the year: $30,000-to-win/$1,200-to-start.“We’re excited to team with Cherokee Speedway for a doubleheader weekend that presents the drivers with a great opportunity to run for an impressive payout and presents fans with two nights of exciting racing,” said Casey Shuman, World of Outlaws Late Model Series Director. “The event is one of many examples this year of the Series’ commitment to continually provide opportunities to put more money in driver’s pockets and the best racing possible for the present and years to come.”The format for Friday’s twin-Features will look like a normal race night with Qualifying, Heat Races, a Redraw and Last Chance Showdown. However, the A/B split in Qualifying will determine which of the twin Features a driver will race in. Saturday’s event will be a normal race night.There will be a practice night for all classes on Thursday, March 25.COMPETITOR NOTES: https://bit.ly/2P3DedFThe event is set to see the biggest names in Late Model racing take on the stars of the World of Outlaws. Chris Madden, a South Carolina native, made the decision to join the Series full-time after claiming the win at the Series’ most recent event. He has 27 victories in total at the 3/8-mile track, most recently in February with the Drydene Xtreme DIRTcar Series. However, he’s still searching for his first Series win at the speedway.Fellow South Carolina-native Ross Bailes, who is running for Rookie of the Year honors with the Series this year, earned his first career World of Outlaws victory at Cherokee in 2019 and has 10 wins there overall.“I feel like any car I get in there, I just feel comfortable at that track,” Bailes said on the Stick Signals podcast. “I don’t think there are many other drivers that have more laps than I do at that track. That’s a comfortable track to me.”Brandon Overton, who won with the Series at Volusia in February, has won the last two Series events there.They’ll be joined by the likes of three-time defending Series champion Brandon Sheppard – still looking for his first win in 2021 – current Series points leader Kyle Strickler, 2004 Series champion Scott Bloomquist, 2015 Series champion and 2017 Series winner at Cherokee Shane Clanton, 2019 Rookie of the Year Ricky Weiss and a plethora of regional standouts.If you’re unable to make it to the track, you can watch all the action live on DIRTVision with the annual Platinum FAST PASS subscription for $299/year or the monthly FAST PASS subscription for $39/month.

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

Batavia, OH (March 16, 2021) – Due to the forecasted weather and chilly temperatures on Friday, March 19th, the Buckeye Spring 50 at Atomic Speedway has been rescheduled for Sunday, March 21st, with starting times being moved up one hour earlier. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will still visit Brownstown Speedway on Saturday, March 20th, as originally scheduled. Both events are expected to attract a powerful field of entries as drivers battle in a complete program of: Allstar Performance Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, and a 50-lap main event. Brownstown Speedway, located on the Jackson County Fairgrounds, will kick off their 2021 racing season on Saturday, March 20. In addition to the pulse-pounding action of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, the 24th Annual Indiana Icebreaker paying $15,000-to-win, will also include Modifieds and Pure Stocks. Both the pit gate and general admission gates at Brownstown Speedway will open at noon. On-track action will begin at 6:00pm ET. For more information, visit: www.brownstownspeedway.com. Sunday’s event at Atomic Speedway, the 7th Annual Buckeye Spring 50, will pay $12,000-to-win and include an $800-to-win event for the Sport Modifieds. Both the pit gates and general admission gates will open at 2:00pm ET. Hot laps will begin at 5:00pm, followed by action-packed racing. For more information, visit: www.atomicspeedway.net. The 24th Annual Indiana Icebreaker at Brownstown Speedway and 7th Annual Buckeye Spring 50 from Atomic Speedway will also be streamed live on MAVTVPlus.com starting with hot laps.  Brownstown SpeedwayPhone Number: 812-358-5332Location: 476 East CR 100, Brownstown, IN 47220Website: www.brownstownspeedway.com Tire Rule:Left Rear/Fronts – Hoosier Rib (28.5) 1350Right Rear – Hoosier (29.0) 1350 NRM, (29.0) 1350 NRMW, (92) LM40*Must use the same set of 4 tires for Time Trials, Heat Races, and B-Mains.*For the A-Main, competitors may use 2 new rear tires.*Flat tire must be replaced with a used tire of the same compound and construction to retain starting position. Purse:$15,000-to-win – 1. $15,000, 2. $6,500, 3. $3,500, 4. $3,000, 5. $2,500, 6. $2,400, 7. $2,300, 8. $2,200, 9. $2,100, 10. $2,000, 11. $1,600, 12. $1,400, 13. $1,300, 14. $1,200, 15. $1,050, 16. $1,000, 17. $1,000, 18. $1,000, 19. $1,000, 20. $1,000, 21. $1,000, 22. $1,000, 23. $1,000, 24. $1,000.  Atomic SpeedwayPhone Number: 740-703-9749Location: 2535 Blain Hwy, Waverly, OH 45690Website: www.atomicspeedway.net Tire Rule:Left Rear/Fronts – Hoosier Rib (28.5) 1300Right Rear – Hoosier (29.0) 1300 NRM, (29.0) 1300 NRMW, (29.0) 1425 NRM, (29.0) 1425 NRMW*Must use the same set of 4 tires for Time Trials, Heat Races, and B-Mains.*For the A-Main, competitors may use 2 new rear tires.*Flat tire must be replaced with a used tire of the same compound and construction to retain starting position. Purse:$12,000-to-win- 1. $12,000, 2. $6,000, 3. $3,500, 4. $2,800, 5. $2,500, 6. $2,300, 7. $2,200, 8. $2,100, 9. $2,050, 10. $2,000, 11. $1,600, 12. $1,400, 13. $1,200, 14. $1,100, 15. $1,050, 16. $1,000, 17. $1,000, 18. $1,000, 19. $1,000, 20. $1,000, 21. $1,000, 22. $1,000, 23. $1,000, 24. $1,000.

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

(March 15, 2021 – Jim Allen) Sacramento, CA …  The high powered NARC King of the West Fujitsu General Series will kick off its highly anticipated 2021 sprint car campaign on Saturday, March 20th, with the Salute to LeRoy Van Conett at theStockton Dirt Track.  The event is in honor of legendary eight-time Northern Auto Racing Club champion LeRoy Van Conett.

This marks the first of 20 scheduled championship racing events at 10 different dirt track venues this season.  The traveling series and its loyal teams are attempting to return to some form of normalcy after getting sidetracked by the pandemic last year.  Only four of the planned 19-events were run season and the Northern Auto Racing Club did not crown a champion for the first time in 61-years.

The sanctioning body is realistic on what is possible this season with the pandemic still looming strong in the background.  A few setbacks and cancellations are expected, but a majority of the schedule is should run as scheduled.

“We are looking to get back to the business of dirt track racing and put on some entertaining shows for the fans,” said 13-time series champion and Series Board Member Brent Kaeding of Campbell.  “It’s been a rough year for motorsports in California and everybody is anxious to get back to doing what they love the most.  We should have a great show at Stockton on Saturday.”

Admission is $30 per person.  Seniors 65+ and Military personnel will be admitted for $25.  Pit passes are $40.  

All NARC King of the West races are are available on PPV at Floracing.com.

Hanford driver DJ Netto will be defending his 2019 series title this season and the competition is expected to be fierce.  Several teams have already declared their intentions to make a championship run including Dominic Scelzi of Fresno; three-time series titlist Tim Kaeding of San Jose; 2018 champ Bud Kaeding of Campbell; Aromas driver Justin Sanders; Sean Becker of Roseville, the 2005 series champion; Roseville’s Willie Croft; Hanford’s Mitchell Faccinto; and Austin McCarl of Iowa.  Collectively, this group has 148 NARC King of the West feature event victories to their credit.

Others expected to compete include four-time King of the West champion Kyle Hirst of Paradise; Elk Grove’s Shane Golobic; Rico Abreu of Rutherford; Clovis driver Sean Watts; Kyle Offill of Tracy; Chico’s Kenny Allen; Mark Barroso of Merced and many more.

The NARC King of the West Hoosier Tire format will include qualifying, three 8-lap heat races, a six-lap Sunnyvalley Bacon trophy dash, and the $3000 to win Fujitsu feature event headliner.

Pit gates will open at noon.  Qualifying is set to get underway at 5:00 p.m., followed by racing at 6:00 p.m.  Also on the racing card is Nor Cal Dwarf Cars.

The Stockton Dirt Track is located on the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, located at 1658 S Airport Way, Stockton, CA 95206.  For more information, call 916-370-9417.

Race fans and teams are required to wear mask and maintain social distance as much as possible to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

ED NOTE:  Commemorative LeRoy Van Conett event shirts will be sold near victory lane between 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.  Proceeds benefit the NARC Benevolent Fund.

The King of the West-NARC Fujitsu General Racing Series is also sponsored by Hoosier Racing Tires.  Associate and product award sponsors include ATL Racing Cells, Automotive Racing Products (ARP), Autometer, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Bullet Impressions, FK Rod Ends, FloRacing.com, Hooker Harness, 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.

Intense Action and Thrilling Races Move to The Lone Star State This WeekendPAIGE, TX – March 15, 2021 – The Dirty South Swing was epic. Now, it’s time for the Drydene Texas Two-Step presented by American Lube Supply.This Friday and Saturday, March 19-20, the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series is coming to Cotton Bowl Speedway.BUY TICKETS HEREFor the Lone Star State fans, this return to the Paige, TX 3/8-mile is a special one. From Mother Nature’s rain to the COVID-19 pandemic to State of Emergencies, fans have been stripped of the Outlaws at Cotton Bowl far too many times for too many different reasons. This weekend, that’s not happening.A pair of previous Outlaw visits in 2016 and 2018 gave the Austin area fans a taste of The Greatest Show on Dirt with exciting last-lap passes and thrilling green-to-checkered wins. This weekend, fans get not only one show, but two full nights with the 900-horsepower machines.Before the fun begins on Friday night, let’s catch you up on the storylines to follow:HISTORY IN THE MAKING: The 2021 season is officially tied for the second-most diverse start in 44 years of competition for the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series. The current streak of six winners – Brad Sweet, Logan Schuchart, Carson Macedo, Aaron Reutzel, Sheldon Haudenschild & David Gravel – is tied for the second-longest streak without a repeat winner alongside seasons in 1984, 2006 and 2007.The all-time record is held by the 2015 campaign, which featured eight different winners to start the year with wins from Daryn Pittman, Donny Schatz, Brad Sweet, Shane Stewart, Terry McCarl, Brian Brown, Tim Kaeding and Rico Abreu.THE GREATEST SHOW ON DIRT – FOR A REASON: You get yours monies worth at a World of Outlaws show. Four of the last five races have featured a pass for the lead with less than ten laps remaining. There was Schuchart capitalizing on Schatz’s ignition box failure with two to go at Volusia; then Macedo’s charge from tenth to steal a Volusia victory from Hafertepe; then Haudenschild snookering Schuchart through lap traffic at The Mag; and most recently, Gravel beating Sweet in a barnburner at The Rev.The good news? We’re heading to a track that has already proven to create some instant classics. During Cotton Bowl Speedway’s World of Outlaws debut in 2016, the feature provided three different leaders, two lead changes in the last ten laps, and a last-lap, last-corner pass for the win. Relive those highlights below for an idea of what to expect this weekend.IT’S GOOD TO BE HOME: For Aaron Reutzel of Clute, TX, this weekend is a chance to get some much-needed and enjoyed time in his native state. A resident of Knoxville, IA these days, the leading Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year contender appreciates every moment he gets to spend back home at his parents’ house with his family. He says “it’s like a weeklong vacation” any chance he gets to go racing in Texas.Returning to Cotton Bowl Speedway for the first time as a full-time Outlaw, Reutzel will have a previous experience to rely on as he and Roth Motorsports chase their second win of the year. The multi-time ASCS National Tour champion ran second in a pair of ASCS regional races in 2013 and 2014, and he also has a top ten finish during the World of Outlaws debut at Cotton Bowl in 2016.DONNY WANTS NEXT: Surprisingly enough, 10-time Series champion Donny Schatz is not one of the six winners this season. A win this weekend at Cotton Bowl would not only extend that streak to seven, it would also mean his 300th career World of Outlaws Sprint Car feature victory. In two previous trips to the Paige, TX facility, the Fargo, ND has finishes of fifth and ninth.Although winless, Schatz and his Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing, Carquest, Ford Performance #15 have been incredibly consistent, proven by their fourth-place points position. Through six races, Schatz has five top-five finishes and it would be a perfect six if it wasn’t for an ignition box failure while leading at Volusia. Could this be the weekend for #300?THE RACE TO WIN AGAIN: If any of the early-season track were to provide a repeat winner, Cotton Bowl would be among the favorites looking at previous results. Fresh off their jaw-dropping battle at The Rev, David Gravel and Brad Sweet return to a track they’ve both already won at. Sweet, driving his Kasey Kahne Racing #49, won the Series’ debut at Cotton Bowl in 2016 with a last-lap pass over Daryn Pittman. Gravel, now with Big Game Motorsports, is the most recent winner at the track with a wire-to-wire route in 2018.Along with Sweet and Gravel, any of four including of Logan Schuchart, Carson Macedo, Aaron Reutzel, or Sheldon Haudenschild could be the first repeat winner of 2021 this weekend.Photo – Tim Aylwin

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

, Street Stocks ReturnFour DIRTcar-branded divisions plus Midgets also included in 10-race slate CONCORD, NC – March 15, 2021 – The ground-pounding, earth-shaking, window-rattling Beasts of the Northeast Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds are back in all of iRacing’svirtual glory as the star attraction of DIRTcar eSports Season 3. The virtual Big Blocks, which reached season-high car counts last season, are back as the focus of a 10-race Tour, every Wednesday from March 24 to May 26, for Season 3 – one that also includes the return of the Chevy Performance Street Stock League for its second season. TOUR REGISTRATIONSTREET STOCK REGISTRATION Beginning with the first race at Weedsport Speedway on March 24, the Big Blocks will contest five races on the Season 3 Tour, alternating each Wednesday night with 360 Sprint Cars, Pro Late Models, UMP Modifieds, 358 Modifieds and the first-ever appearance by dirt Midgets. iRacing’s newest dirt track at Bristol Motor Speedway also has its spot on the docket, setting the stage for a Week 2 showdown with the UMP Modifieds. All 10 races will be $250-to-win and pay back through the Feature field. Commemorative trophies will be awarded to the podium finishers in the final points standings after the Week 10 finale at The Dirt Track at Charlotte. The Chevy Performance Street Stock League will also begin March 24, setting out on a 10-race championship chase of its own. Racing across eight different tracks, competitors will chase a $100 top prize each night as Feature winner. New to the Street Stock campaign in Season 3 is the highly requested addition of a points championship system, mirroring that of the DIRTcar eSports Tour. Trophies will be awarded to the podium finishers in final points after 10 races. Following the precedent set in Season 2, the Street Stock League will once again be held with the more causal sim racer in mind, and thus only be available for competitors with iRatings 4800 and below. Every race will once again be broadcasted on DIRTVision presented by Drydene, free to all account holders. Street Stocks will kick each night off with practice at 6:50pm ET and Qualifying at 7pm. The Tour session will open with practice at 7:50pm ET and follow with Qualifying. Registration for each race tentatively closes the Monday before each event and is now open for all 10 events in each league. Sign up today at DIRTcar.com/eSports. DIRTcar eSports Tour Season 3 ScheduleMarch 24 – Big Block Modifieds at Weedsport Speedway (50 Laps)March 31 – UMP Modifieds at Bristol Motor Speedway (40 Laps)April 7 – Big Block Modifieds at Williams Grove Speedway (50 Laps)April 14 – Pro Late Models at The Dirt Track at Charlotte (40 Laps)April 21 – Big Block Modifieds at Lernerville Speedway (50 Laps)April 28 – Midgets at Lanier National Speedway (30 Laps)May 5 – Big Block Modifieds at Cedar Lake Speedway (50 Laps)May 12 – 360 Sprint Cars at Kokomo Speedway (30 Laps)May 19 – 358 Small Block Modifieds at USA International Speedway (40 Laps)May 26 – Big Block Modifieds at The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway (50 Laps) Chevy Performance Street Stock League Season 3 ScheduleMarch 24 – Knoxville Raceway (20 Laps)March 31 – Limaland Motorsports Park (25 Laps)April 7 – Eldora Speedway (20 Laps)April 14 – Fairbury Speedway (25 Laps)April 21 – Cedar Lake Speedway (25 Laps)April 28 – Lernerville Speedway (25 Laps)May 5 – Limaland Motorsports Park (25 Laps)May 12 – Eldora Speedway (20 Laps)May 19 – Williams Grove Speedway (20 Laps)May 26 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte Motor Speedway (25 Laps)

DIRTcar Racing is brought to fans by many important sponsors and partners, including: DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider), VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel), Chevy Performance Parts, iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), Arizona Sport Shirts/Gotta Race, and NAPA Auto Parts (SDS). Contingency sponsors include: ARP (Automotive Racing Products), ASI Race Wear (SDS), Bassett, Bicknell Racing Products, Billy Whittaker Cars & Trux (SDS), Cometic Gasket (SDS), COMP Cams, Drydene, Fast Shafts, Fox Factory (SDS), Arizona Sport Shirts/Gotta Race, Jerovetz Motorsports Shock Service, KSE Racing Products, MSD, Quarter Master, Schoenfeld Headers, Summit Racing Equipment, and Wrisco (Exclusive Racing Aluminum) (SDS); along with manufacturer sponsors, including: Beyea Headers, FireAde, Intercomp, K1 Race Gear, Racing Electronics and Velocita USA.

Inside Line Promotions – HANFORD, Calif. (March 15, 2021) – Dominic Scelzi is off to one of the hottest starts of his sprint car career.

Scelzi has captured a feature triumph during each of the last two weekends, producing two triumphs in a nine-day stretch with the Kings of Thunder 360 Sprint Cars.

“I felt like last year we really ended the year on a good note,” he said. “We started off this year the same way. We’re still learning each other and what we can get away with. We’re really coming into ourselves and I feel confident. It’s been a good start to the season. My confidence in Jimmy (Carr) and the team, and what we’re doing when we show up, is high. I feel good and I’m comfortable behind the wheel.”

That has been evident the last two weeks beginning on March 5 at Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield, Calif., where Scelzi opened the I-5 Classic by qualifying third quickest before he won a heat race, the dash and the main event. It marked his third straight victory at the track.

“We haven’t raced there a lot, but we’ve been competitive every time,” he said. “I feel like I have a good handle on the track itself. We qualified good and were able to win the heat race, which got us into the dash. We drew the No. 2 for the dash and we won the start again just like the heat race. In the feature we took the lead on the start and didn’t look back. We had one restart where I bobbled and got passed. I was running the top in turns one and two. There was a hole and I got into the cushion. Another driver rolled the bottom and slid up, but I got myself collected and passed him back going into turn three and we didn’t look back.”

The event concluded the ensuing night. Scelzi timed in second quickest and placed second in a heat race before ending the feature seventh.

“We qualified really good,” he said. “It put us on the front row of the heat race. On the start another driver beat me into turn three and won the heat. That took us out of a chance in the dash, but we were fast. We lined up seventh in the feature and the track was extremely slick. We tightened up quite a bit and they reworked it as we went out. We were just a bit off. We could have run fifth and could have run ninth. All in all, it was frustrating because we’re better than that, but to come away with a seventh-place finish and to be upset with it is good.”

Scelzi ventured to Keller Auto Speedway last weekend for a doubleheader featuring approximately 50 drivers that began on Friday. He qualified fifth quickest in his group and advanced a position in a heat race to lock into the main event. Scelzi elected to pull off the tricky track early in the feature to save his equipment and avoid a potential crash.

“It’s a track like I haven’t seen in a long time,” he said. “It was extremely wet and we didn’t qualify very well. The track still had grease in it for the heat race. We went green for the feature and didn’t make anything happen. The track was wide open, about 20 feet wide. I wasn’t making anything happen and decided to save our equipment so we pulled off.

“As soon as we rolled through the pit gate on Saturday we knew it’d be a different track. It was in pristine shape. It was slick and wide. We’ve worked really hard on slick tracks and we enjoy racing on it. We qualified good for when we went out. Then in the heat race we won it by three and a half seconds after having a caution halfway through.”

Saturday started on the right foot as Scelzi timed in second quickest before he scored a heat race win. A fourth-place finish in the dash lined him up on the outside of the second row for the Gregg Spanky Matthews Memorial A Main.

“I had a great start, but got racing with a car in front of me and that let someone by,” he said. “A yellow came out at the wrong time and I was fifth. We got up to fourth and then a guy spun and another got a flat tire so that moved us to second. We were right there on Austin McCarl for the lead. With seven laps to go he slid a lapped car into turns one and two. I stayed around the top, caught him and passed the lapped car. I slid (McCarl) into turn three. He slid me back going into turn one and I was able to turn under him.”

Scelzi led the remainder of the race to post his second win of the year to give him multiple victories in the same season for the fifth straight year.

On tap is the King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Sprint Car Series season opener this Saturday at Stockton Dirt Track in Stockton, Calif.

QUICK RESULTS –

March 5 – Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield, Calif. – Qualifying: 3; Heat race: 1 (2); Dash: 1 (2); Feature: 1 (1).

March 6 – Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield, Calif. – Qualifying: 2; Heat race: 2 (1); Feature: 7 (7).

March 12 – Keller Auto Speedway in Hanford, Calif. – Qualifying: 5; Heat race: 4 (5); Feature: DNF (18).

March 13 – Keller Auto Speedway in Hanford, Calif. – Qualifying: 2; Heat race: 1 (2); Dash: 4 (4); Feature: 1 (4).

SEASON STATS –

8 races, 2 wins, 4 top fives, 7 top 10s, 7 top 15s, 7 top 20s

UP NEXT –

Saturday at Stockton Dirt Track in Stockton, Calif. , with the King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Sprint Car Series

AVONDALE, AZ – March 15, 2021 – Austin Cindric backed up his 2020 NASCAR Xfinity Championship win in Phoenix, scoring his second win at Phoenix Raceway and recording his 10th career win. Cindric took the Ford Mustang to victory lane for the second time in the 2021 season for Team Penske and Ford Performance.

“Congratulations to Austin, Brian, Roger and the No. 22 team,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “Austin raced like a champion, smooth and confident throughout the entire race. We are proud to be part of powering Austin to his 10th Xfinity win with Ford Performance.”

Cindric was in a class of his own, winning Stage 1 and leading a race high 119 laps out of the 200 lap Call 811 Before You Dig 200 race, including the last 54 consecutive laps.   In a late race restart with 2-laps remaining, Cindric led the field back to green from the outside lane. The No. 22 Ford Mustang was able to hold off the hard charging field, crossing the finish line .360 seconds in front of Ty Gibbs. Cindric leads the driver points standings with 248 points, 47 points ahead of second place.

“You have to work hard the rest of the year to get here,” said Cindric in post-race interview. “That is where my focus is. I have my name on the wall there and the goal is to be back here with a shot to do it again.”   Stewart-Haas Racing captured a top-5 finish with No. 98, Riley Herbst finishing fourth.

The Ford Mustangs ran strong in the NASCAR Cup Series, on Sunday, leading a manufacturer’s high 197 laps in the 312 lap Instacart 500. Four Ford teammates finished in the top-10 led by Stage 2 winner, Joey Logano in P2, Brad Keselowski in P4, Kevin Harvick in P6, and rounding out the top-10 was Stage 1 winner, Ryan Blaney in P10.

The NASCAR Series is headed to ‘Hotlanta’ to race at the Atlanta Motor Speedway and the IMSA Michelin Pilot Challenge Series will strap in to run the second race of the season in Sebring, Florida this weekend.  33 CHAMPIONSHIPS – 415 WINS – 375 POLES!

March 14, 2021

The climb back from a disappointing start to the 2021 Cup Series season for Matt DiBenedetto and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team continued on Sunday with a 14th place finish in the Instacart 500 at Phoenix Raceway.

DiBenedetto’s finish, plus a Stage point earned for a 10th place finish in the first Stage, allowed him to continue his methodical climb in the points standings. He heads to Atlanta Motor Speedway 28th in the standings, a gain of seven spots in the past two races. Now, he’s just 24 points behind 20th place Cole Custer.

DiBenedetto was set to start 20th at Phoenix, but moved up three rows for the green flag after drivers ahead of him were sent to the rear for rules infractions.

He moved to 10th place after just 12 laps and stayed inside the top 10 for most of the first Stage before ending that 80-lap segment in 10th place.

The second Stage saw DiBenedetto and the Motorcraft Mustang fall just outside the top 10, but still finish 12th at the end of that segment.

The team continued to deal with handling issues at the start of the final segment, with DiBenedetto reporting that the car was tight in the centers of the corners, and free on the entry and exit.

Crew chief Greg Erwin and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane crew were able to adjust the car, correcting some of the issues. After running outside the top 20 in the early laps of the third Stage, DiBenedetto began to regain lost positions. A final pit stop with 25 laps remaining provided one last opportunity for adjustments, and he was able to move from 17th position at the start of that run to 14th at the finish. 

It was his best finish of the five races to date.  

“We just couldn’t get our Motorcraft/Quick Lane Mustang to where we needed it,” DiBenedetto said. “It wasn’t quite as good as it was here last fall. We weren’t bad, but we weren’t great.

“We had one run at the start of the last Stage that kind of set us back, and we couldn’t quite recover from it.
 
“Earlier we’d run between eighth and 11th so if we’d had better track position at the end we probably could have finished a few spots better than 14th.
 
“We’ll take what we got and move on to the next one.”
 
Eddie Wood said he likes seeing his team make progress, even if the finishes aren’t what he believes the team is capable of.
 
“We weren’t blazing fast, but we weren’t terrible either,” he said. “We have some work to do, but if we can keep clicking off top-15 finishes, it’s a good thing.” 
 
The 2021 Cup Series campaign continues with next Sunday’s Folds of Honor/QuikTrip 500 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.
 

Hard-Fought Race for Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops / TRACKER Off Road Chevrolet Team at Phoenix Raceway

17th

13th

12th

“We fought all day in the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops / TRACKER Off Road Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE. We struggled with a loose-handling condition in Stage 1, but Justin Alexander and the entire No. 3 team worked hard to adjust and got the car running much better by the end of the race. Early in the race, we knocked a hole in the right-front nose and that set us back a bit. It was just one of those deals where I had nowhere to go. The team did a good job with the car and making the repair, but we had to recover from a speeding penalty on pit road. It felt like we were just trying to get back track position all race and trying to get the car handling better. We’ve got some stuff to clean up for sure, but we’ll figure it out and move onto Atlanta Motor Speedway. We’ll be just fine.”  -Austin Dillon

Tyler Reddick and the No. 8 Nate Barnes / Quartz Hill Records Team Fight Through Tough Phoenix Raceway Weekend

29th

23rd

27th

“Today was a tough day for our No. 8 Nate Barnes / Quartz Hill Records Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE at Phoenix Raceway, but we’ll study and learn from our race. We had decent long run speed throughout the day that allowed me to climb up through the field during the longer green flag runs of the race. I was just too tight in the center of both turns to get through them as good as I would have liked and I needed more to fire off with on the restarts, but we were making some small gains during the end of Stage 3. Unfortunately, I had a miscue on our final stop of the day and that led to speeding on pit road, and then a valve stem broke and I got into the wall. We were able to finish the race though and fought for every spot that we could in the final handful of laps. A frustrating day for our team, but we’ll learn from it and move on to Atlanta.” -Tyler Reddick

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (March 14) — The fledgling Pro Stock career of third-generation drag racer Troy Coughlin Jr. received a boost Sunday when he guided the JEGS.com Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro to a runner-up finish at the season-opening Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals. It marked the second time in just nine starts Coughlin has reached the trophy round in the category. “This was a good way to start the season and it shows the professionalism of the Elite Motorsports team,” Coughlin said. “We rolled into Florida two weeks ago and right out of the trailer we were strong. We’ve been making great passes almost every round since. “It was very warm today and the track was difficult to deal with. We had a little jump on Greg Anderson in the final and I felt like we could have won the round but we had pretty severe tire shake almost right away. Greg’s car shook a little also but he was able to drive through it and get the win. Aside from that, we had a lot of fun.” Traction seemed to be an issue all day, with Coughlin benefitting from opponents Aaron Stanfield and Mason McGaha tire-shake issues in both Rounds 1 and 3, respectively. He also got a free pass in the second session when Fernando Cuadra Jr. fouled out after getting very loose during the prerace burnout. “Today was a lot about overcoming adversity,” Coughlin said. “As it turned out, we got some luck against our first three opponents when Aaron and Mason shook and Fernando got loose and then red-lighted, but that doesn’t take away from the fact we made great passes against each of them (6.564 at 209.20 mph in Round 1, 6.572 at 208.91 mph in Round 2, and 6.633 at 208.55 mph in Round 3). “Credit Mark Ingersoll, Eric Luzinski, Kelly Murphy, Steven Hurley and Kyle Bates with putting this car together perfectly every time out, both in qualifying and today. This was a decent first race. We’re in second place, and we have 17 more national events to go. There’s so much more for me to learn how to become a better driver. I’m excited.” Coughlin’s uncle Mike Coughlin reached the second round in Top Dragster before breaking-out of his index and losing to Jeff Strickland, who went on to win the entire event.  Also a part of the Team JEGS contingent was multi-time world champion Jeff Taylor, who competed in Super Stock in the JEGS.com Chevy Cobalt. The car, which will be driven by Mike’s son Clay later this year, was named the event’s “Best Engineered Vehicle.”  Fellow world champion Danny Nelson also put some laps down in the JEGS.com Super Comp dragster, which Mike’s other son Jack will take over once school is over.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (March 14) — The fledgling Pro Stock career of third-generation drag racer Troy Coughlin Jr. received a boost Sunday when he guided the JEGS.com Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro to a runner-up finish at the season-opening Amalie Oil NHRA Gatornationals. It marked the second time in just nine starts Coughlin has reached the trophy round in the category. “This was a good way to start the season and it shows the professionalism of the Elite Motorsports team,” Coughlin said. “We rolled into Florida two weeks ago and right out of the trailer we were strong. We’ve been making great passes almost every round since. “It was very warm today and the track was difficult to deal with. We had a little jump on Greg Anderson in the final and I felt like we could have won the round but we had pretty severe tire shake almost right away. Greg’s car shook a little also but he was able to drive through it and get the win. Aside from that, we had a lot of fun.”

Traction seemed to be an issue all day, with Coughlin benefitting from opponents Aaron Stanfield and Mason McGaha tire-shake issues in both Rounds 1 and 3, respectively. He also got a free pass in the second session when Fernando Cuadra Jr. fouled out after getting very loose during the prerace burnout. “Today was a lot about overcoming adversity,” Coughlin said. “As it turned out, we got some luck against our first three opponents when Aaron and Mason shook and Fernando got loose and then red-lighted, but that doesn’t take away from the fact we made great passes against each of them (6.564 at 209.20 mph in Round 1, 6.572 at 208.91 mph in Round 2, and 6.633 at 208.55 mph in Round 3). “Credit Mark Ingersoll, Eric Luzinski, Kelly Murphy, Steven Hurley and Kyle Bates with putting this car together perfectly every time out, both in qualifying and today. This was a decent first race. We’re in second place, and we have 17 more national events to go. There’s so much more for me to learn how to become a better driver. I’m excited.”

Coughlin’s uncle Mike Coughlin reached the second round in Top Dragster before breaking-out of his index and losing to Jeff Strickland, who went on to win the entire event.

Also a part of the Team JEGS contingent was multi-time world champion Jeff Taylor, who competed in Super Stock in the JEGS.com Chevy Cobalt. The car, which will be driven by Mike’s son Clay later this year, was named the event’s “Best Engineered Vehicle.”

Fellow world champion Danny Nelson also put some laps down in the JEGS.com Super Comp dragster, which Mike’s other son Jack will take over once school is over.

·        No. 1 qualifier Ron Capps drove his Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car to quarterfinal appearance at the 52^nd annual National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Gatornationals at historic Gainesville Raceway 

·        Defending NHRA Funny Car World Champion Matt Hagan raced his DSR Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye to his best run of the weekend with 3.922-second pass at 329.67 mph missing the chance to advance past the opening round by just 0.001 seconds

·        DSR Top Fuel driver Leah Pruett took her No. 3 qualified Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye dragster to the quarterfinals

·        Solid debut for the new generation 2021 Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak as Pruett posts her career best run in Factory Stock Showdown in a close first-round loss

·        Pawuk takes third generation Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak to Factory Stock Showdown semifinals finish at Gatornats

March 14, 2020, Gainesville, Fla. – Solid runs by the Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) contingent of Mopar and Dodge//SRT supported race cars marked the start to the 2021 National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Camping World Drag Racing Series season at the 52nd annual Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at historic Gainesville Raceway. 

In Funny Car competition, No. 1 qualifier and three-time NHRA Gatornationals winner Ron Capps took his DSR Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat for a 3.923-second elapsed time run at 323.74 mph to earn the opening round win over No. 16 qualifier Jim Campbell who went up in tire smoke. For his quarterfinal match-up against Bob Tasca, Capps gave up lane choice which proved to be key, as traction was an issue in his lane, and hampered his progress resulting in an early exit from competition. 

2020 NHRA Funny Car World Champion, Matt Hagan took his DSR Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye into race day as the eighth seed and seeking his first coveted win at the Gatornationals, one of the few places left at which he has not yet earned a Wally trophy. The opening round of the new season saw him paired with No. 9 seed Bob Tasca against whom Hagan drove his HEMI-powered Funny Car to his best run of the weekend with a 0.072-second reaction time and 3.922-second pass at 329.67 mph in a very close battle. However, while Hagan had a slim starting line advantage, his opponent’s 0.074-second reaction time and 3.920 second / 330.47 mph pass provided the first upset of the year by the slimmest 0.0001-second margin of victory at the stripe to send the DSR driver home early.

Without a DSR entry advancing to the final round of eliminations for the first time in nearly a year and a half, the team’s NHRA record streak of 14 consecutive Funny Car wins (dating back to October 2019) comes to an end.

In Top Fuel, DSR pilot Leah Pruett was also looking to score her first Gatornationals event win from the No. 3 qualifier position on the eliminations ladder earned aboard her red, black and chrome Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye dragster. Her opening-round run of 3.787 seconds at 314.09 mph gave her the win over rookie Mike Bucher who lost traction early. Pruett had the early advantage in her quarterfinals battle against Shawn Langdon, but saw her opponent make the pass when her nitro-fueled machine dropped a cylinder and some oil to send the team home earlier than they had hoped. 

Despite the early exit, Pruett put in a lot of track time throughout the weekend as she pulled double duty by running in both the Pro and Sportsman categories as she will at seven more events this season. 

In Factory Stock Showdown (FSS) competition, Pruett took her 2021 Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak for its first official eliminations drive as a No. 13 qualifier against the No. 4 seed John Cerbone. Pruett drove the new generation drag pak to her quickest career run in FSS competition with a stout 7.806-second pass at 177.44 mph, bettering her previous personal records of 7.852 seconds set at Gainesville in 2019 and best speed of 173.94 mph posted at Charlotte that same year. 

Unfortunately, while her new ride was faster on the track than her opponent’s, Pruett fell just short of turning on the first win-light of the season as her 0.073-second reaction time was overshadowed by her competitor’s 0.002-second start to give him the hole shot victory with a slower 7.808 sec./174.80 mph pass. Pruett’s next chance to take the new HEMI-powered drag pak for a quick drive in FSS competition will be at the Mopar Express Lane NHRA SpringNationals presented by Pennzoil in Houston on May 21-23.

Pruett’s teammate Mark Pawuk came into race day at the Gatornationals as the 11^th seed after steady improvement in his Empaco Equipment Mopar Drag Pak performance through each qualifying session. In the opening round of FSS eliminations, the team’s hard work paid off as Pawuk drove his HEMI-powered drag pak to their quickest run of the weekend with a 7.855 seconds at 174.26 mph pass. He followed that up with an 8.038 sec./ 170.17 mph lap in his round 2 win over No. 3 seed Gardner Stone who left prematurely. 

Pawuk was matched up with No. 2 qualifier Aaron Stanfield for the semifinal round but saw his day shortened by a red-light start. Pawuk now looks forward to taking delivery of one of the new generation Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Paks at an upcoming FSS series race in the next few months.

ADDITIONAL NOTES and QUOTES: 

Matt Hagan, Mopar Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Funny Car  
(No. 8  Qualifier – 3.975 seconds at 321.35 mph)
Round 1: (0.072-second reaction time, 3.922 seconds at 329.67 mph) lost to No. 9 Bob Tasca (0.074/3.920/330.47) 0.001 margin of victory

“We had a good test session in West Palm Beach to kick off the year and we were on the bad side of a really, really good drag race today to (Bob) Tasca. I wouldn’t be surprised if Tasca goes out and wins it. That’s a good car. It’s tough out there and we were on the tough side of the ladder. We would have had (Ron) Capps, our teammate, in the second round. It was going to be a dog fight all day. I have to say a lot about (my crew chief) Dickie Venables and (assistant crew chief) Mike Knudsen and this Dodge Mopar team and their leadership. The guys worked late working through some gremlins and put a really good race car under me. We’ll be back out here for the next one and will get back after it.”

Ron Capps, NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car
(No. 1 Qualifier – 3.895 seconds at 329.02 mph)
Round 1: (0.090-second reaction time, 3.923 seconds at 323.74 mph) defeated No. 16 Jim Campbell (0.125/12.844/76.95)

Round 2: (0.077/4.946/158.91) loss to No. 9 Bob Tasca (0.079/3.958/327.11)

“That’s what I love about this sport – the competition. “We had a great qualifying outing, but with only three laps you only get one run in one of the two lanes. We wanted to win first round and lost lane choice going into the second round. After watching Robert (Hight) and some of the other cars run, we were very confident with that right lane, but it just seemed to chatter a little bit, sort of in the same spot it did on Q3. That’s just the way it is. Funny Car is so tough. It was almost a perfect weekend, but still ended up being a really good weekend overall. 

“I’m really looking forward to working more with these guys led by Guido (Dean Antonelli) and

John Medlen. We’re keeping it fun like we did with (my former crew chief Rahn) Tobler. It’s

great to see so many fans and people being responsible and following protocols to allow us to

race. We love the fans coming from all over to support us this weekend. A great opening weekend with GEARWRENCH on the car, and Pennzoil of course.”

Leah Pruett, Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Top Fuel Dragster  
(No. 3 Qualifier – 3.741 seconds at 326.32 mph)

Round 1: (0.060-second reaction time, 3.787 seconds at 314.09 mph) defeats No. 14 Mike Bucher (0.076/7.686/81.27)

Round 2: (0.054/3.887/294.05) loss to No. 6 Shawn Langdon (0.065/3.764/317.79)

“I think there’s an overall consensus that the 2021 Gatornationals was a little unconventional for us as we experienced some issues early in qualifying on the first lap and we quickly adapted from and had a very competitive race car for Sunday. Unfortunately, we started off this season with some mechanical gremlins. Our team, with the addition of a few new members, has done a great job meshing quickly. The tuning calls were great, but some parts failures plagued us this weekend. After that you shake their hands and say good job and know that we have the heart and ability to get round wins and race wins. Overall, we feel good about the weekend. Walking away from eliminations, there’s nothing that we would have done differently. We’ll get to the bottom of it and roll on to the next Camping World NHRA race and be ready to win.”

Leah Pruett, Mopar Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak – Factory Stock Shootout 
(No. 13  Qualifier – 7.892 seconds at 173.49 mph)

Round 1: (0.073-second reaction time, 7.806 seconds at 177.44 mph) loss to No. 8 John Cerbone (0.002/ 7.808 sec./ 174.80 mph) 

“The ‘shake their hands and walk away’ mentality definitely applies to our first round of Factory Stock (Showdown) round one this morning. Just an incredible package and race. John Cerbone had a .002 light and was two thousandths (of-a-second) slower than us at the stripe, and that would have required me to have a .004 reaction time. Right now, for me, those kinds of lights aren’t quite in the cards. I need a bit more seat time getting acquainted with this new Dodge SRT Drag Pak Challenger. Hats off to the entire DSR Factory Stock team, Terry (Snyder), Kevin (Helms), and everyone at Dodge and the SRT engineers for getting this great piece of machinery ready for us to debut this weekend at Gainesville. We were able to get this car into competition-form very quickly and I’m looking forward to some more seat time before our next race at Houston in May. We had a very good showing for the debut of the Drag Pak and we’re looking forward to maximizing all of its capabilities. What we saw today in round one is a testament to the type of competition this team and Dodge brings. Our competitors know that they have to step up to that level in order to try and beat us. We’re going to continue to be on top of our game, and pick away at it some more, and I’m confident we’ll have a very strong season.”

Mark Pawuk, Empaco Equipment Mopar Drag Pak– Factory Stock Shootout
(No. 11 Qualifier – 7.873  seconds at 174.12 mph)
Round 1: (0.095-second reaction time, 7.855 seconds at 174.26 mph) defeats to No. 6 Jim Betz (No Time)

Round 2: (0.129/8.038 sec./ 170.17 mph) defeats No. 3 Gardner Stone (no time)

Round 3: (-0.296/14.875/71.82) loss to No. 2 Aaron Stanfield (0.056/7.890/173.99)

“For the way we started out this weekend, Leah (Pruett)’s car ran really good, ours was a little behind, but the guys worked really hard. We changed a lot of parts and we were able to make good runs. Maybe we got a couple of lucky breaks but hey, to go to the semis at the first race out this weekend in Gainesville, it’s awesome to go some rounds. I’m looking forward to our next race in Houston.”

NHRA Championship Points Standings:
Following the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals

FUNNY CAR (season wins in parentheses)
1. Matt Hagan (Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat) –
4. J.R. Todd –
5. Ron Capps (Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat) –
6. Bob Tasca III –
7. Tim Wilkerson –
8. Alexis DeJoria –
9. Cruz Pedregon –
10. Paul Lee –

TOP FUEL (season wins in parentheses)
1. Doug Kalitta –
2. Leah Pruett (Mopar Dodge//SRT) –
3. Steve Torrance – 
4. Justin Ashley –
5. Billy Torrance –
6. Shawn Langdon –
7. Antron Brown –
8. Terry McMillen –
9. Clay Millican –
10. Doug Foley – 

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (March 14, 2021) – Robert Hight and the Automobile Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS team proved they’re still a threat with a runner-up finish at the NHRA Camping World Series season opening Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway on Sunday, March 14th. John Force and the PEAK / BlueDEF PLATINUM Camaro began their 17th-championship campaign with a semifinal finish while 2017 Top Fuel world champion Brittany Force and her Monster Energy team had a first-round exit. After qualifying fourth, Robert Hight and the Automobile Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro continued their consistent weekend on Sunday. Rolling out in the first round, Hight handled the Auto Club Camaro to a 3.921-second pass at 327.11 mph to defeat the young Bobby Bode’s 4.025 at 309.91 mph. The win would match the three-time world champion up against team owner and 16-time champion John Force in the quarterfinals. With Force having lane choice, Hight lined up on the right and sailed to a clean 3.931-second pass at 330.39 mph to defeat Force whose Chevy Camaro had tire smoke for only a 4.994-second pass.  In the semifinals it would be a test of seven cylinders as both Hight and his opponent, Bob Tasca III, had a hole out. Hight would prevail with a 4.093-second pass at 306.19 mph to Tasca’s 4.115 at 312.35 mph to reach his 81st career final round, fifth at Gainesville Raceway. The final round was a pedal fest as Hight and fellow finalist J.R. Todd went up in smoke at the hit. Todd was able to hook back up and finish with a 5.184-second pass at 286.38 mph while Hight and the Auto Club Camaro ran 6.591-seconds at 144.41 mph. “It’s a good weekend when you go to the final. When you watch the other guy smoke the tires, though, you look at it as one that got away, we beat ourselves,” said Hight who sits second in the Camping World Series championship points standings. “We’ve got some gremlins; we had a lucky round in the semis dropping a cylinder and winning with a 4.09. We have to do some polishing, but we’ll be back. When we go to the final when we have this Auto Club Chevy running right, look out.” In his 500th race start in a Chevrolet John Force and the PEAK / BlueDEF PLATINUM Chevrolet Camaro took the first-round victory with a 3.915-second pass at 326.56 mph over Paul Lee’s 3.977 run at 328.94. Lining up against his team president, Robert Hight, in the second round, Force and his Chevy Camaro ran into tire smoke and coasted to a 4.994-second pass at 164.19 mph. Force currently sits eighth in the points standings. “We all made the show after being off a year. It was exciting to be back and be back in the seat of my PEAK BlueDEF / PLATINUM Chevrolet Camaro and we went a couple of rounds,” Force said. “We look like a race team again; Robert Hight and Auto Club getting to the final., qualifying well, Brittany with Monster and Flav-R-Pac. We’ll move on to the next race. We’re excited and we’ll see how it goes.” Brittany Force and the Monster Energy Top Fuel team had an early exit on Sunday. Force and her David Grubnic and Mac Savage tuned dragster powered to an impressive 3.727 at 331.94 mph that was second quickest of the round but lost on a hole shot. Justin Ashley laid down a 3.733 at 324.05 but his .034-second reaction time bettered Force’s .072. Despite the first round exit, Force still sits in the top 10 of the points standings in ninth. “A year away and John Force Racing is proud to be back. Our Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac team qualified in the top five and we had a consistent race car all weekend long,” Force said. “First round was tough, getting beat on a hole shot is never easy but finding the positives: we ran well and I had a decent light. I’m using today’s upset as motivation going into the next one. Ready to go after another win.” The NHRA Camping World Series season continues with the Lucas Oil Winternationals at Auto Club Raceway at Pomona in Pomona Calif., April 9-11 and the DENSO Spark Plugs NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, April 16-18. The NHRA Camping World Series schedule is still subject to change.

GAINESVILLE, FL (March 14, 2021) — Starting the 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season at the 52^nd annual NHRA Gatornationals for the first time did not phase Alexis DeJoria. The veteran driver powered her ROKiT Bandero Premium Tequila Toyota Camry to the No. 2 qualifying position and continued her qualifying dominance in the category. The last time DeJoria and her Toyota Camry Funny Car raced at the Gators they qualified No. 5 which began an active streak of six consecutive Top Five qualifying starts including this weekend’s strong performance.

“These crew guys are doing so well to start the season,” said DeJoria, who has five Funny Car national event wins to her credit. “(Co-crew chiefs) Nicky (Boninfante) and Del (Worsham) are tuning this Toyota up and it is making some killer runs. I am excited about going to the next race because we have a great race car. We have been a top five qualifier the past six races going back to last season. We got bonus points this weekend and were the No. 2 qualifier so that is a great start.”

In the opening round DeJoria matched up with John Smith and her ROKiT Funny Car team was not taking the Paul Smith tuned opponent lightly. She blasted off the starting line and lit the scoreboard 3.918 seconds later which was the second quickest run of the day. It was a dominant first round win for the ROKiT team. Following the run DeJoria’s crew chief Del Worsham had high praise for his driver.

“She kept it right in the groove. It was moving around at the top end,” said Worsham. “It is getting slick up there. Paul Smith is a tough customer and we knew we had to run well. For ROKiT, Bandero, Toyota, Fatheadz and all our other sponsors that was a good way to start the race. I am glad we got that round win and we’ll get back to work.”

At the beginning of the event DeJoria announced a new technical partnership alongside TRD (Toyota Racing Development), with ExxonMobil who expanded its current team roster within NHRA. ExxonMobil has enjoyed a partnership with Kalitta Motorsports and will also continue that winning relationship into the 2021 season. Under the expanded agreement, ExxonMobil will supply DeJoria and her team with its Drag Racing motor oil, along with other lubricants, while also providing engineering support throughout the season.

“Having Mobil 1 and TRD onboard is incredible because they bring the science and technology with what they do to help our team,” said DeJoria. “It is very beneficial to us. We also have some new sponsors like Bandero Tequila and Fatheadz, who outfitted our entire team with sunglasses. We have the whole crew from past year which is nice since all these guys work really hard and are a joy to work with. We all gel and this is going to be a good year.”  

In the second round facing two-time world champion Cruz Pedregon DeJoria slowed from her first round elapsed time and she was ousted in the quarterfinals. The team was looking at the performance drop off culprit. It was an unfortunate turn of events during an otherwise successful weekend that will see DeJoria leave Florid No. 6 in the Camping World point standings and with momentum at the beginning of the season.

“We have a really fast hot rod with this ROKiT Toyota Camry Funny Car. In the second round we had a little issue which we are trying to figure out. It just fell off on performance at 200 feet. I am working on my reaction times, too. I am just going to keep working on it. My Toyota Funny Car is so consistent that gives me a lot of confidence. I have been racing long enough to know what to do and we will get everything working together,” added DeJoria.

·        Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) driver Ron Capps drove his Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car to the No. 1 qualifier position at the 52^nd annual National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Gatornationals at historic Gainesville Raceway 

·        Matt Hagan begins his defense of the NHRA Funny Car world championship as the eighth-seed aboard his DSR Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye

·        DSR Top Fuel driver Leah Pruett wheels Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye dragster to third-seeded position on the elimination ladder

·        Much-anticipated debut of new generation Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak saw Leah Pruett post a solid 7.892 second run at 173.49 mph in qualifying

·        Mopar-powered Drag Paks of Pawuk and Pruett qualify 11^th and 13^th respectively for Sunday’s elimination rounds of Factory Stock Showdown

March 13, 2020, Gainesville, Fla. – The 2021 National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Drag Racing series season got off to a fast start for Mopar and Dodge//SRT performance brands as Don Schumacher Racing (DSR) veteran driver Ron Capps drove his Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car to the top seeded position for Sunday’s 52nd annual National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Gatornationals at historic Gainesville Raceway.

After finishing fourth in the closely contested 2020 Funny Car championship that went right down to the wire, Capps kicked off the season-opening weekend the way he ended 2020 at the Dodge NHRA finals in Las Vegas; as No. 1 qualifier going into race day. Coming into the Gatornationals as a three-time and defending Funny Car winner, Capps took his HEMI®-powered DSR Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat to the top of the timing sheets in Friday qualifying with a 3.895-second run at 329.02 mph to give him the provisional lead position on the eliminations ladder. While Capps also ran the quickest lap in the second qualifying session, neither he nor anyone else was able to better his Q1 time in any of the sessions, giving him his 26th career No. 1 qualifier position. He’ll see No. 16 seed Jim Campbell as his first round opponent on Sunday morning.

2020 NHRA Funny Car World Champion, Matt Hagan will take his “Demon-possessed” DSR Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye into race day as the eighth seed after a best qualifying lap of 3.981 seconds at 324.59 mph in the second session where he posted the third quickest time. He’ll start his world championship defense and work to make his way through eliminations in the hopes of earning his first Gatornationals title win by facing No. 9 seed Bob Tasca as his first elimination round opponent of the year.

Battling in the Top Fuel top-three through most of the 2020 season and closing out the year fourth in the championship has DSR’s Leah Pruett motivated to get this new season off to a flying start and looking to score her first Gatornationals event win. In qualifying, Pruett took her red, black and chrome Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye dragster for a 3.741 sec./ 326.32 mph pass in her final run to move her up in the third-seeded position on the eliminations ladder and grant her lane choice against Mike Bucher in the first round.

In the NHRA Sportsman class, the fourth-generation 2021 Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak made its much-anticipated official on track debut in the Factory Stock Showdown (FSS) series on Friday. Leah Pruett wheeled her white and blue new generation drag pak to a solid first qualifying run with a 7.966 second pass at 175.09 mph to post the sixth quickest pass against a 29-car field in provisional qualifying. On Saturday, she improved on that performance with a 7.892 sec./ 173.49 mph run to put her 13th overall and set up an opening round match-up against No. 4 seed John Cerbone.

Teammate Mark Pawuk steadily improved his DSR-prepared Empaco Equipment Mopar Drag Pak through qualifying as well and posted his best time on his final run late Saturday night with a 7.873 sec. / 174.12 mph pass to earn his 11- seed position on the FSS eliminations ladder. He’ll line up next to Jim Betz for the opening round on Sunday morning.

Television coverage of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season-opening event, the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, begins Sunday morning, March 14, with a one-hour FS1 qualifying show at 11 a.m. Eastern, while the three-hour eliminations show, including live coverage of the final round, launches at noon on the national FOX Broadcast Network.

ADDITIONAL NOTES and QUOTES: 

Matt Hagan, Mopar Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Funny Car  
(No. 8  Qualifier – 3.975 seconds at 321.35 mph)
Qualifying 1: 4.308 sec./ 209.62 mph (10^th)
Qualifying 2: 3.981 sec./ 324.59 mph (1 bonus point for 3^rd quickest of session)

Qualifying 3: 3.974 sec./ 325.30 mph (4^th)

“Race day is everything. Driving this Dodge SRT Hellcat Redeye Funny Car into race day and hopefully carrying on that championship momentum into tomorrow. At the end of the day, we’ve got Dickie Venables in our corner and that’s all that really matters. I’m confident in the team and confident in the car.”

Ron Capps, NAPA Auto Parts Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car
(No. 1 Qualifier – 3.895 seconds at 329.02 mph)
Qualifying 1: 3.895 sec./ 329.02 mph  (3 bonus points for quickest run of session)
Qualifying 2: 3.948 sec./ 320.66 mph (3 bonus points for quickest of session)
Qualifying 3: 4.802 sec./ 163.65 mph (12^th)

“We all know how good this car is and with (cew chiefs) Guido (Dean Antonelli) and (John) Medlen and how good a team they’ve made and really all these guys and gals with Jessica (Vejar) on our team. It’s a lot of fun to see this car do well and how happy everybody is in the NAPA camp. I just want to come in and try to blend in and be the best I can and not mess up. I want to help show how good a team this is. We did get after it on that last run. Guido was trying to run a mid-80, so those conditions we won’t see tomorrow. Sunday morning, if you’re a fan, don’t be late at 10 am. First round will be prime conditions. Just a great job for NAPA and Gearwrench and we got the first yellow No. 1 Camping World hat and it matches this NAPA uniform with the yellow and blue and we’re hoping for a blue race win hat tomorrow.”

Leah Pruett, Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Redeye Top Fuel Dragster  
(No. 3 Qualifier – 3.741 seconds at 326.32 mph)
Qualifying 1: 6.567 sec./ 94.57 mph (17^th)
Qualifying 2: 3.863 sec./ 314.53 mph (9^th)

Qualifying 3: 3.741 sec. / 326.32 mph (1 bonus points for 3^rd quickest of session)

“It’s amazing how one small tire shake situation very much humbles us. We didn’t get the start to the event that we wanted, but we immediately bounced back. We had a strategy in Q2 to lay down a very solid, honest pass so that we could pick away at it in Q3, and that’s exactly what we did. I’m so proud of this team and the authority that they’re taking. The car is reacting well; I’m driving well. Our test before this went great. Qualifying third in our HEMI dragster at this first event is fantastic. As I’ve said before, it doesn’t matter who we line up with, it’s just about taking it one round at a time. So far, things are working in unison, and we look forward to keeping it working that way, just as our Pennzoil oil keeps us running smoothly.”

Leah Pruett, Mopar Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak – Factory Stock Shootout 
(No. 13  Qualifier – 7.892 seconds at 173.49 mph)

Qualifying 1: 7.966 sec./ 175.09 mph  (6^th)  
Qualifying 2: 7.892  sec./ 173.49 mph (8^th) 
Qualifying 3: 9.849 sec./ 129.57 mph 

“I think it’s fair to say that our Dodge DSR team performed to its maximum of capabilities to get the car into competitive form with just a limited number of days with it before entering actual competition. We are definitely in the right direction. With the limited number of runs that we have had with it to really understand and get to know this car, where we’re at has been in the positive progress domain. I wouldn’t call it a conservative run out of the gate. It was more of a run to identify a baseline for this car, which we really didn’t have before, so we’re really tackling multiple things at one time. Qualifying with a 7.89 was fantastic. We thought we’d whip it up for final session but unfortunately, lots of different factors played into the night. Running at 10:00 PM with an untouched starting line in over an hour, really did not work in anyone’s favor. But that doesn’t deter any of our focus and confidence. For tomorrow, we know we’re going to be one of the first classes out. It’s going to be cool (temperatures). We have the power for it. We’re going to take as much knowledge of this car as we know to get it deep into the rounds.”

Mark Pawuk, Empaco Equipment Mopar Drag Pak– Factory Stock Shootout
(No. 11 Qualifier – 7.873  seconds at 174.12 mph)
Qualifying 1: 8.008 sec./ 172.81 mph (8^th)
Qualifying 2: 7.934 sec / 172.65 mph (11^th)

Qualifying 3: 7.873 sec. / 174.12 mph  (11^th)

“I was glad to get my Empaco Equipment, Ohio CAT, Mr. Heater Dodge Drag Pak down the race track. It got real cold and real tough out there. We were supposed to run at 3:00 p.m. and running after 10 at night gave us a little bit different of conditions. Too bad Leah (Pruett) didn’t get down but I think we made great progress with the new 2021 Drag Pak at the first race out. She ran very well, and unfortunately she would’ve been up quite a bit higher if she made it down tonight because the air conditions were so much better than they were the rest of the weekend, but we’re going to hang in there and do the best we can tomorrow, and keep our Dodges moving forward.”

NHRA Championship Points Standings:
Following qualifying at Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals

FUNNY CAR (season wins in parentheses)
1. Ron Capps (Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat)–44

2. Alexis DeJoria –40

3. Tim Wilkerson –37

4. John Force –36

5. Robert Hight –35

6. Matt Hagan (Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat) –34

6. J.R. Todd –34
8. Cruz Pedregon–33

9. Blake Alexander –32   

9. Chad Green–32

9. Paul Lee –32

9. Bob Tasca III –32

TOP FUEL (season wins in parentheses)
1. Steve Torrance –44

2.  Billy Torrence –42
3. Leah Pruett (Mopar Dodge//SRT) –37
4. Brittany Force –35

5. Doug Kalitta –34

5. Shawn Langdon –34

5. Mike Salinas –34

8. Josh Hart –33

9. Justin Ashley –32

9. Antron Brown –32

9. Doug Foley –32

9. Clay Millican –32

Myatt Snider And The TaxSlayer Chevrolet Team Earn 11th-Place Finish in Eventful Day at Phoenix Raceway

11th

19th

7th

“Today was an eventful day for our TaxSlayer team. There was a lot of beating and banging out there and no one wanted to give an inch. After solidly running inside the top-10 for most the day, I was sent into the wall and we were forced to pit under caution with 25 laps to go. We didn’t have any sticker tires left, so my Crew Chief Andy Street gave me a set of scuffs and I went to work in the final laps. To rebound and finish 11th after all that is a huge accomplishment for our Richard Childress Racing team. Phoenix Raceway has been one of my tougher tracks personally and Andy and I had conversations this week about how we wanted and needed to be better after our races here last season. We did that and learned a lot for our trip back here in the fall.”  -Myatt Snider

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (March 13, 2021) – The three-car team of John Force Racing all landed in the top five of qualifying at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals at Gainesville Raceway on Saturday evening. Robert Hight and the Automobile Club of Southern California Chevrolet Camaro SS team led the way in the No. 4 Funny Car spot with John Force and the PEAK / BlueDEF PLATINUM Chevy Camaro just behind them in fifth. Brittany Force and the Monster Energy team stayed consistent to be fifth in Top Fuel. After still managing to lay down a three-second pass with a cylinder out on Friday evening, Robert Hight and the Auto Club team improved to an impressive 3.951-second pass at 328.62 mph in the heat of the day on Saturday. With cooler temperatures in the third and final qualifying session, Hight handled his Chevy Camaro to the quickest pass of the session at 3.931-seconds and 330.15 mph to ultimately land in the No. 4 spot. His efforts have him matched up with Bob Bode in the first round of eliminations. “We’re very happy, we had two good runs today. Except for that cylinder going out yesterday we’ve done really well. This Auto Club Chevy has made it down the track each run,” said Hight who picked up a total of five bonus qualifying points. “We wanted a little more on that last run but we’re looking forward to tomorrow, we’re ready. I’m ready for a race day, to go rounds and come out with a win and I know these Auto Club guys are too.” Brittany Force and the Monster Energy team were consistent on Saturday, carrying over their momentum from Friday to put down a 3.848 second pass at 293.28 mph even after shutting off just before the starting line. In her second pass of the day, Force handled her dragster to a 3.750-second pass at 329.99 mph to put her in the No. 5 position. “It’s a good start for John Force Racing. Coming back, first race of the season and we’re all sitting in the top five,” said Force who will face off against Justin Ashley in the first round of eliminations. “We went testing in West Palm Beach to get us prepared coming here to Gainesville and it paid off. Five is a comfortable spot to be. We were chasing that No. 1 spot on that last one but we’re okay sitting fifth. I’m ready to go some rounds with this Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac team and win this thing.” John Force and the PEAK / BlueDEF PLATINUM Chevy team had an interesting start to the qualifying day. Force had to shut off on the starting line because of a car left on the track. Crew chiefs Danny Hood and Tim Fabrisi made the decision to restart rather than go to the end of the field to make their second qualifying run. Force’s Camaro didn’t get very far off the line, however, because the throttle stop was left on. Then sitting No. 15, Force and the BlueDEF PLATINUM crew put up a 3.934-second pass at 323.66 mph to put them safely in the No. 5 spot to face Paul Lee in the first round. “It was a good experience being back. There are a lot of new crew guys on this PEAK / BlueDEF PLATINUM team so we did make mistakes, I made mistakes,” admitted Force. “My crew chiefs Daniel Hood and Tim Fabrisi pulled it out there on the last run and it was a good car to drive. I’m excited to being back to racing. You don’t realize how much you love it until you lose it. Well, I haven’t lost it yet, we’re back.”

Haudenschild is Fifth Different Winner in Five World of Outlaws Features in 2021COLUMBUS, MS – March 12, 2021 – Magnolia Motor Speedway was simply magnificent for the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series debut on Friday night.A packed pit area, a massive crowd, and some spectacular on-track action was the perfect recipe to end Mississippi’s decade-long absence from The Greatest Show on Dirt.In the end, Sheldon Haudenschild made it five different winners in as many races on tour this year, stealing a late-race thriller away from the predominant Logan Schuchart. A mixture of lap traffic, track conditions, and Lil Haud’s patience came together to send the NOS Energy Drink #17 to victory lane in Columbus, MS; giving car owner Ricky Stenhouse Jr. of Olive Branch, MS a win on his home turf for the first time as a World of Outlaws owner.Friday’s victory marked the 15th of Haudenschild’s young career, tying him with fellow full-timer Jason Sides for 34th on the all-time wins list.”I’m just so happy to win a race here this early in the season, you know I don’t think we won until like July last year,” Haudenschild noted. “That’s a big goal of mine, winning early and building some momentum. It’s always cool to get a win at a track that the Outlaws haven’t been to before too. Ripper, Nikolas, Drew, they’ve got this NOS Energy Drink #17 dialed in right now. I’m glad the fans made it out. This is a beautiful race track and I think it put on a really great show.”Rolling from the outside pole of the 30-lapper, Haudenschild’s biggest challenge was alongside him in the form of Schuchart, who had yet to blunder all night long at the 1/3rd-mile. Entering Friday’s feature, the Shark Racing #1S had a perfect night going with Slick Woody’s Quick Time, Team Drydene Heat win, and DIRVision Fast Pass Dash win all secured.Schuchart was as dominant as anyone in clean air, but lap traffic proved to be his Achilles heel on this night. He caught fortunate breaks with three stoppages: lap 5 crash for Brock Zearfoss, Scotty Thiel & Sam Hafertepe, lap 9 caution for points leader Carson Macedo, and lap 14 flip for fourth-running Aaron Reutzel. However, the final restart, and more importantly, final run through traffic played the most pivotal role.Restarting with 16 to go, Schuchart drove away to a near two-second advantage over Haudenschild before traffic slowed him with ten laps remaining. That’s when the fun began.At one point, a heart-stopping four-car battle for the lead ensued with Schuchart and Haudenschild along with an emerging Donny Schatz and Brad Sweet all under a blanket for the race lead. One failed slide job attempt on a lapper set Haudenschild up for a successful run on lap 25 to clear for the lead. Schuchart came swinging back with his own slider, but Haudenschild pinned the throttle and threaded the needle around the outside to make it stick.The duo continued to wage war in the waning laps with Haudenschild only covering Schuchart by 0.054-seconds with three to go. It was still anyone’s race until the checkered flag dropped with a mere 0.286-second margin of victory, a finish which sent the Magnolia Motor Speedway crowd into the air.”We got to the lappers like twice and the caution would come out every time,” Haudenschild, of Wooster, OH, remembered. “I was just chilling, keeping calm in second, trying not to get passed and see where my car was at. He was really good in open track, I didn’t have much for him. We hit traffic though and the rubber kind of came in while we were in the middle of that. It got really tricky. He tried those sliders on a few lappers and I was getting runs off that. If I wouldn’t have got under him off turn four, I don’t think he would’ve messed up again.”After leading the opening 24 laps, Schuchart of Hanover, PA settled for runner-up honors at Magnolia. The sitting duck effect of leading through traffic bit him the most in Friday’s 30-lapper. It wasn’t the second win of the season he wanted, but Schuchart’s run returned him to the top of the early-season championship standings. He’s the only driver with a top ten finish all five races this season.”Freakin’ guy beat me in golf this week, and now on the race track,” Schuchart joked about Sheldon. “It’s just hard to tell when you’re out front leading in traffic by yourself. It’s hard to gauge how hard you need to push, especially when the track is like this, really wide and not a ton of grip. I pushed the limit too hard with Parker [Price-Miller] and let Sheldon get by me. I had that chance to get him back in turns three and four, but underestimated his entry and couldn’t make it work. Hopefully we can come back here and park it in victory lane.”Rounding out the podium at Magnolia Motor Speedway was Brad Sweet with a 12th-to-third bid in the Kasey Kahne Racing, NAPA Auto Parts #49.”The goal is to be up here standing on the frontstretch every night, and we’re doing that,” Sweet spoke on their consistency. “The real adversity and grind of an 80+ race Outlaw tour is sometimes you’re starting up front, but other times like tonight you’re digging yourself out of a hole. I felt like we could’ve contended for the win there, but by the time we got up here the track got top dominant I think and I used up my tires to get this far. It was fun watching Sheldon and Logan be aggressive there, and Donny and I had another fun battle too.”Donny Schatz made it to third at one point, but slipped back to finish fourth in the closing stages aboard his Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing #15. One of the biggest storylines outside the podium was Kasey Kahne, who earned KSE Hard Charger honors with a huge 23rd-to-fifth run aboard the Caravan Trailers #9. The top five finish is Kahne’s first in World of Outlaws competition since the 2002 King’s Royal at Eldora Speedway.Closing out the top ten at Magnolia Motor Speedway was David Gravel in the Big Game Motorsports #2, Gio Scelzi in the KCP Racing #18, Cory Eliason in the Rudeen Racing #26, Wayne Johnson with his first top ten of the year in the #2C, and Ian Madsen in the Sam McGhee #11.UP NEXT – The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series will visit another new facility today, Saturday. March 13. For the first time ever, The Greatest Show on Dirt is heading for Monroe, Louisiana for a stop at The Rev.NOS Energy Drink Feature (30 Laps) – 1. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [2][$10,000]; 2. 1S-Logan Schuchart [1][$6,000]; 3. 49-Brad Sweet [12][$3,500]; 4. 15-Donny Schatz [6][$2,800]; 5. 9-Kasey Kahne [23][$2,500]; 6. 2-David Gravel [4][$2,300]; 7. 18-Gio Scelzi [11][$2,200]; 8. 26-Cory Eliason [15][$2,100]; 9. 2C-Wayne Johnson [13][$2,050]; 10. 11-Ian Madsen [20][$2,000]; 11. 11K-Kraig Kinser [21][$1,600]; 12. 1A-Jacob Allen [18][$1,400]; 13. 7S-Jason Sides [10][$1,200]; 14. 21-Brian Brown [16][$1,100]; 15. 5-Brent Marks [7][$1,050]; 16. 19-Parker Price-Miller [25][$]; 17. W20-Greg Wilson [22][$1,000]; 18. 3-Ayrton Gennetten [24][$1,000]; 19. 47-Eric Riggins [19][$1,000]; 20. 83-Aaron Reutzel [3][$1,000]; 21. 41-Carson Macedo [5][$1,000]; 22. 15H-Sam Hafertepe [8][$1,000]; 23. 3Z-Brock Zearfoss [9][$1,000]; 24. 73-Scotty Thiel [14][$1,000]; 25. 28-Scott Bogucki [17][$1,000]. Lap Leaders: Logan Schuchart 1-24, Sheldon Haudenschild 25-30. KSE Hard Charger Award: 9-Kasey Kahne[+18]

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink® Sprint Car Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Drydene (Official Motor Oil), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), Morton Buildings (Official Building), NOS Energy (Official Energy Product), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider) and VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel); contingency sponsors include ARP (Automotive Racing Products), Cometic Gasket, COMP Cams, KSE Racing Products (Hard Charger Award), MSD and Slick Woody’s (Quick Time Award); manufacturer sponsors include FireAde, Intercomp, K1 Race Gear, and Racing Electronics.