Devices can provide information during crashes to make improvements for drivers and their cars

CONCORD, NC (Feb. 4, 2026) – Continuing World Racing Group’s efforts to improve safety in motorsports, the organization will expand upon its use of incident data recorders (IDR) with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.

The IDRs, developed by the FIA and already utilized by groups like NASCAR and IMSA, will be installed on World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series teams’ cars for the entire season, starting at Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. Last year, the device was tested on 30 cars in the last 13 races of the season.

The small, lightweight device records crash accelerations when a predetermined impact threshold is reached.

To help study and analyze the data collected from each event, World Racing Group is leveraging support and experience from NASCAR, which has utilized the same device across all of its series for several years.

With the help of NASCAR’s engineers and the technology, “the sky is the limit” for the potential of what could be learned, according to World Racing Group Fleet and Safety Manager Tom Devitt.

“With the help of John (Patalak, Vice President of Safety Engineering at NASCAR) and his team, if we have video, we can match the video to the graph of data collected from the device,” Devitt said. “I’ve seen some of the studies they do on other stuff, and it’s really, really intensive what they do, as far as what they’ve done for NASCAR.

“There’s probably stuff in there that we don’t know we’re going to learn.”

Patalak has a doctorate in biomedical engineering and has worked with NASCAR for over 20 years. He echoed Devitt’s sentiment about the unknowns of what could be learned but highlighted that the data will open the door for a variety of possibilities.

“The data recorder isn’t going to change anything that is happening in that particular crash; it simply records it,” Patalak said. “But that’s where the safety evolution can begin. You can go back and study it and learn from it. As you’re measuring things, you can learn how to improve them, and you’ll know quickly whether or not it is improving. Not just by trial and error or by putting things in the race car and seeing how they crash, but by using different engineering tools or test fixtures. We have all sorts of tests we can do that mimic the data that is coming out of the car. For instance, we can use a crash test dummy and run tests to see if a different seatbelt or mounting angle, or different foam in the seat, could reduce the loads on the driver. We know with confidence what the loads are that we put into the car because we measure them with the data recorder.

“I think the more data you get, the more powerful it becomes. The more data you capture, the more confident you are in what the data is telling you.”

Having the device on a multitude of cars will not only help speed up the process of collecting data, but help with the study of how crashes affect different drivers. Patalak stated how age, stature, weight, pre-existing conditions, bone density, and general health are all factors that play into a driver’s tolerance to acceleration and play into the study of the data.

So, while studying the data, there will not be a number where a line can be drawn that says things are either good under it or bad above it. A plethora of factors will have to be accounted for in every case study.

“The benefits to the drivers and safety in motorsports is when you collect enough of that data to start to see trends and do some statistics and understand the direction of the crash, the severity of the crash,” Patalak said. “The severity can be talked about in the change in velocity, it can be talked about in peak acceleration, or the Gs. There are lots of different ways to look at that data and see how it correlates to what the drivers are experiencing in the car when they undergo that crash.”

Along with being able to provide the data to the teams, Devitt hopes to utilize the data to help improve safety across the sport, such as with seats, mounts, facilities, and more. The data collected from the 13 races last year have already put those conversations in motion. And while the device will currently only be used with Sprint Car teams, Devitt said the goal is to eventually have it on every car across the organization – Late Models, Modifieds, etc.

“We wanted to start small with one series, so we can refine it, and then when we do go to the other series, we’ll have a process,” he said. “The more consistent we are with that, the better we can read the data and comprehend it.

“Of course, we don’t want to see anybody crash, but it is inevitable; it happens. If we can learn from it and make it better, maybe we can prevent an injury in the future.”

World Racing Group Taking Next Step in Safety With Incident Data Recorders
Devices can provide information during crashes to make improvements for drivers and their cars

CONCORD, NC (Feb. 4, 2026) – Continuing World Racing Group’s efforts to improve safety in motorsports, the organization will expand upon its use of incident data recorders (IDR) with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.

The IDRs, developed by the FIA and already utilized by groups like NASCAR and IMSA, will be installed on World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series teams’ cars for the entire season, starting at Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. Last year, the device was tested on 30 cars in the last 13 races of the season.

The small, lightweight device records crash accelerations when a predetermined impact threshold is reached.

To help study and analyze the data collected from each event, World Racing Group is leveraging support and experience from NASCAR, which has utilized the same device across all of its series for several years.

With the help of NASCAR’s engineers and the technology, “the sky is the limit” for the potential of what could be learned, according to World Racing Group Fleet and Safety Manager Tom Devitt.

“With the help of John (Patalak, Vice President of Safety Engineering at NASCAR) and his team, if we have video, we can match the video to the graph of data collected from the device,” Devitt said. “I’ve seen some of the studies they do on other stuff, and it’s really, really intensive what they do, as far as what they’ve done for NASCAR.

“There’s probably stuff in there that we don’t know we’re going to learn.”

Patalak has a doctorate in biomedical engineering and has worked with NASCAR for over 20 years. He echoed Devitt’s sentiment about the unknowns of what could be learned but highlighted that the data will open the door for a variety of possibilities.

“The data recorder isn’t going to change anything that is happening in that particular crash; it simply records it,” Patalak said. “But that’s where the safety evolution can begin. You can go back and study it and learn from it. As you’re measuring things, you can learn how to improve them, and you’ll know quickly whether or not it is improving. Not just by trial and error or by putting things in the race car and seeing how they crash, but by using different engineering tools or test fixtures. We have all sorts of tests we can do that mimic the data that is coming out of the car. For instance, we can use a crash test dummy and run tests to see if a different seatbelt or mounting angle, or different foam in the seat, could reduce the loads on the driver. We know with confidence what the loads are that we put into the car because we measure them with the data recorder.

“I think the more data you get, the more powerful it becomes. The more data you capture, the more confident you are in what the data is telling you.”

Having the device on a multitude of cars will not only help speed up the process of collecting data, but help with the study of how crashes affect different drivers. Patalak stated how age, stature, weight, pre-existing conditions, bone density, and general health are all factors that play into a driver’s tolerance to acceleration and play into the study of the data.

So, while studying the data, there will not be a number where a line can be drawn that says things are either good under it or bad above it. A plethora of factors will have to be accounted for in every case study.

“The benefits to the drivers and safety in motorsports is when you collect enough of that data to start to see trends and do some statistics and understand the direction of the crash, the severity of the crash,” Patalak said. “The severity can be talked about in the change in velocity, it can be talked about in peak acceleration, or the Gs. There are lots of different ways to look at that data and see how it correlates to what the drivers are experiencing in the car when they undergo that crash.”

Along with being able to provide the data to the teams, Devitt hopes to utilize the data to help improve safety across the sport, such as with seats, mounts, facilities, and more. The data collected from the 13 races last year have already put those conversations in motion. And while the device will currently only be used with Sprint Car teams, Devitt said the goal is to eventually have it on every car across the organization – Late Models, Modifieds, etc.

“We wanted to start small with one series, so we can refine it, and then when we do go to the other series, we’ll have a process,” he said. “The more consistent we are with that, the better we can read the data and comprehend it.

“Of course, we don’t want to see anybody crash, but it is inevitable; it happens. If we can learn from it and make it better, maybe we can prevent an injury in the future.”

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars/world-racing-group-taking-next-step-in-safety-with-incident-data-recorders/

NASCAR CUP SERIES BOWMAN GRAY STADIUM TEAM CHEVY DRIVER QUOTES FEBRUARY 4, 2026

NASCAR Cup Series rookie, Connor Zilisch, met with the media in advance of the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

NASCAR CUP SERIESBOWMAN GRAY STADIUMTEAM CHEVY DRIVER QUOTESFEBRUARY 4, 2026

NASCAR Cup Series rookie, Connor Zilisch, met with the media in advance of the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

Media Availability Quotes:  You had a stellar season last year. Coming into the Cup Series, the obvious question is — how much of that success do you feel like you can transfer into this opportunity? And then also, putting behind you stellar season, but coming up just one spot short for that championship run last year?“Yeah, last year definitely lights a fire under me to go out and chase something that I’ve wanted to accomplish for a long time. I know I couldn’t win the championship last year, and I know it’s going to be way, way different this season. So, I don’t have any expectations to go out and win a championship at all. But I definitely want to work towards that and one day be able to be in the position to go out and win one. But I’m just excited for this season to go out and learn; have fun and enjoy it. I know it’s going to be a challenge. I know it’s going to be tougher than it was last year, and I’m ready for that.”  I remember last year I asked a question about the goals that you and your crew chief set in the NOAPS. Have you and your team set similar goals in the Cup Series for this year?“No, I haven’t really set any goals for myself. I don’t really know what to expect coming into this year, so it’s hard to set expectations when there’s so much new for me and my team. I’m excited. You know, my biggest goal is to be a better driver at the end of the year than I am today, and if I can accomplish that, then I’d be satisfied.”  Every Cup Series veteran says there’s nothing that can really prepare them for once they get to this level. And I’m curious, what has been the best advice and from who, from those who have done it, that you’ve kind of reached out to say — hey, what do I need to do to be like you guys?“Yeah, I mean, I think everybody I’ve talked to has told me that it’s going to be harder than I expect it to be. I think after 10 to 15 guys that have done it have told me that, I think that’s when it finally starts to sink in and you realize that — OK, maybe these guys aren’t lying to me.  I’ve definitely gotten some great advice from a lot of people. But overall, I’d say the biggest thing is just to not let the stress and pressure of racing at the highest level overcome the amount of life lessons and the enjoyment of living out your dream. I think that’s, for me, the biggest thing is that no matter how hard it gets, no matter how many bad days and good days there’s going to be, to just remember that you are living out your childhood dream. You made it to where you want to be and just remember to enjoy it.”  You haven’t ran a short-track in a Cup car just yet. How do you approach this practice and qualifying session? “Yeah, I mean, it’s going to be a lot to figure out quickly. I’m in Group One. The track’s obviously been sitting here for a while and hasn’t had the best weather on it the last week and a half, two weeks, so by no means is practice going to be an indicator of how qualifying is going to be. But I got to test at North Wilkesboro a couple weeks ago and get a little bit of short-track experience. But yeah, this track’s going to be a lot different than North Wilkesboro was. So yeah, I’m just going to have to learn quick, adapt quick and figure it out on the go. But it’s certainly not going to be easy today. I know that already being in Group One, we’re all at a bit of a disadvantage just with how the track’s going to evolve. But everybody has kind of been dealt the same card, so you’ve got to figure it out, deal with it and make the most of the situation you’ve got.”   Bowman Gray is a different animal from, let’s say, Martinsville, where you kind of experienced that last year. Is there any way you can prepare for the level of physicality this track provides, or is it just you go out there and see what happens? “Yeah, I mean, there’s no way to prepare for it, right? You can go on iRacing, and I’m sure that iRacing would probably be pretty similar to how it’s going to be today with everybody hitting each other. And that’s really the only way to pass. It’s hard to pass here without making contact, so it just leads to being a physical race. I think everybody knows that coming in, so that’s why you don’t see tempers flare. Obviously, people get upset, and you can get mad. But at the end of the day, it’s expected.  It’s bound to happen. You can’t let it get to you. You can’t get emotional. You’ve just got to focus on making your next best corner and making the most of the next opportunity you have.  It’s certainly going to be new to me. I’ve never raced at a track like this before. I raced at Flat Rock in Michigan in the ARCA Series once, but ARCA is obviously a lot different than the Cup Series.  It’s going to be an experience for me, and I’ve got a lot to learn, but I’m excited. I mean, I feel like starting off the year here, it’s kind of low pressure. We’re not racing for points. Just go out and do your best to make the show.”  You kind of mentioned earlier you don’t have expectations going into this year in regards to goals. But now that you have had time to reflect on last year, is there anything that you felt like you struggled on the most that maybe you want to get better at for this year as a driver?“Yeah, I mean, we all have our struggles, right? And nobody’s perfect. Obviously I feel like there’s things that I can work on. I feel like last year, there were a couple of tracks I struggled at, and I feel like I did let myself get a little bit too comfortable at points. I knew my cars were going to be good every week, and that can lead to having that expectation that no matter what happens, I’m going to go out and contend for a win, and I think that’s a bad mindset to have. So obviously that’s not going to be the case this year. I’m not going to have the expectation to go out and win every week, so that’s going to change. But I feel like just making sure that I stay hungry no matter what’s going on is important. and I think that that’s going to be more so the case this year, with the fact that I’m going to have to catch up to the guys that I’m around. And I know that going into it, so I’m ready for that challenge. I know I’ve got a lot ahead of me. I’ve got a lot of races ahead of me. I’ve got a lot of experience and lessons over the next 40 weeks. But that excites me.”   We always hear seat time is critical. You can’t get enough seat time. But you’ve already been in the Rolex 24. You finished second there. So already having that in there, how does running the Rolex 24 help you prepare for what you’re facing now?“I don’t know if it really gets any more opposite than the Rolex 24 in a hybrid hypercar versus coming to Bowman Gray in a Cup car (laughs). But it’s good to get all the muscles warmed up and get back in a competitive spirit. That was my first time racing at the highest level of IMSA. And, you know, I’m going into my first year in the Cup Series, which is the highest level of NASCAR. So it was good to get that challenge. I struggled at first in that, just like I expect to have to learn here, as well.  I’m just excited to go through it, right? I’ve got a great team around me with Trackhouse Racing and Chevrolet. Did the Rolex prepare me for today? I wouldn’t say those two correlate all that much. But the experience of racing at the highest level and having a lot of great people around me and surrounding me at that race is definitely helpful. And the more experience like that I can get, the better. So, yeah, I’m excited for this season. I’ve got a lot to look forward to with a great team around me at Trackhouse and great teammates with Shane (Van Gisbergen) and Ross (Chastain). Yeah, just excited to hopefully make the most of it.”  To that point about practice, it’s been a few years since we’ve had any practice and all that stuff. I assume teams have adapted to that. But with drivers coming up, what does allow you to close the gap, if at all? Is it sim? Do you still watch tape? What can help a young driver now that we’ve had a few years that maybe you can look back on? “Yeah, I mean, it’s tough. There’s not really an answer to that one. You know, I’m 19 years old, and 15 years ago, you’d say the way to make up the experience is to just go pound laps each week and be at the track four days a week and test every day. But, you know, nowadays, there is no way to make up experience, right? Everyone runs the same amount of laps each year. We all race 38 weekends, and we all practice and qualify each week, and that’s all we do. So, you know, no matter what I do, I’m lacking four years of Next Gen experience compared to the guys that I’m racing against. So yeah, you can do as much as you can. I’ve got a great group of people at Chevrolet with Josh Wise and everybody over there who I work with each week to prepare. But at the end of the day, there is no way to make up experience. And at the highest level, that’s tough to accept. But, you know, I’m in a spot where I have to adapt and learn and figure things out quickly. I think all the rookies who have gone to the Cup Series know that. They understand that you can’t sit here and complain about it because there’s nothing you can do about it. So, yeah, you’ve just got to figure things out quickly; adapt and be adaptable, and I think that’s the only way you can do it. The simulators are great. They help. But at the end of the day, it’s nothing like strapping into a race car and going out and racing for real.”  You talked about how tonight is a low-pressure situation and kind of wanting to navigate and don’t let the highs get too high and lows get too low. I’m curious, with making this transition and leap, what is some specific advice that you’ve received from veteran drivers or other people across the sport when embarking on this rookie campaign?“Yeah, I feel like I touched on it a little bit. I’ve had a lot of people tell me that it’s not going to be easy. You’re going to have a lot of bad weeks, and you’re going to lose a lot more than you’re going to win. I feel like I’ve had a lot of great advice. I want people to be honest with me. I don’t want people to fluff me. You know, I want to be able to get honest advice from people that I can trust, and I feel like I’ve gotten that. I feel like going into this year, my biggest goal and my mindset is just to try and get better each week and kind of ignore what the results are because the results will fluctuate. You know, you’ll have good weeks and bad weeks, but if I look back on the year and I say that I’m the same driver today that I will be in November at Homestead, then that’s when I know that I’ve done something wrong.  So I’d say the biggest advice and the advice I’ve heard the most is just to have fun and enjoy it. Don’t let it get to you. Don’t let the moment be too big. Just always remember to try and have fun because if you’re going to be here for a long time, you can get burnt out quick, if you are too hard on yourself.”

Wieland Winter Nationals Ready to Ignite at All-Tech Raceway

BATAVIA, Ohio (February 4, 2026) – All-Tech Raceway will welcome the nation’s best dirt late model competitors for three nights of racing as the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing returns Wednesday through Saturday, February 18th through 21st. The kickoff to the Wieland Winter Nationals will showcase the nation’s top dirt late competitors. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing will headline the event with a full program of racing each night. The action begins on Wednesday, February 18 with an Open Practice for all competing divisions. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing will compete on its own on Thursday, February 19. On Friday, the Jett Concrete Works 604 Late Models join the program, with drivers taking part in time trials and preliminary heat races for the Steve Whitener Memorial. The 604 Late Models wrap up on Saturday with B-Mains and a 50-lap, $5,000-to-win A-Main feature. The All-Tech Raceway Crown Vics will also be in action on Saturday, February 21st.  Pit gates are scheduled to open at 2:00 PM each day, with grandstand gates opening at 3:00 PM. On-track action will begin with Dirt Draft Hot Laps at 6:00 PM, followed by Allstar Performance Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains and nightly A-Mains. All-Tech Raceway is conveniently located just off I-75, Exit 414 at 1024 SW Howell Road in Lake City, Florida. For additional event information, fans can visit AllTechRaceway.comor follow All-Tech Raceway on social media. Camping reservations are available by calling (386) 754-7223 on weekdays between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM. For the latest news, results, championship standings, and more about the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing, please visit LucasDirt.com. All-Tech Raceway Purses:Thursday, February 19: 1. $10,000, 2. $5,500, 3. $3,500, 4. $2,700, 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. $1,000, 15. $950, 16. $925, 17. $900, 18. $875, 19. $850, 20. $825, 21. $800, 22. $800, 23. $800, 24. $800 = $48,575 Friday, February 20: 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 = $52,800 Saturday, February 21: 1. $15,000, 2. $7,000, 3. $5,000, 4. $4,000, 5. $3,000, 6. $2,500, 7. $2,400, 8. $2,300, 9. $2,200, 10. $2,100, 11. $2,000, 12. $1,800, 13. $1,600, 14. $1,500, 15. $1,400, 16. $1,300, 17. $1,200, 18. $1,100, 19. $1,000, 20. $1,000, 21. $1,000, 22. $1,000, 23. $1,000, 24. $1,000. = $63,400 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Tire Rule:Fronts/Left Rear – Hoosier (90) NLMT2Right Rear – Hoosier (92) NLMT2, (92) NLMT3

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 4, 2026) – The 2026 edition of Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals has brought several memorable moments from the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds.

Tuesday’s program was no exception as the night at Volusia Speedway Park provided unpredictability, with first-time Feature winners, last-lap drama, and a look at the drivers seeking to leave Saturday night hoisting the Big Gator title.

Here’s a look at how each Feature went down:

Feature #1 

David Stremme rode a wave of up-and-down finishes during the first four nights of Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. But on the fifth night, the surf ended with another trip to Victory Lane at Volusia Speedway Park. 

When the first Tuesday night Feature commenced, Stremme took the lead from the outside pole, passing polesitter Aidan Hinds on the entrance into Turn 1. 

However, Hinds saw the lead almost come back into his hands before the second lap when Stremme washed up the track off Turn 4, allowing Hinds to get underneath him. The two raced side by side for a lap before Stremme got a strong enough run off Turn 4 to build a gap between him and Hind. 

Shortly after, a caution brought the field back together. When the race resumed, Stremme pulled away, and Ricky Thornton Jr., with two Little Gator trophies already, passed Hind for second. 

Stremme maintained over a second lead for most of the Feature, but in a long-run situation, Thornton’s car started to come alive. 

With three laps to go, Thornton cut Stremme’s lead down to a few tenths. With two laps to go, he dove into Turn 1, going from three car lengths back to underneath Stremme in the corner. But Stremme had a better run off Turn 2 and kept the No. 20RT behind him. 

Knowing Thornton was on his tail, Stremme got up on the wheel to drive to his ninth DIRTcar Nationals golden gator trophy. 

“Our car wasn’t very good,” Stremme said. “The track has been great here. We had to go to work, work on some stuff. This is a brand-new car. It’s been pretty good. We just had to work on some things. Trevor (Neville) has been really good with his new car. We got with a bunch of guys and just started saying, ‘Hey, what do we have to do here?’ 

“We’ve had an OK effort here and really had to throw some things at it. To beat Ricky, he was tough. He’s so good, and he’s on his game, and I knew I had to be on the wheel. So, it feels pretty good to beat him.” 

RESULTS: Feature 1 (20 Laps): 1. 35-David Stremme[2]; 2. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[4]; 3. 01-Aidan Hinds[1]; 4. 45H-Kyle Hammer[12]; 5. J82-Treb Jacoby[11]; 6. 27-Jason Garver[7]; 7. 7J-Justin Allgaier[9]; 8. 57-Charlie Sandercock[8]; 9. 8-Jimmy Lennex Jr[13]; 10. 3F-Rob Fuqua[15]; 11. 28-Mason Lobb[10]; 12. 1H-Ben Harmon[14]; 13. 55-Blaze Melton[16]; 14. 28B-Jason Brookover[3]; 15. 72H-Tristan Chamberlain[6]; 16. (DNS) 17T-Tyler Evans 

Feature #2 

Koehler Motorsports has been one of the top teams throughout the 55th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals, with Ricky Thornton Jr. in contention for the win every night. But a new Koehler driver led the charge Tuesday night. 

Jordan Koehler scored his first DIRTcar Nationals victory after besting the likes of Monday night winner Mike McKinney and veteran Modified driver Ray Bollinger. 

McKinney led the first two laps before a caution came out on Lap 2. When the race resumed, Koehler flipped on his hyperdrive, rocketing around the outside of second-place Ray Kable and McKinney through Turns 1-2. He cleared both by the time his No. 114 car reached the backstretch and continued to drive away. 

A caution on Lap 14 saw McKinney’s chances of scoring back-to-back wins end due to a flat right rear tire.  

When the race resumed, Ray Bollinger, who started 12th, continued his climb, going from sixth to second in a lap. However, the restart ended up as the only highlight of the race for him, as Koehler set sail out front. 

His victory brought Koehler Motorsports to three wins in four days. 

“I was really pumped,” Koehler said about earning his first Little Gator. “I was watching my stick guy, Bryce, there, and I hit a hole and probably about gave it away. But, no, I was really pumped.” 

RESULTS: Feature 2 (20 Laps): 1. 114-Jordan Koehler[3]; 2. 77B-Ray Bollinger[12]; 3. 7-Evan Taylor[7]; 4. 05-Dave Wietholder[13]; 5. 35H-Michael Altobelli[8]; 6. 21C-Drew Charlson[10]; 7. 17W-Mikey Wilson[11]; 8. 99K-Ray Kable[2]; 9. 114K-Evan Koehler[4]; 10. 56-Chris Wilson[6]; 11. 9-Ken Schrader[5]; 12. 96M-Mike McKinney[1]; 13. 11Z-Zane Oedewaldt[15]; 14. 5B-Bobby Bagley[9]; 15. 11-Dylan Drake[14]; 16. 10X-Billy Uptegraff[16] 

Feature #3

After coming up one spot short twice in the last four races, Trevor Neville finally punched through to Volusia Victory Lane Tuesday night in dominant fashion. 

Neville, 25, of Mackinaw, IL, started on the outside of the front row and had only one challenge to beat when polesitter Tyler Spalding gave him a run through Turns 1 and 2 and down the backstretch on the opening lap. Side-by-side they raced into Turn 3, but Neville’s high-side momentum carried him off Turn 4 with greater speed as he zoomed past Spalding into the lead at the flag stand. 

From there, Neville was nearly untouchable out front. He fended off all opponents through multiple restarts, including multi-time DIRTcar Nationals Feature winner Kenny Wallace, who nearly pulled alongside Neville on the final restart. 

In the end, Neville led the field back around to the checkered flag to collect the fourth gator trophy of his career. 

“We’ve got this new Lethal Chassis, this Ryan engine, we’ve got a buddy here from Freedom Race Lifts, so we’re having a good ol’ time this weekend,” Neville said. “David Stremme and us, hopefully we keep knocking a few more out this week with the Lethal boys, Neville Farms and Multi-Fire Spark Plug Wires.” 

RESULTS: Feature 3 (20 Laps): 1. 777-Trevor Neville[2]; 2. 36-Kenny Wallace[3]; 3. 1TS-Tyler Spalding[1]; 4. 712-Drake Troutman[7]; 5. 21CZ-Cole Czarneski[8]; 6. X-Wyatt Scott[5]; 7. 31G-Stephen Pedulla[12]; 8. 11D-Brian Diveley[13]; 9. 17X-Richard Michael Jr[14]; 10. 3S-Josh Sanford[4]; 11. 1-Eric Kinney II[10]; 12. 00B-Buzzie Reutimann[15]; 13. 17C-Coleman Evans[9]; 14. 52-Mikey Kopka[11]; 15. 72-Todd Neiheiser[6]; 16. (DNS) 81K-Kyle Cole

Feature #4

In the wildest ending of any UMP Modified Feature run over the past five days, Chris Wilson scored his first career DIRTcar Nationals win with a last-lap pass after white-flag leaders Zeke McKezie and Charlie Mefford came together in the final corners. 

Wilson, 45, of Louisa, KY, had led the first 13 laps but had slipped back to third for a green/white-checkered finish. As the green flag waved with Zeke McKenzie leading, Charlie Mefford got a big run on the outside through Turns 1 and 2 and nearly pulled even with McKenzie down the backstretch. 

Mefford drove deep down low into Turn 3 with speed and made contact with McKenzie, sending Mefford’s No. 13 car around in front of the field. This opened the door for Wilson coming through on the bottom as he sped past the colliding drivers, took the lead out of Turn 4 and beat everyone to the checkered flag to score the win in epic fashion. 

“I know [Mefford] is a younger kid, and I was hoping that maybe he was a little more aggressive than an older guy like me,” Wilson said. “I put myself in position, and it worked out in our favor.” 

RESULTS: Feature 4 (20 Laps): 1. 17-Chris Wilson[1]; 2. 24-Zeke McKenzie[4]; 3. 7D-Brad DeYoung[3]; 4. 14-Dalton Lane[10]; 5. 97-Mitch Thomas[5]; 6. 99H-Justin Haley[8]; 7. 15X-Justin Stone[2]; 8. 21B-Hunter Breland[6]; 9. 13-Charlie Mefford[7]; 10. 81C-Christopher Cole[16]; 11. T9-Zack Tate[13]; 12. 25B-Greg Belyea[15]; 13. 99W-Wade Olmsted[12]; 14. 11N-Gene Nicholas[14]; 15. 78-Rich Pratt[9]; 16. 46-Matt Crafton[11]

Feature #5

After struggling through Monday with 14th and 16th-place finishes, Tyler Nicely turned the pendulum in his direction with a trip to Volusia Victory Lane for the first time since his 2024 Big Gator championship on Tuesday.

The Owensboro, KY driver brought the field to the green flag for the fifth Feature as outside starter Cole Hilton slotted into second place. On Lap 2, Hilton lost control of his Modified and slid across the middle of the track, collecting seven cars and ending his chances to fight for a Golden Gator.

When the field restacked for the restart, Nicely kept control at the front as Kyle Strickler took over second place and Pierce McCarter occupied third. As each lap ticked, Nicely used the clean air to his advantage by reaching a two-second lead before he entered lap traffic at the halfway mark.

When the lapped cars blocked space for Nicely to use in passing, the “High Side Tickler” chopped the gap by using the cushion around each corner of the “World’s Fastest Half Mile” – reaching his back bumper by Lap 15.

Nicely picked up the pace once Strickler arrived at the back bumper of the No. 25 Elite Chassis and started diverting from the cushion to use the lapped cars to his advantage.

When Strickler cut to the bottom on Lap 18, he immediately lost control of the car entering Turn 1 and began to spin. However, the Mooresville, NC, racer was able to save the car and maintained second place while Nicely drove away to his 11th Golden Gator trophy.

“I’m just glad I have a good crew behind me,” Nicely said. “Special thanks to Nick [Hoffman] for coming down this morning and helping us get everything back together. Brandon and Blade, they help me all week, so just thankful to have a good crew behind me.”

RESULTS: Feature 5 (20 Laps): 1. 25-Tyler Nicely[1]; 2. 8S-Kyle Strickler[4]; 3. 71-Pierce McCarter[6]; 4. 51-Dalton Lanich[8]; 5. 0-Glenn Styres[14]; 6. 49-Brian Ruhlman[5]; 7. 66-Adam Wright[9]; 8. 43A-Mark Anderson[10]; 9. 3G-Bryce Graber[13]; 10. T23-Adam Ogle[15]; 11. 60-Jim Manka[12]; 12. 2K-Taylor Kuehl[16]; 13. 99-Cole Hilton[2]; 14. 60F-Shannon Fisk[3]; 15. 84-Ryan Toole[11]; 16. 155-Peyton Harlow[7]

Feature #6

While Will Krup left Tuesday with a DIRTcar Nationals Feature win, he also has work ahead of him to keep a Big Gator hunt in his favor.

The Mt. Carmel, IL driver started in the second row behind polesitter Michael Ledford for the start of the 20-lap Feature. Entering the first turn, Ledford jumped the entrance of Turn 1 and lost momentum by sliding up to the exit of Turn 2. Krup capitalized by powering his Modified under Ledford into Turn 3 and secured the lead on the opening lap.

At the helm of the field, Krup extended his lead to 3.3 seconds over Ledford until the first caution waved on Lap 9. The Illinois native held the lead in his possession as he built the distance to Ledford by 1.9 seconds using the bottom lane throughout the second half.

As Krup made his way to the exit of Turn 4 on the final lap, he drove through a slick patch across the bottom and darted into the outside wall. The “Land of Lincoln” driver limped the damaged No. K9 to a seventh Golden Gator trophy, but will evaluate the work that lies ahead for his chance at a first Big Gator championship.

“There was a bunch of water down there off of [Turn 4],” Krup said regarding the accident. “It wasn’t there the previous lap, and I was already committed there. By the time I had seen it and tried to slow down, the car took off and went straight into the wall.”

RESULTS: Feature 6 (20 Laps): 1. K9-Will Krup[3]; 2. 09-Michael Ledford[1]; 3. 10Y-Trent Young[8]; 4. 66F-Cole Falloway[5]; 5. 77D-George Dixon[4]; 6. 54-Zachary Hawk[2]; 7. 12L-Lucas Lee[14]; 8. 70B-Ty Norder[12]; 9. 0K-Damian Kiefer[9]; 10. 5T-Jonathan Taylor[6]; 11. 29C-Joey Cotterman[15]; 12. 88-Cody Thornhill[16]; 13. 114B-Clayton Bryant[10]; 14. 90-Jason Beaulieu[7]; 15. 43J-Jacob Hall[11]; 16. 21J-Clay Harris[13]

Up Next: The DIRTcar UMP Modifieds enter the second half of the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals visit with the set of six Features on deck for Wednesday, Feb. 4. The Modifieds will share the track with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series for their season opener.

DIRTCAR NATIONALS INFO

How can you watch every lap of racing at Volusia Speedway Park? Live on DIRTVision.

TUESDAY GATORS: Stremme, Koehler, Neville, Wilson, Nicely, Krup Capture Golden Gators at DIRTcar Nationals

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 4, 2026) – The 2026 edition of Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals has brought several memorable moments from the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds.

Tuesday’s program was no exception as the night at Volusia Speedway Park provided unpredictability, with first-time Feature winners, last-lap drama, and a look at the drivers seeking to leave Saturday night hoisting the Big Gator title.

Here’s a look at how each Feature went down:

Feature #1 

David Stremme rode a wave of up-and-down finishes during the first four nights of Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. But on the fifth night, the surf ended with another trip to Victory Lane at Volusia Speedway Park. 

When the first Tuesday night Feature commenced, Stremme took the lead from the outside pole, passing polesitter Aidan Hinds on the entrance into Turn 1. 

However, Hinds saw the lead almost come back into his hands before the second lap when Stremme washed up the track off Turn 4, allowing Hinds to get underneath him. The two raced side by side for a lap before Stremme got a strong enough run off Turn 4 to build a gap between him and Hind. 

Shortly after, a caution brought the field back together. When the race resumed, Stremme pulled away, and Ricky Thornton Jr., with two Little Gator trophies already, passed Hind for second. 

Stremme maintained over a second lead for most of the Feature, but in a long-run situation, Thornton’s car started to come alive. 

With three laps to go, Thornton cut Stremme’s lead down to a few tenths. With two laps to go, he dove into Turn 1, going from three car lengths back to underneath Stremme in the corner. But Stremme had a better run off Turn 2 and kept the No. 20RT behind him. 

Knowing Thornton was on his tail, Stremme got up on the wheel to drive to his ninth DIRTcar Nationals golden gator trophy. 

“Our car wasn’t very good,” Stremme said. “The track has been great here. We had to go to work, work on some stuff. This is a brand-new car. It’s been pretty good. We just had to work on some things. Trevor (Neville) has been really good with his new car. We got with a bunch of guys and just started saying, ‘Hey, what do we have to do here?’ 

“We’ve had an OK effort here and really had to throw some things at it. To beat Ricky, he was tough. He’s so good, and he’s on his game, and I knew I had to be on the wheel. So, it feels pretty good to beat him.” 

RESULTS: Feature 1 (20 Laps): 1. 35-David Stremme[2]; 2. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[4]; 3. 01-Aidan Hinds[1]; 4. 45H-Kyle Hammer[12]; 5. J82-Treb Jacoby[11]; 6. 27-Jason Garver[7]; 7. 7J-Justin Allgaier[9]; 8. 57-Charlie Sandercock[8]; 9. 8-Jimmy Lennex Jr[13]; 10. 3F-Rob Fuqua[15]; 11. 28-Mason Lobb[10]; 12. 1H-Ben Harmon[14]; 13. 55-Blaze Melton[16]; 14. 28B-Jason Brookover[3]; 15. 72H-Tristan Chamberlain[6]; 16. (DNS) 17T-Tyler Evans 

Feature #2 

Koehler Motorsports has been one of the top teams throughout the 55th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals, with Ricky Thornton Jr. in contention for the win every night. But a new Koehler driver led the charge Tuesday night. 

Jordan Koehler scored his first DIRTcar Nationals victory after besting the likes of Monday night winner Mike McKinney and veteran Modified driver Ray Bollinger. 

McKinney led the first two laps before a caution came out on Lap 2. When the race resumed, Koehler flipped on his hyperdrive, rocketing around the outside of second-place Ray Kable and McKinney through Turns 1-2. He cleared both by the time his No. 114 car reached the backstretch and continued to drive away. 

A caution on Lap 14 saw McKinney’s chances of scoring back-to-back wins end due to a flat right rear tire.  

When the race resumed, Ray Bollinger, who started 12th, continued his climb, going from sixth to second in a lap. However, the restart ended up as the only highlight of the race for him, as Koehler set sail out front. 

His victory brought Koehler Motorsports to three wins in four days. 

“I was really pumped,” Koehler said about earning his first Little Gator. “I was watching my stick guy, Bryce, there, and I hit a hole and probably about gave it away. But, no, I was really pumped.” 

RESULTS: Feature 2 (20 Laps): 1. 114-Jordan Koehler[3]; 2. 77B-Ray Bollinger[12]; 3. 7-Evan Taylor[7]; 4. 05-Dave Wietholder[13]; 5. 35H-Michael Altobelli[8]; 6. 21C-Drew Charlson[10]; 7. 17W-Mikey Wilson[11]; 8. 99K-Ray Kable[2]; 9. 114K-Evan Koehler[4]; 10. 56-Chris Wilson[6]; 11. 9-Ken Schrader[5]; 12. 96M-Mike McKinney[1]; 13. 11Z-Zane Oedewaldt[15]; 14. 5B-Bobby Bagley[9]; 15. 11-Dylan Drake[14]; 16. 10X-Billy Uptegraff[16] 

Feature #3

After coming up one spot short twice in the last four races, Trevor Neville finally punched through to Volusia Victory Lane Tuesday night in dominant fashion. 

Neville, 25, of Mackinaw, IL, started on the outside of the front row and had only one challenge to beat when polesitter Tyler Spalding gave him a run through Turns 1 and 2 and down the backstretch on the opening lap. Side-by-side they raced into Turn 3, but Neville’s high-side momentum carried him off Turn 4 with greater speed as he zoomed past Spalding into the lead at the flag stand. 

From there, Neville was nearly untouchable out front. He fended off all opponents through multiple restarts, including multi-time DIRTcar Nationals Feature winner Kenny Wallace, who nearly pulled alongside Neville on the final restart. 

In the end, Neville led the field back around to the checkered flag to collect the fourth gator trophy of his career. 

“We’ve got this new Lethal Chassis, this Ryan engine, we’ve got a buddy here from Freedom Race Lifts, so we’re having a good ol’ time this weekend,” Neville said. “David Stremme and us, hopefully we keep knocking a few more out this week with the Lethal boys, Neville Farms and Multi-Fire Spark Plug Wires.” 

RESULTS: Feature 3 (20 Laps): 1. 777-Trevor Neville[2]; 2. 36-Kenny Wallace[3]; 3. 1TS-Tyler Spalding[1]; 4. 712-Drake Troutman[7]; 5. 21CZ-Cole Czarneski[8]; 6. X-Wyatt Scott[5]; 7. 31G-Stephen Pedulla[12]; 8. 11D-Brian Diveley[13]; 9. 17X-Richard Michael Jr[14]; 10. 3S-Josh Sanford[4]; 11. 1-Eric Kinney II[10]; 12. 00B-Buzzie Reutimann[15]; 13. 17C-Coleman Evans[9]; 14. 52-Mikey Kopka[11]; 15. 72-Todd Neiheiser[6]; 16. (DNS) 81K-Kyle Cole

Feature #4

In the wildest ending of any UMP Modified Feature run over the past five days, Chris Wilson scored his first career DIRTcar Nationals win with a last-lap pass after white-flag leaders Zeke McKezie and Charlie Mefford came together in the final corners. 

Wilson, 45, of Louisa, KY, had led the first 13 laps but had slipped back to third for a green/white-checkered finish. As the green flag waved with Zeke McKenzie leading, Charlie Mefford got a big run on the outside through Turns 1 and 2 and nearly pulled even with McKenzie down the backstretch. 

Mefford drove deep down low into Turn 3 with speed and made contact with McKenzie, sending Mefford’s No. 13 car around in front of the field. This opened the door for Wilson coming through on the bottom as he sped past the colliding drivers, took the lead out of Turn 4 and beat everyone to the checkered flag to score the win in epic fashion. 

“I know [Mefford] is a younger kid, and I was hoping that maybe he was a little more aggressive than an older guy like me,” Wilson said. “I put myself in position, and it worked out in our favor.” 

RESULTS: Feature 4 (20 Laps): 1. 17-Chris Wilson[1]; 2. 24-Zeke McKenzie[4]; 3. 7D-Brad DeYoung[3]; 4. 14-Dalton Lane[10]; 5. 97-Mitch Thomas[5]; 6. 99H-Justin Haley[8]; 7. 15X-Justin Stone[2]; 8. 21B-Hunter Breland[6]; 9. 13-Charlie Mefford[7]; 10. 81C-Christopher Cole[16]; 11. T9-Zack Tate[13]; 12. 25B-Greg Belyea[15]; 13. 99W-Wade Olmsted[12]; 14. 11N-Gene Nicholas[14]; 15. 78-Rich Pratt[9]; 16. 46-Matt Crafton[11]

Feature #5

After struggling through Monday with 14th and 16th-place finishes, Tyler Nicely turned the pendulum in his direction with a trip to Volusia Victory Lane for the first time since his 2024 Big Gator championship on Tuesday.

The Owensboro, KY driver brought the field to the green flag for the fifth Feature as outside starter Cole Hilton slotted into second place. On Lap 2, Hilton lost control of his Modified and slid across the middle of the track, collecting seven cars and ending his chances to fight for a Golden Gator.

When the field restacked for the restart, Nicely kept control at the front as Kyle Strickler took over second place and Pierce McCarter occupied third. As each lap ticked, Nicely used the clean air to his advantage by reaching a two-second lead before he entered lap traffic at the halfway mark.

When the lapped cars blocked space for Nicely to use in passing, the “High Side Tickler” chopped the gap by using the cushion around each corner of the “World’s Fastest Half Mile” – reaching his back bumper by Lap 15.

Nicely picked up the pace once Strickler arrived at the back bumper of the No. 25 Elite Chassis and started diverting from the cushion to use the lapped cars to his advantage.

When Strickler cut to the bottom on Lap 18, he immediately lost control of the car entering Turn 1 and began to spin. However, the Mooresville, NC, racer was able to save the car and maintained second place while Nicely drove away to his 11th Golden Gator trophy.

“I’m just glad I have a good crew behind me,” Nicely said. “Special thanks to Nick [Hoffman] for coming down this morning and helping us get everything back together. Brandon and Blade, they help me all week, so just thankful to have a good crew behind me.”

RESULTS: Feature 5 (20 Laps): 1. 25-Tyler Nicely[1]; 2. 8S-Kyle Strickler[4]; 3. 71-Pierce McCarter[6]; 4. 51-Dalton Lanich[8]; 5. 0-Glenn Styres[14]; 6. 49-Brian Ruhlman[5]; 7. 66-Adam Wright[9]; 8. 43A-Mark Anderson[10]; 9. 3G-Bryce Graber[13]; 10. T23-Adam Ogle[15]; 11. 60-Jim Manka[12]; 12. 2K-Taylor Kuehl[16]; 13. 99-Cole Hilton[2]; 14. 60F-Shannon Fisk[3]; 15. 84-Ryan Toole[11]; 16. 155-Peyton Harlow[7]

Feature #6

While Will Krup left Tuesday with a DIRTcar Nationals Feature win, he also has work ahead of him to keep a Big Gator hunt in his favor.

The Mt. Carmel, IL driver started in the second row behind polesitter Michael Ledford for the start of the 20-lap Feature. Entering the first turn, Ledford jumped the entrance of Turn 1 and lost momentum by sliding up to the exit of Turn 2. Krup capitalized by powering his Modified under Ledford into Turn 3 and secured the lead on the opening lap.

At the helm of the field, Krup extended his lead to 3.3 seconds over Ledford until the first caution waved on Lap 9. The Illinois native held the lead in his possession as he built the distance to Ledford by 1.9 seconds using the bottom lane throughout the second half.

As Krup made his way to the exit of Turn 4 on the final lap, he drove through a slick patch across the bottom and darted into the outside wall. The “Land of Lincoln” driver limped the damaged No. K9 to a seventh Golden Gator trophy, but will evaluate the work that lies ahead for his chance at a first Big Gator championship.

“There was a bunch of water down there off of [Turn 4],” Krup said regarding the accident. “It wasn’t there the previous lap, and I was already committed there. By the time I had seen it and tried to slow down, the car took off and went straight into the wall.”

RESULTS: Feature 6 (20 Laps): 1. K9-Will Krup[3]; 2. 09-Michael Ledford[1]; 3. 10Y-Trent Young[8]; 4. 66F-Cole Falloway[5]; 5. 77D-George Dixon[4]; 6. 54-Zachary Hawk[2]; 7. 12L-Lucas Lee[14]; 8. 70B-Ty Norder[12]; 9. 0K-Damian Kiefer[9]; 10. 5T-Jonathan Taylor[6]; 11. 29C-Joey Cotterman[15]; 12. 88-Cody Thornhill[16]; 13. 114B-Clayton Bryant[10]; 14. 90-Jason Beaulieu[7]; 15. 43J-Jacob Hall[11]; 16. 21J-Clay Harris[13]

Up Next: The DIRTcar UMP Modifieds enter the second half of the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals visit with the set of six Features on deck for Wednesday, Feb. 4. The Modifieds will share the track with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series for their season opener.

DIRTCAR NATIONALS INFO

How can you watch every lap of racing at Volusia Speedway Park? Live on DIRTVision.

ARTICLE: https://dirtcar.com/dirtcar-ump/tuesday-gators-stremme-koehler-neville-wilson-nicely-krup-capture-golden-gators-at-dirtcar-nationals/

CONCORD, NC (February 3, 2026) – It’s happening. Emerson Axsom is hitting the road full-time with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.

Fresh off the biggest win of his career at the Chili Bowl Nationals, the 21-year-old has finalized plans for a rookie campaign with The Greatest Show on Dirt aboard the Klaasmeyer/Petry Motorsports (KPM) No. 27. The addition of Axsom brings the Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year contestants up to five as he joins Ashton Torgerson, Scotty Thiel, Scott Bogucki, and Kasey Jedrzejek.

Axsom is one of the sport’s brightest young talents, and his stock rose rapidly over the last couple years as his focus became Winged Sprint Cars. He got his feet wet with wings in 2023 before completely committing in 2024. He took the KPM machine to victories at Lincoln Park Speedway with the Interstate Racing Association (IRA) and at the famed Knoxville Raceway with both a 410 and 360 under the hood. The Franklin, IN native led laps and podiumed in only his sixth World of Outlaws Feature start at Beaver Dam Raceway and has since landed on the podium three more times. Last year, Axsom notched his first All Star Circuit of Champions checkered flag at Eldora Speedway.

Now, it’s time to take his talents to the highest level the sport has to offer and face the best night in and night out.

“It’s awesome,” Axsom said. “I’m just thankful for the opportunity with Dale Klaasmeyer and Scott Petry. I think, obviously, it’s going to be really tough, but I feel like I’ve done a lot of tough things in my racing career and jumped in with both feet. Obviously, the Outlaws is the highest form of racing, but I feel like we’re up for the challenge and excited for the opportunity.”

The Chili Bowl champion is no stranger to the road. He competed with the USAC National Midgets in 2021 and the USAC National Sprint Cars for two consecutive years (2022-2023). The KPM team attended the first 19 World of Outlaws races in 2025, and when Giovanni Scelzi parted ways with KCP Racing in July, Axsom got the call to fill in for a two-month stretch. The overall résumé for Axsom shows 62 career Feature starts and 24 top 10s with The Greatest Show on Dirt. His best finish is a runner-up at Angell Park Speedway in October.

It’s not only a huge step in Axsom’s career, but also a dream come true for car owners Dale Klaasmeyer and Scott Petry. They’ve been wanting the right opportunity to put a car on the World of Outlaws tour, and Axsom intends to make them proud.

“I’m super thankful to have the right people behind me,” Axsom said. “Like you saw when I jumped in the 18 car (KCP Racing), this car didn’t race a single time. They told me the whole time, ‘If it doesn’t work, then we’re gearing up for 2026.’ Obviously, that opportunity didn’t work out. It was a great opportunity, and I’m thankful for it, but I think everything happens for a reason, right? I’m excited to be in this car and grateful to be in this car.”

Axsom may be a rookie, but this “Hoosier” has high hopes. He’s proven he can contend with the best, and now he’s ready to test himself by slugging it out with them over the nine-month journey that’ll take him coast to coast with more than 20 states on the schedule.

“I don’t really know what to do on expectations or goals,” Axsom admitted. “But I think if we unload every night with the attitude of wanting to win and the goal to win, then I think only good things can happen.”

Axsom and the Klaasmeyer/Petry crew will begin the 2026 campaign this week in Florida at Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Feb. 4-7).

Where can you get tickets to see the World of Outlaws in 2026? Click to see the full schedule.

Where can you watch every World of Outlaws race? Live on DIRTVision.

Emerson Axsom, Klaasmeyer/Petry Motorsports Going Full-Time with World of Outlaws in 2026

CONCORD, NC (February 3, 2026) – It’s happening. Emerson Axsom is hitting the road full-time with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.

Fresh off the biggest win of his career at the Chili Bowl Nationals, the 21-year-old has finalized plans for a rookie campaign with The Greatest Show on Dirt aboard the Klaasmeyer/Petry Motorsports (KPM) No. 27. The addition of Axsom brings the Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year contestants up to five as he joins Ashton Torgerson, Scotty Thiel, Scott Bogucki, and Kasey Jedrzejek.

Axsom is one of the sport’s brightest young talents, and his stock rose rapidly over the last couple years as his focus became Winged Sprint Cars. He got his feet wet with wings in 2023 before completely committing in 2024. He took the KPM machine to victories at Lincoln Park Speedway with the Interstate Racing Association (IRA) and at the famed Knoxville Raceway with both a 410 and 360 under the hood. The Franklin, IN native led laps and podiumed in only his sixth World of Outlaws Feature start at Beaver Dam Raceway and has since landed on the podium three more times. Last year, Axsom notched his first All Star Circuit of Champions checkered flag at Eldora Speedway.

Now, it’s time to take his talents to the highest level the sport has to offer and face the best night in and night out.

“It’s awesome,” Axsom said. “I’m just thankful for the opportunity with Dale Klaasmeyer and Scott Petry. I think, obviously, it’s going to be really tough, but I feel like I’ve done a lot of tough things in my racing career and jumped in with both feet. Obviously, the Outlaws is the highest form of racing, but I feel like we’re up for the challenge and excited for the opportunity.”

The Chili Bowl champion is no stranger to the road. He competed with the USAC National Midgets in 2021 and the USAC National Sprint Cars for two consecutive years (2022-2023). The KPM team attended the first 19 World of Outlaws races in 2025, and when Giovanni Scelzi parted ways with KCP Racing in July, Axsom got the call to fill in for a two-month stretch. The overall résumé for Axsom shows 62 career Feature starts and 24 top 10s with The Greatest Show on Dirt. His best finish is a runner-up at Angell Park Speedway in October.

It’s not only a huge step in Axsom’s career, but also a dream come true for car owners Dale Klaasmeyer and Scott Petry. They’ve been wanting the right opportunity to put a car on the World of Outlaws tour, and Axsom intends to make them proud.

“I’m super thankful to have the right people behind me,” Axsom said. “Like you saw when I jumped in the 18 car (KCP Racing), this car didn’t race a single time. They told me the whole time, ‘If it doesn’t work, then we’re gearing up for 2026.’ Obviously, that opportunity didn’t work out. It was a great opportunity, and I’m thankful for it, but I think everything happens for a reason, right? I’m excited to be in this car and grateful to be in this car.”

Axsom may be a rookie, but this “Hoosier” has high hopes. He’s proven he can contend with the best, and now he’s ready to test himself by slugging it out with them over the nine-month journey that’ll take him coast to coast with more than 20 states on the schedule.

“I don’t really know what to do on expectations or goals,” Axsom admitted. “But I think if we unload every night with the attitude of wanting to win and the goal to win, then I think only good things can happen.”

Axsom and the Klaasmeyer/Petry crew will begin the 2026 campaign this week in Florida at Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Feb. 4-7).

Where can you get tickets to see the World of Outlaws in 2026? Click to see the full schedule.

Where can you watch every World of Outlaws race? Live on DIRTVision.

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars/emerson-axsom-klaasmeyer-petry-motorsports-going-full-time-with-world-of-outlaws-in-2026/

BARBERVILLE, FL (Feb. 2, 2026) — Volusia Speedway Park keeps on producing.

New champions. New winners. Unforgettable races.

Monday night, the historic 1/2-mile oval was the site of another thrilling American Sprint Car Series event, where Oklahoma native Brady Bacon scored his first career win at the Florida track and a $12,000 grand prize in the finale to the 360 Sprint Car portion of the 55th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals.

Following a fourth-place finish in the 30-lap main event, Tyler Courtney, of Indianapolis, IN, was crowned points champion for his efforts over the three-race stretch, which included back-to-back wins for he and the Clauson Marshall Racing team last Thursday and Friday. Courtney was awarded the iconic Big Gator trophy for the first time in his career, topping Bacon and Iowa racer Austin McCarl in the final points tally.

Outside front-row starter Brian Brown took the lead at the drop of the green flag while polesitter Sam Hafertepe Jr. gave chase with Bacon in tow. As Brown reached the rear of the field on Lap 9 with Hafertepe right on his bumper, Bacon closed in on both and took his shot at the lead on Lap 10 with a slidejob on both cars in Turn 1.

But Brown was quick to battle back, taking the top spot back with a big run out of Turn 2. Down the backstretch the Missouri veteran zoomed past Bacon and into the lead again, while Hafertepe capitalized a big run on the outside through Turns 3 and 4 to retake second, but not without contact with Bacon’s No. 20 as they reached the flag stand.

Both drivers were able to keep going, and Bacon once again came back with a big run out of Turn 2 to retake second from Hafertepe. Bacon stepped hard on the throttle and in two laps had whittled Brown’s lead down to nothing as they reached the backstretch on Lap 13.

With a burst of speed into Turn 3, Bacon drove his car deep down to the bottom lane and slid up in front of Brown and a lapped car through Turn 4 to take the lead for the first time in the race.

“I knew that lapped traffic was gonna mean everything,” Bacon said. “We’ve been really good in traffic this week. [Brown] had kinda struggled. But if the good guys get out front in clean air, they’re gonna be hard to pass. So, you’ve gotta capitalize when you can.”

From there, Bacon was the man to beat out front. Despite two restarts after caution periods, “The Macho Man” was untouchable, driving away from his competition with the lead and never looking back en route to his 15th career American Sprint Car Series Feature win and first since April 2018.

For his efforts, Bacon was presented with his first gator trophy — a standout piece in his large collection of open-wheel racing accolades as an accomplished Winged and Non-Wing Sprint Car talent.

“It’s really cool; my kids will like it. I might have to arm wrestle Sean (Michael, crew chief) for it,” Bacon said. “We’ll have to do some trading with the check or maybe switch on-and-off custody or something.”

Indiana native Emerson Axsom was able to move up to second by the checkered flag while McCarl completed the podium. Courtney crossed in fourth while Brown hung on to finish fifth.

UP NEXT

The American Sprint Car Series returns to action Feb. 21–22 at Central Arizona’s Avanti Raceway Park in Casa Grande, AZ, for the first of two race weekends in the inaugural Sonoran Clash. Tickets for the event will be sold at the track on race day.

Where can you watch every race of the 2026 American Sprint Car Series season? Live on DIRTVision.

FEATURE RESULTS (view full results)

Feature (30 Laps): 1. 20-Brady Bacon[3]; 2. 27-Emerson Axsom[7]; 3. 88W-Austin McCarl[5]; 4. 7BC-Tyler Courtney[4]; 5. 21-Brian Brown[2]; 6. 2C-Cole Macedo[10]; 7. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr[1]; 8. 88R-Ryder Laplante[18]; 9. 5K-Danny Sams III[13]; 10. 3Z-Brock Zearfoss[8]; 11. 5C-DJ Christie[16]; 12. 2-Whit Gastineau[6]; 13. 16G-Austyn Gossel[20]; 14. 44-Chris Martin[9]; 15. 95-Matt Covington[11]; 16. 28F-Davie Franek[12]; 17. 3-Cole Schroeder[17]; 18. 45X-Kyler Johnson[14]; 19. 10SR-Paulie Colagiovanni[23]; 20. 5-Ryder McCutcheon[22]; 21. 23-Seth Bergman[19]; 22. 88-Terry Easum[25]; 23. G5-Gage Pulkrabek[24]; 24. 17GP-Hank Davis[15]; 25. 6S-Tyler Clem[21]; 26. 88C-Brogan Carder[26]

Bacon Wins DIRTcar Nationals Finale; Courtney Crowned Big Gator Champion

BARBERVILLE, FL (Feb. 2, 2026) — Volusia Speedway Park keeps on producing.

New champions. New winners. Unforgettable races.

Monday night, the historic 1/2-mile oval was the site of another thrilling American Sprint Car Series event, where Oklahoma native Brady Bacon scored his first career win at the Florida track and a $12,000 grand prize in the finale to the 360 Sprint Car portion of the 55th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals.

Following a fourth-place finish in the 30-lap main event, Tyler Courtney, of Indianapolis, IN, was crowned points champion for his efforts over the three-race stretch, which included back-to-back wins for he and the Clauson Marshall Racing team last Thursday and Friday. Courtney was awarded the iconic Big Gator trophy for the first time in his career, topping Bacon and Iowa racer Austin McCarl in the final points tally.

Outside front-row starter Brian Brown took the lead at the drop of the green flag while polesitter Sam Hafertepe Jr. gave chase with Bacon in tow. As Brown reached the rear of the field on Lap 9 with Hafertepe right on his bumper, Bacon closed in on both and took his shot at the lead on Lap 10 with a slidejob on both cars in Turn 1.

But Brown was quick to battle back, taking the top spot back with a big run out of Turn 2. Down the backstretch the Missouri veteran zoomed past Bacon and into the lead again, while Hafertepe capitalized a big run on the outside through Turns 3 and 4 to retake second, but not without contact with Bacon’s No. 20 as they reached the flag stand.

Both drivers were able to keep going, and Bacon once again came back with a big run out of Turn 2 to retake second from Hafertepe. Bacon stepped hard on the throttle and in two laps had whittled Brown’s lead down to nothing as they reached the backstretch on Lap 13.

With a burst of speed into Turn 3, Bacon drove his car deep down to the bottom lane and slid up in front of Brown and a lapped car through Turn 4 to take the lead for the first time in the race.

“I knew that lapped traffic was gonna mean everything,” Bacon said. “We’ve been really good in traffic this week. [Brown] had kinda struggled. But if the good guys get out front in clean air, they’re gonna be hard to pass. So, you’ve gotta capitalize when you can.”

From there, Bacon was the man to beat out front. Despite two restarts after caution periods, “The Macho Man” was untouchable, driving away from his competition with the lead and never looking back en route to his 15th career American Sprint Car Series Feature win and first since April 2018.

For his efforts, Bacon was presented with his first gator trophy — a standout piece in his large collection of open-wheel racing accolades as an accomplished Winged and Non-Wing Sprint Car talent.

“It’s really cool; my kids will like it. I might have to arm wrestle Sean (Michael, crew chief) for it,” Bacon said. “We’ll have to do some trading with the check or maybe switch on-and-off custody or something.”

Indiana native Emerson Axsom was able to move up to second by the checkered flag while McCarl completed the podium. Courtney crossed in fourth while Brown hung on to finish fifth.

UP NEXT

The American Sprint Car Series returns to action Feb. 21–22 at Central Arizona’s Avanti Raceway Park in Casa Grande, AZ, for the first of two race weekends in the inaugural Sonoran Clash. Tickets for the event will be sold at the track on race day.

Where can you watch every race of the 2026 American Sprint Car Series season? Live on DIRTVision.

FEATURE RESULTS (view full results)

Feature (30 Laps): 1. 20-Brady Bacon[3]; 2. 27-Emerson Axsom[7]; 3. 88W-Austin McCarl[5]; 4. 7BC-Tyler Courtney[4]; 5. 21-Brian Brown[2]; 6. 2C-Cole Macedo[10]; 7. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr[1]; 8. 88R-Ryder Laplante[18]; 9. 5K-Danny Sams III[13]; 10. 3Z-Brock Zearfoss[8]; 11. 5C-DJ Christie[16]; 12. 2-Whit Gastineau[6]; 13. 16G-Austyn Gossel[20]; 14. 44-Chris Martin[9]; 15. 95-Matt Covington[11]; 16. 28F-Davie Franek[12]; 17. 3-Cole Schroeder[17]; 18. 45X-Kyler Johnson[14]; 19. 10SR-Paulie Colagiovanni[23]; 20. 5-Ryder McCutcheon[22]; 21. 23-Seth Bergman[19]; 22. 88-Terry Easum[25]; 23. G5-Gage Pulkrabek[24]; 24. 17GP-Hank Davis[15]; 25. 6S-Tyler Clem[21]; 26. 88C-Brogan Carder[26]

ARTICLE: https://ascsracing.com/recap/bacon-wins-dirtcar-nationals-finale-courtney-crowned-big-gator-champion/

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 2, 2026) – The second week of the 55th annual Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals opened with a packed Monday slate of seven Features for the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds

While Ricky Thornton Jr captured the Saturday makeup Feature for his second Golden Gator trophy of the year, the opening quest towards the 2026 Big Gator Championship saw the field of 97 UMP Modifieds compete at the Barberville, FL property through six Feature races

Here is how each Feature played out:

Feature #1 

Every year during Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals, a new Modified driver takes their turn as the top gator wrangler. This year, Charlie Mefford is making a case for it to be him after back-to-back wins. 

The 20-lap Feature started with Pierce McCarter leading the field into the first turn with Trent Young in second and Mefford in third. 

As McCarter drove away, Mefford kept the pressure on Young for second. His lurking paid off on Lap 5 when he was able to steal the runner-up spot and then begin his charge for the lead. 

“Chargin’ Charlie” was 1.8 seconds behind McCarter when he moved into second. Nine laps later, he cut over a second off the No. 71 car’s lead. On Lap 16, McCarter’s line was hindered while trying to pass a slower car, but Mefford, kept his foot in the gas and split them three-wide to charge into Turns 3-4 and take the lead. 

From there, Mefford went uncontested and picked up his sixth DIRTcar Nationals golden gator trophy. It’s also the fourth straight year he’s scored a win at Volusia Speedway Park. 

“I was just driving the hell out of it really,” said Mefford, of Belton, KY. “That was the hardest I’ve ever driven a race car, just matted it to the floor… When I got to them, I knew I could get around them, leaving the corner because he was committed to that bottom.” 

RESULTS: Feature 1 (20 Laps): 1. 13-Charlie Mefford[3]; 2. 71-Pierce McCarter[1]; 3. 8S-Kyle Strickler[5]; 4. 10Y-Trent Young[2]; 5. 66F-Cole Falloway[8]; 6. 15X-Justin Stone[12]; 7. 60F-Shannon Fisk[14]; 8. 99W-Wade Olmsted[11]; 9. 8-Jimmy Lennex Jr[15]; 10. 66-Adam Wright[7]; 11. 78-Rich Pratt[10]; 12. 21C-Drew Charlson[13]; 13. 1TS-Tyler Spalding[6]; 14. 54-Zachary Hawk[9]; 15. (DNS) 5CS-Curt Spalding; 16. (DNS) 72-Todd Neiheiser; 17. (DNS) 81K-Kyle Cole 

Feature #2 

Mike McKinney entered the 55th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals armed with a new Elite Chassis. However, growing pains plagued his debut with the car. He missed the opening night Feature and then finished eighth the next time. 

That all changed Monday night. 

Trevor Neville led the way at the start of the Feature, but Ricky Thornton Jr. put the pressure on him on Lap 6. Side by side through Turns 3-4, Neville ran the middle while Thornton had snuck underneath him. However, Thornton went too low and hit the inside wall with his nose, stuffing the panel under his car. 

That allowed McKinney to move into second and take his shot at Neville, which was about handed to him when Neville nearly spun entering Turn 1. 

After patiently building a run, McKinney was able to dive under Neville going into Turn 2 on Lap 12, stayed side by side with him down the backstretch and powered ahead to the lead through Turns 3-4. 

McKinney built a gap between he and Neville until a slower car killed his pace in the closing laps, allowing the No. 777 to catch back up to him. 

But when McKinney found clean air again, he was gone. The second golden gator trophy of his career was placed on his hood when he pulled into Victory Lane. 

“The track conditions were a little bit more like Illinois, so it was pretty familiar,” said McKinney of Plainfield, IL. “I won three races last year, and hell yeah, it’s been a while, so this feels pretty good.” 

RESULTS: Feature 2 (20 Laps): 1. 96M-Mike McKinney[3]; 2. 777-Trevor Neville[1]; 3. 45H-Kyle Hammer[9]; 4. 114-Jordan Koehler[5]; 5. 99H-Justin Haley[10]; 6. 01-Aidan Hinds[8]; 7. 35H-Michael Altobelli[11]; 8. 7J-Justin Allgaier[2]; 9. 114K-Evan Koehler[14]; 10. 60-Jim Manka[13]; 11. 29C-Joey Cotterman[15]; 12. 99-Cole Hilton[12]; 13. 5B-Bobby Bagley[7]; 14. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[4]; 15. 56-Chris Wilson[6]; 16. (DNS) 0K-Damian Kiefer 

Feature #3 

It’s one thing to bring an Elite Chassis to Volusia Speedway Park, which won the first five Features of DIRTcar Nationals this year. It’s another to have the chassis builder himself, Nick Hoffman, jump in your car to provide a few tips during Hot Laps. 

That benefit came to Kenny Wallace, who is driving for Hoffman again this year in the No. 36 Modified. 

The result was Wallace rocketing around polesitter Jason Beaulieu on the initial start of the race, after Beaulieu washed up the track on entrance, and then running away with the lead. 

Multiple cautions plagued Wallace’s march, including one that saw Beaulieu spin and get hit by another car. But no one could touch the Missouri native on the restarts. 

That trait came to Wallace’s benefit late in the race after Chris Wilson started to reel him in on a long run. A caution came out on Lap 17, and when the race resumed, Wilson couldn’t keep pace with the blue No. 36. 

Wallace went on to win his sixth DIRTcar Nationals victory, and first since 2024. 

“I grew up a racer, and your race car has to handle. There’s a reason all three of these (cars in Victory Lane) are Elites, and this man right here, look here, this is Nick Hoffman,” Wallace said while pointing to the veteran racer and chassis builder. “This is his dad, Darrell. Me and Darrell are about the same age. Because of Nick and his dad is the only reason I won.” 

RESULTS: Feature 3 (20 Laps): 1. 36-Kenny Wallace[2]; 2. 17-Chris Wilson[5]; 3. 35-David Stremme[3]; 4. 7D-Brad DeYoung[9]; 5. 77D-George Dixon[6]; 6. 1H-Ben Harmon[13]; 7. 3S-Josh Sanford[11]; 8. 7-Evan Taylor[8]; 9. 31G-Stephen Pedulla[12]; 10. T9-Zack Tate[14]; 11. 70B-Ty Norder[10]; 12. 90-Jason Beaulieu[1]; 13. 11Z-Zane Oedewaldt[15]; 14. 25-Tyler Nicely[4]; 15. 52-Mikey Kopka[7]; 16. (DNS) 2K-Taylor Kuehl 

Feature #4 

Ray Bollinger opened DIRTcar UMP Modified Florida Speedweeks with a win at Hendry County Motorsports Park, and was poised to add another trophy to his collection at Volusia Speedway Park Monday night. But Treb Jacoby, in his DIRTcar Nationals debut, had other plans. 

Bollinger led the first half of the 20-lap Feature. Then came the second half. 

After a restart on Lap 11, Jacoby, running second, began cutting tenths out of Bollinger’s lead by running the top lane of the 1/2-mile track. That propelled him to drive around Bollinger for the lead with six laps to go. 

However, a caution shortly after gave Bollinger one more shot to fight back. When the green flag flew again, Jacoby got out of shape in Turn 2, allowing Bollinger to pull even with him down the backstretch. The yellow No. 77 threw a slider at Jacoby into Turn 3 and reclaimed the top spot. But the next lap, the roles reversed with Bollinger getting sideways in Turns 3-4, and Jacoby on the attack. 

The two crossed the white flag about even at the line. Turn 1 asked who wanted it more. And Jacoby answered, beating Bollinger through the corner and pulling away with his first DIRTcar Nationals win in the David Reutimann-built Beak Built Chassis – the first non-Elite Chassis Modified win of the event. 

“To be honest, we weren’t even gonna come. This car was dirty from November,” Jacoby admitted in Victory Lane. “Thankfully, for the first time ever, I didn’t tear the car down to a bare frame in the off-season, so we kind of just loaded it back up, and we cleaned it yesterday. You know, I can’t believe it.” 

RESULTS: Feature 4 (20 Laps): 1. J82-Treb Jacoby[6]; 2. 77B-Ray Bollinger[1]; 3. 24-Zeke McKenzie[3]; 4. 05-Dave Wietholder[5]; 5. 46-Matt Crafton[12]; 6. X-Wyatt Scott[8]; 7. 155-Peyton Harlow[11]; 8. 88-Cody Thornhill[15]; 9. 43J-Jacob Hall[10]; 10. 3F-Rob Fuqua[14]; 11. 0-Glenn Styres[2]; 12. T23-Keith Tincher[16]; 13. 17C-Coleman Evans[9]; 14. (DNF) 5T-Jonathan Taylor[4]; 15. (DNF) 114B-Clayton Bryant[7]; 16. (DNF) 10X-Billy Uptegraff[13] 

Feature #5

Mason Lobb and Mitch Thomas set the front row for the Feature’s opening start, with Thomas using speed around the outside line of Turns 1-2 to claim the lead ahead of Lobb.

Behind Thomas, Will Krup, and Ray Kable applied pressure for Lobb’s position with Krup taking second place on Lap 2 from the outside. 

As Kable began to make a move for third place on Lap 3, Lobb lost control in Turn 4, spinning to the bottom of the track and ending his chance to win.

On the ensuing restart, Krup kept his No. K9 Modified within striking distance of Thomas by maintaining the cushion as Thomas kept rolling his No. 97T to the bottom lane. While the two kept a half-second gap, Krup was unable to garner enough positive momentum to overmatch the Oakland, MD driver.

When the final caution waved with eight laps remaining, Krup used the restart as an opportunity to jump Thomas for the lead. When the green flag dropped, the Mt. Carmel, IL driver reached the inside of Thomas in Turns 1-2. 

Despite Krup’s attempts to dominate the pace that Thomas established on the low lane, Thomas built a 1.7-second lead over Krup as he led the charge to his third career Golden Gator trophy.

“Will, he’s won multiple of these, and he’s really good,” Thomas said. “He don’t make mistakes, and that’s usually where it goes wrong because I’m the one who makes the mistakes. But, we had a really good race there. I just knew I needed to get out front, getting clean air, and just try to check out.”

RESULTS: Feature 5 (20 Laps): 1. 97-Mitch Thomas[2]; 2. K9-Will Krup[4]; 3. 17X-Richard Michael Jr[7]; 4. 12L-Lucas Lee[10]; 5. 28-Mason Lobb[1]; 6. 11D-Brian Diveley[12]; 7. 17T-Tyler Evans[5]; 8. 84-Ryan Toole[11]; 9. 1-Eric Kinney II[15]; 10. (DNF) 55-Blaze Melton[14]; 11. (DNF) 26-Adam Ogle[9]; 12. (DNF) 21B-Hunter Breland[3]; 13. (DNF) 99K-Ray Kable[6]; 14. (DNF) 43A-Mark Anderson[8]; 15. (DNF) 3G-Bryce Graber[13]; 16. (DNS) 11N-Gene Nicholas

Feature #6

Before Tristan Chamberlain rejoins the World of Outlaws Late Models presented by DIRTVision for Week 3 of DIRTcar Nationals aboard the Gibson Racing No. 20TC, he can add the label “DIRTcar Nationals Feature winner” to his résume.

Seeking more laps inside a race car at the “World’s Fastest Half Mile” before the Super Late Models revisit the track from Feb. 9-14, Chamberlain left Monday night with added notes and a first step towards his first Modified Big Gator campaign.

The Martinsville, IN teenager started the 20-lap Feature from Pole Position as Brian Ruhlman sat to his outside. Ruhlman gained the first-turn advantage over Chamberlain by using the outside, but “Tricky Tristan” never allowed Ruhlman to gain clearance as his No. 72H worked to the lead on the bottom lane.

While driving through the clean air, Chamberlain developed a rhythm of entering the corner in the middle and rolling to the bottom while Ruhlman’s No. 49 machine stayed committed to the cushion for each lap.

With lap traffic staying out of Chamberlain’s preferred line, the 18-year-old racer widened the gap to Ruhlman by 7.4 seconds as he crossed the twin checkered flags for his first win at Volusia Speedway Park.

“One of the main reasons to bring the Modified is to get more laps here,” Chamberlain said. “Volusia is definitely a unique place, and I think it’s my third year here. Do, get as much laps as possible for the Late Model is what we’ve been looking for, and the car was really good tonight.”

RESULTS: Feature 6 (20 Laps): 1. 72H-Tristan Chamberlain[1]; 2. 49-Brian Ruhlman[2]; 3. 21CZ-Cole Czarneski[3]; 4. 17W-Mikey Wilson[9]; 5. 27-Jason Garver[5]; 6. 28B-Jason Brookover[4]; 7. 51-Dalton Lanich[8]; 8. 11N-Gene Nicholas[17]; 9. 11-Dylan Drake[12]; 10. 25B-Greg Belyea[14]; 11. 14-Dalton Lane[11]; 12. 9-Ken Schrader[10]; 13. (DNF) 57-Charlie Sandercock[6]; 14. (DNF) 77-Jim Shipman[13]; 15. (DNF) 00B-Buzzie Reutimann[15]; 16. (DNS) 09-Michael Ledford; 17. (DNS) 81C-Christopher Cole

Thornton Bags $2,500 in DIRTcar Nationals UMP Modified Makeup Feature

Through three nights of the 55th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals, Ricky Thornton Jr has proven his hunger for a second career Big Gator title.

The Chandler, AZ driver scored his second Golden Gator trophy behind the wheel of the Koehler Motorsports No. 20RT DIRTcar UMP Modified on a night when he recovered from an early exit in Monday Feature #2 after damaging the front nose.

Thornton and former Big Gator champion Tyler Nicely brought the field to the initial green flag, with Nicely’s first-turn momentum from the cushion giving him an advantage over Thornton for the lead. However, a caution for an accident in the back forced a complete restart. 

On the second attempt to start the 25-lap Feature, Thornton stayed equal to Nicely on the bottom through Turns 1-2, then overpowered Nicely in Turns 3-4 to take the lead in his protection.

While Nicely charged at Thornton by driving his No. 25 Elite Chassis deep into the corners, his strategy hurt momentum as he slid to the top side off each exit – scrubbing his speed in the process.

Nicely’s struggles allowed fellow Kentucky natives Charlie Mefford and Cole Falloway to capitalize by taking second and third place, respectively, on Lap 13.

When the caution waved with 12 laps remaining, Thornton was tasked with blocking any sort of passing attack from Mefford or Falloway on the restart. Entering the first corner, Thornton made a car-length’s space to Mefford across the backstretch, then the Belton, KY driver sent his No.13 Modified to the top of the cushion as Thornton slid up the surface. The two made slight contact, but Thornton’s Modified continued pacing the field as Mefford kept second place.

Thornton’s line around the top gave him an extension of the lead by over one second as he completed the night with a $2,500 payday and a fifth career Golden Gator trophy.

“The driver’s not doing his job,” Thornton said. “Simple as that. I’ve killed two noses pretty much just driving too easy. I think I need to drive a lot harder right there. I probably wasn’t the best car, but I knew at the end, the top was actually way better. No one was gonna go out there, and I’m like, ‘Well, you know what? There’s only a handful of laps, so I might as well get out there, make some speed, and try to make myself a gap.’”

RESULTS: Saturday Make-Up Feature (25 Laps): 1. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[1]; 2. 13-Charlie Mefford[3]; 3. 66-Cole Falloway[5]; 4. 99H-Justin Haley[12]; 5. 36-Kenny Wallace[4]; 6. 35A-Michael Altobelli[9]; 7. 72H-Tristan Chamberlain[23]; 8. 77D-George Dixon[11]; 9. 45H-Kyle Hammer[15]; 10. 777-Trevor Neville[7]; 11. 90-Jason Beaulieu[22]; 12. 56-Chris Wilson[16]; 13. 21CZ-Cole Czarneski[24]; 14. 114K-Evan Koehler[13]; 15. 57-Charlie Sandercock[21]; 16. 25-Tyler Nicely[2]; 17. 35-David Stremme[8]; 18. 114-Jordan Koehler[20]; 19. 05-Dave Wietholder[18]; 20. 1TS-Tyler Spalding[14]; 21. 96M-Mike McKinney[17]; 22. (DNF) K9-Will Krup[6]; 23. (DNF) 12L-Lucas Lee[19]; 24. (DNS) 97-Mitch Thomas

Up Next: The DIRTcar UMP Modifieds tackle Tuesday at Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals with six Features on deck for Feb. 3 as the hunt for the Big Gator marches forward. Grandstand gates will open at 4 p.m ET, and Hot Laps will start at 5:30 p.m. ET.

How can you watch every lap of racing at Volusia Speedway Park? Live on DIRTVision.

MONDAY WINNERS: Mefford, McKinney, Wallace, Jacoby, Thomas, Chamberlain Open DIRTcar Nationals Week 2 with UMP Modified Victories

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 2, 2026) – The second week of the 55th annual Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals opened with a packed Monday slate of seven Features for the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds

While Ricky Thornton Jr captured the Saturday makeup Feature for his second Golden Gator trophy of the year, the opening quest towards the 2026 Big Gator Championship saw the field of 97 UMP Modifieds compete at the Barberville, FL property through six Feature races

Here is how each Feature played out:

Feature #1 

Every year during Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals, a new Modified driver takes their turn as the top gator wrangler. This year, Charlie Mefford is making a case for it to be him after back-to-back wins. 

The 20-lap Feature started with Pierce McCarter leading the field into the first turn with Trent Young in second and Mefford in third. 

As McCarter drove away, Mefford kept the pressure on Young for second. His lurking paid off on Lap 5 when he was able to steal the runner-up spot and then begin his charge for the lead. 

“Chargin’ Charlie” was 1.8 seconds behind McCarter when he moved into second. Nine laps later, he cut over a second off the No. 71 car’s lead. On Lap 16, McCarter’s line was hindered while trying to pass a slower car, but Mefford, kept his foot in the gas and split them three-wide to charge into Turns 3-4 and take the lead. 

From there, Mefford went uncontested and picked up his sixth DIRTcar Nationals golden gator trophy. It’s also the fourth straight year he’s scored a win at Volusia Speedway Park. 

“I was just driving the hell out of it really,” said Mefford, of Belton, KY. “That was the hardest I’ve ever driven a race car, just matted it to the floor… When I got to them, I knew I could get around them, leaving the corner because he was committed to that bottom.” 

RESULTS: Feature 1 (20 Laps): 1. 13-Charlie Mefford[3]; 2. 71-Pierce McCarter[1]; 3. 8S-Kyle Strickler[5]; 4. 10Y-Trent Young[2]; 5. 66F-Cole Falloway[8]; 6. 15X-Justin Stone[12]; 7. 60F-Shannon Fisk[14]; 8. 99W-Wade Olmsted[11]; 9. 8-Jimmy Lennex Jr[15]; 10. 66-Adam Wright[7]; 11. 78-Rich Pratt[10]; 12. 21C-Drew Charlson[13]; 13. 1TS-Tyler Spalding[6]; 14. 54-Zachary Hawk[9]; 15. (DNS) 5CS-Curt Spalding; 16. (DNS) 72-Todd Neiheiser; 17. (DNS) 81K-Kyle Cole 

Feature #2 

Mike McKinney entered the 55th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals armed with a new Elite Chassis. However, growing pains plagued his debut with the car. He missed the opening night Feature and then finished eighth the next time. 

That all changed Monday night. 

Trevor Neville led the way at the start of the Feature, but Ricky Thornton Jr. put the pressure on him on Lap 6. Side by side through Turns 3-4, Neville ran the middle while Thornton had snuck underneath him. However, Thornton went too low and hit the inside wall with his nose, stuffing the panel under his car. 

That allowed McKinney to move into second and take his shot at Neville, which was about handed to him when Neville nearly spun entering Turn 1. 

After patiently building a run, McKinney was able to dive under Neville going into Turn 2 on Lap 12, stayed side by side with him down the backstretch and powered ahead to the lead through Turns 3-4. 

McKinney built a gap between he and Neville until a slower car killed his pace in the closing laps, allowing the No. 777 to catch back up to him. 

But when McKinney found clean air again, he was gone. The second golden gator trophy of his career was placed on his hood when he pulled into Victory Lane. 

“The track conditions were a little bit more like Illinois, so it was pretty familiar,” said McKinney of Plainfield, IL. “I won three races last year, and hell yeah, it’s been a while, so this feels pretty good.” 

RESULTS: Feature 2 (20 Laps): 1. 96M-Mike McKinney[3]; 2. 777-Trevor Neville[1]; 3. 45H-Kyle Hammer[9]; 4. 114-Jordan Koehler[5]; 5. 99H-Justin Haley[10]; 6. 01-Aidan Hinds[8]; 7. 35H-Michael Altobelli[11]; 8. 7J-Justin Allgaier[2]; 9. 114K-Evan Koehler[14]; 10. 60-Jim Manka[13]; 11. 29C-Joey Cotterman[15]; 12. 99-Cole Hilton[12]; 13. 5B-Bobby Bagley[7]; 14. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[4]; 15. 56-Chris Wilson[6]; 16. (DNS) 0K-Damian Kiefer 

Feature #3 

It’s one thing to bring an Elite Chassis to Volusia Speedway Park, which won the first five Features of DIRTcar Nationals this year. It’s another to have the chassis builder himself, Nick Hoffman, jump in your car to provide a few tips during Hot Laps. 

That benefit came to Kenny Wallace, who is driving for Hoffman again this year in the No. 36 Modified. 

The result was Wallace rocketing around polesitter Jason Beaulieu on the initial start of the race, after Beaulieu washed up the track on entrance, and then running away with the lead. 

Multiple cautions plagued Wallace’s march, including one that saw Beaulieu spin and get hit by another car. But no one could touch the Missouri native on the restarts. 

That trait came to Wallace’s benefit late in the race after Chris Wilson started to reel him in on a long run. A caution came out on Lap 17, and when the race resumed, Wilson couldn’t keep pace with the blue No. 36. 

Wallace went on to win his sixth DIRTcar Nationals victory, and first since 2024. 

“I grew up a racer, and your race car has to handle. There’s a reason all three of these (cars in Victory Lane) are Elites, and this man right here, look here, this is Nick Hoffman,” Wallace said while pointing to the veteran racer and chassis builder. “This is his dad, Darrell. Me and Darrell are about the same age. Because of Nick and his dad is the only reason I won.” 

RESULTS: Feature 3 (20 Laps): 1. 36-Kenny Wallace[2]; 2. 17-Chris Wilson[5]; 3. 35-David Stremme[3]; 4. 7D-Brad DeYoung[9]; 5. 77D-George Dixon[6]; 6. 1H-Ben Harmon[13]; 7. 3S-Josh Sanford[11]; 8. 7-Evan Taylor[8]; 9. 31G-Stephen Pedulla[12]; 10. T9-Zack Tate[14]; 11. 70B-Ty Norder[10]; 12. 90-Jason Beaulieu[1]; 13. 11Z-Zane Oedewaldt[15]; 14. 25-Tyler Nicely[4]; 15. 52-Mikey Kopka[7]; 16. (DNS) 2K-Taylor Kuehl 

Feature #4 

Ray Bollinger opened DIRTcar UMP Modified Florida Speedweeks with a win at Hendry County Motorsports Park, and was poised to add another trophy to his collection at Volusia Speedway Park Monday night. But Treb Jacoby, in his DIRTcar Nationals debut, had other plans. 

Bollinger led the first half of the 20-lap Feature. Then came the second half. 

After a restart on Lap 11, Jacoby, running second, began cutting tenths out of Bollinger’s lead by running the top lane of the 1/2-mile track. That propelled him to drive around Bollinger for the lead with six laps to go. 

However, a caution shortly after gave Bollinger one more shot to fight back. When the green flag flew again, Jacoby got out of shape in Turn 2, allowing Bollinger to pull even with him down the backstretch. The yellow No. 77 threw a slider at Jacoby into Turn 3 and reclaimed the top spot. But the next lap, the roles reversed with Bollinger getting sideways in Turns 3-4, and Jacoby on the attack. 

The two crossed the white flag about even at the line. Turn 1 asked who wanted it more. And Jacoby answered, beating Bollinger through the corner and pulling away with his first DIRTcar Nationals win in the David Reutimann-built Beak Built Chassis – the first non-Elite Chassis Modified win of the event. 

“To be honest, we weren’t even gonna come. This car was dirty from November,” Jacoby admitted in Victory Lane. “Thankfully, for the first time ever, I didn’t tear the car down to a bare frame in the off-season, so we kind of just loaded it back up, and we cleaned it yesterday. You know, I can’t believe it.” 

RESULTS: Feature 4 (20 Laps): 1. J82-Treb Jacoby[6]; 2. 77B-Ray Bollinger[1]; 3. 24-Zeke McKenzie[3]; 4. 05-Dave Wietholder[5]; 5. 46-Matt Crafton[12]; 6. X-Wyatt Scott[8]; 7. 155-Peyton Harlow[11]; 8. 88-Cody Thornhill[15]; 9. 43J-Jacob Hall[10]; 10. 3F-Rob Fuqua[14]; 11. 0-Glenn Styres[2]; 12. T23-Keith Tincher[16]; 13. 17C-Coleman Evans[9]; 14. (DNF) 5T-Jonathan Taylor[4]; 15. (DNF) 114B-Clayton Bryant[7]; 16. (DNF) 10X-Billy Uptegraff[13] 

Feature #5

Mason Lobb and Mitch Thomas set the front row for the Feature’s opening start, with Thomas using speed around the outside line of Turns 1-2 to claim the lead ahead of Lobb.

Behind Thomas, Will Krup, and Ray Kable applied pressure for Lobb’s position with Krup taking second place on Lap 2 from the outside. 

As Kable began to make a move for third place on Lap 3, Lobb lost control in Turn 4, spinning to the bottom of the track and ending his chance to win.

On the ensuing restart, Krup kept his No. K9 Modified within striking distance of Thomas by maintaining the cushion as Thomas kept rolling his No. 97T to the bottom lane. While the two kept a half-second gap, Krup was unable to garner enough positive momentum to overmatch the Oakland, MD driver.

When the final caution waved with eight laps remaining, Krup used the restart as an opportunity to jump Thomas for the lead. When the green flag dropped, the Mt. Carmel, IL driver reached the inside of Thomas in Turns 1-2. 

Despite Krup’s attempts to dominate the pace that Thomas established on the low lane, Thomas built a 1.7-second lead over Krup as he led the charge to his third career Golden Gator trophy.

“Will, he’s won multiple of these, and he’s really good,” Thomas said. “He don’t make mistakes, and that’s usually where it goes wrong because I’m the one who makes the mistakes. But, we had a really good race there. I just knew I needed to get out front, getting clean air, and just try to check out.”

RESULTS: Feature 5 (20 Laps): 1. 97-Mitch Thomas[2]; 2. K9-Will Krup[4]; 3. 17X-Richard Michael Jr[7]; 4. 12L-Lucas Lee[10]; 5. 28-Mason Lobb[1]; 6. 11D-Brian Diveley[12]; 7. 17T-Tyler Evans[5]; 8. 84-Ryan Toole[11]; 9. 1-Eric Kinney II[15]; 10. (DNF) 55-Blaze Melton[14]; 11. (DNF) 26-Adam Ogle[9]; 12. (DNF) 21B-Hunter Breland[3]; 13. (DNF) 99K-Ray Kable[6]; 14. (DNF) 43A-Mark Anderson[8]; 15. (DNF) 3G-Bryce Graber[13]; 16. (DNS) 11N-Gene Nicholas

Feature #6

Before Tristan Chamberlain rejoins the World of Outlaws Late Models presented by DIRTVision for Week 3 of DIRTcar Nationals aboard the Gibson Racing No. 20TC, he can add the label “DIRTcar Nationals Feature winner” to his résume.

Seeking more laps inside a race car at the “World’s Fastest Half Mile” before the Super Late Models revisit the track from Feb. 9-14, Chamberlain left Monday night with added notes and a first step towards his first Modified Big Gator campaign.

The Martinsville, IN teenager started the 20-lap Feature from Pole Position as Brian Ruhlman sat to his outside. Ruhlman gained the first-turn advantage over Chamberlain by using the outside, but “Tricky Tristan” never allowed Ruhlman to gain clearance as his No. 72H worked to the lead on the bottom lane.

While driving through the clean air, Chamberlain developed a rhythm of entering the corner in the middle and rolling to the bottom while Ruhlman’s No. 49 machine stayed committed to the cushion for each lap.

With lap traffic staying out of Chamberlain’s preferred line, the 18-year-old racer widened the gap to Ruhlman by 7.4 seconds as he crossed the twin checkered flags for his first win at Volusia Speedway Park.

“One of the main reasons to bring the Modified is to get more laps here,” Chamberlain said. “Volusia is definitely a unique place, and I think it’s my third year here. Do, get as much laps as possible for the Late Model is what we’ve been looking for, and the car was really good tonight.”

RESULTS: Feature 6 (20 Laps): 1. 72H-Tristan Chamberlain[1]; 2. 49-Brian Ruhlman[2]; 3. 21CZ-Cole Czarneski[3]; 4. 17W-Mikey Wilson[9]; 5. 27-Jason Garver[5]; 6. 28B-Jason Brookover[4]; 7. 51-Dalton Lanich[8]; 8. 11N-Gene Nicholas[17]; 9. 11-Dylan Drake[12]; 10. 25B-Greg Belyea[14]; 11. 14-Dalton Lane[11]; 12. 9-Ken Schrader[10]; 13. (DNF) 57-Charlie Sandercock[6]; 14. (DNF) 77-Jim Shipman[13]; 15. (DNF) 00B-Buzzie Reutimann[15]; 16. (DNS) 09-Michael Ledford; 17. (DNS) 81C-Christopher Cole

Thornton Bags $2,500 in DIRTcar Nationals UMP Modified Makeup Feature

Through three nights of the 55th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals, Ricky Thornton Jr has proven his hunger for a second career Big Gator title.

The Chandler, AZ driver scored his second Golden Gator trophy behind the wheel of the Koehler Motorsports No. 20RT DIRTcar UMP Modified on a night when he recovered from an early exit in Monday Feature #2 after damaging the front nose.

Thornton and former Big Gator champion Tyler Nicely brought the field to the initial green flag, with Nicely’s first-turn momentum from the cushion giving him an advantage over Thornton for the lead. However, a caution for an accident in the back forced a complete restart. 

On the second attempt to start the 25-lap Feature, Thornton stayed equal to Nicely on the bottom through Turns 1-2, then overpowered Nicely in Turns 3-4 to take the lead in his protection.

While Nicely charged at Thornton by driving his No. 25 Elite Chassis deep into the corners, his strategy hurt momentum as he slid to the top side off each exit – scrubbing his speed in the process.

Nicely’s struggles allowed fellow Kentucky natives Charlie Mefford and Cole Falloway to capitalize by taking second and third place, respectively, on Lap 13.

When the caution waved with 12 laps remaining, Thornton was tasked with blocking any sort of passing attack from Mefford or Falloway on the restart. Entering the first corner, Thornton made a car-length’s space to Mefford across the backstretch, then the Belton, KY driver sent his No.13 Modified to the top of the cushion as Thornton slid up the surface. The two made slight contact, but Thornton’s Modified continued pacing the field as Mefford kept second place.

Thornton’s line around the top gave him an extension of the lead by over one second as he completed the night with a $2,500 payday and a fifth career Golden Gator trophy.

“The driver’s not doing his job,” Thornton said. “Simple as that. I’ve killed two noses pretty much just driving too easy. I think I need to drive a lot harder right there. I probably wasn’t the best car, but I knew at the end, the top was actually way better. No one was gonna go out there, and I’m like, ‘Well, you know what? There’s only a handful of laps, so I might as well get out there, make some speed, and try to make myself a gap.’”

RESULTS: Saturday Make-Up Feature (25 Laps): 1. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[1]; 2. 13-Charlie Mefford[3]; 3. 66-Cole Falloway[5]; 4. 99H-Justin Haley[12]; 5. 36-Kenny Wallace[4]; 6. 35A-Michael Altobelli[9]; 7. 72H-Tristan Chamberlain[23]; 8. 77D-George Dixon[11]; 9. 45H-Kyle Hammer[15]; 10. 777-Trevor Neville[7]; 11. 90-Jason Beaulieu[22]; 12. 56-Chris Wilson[16]; 13. 21CZ-Cole Czarneski[24]; 14. 114K-Evan Koehler[13]; 15. 57-Charlie Sandercock[21]; 16. 25-Tyler Nicely[2]; 17. 35-David Stremme[8]; 18. 114-Jordan Koehler[20]; 19. 05-Dave Wietholder[18]; 20. 1TS-Tyler Spalding[14]; 21. 96M-Mike McKinney[17]; 22. (DNF) K9-Will Krup[6]; 23. (DNF) 12L-Lucas Lee[19]; 24. (DNS) 97-Mitch Thomas

Up Next: The DIRTcar UMP Modifieds tackle Tuesday at Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals with six Features on deck for Feb. 3 as the hunt for the Big Gator marches forward. Grandstand gates will open at 4 p.m ET, and Hot Laps will start at 5:30 p.m. ET.

How can you watch every lap of racing at Volusia Speedway Park? Live on DIRTVision.

ARTICLE: https://dirtcar.com/dirtcar-ump/monday-winners-mefford-mckinney-wallace-jacoby-thomas-chamberlain-open-dirtcar-nationals-week-2-with-ump-modified-victories/, https://dirtcar.com/dirtcar-ump/thornton-bags-2500-in-dirtcar-nationals-ump-modified-makeup-feature/

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 2, 2026) – Johnny Gibson could’ve never imagined the future that awaited when his first World of Outlaws Sprint Car race left him in awe.

The Pennsylvanian’s racing connection was rooted in Late Models. A few United Racing Club (URC) events introduced Gibson to Sprint Cars, but it wasn’t until a 1981 night at Lernerville Speedway that this race fan’s life changed. Ted Johnson’s band of travelers rolled through the Sarver, PA track during their fourth season, and Gibson knew he was witnessing something special.

“Going to see the World of Outlaws, that was an entirely different level,” Gibson recalled. “It was like, ‘Oh my, this is crazy. This is what I want to see from now on.’”

Fast forward 45 years, and Gibson’s name is synonymous with the Series. He’s set to begin his 30th consecutive season on the microphone with The Greatest Show on Dirt.

Gibson’s earliest aspirations didn’t include making a living announcing races. He planned to be a musician. Several years were spent playing in bands and bouncing around to whatever day jobs he could find to pay the bills. While music may have been his desired professional path at the time, the racing fandom never dimmed.

“If there was a weekend where the band wasn’t playing, I was off at a race,” Gibson said. “I can remember, probably in 1987, being at rehearsal with the band in Pittsburgh, and rehearsal ended up finishing up about 9:30 or 10:00, and jumping in my car and hauling ass to Sharon Speedway and got there for like the final 20 laps of the Ohio Speedweek feature. I drove like an hour and a half just for like 20 laps of a feature.”

The door to working with the World of Outlaws opened in 1994 when Gibson helped sell programs thanks to Kevin Eckert introducing him to Bill Woodside the year prior. That eventually progressed into becoming the primary program seller. Those early days were far from luxurious, but Gibson didn’t mind. Being on the road with the World of Outlaws was more than enough.

“They asked me if I wanted to take over the program gig full-time, and so I immediately said yes,” Gibson said. “So, the remainder of 1995 and all of 1996 I was basically on the road. I was an independent contractor. I paid all my own expenses, used my own vehicle, all that sort of stuff. So, it was a lot of nights sleeping in my van or staying with friends or crashing on couches just to be able to stay on the road and be able to see the races every night.”

The 1996 season also knocked over the first domino in Gibson’s route to cementing himself as the voice of the World of Outlaws. The tour stopped at California’s Kings Speedway in the fall, and track announcer Bobby Gerould invited Gibson to the booth for an interview about his job. The time came for Heat Races, and Gerould offered him the chance to call one after previous conversations revealed Gibson’s enthusiasm for the sport. Gibson stepped up to the plate and knocked it out of the park.

“Johnny had a notebook, and I was talking to him about his notes and that kind of stuff,” Gerould said. “He’s at all the races. He’d watched all the Outlaw races, and he’s got this notebook full of stats and numbers and stuff. He was just super dialed in to the whole deal. I remember asking him that night, early out by where they sell the food and stuff down there, ‘Have you ever thought about announcing?’ I don’t even remember what his answer was, but the bottom line was I was like, ‘Come up to the booth tonight and call a Heat Race if you want to, because I know you know these guys, and you know the stuff.’ So, he did come up to the booth, and it might’ve been the third Heat or something, and I said, ‘OK, here you go.’”

Joining Gerould and Gibson in the booth that night was Series Director Carlton Reimers, who quickly took note of Gibson’s talent.

“When he picked that mic up, it was just natural,” Reimers said. “And he just rattled off a Heat Race there like he’d been announcing and calling races his whole life.”

Something the World of Outlaws lacked to that point was their own announcer. Reimers wanted a voice that fans could associate with the growing Series. A passionate individual whose name crowds would recognize as much as they did Kinser or Swindell. So, he chatted with Ted Johnson about what he’d just witnessed during the Heat Race, and Gibson traded the programs for a microphone in 1997.

“I had been wanting for us to get our own full-time announcer for some time,” Reimers explained. “And I thought, ‘Boy, this is just a natural fit here. I’ve got to tell Ted about this and see what we can do.’ And of course, the rest is history.”

Over the next several years, Gibson and the World of Outlaws became inseparable. His voice attached to so many iconic moments. Fans echoing his famed Four-Wide Salute call in grandstands across the country. He didn’t simply travel with and call races for The Greatest Show on Dirt. He became part of The Greatest Show on Dirt. His contributions became so valued that Gibson was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 2022.

But Gibson remains humble despite growing into an iconic piece of the sport’s history. To him, he’s simply doing his job with the care and commitment that the best Sprint Car drivers in the world deserve and hoping to potentially help introduce others to the sport he cherishes.

“To this day, I don’t really think I’m that big of a part of the show,” Gibson said. “My job is to basically communicate and inform the fans who are watching what is the show, the racing itself. It’s still strange to me when people come up and ask for an autograph… But probably the coolest part is I help people maybe discover or learn more about the Series that is absolutely The Greatest Show on Dirt. It’s not just a marketing phrase. To me, that’s exactly what’s going on.”

Gibson may opt for humility, but the mark he’s made can’t be overstated.

“You just realize how important he is and the impact he’s had,” Reimers said. “Sometimes you see little kids come up and they’re rattling off Johnny’s call for the Four-Wide just like he does. They may not even know who Johnny Gibson is, but they know that voice, and they know the calls he makes.”

The dedication displayed by Gibson has led to some remarkable milestones. Not only will 2026 mark his 30th consecutive season calling World of Outlaws events, but it will also continue his streak of 2,412 straight races announced for The Greatest Show on Dirt. His list of tracks visited stands at a whopping 408 and counting.

The World of Outlaws may be his primary focus, but Gibson’s love for dirt extends to all corners of the sport. He’s called the Chili Bowl Nationals, including one trip where his devotion was on full display as he found himself working alongside Bobby Gerould again.

“Johnny wasn’t feeling good the night before one of those Chili Bowls,” Gerould explained. “We were hanging out, and he was like, ‘Yeah, man, I don’t feel good.’ He had a runny nose, a little cough, and his ears were messed up. He just really wasn’t feeling good, and I was thinking, ‘If I have to try to do this tomorrow by myself, that’s not going to work. What are we going to do? We might have to recruit someone to come in. It won’t be Johnny because he’s such a play-by-play guy, but it’s going to have to be someone who can give us a little color or whatever.’

“Well, Johnny, the next day, before we were supposed to start the Chili Bowl got up early, went to a clinic somewhere in Tulsa, and they diagnosed him with walking pneumonia. But when it was time to lace them up and put on the headset, there he was.”

Johnny Gibson is unquestionably a legend of dirt racing. The story of the World of Outlaws is not as powerful without him and his extraordinary care for the sport.

But he’ll never view himself that way. For Gibson, he’s still that same person that was mesmerized by the World of Outlaws when he first saw them. A race fan who’s found some good fortune along the journey.

“I just can’t wrap my head around it,” Gibson said of his 30th season. “There is no way that Johnny Gibson in 1997 would’ve imagined 30 years later still doing this. I thought, ‘OK, this might be cool for the next couple years.’ But I just never imagined 30 years later I’d still be doing this. I say this in every interview that I’ve ever done with anyone, but it’s just so true. There’s no getting away from it. I am the luckiest Sprint Car fan in the world. I get to watch the World of Outlaws every night, and I get to talk about it.”

Gibson begins his 30th season calling races for the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars at Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals on Feb. 4-7.

Where can you get tickets to see the World of Outlaws in 2026? Click to see the full schedule.

Where can you watch every World of Outlaws race? Live on DIRTVision.

WORLD’S LUCKIEST SPRINT CAR FAN: Gibson Reflects on Journey to 30th World of Outlaws Season

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 2, 2026) – Johnny Gibson could’ve never imagined the future that awaited when his first World of Outlaws Sprint Car race left him in awe.

The Pennsylvanian’s racing connection was rooted in Late Models. A few United Racing Club (URC) events introduced Gibson to Sprint Cars, but it wasn’t until a 1981 night at Lernerville Speedway that this race fan’s life changed. Ted Johnson’s band of travelers rolled through the Sarver, PA track during their fourth season, and Gibson knew he was witnessing something special.

“Going to see the World of Outlaws, that was an entirely different level,” Gibson recalled. “It was like, ‘Oh my, this is crazy. This is what I want to see from now on.’”

Fast forward 45 years, and Gibson’s name is synonymous with the Series. He’s set to begin his 30th consecutive season on the microphone with The Greatest Show on Dirt.

Gibson’s earliest aspirations didn’t include making a living announcing races. He planned to be a musician. Several years were spent playing in bands and bouncing around to whatever day jobs he could find to pay the bills. While music may have been his desired professional path at the time, the racing fandom never dimmed.

“If there was a weekend where the band wasn’t playing, I was off at a race,” Gibson said. “I can remember, probably in 1987, being at rehearsal with the band in Pittsburgh, and rehearsal ended up finishing up about 9:30 or 10:00, and jumping in my car and hauling ass to Sharon Speedway and got there for like the final 20 laps of the Ohio Speedweek feature. I drove like an hour and a half just for like 20 laps of a feature.”

The door to working with the World of Outlaws opened in 1994 when Gibson helped sell programs thanks to Kevin Eckert introducing him to Bill Woodside the year prior. That eventually progressed into becoming the primary program seller. Those early days were far from luxurious, but Gibson didn’t mind. Being on the road with the World of Outlaws was more than enough.

“They asked me if I wanted to take over the program gig full-time, and so I immediately said yes,” Gibson said. “So, the remainder of 1995 and all of 1996 I was basically on the road. I was an independent contractor. I paid all my own expenses, used my own vehicle, all that sort of stuff. So, it was a lot of nights sleeping in my van or staying with friends or crashing on couches just to be able to stay on the road and be able to see the races every night.”

The 1996 season also knocked over the first domino in Gibson’s route to cementing himself as the voice of the World of Outlaws. The tour stopped at California’s Kings Speedway in the fall, and track announcer Bobby Gerould invited Gibson to the booth for an interview about his job. The time came for Heat Races, and Gerould offered him the chance to call one after previous conversations revealed Gibson’s enthusiasm for the sport. Gibson stepped up to the plate and knocked it out of the park.

“Johnny had a notebook, and I was talking to him about his notes and that kind of stuff,” Gerould said. “He’s at all the races. He’d watched all the Outlaw races, and he’s got this notebook full of stats and numbers and stuff. He was just super dialed in to the whole deal. I remember asking him that night, early out by where they sell the food and stuff down there, ‘Have you ever thought about announcing?’ I don’t even remember what his answer was, but the bottom line was I was like, ‘Come up to the booth tonight and call a Heat Race if you want to, because I know you know these guys, and you know the stuff.’ So, he did come up to the booth, and it might’ve been the third Heat or something, and I said, ‘OK, here you go.’”

Joining Gerould and Gibson in the booth that night was Series Director Carlton Reimers, who quickly took note of Gibson’s talent.

“When he picked that mic up, it was just natural,” Reimers said. “And he just rattled off a Heat Race there like he’d been announcing and calling races his whole life.”

Something the World of Outlaws lacked to that point was their own announcer. Reimers wanted a voice that fans could associate with the growing Series. A passionate individual whose name crowds would recognize as much as they did Kinser or Swindell. So, he chatted with Ted Johnson about what he’d just witnessed during the Heat Race, and Gibson traded the programs for a microphone in 1997.

“I had been wanting for us to get our own full-time announcer for some time,” Reimers explained. “And I thought, ‘Boy, this is just a natural fit here. I’ve got to tell Ted about this and see what we can do.’ And of course, the rest is history.”

Over the next several years, Gibson and the World of Outlaws became inseparable. His voice attached to so many iconic moments. Fans echoing his famed Four-Wide Salute call in grandstands across the country. He didn’t simply travel with and call races for The Greatest Show on Dirt. He became part of The Greatest Show on Dirt. His contributions became so valued that Gibson was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 2022.

But Gibson remains humble despite growing into an iconic piece of the sport’s history. To him, he’s simply doing his job with the care and commitment that the best Sprint Car drivers in the world deserve and hoping to potentially help introduce others to the sport he cherishes.

“To this day, I don’t really think I’m that big of a part of the show,” Gibson said. “My job is to basically communicate and inform the fans who are watching what is the show, the racing itself. It’s still strange to me when people come up and ask for an autograph… But probably the coolest part is I help people maybe discover or learn more about the Series that is absolutely The Greatest Show on Dirt. It’s not just a marketing phrase. To me, that’s exactly what’s going on.”

Gibson may opt for humility, but the mark he’s made can’t be overstated.

“You just realize how important he is and the impact he’s had,” Reimers said. “Sometimes you see little kids come up and they’re rattling off Johnny’s call for the Four-Wide just like he does. They may not even know who Johnny Gibson is, but they know that voice, and they know the calls he makes.”

The dedication displayed by Gibson has led to some remarkable milestones. Not only will 2026 mark his 30th consecutive season calling World of Outlaws events, but it will also continue his streak of 2,412 straight races announced for The Greatest Show on Dirt. His list of tracks visited stands at a whopping 408 and counting.

The World of Outlaws may be his primary focus, but Gibson’s love for dirt extends to all corners of the sport. He’s called the Chili Bowl Nationals, including one trip where his devotion was on full display as he found himself working alongside Bobby Gerould again.

“Johnny wasn’t feeling good the night before one of those Chili Bowls,” Gerould explained. “We were hanging out, and he was like, ‘Yeah, man, I don’t feel good.’ He had a runny nose, a little cough, and his ears were messed up. He just really wasn’t feeling good, and I was thinking, ‘If I have to try to do this tomorrow by myself, that’s not going to work. What are we going to do? We might have to recruit someone to come in. It won’t be Johnny because he’s such a play-by-play guy, but it’s going to have to be someone who can give us a little color or whatever.’

“Well, Johnny, the next day, before we were supposed to start the Chili Bowl got up early, went to a clinic somewhere in Tulsa, and they diagnosed him with walking pneumonia. But when it was time to lace them up and put on the headset, there he was.”

Johnny Gibson is unquestionably a legend of dirt racing. The story of the World of Outlaws is not as powerful without him and his extraordinary care for the sport.

But he’ll never view himself that way. For Gibson, he’s still that same person that was mesmerized by the World of Outlaws when he first saw them. A race fan who’s found some good fortune along the journey.

“I just can’t wrap my head around it,” Gibson said of his 30th season. “There is no way that Johnny Gibson in 1997 would’ve imagined 30 years later still doing this. I thought, ‘OK, this might be cool for the next couple years.’ But I just never imagined 30 years later I’d still be doing this. I say this in every interview that I’ve ever done with anyone, but it’s just so true. There’s no getting away from it. I am the luckiest Sprint Car fan in the world. I get to watch the World of Outlaws every night, and I get to talk about it.”

Gibson begins his 30th season calling races for the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars at Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals on Feb. 4-7.

Where can you get tickets to see the World of Outlaws in 2026? Click to see the full schedule.

Where can you watch every World of Outlaws race? Live on DIRTVision.

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars/worlds-luckiest-sprint-car-fan-gibson-reflects-on-journey-to-30th-world-of-outlaws-season/

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 2, 2026) – The wait is over. The 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series season is ready to fire off.

Since 1978, the World of Outlaws has showcased the top Sprint Car talent on tracks across the country. Ted Johnson cultivated an idea into a legacy that carries on nearly five decades later.

All eyes are on Barberville, FL’s Volusia Speedway Park where the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals is set to ignite the campaign. The Greatest Show on Dirt will be on display over four consecutive nights (Feb. 4-7) at the Florida 1/2 mile, culminating in a $20,000-to-win/$1,500-to-start finale.

It’s not only the nightly purse money up for grabs. Points will be tallied throughout the week to distribute a fund to the top three and crown a Big Gator champion.

It’s time to shake off the winter frost. It’s time to head south to the “Sunshine State.” It’s time for the world’s premier Sprint Car drivers to get back on track.

BUY VOLUSIA TICKETS HERE

WATCH LIVE ON DIRTVision

Let’s look at the top five storylines to watch in Florida:

Two-Time Eyes Three-Peat

Only three men – Steve Kinser, Donny Schatz, and Brad Sweet – have ever been able to claim three consecutive World of Outlaws Sprint Car titles. The opportunity to make it four drivers stands ahead of David Gravel.

He and Big Game Motorsports are the two-time and defending champions. The Tod Quiring-owned team has brought the entire core of crew members back in Cody Jacobs (crew chief) Pete Stephens (car chief), and Zach Patterson (tire specialists), along with adding a fourth set of hands on the road, former Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing car chief Luke Vaughn. All the pieces are in place to chase a third straight crown.

Volusia has historically been good to Gravel. The Watertown, CT native owns seven World of Outlaws checkered flags from “The World’s Fastest Half Mile,” including adding a pair last year. He also beat the All Star Circuit of Champions (ASCoC) there in 2017. He’s tied with Daryn Pittman for the most DIRTcar Nationals Big Gators with three and has a shot at a record-breaking fourth this week.

Gator Grabbers

Gravel is far from the only 2026 World of Outlaws competitor with a gator or two in their collection.

A section of Donny Schatz’s trophy room might be mistaken for a swamp courtesy of his Volusia history. He’s topped a whopping 24 main events at the 1/2 mile, including 15 in World of Outlaws competition. The 10-time Series champion opens a new chapter this week as he’s teamed with CJB Motorsports and has Barry Jackson on the wrenches.

Volusia Victory Lane has welcomed Carson Macedo on five occasions, most recently last year’s season opener. He’s still in search of a Big Gator title and will be gunning for one as his sixth consecutive year with Jason Johnson Racing begins.

Logan Schuchart caught little gators with wins in 2020 and 2021 (twice) and hauled in a pair of Big Gator Championships (2021 and 2023) to go along with that trio. The Hanover, PA native is set to start his 13th season on tour aboard the Shark Racing No. 1S.

The first World of Outlaws victory of Sheldon Haudenschild’s career came at Volusia in 2018, and he’s since added two more at the Florida oval (2022 and 2024). He’ll be debuting in his new ride – the KCP Racing/NOS Energy Drink No. 18 – this week.

Starting Strong

There are several capable competitors among this year’s World of Outlaws roster that will be in search of their first Volusia victory to kick the season off on the right foot.

Michael “Buddy” Kofoid has asserted himself as potentially Gravel’s biggest threat for the championship, but the Penngrove, CA native is yet to top a Volusia visit. The Roth Motorsports pilot was twice a runner-up at the 2023 DIRTcar Nationals.

Spencer Bayston is teamed with Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing for 2026 and would love nothing more than to check the Volusia win box to start the year. He’s still in search of his first Sprint Car triumph since August of 2023. The Lebanon, IN native owns a pair of top fives at the 1/2 mile, topping out at fourth in 2023 with the All Stars.

Bill Balog exceeded expectations a year ago by tallying a trio of checkered flags in his second season. Volusia Victory Lane has eluded him to this point in his career, with a sixth-place result in 2025 standing as his best.

Four sophomores – Garet Williamson, Cole Macedo, Chris Windom, and Conner Morrell – are all eying a speedy start to their second campaigns by scoring not only their first Volusia win, but their first World of Outlaws checkered flag.

Rookie Battle Begins

After 2025 delivered one of the most compelling Rookie of the Year contests in Series history, 2026 is sure to serve up another with four drivers currently committed to compete.

Ashton Torgerson was the first to toss his name into the hat, announcing his 2026 plans during World Finals last year. Torgerson’s move brings the famed Shark Racing No. 1A back on tour. The 19-year-old impressed last year as he and the Shark crew ran a pick and choose schedule from April onward, leading Torgerson to many new tracks. The pairing picked up a local win at BAPS Motor Speedway among many stout finishes.

Scotty Thiel hooked up with Greg Wheeler Motorsports for his maiden voyage with The Greatest Show on Dirt. The Sheboygan, WI native is an Interstate Racing Association champion (2024) and spent some time touring with ASCoC in 2023. Thiel has 38 career 410 Sprint Car wins to his credit.

Scott Bogucki teamed with Three Stooges Racing last August, and they put the pieces in place for a full World of Outlaws campaign in 2026. The McLaren Vale, SA, Australia native has a pair of American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) seasons under his belt.

Kasey Jedrzejek is climbing aboard the Bill Rose Racing No. 6 for his rookie season. The LaGrange, OH native sat on the pole of last year’s Kings Royal and picked up a World of Outlaws top five at Millstream Speedway.

Filling Florida

Expect a packed pit area this week in Florida as plenty of talent plans on battling the full-time World of Outlaws contingent. The DIRTcar Nationals continues to grow with last year’s running attracting more than 50 entrants.

Ryan Timms and the Liebig Motorsports team plan to escape the cold and make the long haul from their shop in Rapid City, SD to Florida. The pairing topped 18 races a year ago, highlighted by the Knoxville Nationals and Tuscarora 50. The Oklahoman is a two-time United Sprint Car Series (USCS) winner at Volusia.

The Pennsylvania Posse plan to send plenty of representation off the porch. Anthony Macri (Dillsburg, PA), Danny Dietrich (Gettysburg, PA), Brock Zearfoss (Jonestown, PA), Chase Dietz (York, PA), and T.J. Stutts (Liverpool, PA) have Volusia on their schedules. All five have World of Outlaws wins on their résumés.

Tyler Courtney and Brian Brown are both set to continue their comebacks from injuries sustained in 2025. The duo competed last week with ASCS at the Florida oval with Courtney winning both Thursday and Friday – putting him in contention for his first Big Gator title Monday night with ASCS. “Sunshine” also owns a World of Outlaws win at Volusia from 2024.

The new pairings of Daison Pursley with Kasey Kahne Racing and Tanner Holmes with Buch Motorsports will be on display. Both debuted at World of Outlaws World Finals last November. Pursley is a former USAC Sprint Car winner at Volusia while this week marks Holmes’ “World’s Fastest Half Mile” debut.

Additional competitors expected at Volusia include Austin McCarl (Altoona, IA), Sam Hafertepe Jr. (Sunnyvale, TX), Justin Peck (Monrovia, IN), Parker Price-Miller (Kokomo, IN), Hank Davis (Sand Springs, OK), and many more.

THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

WHEN AND WHERE 
Wednesday-Saturday, Feb. 4-7 at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, FL

2026 WORLD OF OUTLAWS SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE:
Day, Date / Track / Location
Wed, Feb 4 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL
Thurs, Feb 5 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL
Fri, Feb 6 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL
Sat, Feb 7 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL
Sun, March 1 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL
Mon, March 2 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL
Fri, March 6 / Talladega Short Track / Eastaboga, AL
Sat, March 7 / Magnolia Motor Speedway / Columbus, MS
Fri, March 13 / Kennedale Speedway Park / Kennedale, TX
Sat, March 14 / Kennedale Speedway Park / Kennedale, TX
Fri, March 20 / Lawton Speedway / Lawton, OK
Sat, March 21 / Creek County Speedway / Sapulpa, OK
Fri, March 27 / US 36 Raceway / Osborn, MO
Sat, March 28 / 81 Speedway / Park City, KS
Fri, April 10 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Sat, April 11 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Fri, April 17 / Jacksonville Speedway / Jacksonville, IL
Sat, April 18 / Tri-State Speedway / Haubstadt, IN
Fri, April 24 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Sat, April 25 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Fri, May 1 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH
Sat, May 2 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH
Tues, May 5 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA
Fri, May 8 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Sat, May 9 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Fri, May 15 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH
Sat, May 16 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH
Sat, May 23 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Sun, May 24 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, May 29 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND
Sun, May 31 / Nodak Speedway / Minot, ND
Fri, June 5 / Hartford Speedway / Hartford, MI
Sat, June 6 / Plymouth Dirt Track / Plymouth, WI
Sun, June 7 / Angell Park Speedway / Sun Prairie, WI
Fri, June 12 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Sat, June 13 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Wed, June 17 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Thurs, June 18 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, June 19 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sat, June 20 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, June 26 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI
Sat, June 27 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI
Fri, July 10 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI
Sat, July 11 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI
Tues, July 14 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH
Fri, July 17 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH
Sat, July 18 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH
Tues, July 21 / Ohsweken Speedway / Ohsweken, ON, Canada
Wed, July 22 / Ohsweken Speedway / Ohsweken, ON, Canada
Sat, July 25 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY
Sun, July 26 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY
Wed, July 29 / BAPS Motor Speedway / York Haven, PA
Fri, July 31 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Sat, Aug 1 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Fri, Aug 7 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Sat, Aug 8 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Wed, Aug 12 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Thurs, Aug 13 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Fri, Aug 14 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Sat, Aug 15 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Fri, Aug 21 / Ogilvie Raceway / Ogilvie, MN
Sat, Aug 22 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN
Fri, Aug 28 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND
Sat, Aug 29 / Red River Valley Speedway / West Fargo, ND
Fri, Sept 4 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sat, Sept 5 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sun, Sept 6 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, Sept 11 / Belleville High Banks / Belleville, KS
Sat, Sept 12 / Dodge City Raceway Park / Dodge City, KS
Mon, Sept 14 / El Paso County Raceway / Calhan, CO
Fri, Sept 18 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA
Sat, Sept 19 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA
Fri, Sept 25 / Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway / Bakersfield, CA
Sat, Sept 26 / Ventura Raceway / Ventura, CA
Fri, Oct 2 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Sat, Oct 3 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Thurs, Oct 8 / Millstream Speedway / Findlay, OH
Fri, Oct 9 / Mansfield Speedway / Mansfield, OH
Sat, Oct 10 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH
Fri, Oct 16 / Lincoln Park Speedway / Putnamville, IN
Sat, Oct 17 / TBA
Fri, Oct 23 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR
Sat, Oct 24 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR
Wed, Nov 4 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Thurs, Nov 5 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Fri, Nov 6 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Sat, Nov 7 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC

*denotes unofficial split-field prelim race.

TOP FIVE STORYLINES: World of Outlaws 49th Season Begins with Volusia’s DIRTcar Nationals

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 2, 2026) – The wait is over. The 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series season is ready to fire off.

Since 1978, the World of Outlaws has showcased the top Sprint Car talent on tracks across the country. Ted Johnson cultivated an idea into a legacy that carries on nearly five decades later.

All eyes are on Barberville, FL’s Volusia Speedway Park where the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals is set to ignite the campaign. The Greatest Show on Dirt will be on display over four consecutive nights (Feb. 4-7) at the Florida 1/2 mile, culminating in a $20,000-to-win/$1,500-to-start finale.

It’s not only the nightly purse money up for grabs. Points will be tallied throughout the week to distribute a fund to the top three and crown a Big Gator champion.

It’s time to shake off the winter frost. It’s time to head south to the “Sunshine State.” It’s time for the world’s premier Sprint Car drivers to get back on track.

BUY VOLUSIA TICKETS HERE

WATCH LIVE ON DIRTVision

Let’s look at the top five storylines to watch in Florida:

Two-Time Eyes Three-Peat

Only three men – Steve Kinser, Donny Schatz, and Brad Sweet – have ever been able to claim three consecutive World of Outlaws Sprint Car titles. The opportunity to make it four drivers stands ahead of David Gravel.

He and Big Game Motorsports are the two-time and defending champions. The Tod Quiring-owned team has brought the entire core of crew members back in Cody Jacobs (crew chief) Pete Stephens (car chief), and Zach Patterson (tire specialists), along with adding a fourth set of hands on the road, former Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing car chief Luke Vaughn. All the pieces are in place to chase a third straight crown.

Volusia has historically been good to Gravel. The Watertown, CT native owns seven World of Outlaws checkered flags from “The World’s Fastest Half Mile,” including adding a pair last year. He also beat the All Star Circuit of Champions (ASCoC) there in 2017. He’s tied with Daryn Pittman for the most DIRTcar Nationals Big Gators with three and has a shot at a record-breaking fourth this week.

Gator Grabbers

Gravel is far from the only 2026 World of Outlaws competitor with a gator or two in their collection.

A section of Donny Schatz’s trophy room might be mistaken for a swamp courtesy of his Volusia history. He’s topped a whopping 24 main events at the 1/2 mile, including 15 in World of Outlaws competition. The 10-time Series champion opens a new chapter this week as he’s teamed with CJB Motorsports and has Barry Jackson on the wrenches.

Volusia Victory Lane has welcomed Carson Macedo on five occasions, most recently last year’s season opener. He’s still in search of a Big Gator title and will be gunning for one as his sixth consecutive year with Jason Johnson Racing begins.

Logan Schuchart caught little gators with wins in 2020 and 2021 (twice) and hauled in a pair of Big Gator Championships (2021 and 2023) to go along with that trio. The Hanover, PA native is set to start his 13th season on tour aboard the Shark Racing No. 1S.

The first World of Outlaws victory of Sheldon Haudenschild’s career came at Volusia in 2018, and he’s since added two more at the Florida oval (2022 and 2024). He’ll be debuting in his new ride – the KCP Racing/NOS Energy Drink No. 18 – this week.

Starting Strong

There are several capable competitors among this year’s World of Outlaws roster that will be in search of their first Volusia victory to kick the season off on the right foot.

Michael “Buddy” Kofoid has asserted himself as potentially Gravel’s biggest threat for the championship, but the Penngrove, CA native is yet to top a Volusia visit. The Roth Motorsports pilot was twice a runner-up at the 2023 DIRTcar Nationals.

Spencer Bayston is teamed with Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing for 2026 and would love nothing more than to check the Volusia win box to start the year. He’s still in search of his first Sprint Car triumph since August of 2023. The Lebanon, IN native owns a pair of top fives at the 1/2 mile, topping out at fourth in 2023 with the All Stars.

Bill Balog exceeded expectations a year ago by tallying a trio of checkered flags in his second season. Volusia Victory Lane has eluded him to this point in his career, with a sixth-place result in 2025 standing as his best.

Four sophomores – Garet Williamson, Cole Macedo, Chris Windom, and Conner Morrell – are all eying a speedy start to their second campaigns by scoring not only their first Volusia win, but their first World of Outlaws checkered flag.

Rookie Battle Begins

After 2025 delivered one of the most compelling Rookie of the Year contests in Series history, 2026 is sure to serve up another with four drivers currently committed to compete.

Ashton Torgerson was the first to toss his name into the hat, announcing his 2026 plans during World Finals last year. Torgerson’s move brings the famed Shark Racing No. 1A back on tour. The 19-year-old impressed last year as he and the Shark crew ran a pick and choose schedule from April onward, leading Torgerson to many new tracks. The pairing picked up a local win at BAPS Motor Speedway among many stout finishes.

Scotty Thiel hooked up with Greg Wheeler Motorsports for his maiden voyage with The Greatest Show on Dirt. The Sheboygan, WI native is an Interstate Racing Association champion (2024) and spent some time touring with ASCoC in 2023. Thiel has 38 career 410 Sprint Car wins to his credit.

Scott Bogucki teamed with Three Stooges Racing last August, and they put the pieces in place for a full World of Outlaws campaign in 2026. The McLaren Vale, SA, Australia native has a pair of American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) seasons under his belt.

Kasey Jedrzejek is climbing aboard the Bill Rose Racing No. 6 for his rookie season. The LaGrange, OH native sat on the pole of last year’s Kings Royal and picked up a World of Outlaws top five at Millstream Speedway.

Filling Florida

Expect a packed pit area this week in Florida as plenty of talent plans on battling the full-time World of Outlaws contingent. The DIRTcar Nationals continues to grow with last year’s running attracting more than 50 entrants.

Ryan Timms and the Liebig Motorsports team plan to escape the cold and make the long haul from their shop in Rapid City, SD to Florida. The pairing topped 18 races a year ago, highlighted by the Knoxville Nationals and Tuscarora 50. The Oklahoman is a two-time United Sprint Car Series (USCS) winner at Volusia.

The Pennsylvania Posse plan to send plenty of representation off the porch. Anthony Macri (Dillsburg, PA), Danny Dietrich (Gettysburg, PA), Brock Zearfoss (Jonestown, PA), Chase Dietz (York, PA), and T.J. Stutts (Liverpool, PA) have Volusia on their schedules. All five have World of Outlaws wins on their résumés.

Tyler Courtney and Brian Brown are both set to continue their comebacks from injuries sustained in 2025. The duo competed last week with ASCS at the Florida oval with Courtney winning both Thursday and Friday – putting him in contention for his first Big Gator title Monday night with ASCS. “Sunshine” also owns a World of Outlaws win at Volusia from 2024.

The new pairings of Daison Pursley with Kasey Kahne Racing and Tanner Holmes with Buch Motorsports will be on display. Both debuted at World of Outlaws World Finals last November. Pursley is a former USAC Sprint Car winner at Volusia while this week marks Holmes’ “World’s Fastest Half Mile” debut.

Additional competitors expected at Volusia include Austin McCarl (Altoona, IA), Sam Hafertepe Jr. (Sunnyvale, TX), Justin Peck (Monrovia, IN), Parker Price-Miller (Kokomo, IN), Hank Davis (Sand Springs, OK), and many more.

THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

WHEN AND WHERE 
Wednesday-Saturday, Feb. 4-7 at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, FL

2026 WORLD OF OUTLAWS SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE:
Day, Date / Track / Location
Wed, Feb 4 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL
Thurs, Feb 5 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL
Fri, Feb 6 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL
Sat, Feb 7 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL
Sun, March 1 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL
Mon, March 2 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL
Fri, March 6 / Talladega Short Track / Eastaboga, AL
Sat, March 7 / Magnolia Motor Speedway / Columbus, MS
Fri, March 13 / Kennedale Speedway Park / Kennedale, TX
Sat, March 14 / Kennedale Speedway Park / Kennedale, TX
Fri, March 20 / Lawton Speedway / Lawton, OK
Sat, March 21 / Creek County Speedway / Sapulpa, OK
Fri, March 27 / US 36 Raceway / Osborn, MO
Sat, March 28 / 81 Speedway / Park City, KS
Fri, April 10 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Sat, April 11 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Fri, April 17 / Jacksonville Speedway / Jacksonville, IL
Sat, April 18 / Tri-State Speedway / Haubstadt, IN
Fri, April 24 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Sat, April 25 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Fri, May 1 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH
Sat, May 2 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH
Tues, May 5 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA
Fri, May 8 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Sat, May 9 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Fri, May 15 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH
Sat, May 16 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH
Sat, May 23 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Sun, May 24 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, May 29 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND
Sun, May 31 / Nodak Speedway / Minot, ND
Fri, June 5 / Hartford Speedway / Hartford, MI
Sat, June 6 / Plymouth Dirt Track / Plymouth, WI
Sun, June 7 / Angell Park Speedway / Sun Prairie, WI
Fri, June 12 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Sat, June 13 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Wed, June 17 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Thurs, June 18 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, June 19 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sat, June 20 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, June 26 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI
Sat, June 27 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI
Fri, July 10 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI
Sat, July 11 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI
Tues, July 14 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH
Fri, July 17 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH
Sat, July 18 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH
Tues, July 21 / Ohsweken Speedway / Ohsweken, ON, Canada
Wed, July 22 / Ohsweken Speedway / Ohsweken, ON, Canada
Sat, July 25 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY
Sun, July 26 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY
Wed, July 29 / BAPS Motor Speedway / York Haven, PA
Fri, July 31 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Sat, Aug 1 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Fri, Aug 7 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Sat, Aug 8 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Wed, Aug 12 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Thurs, Aug 13 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Fri, Aug 14 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Sat, Aug 15 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Fri, Aug 21 / Ogilvie Raceway / Ogilvie, MN
Sat, Aug 22 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN
Fri, Aug 28 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND
Sat, Aug 29 / Red River Valley Speedway / West Fargo, ND
Fri, Sept 4 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sat, Sept 5 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sun, Sept 6 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, Sept 11 / Belleville High Banks / Belleville, KS
Sat, Sept 12 / Dodge City Raceway Park / Dodge City, KS
Mon, Sept 14 / El Paso County Raceway / Calhan, CO
Fri, Sept 18 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA
Sat, Sept 19 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA
Fri, Sept 25 / Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway / Bakersfield, CA
Sat, Sept 26 / Ventura Raceway / Ventura, CA
Fri, Oct 2 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Sat, Oct 3 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Thurs, Oct 8 / Millstream Speedway / Findlay, OH
Fri, Oct 9 / Mansfield Speedway / Mansfield, OH
Sat, Oct 10 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH
Fri, Oct 16 / Lincoln Park Speedway / Putnamville, IN
Sat, Oct 17 / TBA
Fri, Oct 23 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR
Sat, Oct 24 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR
Wed, Nov 4 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Thurs, Nov 5 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Fri, Nov 6 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Sat, Nov 7 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC

*denotes unofficial split-field prelim race.

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars/top-five-storylines-world-of-outlaws-49th-season-begins-with-volusias-dirtcar-nationals/

FAMED MARCH MEET SET FOR HISTORIC 68thINSTALLMENT MARCH 5-8 BAKERSFIELD ,CA (February 2, 2026) — One of the most iconic and significant drag racing events in the country, the Good Vibrations Motorsports March Meet, will return to Famoso Dragstrip, March 5-8, 2026. The 68th edition will feature Heritage Series and Nitro categories as well as a car show, swap meet and vendor row. While the NHRA celebrates its 75th year of professional drag racing the March Meet will continue to highlight the impressive past performers and nostalgic race cars that built the sport that is celebrated and enjoyed by millions today. Tickets are on sale now with single day and multi-day tickets available. A full list of competitors will be available on the coming weeks.   “When you look at the stars and cars of today’s NHRA you have to acknowledge what has happened at the March Meet over the past nearly 70 years,” said Blake Bowser, March Meet promoter. “Our event is the closest thing to a time machine for long time fans as well as new fans looking for a cool experience with amazing looking vehicles. I don’t think there is another sport that showcases its past better than the March Meet. The nostalgia cars on the track look almost identical to their predecessors and in some cases, fans are seeing the original race car burn out and fly down Famoso Dragstrip.”  Amazing Funny Cars will be joined by fast and beautiful Heritage Series race cars at the 68th March Meet The four-day event will highlight qualifying and then the qualified field will race for one of the most historic trophies in drag racing on Sunday, March 8. On Thursday, gates will open at 8 a.m. with a full morning of qualifying runs starting at 9 a.m. capped by Nitro competitors making their first test runs at 2 p.m. Friday will be another day of high-speed excitement with Nitro qualifying at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The final day of qualifying on Saturday will see gates opening at 8 a.m. with one more Nitro Funny Car and the continuation of qualifying for Top Fuel and Fuel Altered at 12:30 p.m.  The first round of Funny Car eliminations commences at 3:30 p.m. with the final round of qualifying for Top Fuel and Fuel Altered. The day will be capped by jet dragster exhibition passes.   “The first two days of the March Meet will give the fans a taste of the high-octane excitement drag racing has been built on,” said Bowser. “The pits are open and fans can mingle with the drivers, crew chiefs and teams while they get ready to wrap up the race on Sunday. The vibe in the pits presents a welcoming atmosphere with the air of intensity as qualifying winds down.”   The final day of the Good Vibrations March Meet is jam-packed with elimination rounds in Funny Car, Top Fuel, Fuel Altered, and all the Nostalgia classes. Gates will open at 8 a.m. and the cars will start flying down the track at 9 a.m. A special opening ceremony will set the tone for the day at 11 a.m. with the car show, swap meet and vendor row running all day for fans from across the country.   Fans can buy single and multi-day tickets here. For additional information on racing or participating in the car show visit www.marchmeet.com or call 800-759-8679. Fans can also email marchmeet@famosodragstrip.com for all event information.

NASCAR CUP SERIES BOWMAN GRAY STADIUM TEAM CHEVY DRIVER QUOTES JANUARY 31, 2026

Reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion, Kyle Larson, met with the media via Zoom in advance of the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

Media Availability Quotes:  Monday night could still have a chance to be the coldest race in NASCAR history, if that’s when it gets run. What’s the coldest you ever remember being inside a car, and how do you prepare, if you do prepare any differently, for those kind of conditions?“Yeah, I don’t know if I’ve ever competed when it’s that cold. But thankfully for us, we’re inside of a stock car, which is basically like an oven, so that’ll help. I think, honestly, I think it’ll feel fine for us inside the car. I wouldn’t be surprised if you still break somewhat of a sweat in there, just because of all the temps from internally, and it’s not windy in there because we’re going so slow.  But yeah, I just feel for the the crews, the mechanics, the fans and NASCAR officials; everybody who’s there outside in the cold. But, you know, we love the sport, and we’ll compete in any conditions, I think. I just look forward to the challenge; just seeing kind of how the race plays out and seeing what teams can step up.”  Usually with weather situations, it’s a lot of ‘hurry up and wait’. To get the information now this early, where we know we’re going to be pushing to Monday, how does that help you not just be in this sort of weird in between and help set up a better plan for what the next couple of days look like for you?“Well, I think we all assumed it probably wasn’t going to happen tomorrow anyways. So, in my head, I think I was already planning for Monday, or potentially even further. But, really, it just kind of gets you excited that you can enjoy the snow with your family. As soon as I’m done with this, I’m going to head over to my shop. We’ve got a good hill. We’ll probably build a jump; put the kids on some tubes and sleds, and go have some fun for the next couple days.  So, just try to make the most out of the situation, and also be ready to go when it is time to go. You know, we’ve already done our pre-event packet; going over the race weekend, practice, qualifying, all of that. So, I feel like we have a good plan. Now, we just have to wait until we get on track.”   In terms of your last championship you won, how cool was it to win one with your kids being old enough to really kind of grasp what was going on, unlike back in 2021, when they were much younger?“Yeah, I think Owen had an okay understanding from the first one. But, you know, this one I think was cooler because I would imagine Audrey will remember this now for the rest of her life. Obviously I wasn’t in the motorhome watching the race because I was on the track, but my wife, Katelyn, she told me how emotional Owen had gotten. You know, he was a little bit teared up because I think he could grasp the magnitude of it, and also grasp how wild the finish was for us. I think he understood that we were not in a great position to win the championship, and then the script flipped and we won. I think he was just as surprised and emotional as we all were on the team and behind the wheel.  So, yeah, it was cool, but also, having all the photos, videos and memories made that we’ll get to have forever is always cool.”   How hard do you have to remind yourself when they’re racing not to over-coach?“Yeah, it’s tough, for sure. I think I’ve realized at this point that, which it makes it even tougher to just keep your mouth shut, but I feel like my kids do better when I don’t talk to them. You know, I think I get a little too detailed, and then I think they’re probably out there trying to do what I say and they’re thinking too much rather than reacting to what’s going on on the track. I realized that at the Tulsa Shootout, because Owen did get to run a few divisions, that once I showed up to town — like the first race I got to watch him, I’m like trying to coach him and all that, and that was the worst race he had all week. So, I was like — all right, I’m just going to stop talking and let Chad Boat and the team coach him up because he seems to listen to them, or relate to what they’re saying, better than me.”   I’m thinking about the DAYTONA 500 in a couple weeks. There were some comments last year by some folks who said, well, the 500 doesn’t feel as prestigious as it once was. I’m curious, do you feel that way, and if so, what needs to happen, or what can NASCAR do, to get it back to feeling like it once was, where winning the 500 felt special, whereas now it seems like folks look at it as, oh, well, anyone can win?“I mean, it’s always going to be prestigious and feel prestigious. You know, I’ve never won the race. I’ve never even finished top-five, so I don’t know what the feeling is like. I would imagine the feeling of winning is still going to be extremely massive, if it ever happens.  But in a way, yeah, not that I fully agree with those comments, and I don’t know if that’s exactly how they’re meant to be anyways, but it is difficult to get really excited about the winner or who’s won when usually there’s a 20-car pile-up and the guy running towards the back squeaks through, and then misses another wreck later and wins. But that’s the race and that’s how it is. You know, I think William Byron winning two in a row is not a fluke, so the cream does rise. He’s won there in the old-style car and this car.  So, yeah, Daytona and Talladega, sure, anybody can win, but still the teams positioning themselves the best and drivers making the best decisions do win.  I don’t know if that really answers your question or not, but it’s still always going to be prestigious.”  You were in a bit of a slump as you went on to win the championship. You hadn’t won in a while, but then you got into the off-season and you started to win again. I don’t know how many races you won, but do you feel like you sort of have gotten your momentum back?“I don’t know… it’s completely different race cars and stuff, but we’ll see. I mean, we just got to get the season started. I feel good about things. I felt like we were trending in a good direction at the end of the year. I mean, you don’t make the final four in a slump, and you don’t win the championship in a slump. So, yeah, I feel confident. Although we didn’t get some wins in the playoffs, we had a great opportunity to win two or three races in the playoffs, barring some cautions or whatever playing out differently.  I feel very capable of winning. We have a new body style, which yeah, sure, maybe would take a handful weeks to get a full grasp on, but I think once we do, we can be really, really competitive. So, yeah, just look forward to getting on the track and getting things going; getting back in the flow and just racing.”  Katelyn had a bunch of funny videos while you were off racing. She sort of was in charge of the kids racing. What’s that like for her to have to do that on her own without you? Do they prefer you not being there, and then what was it like when you guys all won on the same night on different continents?“Yeah, I mean, I’m sure Katelyn and the kids would prefer if I was there all the time, but I think they also understand that I can’t be there all the time because I’m working or whatever you want to call it… it doesn’t feel like work to me, but you know, we can call it that. But, yeah, she’s gotten the hang of it more. I think she thrives at the kids races now. I think it was a bit stressful in the beginning, especially when Cooper was younger. He’s still a handful for sure, but you can pack a lot less now. He can go play with friends, and she can focus more on Owen and Audrey.  But, yeah, I think she really loves it there. She was set up selling the kids merchandise by the trailer, helping push them to staging and doing all that.  At the Tulsa Shootout, when I was in Australia, was great. The kids did way better at the shootout than I thought that they would. I’m sure there’s a lot of people in here that have no idea what the Tulsa Shootout is, but there are 2,000 cars, and divided by, I don’t know, five or six classes… there’s a couple hundred to over 400 in some of the classes. And yeah, for Audrey, like she just started and won a heat race, so that was really cool. And then Owen, as well, he’s out there racing with adults, and adults who have won the shootout before, and beat them in a heat race. So, yeah, they had a really, really good week, and I was super proud of them.”  You and I talked a little bit about Audrey’s competitive nature in Perth. How important is it for her to have interest outside of racing, like her playing hockey. You guys did a photo shoot the other day with Roto-Rooter. How cool is it for her not just to have these experiences, but to have you share them, as well?“Well, I think it’s good for — any parent can parent their kids differently, but I think for us, it’s important to try to have our kids in as many activities as we can try to have them in, especially because they’re homeschooled, so they don’t get quite the exposure to other kids, probably. I mean, I guess you could argue that either way I think because we do have them doing racing and hockey, and when the weather is better, playing baseball and stuff. So, yeah, I just think it’s important to have them mingling with other kids. And also, just staying active; being in different environments and stuff. Audrey loves hockey. She loves racing. She loves being able to do all the things she does. We signed Owen up for hockey now too, so he gets to start that soon. The hockey part of it’s fun because it’s so different than what I do. I know nothing about hockey, so it’s fun to kind of go there and see them learning and seeing how talented the kids are out there, so I really enjoy it”   I wanted to ask you about Steve O’Donnell. How would you describe Steve’s leadership and interacting with him over the years?“Yeah, I mean, I think he’s a really good leader. I feel like he runs a good balance of being, you know, friends with everybody, but also can stand his ground, which I think is important for a leader. So, yeah, I respect him and I respect the role that he has. I know the job that they have as executives at NASCAR is extremely tough, so, like I said, I think he balances it all very well.”  I kind of know the answer to this from a racer standpoint, but if you were to develop your entirely own series, no matter what the cars, what would be the best way to determine your season champion?“Well, I have started a series, and it’s about 60 races and we have a full season standing (laughs). But, I mean, that’s totally different… that’s sprint cars versus NASCAR. I would assume you’re talking about NASCAR, but we will race in whatever format.”  With your youngest, Cooper, how soon would you be able to get him in a car, and how far do you want your kids to go racing? Do you want them to follow all the way, like you did? “Well, racing is an expensive sport, and I’ve got two doing it currently. I’ve spent a lot of money here lately because we’re starting our own micro team for them. So, in a perfect world, I would love for Cooper not to race, but I know that’s probably impossible, so I don’t know. Both of my other kids were, I think, five-and-a-half or six when they started, so he’s still got a few years. But yeah, he’s the craziest, for sure, of the three. So, we’ll see. I think he’ll be the most expensive, probably, because I’m sure he’ll be tearing up the most equipment. So, we’ll see if we can keep him out of it.”  Can you take me through the micro team? What’s that going to look like?“Yeah, so in the past couple years here, I’ve just rented their rides from Chad Boat. He’s got a really great program, but he was going to travel a lot less this year with his team and I wanted my kids to race a lot more. I have my shop that I used to run my World of Outlaw team out of, and not that it was empty, but it wasn’t seeing a lot of use. So, I thought it’d be a fun project to start my own team. We hired a couple guys, Clinton Boyles and Carsen Perkins, and we started our own team. We’ve got a truck and trailer, another trailer, a bunch of race cars, engines, all the parts, components, all of it, so we are fully invested in the micro racing. It’s honestly been a lot of fun though, and I look forward to kind of having our own little touch on things.”   As you were going through last year, you had a pretty successful superspeedway package, where in the past it hasn’t. You had some good finishes. Do you have confidence going into this season, knowing that Daytona and Atlanta starts off the season? “Well, I would say, honestly, I always have confidence when we go to superspeedways because I feel like we do a good job. Just prior to last year, you know, I would just get caught up in wrecks and whatnot, and last year just worked out where the wrecks avoided me. So, you know, I wouldn’t say I have any more confidence this year than I did last year. I just hope that we have the same sort of good fortune as we did last year… maybe it can be a few spots better to get a win.”  I was listening to Justin Swilling from NASCAR talk about the effort that has been put in to try to get this race underway, no matter when it happens.  From a driver’s perspective, do you appreciate all that’s put in to try to get it underway, even though this is a challenge race, a pre-season race?“Yeah, I absolutely appreciate the effort, as always. I feel like a lot of times, you know, there’s many races where I’m like — man, there’s no chance we’re going to get out there and they’ll postpone it to Monday, Tuesday or whatever, but they find a way. They work really hard, and that’s a credit to the men and women who are working behind the scenes to make it all happen, whether that’s drying the racetrack, making sure the tech line is clear, stuff like that.  I think they’ve got a long track record of a lot of effort, so I’m not surprised that we’re still in the same plan, even for an exhibition race.”  You also are very much one who rolls with the punches, and you said you’re looking forward to the challenge. Is that kind of what this is to you, or what this race means? “Yeah, well for one, I don’t have experience, really, with a snow delay, especially one as heavy as it is, so I think that’ll be new. But as always, what are you going to do? You know, we all just have to ride it out and see. So, yeah, I think that’s obviously the approach.”

NASCAR CUP SERIESBOWMAN GRAY STADIUMTEAM CHEVY DRIVER QUOTESJANUARY 31, 2026

Reigning NASCAR Cup Series champion, Kyle Larson, met with the media via Zoom in advance of the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium.

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

Media Availability Quotes:  Monday night could still have a chance to be the coldest race in NASCAR history, if that’s when it gets run. What’s the coldest you ever remember being inside a car, and how do you prepare, if you do prepare any differently, for those kind of conditions?“Yeah, I don’t know if I’ve ever competed when it’s that cold. But thankfully for us, we’re inside of a stock car, which is basically like an oven, so that’ll help. I think, honestly, I think it’ll feel fine for us inside the car. I wouldn’t be surprised if you still break somewhat of a sweat in there, just because of all the temps from internally, and it’s not windy in there because we’re going so slow.  But yeah, I just feel for the the crews, the mechanics, the fans and NASCAR officials; everybody who’s there outside in the cold. But, you know, we love the sport, and we’ll compete in any conditions, I think. I just look forward to the challenge; just seeing kind of how the race plays out and seeing what teams can step up.”  Usually with weather situations, it’s a lot of ‘hurry up and wait’. To get the information now this early, where we know we’re going to be pushing to Monday, how does that help you not just be in this sort of weird in between and help set up a better plan for what the next couple of days look like for you?“Well, I think we all assumed it probably wasn’t going to happen tomorrow anyways. So, in my head, I think I was already planning for Monday, or potentially even further. But, really, it just kind of gets you excited that you can enjoy the snow with your family. As soon as I’m done with this, I’m going to head over to my shop. We’ve got a good hill. We’ll probably build a jump; put the kids on some tubes and sleds, and go have some fun for the next couple days.  So, just try to make the most out of the situation, and also be ready to go when it is time to go. You know, we’ve already done our pre-event packet; going over the race weekend, practice, qualifying, all of that. So, I feel like we have a good plan. Now, we just have to wait until we get on track.”   In terms of your last championship you won, how cool was it to win one with your kids being old enough to really kind of grasp what was going on, unlike back in 2021, when they were much younger?“Yeah, I think Owen had an okay understanding from the first one. But, you know, this one I think was cooler because I would imagine Audrey will remember this now for the rest of her life. Obviously I wasn’t in the motorhome watching the race because I was on the track, but my wife, Katelyn, she told me how emotional Owen had gotten. You know, he was a little bit teared up because I think he could grasp the magnitude of it, and also grasp how wild the finish was for us. I think he understood that we were not in a great position to win the championship, and then the script flipped and we won. I think he was just as surprised and emotional as we all were on the team and behind the wheel.  So, yeah, it was cool, but also, having all the photos, videos and memories made that we’ll get to have forever is always cool.”   How hard do you have to remind yourself when they’re racing not to over-coach?“Yeah, it’s tough, for sure. I think I’ve realized at this point that, which it makes it even tougher to just keep your mouth shut, but I feel like my kids do better when I don’t talk to them. You know, I think I get a little too detailed, and then I think they’re probably out there trying to do what I say and they’re thinking too much rather than reacting to what’s going on on the track. I realized that at the Tulsa Shootout, because Owen did get to run a few divisions, that once I showed up to town — like the first race I got to watch him, I’m like trying to coach him and all that, and that was the worst race he had all week. So, I was like — all right, I’m just going to stop talking and let Chad Boat and the team coach him up because he seems to listen to them, or relate to what they’re saying, better than me.”   I’m thinking about the DAYTONA 500 in a couple weeks. There were some comments last year by some folks who said, well, the 500 doesn’t feel as prestigious as it once was. I’m curious, do you feel that way, and if so, what needs to happen, or what can NASCAR do, to get it back to feeling like it once was, where winning the 500 felt special, whereas now it seems like folks look at it as, oh, well, anyone can win?“I mean, it’s always going to be prestigious and feel prestigious. You know, I’ve never won the race. I’ve never even finished top-five, so I don’t know what the feeling is like. I would imagine the feeling of winning is still going to be extremely massive, if it ever happens.  But in a way, yeah, not that I fully agree with those comments, and I don’t know if that’s exactly how they’re meant to be anyways, but it is difficult to get really excited about the winner or who’s won when usually there’s a 20-car pile-up and the guy running towards the back squeaks through, and then misses another wreck later and wins. But that’s the race and that’s how it is. You know, I think William Byron winning two in a row is not a fluke, so the cream does rise. He’s won there in the old-style car and this car.  So, yeah, Daytona and Talladega, sure, anybody can win, but still the teams positioning themselves the best and drivers making the best decisions do win.  I don’t know if that really answers your question or not, but it’s still always going to be prestigious.”  You were in a bit of a slump as you went on to win the championship. You hadn’t won in a while, but then you got into the off-season and you started to win again. I don’t know how many races you won, but do you feel like you sort of have gotten your momentum back?“I don’t know… it’s completely different race cars and stuff, but we’ll see. I mean, we just got to get the season started. I feel good about things. I felt like we were trending in a good direction at the end of the year. I mean, you don’t make the final four in a slump, and you don’t win the championship in a slump. So, yeah, I feel confident. Although we didn’t get some wins in the playoffs, we had a great opportunity to win two or three races in the playoffs, barring some cautions or whatever playing out differently.  I feel very capable of winning. We have a new body style, which yeah, sure, maybe would take a handful weeks to get a full grasp on, but I think once we do, we can be really, really competitive. So, yeah, just look forward to getting on the track and getting things going; getting back in the flow and just racing.”  Katelyn had a bunch of funny videos while you were off racing. She sort of was in charge of the kids racing. What’s that like for her to have to do that on her own without you? Do they prefer you not being there, and then what was it like when you guys all won on the same night on different continents?“Yeah, I mean, I’m sure Katelyn and the kids would prefer if I was there all the time, but I think they also understand that I can’t be there all the time because I’m working or whatever you want to call it… it doesn’t feel like work to me, but you know, we can call it that. But, yeah, she’s gotten the hang of it more. I think she thrives at the kids races now. I think it was a bit stressful in the beginning, especially when Cooper was younger. He’s still a handful for sure, but you can pack a lot less now. He can go play with friends, and she can focus more on Owen and Audrey.  But, yeah, I think she really loves it there. She was set up selling the kids merchandise by the trailer, helping push them to staging and doing all that.  At the Tulsa Shootout, when I was in Australia, was great. The kids did way better at the shootout than I thought that they would. I’m sure there’s a lot of people in here that have no idea what the Tulsa Shootout is, but there are 2,000 cars, and divided by, I don’t know, five or six classes… there’s a couple hundred to over 400 in some of the classes. And yeah, for Audrey, like she just started and won a heat race, so that was really cool. And then Owen, as well, he’s out there racing with adults, and adults who have won the shootout before, and beat them in a heat race. So, yeah, they had a really, really good week, and I was super proud of them.”  You and I talked a little bit about Audrey’s competitive nature in Perth. How important is it for her to have interest outside of racing, like her playing hockey. You guys did a photo shoot the other day with Roto-Rooter. How cool is it for her not just to have these experiences, but to have you share them, as well?“Well, I think it’s good for — any parent can parent their kids differently, but I think for us, it’s important to try to have our kids in as many activities as we can try to have them in, especially because they’re homeschooled, so they don’t get quite the exposure to other kids, probably. I mean, I guess you could argue that either way I think because we do have them doing racing and hockey, and when the weather is better, playing baseball and stuff. So, yeah, I just think it’s important to have them mingling with other kids. And also, just staying active; being in different environments and stuff. Audrey loves hockey. She loves racing. She loves being able to do all the things she does. We signed Owen up for hockey now too, so he gets to start that soon. The hockey part of it’s fun because it’s so different than what I do. I know nothing about hockey, so it’s fun to kind of go there and see them learning and seeing how talented the kids are out there, so I really enjoy it”   I wanted to ask you about Steve O’Donnell. How would you describe Steve’s leadership and interacting with him over the years?“Yeah, I mean, I think he’s a really good leader. I feel like he runs a good balance of being, you know, friends with everybody, but also can stand his ground, which I think is important for a leader. So, yeah, I respect him and I respect the role that he has. I know the job that they have as executives at NASCAR is extremely tough, so, like I said, I think he balances it all very well.”  I kind of know the answer to this from a racer standpoint, but if you were to develop your entirely own series, no matter what the cars, what would be the best way to determine your season champion?“Well, I have started a series, and it’s about 60 races and we have a full season standing (laughs). But, I mean, that’s totally different… that’s sprint cars versus NASCAR. I would assume you’re talking about NASCAR, but we will race in whatever format.”  With your youngest, Cooper, how soon would you be able to get him in a car, and how far do you want your kids to go racing? Do you want them to follow all the way, like you did? “Well, racing is an expensive sport, and I’ve got two doing it currently. I’ve spent a lot of money here lately because we’re starting our own micro team for them. So, in a perfect world, I would love for Cooper not to race, but I know that’s probably impossible, so I don’t know. Both of my other kids were, I think, five-and-a-half or six when they started, so he’s still got a few years. But yeah, he’s the craziest, for sure, of the three. So, we’ll see. I think he’ll be the most expensive, probably, because I’m sure he’ll be tearing up the most equipment. So, we’ll see if we can keep him out of it.”  Can you take me through the micro team? What’s that going to look like?“Yeah, so in the past couple years here, I’ve just rented their rides from Chad Boat. He’s got a really great program, but he was going to travel a lot less this year with his team and I wanted my kids to race a lot more. I have my shop that I used to run my World of Outlaw team out of, and not that it was empty, but it wasn’t seeing a lot of use. So, I thought it’d be a fun project to start my own team. We hired a couple guys, Clinton Boyles and Carsen Perkins, and we started our own team. We’ve got a truck and trailer, another trailer, a bunch of race cars, engines, all the parts, components, all of it, so we are fully invested in the micro racing. It’s honestly been a lot of fun though, and I look forward to kind of having our own little touch on things.”   As you were going through last year, you had a pretty successful superspeedway package, where in the past it hasn’t. You had some good finishes. Do you have confidence going into this season, knowing that Daytona and Atlanta starts off the season? “Well, I would say, honestly, I always have confidence when we go to superspeedways because I feel like we do a good job. Just prior to last year, you know, I would just get caught up in wrecks and whatnot, and last year just worked out where the wrecks avoided me. So, you know, I wouldn’t say I have any more confidence this year than I did last year. I just hope that we have the same sort of good fortune as we did last year… maybe it can be a few spots better to get a win.”  I was listening to Justin Swilling from NASCAR talk about the effort that has been put in to try to get this race underway, no matter when it happens.  From a driver’s perspective, do you appreciate all that’s put in to try to get it underway, even though this is a challenge race, a pre-season race?“Yeah, I absolutely appreciate the effort, as always. I feel like a lot of times, you know, there’s many races where I’m like — man, there’s no chance we’re going to get out there and they’ll postpone it to Monday, Tuesday or whatever, but they find a way. They work really hard, and that’s a credit to the men and women who are working behind the scenes to make it all happen, whether that’s drying the racetrack, making sure the tech line is clear, stuff like that.  I think they’ve got a long track record of a lot of effort, so I’m not surprised that we’re still in the same plan, even for an exhibition race.”  You also are very much one who rolls with the punches, and you said you’re looking forward to the challenge. Is that kind of what this is to you, or what this race means? “Yeah, well for one, I don’t have experience, really, with a snow delay, especially one as heavy as it is, so I think that’ll be new. But as always, what are you going to do? You know, we all just have to ride it out and see. So, yeah, I think that’s obviously the approach.”

BARBERVILLE, FL (Jan. 30, 2026) — America’s second Sprint Car race of 2026 gave fans one they’ll remember through the end of the year with multiple lead changes, hard charges and a hectic final 10 laps.

In the end, Tyler Courtney stood above all the others for the second night in-a-row at Volusia Speedway Park after topping the field Thursday night in his first race back in over six months. The 31-year-old Indianapolis native drove from fourth to the lead in the final four circuits around the historic 1/2-mile oval to secure his third career American Sprint Car Series victory as part of the 55th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals.

“It was just chaotic,” Courtney said.

Coming from sixth on the starting grid, Courtney made the move on the opening lap to climb to third behind Brian Brown and Cameron Martin. Not long after, Courtney slipped past Brown to take second on Lap 6 and began to hunt down leader Martin, who held a gap of nearly a second-and-a-half at that point.

But before Courtney could make a move for the lead, fourth-starting Cole Macedo’s No. 2C car came to life, ducking underneath Courtney to take third on Lap 16 and sailing around the outside of Martin for the lead two laps later.

For a moment, Courtney’s charge appeared to be stalling in his difficulty getting by Martin. Once he did on Lap 20, Martin battled back to retake third, and on Lap 21, 10th-starting Brock Zearfoss went by both of them into the runner-up spot.

With time running out and the leaders coming up on lapped traffic, Courtney dug deep and found the speed he needed.

“They kinda got caught up behind the lap cars and we were able to sneak by them there,” Courtney said. “[Flagman] was holding up two-to-go, so I just held it wide-open and hope we made it to the end.”

Out of Turn 4 on Lap 23, Courtney sailed around the outside of a lapped car and Zearfoss to retake third. With a burst of speed down the frontstretch, he charged into Turn 1 with a run on Macedo and zoomed past him into the lead out of Turn 2.

“I thought once [Macedo] got the lead with how the track was there, I figured he’d kinda take off with it,” Courtney said. “But what’s the saying, ‘It’s never over ‘til the fat lady sings.’ I just never gave up, put my nose back down and dug deep to put it back here in Victory Lane.”

Courtney led the field to the white flag and back around to collect the checkered and the $3,000 prize with Macedo behind him in second and Zearfoss in third. Martin faded back to fourth while Austin McCarl completed his charge from 14th into the top five.

The most notable charge of the race came from 23rd-starting Brady Bacon in the Chris Dyson Racing No. 20. After electrical issues in his Heat Race, the Oklahoma native transferred in through the Smith Titanium Last Chance Showdown and drove all the way up to eighth by the checkered flag of the Feature.

UP NEXT

The American Sprint Car Series is back in action at Volusia Speedway Park on Saturday, Jan. 31, for its 30-lap, $12,000-to-win finale in the 55th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals.

Grandstand gates will open at 3 p.m. and Hot Laps are scheduled for 4 p.m. Tickets are on sale in advance; click here to purchase.

Where can you watch every American Sprint Car Series race in 2026? Live on DIRTVision.

FEATURE RESULTS

Feature (25 Laps): 1. 7BC-Tyler Courtney[6]; 2. 2C-Cole Macedo[4]; 3. 3Z-Brock Zearfoss[10]; 4. 4-Cameron Martin[2]; 5. 88W-Austin McCarl[14]; 6. 2-Whit Gastineau[3]; 7. 27-Emerson Axsom[5]; 8. 20-Brady Bacon[23]; 9. 6S-Tyler Clem[8]; 10. 21-Brian Brown[1]; 11. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr[12]; 12. 28F-Davie Franek[7]; 13. 44-Chris Martin[9]; 14. 17GP-Hank Davis[11]; 15. 95-Matt Covington[21]; 16. 5K-Danny Sams III[22]; 17. 88R-Ryder Laplante[13]; 18. 32B-Dale Blaney[15]; 19. 45X-Kyler Johnson[16]; 20. 3-Cole Schroeder[17]; 21. 01-Jadan Bowling[24]; 22. 16G-Austyn Gossel[19]; 23. 0-Glenn Styres[20]; 24. 88C-Brogan Carder[18]

Tyler Courtney Goes Back-to-Back with American Sprint Car Series at Volusia

BARBERVILLE, FL (Jan. 30, 2026) — America’s second Sprint Car race of 2026 gave fans one they’ll remember through the end of the year with multiple lead changes, hard charges and a hectic final 10 laps.

In the end, Tyler Courtney stood above all the others for the second night in-a-row at Volusia Speedway Park after topping the field Thursday night in his first race back in over six months. The 31-year-old Indianapolis native drove from fourth to the lead in the final four circuits around the historic 1/2-mile oval to secure his third career American Sprint Car Series victory as part of the 55th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals.

“It was just chaotic,” Courtney said.

Coming from sixth on the starting grid, Courtney made the move on the opening lap to climb to third behind Brian Brown and Cameron Martin. Not long after, Courtney slipped past Brown to take second on Lap 6 and began to hunt down leader Martin, who held a gap of nearly a second-and-a-half at that point.

But before Courtney could make a move for the lead, fourth-starting Cole Macedo’s No. 2C car came to life, ducking underneath Courtney to take third on Lap 16 and sailing around the outside of Martin for the lead two laps later.

For a moment, Courtney’s charge appeared to be stalling in his difficulty getting by Martin. Once he did on Lap 20, Martin battled back to retake third, and on Lap 21, 10th-starting Brock Zearfoss went by both of them into the runner-up spot.

With time running out and the leaders coming up on lapped traffic, Courtney dug deep and found the speed he needed.

“They kinda got caught up behind the lap cars and we were able to sneak by them there,” Courtney said. “[Flagman] was holding up two-to-go, so I just held it wide-open and hope we made it to the end.”

Out of Turn 4 on Lap 23, Courtney sailed around the outside of a lapped car and Zearfoss to retake third. With a burst of speed down the frontstretch, he charged into Turn 1 with a run on Macedo and zoomed past him into the lead out of Turn 2.

“I thought once [Macedo] got the lead with how the track was there, I figured he’d kinda take off with it,” Courtney said. “But what’s the saying, ‘It’s never over ‘til the fat lady sings.’ I just never gave up, put my nose back down and dug deep to put it back here in Victory Lane.”

Courtney led the field to the white flag and back around to collect the checkered and the $3,000 prize with Macedo behind him in second and Zearfoss in third. Martin faded back to fourth while Austin McCarl completed his charge from 14th into the top five.

The most notable charge of the race came from 23rd-starting Brady Bacon in the Chris Dyson Racing No. 20. After electrical issues in his Heat Race, the Oklahoma native transferred in through the Smith Titanium Last Chance Showdown and drove all the way up to eighth by the checkered flag of the Feature.

UP NEXT

The American Sprint Car Series is back in action at Volusia Speedway Park on Saturday, Jan. 31, for its 30-lap, $12,000-to-win finale in the 55th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals.

Grandstand gates will open at 3 p.m. and Hot Laps are scheduled for 4 p.m. Tickets are on sale in advance; click here to purchase.

Where can you watch every American Sprint Car Series race in 2026? Live on DIRTVision.

FEATURE RESULTS

Feature (25 Laps): 1. 7BC-Tyler Courtney[6]; 2. 2C-Cole Macedo[4]; 3. 3Z-Brock Zearfoss[10]; 4. 4-Cameron Martin[2]; 5. 88W-Austin McCarl[14]; 6. 2-Whit Gastineau[3]; 7. 27-Emerson Axsom[5]; 8. 20-Brady Bacon[23]; 9. 6S-Tyler Clem[8]; 10. 21-Brian Brown[1]; 11. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr[12]; 12. 28F-Davie Franek[7]; 13. 44-Chris Martin[9]; 14. 17GP-Hank Davis[11]; 15. 95-Matt Covington[21]; 16. 5K-Danny Sams III[22]; 17. 88R-Ryder Laplante[13]; 18. 32B-Dale Blaney[15]; 19. 45X-Kyler Johnson[16]; 20. 3-Cole Schroeder[17]; 21. 01-Jadan Bowling[24]; 22. 16G-Austyn Gossel[19]; 23. 0-Glenn Styres[20]; 24. 88C-Brogan Carder[18]

ARTICLE: https://ascsracing.com/recap/tyler-courtney-goes-back-to-back-with-american-sprint-car-series-at-volusia/

BARBERVILLE, FL (January 30, 2026) – Over the last three years, Charlie Mefford has pieced together his ideal driving style around Volusia Speedway Park.

The Belton, KY native earned his fifth Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals win on Friday by wheeling his No. 13 Elite Chassis UMP Modified around the middle lane of the slick half-mile track in preparation for hunting his first career Big Gator championship from Feb. 2-7.

Kenny Wallace brought the field of 24 Modifieds to the opening green flag with Thursday winner Ricky Thornton Jr to the outside. Using the bottom lane to gain momentum, Wallace got clear of the lead and protected the inside line as Thornton attempted to create speed on the cushion.

Through the early stages, Wallace grew the gap to Thornton by 1.6 seconds as Mefford experimented with different lanes in third place until the first caution waved on Lap 6.

On the restart, the St. Louis, MO driver escaped the pack as Thornton faced a position battle from Mefford. “Chargin’ Charlie” used the bottom lane of Turns 3-4 to gain clearance of the reigning Late Model Big Gator champion on Lap 8.

As Wallace kept the No. 36 Modified glued to the low lane and jumped to a 1.6-second lead, Mefford found speed in the middle groove and cut the lead to 0.2 seconds when the caution was displayed once again on Lap 13.

The ensuing restart saw Mefford ride the middle lane to reach the right-rear of “The Herminator” at the exit of Turn 2, then outgassed Wallace through Turns 3-4 to take the lead. Trevor Neville noticed Mefford’s success and passed Wallace for second place in Turns 3-4 through the middle on Lap 14.

Secure in the top spot, the 19-year-old flew to a 3.6-second advantage over Neville in the final six circuits around the Barberville, FL grounds to capture the twin checkered flags at the “World’s Fastest Half Mile” for a fourth consecutive year.

“Those first six or seven laps, we were all following Kenny,” Mefford said. “Ricky went to the top, and I was like, ‘Man, I got to try the middle,’ and I kept a lot of momentum through the center of the corner like [Scott Bloomquist] would. I drove by [Thornton], and then the caution came, so I knew I had to capitalize then. If it wasn’t for that caution, I don’t know if I could have gotten by [Wallace].”

Feature (20 Laps): 1. 13-Charlie Mefford[3]; 2. 777-Trevor Neville[6]; 3. 36-Kenny Wallace[1]; 4. 25-Tyler Nicely[13]; 5. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[2]; 6. 35A-Michael Altobelli[11]; 7. K9-Will Krup[5]; 8. 96M-Mike McKinney[4]; 9. 66-Cole Falloway[16]; 10. 35-David Stremme[7]; 11. 99H-Justin Haley[10]; 12. 97-Mitch Thomas[8]; 13. 45H-Kyle Hammer[22]; 14. 99-Cole Hilton[14]; 15. 114K-Evan Koehler[17]; 16. 43A-Mark Anderson[18]; 17. 77D-George Dixon[9]; 18. 56-Chris Wilson[15]; 19. 51-Dalton Lanich[21]; 20. 1TS-Tyler Spalding[23]; 21. 21CZ-Cole Czarneski[12]; 22. 12L-Lucas Lee[19]; 23. 31G-Stephen Pedulla[20]; 24. 05-Dave Wietholder[24]

Up Next: The opening week of Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals closes with the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds hunting a $2,500 payday as the American Sprint Car Series crowns a second Big Gator champion on Saturday, Jan. 31. With the frigid temperatures later in the evening, grandstand gates will open at 3 p.m, and Hot Laps will roll at 4 p.m.

DIRTCAR NATIONALS WEBSITE

Mefford Parks UMP Modified in DIRTcar Nationals Victory Lane at Volusia

BARBERVILLE, FL (January 30, 2026) – Over the last three years, Charlie Mefford has pieced together his ideal driving style around Volusia Speedway Park.

The Belton, KY native earned his fifth Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals win on Friday by wheeling his No. 13 Elite Chassis UMP Modified around the middle lane of the slick half-mile track in preparation for hunting his first career Big Gator championship from Feb. 2-7.

Kenny Wallace brought the field of 24 Modifieds to the opening green flag with Thursday winner Ricky Thornton Jr to the outside. Using the bottom lane to gain momentum, Wallace got clear of the lead and protected the inside line as Thornton attempted to create speed on the cushion.

Through the early stages, Wallace grew the gap to Thornton by 1.6 seconds as Mefford experimented with different lanes in third place until the first caution waved on Lap 6.

On the restart, the St. Louis, MO driver escaped the pack as Thornton faced a position battle from Mefford. “Chargin’ Charlie” used the bottom lane of Turns 3-4 to gain clearance of the reigning Late Model Big Gator champion on Lap 8.

As Wallace kept the No. 36 Modified glued to the low lane and jumped to a 1.6-second lead, Mefford found speed in the middle groove and cut the lead to 0.2 seconds when the caution was displayed once again on Lap 13.

The ensuing restart saw Mefford ride the middle lane to reach the right-rear of “The Herminator” at the exit of Turn 2, then outgassed Wallace through Turns 3-4 to take the lead. Trevor Neville noticed Mefford’s success and passed Wallace for second place in Turns 3-4 through the middle on Lap 14.

Secure in the top spot, the 19-year-old flew to a 3.6-second advantage over Neville in the final six circuits around the Barberville, FL grounds to capture the twin checkered flags at the “World’s Fastest Half Mile” for a fourth consecutive year.

“Those first six or seven laps, we were all following Kenny,” Mefford said. “Ricky went to the top, and I was like, ‘Man, I got to try the middle,’ and I kept a lot of momentum through the center of the corner like [Scott Bloomquist] would. I drove by [Thornton], and then the caution came, so I knew I had to capitalize then. If it wasn’t for that caution, I don’t know if I could have gotten by [Wallace].”

Feature (20 Laps): 1. 13-Charlie Mefford[3]; 2. 777-Trevor Neville[6]; 3. 36-Kenny Wallace[1]; 4. 25-Tyler Nicely[13]; 5. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[2]; 6. 35A-Michael Altobelli[11]; 7. K9-Will Krup[5]; 8. 96M-Mike McKinney[4]; 9. 66-Cole Falloway[16]; 10. 35-David Stremme[7]; 11. 99H-Justin Haley[10]; 12. 97-Mitch Thomas[8]; 13. 45H-Kyle Hammer[22]; 14. 99-Cole Hilton[14]; 15. 114K-Evan Koehler[17]; 16. 43A-Mark Anderson[18]; 17. 77D-George Dixon[9]; 18. 56-Chris Wilson[15]; 19. 51-Dalton Lanich[21]; 20. 1TS-Tyler Spalding[23]; 21. 21CZ-Cole Czarneski[12]; 22. 12L-Lucas Lee[19]; 23. 31G-Stephen Pedulla[20]; 24. 05-Dave Wietholder[24]

Up Next: The opening week of Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals closes with the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds hunting a $2,500 payday as the American Sprint Car Series crowns a second Big Gator champion on Saturday, Jan. 31. With the frigid temperatures later in the evening, grandstand gates will open at 3 p.m, and Hot Laps will roll at 4 p.m.

DIRTCAR NATIONALS WEBSITE

How can you watch every lap of racing at Volusia Speedway Park? Live on DIRTVision.

CONCORD, NC (January 30, 2026) – The Greatest Show on Dirt will be supported by the “world’s hardest working wipes” as the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series welcomes Tub O’ Towels to its premier list of partners.

Tub O’ Towels joins the Series for the first time in 2026 in a partnership that will see the brand prominently featured throughout the year, presenting its heavy-duty cleaning wipes to dirt fans across the country.

“World of Outlaws fans don’t shy away from dirt, and neither do we,” said Marcia Boyd, Brand Relations Manager with Tub O’ Towels. “This partnership is a natural fit.  We’re excited to grow together and support this incredible racing community.”

Tub O’ Towels Heavy Duty Cleaning Wipes are made for real work and real messes — the kind that doesn’t come off with soap and hope. They cut straight through grease, oil, dirt, brake dust, and grime without tearing up hands. After a long day in the shop, under the hood, on the jobsite, or in the garage, Tub O’ Towels gets the job done.  No fluff, no gimmicks — just tough wipes that work as hard as the people using them.

Tub O’ Towels is manufactured at their headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio and takes great pride in not only offering products made in America but also keeping jobs in the US. With more than 55,000 five-star online reviews the brand’s reputation demonstrates how a small, family-owned business can successfully compete with large corporations in the cleaning wipes category through quality, consistency, and innovation.

The Tub O’ Towels brand has already had a strong presence on the World of Outlaws tour and in the dirt community, having been a long-time supporter of World of Outlaws driver Conner Morrell, who enters his sophomore season with the Series in 2026.

To learn more about Tub O’ Towels, visit tubotowels.com.

Where will the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars be and how do you get tickets? Find out at the World of Outlaws site.

How can you watch the World of Outlaws? Live on DIRTVision. 

Tub O’ Towels Partners With World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series

CONCORD, NC (January 30, 2026) – The Greatest Show on Dirt will be supported by the “world’s hardest working wipes” as the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series welcomes Tub O’ Towels to its premier list of partners.

Tub O’ Towels joins the Series for the first time in 2026 in a partnership that will see the brand prominently featured throughout the year, presenting its heavy-duty cleaning wipes to dirt fans across the country.

“World of Outlaws fans don’t shy away from dirt, and neither do we,” said Marcia Boyd, Brand Relations Manager with Tub O’ Towels. “This partnership is a natural fit.  We’re excited to grow together and support this incredible racing community.”

Tub O’ Towels Heavy Duty Cleaning Wipes are made for real work and real messes — the kind that doesn’t come off with soap and hope. They cut straight through grease, oil, dirt, brake dust, and grime without tearing up hands. After a long day in the shop, under the hood, on the jobsite, or in the garage, Tub O’ Towels gets the job done.  No fluff, no gimmicks — just tough wipes that work as hard as the people using them.

Tub O’ Towels is manufactured at their headquarters in Cleveland, Ohio and takes great pride in not only offering products made in America but also keeping jobs in the US. With more than 55,000 five-star online reviews the brand’s reputation demonstrates how a small, family-owned business can successfully compete with large corporations in the cleaning wipes category through quality, consistency, and innovation.

The Tub O’ Towels brand has already had a strong presence on the World of Outlaws tour and in the dirt community, having been a long-time supporter of World of Outlaws driver Conner Morrell, who enters his sophomore season with the Series in 2026.

To learn more about Tub O’ Towels, visit tubotowels.com.

Where will the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars be and how do you get tickets? Find out at the World of Outlaws site.

How can you watch the World of Outlaws? Live on DIRTVision. 

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars/tub-o-towels-partners-with-world-of-outlaws-sprint-car-series/

Event: Cook Out ClashDate/Time: Sunday, February 1, 2026, 8 p.m. ETLocation: Bowman Gray Stadium, Winston-Salem, North CarolinaLayout: 0.25-mile OvalTV/Radio: FOX, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Josh Berry and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang Dark Horse are set to compete this weekend in the Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, N.C., a venue deeply rooted in the history of Wood Brothers Racing. Team founder Glenn Wood was one of the most successful drivers in the track’s storied past, recording 29 wins at the quarter-mile oval, including four victories in NASCAR’s premier Cup Series division. From Wood’s driving days to the present, Bowman Gray has remained a favorite among drivers and fans alike. Last year’s Clash marked the return of NASCAR Cup Series competition to the famed “Madhouse,” and the non-points event delivered on its reputation. “The Clash at Bowman Gray last year was awesome,” said Berry, who raced his way into the main event with an aggressive drive to a second-place finish in the 75-lap Last Chance Qualifier. “The atmosphere was electric.” Like many of his peers, Berry first experienced Bowman Gray as a fan. “It had been a long time since I’d been there after previously going to watch a Modified race,” Berry said. “The fans were incredible, and that energy really showed. “One of the things I remember most was pushing the cars out to the track during pre-race as a team right next to the fans, only about 10 feet away, which was really cool. It’s just a great atmosphere overall, and those fans truly love racing. “That’s where we want to be, places where racing means something.” Saturday’s activities at Bowman Gray have been canceled due to expected inclement weather, and practice and qualifying will now take place on Sunday at 2 p.m. ET. The 75-lap Last Chance Qualifier will take the green flag at 6 p.m. ET ahead of the 200-lap Cook Out Clash, which is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET. Only green-flag laps will count in the feature, which will be televised live on FOX.Josh BerryAge: 35 (Oct. 22, 1990)Hometown: Hendersonville, TennesseeCrew Chief: Miles StanleyIG: @joshberry88X: @joshberryAbout Motorcraft® Motorcraft offers a complete line of replacement parts that are recommended by Ford Motor Company. From routine maintenance to under hood repairs, Motorcraft parts offer value with high quality and the right fit at competitive prices. Motorcraft parts are available nationwide at Ford Dealers and Lincoln Retailers, independent distributors and automotive-parts retailers, and are backed by the Service Parts Limited Warranty* of Ford Motor Company. For more information, visit www.motorcraft.com. *See your dealer for limited-warranty details. About Quick Lane® Tire & Auto Center Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center offers extraordinary service for routine maintenance, serving all vehicle makes and models. Quick Lane provides a full menu of automotive services, including tires, oil change and maintenance, brakes, batteries, alternator and electrical system, air conditioning system, cooling system, transmission service, suspension and steering, wheel alignment, belts and hoses, lamps and bulbs and wiper blades plus a thorough vehicle checkup report. Service is performed by expert technicians while you wait at any of nearly 800 locations in the U.S., with evening and weekend hours available and no appointment necessary. For more information about Quick Lane, please visit www.quicklane.com. *See your dealer for limited-warranty details.Taylor SmithNo. 21 Team and Josh Berrytaylor@woodbrothersracing.com

CONCORD, NC (January 30, 2026) – Sheldon Haudenschild has a new home for the 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series campaign.

After eight years driving for Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing, the 32-year-old will climb aboard the KCP Racing No. 18 owned by Matt Barbara and Bret Nehring this year for his 10th season on tour.

Haudenschild currently owns 46 career victories with The Greatest Show on Dirt, fresh off adding four to his total in 2025 including the coveted National Open. The Wooster, OH native’s best finish in the points is fourth in 2020, and he’s been no worse than seventh during his tenure. NOS Energy Drink will continue to support Haudenschild as he begins a new chapter.

KCP Racing began 2025 with Giovanni Scelzi in the seat before the two parted ways in mid-July. Emerson Axsom and Cory Eliason completed the campaign for KCP as they finished seventh in team standings.

The Iowa-based organization is home to a dozen World of Outlaws wins. They’re also one of only three organizations to supply multiple Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year winners. Ian Madsen got the first in 2018 before Scelzi claimed the honor in 2023.

Haudenschild’s 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car campaign with KCP Racing will begin in Florida at Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Feb. 4-7). For tickets, CLICK HERE.

Where can you see the World of Outlaws in 2026? Click to see the full schedule.

Where can you watch every World of Outlaws race? Live on DIRTVision.

Sheldon Haudenschild Joins KCP Racing for 2026 World of Outlaws Campaign

CONCORD, NC (January 30, 2026) – Sheldon Haudenschild has a new home for the 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series campaign.

After eight years driving for Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing, the 32-year-old will climb aboard the KCP Racing No. 18 owned by Matt Barbara and Bret Nehring this year for his 10th season on tour.

Haudenschild currently owns 46 career victories with The Greatest Show on Dirt, fresh off adding four to his total in 2025 including the coveted National Open. The Wooster, OH native’s best finish in the points is fourth in 2020, and he’s been no worse than seventh during his tenure. NOS Energy Drink will continue to support Haudenschild as he begins a new chapter.

KCP Racing began 2025 with Giovanni Scelzi in the seat before the two parted ways in mid-July. Emerson Axsom and Cory Eliason completed the campaign for KCP as they finished seventh in team standings.

The Iowa-based organization is home to a dozen World of Outlaws wins. They’re also one of only three organizations to supply multiple Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year winners. Ian Madsen got the first in 2018 before Scelzi claimed the honor in 2023.

Haudenschild’s 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car campaign with KCP Racing will begin in Florida at Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Feb. 4-7). For tickets, CLICK HERE.

Where can you see the World of Outlaws in 2026? Click to see the full schedule.

Where can you watch every World of Outlaws race? Live on DIRTVision.

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars/sheldon-haudenschild-joins-kcp-racing-for-2026-world-of-outlaws-campaign/

BARBERVILLE, FL (Jan. 29, 2026) — It was never a question if Tyler Courtney would get back to Victory Lane in a Sprint Car, but a question of when. As it turns out, he didn’t have to wait long.

In his first race back in the seat of the NOS Energy Drink, Clauson Marshall Racing No. 7BC since a hard crash that sidelined him last July, the Indianapolis native broke through to Victory Lane, taking the lead on Lap 22 and leading the final four circuits around Volusia Speedway Park to win the American Sprint Car Series season opener in the kickoff to the 55th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals.

“I think you always have to think it’s possible to go do it, but I didn’t have the expectation to do it,” Courtney said. “I think, in the back of my mind, I really wanted to. It’s a good way to build your confidence back up. Sitting at home thinking about a lot of stuff, it really kicks you in the dirt. But I’ve got a great team behind me, and they’ve been behind me since day one in the hospital, all the way to tonight.

“Tonight, it proved to me, to my team, and everybody that’s in my support system, that I’m where I need to be and that’s behind the wheel of a racecar.”

The 31-year-old took the green flag from third on the starting grid and slipped back to fifth on the opening lap, where he stayed until he got by Whit Gastineau for fourth on Lap 7. After a red flag halted the action on Lap 10, Courtney immediately picked up his rhythm once again and began reeling in the top three drivers.

Up first was third-place Brady Bacon, who Courtney got by after trading slidejobs with on Lap 14. Next was Brian Brown, who was over 1.2 seconds ahead when Courtney took the third spot. Once he made the pass to Brown’s outside on Lap 18, Courtney began work on leader Austin McCarl, who held a gap of 1.6 seconds with under eight laps left.

“I think once I got to Brown and got clear of him, I was like, okay, if everything kinda goes my way here, we can win this race,” Courtney said. “But it’s still tough. Austin’s a great racecar driver. Any race nowadays is not easy to come by. Still had to work for it to get by him there.”

Despite the gap McCarl maintained, Courtney found the bottom lane in Turns 3–4 and erased the deficit in only four laps. He snuck by to McCarl’s inside out of Turn 4 to take the lead on Lap 22 and held on for his second career American Sprint Car Series Feature win.

“For me, through this whole thing, I’ve learned to appreciate everything,” Courtney said. “Not even just with racing, but everything in life. It can be taken from you in the blink of an eye. I thought my last race had ended in a helicopter ride out of Eldora, and so tonight, to show back up here after six months and park that thing in Victory Lane meant the world to me.”

Bacon charged to the runner-up spot in the final circuits to cross the stripe in second while McCarl shuffled back to third. Brown crossed in fourth and defending Series champion Sam Hafertepe Jr. rounded out the top five.

UP NEXT

The American Sprint Car Series is back in action at Volusia Speedway Park on Friday, Jan. 30, for the second of three nights of racing as part of Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. Tickets are on sale online in advance; click here to purchase.

Where can you watch every American Sprint Car Series race? Live on DIRTVision.

FEATURE RESULTS

HELLO, SUNSHINE: Tyler Courtney Wins ASCS Opener at Volusia in Return to Racing

BARBERVILLE, FL (Jan. 29, 2026) — It was never a question if Tyler Courtney would get back to Victory Lane in a Sprint Car, but a question of when. As it turns out, he didn’t have to wait long.

In his first race back in the seat of the NOS Energy Drink, Clauson Marshall Racing No. 7BC since a hard crash that sidelined him last July, the Indianapolis native broke through to Victory Lane, taking the lead on Lap 22 and leading the final four circuits around Volusia Speedway Park to win the American Sprint Car Series season opener in the kickoff to the 55th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals.

“I think you always have to think it’s possible to go do it, but I didn’t have the expectation to do it,” Courtney said. “I think, in the back of my mind, I really wanted to. It’s a good way to build your confidence back up. Sitting at home thinking about a lot of stuff, it really kicks you in the dirt. But I’ve got a great team behind me, and they’ve been behind me since day one in the hospital, all the way to tonight.

“Tonight, it proved to me, to my team, and everybody that’s in my support system, that I’m where I need to be and that’s behind the wheel of a racecar.”

The 31-year-old took the green flag from third on the starting grid and slipped back to fifth on the opening lap, where he stayed until he got by Whit Gastineau for fourth on Lap 7. After a red flag halted the action on Lap 10, Courtney immediately picked up his rhythm once again and began reeling in the top three drivers.

Up first was third-place Brady Bacon, who Courtney got by after trading slidejobs with on Lap 14. Next was Brian Brown, who was over 1.2 seconds ahead when Courtney took the third spot. Once he made the pass to Brown’s outside on Lap 18, Courtney began work on leader Austin McCarl, who held a gap of 1.6 seconds with under eight laps left.

“I think once I got to Brown and got clear of him, I was like, okay, if everything kinda goes my way here, we can win this race,” Courtney said. “But it’s still tough. Austin’s a great racecar driver. Any race nowadays is not easy to come by. Still had to work for it to get by him there.”

Despite the gap McCarl maintained, Courtney found the bottom lane in Turns 3–4 and erased the deficit in only four laps. He snuck by to McCarl’s inside out of Turn 4 to take the lead on Lap 22 and held on for his second career American Sprint Car Series Feature win.

“For me, through this whole thing, I’ve learned to appreciate everything,” Courtney said. “Not even just with racing, but everything in life. It can be taken from you in the blink of an eye. I thought my last race had ended in a helicopter ride out of Eldora, and so tonight, to show back up here after six months and park that thing in Victory Lane meant the world to me.”

Bacon charged to the runner-up spot in the final circuits to cross the stripe in second while McCarl shuffled back to third. Brown crossed in fourth and defending Series champion Sam Hafertepe Jr. rounded out the top five.

UP NEXT

The American Sprint Car Series is back in action at Volusia Speedway Park on Friday, Jan. 30, for the second of three nights of racing as part of Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. Tickets are on sale online in advance; click here to purchase.

Where can you watch every American Sprint Car Series race? Live on DIRTVision.

FEATURE RESULTS

Feature (25 Laps): 1. 7BC-Tyler Courtney[3]; 2. 20-Brady Bacon[4]; 3. 88W-Austin McCarl[2]; 4. 21-Brian Brown[6]; 5. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr[8]; 6. 3Z-Brock Zearfoss[16]; 7. 44-Chris Martin[7]; 8. 2-Whit Gastineau[1]; 9. 27-Emerson Axsom[11]; 10. 28F-Davie Franek[5]; 11. 2C-Cole Macedo[22]; 12. 01-Jadan Bowling[17]; 13. 6S-Tyler Clem[18]; 14. 45-Nick Sheridan[14]; 15. 23-Seth Bergman[15]; 16. 5C-DJ Christie[21]; 17. 95-Matt Covington[12]; 18. 5-Ryder McCutcheon[24]; 19. 17GP-Hank Davis[13]; 20. 4-Cameron Martin[9]; 21. 7-Jordan Thomas[19]; 22. 5K-Danny Sams III[10]; 23. (DNS) 32B-Dale Blaney; 24. (DNS) 88R-Ryder Laplante

SPARTANBURG, SC – CompetitionPlus is mourning the loss of staff member Chris Haverly, who was killed Tuesday in a single-car accident in Wytheville, Virginia.
 
“Chris and I came up the ranks under the mentorship of the late Dave Bishop, who welcomed us in as kids and taught us more than how to be journalists but good people,” said
CompetitionPlus.com Editor/Publisher Bobby Bennett. “Chris was a kind and gentle soul and always did what it took to help us bring the readers of CompetitionPlus.com the best photography. He was one of the most selfless people I ever met. My heart is broken.”

 Chris Haverly was a beloved fixture at drag races across the country. photo courtesy of Rhonda McCole

CompetitionPlus Mourns the Loss of Chris Haverly

SPARTANBURG, SC – CompetitionPlus is mourning the loss of staff member Chris Haverly, who was killed Tuesday in a single-car accident in Wytheville, Virginia.
 
“Chris and I came up the ranks under the mentorship of the late Dave Bishop, who welcomed us in as kids and taught us more than how to be journalists but good people,” said
CompetitionPlus.com Editor/Publisher Bobby Bennett. “Chris was a kind and gentle soul and always did what it took to help us bring the readers of CompetitionPlus.com the best photography. He was one of the most selfless people I ever met. My heart is broken.”

 Chris Haverly was a beloved fixture at drag races across the country. photo courtesy of Rhonda McCole

Haverly was deeply rooted in drag racing and widely respected as a photographer for his tireless work and welcoming presence in the pits. Beyond the race track, he dedicated much of his life to rescuing animals—transporting dogs and cats from high-risk shelters to rescues, fostering animals in his home, and helping families keep their pets during difficult times.
 
“Chris was a true hero,” CompetitionPlus.com photographer Rhonda McCole said. “He dedicated his life to rescuing animals and never turned any unwanted animal away. He was passionate about drag racing and a favorite in the pits, always ready with a joke or kind word.”
 
Details surrounding the accident were limited as of Wednesday. CompetitionPlus will respect the privacy of Haverly’s family during this difficult time.
 
The CompetitionPlus team extends its deepest condolences to Haverly’s family, friends, and all who were touched by his life and work.

CONCORD, NC (January 29, 2026) – With winter weather continuing to blanket much of the United States, the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision will stay put in the “Sunshine State” for a few more weeks to open 2026.

The February schedule includes a visit to two of Florida’s most historic dirt tracks in Volusia Speedway Park and Hendry County Motorsports Park.

Here’s a look at what’s ahead:

Volusia Speedway Park | Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Feb. 12-14): As they have every year since the tour was relaunched in 2004, The Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet will serve as the closing act at Volusia’s signature event.

The three-week festival of speed gets underway this weekend with the American Sprint Car Series and DIRTcar UMP Modifieds in action, while the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, the AMSOIL USAC Sprint Car National Championship and the Super DIRTcar Series will also pay a visit to the “World’s Fastest Half Mile” during the event. The chase for the Late Model Big Gator will once again include six-straight nights of racing on the final week, as the first three nights on Monday-Wednesday, Feb. 9-11, will be contested under the DIRTcar Late Model banner prior to three nights of World of Outlaws action on Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 12-14.

The Series has already spent the first three nights of 2026 at Volusia for DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals, with Chris Madden, Hudson O’Neal and Tim McCreadie taking the victories. The on-track product received rave reviews from fans and drivers alike thanks to the new dirt put down last spring, and more of the same is expected come February.

For tickets and other event information, visit the DIRTcar Nationals site.

Hendry County Motorsports Park | Swamp Cabbage 100 (Feb. 20-21): Days after wrapping up an annual staple stretching back decades, the Series will head further south than ever before to usher in a new tradition.

The Swamp Cabbage 100 has been held as a Factory Stock race at Hendry County for several years, but the event has been taken to the next level in 2026 with the addition of the World of Outlaws as the headline division. Following a practice night on Thursday, Feb. 19, drivers will race for $12,000 on Friday, Feb. 20, and $20,000 on Saturday, Feb. 21, in the biggest weekend of racing in the history of “The Southernmost Dirt Track in the United States.”

In addition to the on-track activity, the World of Outlaws has partnered with the Hendry County Tourism Development Council to expand the festivities for locals and vacationers alike. The fun begins with a fishing tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 18, ahead of the Swamp Cabbage Festival in downtown LaBelle, FL all weekend. The Swamp Cabbage Festival Parade is set for Saturday at 11 a.m., featuring multiple Late Models rolling down the streets.

Additionally, Clewiston, FL’s own Taylor Beebe, a former Miss Hendry County in 2011 and Teacher of the Year at Westside Elementary School in 2025, has been named honorary starter of the event and will wave the green flag to start Friday’s Feature.

For tickets and other event information, click here.

THE MONTH AHEAD: Florida Fun Rolls On at DIRTcar Nationals, Swamp Cabbage 100

CONCORD, NC (January 29, 2026) – With winter weather continuing to blanket much of the United States, the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision will stay put in the “Sunshine State” for a few more weeks to open 2026.

The February schedule includes a visit to two of Florida’s most historic dirt tracks in Volusia Speedway Park and Hendry County Motorsports Park.

Here’s a look at what’s ahead:

Volusia Speedway Park | Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Feb. 12-14): As they have every year since the tour was relaunched in 2004, The Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet will serve as the closing act at Volusia’s signature event.

The three-week festival of speed gets underway this weekend with the American Sprint Car Series and DIRTcar UMP Modifieds in action, while the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, the AMSOIL USAC Sprint Car National Championship and the Super DIRTcar Series will also pay a visit to the “World’s Fastest Half Mile” during the event. The chase for the Late Model Big Gator will once again include six-straight nights of racing on the final week, as the first three nights on Monday-Wednesday, Feb. 9-11, will be contested under the DIRTcar Late Model banner prior to three nights of World of Outlaws action on Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 12-14.

The Series has already spent the first three nights of 2026 at Volusia for DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals, with Chris Madden, Hudson O’Neal and Tim McCreadie taking the victories. The on-track product received rave reviews from fans and drivers alike thanks to the new dirt put down last spring, and more of the same is expected come February.

For tickets and other event information, visit the DIRTcar Nationals site.

Hendry County Motorsports Park | Swamp Cabbage 100 (Feb. 20-21): Days after wrapping up an annual staple stretching back decades, the Series will head further south than ever before to usher in a new tradition.

The Swamp Cabbage 100 has been held as a Factory Stock race at Hendry County for several years, but the event has been taken to the next level in 2026 with the addition of the World of Outlaws as the headline division. Following a practice night on Thursday, Feb. 19, drivers will race for $12,000 on Friday, Feb. 20, and $20,000 on Saturday, Feb. 21, in the biggest weekend of racing in the history of “The Southernmost Dirt Track in the United States.”

In addition to the on-track activity, the World of Outlaws has partnered with the Hendry County Tourism Development Council to expand the festivities for locals and vacationers alike. The fun begins with a fishing tournament on Wednesday, Feb. 18, ahead of the Swamp Cabbage Festival in downtown LaBelle, FL all weekend. The Swamp Cabbage Festival Parade is set for Saturday at 11 a.m., featuring multiple Late Models rolling down the streets.

Additionally, Clewiston, FL’s own Taylor Beebe, a former Miss Hendry County in 2011 and Teacher of the Year at Westside Elementary School in 2025, has been named honorary starter of the event and will wave the green flag to start Friday’s Feature.

For tickets and other event information, click here.

Want to watch the World of Outlaws? Stream every lap live on DIRTVision.

CONCORD, NC (Jan. 28, 2026) — Austyn Gossel’s third full-time season with the American Sprint Car Series is on the horizon, and there’s one goal that stands above all others.

Victory Lane eluded the 25-year-old Colorado native in his rookie and sophomore seasons. But there’s plenty of reason to believe 2026 will be different as he tackles the full schedule aboard the BG Automotive, Shark Racing Engines-powered Triple X Chassis No. 16G.

“That’s very, very high on my list this year; I’m very hungry and motivated to get to the top step,” Gossel said. “I know I left quite a bit on the table last year. We’re planning on doing a bunch of races this year and keeping me fresh. I know we’re capable of winning somewhere down the line.”

The former Non-Wing and asphalt Sprint Car driver felt the grind of his rookie campaign in 2024, posting only six top-10 finishes in 27 Feature starts. Last year, Gossel grew leaps and bounds in his second year on the road, compiling two podiums, five top-fives and seven top-10 finishes in 26 starts.

The biggest sign of his progress came in June at Batesville Motor Speedway, where he led the first 13 laps of the Feature. Though an untimely crash dashed his chances for victory, the run stood as a benchmark of his true potential.

“Running with the best 360 guys, they’ve really been teaching me a lot,” Gossel said. “I’ve become pretty good friends with a lot of guys like Sam (Hafertepe Jr.), Matt (Covington), Zach (Blurton). They’ve all taught me a lot in how to race. My time will be coming.”

This Thursday–Saturday, Gossel opens his 2026 season at Volusia Speedway Park, where he debuted at the Florida 1/2-mile oval one year ago. Though he struggled to qualify for a Feature, the laps he turned there and at tracks similar and size throughout 2025 have given him a more positive outlook at taking on the historic facility this time around.

“Last year, I feel like we were just lacking some speed,” Gossel said. “That goes along with [Qualifying]. I still was struggling getting a good time in last year in the beginning, and I feel like we progressed over the year. Having Bobby (Craft, crew chief) now, I feel like we’re gonna be better off.”

The 35th American Sprint Car Series season gets underway Thursday–Saturday, Jan. 29–31, at Volusia Speedway Park in the 55th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. Tickets are on sale now; click here to purchase.

Austyn Gossel ‘Hungry and Motivated’ for First Win in 2026 American Sprint Car Series Campaign

CONCORD, NC (Jan. 28, 2026) — Austyn Gossel’s third full-time season with the American Sprint Car Series is on the horizon, and there’s one goal that stands above all others.

Victory Lane eluded the 25-year-old Colorado native in his rookie and sophomore seasons. But there’s plenty of reason to believe 2026 will be different as he tackles the full schedule aboard the BG Automotive, Shark Racing Engines-powered Triple X Chassis No. 16G.

“That’s very, very high on my list this year; I’m very hungry and motivated to get to the top step,” Gossel said. “I know I left quite a bit on the table last year. We’re planning on doing a bunch of races this year and keeping me fresh. I know we’re capable of winning somewhere down the line.”

The former Non-Wing and asphalt Sprint Car driver felt the grind of his rookie campaign in 2024, posting only six top-10 finishes in 27 Feature starts. Last year, Gossel grew leaps and bounds in his second year on the road, compiling two podiums, five top-fives and seven top-10 finishes in 26 starts.

The biggest sign of his progress came in June at Batesville Motor Speedway, where he led the first 13 laps of the Feature. Though an untimely crash dashed his chances for victory, the run stood as a benchmark of his true potential.

“Running with the best 360 guys, they’ve really been teaching me a lot,” Gossel said. “I’ve become pretty good friends with a lot of guys like Sam (Hafertepe Jr.), Matt (Covington), Zach (Blurton). They’ve all taught me a lot in how to race. My time will be coming.”

This Thursday–Saturday, Gossel opens his 2026 season at Volusia Speedway Park, where he debuted at the Florida 1/2-mile oval one year ago. Though he struggled to qualify for a Feature, the laps he turned there and at tracks similar and size throughout 2025 have given him a more positive outlook at taking on the historic facility this time around.

“Last year, I feel like we were just lacking some speed,” Gossel said. “That goes along with [Qualifying]. I still was struggling getting a good time in last year in the beginning, and I feel like we progressed over the year. Having Bobby (Craft, crew chief) now, I feel like we’re gonna be better off.”

The 35th American Sprint Car Series season gets underway Thursday–Saturday, Jan. 29–31, at Volusia Speedway Park in the 55th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. Tickets are on sale now; click here to purchase.

How can you watch the American Sprint Car Series? Live on DIRTVision.