MOORESVILLE, NC – March 4, 2026 – Roush Yates Engines and Nextivity announce a strategic technical partnership to enhance connectivity, communication, and operational efficiency across Roush Yates’ advanced manufacturing and engine development facilities.

Nextivity, based in San Diego, California, designs and develops intelligent cellular coverage solutions that deliver industry-leading performance, reliability, and network-safe signal amplification. Their award-winning CEL-FI systems are engineered to provide robust in-building cellular coverage for mission-critical environments, ensuring uninterrupted communication where precision and speed are paramount.

Through this partnership, Nextivity will support Roush Yates Engines (RYE) and Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions (RYMS) by providing advanced cellular coverage systems throughout their Mooresville, North Carolina facilities. Enhanced connectivity will strengthen real-time communication across engineering, machining, quality control, and race support operations, maximizing responsiveness in high-performance, time-sensitive environments.

“Nextivity is a technology-driven organization focused on delivering reliable connectivity solutions,” said Todd English, CEO of Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions. “Seamless communication across our facilities is critical to maintaining our competitive edge in NASCAR and manufacturing solutions for various industries that include aerospace, defense, space, and medical. Aligning with innovative partners like Nextivity ensures our team can operate at peak efficiency without interruption.”

“As an industry technology leader, Roush Yates Engine and Manufacturing Solutions teams need seamless connectivity every minute of every day,” said Michiel Lotter, CEO of Nextivity. “Both in the factory and trackside, having a reliable network infrastructure keeps the team connected and focused on what they do best – helping their customers win. We are pleased to support Roush Yates through this partnership and look forward to integrating our ‘Do More with DAS’ IoT solutions into Roush Yates factories to enhance both communications and overall operations.”

ROUSH YATES ENGINES FORMS TECHNICAL ALLIANCE WITH NEXTIVITYMOORESVILLE, NC – March 4, 2026 – Roush Yates Engines and Nextivity announce a strategic technical partnership to enhance connectivity, communication, and operational efficiency across Roush Yates’ advanced manufacturing and engine development facilities.

Nextivity, based in San Diego, California, designs and develops intelligent cellular coverage solutions that deliver industry-leading performance, reliability, and network-safe signal amplification. Their award-winning CEL-FI systems are engineered to provide robust in-building cellular coverage for mission-critical environments, ensuring uninterrupted communication where precision and speed are paramount.

Through this partnership, Nextivity will support Roush Yates Engines (RYE) and Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions (RYMS) by providing advanced cellular coverage systems throughout their Mooresville, North Carolina facilities. Enhanced connectivity will strengthen real-time communication across engineering, machining, quality control, and race support operations, maximizing responsiveness in high-performance, time-sensitive environments.

“Nextivity is a technology-driven organization focused on delivering reliable connectivity solutions,” said Todd English, CEO of Roush Yates Manufacturing Solutions. “Seamless communication across our facilities is critical to maintaining our competitive edge in NASCAR and manufacturing solutions for various industries that include aerospace, defense, space, and medical. Aligning with innovative partners like Nextivity ensures our team can operate at peak efficiency without interruption.”

“As an industry technology leader, Roush Yates Engine and Manufacturing Solutions teams need seamless connectivity every minute of every day,” said Michiel Lotter, CEO of Nextivity. “Both in the factory and trackside, having a reliable network infrastructure keeps the team connected and focused on what they do best – helping their customers win. We are pleased to support Roush Yates through this partnership and look forward to integrating our ‘Do More with DAS’ IoT solutions into Roush Yates factories to enhance both communications and overall operations.”

This partnership reflects a shared commitment to innovation, performance, and continuous improvement, ensuring both organizations remain at the forefront of technology within motorsports and other industries.

Briar Bauman (No. 3) and Brandon Robinson (No. 44) battle at Lucas Oil Speedway in 2025. [Photo: Tim Lester for AMA Pro Racing]Download high-resolution photo from AMA Pro’s Digital Asset Management system

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 4, 2026) — Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is proud to announce the return of Harley-Davidson as an official partner for the 2026 season. This renewed collaboration brings one of the most iconic names in motorcycling history back to the forefront of the world’s premier dirt track racing series. The partnership reinforces the historic legacy between the Milwaukee-based manufacturer and the sport of flat track. As Progressive AFT prepares to launch its 2026 campaign, the involvement of Harley-Davidson ensures that fans will experience a deep connection to the brand’s racing heritage at events across the country. Throughout the season, the partnership will focus on enhancing the fan experience and celebrating the performance-driven culture that has defined Harley-Davidson for over a century. The return of Harley-Davidson follows a powerhouse 2025 performance that reestablished the brand as a dominant force in professional flat track. Throughout the 2025 Progressive AFT season, Harley-Davidson riders Briar Bauman and Brandon Robinson kept the XG750R at the front of the pack, combining for a series-leading nine victories. Their relentless performance and consistent podium finishes ultimately secured the 2025 Mission AFT SuperTwins Manufacturer Championship for Harley-Davidson, a title that underscores the brand’s deep-rooted engineering excellence and enduring commitment to America’s Original Extreme Sport. For more information about Harley-Davidson, visit https://www.harley-davidson.com.

Harley-Davidson Returns as Official Partner of Progressive American Flat Track for 2026

Briar Bauman (No. 3) and Brandon Robinson (No. 44) battle at Lucas Oil Speedway in 2025. [Photo: Tim Lester for AMA Pro Racing]Download high-resolution photo from AMA Pro’s Digital Asset Management system

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 4, 2026) — Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is proud to announce the return of Harley-Davidson as an official partner for the 2026 season. This renewed collaboration brings one of the most iconic names in motorcycling history back to the forefront of the world’s premier dirt track racing series. The partnership reinforces the historic legacy between the Milwaukee-based manufacturer and the sport of flat track. As Progressive AFT prepares to launch its 2026 campaign, the involvement of Harley-Davidson ensures that fans will experience a deep connection to the brand’s racing heritage at events across the country. Throughout the season, the partnership will focus on enhancing the fan experience and celebrating the performance-driven culture that has defined Harley-Davidson for over a century. The return of Harley-Davidson follows a powerhouse 2025 performance that reestablished the brand as a dominant force in professional flat track. Throughout the 2025 Progressive AFT season, Harley-Davidson riders Briar Bauman and Brandon Robinson kept the XG750R at the front of the pack, combining for a series-leading nine victories. Their relentless performance and consistent podium finishes ultimately secured the 2025 Mission AFT SuperTwins Manufacturer Championship for Harley-Davidson, a title that underscores the brand’s deep-rooted engineering excellence and enduring commitment to America’s Original Extreme Sport. For more information about Harley-Davidson, visit https://www.harley-davidson.com.

Next Up The 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season debuts at Daytona International Speedway Flat Track on Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6. To purchase Daytona Short Track I & II tickets, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack. After the season opener, the series will head north for the Atlanta Short Track at Senoia Raceway on March 21. Tickets are available now at https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-atlanta-short-track-165280 How to Watch FloRacing For those that can’t catch the live action at the track, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive American Flat Track. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2026. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/AFT2026 or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast. FS1 FOX Sports will provide in-depth coverage of the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA doubleheader featuring rider features and thrilling onboard cameras. Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement regarding premiere airdates on FS1 and re-airs on FS2. The full listing of American Flat Track’s television premieres will be posted to the AFT website at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports.

CONCORD, NC (March 4, 2026) – There aren’t many states that play a more integral role in the history of dirt Late Model racing than Tennessee.

From Memphis to Bristol, the “Volunteer State” has delivered several of the sport’s most memorable moments and is home to some of its biggest stars. Since 1989, the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision has been going to battle across the state, stopping at a dozen of Tennessee’s most recognizable tracks.

Ahead of next weekend’s return to two of them – Volunteer Speedway on Friday, March 13, and Smoky Mountain Speedway on Saturday, March 14, here’s a look at the places and faces that have shaped Late Model racing in Tennessee.

Smoky Mountain Speedway: No track in Tennessee has held more World of Outlaws races than Smoky Mountain Speedway.

Less than a week after Rick Eckert won his first Series race at Hagerstown Speedway in 2004, “Scrub” rolled into Smoky Mountain and won for the second time in seven days in the track’s first World of Outlaws event. Following a nine-year break, the Series returned to the Maryville, TN oval in 2013 for a race that saw Shane Clanton fend off Steve Casebolt for the win.

Clanton’s victory kicked off a southern stranglehold on the track that lasted for nearly a decade. Between 2013 and 2022, all 10 World of Outlaws races at Smoky Mountain were won by a driver from Tennessee, Georgia or South Carolina. The streak ended in 2025, when Bobby Pierce went to Victory Lane in his Smoky Mountain debut to become the first non-southerner to conquer the track in World of Outlaws action in 21 years.

Volunteer Speedway: Nestled right off Interstate 75 in Bulls Gap, TN, Volunteer Speedway has been delivering some of the most entertaining racing in the region for decades.

The inaugural World of Outlaws race at “The Gap” ended with Brian Birkhofer taking the checkers in 2004. The 2007 schedule included a pair of trips to Bulls Gap, with Chris Madden winning in August and Steve Francis following in October. A two-night weekend in 2008 was split by Jimmy Owens and Shane Clanton, but it would be a decade before the track reappeared on the schedule in 2018 for a race won by Owens.

Volunteer was one of the first tracks the Series visited coming out of the COVID pause in June 2020. Brandon Sheppard won the first night of the doubleheader before Zack Mitchell claimed the finale, joining Birkhofer and Owens as the third driver to win their first World of Outlaws race in Bulls Gap. The most recent World of Outlaws race at the track came on Labor Day weekend in 2021, when Sheppard returned to Victory Lane for the eighth and final win of that championship season.

Tazewell Speedway: If you’re looking for a track with more banking on the straightaways than most tracks have in the corners, Tazewell Speedway is the place for you.

“The Bad Fast Taz” welcomed the World of Outlaws for the first time in 2010 for a 50-lap contest won by Shane Clanton. The following year, the festivities expanded to a two-night show on Independence Day weekend, culminating with a 101-lap main event won by Chris Madden.

The distance went back to 50 laps in 2012, and that year’s visit saw Bub McCool score his first of two World of Outlaws wins. Mike Marlar scored his maiden victory in 2014 before Billy Ogle Jr. pulled off a last-lap pass on Josh Richards in 2015, giving Tazewell its third-straight first-time World of Outlaws winner.

Clanton got the job done in 2017 to win the most recent Series race at Tazewell, but the track hasn’t been lacking in high-level Late Model racing in the years since. Tazewell has become a staple of the Southern Nationals schedule and is home to the Lil’ Bill Corum Memorial, with recent winners including Madden, Jonathan Davenport, Dale McDowell and Tyler Erb.

Duck River Raceway Park: Located an hour south of Nashville in Shelbyville, TN, Duck River was a regular stop for the tour throughout the 2010s.

These days, Eric Wells is best known as the owner of Infinity Chassis and Wells Motorsports, but the Kentucky native made his lone trip to World of Outlaws Victory Lane in Duck River’s first World of Outlaws race in 2013. Five more unique winners followed in the next five appearances, as Darrell Lanigan (2014), Dale McDowell (2016), Mike Marlar (2017), Brandon Sheppard (2019) and Josh Richards (2020) all made their way to Victory Lane. Richards’ triumph was an especially meaningful one, as it was his first World of Outlaws win in four years and his first since making the move from his family-owned Rocket1 Racing ride to Clint Bowyer Racing.

In the years since its last World of Outlaws race, Duck River’s schedule has included seven Hunt the Front Super Dirt Series races, as well as an inaugural visit by the DIRTcar Summer Nationals in 2025.

411 Motor Speedway: 411 has been a fan-favorite in the southeast for decades, but it did not have a spot on the World of Outlaws schedule until 2018. When the touring regulars finally came to town, they were greeted with one of east Tennessee’s finest in the form of Cory Hedgecock defending home turf for his first World of Outlaws win in his first Feature start with the Series.

Hedgecock was again in contention in 2019, leading laps early in the Feature before dropping out of the race with engine trouble and handing the lead to eventual winner Brandon Overton. Following Chris Madden’s win in 2020, 411 was absent from the schedule in 2021 and 2022, but it came back with a bang in 2023. After a three-way battle with Dale McDowell and Kyle Bronson, Hedgecock pulled the upset on the Outlaws for the second time.

That event stands as the most recent World of Outlaws stop at 411, as the track was sold in 2023 and has sat dormant since June 2024.

Bristol Motor Speedway: The idea of covering “The Last Great Colosseum” in dirt first became reality in 2000 and 2001 with a pair of race weekends for the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series. Late Models were also on the card both years under Hav-A-Tampa sanction, as Dale McDowell, Scott Bloomquist and Jimmy Mars each scored wins.

When the concept was brought back 20 years later, the fendered side of the World of Outlaws family got to join in on the fun. The 2021 visit saw Josh Richards score the 78th and most recent Series win of his career in the opener before Devin Moran topped the finale. Jonathan Davenport went to Victory Lane on Friday in the 2022 edition, one year before returning to the Bristol dirt to make his NASCAR Cup Series debut with Kaulig Racing. Saturday’s race went to Ricky Weiss in what is also his latest Series victory.

In addition to the four World of Outlaws races contested at the track, Super Late Models were also part of the Bristol Dirt Nationals in 2021 and 2022, with Davenport, Chris Ferguson, Chris Madden and Dale McDowell each collecting wins. Current MD3 Rookie of the Year contender Trey Mills is also a former Bristol winner, as he won in a 602 Late Model in 2021 at age 12.

Atomic Motor Speedway: Touting itself as one of the fastest tracks in the region, the high-banked, 1/3-mile Atomic Motor Speedway in Lenoir City, TN, had plenty of experience hosting national-level Late Model racing with the Hav-A-Tampa Series throughout the 1990s and the early 2000s.

When the World of Outlaws was revived in 2004, Atomic made three appearances on that season’s schedule. Billy Moyer and Scott Bloomquist split a March doubleheader, while Bloomquist won when the Series came back in September.

The World of Outlaws never returned, but Atomic remained on the Southern All Stars schedule through its closure at the end of the 2006 season. The track was soon demolished and is now the site of a terminal for the Crete Carrier trucking company.

Memphis Motorsports Park: The Millington, TN facility is best known for its 3/4-mile paved oval that previously hosted the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, as well as its dragstrip that was an annual stop for the NHRA.

But at one time, Memphis was also home to dirt racing, originally on a 3/8-mile track that Billy Moyer won on in 1989. That track was demolished in the 1990s to make room for the pavement oval, and a new 1/4-mile dirt track was built on a plot of land once occupied by a go-kart track. Steve Francis won the lone World of Outlaws race held at the new facility in 2005, the last season of operation for the dirt track.

Milan Speedway: More than two decades after a visit by the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars in 1982, the Late Models swung through Milan as part of their rebirth season in 2004. Scott Bloomquist was the night’s victor, a crucial win on his way to collecting his first championship by 13 points over Steve Francis.

The following season in 2005 turned out to be Milan’s last year of operation. The track sat abandoned for several years afterwards until it was dismantled in 2011.

Clarksville Speedway: Tim McCreadie’s eight-win 2005 season still stands as the winningest of his World of Outlaws career, and the last of those triumphs came at Clarksville.

The World of Outlaws may have been a one-and-done at Clarksville, but the same can’t be said for the DIRTcar Summer Nationals. The Hell Tour was an annual invader from 1998 until the track’s closure in 2025, with names like Tony Stewart, Billy Moyer, Don O’Neal, Dennis Erb Jr. and Brandon Sheppard among the list of winners.

Clarksville was also famous for the Toilet Bowl Classic held every March, which attracted several of the sport’s biggest names who were looking to turn some early-season laps.

Wartburg Speedway: Independence Day weekend in 2010 was an unforgettable one for Wartburg fans, as it meant the long-awaited debut of the World of Outlaws at their home track.

In front of what was called the largest crowd in track history, Tim McCreadie led all 50 laps around the 1/4-mile bullring for his third Series win of the season. In the years since Wartburg’s lone World of Outlaws race, the track has primarily been a home for local and regional Crate Late Model racing. Open-motor Late Models have been a rare treat, although Wartburg did host the Southern All Stars for the first time in 2025 for a race won by Camaron Marlar.

Thunderhill Raceway Park: The latest addition to the list of Tennessee tracks that have hosted a World of Outlaws is Thunderhill, which joined the tour for the first time in 2024.

Originally set for a March date, rain pushed the event back to April, then to June due to further inclement weather. Once the skies finally cleared, Brandon Sheppard prevailed over Cade Dillard to score his first World of Outlaws win with the Longhorn Factory Team with Sheppard Riggs Racing, a combination that went on to claim the World of Outlaws championship at season’s end.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision returns to Tennessee for the only time in 2026 for stops at Volunteer Speedway (Friday, March 13) and Smoky Mountain Speedway (Saturday, March 14). Get tickets for both events in advance by clicking here.

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

Race-by-Race History
April 29, 1989 – Memphis Motorsports Park – Billy Moyer
March 13, 2004 – Atomic Motor Speedway – Billy Moyer
March 14, 2004 – Atomic Motor Speedway – Dale McDowell
March 27, 2004 – Volunteer Speedway – Brian Birkhofer
April 30, 2004 – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Rick Eckert
Aug. 28, 2004 – Milan Speedway – Scott Bloomquist
Sept. 4, 2004 – Atomic Motor Speedway – Scott Bloomquist
July 22, 2005 – Memphis Motorsports Park – Steve Francis
Sept. 24, 2005 – Clarksville Speedway – Tim McCreadie
Aug. 23, 2007 – Volunteer Speedway – Chris Madden
Oct. 13, 2007 – Volunteer Speedway – Steve Francis
Aug. 20, 2008 – Volunteer Speedway – Jimmy Owens
Aug. 21, 2008 – Volunteer Speedway – Shane Clanton
July 2, 2010 – Wartburg Speedway – Tim McCreadie
July 3, 2010 – Tazewell Speedway – Shane Clanton
July 3, 2011 – Tazewell Speedway – Chris Madden
April 28, 2012 – Tazewell Speedway – Bub McCool
April 26, 2013 – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Shane Clanton
April 28, 2013 – Duck River Raceway Park – Eric Wells
April 12, 2014 – Tazewell Speedway – Mike Marlar
May 18, 2014 – Duck River Raceway Park – Darrell Lanigan
April 11, 2015 – Tazewell Speedway – Billy Ogle Jr.
May 9, 2015 – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Scott Bloomquist
April 8, 2016 – Duck River Raceway Park – Dale McDowell
May 7, 2016 – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Scott Bloomquist
May 13, 2017 – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Brandon Overton
May 14, 2017 – Duck River Raceway Park – Mike Marlar
June 2, 2017 – Tazewell Speedway – Shane Clanton
April 27, 2018 – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Chris Madden
April 28, 2018 – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Dale McDowell
June 1, 2018 – 411 Motor Speedway – Cory Hedgecock
June 2, 2018 – Volunteer Speedway – Jimmy Owens
March 22, 2019 – Duck River Raceway Park – Brandon Sheppard
March 23, 2019 – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Jimmy Owens
Oct. 5, 2019 – 411 Motor Speedway – Brandon Overton
March 6, 2020 – Duck River Raceway Park – Josh Richards
March 7, 2020 – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Mike Marlar
June 19, 2020 – Volunteer Speedway – Brandon Sheppard
June 20, 2020 – Volunteer Speedway – Zack Mitchell
Oct. 3, 2020 – 411 Motor Speedway – Chris Madden
March 6, 2021 – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Chris Madden
April 9, 2021 – Bristol Motor Speedway – Josh Richards
April 11, 2021 – Bristol Motor Speedway – Devin Moran
April 29, 2022 – Bristol Motor Speedway – Jonathan Davenport
April 30, 2022 – Bristol Motor Speedway – Ricky Weiss
Sept. 2, 2022 – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Jimmy Owens
April 20, 2023 – 411 Motor Speedway – Cory Hedgecock
June 20, 2024 – Thunderhill Raceway Park – Brandon Sheppard
March 14, 2025 – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Bobby Pierce

World of Outlaws Winners from Tennessee
Scott Bloomquist – Mooresburg, TN – 33
Jimmy Owens – Newport, TN – 21
Mike Marlar – Winfield, TN – 18
Cory Hedgecock – Loudon, TN – 2
Billy Ogle Jr. – Knoxville, TN – 1

A Look Back at 24 Seasons of World of Outlaws History in the Volunteer State

CONCORD, NC (March 4, 2026) – There aren’t many states that play a more integral role in the history of dirt Late Model racing than Tennessee.

From Memphis to Bristol, the “Volunteer State” has delivered several of the sport’s most memorable moments and is home to some of its biggest stars. Since 1989, the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision has been going to battle across the state, stopping at a dozen of Tennessee’s most recognizable tracks.

Ahead of next weekend’s return to two of them – Volunteer Speedway on Friday, March 13, and Smoky Mountain Speedway on Saturday, March 14, here’s a look at the places and faces that have shaped Late Model racing in Tennessee.

Smoky Mountain Speedway: No track in Tennessee has held more World of Outlaws races than Smoky Mountain Speedway.

Less than a week after Rick Eckert won his first Series race at Hagerstown Speedway in 2004, “Scrub” rolled into Smoky Mountain and won for the second time in seven days in the track’s first World of Outlaws event. Following a nine-year break, the Series returned to the Maryville, TN oval in 2013 for a race that saw Shane Clanton fend off Steve Casebolt for the win.

Clanton’s victory kicked off a southern stranglehold on the track that lasted for nearly a decade. Between 2013 and 2022, all 10 World of Outlaws races at Smoky Mountain were won by a driver from Tennessee, Georgia or South Carolina. The streak ended in 2025, when Bobby Pierce went to Victory Lane in his Smoky Mountain debut to become the first non-southerner to conquer the track in World of Outlaws action in 21 years.

Volunteer Speedway: Nestled right off Interstate 75 in Bulls Gap, TN, Volunteer Speedway has been delivering some of the most entertaining racing in the region for decades.

The inaugural World of Outlaws race at “The Gap” ended with Brian Birkhofer taking the checkers in 2004. The 2007 schedule included a pair of trips to Bulls Gap, with Chris Madden winning in August and Steve Francis following in October. A two-night weekend in 2008 was split by Jimmy Owens and Shane Clanton, but it would be a decade before the track reappeared on the schedule in 2018 for a race won by Owens.

Volunteer was one of the first tracks the Series visited coming out of the COVID pause in June 2020. Brandon Sheppard won the first night of the doubleheader before Zack Mitchell claimed the finale, joining Birkhofer and Owens as the third driver to win their first World of Outlaws race in Bulls Gap. The most recent World of Outlaws race at the track came on Labor Day weekend in 2021, when Sheppard returned to Victory Lane for the eighth and final win of that championship season.

Tazewell Speedway: If you’re looking for a track with more banking on the straightaways than most tracks have in the corners, Tazewell Speedway is the place for you.

“The Bad Fast Taz” welcomed the World of Outlaws for the first time in 2010 for a 50-lap contest won by Shane Clanton. The following year, the festivities expanded to a two-night show on Independence Day weekend, culminating with a 101-lap main event won by Chris Madden.

The distance went back to 50 laps in 2012, and that year’s visit saw Bub McCool score his first of two World of Outlaws wins. Mike Marlar scored his maiden victory in 2014 before Billy Ogle Jr. pulled off a last-lap pass on Josh Richards in 2015, giving Tazewell its third-straight first-time World of Outlaws winner.

Clanton got the job done in 2017 to win the most recent Series race at Tazewell, but the track hasn’t been lacking in high-level Late Model racing in the years since. Tazewell has become a staple of the Southern Nationals schedule and is home to the Lil’ Bill Corum Memorial, with recent winners including Madden, Jonathan Davenport, Dale McDowell and Tyler Erb.

Duck River Raceway Park: Located an hour south of Nashville in Shelbyville, TN, Duck River was a regular stop for the tour throughout the 2010s.

These days, Eric Wells is best known as the owner of Infinity Chassis and Wells Motorsports, but the Kentucky native made his lone trip to World of Outlaws Victory Lane in Duck River’s first World of Outlaws race in 2013. Five more unique winners followed in the next five appearances, as Darrell Lanigan (2014), Dale McDowell (2016), Mike Marlar (2017), Brandon Sheppard (2019) and Josh Richards (2020) all made their way to Victory Lane. Richards’ triumph was an especially meaningful one, as it was his first World of Outlaws win in four years and his first since making the move from his family-owned Rocket1 Racing ride to Clint Bowyer Racing.

In the years since its last World of Outlaws race, Duck River’s schedule has included seven Hunt the Front Super Dirt Series races, as well as an inaugural visit by the DIRTcar Summer Nationals in 2025.

411 Motor Speedway: 411 has been a fan-favorite in the southeast for decades, but it did not have a spot on the World of Outlaws schedule until 2018. When the touring regulars finally came to town, they were greeted with one of east Tennessee’s finest in the form of Cory Hedgecock defending home turf for his first World of Outlaws win in his first Feature start with the Series.

Hedgecock was again in contention in 2019, leading laps early in the Feature before dropping out of the race with engine trouble and handing the lead to eventual winner Brandon Overton. Following Chris Madden’s win in 2020, 411 was absent from the schedule in 2021 and 2022, but it came back with a bang in 2023. After a three-way battle with Dale McDowell and Kyle Bronson, Hedgecock pulled the upset on the Outlaws for the second time.

That event stands as the most recent World of Outlaws stop at 411, as the track was sold in 2023 and has sat dormant since June 2024.

Bristol Motor Speedway: The idea of covering “The Last Great Colosseum” in dirt first became reality in 2000 and 2001 with a pair of race weekends for the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series. Late Models were also on the card both years under Hav-A-Tampa sanction, as Dale McDowell, Scott Bloomquist and Jimmy Mars each scored wins.

When the concept was brought back 20 years later, the fendered side of the World of Outlaws family got to join in on the fun. The 2021 visit saw Josh Richards score the 78th and most recent Series win of his career in the opener before Devin Moran topped the finale. Jonathan Davenport went to Victory Lane on Friday in the 2022 edition, one year before returning to the Bristol dirt to make his NASCAR Cup Series debut with Kaulig Racing. Saturday’s race went to Ricky Weiss in what is also his latest Series victory.

In addition to the four World of Outlaws races contested at the track, Super Late Models were also part of the Bristol Dirt Nationals in 2021 and 2022, with Davenport, Chris Ferguson, Chris Madden and Dale McDowell each collecting wins. Current MD3 Rookie of the Year contender Trey Mills is also a former Bristol winner, as he won in a 602 Late Model in 2021 at age 12.

Atomic Motor Speedway: Touting itself as one of the fastest tracks in the region, the high-banked, 1/3-mile Atomic Motor Speedway in Lenoir City, TN, had plenty of experience hosting national-level Late Model racing with the Hav-A-Tampa Series throughout the 1990s and the early 2000s.

When the World of Outlaws was revived in 2004, Atomic made three appearances on that season’s schedule. Billy Moyer and Scott Bloomquist split a March doubleheader, while Bloomquist won when the Series came back in September.

The World of Outlaws never returned, but Atomic remained on the Southern All Stars schedule through its closure at the end of the 2006 season. The track was soon demolished and is now the site of a terminal for the Crete Carrier trucking company.

Memphis Motorsports Park: The Millington, TN facility is best known for its 3/4-mile paved oval that previously hosted the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series, as well as its dragstrip that was an annual stop for the NHRA.

But at one time, Memphis was also home to dirt racing, originally on a 3/8-mile track that Billy Moyer won on in 1989. That track was demolished in the 1990s to make room for the pavement oval, and a new 1/4-mile dirt track was built on a plot of land once occupied by a go-kart track. Steve Francis won the lone World of Outlaws race held at the new facility in 2005, the last season of operation for the dirt track.

Milan Speedway: More than two decades after a visit by the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars in 1982, the Late Models swung through Milan as part of their rebirth season in 2004. Scott Bloomquist was the night’s victor, a crucial win on his way to collecting his first championship by 13 points over Steve Francis.

The following season in 2005 turned out to be Milan’s last year of operation. The track sat abandoned for several years afterwards until it was dismantled in 2011.

Clarksville Speedway: Tim McCreadie’s eight-win 2005 season still stands as the winningest of his World of Outlaws career, and the last of those triumphs came at Clarksville.

The World of Outlaws may have been a one-and-done at Clarksville, but the same can’t be said for the DIRTcar Summer Nationals. The Hell Tour was an annual invader from 1998 until the track’s closure in 2025, with names like Tony Stewart, Billy Moyer, Don O’Neal, Dennis Erb Jr. and Brandon Sheppard among the list of winners.

Clarksville was also famous for the Toilet Bowl Classic held every March, which attracted several of the sport’s biggest names who were looking to turn some early-season laps.

Wartburg Speedway: Independence Day weekend in 2010 was an unforgettable one for Wartburg fans, as it meant the long-awaited debut of the World of Outlaws at their home track.

In front of what was called the largest crowd in track history, Tim McCreadie led all 50 laps around the 1/4-mile bullring for his third Series win of the season. In the years since Wartburg’s lone World of Outlaws race, the track has primarily been a home for local and regional Crate Late Model racing. Open-motor Late Models have been a rare treat, although Wartburg did host the Southern All Stars for the first time in 2025 for a race won by Camaron Marlar.

Thunderhill Raceway Park: The latest addition to the list of Tennessee tracks that have hosted a World of Outlaws is Thunderhill, which joined the tour for the first time in 2024.

Originally set for a March date, rain pushed the event back to April, then to June due to further inclement weather. Once the skies finally cleared, Brandon Sheppard prevailed over Cade Dillard to score his first World of Outlaws win with the Longhorn Factory Team with Sheppard Riggs Racing, a combination that went on to claim the World of Outlaws championship at season’s end.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision returns to Tennessee for the only time in 2026 for stops at Volunteer Speedway (Friday, March 13) and Smoky Mountain Speedway (Saturday, March 14). Get tickets for both events in advance by clicking here.

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

Race-by-Race History
April 29, 1989 – Memphis Motorsports Park – Billy Moyer
March 13, 2004 – Atomic Motor Speedway – Billy Moyer
March 14, 2004 – Atomic Motor Speedway – Dale McDowell
March 27, 2004 – Volunteer Speedway – Brian Birkhofer
April 30, 2004 – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Rick Eckert
Aug. 28, 2004 – Milan Speedway – Scott Bloomquist
Sept. 4, 2004 – Atomic Motor Speedway – Scott Bloomquist
July 22, 2005 – Memphis Motorsports Park – Steve Francis
Sept. 24, 2005 – Clarksville Speedway – Tim McCreadie
Aug. 23, 2007 – Volunteer Speedway – Chris Madden
Oct. 13, 2007 – Volunteer Speedway – Steve Francis
Aug. 20, 2008 – Volunteer Speedway – Jimmy Owens
Aug. 21, 2008 – Volunteer Speedway – Shane Clanton
July 2, 2010 – Wartburg Speedway – Tim McCreadie
July 3, 2010 – Tazewell Speedway – Shane Clanton
July 3, 2011 – Tazewell Speedway – Chris Madden
April 28, 2012 – Tazewell Speedway – Bub McCool
April 26, 2013 – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Shane Clanton
April 28, 2013 – Duck River Raceway Park – Eric Wells
April 12, 2014 – Tazewell Speedway – Mike Marlar
May 18, 2014 – Duck River Raceway Park – Darrell Lanigan
April 11, 2015 – Tazewell Speedway – Billy Ogle Jr.
May 9, 2015 – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Scott Bloomquist
April 8, 2016 – Duck River Raceway Park – Dale McDowell
May 7, 2016 – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Scott Bloomquist
May 13, 2017 – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Brandon Overton
May 14, 2017 – Duck River Raceway Park – Mike Marlar
June 2, 2017 – Tazewell Speedway – Shane Clanton
April 27, 2018 – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Chris Madden
April 28, 2018 – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Dale McDowell
June 1, 2018 – 411 Motor Speedway – Cory Hedgecock
June 2, 2018 – Volunteer Speedway – Jimmy Owens
March 22, 2019 – Duck River Raceway Park – Brandon Sheppard
March 23, 2019 – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Jimmy Owens
Oct. 5, 2019 – 411 Motor Speedway – Brandon Overton
March 6, 2020 – Duck River Raceway Park – Josh Richards
March 7, 2020 – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Mike Marlar
June 19, 2020 – Volunteer Speedway – Brandon Sheppard
June 20, 2020 – Volunteer Speedway – Zack Mitchell
Oct. 3, 2020 – 411 Motor Speedway – Chris Madden
March 6, 2021 – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Chris Madden
April 9, 2021 – Bristol Motor Speedway – Josh Richards
April 11, 2021 – Bristol Motor Speedway – Devin Moran
April 29, 2022 – Bristol Motor Speedway – Jonathan Davenport
April 30, 2022 – Bristol Motor Speedway – Ricky Weiss
Sept. 2, 2022 – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Jimmy Owens
April 20, 2023 – 411 Motor Speedway – Cory Hedgecock
June 20, 2024 – Thunderhill Raceway Park – Brandon Sheppard
March 14, 2025 – Smoky Mountain Speedway – Bobby Pierce

World of Outlaws Winners from Tennessee
Scott Bloomquist – Mooresburg, TN – 33
Jimmy Owens – Newport, TN – 21
Mike Marlar – Winfield, TN – 18
Cory Hedgecock – Loudon, TN – 2
Billy Ogle Jr. – Knoxville, TN – 1

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/latemodels/a-look-back-at-24-seasons-of-world-of-outlaws-racing-in-the-volunteer-state/

Event: Straight Talk Wireless 500Date/Time: Sunday, March 8, 2026, 3:30 p.m. ETLocation: Phoenix Raceway, Avondale, ArizonaLayout: 1-Mile OvalTV/Radio: FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR RadioJosh Berry and Wood Brothers Racing head to one of Berry’s strongest tracks this weekend as the NASCAR Cup Series visits Phoenix Raceway for Sunday’s Straight Talk Wireless 500. This weekend also marks the first time the eero colors will adorn the No. 21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse in 2026, featuring a slightly refreshed look for the new season.Berry delivered two strong performances at the one-mile, relatively flat oval in the Sonoran Desert last season, finishing fourth in the spring race and seventh in the season finale.In five career Cup Series starts at Phoenix, Berry owns an average finish of 14.2 with three top-10 results, including a 10th-place finish in his first Cup race there in 2023.“Phoenix has been a good track for me,” Berry said. “We’ve had some solid runs there, including two top-10 finishes last season, so that definitely gives us confidence going back.“It’s a place where track position and execution really matter. If we can qualify well and keep ourselves in position, I think we can put ourselves in position for another strong day.”Practice for the Straight Talk Wireless 500 is scheduled for Saturday at 12 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 1:10 p.m. ET. Coverage of the on-track activity will be provided on Prime Video.Sunday’s 312-mile race is scheduled to get the green flag just after 3:30 p.m. ET, with broadcast coverage on FS1. Stage breaks are planned for Lap 60 and Lap 185.Josh BerryAge: 35 (Oct. 22, 1990)Hometown: Hendersonville, TennesseeCrew Chief: Miles StanleyIG: @joshberry88X: @joshberryAbout eero eero was founded to make wifi and networking the way they should be—fast, reliable, secure, and, most importantly, easy to use. After introducing the first home mesh wifi system with a high-quality design that blends into its environment and technology that intuitively works behind the scenes, eero became known for sweating every single detail and delivering award-winning hardware and software for homes, businesses, communities, and service providers. Founded and headquartered in San Francisco in 2014, eero is an Amazon company. For more information, visit eero.com.

Sebring, FLORIDA – March 4, 2026 – TopLiner™ and Burtin Racing opened the 2026 Trans Am Series presented by Pirelli season with a confident and competitive performance at the legendary Sebring International Raceway, setting a positive tone for the development and evolution of the Burtin Racing built TA racecars. The highly anticipated season opener delivered dramatic Florida weather even before the green flag. Qualifying was canceled due to rain and lightning, resulting with the starting grid based on practice session times. This meant the two TopLiner™ Burtin Racing Chevrolet Camaros starting from P3 and P9. Martin Ragginger in the No. 7 racecar  posted a time of 2:01.491 in practice for third place while Adam Andretti’s commitments to the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series prevented him from registering a practice time in the No. 17 car and was regulated to start in the back.  When the race went green Andretti was quick to make up ground, passing Tomy Drissi and establishing himself in P5 by Lap 5. Ragginger meanwhile was comfortable in P3. The excellent Austrian-born pilot was briefly headed by David Pintaric mid-race while Tomy Drissi was forced to retire with seven laps remaining, leaving the way clear for Martin and Adam to guide the TopLiner™ Camaros home in P3 and P4. There were four cautions in all during the race. On Saturday, February 28 in St. Petersburg, Andretti qualified P10 and finished in P23 in the No. 5 TopLiner™ Toyota Tundra in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.  “The start of a new season always brings excitement, and Sebring is one of the toughest places to begin,” said Claudio Burtin, Team Principal of Burtin Racing. “With qualifying canceled, preparation and adaptability became even more important. The entire Burtin Racing crew did an outstanding job, and we’re proud to represent TopLiner™ at track and deliver an opening performance of two top-five finishes at Sebring.” Live coverage of the TA/GT race began at 9:00 a.m. ET and was streamed worldwide via the Trans Am Series YouTube channel, @TheTransAmSeries, and broadcast live on RacingAmerica. TV, allowing fans across the globe to follow the action from one of North America’s most historic racing venues. The race is available to watch on the TransAm YouTube channel here:https://www.youtube.com/live/vv6GzrBvwMw?si=XB6dZmC4KXYy-0I7 TopLiner™ continues to align its brand with elite motorsports performance, innovation, and durability—values exemplified by Burtin Racing’s approach both on and off the track. With Round 1 complete, Burtin Racing now turns its focus toward the next event on the calendar at Road Atlanta March 12 to 15 with Ragginger and Andretti entered for the team’s home race. Follow @BurtinRacing on Facebook and Instagram and visit online: www.burtinracing.com for team news and information about the team.

GAINESVILLE, FL (March 3, 2026) — The 2026 Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series will rev up March 5-8, 2026, at the historic NHRA Gatornationals, with two-time world champ Mark Pawuk looking to hold off a host of challengers. Pawuk, the 2024 Gatornationals winner, will strap into the all-new, Hemi-powered 2026 Dodge Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak by Direct Connection and will face some of the toughest competition from Ford Cobra Jets and Chevrolet COPO Camaros in on-track action over a nine-race coast to coast schedule. The Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series will be one of the many highlight classes at Gainesville Raceway as the NHRA celebrates its 75th anniversary as the premiere drag racing sanctioning body in the world.
 
“I started racing in the 1970s with Dodge and Plymouth, and I’ll finish my career with Dodge,” Pawuk said. “Debuting the new Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak during the NHRA’s 75th anniversary is special. We see tremendous potential. It’ll take time to develop—but I want to win one of those 75th-season Wallys, and I believe this car can do it.” 

 Two-time world champion Mark Pawuk will debut his new Dodge Challenger this weekend at the NHRA Gatornationals, photo credit Mark Pawuk Racing

Pawuk’s return follows a dominant two-year run in the Empaco Equipment Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak, where he claimed back-to-back championships in 2024–2025 with victories at Bristol and Norwalk, plus multiple semifinal finishes. After several successful test sessions in Florida, the veteran from Richfield, Ohio, now sets his sights on a historic three-peat—this time in an entirely new platform.
 
“Did I think I’d get two world championships? No,” said Pawuk. “Now I’m going to try for three, and all I can do is hope and pray that everything goes our way. We have a lot of tough competition out there again.”
 
Looking to stop Pawuk’s reign as world champion will be perennial championship contenders Scott Libersher and Lee Hartman. Libersher and his Chevrolet COPO Camaro are eager to get back on track and start a new season. The excitement level is not lost on the veteran driver from Wilmington, Ill., who has been battling with Pawuk for years.
 
“Dodge has got some stuff going on so I am kind of interested to see what’s going on with the competition,” said Libersher. “We did some engine work with a little R&D with Barton Racing and we got a bit more horsepower for this Chevy. This is the first time I’ll be in the race car this year, and I think it’s just kind of like opening day with baseball. I like seeing what everybody’s doing and it’s the whole vibe.”
 
For Hartman he will bring his competitive Dodge Challenger Drag Pak to the Gatornationals looking for his first career win in the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series. He raced to several final rounds last season but the driver from Canfield, Ohio will be looking to break through in 2026. His first opportunity for victory will be this weekend.

 Championship contender Lee Hartman will be looking for his first Gatornationals win this weekend,
photo credit Auto Imagery

WORLD CHAMPION MARK PAWUK CHASES HISTORIC THREE-PEAT AS FLEXJET FACTORY STOCK SHOWDOWN REVS UP AT NHRA GATORNATIONALS

GAINESVILLE, FL (March 3, 2026) — The 2026 Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series will rev up March 5-8, 2026, at the historic NHRA Gatornationals, with two-time world champ Mark Pawuk looking to hold off a host of challengers. Pawuk, the 2024 Gatornationals winner, will strap into the all-new, Hemi-powered 2026 Dodge Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak by Direct Connection and will face some of the toughest competition from Ford Cobra Jets and Chevrolet COPO Camaros in on-track action over a nine-race coast to coast schedule. The Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series will be one of the many highlight classes at Gainesville Raceway as the NHRA celebrates its 75th anniversary as the premiere drag racing sanctioning body in the world.
 
“I started racing in the 1970s with Dodge and Plymouth, and I’ll finish my career with Dodge,” Pawuk said. “Debuting the new Charger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak during the NHRA’s 75th anniversary is special. We see tremendous potential. It’ll take time to develop—but I want to win one of those 75th-season Wallys, and I believe this car can do it.” 

 Two-time world champion Mark Pawuk will debut his new Dodge Challenger this weekend at the NHRA Gatornationals, photo credit Mark Pawuk Racing

Pawuk’s return follows a dominant two-year run in the Empaco Equipment Dodge Challenger Mopar Drag Pak, where he claimed back-to-back championships in 2024–2025 with victories at Bristol and Norwalk, plus multiple semifinal finishes. After several successful test sessions in Florida, the veteran from Richfield, Ohio, now sets his sights on a historic three-peat—this time in an entirely new platform.
 
“Did I think I’d get two world championships? No,” said Pawuk. “Now I’m going to try for three, and all I can do is hope and pray that everything goes our way. We have a lot of tough competition out there again.”
 
Looking to stop Pawuk’s reign as world champion will be perennial championship contenders Scott Libersher and Lee Hartman. Libersher and his Chevrolet COPO Camaro are eager to get back on track and start a new season. The excitement level is not lost on the veteran driver from Wilmington, Ill., who has been battling with Pawuk for years.
 
“Dodge has got some stuff going on so I am kind of interested to see what’s going on with the competition,” said Libersher. “We did some engine work with a little R&D with Barton Racing and we got a bit more horsepower for this Chevy. This is the first time I’ll be in the race car this year, and I think it’s just kind of like opening day with baseball. I like seeing what everybody’s doing and it’s the whole vibe.”
 
For Hartman he will bring his competitive Dodge Challenger Drag Pak to the Gatornationals looking for his first career win in the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series. He raced to several final rounds last season but the driver from Canfield, Ohio will be looking to break through in 2026. His first opportunity for victory will be this weekend.

 Championship contender Lee Hartman will be looking for his first Gatornationals win this weekend,
photo credit Auto Imagery

“After looking at the Weather Channel, it looks like we’re gonna have a great week,” said Hartman. “I believe that the first race is go time, right? When we finished the last race at St. Louis, as soon as we crossed the finish line, we started thinking about this season. ‘What can we do better?’ We spent all winter reviewing what we did in the past at every location, every race. We looked at what worked and what didn’t work. The Gatornationals will be the first chance to see all that hard work pay off.”
 
“Winning the Gatornationals would be awesome, but there’s some loaded guns coming this year. My son’s one of them, so he’s not going to be laying down lightly for dad or anyone else. Aaron and Greg Stanfield have been working with him. We are looking to have a lot of success this year,” added Hartman.
 
Qualifying in the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown category is scheduled for Friday at 12:45 p.m. ET, with eliminations scheduled at 10:30 a.m. ET on Saturday. Tune in to NHRA.tv to watch this historic race milestone live! 
 

DALLAS (March 2, 2026) — When the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season kicks off at the legendary AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, March 5-8, at Gainesville Raceway, Buddy Hull will roll into the staging lanes with more momentum, and more pride, than ever before.
 
The event marks Hull’s third season competing in the ultra-competitive Funny Car category, but more importantly, it signifies his debut as a Funny Car team owner with Hull Racing. The Texas-based driver has spent the offseason building the program from the ground up alongside his wife, Madi, laying the foundation for what he believes will be a breakout year.
 
“This offseason has been the most meaningful of my career,” said Hull. “Madi and I have poured everything we have into Hull Racing. There were long nights, tough decisions and a lot of faith involved. But standing here now, heading into Gainesville as a team owner, I couldn’t be more excited. We didn’t cut corners. We built this the right way.”

 Team owner and Funny Car driver Buddy Hull is excited to get 2026 NHRA season started at Gatornationals,
photo credit Innovative Creation Experts

BUDDY HULL MAKING FUNNY CAR TEAM OWNERSHIP DEBUT IN GAINESVILLE

DALLAS (March 2, 2026) — When the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season kicks off at the legendary AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, March 5-8, at Gainesville Raceway, Buddy Hull will roll into the staging lanes with more momentum, and more pride, than ever before.
 
The event marks Hull’s third season competing in the ultra-competitive Funny Car category, but more importantly, it signifies his debut as a Funny Car team owner with Hull Racing. The Texas-based driver has spent the offseason building the program from the ground up alongside his wife, Madi, laying the foundation for what he believes will be a breakout year.
 
“This offseason has been the most meaningful of my career,” said Hull. “Madi and I have poured everything we have into Hull Racing. There were long nights, tough decisions and a lot of faith involved. But standing here now, heading into Gainesville as a team owner, I couldn’t be more excited. We didn’t cut corners. We built this the right way.”

 Team owner and Funny Car driver Buddy Hull is excited to get 2026 NHRA season started at Gatornationals,
photo credit Innovative Creation Experts

The 2026 Gatornationals once again boasts a stacked Funny Car field, with 19 entries battling for just 16 qualified spots on race day, ensuring that every qualifying pass will count at one of the most historic events in NHRA competition.
 
“There’s no better place to start this next chapter than Gainesville,” said Hull. “The Gatornationals are iconic. The legends of this sport have won here. To kick off the season at such a prestigious race during the NHRA’s 75^th anniversary, knowing we’ve got a strong car and a great team behind us, it fires me up.”
 
Hull Racing will debut its 2026 livery featuring primary partners FS Performance and Sam Pack Ford, organizations Hull says have been instrumental in bringing the new team to life.
 
“We’re incredibly proud to represent FS Performance and Sam Pack Ford,” said Hull. “They believe in what we’re building. When partners believe in your vision the way they do, it gives you even more confidence to go out and perform.”
 
A key part of Hull’s optimism comes from the leadership atop his pit box. Crew chiefs Mike Guger and Matt Bynum will call the shots for the Funny Car in 2026, and Hull has full faith in their ability to deliver.
“I have 100 percent confidence in Mike and Matt,” said Hull. “These guys are some of the smartest in this business. They’ve put together a combination that we truly believe can run with anyone in the field. When I strap in, I know I’ve got two crew chiefs who have done their homework and aren’t afraid to push. That gives me all the confidence in the world.”
 
Before the on-track action begins, Hull will sign autographs and connect with fans at the annual Burnyzz FanFest on Wednesday, March 4, 7-8:30 p.m., where he will appear as a featured driver to help launch race week festivities in Gainesville.
 
“The Burnyzz FanFest is such a cool way to kick off the Gatornationals,” said Hull. “The fans are the heart of NHRA and getting to spend time with them before we even fire the engines makes the whole weekend even more special.”
 
With a new team, trusted leadership, committed partners, and unwavering belief in the work done during the offseason, Hull is ready to make a statement at the first race of the 2026 season.
 
“We’re not here just to participate,” said Hull. “We’re here to compete. We’ve done the work. We’ve built a strong foundation. Now it’s time to show what Hull Racing can do.”
 
Fans will get the chance to catch up with Hull when he is a guest with NHRA personality Hannah Rickards on the NHRA stage on Friday at 10 a.m. in the middle of the Gatornationals pit area.
 
The Hull Racing team will be on track for the first time this season with two qualifying runs on Friday, March 6 and then two more qualifying runs on March 7 at Gainesville Raceway. The top 16 quickest Funny Cars will battle it out for the Wally and a special Gatornationals trophy starting on Sunday, March 8 at 10 a.m. ET with the first round of eliminations live on FS1. For tickets or more information on the NHRA Gatornationals visit nhra.com.

BATAVIA, Ohio (March 3, 2026) – The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing is thrilled to announce that The Massengill Company has signed on as the sponsor of the Sportsman of the Year award for the 2026 season. The Sportsman of the Year will receive a $2,000 cash award at the year-end series awards banquet. Fans can vote each week for the Sportsmanship Driver of the Week on The Massengill Company’s Facebook page. At the conclusion of the season, The Massengill Company will tally the weekly votes and announce the Sportsman of the Year at the annual awards banquet. The Massengill Company has been a trusted name in the roofing industry since 1995. Over the years, the company has built a reputation for excellence in both residential and commercial roofing services. Serving Florida and Georgia, The Massengill Company provides everything from roof repairs to complete roof replacements — start to finish. To learn more, visit TheMassengillCo.com. “We are happy to have The Massengill Company partner with the Series and sponsor the Sportsman of the Year,” said Wayne Castleberry, Sales Representative for FloRacing. “It is a category the Series is proud to offer, giving drivers recognition for their sportsmanship and allowing fans to be part of the voting process. We look forward to working with Tony Massengill and everyone at his company in 2026.” For the latest news, results, championship standings, and more about the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, please visit LucasDirt.com. About The Massengill CompanyLocated in Yulee, Florida, The Massengill Company Roofing understands that your roof is one of the most important investments you will make to protect your home or business. The company is committed to delivering quality craftsmanship and dependable service from start to finish. For more information, visit TheMassengillCo.com.

The Massengill Company to Sponsor the Sportsman of the Year in 2026

BATAVIA, Ohio (March 3, 2026) – The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing is thrilled to announce that The Massengill Company has signed on as the sponsor of the Sportsman of the Year award for the 2026 season. The Sportsman of the Year will receive a $2,000 cash award at the year-end series awards banquet. Fans can vote each week for the Sportsmanship Driver of the Week on The Massengill Company’s Facebook page. At the conclusion of the season, The Massengill Company will tally the weekly votes and announce the Sportsman of the Year at the annual awards banquet. The Massengill Company has been a trusted name in the roofing industry since 1995. Over the years, the company has built a reputation for excellence in both residential and commercial roofing services. Serving Florida and Georgia, The Massengill Company provides everything from roof repairs to complete roof replacements — start to finish. To learn more, visit TheMassengillCo.com. “We are happy to have The Massengill Company partner with the Series and sponsor the Sportsman of the Year,” said Wayne Castleberry, Sales Representative for FloRacing. “It is a category the Series is proud to offer, giving drivers recognition for their sportsmanship and allowing fans to be part of the voting process. We look forward to working with Tony Massengill and everyone at his company in 2026.” For the latest news, results, championship standings, and more about the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, please visit LucasDirt.com. About The Massengill CompanyLocated in Yulee, Florida, The Massengill Company Roofing understands that your roof is one of the most important investments you will make to protect your home or business. The company is committed to delivering quality craftsmanship and dependable service from start to finish. For more information, visit TheMassengillCo.com.

The Pennsylvanian comes out on top of a three-leader battle in Florida

BARBERVILLE, FL (March 2, 2026) – Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, it doesn’t matter where Anthony Macri shows up. He just wins.

Last month the Dillsburg, PA native and his Macri Motorsports crew rolled down to Barberville, FL’s Volusia Speedway Park stole the show. They collected finishes of third, fourth, and a $20,000 win in the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationalsfinale to bag the Big Gator.

They opted to return to the “Sunshine State” 1/2 mile this week for the Bike Week Jamboree with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, and the decision paid off.

Macri came out on top of an absolute thriller on Monday at Volusia. Carson Macedo took the lead from David Gravel on the opening circuit, and the two dueled for several laps. Gravel got around him multiple times only for Macedo to continue returning the favor. Then Macri snuck up on the two and snatched the lead away on Lap 14.

Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year presented by Five Star Bodies contender Ashton Torgerson drove up to second late and closed in on Macri, but the clock expired as Macri took the checkered flag for the second time this year at Volusia.

“Hats off to these guys, they gave me a badass car,” Macri said. “I was able to maneuver. I don’t know, it’s surreal. We used to suck here. There’s no reason to sugarcoat it. To be able to be this competitive and run up front with these guys is definitely something special. It makes it a little more rewarding to be standing up here.

“Joe (Mooney) and I kind of talked there before we started the Feature to just kind of pace with those guys and let them race and kind of wear their stuff. That’s what I did. I was just trying to keep my pace up with those guys and run where they weren’t. Obviously, you’re not going to pass them following them.”

Macri becomes the first driver to two wins with The Greatest Show on Dirt in 2026. He’s now the 13th competitor in Series history to top multiple races at Volusia. While they don’t have plans of following the tour full-time, it’s worth noting the Pennsylvania Posse superstar is a mere two markers behind David Gravel for the point lead with five races in the books.

The runner-up spot went to an extremely impressive Ashton Torgerson. The 19-year-old looks wise beyond his years as he and Shark Racing have rattled off three top fives in five starts to start the year highlighted by Monday’s result.

David Gravel came home third to notch his fourth consecutive podium finish.

Carson Macedo and Daryn Pittman completed the top five.

NIGHTLY NOTES:

Logan Schuchart laid down his second Race//Ready Hottest Lap of the Night in 2026.

Sheldon Haudenschild clocked his first Simpson Quick Time of 2026.

Heat Races belonged to Sheldon Haudenschild (NOS Energy Drink Heat One), Ashton Torgerson (DIRTVision Heat Two), and Carson Macedo (WIX Filters Heat Three).

The SPA Technique #1 Redraw went to David Gravel.

Sheldon Haudenschild topped the Toyota Dash.

Donny Schatz won the Micro-Lite Last Chance Showdown.

Chris Windom drove the Sides Motorsports No. 7S from 21st to seventh to earn the KSE Racing Products Hard Charger. That also made Windom the Tub O’ Towels Seventh Place Finisher.

Ashton Torgerson’s runner-up gave him a third Five Star Bodies Rookie of the Race in 2026.

The Smith Titanium Brake Systems Break of the Race went to Buddy Kofoid.

UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars stay in the south with a weekend at Eastaboga, AL’s Talladega Short Track on Friday, March 6 and Columbus, MS’ Magnolia Motor Speedway on Saturday, March 7. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

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.

FEATURE RESULTS:

POWER OFF THE PORCH: Macri Claims Volusia Bike Week Jamboree Barnburner

The Pennsylvanian comes out on top of a three-leader battle in Florida

BARBERVILLE, FL (March 2, 2026) – Pennsylvania, Ohio, Florida, it doesn’t matter where Anthony Macri shows up. He just wins.

Last month the Dillsburg, PA native and his Macri Motorsports crew rolled down to Barberville, FL’s Volusia Speedway Park stole the show. They collected finishes of third, fourth, and a $20,000 win in the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationalsfinale to bag the Big Gator.

They opted to return to the “Sunshine State” 1/2 mile this week for the Bike Week Jamboree with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, and the decision paid off.

Macri came out on top of an absolute thriller on Monday at Volusia. Carson Macedo took the lead from David Gravel on the opening circuit, and the two dueled for several laps. Gravel got around him multiple times only for Macedo to continue returning the favor. Then Macri snuck up on the two and snatched the lead away on Lap 14.

Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year presented by Five Star Bodies contender Ashton Torgerson drove up to second late and closed in on Macri, but the clock expired as Macri took the checkered flag for the second time this year at Volusia.

“Hats off to these guys, they gave me a badass car,” Macri said. “I was able to maneuver. I don’t know, it’s surreal. We used to suck here. There’s no reason to sugarcoat it. To be able to be this competitive and run up front with these guys is definitely something special. It makes it a little more rewarding to be standing up here.

“Joe (Mooney) and I kind of talked there before we started the Feature to just kind of pace with those guys and let them race and kind of wear their stuff. That’s what I did. I was just trying to keep my pace up with those guys and run where they weren’t. Obviously, you’re not going to pass them following them.”

Macri becomes the first driver to two wins with The Greatest Show on Dirt in 2026. He’s now the 13th competitor in Series history to top multiple races at Volusia. While they don’t have plans of following the tour full-time, it’s worth noting the Pennsylvania Posse superstar is a mere two markers behind David Gravel for the point lead with five races in the books.

The runner-up spot went to an extremely impressive Ashton Torgerson. The 19-year-old looks wise beyond his years as he and Shark Racing have rattled off three top fives in five starts to start the year highlighted by Monday’s result.

David Gravel came home third to notch his fourth consecutive podium finish.

Carson Macedo and Daryn Pittman completed the top five.

NIGHTLY NOTES:

Logan Schuchart laid down his second Race//Ready Hottest Lap of the Night in 2026.

Sheldon Haudenschild clocked his first Simpson Quick Time of 2026.

Heat Races belonged to Sheldon Haudenschild (NOS Energy Drink Heat One), Ashton Torgerson (DIRTVision Heat Two), and Carson Macedo (WIX Filters Heat Three).

The SPA Technique #1 Redraw went to David Gravel.

Sheldon Haudenschild topped the Toyota Dash.

Donny Schatz won the Micro-Lite Last Chance Showdown.

Chris Windom drove the Sides Motorsports No. 7S from 21st to seventh to earn the KSE Racing Products Hard Charger. That also made Windom the Tub O’ Towels Seventh Place Finisher.

Ashton Torgerson’s runner-up gave him a third Five Star Bodies Rookie of the Race in 2026.

The Smith Titanium Brake Systems Break of the Race went to Buddy Kofoid.

UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars stay in the south with a weekend at Eastaboga, AL’s Talladega Short Track on Friday, March 6 and Columbus, MS’ Magnolia Motor Speedway on Saturday, March 7. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

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.

FEATURE RESULTS:

NOS Energy Drink Feature (25 Laps): 1. 39M-Anthony Macri[4]; 2. 1A-Ashton Torgerson[6]; 3. 2-David Gravel[2]; 4. 41-Carson Macedo[3]; 5. 69K-Daryn Pittman[10]; 6. 1S-Logan Schuchart[9]; 7. 7S-Chris Windom[21]; 8. 18-Sheldon Haudenschild[1]; 9. 55-Kerry Madsen[8]; 10. 17-Spencer Bayston[14]; 11. 16C-Scotty Thiel[7]; 12. 2C-Cole Macedo[16]; 13. 44-Chris Martin[11]; 14. 28M-Conner Morrell[27]; 15. 9-Daison Pursley[15]; 16. 27-Emerson Axsom[20]; 17. 17B-Bill Balog[26]; 18. 15-Donny Schatz[19]; 19. 6-Kasey Jedrzejek[18]; 20. 51-Scott Bogucki[12]; 21. 19-Brent Marks[13]; 22. 23-Garet Williamson[23]; 23. 11-TJ Stutts[24]; 24. 13-Tanner Holmes[5]; 25. 4-Cameron Martin[22]; 26. 88-Austin McCarl[17]; 27. (DNS) 83-Michael Kofoid

Daniels Launches Title Defense Against Stacked Mission AFT SuperTwins Field in DAYTONA

Defending Champion Dallas Daniels (No. 32) drops the clutch at the season opening rounds at DAYTONA in 2025. [Photo: Kristen Lassen for AMA Pro Racing]

Download high-resolution photo from AMA Pro’s Digital Asset Management system

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 2, 2026) – Following months of planning, preparation, and testing, the rubber is finally about to hit the dirt. The 2026Grand National Championship will officially get underway when the stars of Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, kick off a brand-new campaign with the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I & II at the DAYTONA Flat Track on Thursday, March 5, and Friday, March 6. More than two dozen of the world’s most elite motorcycle dirt trackers representing eight different brands will compete in the spotlight as a half-million enthusiasts flock to Daytona Beach, Florida, for the 85th annual Bike Week.  #1 For the first time since 2020, a Mission AFT SuperTwins pilot will be brandishing the #1 plate in the premier class for the very first time. Defending champion Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07) has long imaged this day and admitted to putting considerable thought into crafting just the right look for his new number display.  And for good reason. While the #1 plate is a great honor, it can also be a heavy burden. However, it’s difficult to imagine a rider better prepared to accept that challenge. Daniels previously successfully defended a #1 plate when he became the first back-to-back KICKER AFT Singles champion in history in 2021. And while he was not defending the throne in ‘25, he did carry the pressure of being the heavy preseason favorite.  While he was pushed to the limit in order to make good on those lofty expectations, Daniels ultimately came through to earn what he hopes to be the first of many Grand National Championships.   And he will be all the stronger for the experience. Even though he won the crown in 2025, Daniels and his Estenson Racing crew were never 100% satisfied with the state of their racebike a season ago. By contrast, they come into 2026 confident in the package they’ve developed over the offseason.  If they live up to their own expectations, that could prove a scary proposition for the opposition.   Hog Wild As mentioned above, Daniels was given all he could handle a year ago – a challenge that was fronted by a pair of Harley-Davidson XG750Rs, a platform that met the opportunity presented by the shift to an all-production-based ruleset.   Piloted by two-time Grand National ChampionBriar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Jacob Construction/ Parts Plus Harley-Davidson XG750R) and perennial contender Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R), the Harley led all bikes with nine wins a year ago. Bauman alone claimed a class-leading eight while Robinson at last scored the XG win he first set his sights on back in 2017.  The two finished second and third in the title fight and closed out the ‘25 campaign with a rousing 1-2 at the Lake Ozark finale, repeating the coup they pulled off while giving the bike its first victory earlier in the season on Yamaha’s home turf in Senoia.   Bauman and Robinson are armed with Harley-Davidsons again in 2026, and they’re bringing reinforcements.  Triple KICKER AFT Singles king Kody Kopp (No. 12 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davison XG750R) is back in the series full time and at last making his Mission AFT SuperTwins debut. Supported by an all-star crew, Kopp has everything he needs to fight his way into the mix early and often.  Meanwhile, two-and four-wheel dirt track ace Aidan RoosEvans (No. 26 FRA Trust Advisors Harley-Davidson XG750R) will also graduate to premier-class competition in 2026 aboard a Harley-Davidson XG750R.  And in This Corner… While the 2025 season was largely dominated by the battles waged by Daniels and Bauman – and to a lesser extent Robinson – they didn’t have things all their way.  That was most plainly evident when Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods Honda CB750 Hornet) powered Honda to its first twin-cylinder premier-class victory in more than a quarter century. That performance both marked the bike’s arrival as a full-blown SuperTwins threat and provided the team with added motivation to make the most of the offseason in order to prepare for bigger and better things in ‘26.  Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke), meanwhile, collected multiple podiums in his debut season on the KTM en route to yet another top-five championship ranking. Fisher is well positioned to build on what was originally expected to be a learning season, returning to again pilot the Rackley Racing KTM alongside Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Roof Systems KTM 790 Duke).  Brandon Price (No. 92 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07) andDeclan Bender (No. 70 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07) have each notched up podium finishes for On The Box Racing in recent seasons. This year, they’ll be looking to do so as teammates, as the outfit expands to bring a 1-2 punch to the premier class in ‘26.  Nine-time premier-class Short Track Main Event winner Henry Wiles (No. 911 J&M Logging/Ray C’s Harley-Davidson Kawasaki Ninja 650) is back on the Kawasaki Ninja 650 that he hustled to the podium in last year’s season opener.  And don’t forget about Bike Week legend Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Martin Trucking/OnlyFans/ Castrol Yamaha MT-07), who is tied with Robinson and trails only Daniels and Jake Johnson for most career DAYTONA ST victories with four prior wins.  Adding to the Intrigue Several other faces – both established and new – will look to enter into the podium mix.   2023 Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award and 2024 Progressive AFT Rookie of the YearEvan Renshaw (No. 95 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) has been drafted up to the premier class to contend aboard the official Royal Enfield entry.  And we know that bike is capable of finishing on the box because it did so a couple years ago in the capable of hands of Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Parts Bros/D&D Cycles/Fairway Ford Aprilia Tuareg 660). Gauthier will now look to turn a similar trick on the Fairway/JMC Motorsports-developed Aprilia.  Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Lisa Niner Racing Suzuki GSX-8S) repeatedly demonstrated that Suzuki can run inside the top five a year ago – a performance that seemingly tempted the talented Billy Ross(No. 29 Digitrace/Mission Foods/John Franklin Suzuki GSX-8S) to make a go on a GSX-8S as well.  And Yamaha further adds to its combined strength with the entries ofChad Cose (No. 49 Parker Racing/Pro Roofing Yamaha MT-07) andCameron Smith(No. 34 Fredericktown Yamaha/Thee Kathy Gray Yamaha MT-07).  Single-Minded. Doubleheader. Triple Challenge. The 2026 Mission AFT SuperTwins title fight will open with all the usual fanfare and in its standard race format on Thursday night. Friday will then mix things up with the return of the Mission Triple Challenge, which first debuted at last season’s Lima Half-Mile.  The Triple Challenge format, which features three Main Events of increasing length, pressure, and stakes to determine the final results, is destined to deliver an incredibly tense and exciting night of racing when paired with the close confines of the DAYTONA Flat Track.  Bike Week Bonus Per usual, Daytona Beach will be jam-packed with two-wheeled activities throughout Bike Week. And fans at the track will have plenty to keep them entertained beyond the on-track action, including a wide range of vendors, numerous food and beverage options, and extensive designated motorcycle parking.  That’s the Ticket Upper Rim Road Standing Room Only tickets are just $30 (kids 12 and under free with the purchase of an adult ticket) each day, while General Admissiontickets are just $35 ($25 for students with a valid ID and $10 for kids 10 and under). Reserved Grandstandand Premium Reserved Grandstandtickets are only $45 and $55 more (all ages), respectively, per day. There’s also a Military/First Responder Discountavailable, allowing GOVXfans to purchase tickets at reduced rates.  The Practice Viewing andOpening Ceremonies Trackside Fan Experiences offer reserved grandstand seating, a guided tour of the infield podium and start/finish line complete with photos ops. The Practice Viewing Fan Experience is available for $100, while the Opening Ceremonies Trackside Experience, which also includes up-close viewing of Opening Ceremonies, can be purchased for $125 per day.  To purchase Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA Itickets, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-daytona-short-track-i-150573.  To purchase Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA IItickets, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-daytona-short-track-ii-150638.  And to purchase Thursday and Friday tickets together via the Multi-Day Ticket for the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I & II, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-daytona-short-track-i-and-ii-149220.  Gates will open for fans at 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT) both days with Opening Ceremonies set to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT) on Thursday and 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT) on Friday.   How to Watch FloRacingFor those that can’t catch the live action at the track, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive American Flat Track. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2026. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/AFT2026 or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast.  FS1FOX Sports will provide in-depth coverage of the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA doubleheader featuring rider features and thrilling onboard cameras. Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement regarding premiere airdates on FS1 and re-airs on FS2. The full listing of American Flat Track’s television premieres will be posted to the AFT website at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports.

Daniels Launches Title Defense Against Stacked Mission AFT SuperTwins Field in DAYTONA

Defending Champion Dallas Daniels (No. 32) drops the clutch at the season opening rounds at DAYTONA in 2025. [Photo: Kristen Lassen for AMA Pro Racing]

Download high-resolution photo from AMA Pro’s Digital Asset Management system

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (March 2, 2026) – Following months of planning, preparation, and testing, the rubber is finally about to hit the dirt. The 2026Grand National Championship will officially get underway when the stars of Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, kick off a brand-new campaign with the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I & II at the DAYTONA Flat Track on Thursday, March 5, and Friday, March 6. More than two dozen of the world’s most elite motorcycle dirt trackers representing eight different brands will compete in the spotlight as a half-million enthusiasts flock to Daytona Beach, Florida, for the 85th annual Bike Week.  #1 For the first time since 2020, a Mission AFT SuperTwins pilot will be brandishing the #1 plate in the premier class for the very first time. Defending champion Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07) has long imaged this day and admitted to putting considerable thought into crafting just the right look for his new number display.  And for good reason. While the #1 plate is a great honor, it can also be a heavy burden. However, it’s difficult to imagine a rider better prepared to accept that challenge. Daniels previously successfully defended a #1 plate when he became the first back-to-back KICKER AFT Singles champion in history in 2021. And while he was not defending the throne in ‘25, he did carry the pressure of being the heavy preseason favorite.  While he was pushed to the limit in order to make good on those lofty expectations, Daniels ultimately came through to earn what he hopes to be the first of many Grand National Championships.   And he will be all the stronger for the experience. Even though he won the crown in 2025, Daniels and his Estenson Racing crew were never 100% satisfied with the state of their racebike a season ago. By contrast, they come into 2026 confident in the package they’ve developed over the offseason.  If they live up to their own expectations, that could prove a scary proposition for the opposition.   Hog Wild As mentioned above, Daniels was given all he could handle a year ago – a challenge that was fronted by a pair of Harley-Davidson XG750Rs, a platform that met the opportunity presented by the shift to an all-production-based ruleset.   Piloted by two-time Grand National ChampionBriar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Jacob Construction/ Parts Plus Harley-Davidson XG750R) and perennial contender Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R), the Harley led all bikes with nine wins a year ago. Bauman alone claimed a class-leading eight while Robinson at last scored the XG win he first set his sights on back in 2017.  The two finished second and third in the title fight and closed out the ‘25 campaign with a rousing 1-2 at the Lake Ozark finale, repeating the coup they pulled off while giving the bike its first victory earlier in the season on Yamaha’s home turf in Senoia.   Bauman and Robinson are armed with Harley-Davidsons again in 2026, and they’re bringing reinforcements.  Triple KICKER AFT Singles king Kody Kopp (No. 12 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davison XG750R) is back in the series full time and at last making his Mission AFT SuperTwins debut. Supported by an all-star crew, Kopp has everything he needs to fight his way into the mix early and often.  Meanwhile, two-and four-wheel dirt track ace Aidan RoosEvans (No. 26 FRA Trust Advisors Harley-Davidson XG750R) will also graduate to premier-class competition in 2026 aboard a Harley-Davidson XG750R.  And in This Corner… While the 2025 season was largely dominated by the battles waged by Daniels and Bauman – and to a lesser extent Robinson – they didn’t have things all their way.  That was most plainly evident when Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods Honda CB750 Hornet) powered Honda to its first twin-cylinder premier-class victory in more than a quarter century. That performance both marked the bike’s arrival as a full-blown SuperTwins threat and provided the team with added motivation to make the most of the offseason in order to prepare for bigger and better things in ‘26.  Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke), meanwhile, collected multiple podiums in his debut season on the KTM en route to yet another top-five championship ranking. Fisher is well positioned to build on what was originally expected to be a learning season, returning to again pilot the Rackley Racing KTM alongside Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Roof Systems KTM 790 Duke).  Brandon Price (No. 92 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07) andDeclan Bender (No. 70 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07) have each notched up podium finishes for On The Box Racing in recent seasons. This year, they’ll be looking to do so as teammates, as the outfit expands to bring a 1-2 punch to the premier class in ‘26.  Nine-time premier-class Short Track Main Event winner Henry Wiles (No. 911 J&M Logging/Ray C’s Harley-Davidson Kawasaki Ninja 650) is back on the Kawasaki Ninja 650 that he hustled to the podium in last year’s season opener.  And don’t forget about Bike Week legend Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Martin Trucking/OnlyFans/ Castrol Yamaha MT-07), who is tied with Robinson and trails only Daniels and Jake Johnson for most career DAYTONA ST victories with four prior wins.  Adding to the Intrigue Several other faces – both established and new – will look to enter into the podium mix.   2023 Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award and 2024 Progressive AFT Rookie of the YearEvan Renshaw (No. 95 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) has been drafted up to the premier class to contend aboard the official Royal Enfield entry.  And we know that bike is capable of finishing on the box because it did so a couple years ago in the capable of hands of Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Parts Bros/D&D Cycles/Fairway Ford Aprilia Tuareg 660). Gauthier will now look to turn a similar trick on the Fairway/JMC Motorsports-developed Aprilia.  Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Lisa Niner Racing Suzuki GSX-8S) repeatedly demonstrated that Suzuki can run inside the top five a year ago – a performance that seemingly tempted the talented Billy Ross(No. 29 Digitrace/Mission Foods/John Franklin Suzuki GSX-8S) to make a go on a GSX-8S as well.  And Yamaha further adds to its combined strength with the entries ofChad Cose (No. 49 Parker Racing/Pro Roofing Yamaha MT-07) andCameron Smith(No. 34 Fredericktown Yamaha/Thee Kathy Gray Yamaha MT-07).  Single-Minded. Doubleheader. Triple Challenge. The 2026 Mission AFT SuperTwins title fight will open with all the usual fanfare and in its standard race format on Thursday night. Friday will then mix things up with the return of the Mission Triple Challenge, which first debuted at last season’s Lima Half-Mile.  The Triple Challenge format, which features three Main Events of increasing length, pressure, and stakes to determine the final results, is destined to deliver an incredibly tense and exciting night of racing when paired with the close confines of the DAYTONA Flat Track.  Bike Week Bonus Per usual, Daytona Beach will be jam-packed with two-wheeled activities throughout Bike Week. And fans at the track will have plenty to keep them entertained beyond the on-track action, including a wide range of vendors, numerous food and beverage options, and extensive designated motorcycle parking.  That’s the Ticket Upper Rim Road Standing Room Only tickets are just $30 (kids 12 and under free with the purchase of an adult ticket) each day, while General Admissiontickets are just $35 ($25 for students with a valid ID and $10 for kids 10 and under). Reserved Grandstandand Premium Reserved Grandstandtickets are only $45 and $55 more (all ages), respectively, per day. There’s also a Military/First Responder Discountavailable, allowing GOVXfans to purchase tickets at reduced rates.  The Practice Viewing andOpening Ceremonies Trackside Fan Experiences offer reserved grandstand seating, a guided tour of the infield podium and start/finish line complete with photos ops. The Practice Viewing Fan Experience is available for $100, while the Opening Ceremonies Trackside Experience, which also includes up-close viewing of Opening Ceremonies, can be purchased for $125 per day.  To purchase Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA Itickets, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-daytona-short-track-i-150573.  To purchase Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA IItickets, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-daytona-short-track-ii-150638.  And to purchase Thursday and Friday tickets together via the Multi-Day Ticket for the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I & II, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-daytona-short-track-i-and-ii-149220.  Gates will open for fans at 3:00 p.m. ET (12:00 p.m. PT) both days with Opening Ceremonies set to begin at 7:00 p.m. ET (4:00 p.m. PT) on Thursday and 6:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. PT) on Friday.   How to Watch FloRacingFor those that can’t catch the live action at the track, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive American Flat Track. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2026. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/AFT2026 or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast.  FS1FOX Sports will provide in-depth coverage of the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA doubleheader featuring rider features and thrilling onboard cameras. Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement regarding premiere airdates on FS1 and re-airs on FS2. The full listing of American Flat Track’s television premieres will be posted to the AFT website at https://www.americanflattrack.com/events-foxsports.

DALLAS (March 2, 2026) — Drag Race Bracket Bonanza (DRBB) is wasting no time gearing up for the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. The free-to-play bracket game launches the year with the return of The Majors, beginning at the AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, March 5-8. Adding to the excitement, Burnyzz Speed Shop is back on board as an event sponsor.
 
Introduced in 2024, The Majors is one of several DRBB mini-series designed to break the 20-race season into more focused, high-energy segments. The three-race series highlights some of the sport’s most historic events: the AMALIE Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals (March 5-8), the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals (April 9-12), and the Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals (September 2-7). In addition to awarding five DRBB event plaques at each race, the top performers across The Majors earn bonus prizes, all part of the free game.

 
“We continue to get tremendous feedback about The Majors,” said DRBB creator Elon Werner. “Fans appreciate having added incentive around marquee races outside of the Countdown. The Gatornationals, Winternationals and U.S. Nationals are cornerstone events, and we’re thankful Burnyzz has once again partnered with us to put a spotlight on the Gatornationals.”
 
Owned by Top Fuel driver Josh Hart and his wife, Brittanie, Burnyzz Speed Shop is headquartered in Ocala, about an hour south of Gainesville Raceway. Since opening in 2010, the business has expanded to fill an entire city block dedicated to automotive performance and restoration. Services include paint and body work, full vintage and modern builds, engine swaps, custom interiors and restorations and dyno tuning. Guided by its motto, “Quality over Quantity, every time,” Burnyzz has earned national recognition as “Hot Rod Heaven,” featuring a 100,000 sq. ft. auto sales showroom, classic car restoration facilities, detailing services and a state-of-the-art service center.
 
“Burnyzz and NHRA drag racing are both personal passions,” said Hart. “The Gatornationals is my home race, and where I earned my first Top Fuel victory in 2021, so it means a lot to me. This year is extra special because it marks my debut driving for John Force Racing. We try to be as involved as possible, including hosting our annual FanFest the Wednesday before the race. When fans think of the Gatornationals, I want Burnyzz to be part of that conversation. Supporting Drag Race Bracket Bonanza is another way to make that happen.”
 
DRBB will be on-site at the Burnyzz FanFest on Wednesday, March 4, from 6-9 p.m. at Burnyzz Speed Shop (1 Aspen Rd., Ocala, FL 34480). The event will feature a driver autograph session from 7-8 p.m. with more than 30 NHRA drivers, plus a live band, food trucks, face painting, balloon artists, a raffle and a car show. Admission is free, with proceeds benefiting The Fostering Foundation, a local nonprofit supporting foster families with resources and assistance.
 
“As fans line up for hero cards and autographs, we’ll be there signing people up to play Drag Race Bracket Bonanza,” said Werner. “We’ll have stickers, prizes on display and everything fans need to jump into our free bracket game. I’m grateful to Burnyzz for giving us the opportunity to connect directly with fans, that’s how we continue to build momentum.”
 
During FanFest, the DRBB Major Moments Top Fuel bracket will remain open, giving fans the opportunity to vote on the most iconic Top Fuel moment in 75 years of NHRA history while waiting to meet their favorite drivers.
 
For the Gatornationals, players can complete their first 2026 brackets once qualifying concludes at Gainesville Raceway on Saturday, March 7. Picks must be submitted before the opening round of eliminations begins Sunday, March 8, at 10 a.m. EST. Fans can catch race coverage on FS1 and follow DRBB on social media for stats, prize updates and news on Twitter/X at @dragracebb and on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube at @DragRaceBracketBonanza.

BRABHAM SCORES DOMINATING WIN FOR CD RACING IN SEBRING TRANS AM SEASON OPENER

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (March 2, 2026) – Matthew Brabham, CD Racing’s primary driver for the 2026 season, drove the #16 GYM WEED Ford Mustang to a clean sweep Sunday at the Trans Am by Pirelli season-opening race at Sebring International Raceway. Brabham started from pole position, set the race’s fastest lap, led every lap and was unchallenged in any of the event’s four yellow-flag restarts. Brabham, who closed out the team’s 2025 with a win in Austin, added his 9th career series win at Sebring in similarly emphatic fashion: he won the final-lap, “green-white-checker” shootout by a stunning three-second margin over second-place Paul Menard. “The car was so good to drive,” said an exultant Brabham, who also won for CD Racing at Sebring in 2023. “It was just awesome! Thanks to Chris and Rob (Dyson) and the team for the opportunity they are giving me.” Brabham noted that Sebring’s notoriously bumpy racing surface, which contributes to the historic circuit’s unique character also provided a challenge in setting up the car. “The team did a fantastic job of putting the car together for this weekend. The track surface conditions were very tricky all weekend, but we had a car that was quickest the whole time. Pretty special.”  “This is a phenomenal start to the season,” said Chris Dyson, whose business commitments precluded his presence at the track. “Our cars were fast enough to win at every race last year, but as a team we weren’t as consistent as we needed to be. There were a couple of unforced errors that cost us dearly. “Over the winter we made some technical and organizational tweaks that I believe will let us achieve the consistency that will bring CD Racing a fourth Trans Am championship and Matty’s first. And I’m looking forward to pursuing more wins as a driver, as my schedule permits.” Click here for more on Chris Dyson Racing. Road Atlanta Next On Trans Am Calendar The next event on the Trans Am by Pirelli calendar is Road Atlanta, March 20-22. Brabham won at Road Atlanta last year, standing in for Chris Dyson who was recovering from injuries suffered in the series season-opener at Sebring.  Re-Broadcast of Sebring Race Rebroadcasts of all Trans Am races are available on the Trans Am You Tube channel.

CASA GRANDE, AZ (March 1, 2026) — Most 15-year-olds aren’t racing head-to-head and winning against the nation’s best 360 Sprint Car drivers.

But Levi Hillier isn’t like most 15-year-olds.

The native of Burlington, WA, made a statement Sunday night at Central Arizona Raceway with first career American Sprint Car Series Feature win, leading all 30 circuits around the 3/8-mile oval and banking the $6,000 prize in the finale of the inaugural Sonoran Clash.

In doing so, Hillier became the second-youngest Feature winner in Series history, falling shy of only Ryan Timms, who set the mark in May of 2021 at Missouri’s Lake Ozark Speedway at the age of 14.

“This is awesome,” Hillier said. “Hats off to this entire Rudeen Racing team. Kevin and Monika, they believe in me so much, it’s pretty awesome. I’ve got great backing with my guys — my dad and Tyler, Justin and DJ — they’ve been working their butts off. I’m just… out of words. It’s pretty surreal.”

From the drop of the green flag, Hillier was the driver to beat. He jumped out to a lead of over a second-and-a-half on the field less than 10 laps in and, without much hesitation, jumped into lapped traffic with the gap closing behind him.

Closing that gap was six-time Series champion Sam Hafertepe Jr. and Hillier’s Rudeen Racing teammate, Justin Peck. Peck, who had won two of the first three races of the Sonoran Clash, was able to slip by Hafertepe on the bottom out of Turn 2 on Lap 17 and immediately set his sights on his teammate out front.

But try as he may, Peck was unable to get close enough to make the pass. With four laps left, Hillier stumbled slightly getting by a lapped car in Turn 2, opening the door for Peck, who closed right to the rear bumper of the No. 26R. But that lapped car held his line on the bottom going into Turn 3, forcing Peck to check-up and allowing Hillier to scamper away in the closing laps.

Hillier crossed the finish line with a gap of over one second on Peck to cap what was a caution-free race that took only nine minutes and 26 seconds to complete.

Hafertepe finished third — good enough to net him the Sonoran Clash points championship and a $4,000 bonus check, courtesy of Avanti Windows & Doors. Though he was unable to break through to Victory Lane, he recorded finishes of third, fourth, second and third in the four-race stretch, and maintains the lead in the overall championship standings by 40 over Matt Covington.

“It was reasonable; we wanted to be in position to win some of these races,” Hafertepe said. “I think our Dash draws could’ve been better, maybe help us win some of them. We were lacking just a couple of the nights, and that just puts you behind the eight-ball. Even tonight, we were lacking a little bit. Last night we were pretty good and Saturday night last week, we were pretty good.

“All in all, we have nothing to hang our heads about. We learned a lot this week, and to be running this good early in the season means good things going forward.”

2024 Series champion Seth Bergman finished a season-best fourth, while Kyler Johnson rounded-out the top five.

UP NEXT

The American Sprint Car Series returns to competition Saturday, April 11, at Salina Highbanks Speedway in Salina, OK. Tickets for the event will be sold at the track on race day.

If you can’t attend, how can you watch the American Sprint Car Series? Every event is broadcast live on DIRTVision.

ABBREVIATED RESULTS (view full results)

Levi Hillier Scores First Career ASCS Win, Hafertepe Wins Sonoran Clash Title at Central Arizona

CASA GRANDE, AZ (March 1, 2026) — Most 15-year-olds aren’t racing head-to-head and winning against the nation’s best 360 Sprint Car drivers.

But Levi Hillier isn’t like most 15-year-olds.

The native of Burlington, WA, made a statement Sunday night at Central Arizona Raceway with first career American Sprint Car Series Feature win, leading all 30 circuits around the 3/8-mile oval and banking the $6,000 prize in the finale of the inaugural Sonoran Clash.

In doing so, Hillier became the second-youngest Feature winner in Series history, falling shy of only Ryan Timms, who set the mark in May of 2021 at Missouri’s Lake Ozark Speedway at the age of 14.

“This is awesome,” Hillier said. “Hats off to this entire Rudeen Racing team. Kevin and Monika, they believe in me so much, it’s pretty awesome. I’ve got great backing with my guys — my dad and Tyler, Justin and DJ — they’ve been working their butts off. I’m just… out of words. It’s pretty surreal.”

From the drop of the green flag, Hillier was the driver to beat. He jumped out to a lead of over a second-and-a-half on the field less than 10 laps in and, without much hesitation, jumped into lapped traffic with the gap closing behind him.

Closing that gap was six-time Series champion Sam Hafertepe Jr. and Hillier’s Rudeen Racing teammate, Justin Peck. Peck, who had won two of the first three races of the Sonoran Clash, was able to slip by Hafertepe on the bottom out of Turn 2 on Lap 17 and immediately set his sights on his teammate out front.

But try as he may, Peck was unable to get close enough to make the pass. With four laps left, Hillier stumbled slightly getting by a lapped car in Turn 2, opening the door for Peck, who closed right to the rear bumper of the No. 26R. But that lapped car held his line on the bottom going into Turn 3, forcing Peck to check-up and allowing Hillier to scamper away in the closing laps.

Hillier crossed the finish line with a gap of over one second on Peck to cap what was a caution-free race that took only nine minutes and 26 seconds to complete.

Hafertepe finished third — good enough to net him the Sonoran Clash points championship and a $4,000 bonus check, courtesy of Avanti Windows & Doors. Though he was unable to break through to Victory Lane, he recorded finishes of third, fourth, second and third in the four-race stretch, and maintains the lead in the overall championship standings by 40 over Matt Covington.

“It was reasonable; we wanted to be in position to win some of these races,” Hafertepe said. “I think our Dash draws could’ve been better, maybe help us win some of them. We were lacking just a couple of the nights, and that just puts you behind the eight-ball. Even tonight, we were lacking a little bit. Last night we were pretty good and Saturday night last week, we were pretty good.

“All in all, we have nothing to hang our heads about. We learned a lot this week, and to be running this good early in the season means good things going forward.”

2024 Series champion Seth Bergman finished a season-best fourth, while Kyler Johnson rounded-out the top five.

UP NEXT

The American Sprint Car Series returns to competition Saturday, April 11, at Salina Highbanks Speedway in Salina, OK. Tickets for the event will be sold at the track on race day.

If you can’t attend, how can you watch the American Sprint Car Series? Every event is broadcast live on DIRTVision.

ABBREVIATED RESULTS (view full results)

Feature (30 Laps): 1. 26R-Levi Hillier[1]; 2. 26-Justin Peck[7]; 3. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr[4]; 4. 23-Seth Bergman[2]; 5. 45X-Kyler Johnson[5]; 6. 17GP-Hank Davis[11]; 7. 34-Sterling Cling[10]; 8. 2-Whit Gastineau[14]; 9. 77X-Alex Hill[3]; 10. 95-Matt Covington[6]; 11. 16G-Austyn Gossel[9]; 12. 15-Nick Parker[13]; 13. 11J-Wyatt Miller[8]; 14. 88R-Ryder Laplante[15]; 15. 29K-Levi Kuntz[21]; 16. 31BW-Braxton Weger[16]; 17. 01-Carson McCarl[18]; 18. 2B-Garrett Benson[17]; 19. 88C-Brogan Carder[20]; 20. 42-Caleb Saiz[19]; 21. 88-Terry Easum[22]; 22. 17W-JJ Hickle[12]; 23. 3-Cole Schroeder[23]

Haudenschild rebounds from subpar start to the season with a revitalizing Volusia victory

BARBERVILLE, FL (March 1, 2026) – There’s no denying that 2026 didn’t get off to exactly the start Sheldon Haudenschild would’ve liked.

A fresh start brought hope. The 32-year-old headed to KCP Racing for his 10th year with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars. Longtime crew chief came along to join him on the next chapter after a successful tenure at Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing.

But the new pairing stumbled out of the gate. Haudenschild’s best finish in three nights at February’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals was 11th, and his average result was 16.33.

A few weeks off allowed the KCP crew to regroup, and they came back swinging as the tour returned to Volusia Speedway Park Sunday night for the Bike Week Jamboree. Haudenschild unloaded with speed and never slowed down. He wound up with the pole for the 25-lap Feature and never looked back once the green flag flew. Lapped traffic offered some obstacles, but nothing was stopping Haudenschild on his way to Victory Lane.

“It’s just rewarding honestly” Haudenschild said. “(Kyle) Ripper and Adam (Clark), they put the work in this winter. These are the nicest race cars I’ve ever driven. From every nut and bolt to every component on that car, it’s top of the line and put together well. I cannot thank Ripper, Adam, and Dauson (Heitritter) enough. That was Ripper’s win right there. That car was dialed in and rolling good. Huge win to get going with a new team.

“It feels so good to get this win out of the way this week. I’m motivated. My next 10 to 15 years of racing is what I’ve got to take advantage of.”

Haudenschild is up to 47 career victories with The Greatest Show on Dirt. Four of those have come at Volusia, making it the second winningest track on his résumé behind only Beaver Dam Raceway. The Wooster, OH native becomes the third different driver to top a World of Outlaws race with KCP Racing, joining Giovanni Scelzi (eight wins) and Ian Madsen (four wins).

David Gravel recorded his third consecutive runner-up finish as he and Big Game Motorsports took the point lead. Carson Macedo finished third aboard the Jason Johnson Racing No. 41 to remain the only competitor to stand on the podium through all four races of 2026.

Michael “Buddy” Kofoid and Daison Pursley completed the top five.

RACE NOTES:

Brent Marks ripped the Race//Ready Hottest Lap of the Night.

David Gravel clocked his second Simpson Quick Time of 2026, coming within a tenth of the Volusia track record (12.569) that’s stood since 2011.

Heat Races belonged to David Gravel (NOS Energy Drink Heat One), Sheldon Haudenschild (DIRTVision Heat Two), and Tanner Holmes (WIX Filters Heat Three).

The SPA Technique #1 Redraw went to Carson Macedo.

Sheldon Haudenschild topped the Toyota Dash.

Cameron Martin won the Micro-Lite Last Chance Showdown.

Garet Williamson marched the Fischer Motorsports No. 23 from 21st to 11th to bag his second KSE Racing Products Hard Charger of the Year.

Ashton Torgerson was the Tub O’ Towels Seventh Place Finisher, which also earned him the Five Star Bodies Rookie of the Race Award.

Sheldon Haudenschild took the ACME Trading Company Fastest Lap with a 13.461.

The Smith Titanium Brake Systems Break of the Race went to Scotty Thiel.

UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars finish the Bike Week Jamboree at Barberville, FL’s Volusia Speedway Park on Monday, March 2. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

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.

FEATURE RESULTS:

NEW HOME, SAME HAUD: Dominant Volusia Drive Leads Haudenschild to First Win with KCP Racing

Haudenschild rebounds from subpar start to the season with a revitalizing Volusia victory

BARBERVILLE, FL (March 1, 2026) – There’s no denying that 2026 didn’t get off to exactly the start Sheldon Haudenschild would’ve liked.

A fresh start brought hope. The 32-year-old headed to KCP Racing for his 10th year with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars. Longtime crew chief came along to join him on the next chapter after a successful tenure at Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing.

But the new pairing stumbled out of the gate. Haudenschild’s best finish in three nights at February’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals was 11th, and his average result was 16.33.

A few weeks off allowed the KCP crew to regroup, and they came back swinging as the tour returned to Volusia Speedway Park Sunday night for the Bike Week Jamboree. Haudenschild unloaded with speed and never slowed down. He wound up with the pole for the 25-lap Feature and never looked back once the green flag flew. Lapped traffic offered some obstacles, but nothing was stopping Haudenschild on his way to Victory Lane.

“It’s just rewarding honestly” Haudenschild said. “(Kyle) Ripper and Adam (Clark), they put the work in this winter. These are the nicest race cars I’ve ever driven. From every nut and bolt to every component on that car, it’s top of the line and put together well. I cannot thank Ripper, Adam, and Dauson (Heitritter) enough. That was Ripper’s win right there. That car was dialed in and rolling good. Huge win to get going with a new team.

“It feels so good to get this win out of the way this week. I’m motivated. My next 10 to 15 years of racing is what I’ve got to take advantage of.”

Haudenschild is up to 47 career victories with The Greatest Show on Dirt. Four of those have come at Volusia, making it the second winningest track on his résumé behind only Beaver Dam Raceway. The Wooster, OH native becomes the third different driver to top a World of Outlaws race with KCP Racing, joining Giovanni Scelzi (eight wins) and Ian Madsen (four wins).

David Gravel recorded his third consecutive runner-up finish as he and Big Game Motorsports took the point lead. Carson Macedo finished third aboard the Jason Johnson Racing No. 41 to remain the only competitor to stand on the podium through all four races of 2026.

Michael “Buddy” Kofoid and Daison Pursley completed the top five.

RACE NOTES:

Brent Marks ripped the Race//Ready Hottest Lap of the Night.

David Gravel clocked his second Simpson Quick Time of 2026, coming within a tenth of the Volusia track record (12.569) that’s stood since 2011.

Heat Races belonged to David Gravel (NOS Energy Drink Heat One), Sheldon Haudenschild (DIRTVision Heat Two), and Tanner Holmes (WIX Filters Heat Three).

The SPA Technique #1 Redraw went to Carson Macedo.

Sheldon Haudenschild topped the Toyota Dash.

Cameron Martin won the Micro-Lite Last Chance Showdown.

Garet Williamson marched the Fischer Motorsports No. 23 from 21st to 11th to bag his second KSE Racing Products Hard Charger of the Year.

Ashton Torgerson was the Tub O’ Towels Seventh Place Finisher, which also earned him the Five Star Bodies Rookie of the Race Award.

Sheldon Haudenschild took the ACME Trading Company Fastest Lap with a 13.461.

The Smith Titanium Brake Systems Break of the Race went to Scotty Thiel.

UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars finish the Bike Week Jamboree at Barberville, FL’s Volusia Speedway Park on Monday, March 2. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

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.

FEATURE RESULTS:

NOS Energy Drink Feature (25 Laps): 1. 18-Sheldon Haudenschild[1]; 2. 2-David Gravel[3]; 3. 41-Carson Macedo[2]; 4. 83-Michael Kofoid[12]; 5. 9-Daison Pursley[8]; 6. 39M-Anthony Macri[15]; 7. 1A-Ashton Torgerson[6]; 8. 13-Tanner Holmes[5]; 9. 19-Brent Marks[13]; 10. 7S-Chris Windom[14]; 11. 23-Garet Williamson[21]; 12. 88-Austin McCarl[10]; 13. 15-Donny Schatz[18]; 14. 3Z-Brock Zearfoss[17]; 15. 17B-Bill Balog[25]; 16. 17-Spencer Bayston[22]; 17. 2C-Cole Macedo[24]; 18. 1S-Logan Schuchart[7]; 19. 51-Scott Bogucki[27]; 20. 32-Bryce Lucius[11]; 21. 16C-Scotty Thiel[9]; 22. 6-Kasey Jedrzejek[26]; 23. 27-Emerson Axsom[20]; 24. 4-Cameron Martin[19]; 25. (DNF) 55-Kerry Madsen[4]; 26. (DNF) 15K-Creed Kemenah[23]; 27. (DNS) 69K-Daryn Pittman

Event: DuraMAX Texas Grand PrixLocation: Circuit of The Americas, Austin, TexasDate: Sunday, March 1, 2026Start: 22ndFinish: 26thThanks to a late surge in Sunday’s DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix at Circuit of the Americas, Josh Berry and the No. 21 DEX team were in contention for a top-25 finish before ultimately coming home 26th.Berry started the first road-course race of the season from 22nd and finished Stage 1 – a 20-lap green-flag run – in the same position.Following a pit stop during the Stage break, he restarted 33rd in Stage 2 and advanced to 22nd by the end of the 25-lap segment.After another trip down pit road for service and adjustments to the DEX Ford Mustang Dark Horse, Berry restarted 37th and steadily worked his way up to 18th before making another stop on Lap 65. He rejoined the race in 34th and climbed back inside the top 30 before a caution flew for an incident involving Ross Chastain.Berry made his final pit stop on Lap 76 of 95 and quickly returned to the top 30, briefly breaking into the top 25 with eight laps remaining. He slipped back one position in the closing laps to finish 26th, matching his result at the Austin, Texas, road course one year ago.Berry and the Wood Brothers team now turn their focus to next Sunday’s Straight Talk Wireless 500 at Phoenix Raceway.

·        Shane van Gisbergen capped off a strong trip to Texas with a runner-up finish in the DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne at Circuit of The Americas. The result – his career-best finish in NASCAR’s top division at the Austin, Texas, circuit – came after the 36-year-old Auckland, New Zealand, native drove Chevrolet and JR Motorsports to the win in yesterday’s NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race.  ·        Van Gisbergen led Chevrolet to a season-best showing of five drivers from four different organizations taking home top-10 results with the Trackhouse Racing driver leading Spire Motorsports’ Michael McDowell, who also earned his season-best result with a fifth-place finish. Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott took the checkered flag in the sixth- and seventh-positions, respectively, with Kaulig Racing’s AJ Allmendinger rounding out the Team Chevy top-10 with a ninth-place result.  Race Recap:  Stage One: Looking for his second NASCAR Cup Series win at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain put together a strong Saturday performance that led to a front-row starting spot for the DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne. Entering what is arguably the most chaotic corner of the circuit, Chastain managed to maintain position and settle into a top-three running position for the opening laps of Stage One. It was his teammate and yesterday’s O’Reilly’s Auto Parts Series race winner, Shane van Gisbergen, that started making an early climb – cracking the top-10 from a 13th-place starting position just three laps into the race. A rather calm opening stint saw the first green flag pit cycle begin with four laps remaining in the stage. As then race leader, Ryan Blaney, hit pit road as the field approached the Lap 18 marker, Chastain went on to inherit the top position with a pair of Team Chevy drivers, Van Gisbergen and Michael McDowell, in tow. Opting to run out the stage for points, the trio went on to hold onto their respective positions en route to the first green-white checkered flag of the race.  Stage Two: Looking for better drive in his No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, crew chief, Brandon McSwain, called for an air pressure adjustment to help rear drive on their first trip to pit road of the day. With a handful of the field flipping the opening stage, Chastain ultimately lined up in the 21st position for the start of the next 25-lap run. Among those who pitted prior to the stage end included Hendrick Motorsports’ Williams Byron, with the 2024 COTA winner making a jump up into the second row to take the green flag for Stage Two. As another long green flag run began, Byron remained part of the top-three contenders that progressively pulled to a near four-second margin lead over the field as the stage hit the halfway mark. Among those with fresher tires, Van Gisbergen was the only driver to really capitalize on the strategy – making the march all the way up into the third position before the team made the call to flip the stage and hit pit road with two laps to go in Stage Two. With pit strategy shaking up the leaderboard once again, it was road course ringer, AJ Allmendinger, that led the Bowtie brigade to the second green-white checkered flag – earning second-place stage points in his No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet.  Final Stage: Byron and Van Gisbergen were among the four drivers that flipped the stage and still managed to collected top-10 points in Stage Two. Staying out under the stage break, the pair lined up on the second row to take the green flag with 45 laps remaining in the race. With the field quickly singling out, it was the No. 97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet that once again led the Team Chevy crew from the third position. With the longest run on the horizon, the Bowtie brigade made a strong statement with seven drivers in the top-nine running positions as the green flag pit cycle began. With the top-two drivers making their scheduled stops, Van Gisbergen took over the top position before crew chief, Stephen Doran, made the call for the driver to hit pit road on Lap 71 – powering off a 10-second flat stop and ultimately rejoining the field back in the top-five. With his long-run speed coming to light, Van Gisbergen progressively closed the gap to then race leader, Tyler Reddick – closing the gap to just 0.392-seconds as the leaders crossed the line to mark 10 laps to go. The Auckland, New Zealand, native went on to tally his career-best finish at COTA with a runner-up result.

Team Chevy Unofficial Top-10 ResultsPos.     Driver 2nd – Shane van Gisbergen5th – Michael McDowell6th – Kyle Larson7th – Chase Elliott9th – AJ AllmendingerChevrolet’s season statistics with three NASCAR Cup Series races complete: Wins: 0Poles: 1Top-Fives: 7Top 10s: 11Stage Wins: 1

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season continues at Phoenix Raceway with the Straight Talk Wireless 500 on Sunday, March 8, at 3:30 P.M. ET. Live coverage can be found on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Post-Race Driver Quotes:  Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletFinished: 19th “This No. 3 team just never gives up, man. We had to work hard for that one today. Things kept putting us in the back and we would drive forward. I flat-spotted a tire in the opening laps which affected the balance of our BREZTRI AEROSPHERE (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate)® Chevrolet in Stage 1. We made a good pit call to gain track position and showed the pace that our car had in Stage 2. Unfortunately, a bolt came loose in our shifter handle which put us behind to start the last stage. We kept chipping away at it and then got behind again with contact on pit road. That’s just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes. Proud of the effort.” Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletFinished: 6th You battled all day with a cool suit issue. How did you stay in the game? “Thankfully, I had enough fluids in me. I started feeling progressively better as the race went on with just dumping water on me, putting ice on my chest and drinking a lot of fluids. I felt good there at the end, but I was hot early in the race. I was getting nervous. But I think it kind of cooled down outside too, which helped.  All-in-all, it was a great day for this No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet team. It was good to get our first top-10 finish of the season, and hopefully we can just build off of it.” Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletFinished: 12th“The entire No. 8 Rebel Bourbon Chevrolet team battled all day here at Circuit of The Americas. We started deep in the field and were able to make the needed adjustments to drive inside the Top 15. I’m proud of everyone’s efforts today and now we’ll turn our attention West as we head to Phoenix next weekend.” Ty Dillon, No. 10 Kaulig Racing ChevroletFinished: 16th“It was a great weekend for our No. 10 Patriot Mobile Chevrolet team. We had no thrills, which is what we need. I think when we execute, we are a great team and we just keep getting better. We had that kind of a day here today. We had no mistakes on pit road or on-track, and we came home with a 16th-place finish. Just very proud of this team. Our goal was to cash-in at least 20 points. That hasn’t been our strong suit, but we did that. We’ll roll onto some track where we have some good finishes.” Jesse Love, No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet Finished: 27th “We ended up with some tow link damage today that affected our race, but overall the No. 33 C4 Chevrolet was pretty good. We got our handling better throughout the day and even though we made gains at it, we never got it exactly where I wanted it to be. All of the pieces were there today but we never put them together.” Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports ChevroletFinished: 5th“Overall, the No. 71 Katz Coffee Chevrolet was good. We didn’t need that last caution. We were running long there. I don’t know how the math would have worked out, but I think we would have had a good shot of having better tires over everyone else at the end, so that caution really hurt us. I think we restarted 12th or 13th, so to get back up into the top-five is a solid day for this team. But we’re not looking for solid days, we’re looking for wins. It’s definitely a step in the right direction.” Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletFinished: 14th“Our No. 88 Red Bull Chevrolet was really fast all day. We were putting ourselves in a spot there at the end at that last caution to have a chance to go win the race and got wrecked again in turn one. I don’t know if I need to do something different, but it was just one of those days. It was good to drive up through the field again. As a racecar driver, I’m not satisfied, but I proved that I could do it.”  Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletFinished: 2ndWhat else did you need today? “Just a little bit of everything. We lacked a little bit of turn and a little bit of drive. Tyler (Reddick, race winner) was just amazing. The way he was driving was really good and his car was good. We just didn’t quite have enough, but it was a great points day for this No. 97 Safety Culture Chevrolet team, which is what we need for getting into the Chase. It was still an amazing result, but you’re always disappointed with second when the expectations are so high. But overall, it was a really good day.”

Shane van Gisbergen Drives to Season-Best Runner-Up Finish at Circuit of The Americas

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

·        Shane van Gisbergen capped off a strong trip to Texas with a runner-up finish in the DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne at Circuit of The Americas. The result – his career-best finish in NASCAR’s top division at the Austin, Texas, circuit – came after the 36-year-old Auckland, New Zealand, native drove Chevrolet and JR Motorsports to the win in yesterday’s NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race.  ·        Van Gisbergen led Chevrolet to a season-best showing of five drivers from four different organizations taking home top-10 results with the Trackhouse Racing driver leading Spire Motorsports’ Michael McDowell, who also earned his season-best result with a fifth-place finish. Hendrick Motorsports’ Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott took the checkered flag in the sixth- and seventh-positions, respectively, with Kaulig Racing’s AJ Allmendinger rounding out the Team Chevy top-10 with a ninth-place result.  Race Recap:  Stage One: Looking for his second NASCAR Cup Series win at Circuit of The Americas (COTA), Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain put together a strong Saturday performance that led to a front-row starting spot for the DuraMAX Texas Grand Prix Powered by RelaDyne. Entering what is arguably the most chaotic corner of the circuit, Chastain managed to maintain position and settle into a top-three running position for the opening laps of Stage One. It was his teammate and yesterday’s O’Reilly’s Auto Parts Series race winner, Shane van Gisbergen, that started making an early climb – cracking the top-10 from a 13th-place starting position just three laps into the race. A rather calm opening stint saw the first green flag pit cycle begin with four laps remaining in the stage. As then race leader, Ryan Blaney, hit pit road as the field approached the Lap 18 marker, Chastain went on to inherit the top position with a pair of Team Chevy drivers, Van Gisbergen and Michael McDowell, in tow. Opting to run out the stage for points, the trio went on to hold onto their respective positions en route to the first green-white checkered flag of the race.  Stage Two: Looking for better drive in his No. 1 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet, crew chief, Brandon McSwain, called for an air pressure adjustment to help rear drive on their first trip to pit road of the day. With a handful of the field flipping the opening stage, Chastain ultimately lined up in the 21st position for the start of the next 25-lap run. Among those who pitted prior to the stage end included Hendrick Motorsports’ Williams Byron, with the 2024 COTA winner making a jump up into the second row to take the green flag for Stage Two. As another long green flag run began, Byron remained part of the top-three contenders that progressively pulled to a near four-second margin lead over the field as the stage hit the halfway mark. Among those with fresher tires, Van Gisbergen was the only driver to really capitalize on the strategy – making the march all the way up into the third position before the team made the call to flip the stage and hit pit road with two laps to go in Stage Two. With pit strategy shaking up the leaderboard once again, it was road course ringer, AJ Allmendinger, that led the Bowtie brigade to the second green-white checkered flag – earning second-place stage points in his No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet.  Final Stage: Byron and Van Gisbergen were among the four drivers that flipped the stage and still managed to collected top-10 points in Stage Two. Staying out under the stage break, the pair lined up on the second row to take the green flag with 45 laps remaining in the race. With the field quickly singling out, it was the No. 97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet that once again led the Team Chevy crew from the third position. With the longest run on the horizon, the Bowtie brigade made a strong statement with seven drivers in the top-nine running positions as the green flag pit cycle began. With the top-two drivers making their scheduled stops, Van Gisbergen took over the top position before crew chief, Stephen Doran, made the call for the driver to hit pit road on Lap 71 – powering off a 10-second flat stop and ultimately rejoining the field back in the top-five. With his long-run speed coming to light, Van Gisbergen progressively closed the gap to then race leader, Tyler Reddick – closing the gap to just 0.392-seconds as the leaders crossed the line to mark 10 laps to go. The Auckland, New Zealand, native went on to tally his career-best finish at COTA with a runner-up result.

Team Chevy Unofficial Top-10 ResultsPos.     Driver 2nd – Shane van Gisbergen5th – Michael McDowell6th – Kyle Larson7th – Chase Elliott9th – AJ AllmendingerChevrolet’s season statistics with three NASCAR Cup Series races complete: Wins: 0Poles: 1Top-Fives: 7Top 10s: 11Stage Wins: 1

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season continues at Phoenix Raceway with the Straight Talk Wireless 500 on Sunday, March 8, at 3:30 P.M. ET. Live coverage can be found on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Post-Race Driver Quotes:  Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletFinished: 19th “This No. 3 team just never gives up, man. We had to work hard for that one today. Things kept putting us in the back and we would drive forward. I flat-spotted a tire in the opening laps which affected the balance of our BREZTRI AEROSPHERE (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate)® Chevrolet in Stage 1. We made a good pit call to gain track position and showed the pace that our car had in Stage 2. Unfortunately, a bolt came loose in our shifter handle which put us behind to start the last stage. We kept chipping away at it and then got behind again with contact on pit road. That’s just the way the cookie crumbles sometimes. Proud of the effort.” Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletFinished: 6th You battled all day with a cool suit issue. How did you stay in the game? “Thankfully, I had enough fluids in me. I started feeling progressively better as the race went on with just dumping water on me, putting ice on my chest and drinking a lot of fluids. I felt good there at the end, but I was hot early in the race. I was getting nervous. But I think it kind of cooled down outside too, which helped.  All-in-all, it was a great day for this No. 5 HendrickCars.com Chevrolet team. It was good to get our first top-10 finish of the season, and hopefully we can just build off of it.” Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletFinished: 12th“The entire No. 8 Rebel Bourbon Chevrolet team battled all day here at Circuit of The Americas. We started deep in the field and were able to make the needed adjustments to drive inside the Top 15. I’m proud of everyone’s efforts today and now we’ll turn our attention West as we head to Phoenix next weekend.” Ty Dillon, No. 10 Kaulig Racing ChevroletFinished: 16th“It was a great weekend for our No. 10 Patriot Mobile Chevrolet team. We had no thrills, which is what we need. I think when we execute, we are a great team and we just keep getting better. We had that kind of a day here today. We had no mistakes on pit road or on-track, and we came home with a 16th-place finish. Just very proud of this team. Our goal was to cash-in at least 20 points. That hasn’t been our strong suit, but we did that. We’ll roll onto some track where we have some good finishes.” Jesse Love, No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet Finished: 27th “We ended up with some tow link damage today that affected our race, but overall the No. 33 C4 Chevrolet was pretty good. We got our handling better throughout the day and even though we made gains at it, we never got it exactly where I wanted it to be. All of the pieces were there today but we never put them together.” Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports ChevroletFinished: 5th“Overall, the No. 71 Katz Coffee Chevrolet was good. We didn’t need that last caution. We were running long there. I don’t know how the math would have worked out, but I think we would have had a good shot of having better tires over everyone else at the end, so that caution really hurt us. I think we restarted 12th or 13th, so to get back up into the top-five is a solid day for this team. But we’re not looking for solid days, we’re looking for wins. It’s definitely a step in the right direction.” Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletFinished: 14th“Our No. 88 Red Bull Chevrolet was really fast all day. We were putting ourselves in a spot there at the end at that last caution to have a chance to go win the race and got wrecked again in turn one. I don’t know if I need to do something different, but it was just one of those days. It was good to drive up through the field again. As a racecar driver, I’m not satisfied, but I proved that I could do it.”  Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletFinished: 2ndWhat else did you need today? “Just a little bit of everything. We lacked a little bit of turn and a little bit of drive. Tyler (Reddick, race winner) was just amazing. The way he was driving was really good and his car was good. We just didn’t quite have enough, but it was a great points day for this No. 97 Safety Culture Chevrolet team, which is what we need for getting into the Chase. It was still an amazing result, but you’re always disappointed with second when the expectations are so high. But overall, it was a really good day.”

March 1, 2026 — ST. PETERSBURG, FL

• Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou goes back-to-back in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opener at St. Pete
• Palou seeks his fifth series championship following stellar 2025 season
• Kyle Kirkwood narrowly misses out on podium finish for Andretti Global 

Reigning and four-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou began his 2026 right where he ended 2025, at the top.

The Chip Ganassi Racing driver drove his Honda-powered #10 machine to victory lane at the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg for the second-consecutive year. The Spaniard is looking to repeat the success of his 2025 season, which saw him win eight races, including both St. Pete and the Indianapolis 500 en route to his third-consecutive championship and fourth title in five years.

This victory marks Alex Palou’s 20th NTT INDYCAR SERIES victory in 99 race starts—all powered by Honda.

Kyle Kirkwood drove an impressive Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, finishing fourth in his home race. The Floridian started 15th and carved his way through the field over the 100-lap event. The Andretti Global driver climbed as high as second before increased tire degradation saw him slip to fourth place in the closing laps of the race.

Other Honda-powered finishers in the top-10 include Kirkwood’s Andretti Global teammate Marcus Ericsson in sixth, Dale Coyne Racing’s Romain Grosjean in eighth and Grosjean’s DCR teammate, Rookie Dennis Hauger in 10th.

Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Honda Race Results

1st Alex Palou	Chip Ganassi Racing Honda
4th Kyle Kirkwood	Andretti Global Honda
6th Marcus Ericsson	Andretti Global Honda
8th Romain Grosjean	Dale Coyne Racing Honda
10th Dennis Hauger – R	Dale Coyne Racing Honda
11th Marcus Armstrong	Meyer Shank Racing Honda
12th Felix Rosenqvist	Meyer Shank Racing Honda
14th Louis Foster	Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda
15th Kyffin Simpson	Chip Ganassi Racing Honda
18th Graham Rahal	Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda
22nd Will Power	Andretti Global Honda – Not running, retired
23rd Scott Dixon	Chip Ganassi Racing Honda – Not running, off course
25th Mick Schumacher– R	Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda – Not running, contact

R – Rookie

Quotes

Alex Palou (#10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda) finished first: “We did it, we’re back baby! We just won here again in St. Pete and it was an amazing race. We just felt like we had so much power today from Honda. We couldn’t have started the season in a better way. I’m so pumped, so happy. Thank you to all the fans that came to the track this weekend and to those watching at home. I already can’t wait for Phoenix next week!”

Kyle Kirkwood (#27 Andretti Global Honda) finished fourth: “It was a great day overall for the #27 crew and for Honda with Palou’s win and us in fourth. We were running in second for the majority of that last stint, but I ultimately just had too much tire degradation. It was beautiful race, and we had some beautiful pace. Everything went great—reliability, fuel saving, everything was up to par. We drove from 15th to fourth, which is a huge deal in the IndyCar series. Everybody knows how hard that is to accomplish, so it was a big day for us in the #27 car.”

David Salters (President, Honda Racing Corporation USA): “It’s so great to get the season underway. Congratulations to IndyCar, this place was packed this weekend. Racing is very much alive and well in St. Pete, which was delightful to see. Huge congratulations to the mythical Alex Palou, who did what Alex Palou does, with the mythical CGR team who did what they do best. And of course, my heartfelt thanks to all the men and women at Honda Racing Corporation USA who worked hard during the winter with full attention to detail and continue to show what they are made of and work together brilliantly. This is a great start to the season. We realize how tough this is to achieve and we take nothing for granted. Well done, team!”

Alex Palou, Honda win St. Petersburg, Again!

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March 1, 2026 — ST. PETERSBURG, FL

• Chip Ganassi Racing’s Alex Palou goes back-to-back in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES season opener at St. Pete
• Palou seeks his fifth series championship following stellar 2025 season
• Kyle Kirkwood narrowly misses out on podium finish for Andretti Global 

Reigning and four-time NTT INDYCAR SERIES champion Alex Palou began his 2026 right where he ended 2025, at the top.

The Chip Ganassi Racing driver drove his Honda-powered #10 machine to victory lane at the season-opening Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg for the second-consecutive year. The Spaniard is looking to repeat the success of his 2025 season, which saw him win eight races, including both St. Pete and the Indianapolis 500 en route to his third-consecutive championship and fourth title in five years.

This victory marks Alex Palou’s 20th NTT INDYCAR SERIES victory in 99 race starts—all powered by Honda.

Kyle Kirkwood drove an impressive Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, finishing fourth in his home race. The Floridian started 15th and carved his way through the field over the 100-lap event. The Andretti Global driver climbed as high as second before increased tire degradation saw him slip to fourth place in the closing laps of the race.

Other Honda-powered finishers in the top-10 include Kirkwood’s Andretti Global teammate Marcus Ericsson in sixth, Dale Coyne Racing’s Romain Grosjean in eighth and Grosjean’s DCR teammate, Rookie Dennis Hauger in 10th.

Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Honda Race Results

1st Alex Palou	Chip Ganassi Racing Honda
4th Kyle Kirkwood	Andretti Global Honda
6th Marcus Ericsson	Andretti Global Honda
8th Romain Grosjean	Dale Coyne Racing Honda
10th Dennis Hauger – R	Dale Coyne Racing Honda
11th Marcus Armstrong	Meyer Shank Racing Honda
12th Felix Rosenqvist	Meyer Shank Racing Honda
14th Louis Foster	Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda
15th Kyffin Simpson	Chip Ganassi Racing Honda
18th Graham Rahal	Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda
22nd Will Power	Andretti Global Honda – Not running, retired
23rd Scott Dixon	Chip Ganassi Racing Honda – Not running, off course
25th Mick Schumacher– R	Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda – Not running, contact

R – Rookie

Quotes

Alex Palou (#10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda) finished first: “We did it, we’re back baby! We just won here again in St. Pete and it was an amazing race. We just felt like we had so much power today from Honda. We couldn’t have started the season in a better way. I’m so pumped, so happy. Thank you to all the fans that came to the track this weekend and to those watching at home. I already can’t wait for Phoenix next week!”

Kyle Kirkwood (#27 Andretti Global Honda) finished fourth: “It was a great day overall for the #27 crew and for Honda with Palou’s win and us in fourth. We were running in second for the majority of that last stint, but I ultimately just had too much tire degradation. It was beautiful race, and we had some beautiful pace. Everything went great—reliability, fuel saving, everything was up to par. We drove from 15th to fourth, which is a huge deal in the IndyCar series. Everybody knows how hard that is to accomplish, so it was a big day for us in the #27 car.”

David Salters (President, Honda Racing Corporation USA): “It’s so great to get the season underway. Congratulations to IndyCar, this place was packed this weekend. Racing is very much alive and well in St. Pete, which was delightful to see. Huge congratulations to the mythical Alex Palou, who did what Alex Palou does, with the mythical CGR team who did what they do best. And of course, my heartfelt thanks to all the men and women at Honda Racing Corporation USA who worked hard during the winter with full attention to detail and continue to show what they are made of and work together brilliantly. This is a great start to the season. We realize how tough this is to achieve and we take nothing for granted. Well done, team!”

Next
The NTT INDYCAR SERIES head to Phoenix for a doubleheader with the NASCAR Cup Series at Phoenix Raceway—the Good Ranchers 250 on Saturday March 7th.

CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIESFirestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg1.8-mile, 14-turn St. Petersburg street circuit St. Petersburg, FloridaSunday Race ReportMarch 1, 2026 ST. PETERSBURG, FL (March 1, 2026) — Pole winner Scott McLaughlin in the No. 3 DEX Team Penske Chevrolet led the first 34 laps of the 2026 edition of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, finishing the season-opening race in second place, the 23rd time he’s finished on the podium powered by a Bowtie-adorned engine. Christian Lundgaard, who scored six podiums for Team Chevy in 2025, began the 2026 season leading one lap and finishing third. Five Chevrolet-powered drivers finished in the top ten, with Pato O’Ward in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet coming home fifth, Josef Newgarden in the No. 2 Astemo Team Penske Chevrolet coming home seventh and Rinus VeeKay in the No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Chevrolet coming home ninth, joining McLaughlin and Lundgaard.  McLaughlin and Lundgaard’s podiums are the 677th and 678th all-time for Chevrolet McLaughlin and Lundgaard’s podiums are the 363rd and 364th since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012McLaughlin’s podium is his 23rd with Chevrolet power, tying him with Mario Andretti for 12th all-time, and moving him closer to 5th since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012 Lundgaard’s podium is his 7th with Chevrolet power, tying him Gil de Ferran for 21st all-time, and into solo 12th since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012 McLaughlin’s podium is Team Penske’s 325th with Chevrolet power, leading all teams on the all-time list, and the team’s 221st since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012Lundgaard’s podium is Arrow McLaren’s 44th with Chevrolet power, leaving them one podium from third all-time, and keeps them in second since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012Team Chevy drivers Rinus VeeKay and Christian Lundgaard led all drivers with 10 on-track passes

Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Final Results

Arrow McLaren leads a strong papaya morning warm-up  Pato O’Ward in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet led the morning warm-up, where teams and drivers determined tire wear and fuel mileage, with a lap at 61.5944 seconds (105.204 mph). The Mexican’s teammates, Christian Lundgaard in the No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet and Nolan Siegel in the No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, were also in the top six.

Up Next The Team Chevy drivers and teams in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES are right back in action next weekend for the Good Ranchers 250, a quadruple header with the NASCAR Cup Series, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Phoenix Raceway.

What They’re Saying – Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 DEX Team Penske Chevrolet finished: 2nd“Good start for the DEX Chevy and the Thirsty Threes. Alex was super fast, but I think it’s a mixed bag of what tire you start on. If we come back here again, do you start on Reds and just get them out of the way. We made the passes that we needed to make at the right time, and I thought we maximized what we needed to do.” Christian Lundgaard, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet finished: 3rd“Our strategy was good; the car was really good. I think we missed it in qualifying. Ultimately, I just have to say thanks to Chevy and Arrow McLaren. We put so much into the off-season moving into a new shop. Pato and I were really fast there. It’s nice to get it done at the beginning of the year, so here we go!” Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet finished: 5th“P5 was a good day for us. Obviously, we would have loved to have kept moving forward, but we were struggling a little bit there at the end with the race car. We’ll dive into it and see what we need to make better for the next street course race. Now it’s time to shift to oval mode going into Phoenix, and see what we can get done.” Josef Newgarden, No. 2 Astemo Team Penske Chevrolet finished: 7th “Just what you need on a day like today-just execute. Pit stops were incredible. The best I’ve seen in years.  The strategy was pretty standard, but it was a good day for our strategy.  Just what we needed to do. Nothing went against us, and we tried to use our speed when we could to climb.  You just have to be happy with a day like this. It’s a shame how tough the weekend was.  I wish we could have had made more of it by starting up front.” Rinus VeeKay, No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Chevrolet finished: 9th“Really good race to start the season. Committed to a three stop, right away, and we nailed that. I think we really did all we could on that strategy. Yeah. A little bit of an unlucky yellow, at the middle of the race, kind of hit on the second pit window. I think it took some of our advantage away, our track position that we built on that three stop. I think we really maximized our race. Guys in pit lane were really quick. It’s been a good off season of practicing those, so good stuff. So got a few positions there. And then, we had a race car today, and we could really race. So that’s, something I’m very, very happy with. Makes my job a little easier. But I think altogether, the 76 Orion 180 Insurance team did a really good job. Really, you know, we maximized everything that today gave us, and, I think we, we’ve got a lot of good stuff going for us, especially with this first one out of the way.” David Malukas, No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet finished: 13th“We made a mistake early on that made or tire explode and sent us to the back of the grid.  Had a really strong recovery and got it back to P13, so we scavenged some sort of points. Not the start that we wanted, but I learned quite a bit.  There is a lot of learning curves there from a race perspective.  I think with the whole new crew, everything new, it is a big learning curve for the rest of the season. Not the start we wanted, but upward from here.” Alexander Rossi, No. 20 ECR Java House Chevrolet finished: 16th Caio Collet, No. 4 COMBITRANS AMAZONA Chevrolet finished: 17th“I think it was definitely a good race. We ended up on a positive note, moved forward. I think the strategy, we maximized what we could do, to be honest, and some moves out on track as well, and kept out of trouble. We were quite quick on the blacks and I think on the Reds is something that I need to work on myself, just trying to see where the limit of the tire and how the balance shifts between black and reds, and what I need to be confident and extract the limit of the car on the red tire, I think it’s something that I need to work on my driving. But I think overall, it was a good Sunday after a so-so Saturday, to be honest. Really happy, and just big thanks to AJ Foyt Racing, Combitrans Amazonia and Chevrolet. I think we all did a pretty solid, solid Sunday. Happy to end the weekend on a positive note.” Christian Rasmussen, No. 21 ECR Splenda Stevia Chevrolet finished: 19th Nolan Siegel, No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet finished: 20th“Overall, very mixed feelings about today. There were several positives, but it’s just a bummer that it feels so bad after such a bad result. We were really strong on the Firestone primaries, and the strategy was looking good. We caught a yellow that wasn’t helpful, and then our pace was just not there on the alternate. We built a foundation today but need to get better moving forward.” Sting Ray Robb, No. 77 Juncos Hollinger – Goodheart Chevrolet finished: 21st“Really a shame for the day. So sorry to the No. 77 crew. The Goodheart team. They worked hard to get us a good car. And, turn four lap one, I mean, I don’t know what to say yet. Have to go back and take a look, but really is a shame. I think we had good pace once we got back going again. But laps down, not much to do. So, moving on to the next one. Think we can learn, but I I am so sorry.” Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS Chevrolet finished: 24th“It’s just a shame to be out on lap one of something that’s not your doing. You know, it’s kind of weird—we all sit around and talk about it on the driver’s stand or in driver intros–let’s go easy on lap one. And every season, there’s a few of us that do that, and then there’s couple of us that just forget where the brake zone is. So, no, it’s a bummer. You know, Homes For Our Troops Chevrolet was so fast, and we’re just trying to be out here and be on the TV with those guys and driving to the top 10 to continue to raise awareness for them. “With the track being as tight as it is in the brake zones and the track dirty, you just kind of have to be patient. You can’t really go anywhere until the field starts to separate. So, yeah, it’s just a shame, man.”

NTT INDYCAR SERIES News ConferenceSunday, March 1, 2026Scott McLaughlinChristian LundgaardPress Conference THE MODERATOR: Wrapping up this year’s Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Alex Palou, the champion, will be joining us shortly, as will Christian Lundgaard, who finished third today. Joining us right now Scott McLaughlin who led 34 of the 100 laps driving, of course, the No. 3 DEX Team Penske Chevrolet with the second podium here on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. 22nd career podium. Kind of a crazy race, tire strategies and what not. A better result for you this year than last year. A good start for 2026 for you? SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Yeah, absolutely. Obviously you want to be top step. I think that was a solid day for us. I think we maximized our strategy. I think it was going to go one way or the other with tires. I maybe thought the black tire could have probably performed a little bit better in that first stint, but yeah, my car just didn’t probably turn that tire on well enough. Wanted to pull a gap, but I was also trying to save fuel and make it a two-stop in some ways. Yeah, it was a difficult first stint, and then I sort of got stuck behind the Andretti guys when they were losing their tires. I thought our car was really good. Just probably was a little bit hidden today just where it was position on track, but that’s okay. Like I said, I think we maximized our day. No mistakes. Pit road was great. Yeah, just good start. THE MODERATOR: The 27 was also saving fuel. It was frustrating when you’re sitting back there, right, behind those guys? SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Yeah, and I knew I had a window to pass him before my tires went as well, and I think I just got him maybe like a lap before my tires went. Then I was sort of hanging on in front of CL.Yeah, anyway, it was a good day overall, and I felt really good. My driving was good, and it was, yeah, solid execution. THE MODERATOR: Congratulations on the start to 2026. Also joined now by Christian Lundgaard, who led a lap today. Comes home third, driver of the No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet. Best ever finish here on the Streets of St. Petersburg and tied the race high with ten on-track passes in that race. Christian, your thoughts? Podium, good way to start 2026. CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yeah, I mean, I didn’t know I led a lap, so that’s a bonus, I guess. THE MODERATOR: Literally. By a point, yeah. CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: No, it was a good race. I think we just very clearly just missed it in qualifying yesterday. We made some changes after P2 that just simply didn’t work.Got out of the car. Obviously didn’t transfer from Q2 and wasn’t necessarily that upset, because I knew exactly where we had gone wrong. It was just undo that, and I think the car just came alive like we expected it to today. Again, you have to do the job out there, and I thought it was a very exciting way to start out the season. THE MODERATOR: We’ll open it up to questions. Q.  Despite the positives for both of you, you both sound happy with the way the car was and all that, but does it get a little frustrating —SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: I knew that was coming. The Alex Palou one? Look, he’s just doing a great job, put himself in the right position, Bruce. I think that they were on the right strategy today with the tire, and that’s a decision they made compared to us, but I thought we showed plenty of speed. Just, like I said, we were boxed in. Yeah, you saw the DHL car. He knew where he qualified. He was going to be there or thereabouts. I knew when he was the third the first stint, that I was like, okay, well, he’s probably going to be the guy throughout the race, and it ended up he was. Q.  Christian.CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yeah, every time I’m on the podium, second or third, he’s first. It’s pretty annoying (smiling). Q.  Also, Scott, new race strategist. Do you think you’re going to keep him?SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Yeah, he’s not bad for a rookie. Q.  I guess to follow up on that, I’ll go to you specifically, Scott, when you say Palou was putting himself in the right position, what has he done in all these races to puts himself in that position where he ends this race 12 seconds ahead?SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: He uses car pace and gets track position. Obviously I think the correct decision today was probably to start on red tires, but we didn’t know that going in. It was sort of our gut feel and where we wanted to go,and we decided to go blacks. We didn’t have the pace on them, and he managed to. Like I said, I think I was stuck behind Marcus for a bit, lost some time, and then when I came out, Kyle just jumped me in the pits. Yeah, he won by 12 seconds or whatever, but I think I could have narrowed that gap down pretty well with the way that my car was handling. Q.  Then for both of you, the pass you made near the end to be on the podium and to be second and third on the podium, what did you see there to get past Kirkwood and where he was?SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: He was dying. CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yeah. I mean, we got around him at the same time, so I think — yeah, and then left him. SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Yeah. Q.  Scott, yesterday you mentioned, you know, you qualified well here last year, but didn’t. Now you qualified well and finished well. How do you see this as jump-starting the season for you?SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Yeah, I think we’ve had a really good run the last, you know, even looking back at the end of last season. I thought we found our mojo a little bit and then this weekend as well. Knew this was going to be a strong track, and I had to make the most of it. But, yeah, no, I think it was solid from my side. Yeah, TC is new to me, but that felt like he fit in like a glove for me, like I’ve known him for so long. That was so good. Then Raul and me, I think we just missed the balance a little bit, probably being a little bit cautious and not trying to throw away a good car, but it was still decent. I just think it was a really solid day for us on the 3 car. Q.  Did anything you learned today, is that going to transfer to Phoenix next week?SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Not Phoenix, but maybe Dallas. Q.  Scott, talking about Raul, looks like the two of you are off to a fast start despite this being race one for you. Tell me about that relationship-building, and also you mentioned TC, rookie, ha ha, but this is really the first weekend of just being a strategist. Tell me about that and how your weekend has gone?SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Firstly, with TC, he just made me look at the race from a completely different perspective. Not that my guys before me haven’t done that. I’ve really enjoyed working with Kyle, who is now on Christian’s stand, and Ben before that.But, you know, I think just the confidence I have in TC in terms of what he’s done in the past and to make the right calls at the right time is huge. It makes my focus more on driving, and that’s just a big thing. Raul is the same sort of thing. I’ve known Raul since I got here, but even a little bit before when I was in supercars and always been friendly. That was a similar relationship to what I had with Ben beforehand. There’s still some growing there for him. He’s sort of fresh off the IMSA, Porsche program and sort of learning these cars a bit more. I think the last time he worked on an INDYCAR was 2015. So learning a little bit more. I think his big test is going to be Phoenix. I think having the confidence to go there and put the right front wing in at the right time for qualifying and all that stuff, there is a lot of trust there on both sides, and that’s a good thing to start with already in race one. Q.  Christian, last year eighth place here. Had a really strong start to the season. Tell me, year two starting off for you with this program, new strategist but same race engineer, but does this feel like an even better momentum coming out of 2025 for you?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yeah, I feel like we very much left where we picked off in Nashville last year. I think next week will be very interesting for us with obviously Moyer on the stand, which feels very funny now sitting next to Scottie here. But I think ultimately we knew the car was fast this weekend. We knew it was fast here last year. We simply just made a mistake in qualifying, and we made up for it in the race, but to go out there and put the results on a paper feels nice now. It wasn’t really what I expected waking up this morning. It was what I hoped for. That was the mentality last year. It was just be competitive, knocking on the door, and the results will come. I think that was showcased today as well. Q.  You and Pato running together quite a bit. Had some movement you had to make for it in the field. Tell me about that. You two seemed to be respectful, but also fought pretty damn hard.CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yeah, I think I was behind him for a good 20 laps when I started getting annoyed of seeing the back of his car. Then once the pit sequence started, some of the three-stoppers were holding us up at that point, and I got around him, which was around the Ericsson part. Ericsson fought hard to try to keep that position. I had to fight to get by him. I had to be very aggressive to get by him, which was very nice. It gave me some clean air to catch up to Scottie at that point, but ultimately, I think our cars are good, and I think we will be in the hunt this year. Q.  For either of you, definitely Marcus was racing hard at times. I just wondered if you were surprised at the way the race played out with people’s driving or anything like that, or would you say it was just kind of what you expect at St. Pete?SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: From my end, pretty standard, and the guys that I was racing, I have raced probably four or five days today, and they’re the guys that I have raced with in the past and very fair, very clean and hard. Yes, it’s what you sort of expect. CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: I agree, yeah. Q.  Apologies if this has already been asked, but just kind of wanted to talk about the importance of tire management in modern street course racing. I know that Alex seems to do it the best, but maybe talk about how that has changed over the past couple of years.CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: I mean, it’s hard to really explain, because the tires are different. The tires are different this year. I think we learned pretty early in the weekend that it was similar tires to 2024, so you already have an idea of how the race is going to play out, which I think is why everybody was on a two-stop, at the end of the day. Not like last year. I think we’ll see when we get to Texas. SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Yeah, I agree. Right now it’s pretty raw and fresh until we do a debrief and think about what these tires look like and stuff. All I can say is I probably wish I started on the reds, because my car felt better on the reds, but that’s all hindsight.THE MODERATOR: Congratulations on the start of the season, and we’ll see you in a couple of days at Phoenix Raceway.

Chevrolet history on the Streets of St. Petersburg Wins – 9 2024 – Pato O’Ward – Arrow McLaren2022 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2020 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2019 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2016 – Juan Montoya – Team Penske2015 – Juan Montoya – Team Penske2014 – Will Power – Team Penske2013 – James Hinchcliffe – Team Penske2012 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske

Poles – 10 2026 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2025 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2024 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2022 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2020 – Will Power – Team Penske2019 – Will Power – Team Penske2017 – Will Power – Team Penske2016 – Will Power – Team Penske2015 – Will Power – Team Penske2013 – Will Power – Team Penske2012 – Will Power – Team Penske

Podiums: 25 Chevrolet driver podiums on the Streets of St. Petersburg: Will Power (5), Josef Newgarden (4), Helio Castroneves (3), Pato O’Ward (3), Simon Pagenaud (3), Juan Montoya (2), Marco Andretti (1), James Hinchcliffe (1), Ryan Hunter-Reay (1), Tony Kanaan (1), Scott McLaughlin (1) Chevrolet team podiums on the Streets of St. Petersburg: Team Penske (18), Andretti Global (3), Arrow McLaren (3), Chip Ganassi Racing (1) Laps Led: 754 Chevrolet driver laps led on the Streets of St. Petersburg: Will Power (213), Scott McLaughlin (127), Josef Newgarden (83), Helio Castroneves (73), Juan Montoya (71), Simon Pagenaud (64), James Hinchcliffe (26), Christian Lundgaard (23), Pato O’Ward (23), Oriol Servia (16), Rinus VeeKay (13), Ryan Briscoe (9), Jordan King (5), Tomas Enge (4), JR Hildebrand (3), Mike Conway (1) Chevrolet team laps led on the Streets of St. Petersburg: Team Penske (640), Arrow McLaren (46), Andretti Global (26), ECR (19), Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (16), Panther Racing (7)

Manufacturer History on the Streets Of St. Petersburg  Wins (with competition)  9 – Chevrolet (2024, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012)6 – Honda (2025, 2023, 2021, 2018, 2017, 2005) Poles (with competition)  11 – Chevrolet (2025, 2024, 2023, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2012)5 – Honda (2023, 2021, 2018, 2014, 2005) Historical Chevrolet in the INDYCAR SERIES information INDYCAR SERIES Manufacturer Championships (since 1979)Chevrolet-Powered Wins in the Twin-Turbo 2.2L V6 Era (2012-present)Chevrolet-Powered Wins – All-Time

CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIESFirestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg1.8-mile, 14-turn St. Petersburg street circuit St. Petersburg, FloridaSunday Race ReportMarch 1, 2026 ST. PETERSBURG, FL (March 1, 2026) — Pole winner Scott McLaughlin in the No. 3 DEX Team Penske Chevrolet led the first 34 laps of the 2026 edition of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, finishing the season-opening race in second place, the 23rd time he’s finished on the podium powered by a Bowtie-adorned engine. Christian Lundgaard, who scored six podiums for Team Chevy in 2025, began the 2026 season leading one lap and finishing third. Five Chevrolet-powered drivers finished in the top ten, with Pato O’Ward in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet coming home fifth, Josef Newgarden in the No. 2 Astemo Team Penske Chevrolet coming home seventh and Rinus VeeKay in the No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Chevrolet coming home ninth, joining McLaughlin and Lundgaard.  McLaughlin and Lundgaard’s podiums are the 677th and 678th all-time for Chevrolet McLaughlin and Lundgaard’s podiums are the 363rd and 364th since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012McLaughlin’s podium is his 23rd with Chevrolet power, tying him with Mario Andretti for 12th all-time, and moving him closer to 5th since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012 Lundgaard’s podium is his 7th with Chevrolet power, tying him Gil de Ferran for 21st all-time, and into solo 12th since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012 McLaughlin’s podium is Team Penske’s 325th with Chevrolet power, leading all teams on the all-time list, and the team’s 221st since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012Lundgaard’s podium is Arrow McLaren’s 44th with Chevrolet power, leaving them one podium from third all-time, and keeps them in second since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012Team Chevy drivers Rinus VeeKay and Christian Lundgaard led all drivers with 10 on-track passes

Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Final Results

Arrow McLaren leads a strong papaya morning warm-up  Pato O’Ward in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet led the morning warm-up, where teams and drivers determined tire wear and fuel mileage, with a lap at 61.5944 seconds (105.204 mph). The Mexican’s teammates, Christian Lundgaard in the No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet and Nolan Siegel in the No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, were also in the top six.

Up Next The Team Chevy drivers and teams in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES are right back in action next weekend for the Good Ranchers 250, a quadruple header with the NASCAR Cup Series, the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series and the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Phoenix Raceway.

What They’re Saying – Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 DEX Team Penske Chevrolet finished: 2nd“Good start for the DEX Chevy and the Thirsty Threes. Alex was super fast, but I think it’s a mixed bag of what tire you start on. If we come back here again, do you start on Reds and just get them out of the way. We made the passes that we needed to make at the right time, and I thought we maximized what we needed to do.” Christian Lundgaard, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet finished: 3rd“Our strategy was good; the car was really good. I think we missed it in qualifying. Ultimately, I just have to say thanks to Chevy and Arrow McLaren. We put so much into the off-season moving into a new shop. Pato and I were really fast there. It’s nice to get it done at the beginning of the year, so here we go!” Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet finished: 5th“P5 was a good day for us. Obviously, we would have loved to have kept moving forward, but we were struggling a little bit there at the end with the race car. We’ll dive into it and see what we need to make better for the next street course race. Now it’s time to shift to oval mode going into Phoenix, and see what we can get done.” Josef Newgarden, No. 2 Astemo Team Penske Chevrolet finished: 7th “Just what you need on a day like today-just execute. Pit stops were incredible. The best I’ve seen in years.  The strategy was pretty standard, but it was a good day for our strategy.  Just what we needed to do. Nothing went against us, and we tried to use our speed when we could to climb.  You just have to be happy with a day like this. It’s a shame how tough the weekend was.  I wish we could have had made more of it by starting up front.” Rinus VeeKay, No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Chevrolet finished: 9th“Really good race to start the season. Committed to a three stop, right away, and we nailed that. I think we really did all we could on that strategy. Yeah. A little bit of an unlucky yellow, at the middle of the race, kind of hit on the second pit window. I think it took some of our advantage away, our track position that we built on that three stop. I think we really maximized our race. Guys in pit lane were really quick. It’s been a good off season of practicing those, so good stuff. So got a few positions there. And then, we had a race car today, and we could really race. So that’s, something I’m very, very happy with. Makes my job a little easier. But I think altogether, the 76 Orion 180 Insurance team did a really good job. Really, you know, we maximized everything that today gave us, and, I think we, we’ve got a lot of good stuff going for us, especially with this first one out of the way.” David Malukas, No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet finished: 13th“We made a mistake early on that made or tire explode and sent us to the back of the grid.  Had a really strong recovery and got it back to P13, so we scavenged some sort of points. Not the start that we wanted, but I learned quite a bit.  There is a lot of learning curves there from a race perspective.  I think with the whole new crew, everything new, it is a big learning curve for the rest of the season. Not the start we wanted, but upward from here.” Alexander Rossi, No. 20 ECR Java House Chevrolet finished: 16th Caio Collet, No. 4 COMBITRANS AMAZONA Chevrolet finished: 17th“I think it was definitely a good race. We ended up on a positive note, moved forward. I think the strategy, we maximized what we could do, to be honest, and some moves out on track as well, and kept out of trouble. We were quite quick on the blacks and I think on the Reds is something that I need to work on myself, just trying to see where the limit of the tire and how the balance shifts between black and reds, and what I need to be confident and extract the limit of the car on the red tire, I think it’s something that I need to work on my driving. But I think overall, it was a good Sunday after a so-so Saturday, to be honest. Really happy, and just big thanks to AJ Foyt Racing, Combitrans Amazonia and Chevrolet. I think we all did a pretty solid, solid Sunday. Happy to end the weekend on a positive note.” Christian Rasmussen, No. 21 ECR Splenda Stevia Chevrolet finished: 19th Nolan Siegel, No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet finished: 20th“Overall, very mixed feelings about today. There were several positives, but it’s just a bummer that it feels so bad after such a bad result. We were really strong on the Firestone primaries, and the strategy was looking good. We caught a yellow that wasn’t helpful, and then our pace was just not there on the alternate. We built a foundation today but need to get better moving forward.” Sting Ray Robb, No. 77 Juncos Hollinger – Goodheart Chevrolet finished: 21st“Really a shame for the day. So sorry to the No. 77 crew. The Goodheart team. They worked hard to get us a good car. And, turn four lap one, I mean, I don’t know what to say yet. Have to go back and take a look, but really is a shame. I think we had good pace once we got back going again. But laps down, not much to do. So, moving on to the next one. Think we can learn, but I I am so sorry.” Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 HOMES FOR OUR TROOPS Chevrolet finished: 24th“It’s just a shame to be out on lap one of something that’s not your doing. You know, it’s kind of weird—we all sit around and talk about it on the driver’s stand or in driver intros–let’s go easy on lap one. And every season, there’s a few of us that do that, and then there’s couple of us that just forget where the brake zone is. So, no, it’s a bummer. You know, Homes For Our Troops Chevrolet was so fast, and we’re just trying to be out here and be on the TV with those guys and driving to the top 10 to continue to raise awareness for them. “With the track being as tight as it is in the brake zones and the track dirty, you just kind of have to be patient. You can’t really go anywhere until the field starts to separate. So, yeah, it’s just a shame, man.”

NTT INDYCAR SERIES News ConferenceSunday, March 1, 2026Scott McLaughlinChristian LundgaardPress Conference THE MODERATOR: Wrapping up this year’s Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg. Alex Palou, the champion, will be joining us shortly, as will Christian Lundgaard, who finished third today. Joining us right now Scott McLaughlin who led 34 of the 100 laps driving, of course, the No. 3 DEX Team Penske Chevrolet with the second podium here on the Streets of St. Petersburg, Florida. 22nd career podium. Kind of a crazy race, tire strategies and what not. A better result for you this year than last year. A good start for 2026 for you? SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Yeah, absolutely. Obviously you want to be top step. I think that was a solid day for us. I think we maximized our strategy. I think it was going to go one way or the other with tires. I maybe thought the black tire could have probably performed a little bit better in that first stint, but yeah, my car just didn’t probably turn that tire on well enough. Wanted to pull a gap, but I was also trying to save fuel and make it a two-stop in some ways. Yeah, it was a difficult first stint, and then I sort of got stuck behind the Andretti guys when they were losing their tires. I thought our car was really good. Just probably was a little bit hidden today just where it was position on track, but that’s okay. Like I said, I think we maximized our day. No mistakes. Pit road was great. Yeah, just good start. THE MODERATOR: The 27 was also saving fuel. It was frustrating when you’re sitting back there, right, behind those guys? SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Yeah, and I knew I had a window to pass him before my tires went as well, and I think I just got him maybe like a lap before my tires went. Then I was sort of hanging on in front of CL.Yeah, anyway, it was a good day overall, and I felt really good. My driving was good, and it was, yeah, solid execution. THE MODERATOR: Congratulations on the start to 2026. Also joined now by Christian Lundgaard, who led a lap today. Comes home third, driver of the No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet. Best ever finish here on the Streets of St. Petersburg and tied the race high with ten on-track passes in that race. Christian, your thoughts? Podium, good way to start 2026. CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yeah, I mean, I didn’t know I led a lap, so that’s a bonus, I guess. THE MODERATOR: Literally. By a point, yeah. CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: No, it was a good race. I think we just very clearly just missed it in qualifying yesterday. We made some changes after P2 that just simply didn’t work.Got out of the car. Obviously didn’t transfer from Q2 and wasn’t necessarily that upset, because I knew exactly where we had gone wrong. It was just undo that, and I think the car just came alive like we expected it to today. Again, you have to do the job out there, and I thought it was a very exciting way to start out the season. THE MODERATOR: We’ll open it up to questions. Q.  Despite the positives for both of you, you both sound happy with the way the car was and all that, but does it get a little frustrating —SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: I knew that was coming. The Alex Palou one? Look, he’s just doing a great job, put himself in the right position, Bruce. I think that they were on the right strategy today with the tire, and that’s a decision they made compared to us, but I thought we showed plenty of speed. Just, like I said, we were boxed in. Yeah, you saw the DHL car. He knew where he qualified. He was going to be there or thereabouts. I knew when he was the third the first stint, that I was like, okay, well, he’s probably going to be the guy throughout the race, and it ended up he was. Q.  Christian.CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yeah, every time I’m on the podium, second or third, he’s first. It’s pretty annoying (smiling). Q.  Also, Scott, new race strategist. Do you think you’re going to keep him?SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Yeah, he’s not bad for a rookie. Q.  I guess to follow up on that, I’ll go to you specifically, Scott, when you say Palou was putting himself in the right position, what has he done in all these races to puts himself in that position where he ends this race 12 seconds ahead?SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: He uses car pace and gets track position. Obviously I think the correct decision today was probably to start on red tires, but we didn’t know that going in. It was sort of our gut feel and where we wanted to go,and we decided to go blacks. We didn’t have the pace on them, and he managed to. Like I said, I think I was stuck behind Marcus for a bit, lost some time, and then when I came out, Kyle just jumped me in the pits. Yeah, he won by 12 seconds or whatever, but I think I could have narrowed that gap down pretty well with the way that my car was handling. Q.  Then for both of you, the pass you made near the end to be on the podium and to be second and third on the podium, what did you see there to get past Kirkwood and where he was?SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: He was dying. CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yeah. I mean, we got around him at the same time, so I think — yeah, and then left him. SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Yeah. Q.  Scott, yesterday you mentioned, you know, you qualified well here last year, but didn’t. Now you qualified well and finished well. How do you see this as jump-starting the season for you?SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Yeah, I think we’ve had a really good run the last, you know, even looking back at the end of last season. I thought we found our mojo a little bit and then this weekend as well. Knew this was going to be a strong track, and I had to make the most of it. But, yeah, no, I think it was solid from my side. Yeah, TC is new to me, but that felt like he fit in like a glove for me, like I’ve known him for so long. That was so good. Then Raul and me, I think we just missed the balance a little bit, probably being a little bit cautious and not trying to throw away a good car, but it was still decent. I just think it was a really solid day for us on the 3 car. Q.  Did anything you learned today, is that going to transfer to Phoenix next week?SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Not Phoenix, but maybe Dallas. Q.  Scott, talking about Raul, looks like the two of you are off to a fast start despite this being race one for you. Tell me about that relationship-building, and also you mentioned TC, rookie, ha ha, but this is really the first weekend of just being a strategist. Tell me about that and how your weekend has gone?SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Firstly, with TC, he just made me look at the race from a completely different perspective. Not that my guys before me haven’t done that. I’ve really enjoyed working with Kyle, who is now on Christian’s stand, and Ben before that.But, you know, I think just the confidence I have in TC in terms of what he’s done in the past and to make the right calls at the right time is huge. It makes my focus more on driving, and that’s just a big thing. Raul is the same sort of thing. I’ve known Raul since I got here, but even a little bit before when I was in supercars and always been friendly. That was a similar relationship to what I had with Ben beforehand. There’s still some growing there for him. He’s sort of fresh off the IMSA, Porsche program and sort of learning these cars a bit more. I think the last time he worked on an INDYCAR was 2015. So learning a little bit more. I think his big test is going to be Phoenix. I think having the confidence to go there and put the right front wing in at the right time for qualifying and all that stuff, there is a lot of trust there on both sides, and that’s a good thing to start with already in race one. Q.  Christian, last year eighth place here. Had a really strong start to the season. Tell me, year two starting off for you with this program, new strategist but same race engineer, but does this feel like an even better momentum coming out of 2025 for you?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yeah, I feel like we very much left where we picked off in Nashville last year. I think next week will be very interesting for us with obviously Moyer on the stand, which feels very funny now sitting next to Scottie here. But I think ultimately we knew the car was fast this weekend. We knew it was fast here last year. We simply just made a mistake in qualifying, and we made up for it in the race, but to go out there and put the results on a paper feels nice now. It wasn’t really what I expected waking up this morning. It was what I hoped for. That was the mentality last year. It was just be competitive, knocking on the door, and the results will come. I think that was showcased today as well. Q.  You and Pato running together quite a bit. Had some movement you had to make for it in the field. Tell me about that. You two seemed to be respectful, but also fought pretty damn hard.CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yeah, I think I was behind him for a good 20 laps when I started getting annoyed of seeing the back of his car. Then once the pit sequence started, some of the three-stoppers were holding us up at that point, and I got around him, which was around the Ericsson part. Ericsson fought hard to try to keep that position. I had to fight to get by him. I had to be very aggressive to get by him, which was very nice. It gave me some clean air to catch up to Scottie at that point, but ultimately, I think our cars are good, and I think we will be in the hunt this year. Q.  For either of you, definitely Marcus was racing hard at times. I just wondered if you were surprised at the way the race played out with people’s driving or anything like that, or would you say it was just kind of what you expect at St. Pete?SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: From my end, pretty standard, and the guys that I was racing, I have raced probably four or five days today, and they’re the guys that I have raced with in the past and very fair, very clean and hard. Yes, it’s what you sort of expect. CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: I agree, yeah. Q.  Apologies if this has already been asked, but just kind of wanted to talk about the importance of tire management in modern street course racing. I know that Alex seems to do it the best, but maybe talk about how that has changed over the past couple of years.CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: I mean, it’s hard to really explain, because the tires are different. The tires are different this year. I think we learned pretty early in the weekend that it was similar tires to 2024, so you already have an idea of how the race is going to play out, which I think is why everybody was on a two-stop, at the end of the day. Not like last year. I think we’ll see when we get to Texas. SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Yeah, I agree. Right now it’s pretty raw and fresh until we do a debrief and think about what these tires look like and stuff. All I can say is I probably wish I started on the reds, because my car felt better on the reds, but that’s all hindsight.THE MODERATOR: Congratulations on the start of the season, and we’ll see you in a couple of days at Phoenix Raceway.

Chevrolet history on the Streets of St. Petersburg Wins – 9 2024 – Pato O’Ward – Arrow McLaren2022 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2020 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2019 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2016 – Juan Montoya – Team Penske2015 – Juan Montoya – Team Penske2014 – Will Power – Team Penske2013 – James Hinchcliffe – Team Penske2012 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske

Poles – 10 2026 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2025 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2024 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2022 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2020 – Will Power – Team Penske2019 – Will Power – Team Penske2017 – Will Power – Team Penske2016 – Will Power – Team Penske2015 – Will Power – Team Penske2013 – Will Power – Team Penske2012 – Will Power – Team Penske

Podiums: 25 Chevrolet driver podiums on the Streets of St. Petersburg: Will Power (5), Josef Newgarden (4), Helio Castroneves (3), Pato O’Ward (3), Simon Pagenaud (3), Juan Montoya (2), Marco Andretti (1), James Hinchcliffe (1), Ryan Hunter-Reay (1), Tony Kanaan (1), Scott McLaughlin (1) Chevrolet team podiums on the Streets of St. Petersburg: Team Penske (18), Andretti Global (3), Arrow McLaren (3), Chip Ganassi Racing (1) Laps Led: 754 Chevrolet driver laps led on the Streets of St. Petersburg: Will Power (213), Scott McLaughlin (127), Josef Newgarden (83), Helio Castroneves (73), Juan Montoya (71), Simon Pagenaud (64), James Hinchcliffe (26), Christian Lundgaard (23), Pato O’Ward (23), Oriol Servia (16), Rinus VeeKay (13), Ryan Briscoe (9), Jordan King (5), Tomas Enge (4), JR Hildebrand (3), Mike Conway (1) Chevrolet team laps led on the Streets of St. Petersburg: Team Penske (640), Arrow McLaren (46), Andretti Global (26), ECR (19), Dreyer & Reinbold Racing (16), Panther Racing (7)

Manufacturer History on the Streets Of St. Petersburg  Wins (with competition)  9 – Chevrolet (2024, 2022, 2020, 2019, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012)6 – Honda (2025, 2023, 2021, 2018, 2017, 2005) Poles (with competition)  11 – Chevrolet (2025, 2024, 2023, 2020, 2019, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2012)5 – Honda (2023, 2021, 2018, 2014, 2005) Historical Chevrolet in the INDYCAR SERIES information INDYCAR SERIES Manufacturer Championships (since 1979)Chevrolet-Powered Wins in the Twin-Turbo 2.2L V6 Era (2012-present)Chevrolet-Powered Wins – All-Time

CASA GRANDE, AZ (Feb. 28, 2026) — Justin Peck and the Rudeen Racing team are on fire in the desert.

Peck, 27, of Monrovia, IN, drove the Rudeen Racing No. 26 to his second American Sprint Car Series Feature win in his last three starts at Central Arizona Raceway Saturday night, leading all 25 laps of the main event to bank his fifth career Series victory on night #3 of the inaugural Sonoran Clash.

The win comes one race after suffering a DNF while leading on night #2 of the two-weekend event last Sunday, when a flat right-front tire dashed Peck’s chances for a repeat after going to Victory Lane the night before. Across all three races, Peck has now led a combined 52 of the 80 total Feature laps contested.

In short, Peck has been the man to beat at the track, and showed exactly why Saturday night, jumping out to the early lead from the pole of the starting grid. For 25 laps, Peck held the top spot, relinquishing it only once on Lap 2 to Sam Hafertepe Jr. before the caution flag was thrown, negating Hafertepe’s pass.

After a second caution period with 8 laps complete, Peck took off with Hafertepe following not far behind until lapped traffic came into the picture on Lap 16. Peck made his moves without much hesitation while Hafertepe took more time getting around the slower cars, widening the gap between the two.

“I was really kinda nervous about it because I kinda figured everyone was rolling around the middle-bottom area, and it seemed like that was the only spot you could make grip,” Peck said. “For the most part, I was wrong because those first couple guys that I got to were higher on the racetrack and I was shocked to see that. I was able to get by a couple of them pretty quick.”

Good decisions in traffic gave Peck the advantage needed to open up a gap of over two seconds by the checkered flag while Hafertepe settled for a runner-up finish.

“Hats off to my guys — for me to stand here and say that I didn’t feel like we were perfect tonight and still be standing up here with a W is pretty awesome,” Peck said. “It’s just a testament to our race program. We’ve got Kevin and Monika Rudeen here today, car owners on this thing. They give us a first-class operation and it’s our job to go out here and win races, and I’m glad we could do that for them here tonight.”

JJ Hickle held his spot on the podium throughout the event to finish third while 2024 Series Rookie of the Year Hank Davis climbed three spots to finish fourth and 15-year-old Levi Hillier completed the top five.

UP NEXT

The American Sprint Car Series is back in action at Central Arizona Raceway for the finale of the Sonoran Clash on Sunday, March 1. Tickets will be sold at the track.

If you can’t be there in person, how can you watch the race? Every American Sprint Car Series event is broadcast live on DIRTVision.

ABBREVIATED RESULTS (view full results)

Justin Peck Dominates to Win Sonoran Clash Night 3 at Central Arizona Raceway

CASA GRANDE, AZ (Feb. 28, 2026) — Justin Peck and the Rudeen Racing team are on fire in the desert.

Peck, 27, of Monrovia, IN, drove the Rudeen Racing No. 26 to his second American Sprint Car Series Feature win in his last three starts at Central Arizona Raceway Saturday night, leading all 25 laps of the main event to bank his fifth career Series victory on night #3 of the inaugural Sonoran Clash.

The win comes one race after suffering a DNF while leading on night #2 of the two-weekend event last Sunday, when a flat right-front tire dashed Peck’s chances for a repeat after going to Victory Lane the night before. Across all three races, Peck has now led a combined 52 of the 80 total Feature laps contested.

In short, Peck has been the man to beat at the track, and showed exactly why Saturday night, jumping out to the early lead from the pole of the starting grid. For 25 laps, Peck held the top spot, relinquishing it only once on Lap 2 to Sam Hafertepe Jr. before the caution flag was thrown, negating Hafertepe’s pass.

After a second caution period with 8 laps complete, Peck took off with Hafertepe following not far behind until lapped traffic came into the picture on Lap 16. Peck made his moves without much hesitation while Hafertepe took more time getting around the slower cars, widening the gap between the two.

“I was really kinda nervous about it because I kinda figured everyone was rolling around the middle-bottom area, and it seemed like that was the only spot you could make grip,” Peck said. “For the most part, I was wrong because those first couple guys that I got to were higher on the racetrack and I was shocked to see that. I was able to get by a couple of them pretty quick.”

Good decisions in traffic gave Peck the advantage needed to open up a gap of over two seconds by the checkered flag while Hafertepe settled for a runner-up finish.

“Hats off to my guys — for me to stand here and say that I didn’t feel like we were perfect tonight and still be standing up here with a W is pretty awesome,” Peck said. “It’s just a testament to our race program. We’ve got Kevin and Monika Rudeen here today, car owners on this thing. They give us a first-class operation and it’s our job to go out here and win races, and I’m glad we could do that for them here tonight.”

JJ Hickle held his spot on the podium throughout the event to finish third while 2024 Series Rookie of the Year Hank Davis climbed three spots to finish fourth and 15-year-old Levi Hillier completed the top five.

UP NEXT

The American Sprint Car Series is back in action at Central Arizona Raceway for the finale of the Sonoran Clash on Sunday, March 1. Tickets will be sold at the track.

If you can’t be there in person, how can you watch the race? Every American Sprint Car Series event is broadcast live on DIRTVision.

ABBREVIATED RESULTS (view full results)

Feature (25 Laps): 1. 26-Justin Peck[1]; 2. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr[4]; 3. 17W-JJ Hickle[2]; 4. 17GP-Hank Davis[7]; 5. 26R-Levi Hillier[3]; 6. 95-Matt Covington[5]; 7. 45X-Kyler Johnson[6]; 8. 29K-Levi Kuntz[10]; 9. 23-Seth Bergman[11]; 10. 2B-Garrett Benson[15]; 11. 15-Nick Parker[17]; 12. 88C-Brogan Carder[23]; 13. 34-Sterling Cling[12]; 14. 11J-Wyatt Miller[13]; 15. 88-Terry Easum[9]; 16. 16G-Austyn Gossel[24]; 17. 3-Cole Schroeder[25]; 18. 42-Caleb Saiz[21]; 19. 88R-Ryder Laplante[22]; 20. 13-Elijah Gile[14]; 21. 8-Jake Helsel[18]; 22. 23N-Skylar Gee[19]; 23. 2-Whit Gastineau[8]; 24. 31BW-Braxton Weger[16]; 25. 77X-Alex Hill[20]

O’Neal Goes Back-to-Back in Wieland Winter Nationals at Ocala

OCALA, FL (February 28, 2026) – Hudson O’Neal took over the lead on lap 37 after race-long leader Brandon Overton suffered a left-rear flat tire, then led the remainder of the race to win the $25,000 Wieland Winter Nationals 50-lap feature Saturday night at Ocala Speedway. It marked O’Neal’s second straight win at Ocala as he led Devin Moran, Tim McCreadie, Jonathan Davenport, and Drake Troutman across the finish line. Overton grabbed the lead at the start of the race with O’Neal, Troutman, and Brandon Sheppard in pursuit. Looking for his first Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series win since last May at Circle City in Indiana, Overton maintained a two-to-three car-length advantage as the top four ran within striking distance during much of the first 15 laps. The top four remained unchanged until Overton slowed under caution with a flat left-rear tire, sending him to the Heartbeat Hot Sauce Hot Pit. O’Neal inherited the lead, and Sheppard moved past Troutman for third on lap 37. Sheppard then advanced to second before suffering a right-rear flat tire with 40 laps complete. Moran moved into the runner-up position as he and sixth-starting McCreadie attempted to chase down O’Neal over the final five laps. However, O’Neal pulled away, crossing the finish line 1.474 seconds ahead to earn his nation-leading seventh win of the season. The victory marked O’Neal’s 37th career Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series triumph. The 25-year-old Martinsville, Indiana native will head to Golden Isles Speedway next week as the series points leader. “I’m speechless right now. I don’t even know what to say. What an amazing start to the year for this SSI Motorsports team,” said O’Neal. “We have to give credit where credit is due to Kevin Rumley and Longhorn Chassis, who have helped us along the way. It’s so awesome to be in this position. When I crossed the finish line, the first word that came to mind was ‘speechless.’ I just try to give glory to God and do the best we can every day. It wouldn’t be possible without all of you fans, these amazing racetracks, and the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series giving us a great place to race.” “Even though we had a lot of rain yesterday and it was kind of uncertain today, Bubba and everyone here at Ocala Speedway worked their tails off to give us the best racetrack possible, and it turned out to be pretty good.” Moran finished second after starting fifth, continuing his streak of top-10 finishes at Ocala. He has never finished outside the top 10 in LOLMDS competition at the Bubba Clem-promoted facility. “It was a good points night. The 71 car is just a little bit better than we are right now,” Moran said. “He can get to the front quicker than we can. I’ve got to figure out why the only two heat races we’ve won this year, we’ve gone on to win the feature that night. We just need to work on our early-night package and start up front more often.” “Honestly, Bubba and those guys did a way better job than any of us expected. We all thought it was going to get really rough and be really bad. It had a little chop, but all-in-all they did a great job,” added the Dresden, Ohio native, who currently sits second in the championship standings. “If I was going to pass Hudson, it was going to have to come from his mistake — maybe if he got over the banking in turns three and four or pushed up into the wall in one and two. I was trying to stay close but also avoid flat tires or hurting the engine. We went four-for-four on the podium here this week, and I can’t complain.” McCreadie, Thursday night’s Hoker Trucking Hard Charger of the Race, rounded out the Big River Steel Podium in third during Saturday’s finale. “It stayed pretty tacky the whole time. Hats off to Bubba and his guys — they could have easily written it off and quit because it was such a big purse. I don’t think anybody would have blamed them, but they worked hard, and I hope we did it justice for everyone tonight. It was about all you could get tonight.” The winning SSI Motorsports, Longhorn Chassis is powered by Clements Racing Engines and sponsored by Big River Steel, Wheeler Metals, Merrill Bonding Company, Professional Concrete Cutting and Drilling, O’Neal’s Salvage and Recycling, Lineal Contracting, Beeman Lumber, Seven Spurs Ranch, Indiana USSSA Fast Pitch Softball, Sunoco Race Fuels, and Lucas Oil Products. Completing the top 10 were Brendan Smith, Max Blair, Kyle Bronson, Ricky Thornton Jr., and Clay Harris. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Race Summary Wieland Winter NationalsSaturday, February 28, 2026Ocala Speedway | Ocala, FL Allstar Performance Time TrialsFast Time Group A: Drake Troutman | 14.525 secondsFast Time Group B: Brandon Overton | 14.338 seconds (Overall) Penske Shocks Heat Race #1 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 22*-Drake Troutman[1]; 2. 99-Devin Moran[4]; 3. 49-Jonathan Davenport[6]; 4. 12M-Ryan Montgomery[3]; 5. 58-Garrett Alberson[7]; 6. C4-Freddie Carpenter[9]; 7. 58V-Daulton Wilson[2]; 8. 79-Cory Hedgecock[5]; 9. 32J-Justin Weaver[8] Summit Racing Products Heat Race #2 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 1-Brandon Sheppard[1]; 2. 3S-Brian Shirley[2]; 3. 111-Max Blair[5]; 4. 60-Dan Ebert[3]; 5. 22-Daniel Hilsabeck[6]; 6. 11-Josh Rice[7]; 7. 13-Dallon Murty[4]; 8. 28-Dennis Erb Jr[8] Cool-It Thermo-Tec Heat Race #3 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 76-Brandon Overton[1]; 2. 9-Tim McCreadie[2]; 3. 93-Carson Ferguson[3]; 4. 1T-Tyler Erb[4]; 5. 76N-Blair Nothdurft[5]; 6. 40B-Kyle Bronson[6]; 7. 77-Preston Luckman[7]; 8. 09-Michael Leach[8]; 9. 93L-Cory Lawler[9] Simpson Race Products Heat Race #4 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 71-Hudson O’Neal[1]; 2. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[2]; 3. 99B-Boom Briggs[3]; 4. 19M-Brenden Smith[4]; 5. 6-Clay Harris[5]; 6. 8-Dillon McCowan[7]; 7. 7-Ross Robinson[8]; 8. 15K-Cody Overton[6] Fast Shafts B-Main Race #1 Finish (6 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 22-Daniel Hilsabeck[2]; 2. 58-Garrett Alberson[1]; 3. 11-Josh Rice[4]; 4. C4-Freddie Carpenter[3]; 5. 13-Dallon Murty[6]; 6. 28-Dennis Erb Jr[8]; 7. (DNS) 58V-Daulton Wilson; 8. (DNS) 79-Cory Hedgecock; 9. (DNS) 32J-Justin Weaver UNOH B-Main Race #2 Finish (10 Laps, Top 3 Transfer): 1. 6-Clay Harris[2]; 2. 76N-Blair Nothdurft[1]; 3. 8-Dillon McCowan[4]; 4. 40B-Kyle Bronson[3]; 5. 77-Preston Luckman[5]; 6. 09-Michael Leach[7]; 7. 93L-Cory Lawler[9]; 8. 7-Ross Robinson[6]; 9. (DNS) 15K-Cody Overton Wieland Winter Nationals Feature Finish (50 Laps):Pos – Start – Car # – Competitor – Hometown – Earnings1 – 4 – 71 – Hudson O’Neal – Martinsville, IN – $26,2002 – 5 – 99 – Devin Moran – Dresden, OH – $11,1003 – 6 – 9 – Tim McCreadie – Watertown, NY – $6,0004 – 9 – 49 – Jonathan Davenport – Blairsville, GA – $4,0005 – 1 – 22* – Drake Troutman – Hyndman, PA – $3,5006 – 16 – 19M – Brenden Smith – Dade City, FL – $3,4007 – 11 – 111 – Max Blair – Centerville, PA – $2,5008 – 25 – 40B – Kyle Bronson – Brandon, FL – $9009 – 8 – 20RT – Ricky Thornton Jr – Chandler, AZ – $3,30010 – 18 – 6 – Clay Harris – Jupiter, FL – $2,80011 – 7 – 3S – Brian Shirley – Chatham, IL – $2,00012 – 20 – 76N – Blair Nothdurft – Renner, SD – $1,90013 – 17 – 22 – Daniel Hilsabeck – Earlham, IA – $2,50014 – 15 – 60 – Dan Ebert – Lake Shore, MN – $2,40015 – 3 – 1 – Brandon Sheppard – New Berlin, IL – $2,30016 – 22 – 8 – Dillon McCowan – Urbana, MO – $1,50017 – 2 – 76 – Brandon Overton – Evans, GA – $2,30018 – 21 – 11 – Josh Rice – Crittenden, KY – $2,20019 – 14 – 1T – Tyler Erb – New Waverly, TX – $1,50020 – 10 – 93 – Carson Ferguson – Lincolnton, NC – $2,20021 – 23 – 93L – Cory Lawler – Hanover, PA – $2,20022 – 12 – 99B – Boom Briggs – Bear Lake, PA – $1,50023 – 19 – 58 – Garrett Alberson – Las Cruces, NM – $2,20024 – 13 – 12M – Ryan Montgomery – Fairmont, WV – $1,50025 – 24 – 79 – Cory Hedgecock – Loudon, TN – $2,200 Race Statistics  Entrants: 34Bilstein Shocks Pole Sitter: Drake TroutmanMD3 Lap Leaders: Brandon Overton (Laps 1-36); Hudson O’Neal (Laps 37-50)Hellraizer Jacks Halfway Leader: Brandon OvertonWieland Feature Winner: Hudson O’NealMargin of Victory: 1.474 secondsHellraizer Jacks Cautions: Cory Lawler (Lap 10); Garrett Alberson (Lap 21); Brian Shirley (Lap 36); Carson Ferguson (Lap 39); Brandon Sheppard (Lap 43)MyRacePass Series Provisionals: Cory Lawler; Cory HedgecockFast Time Provisional: n/aEmergency Provisionals: Kyle BronsonTrack Provisional: n/aBig River Steel Podium Top 3: Hudson O’Neal, Devin Moran, Tim McCreadiePenske Shocks Top 5: Hudson O’Neal, Devin Moran, Tim McCreadie, Jonathan Davenport, Drake TroutmanBehrent’s One-Lap-to-Go Top 3: Hudson O’Neal, Devin Moran, Tim McCreadiePEM 4th Place Feature: Jonathan DavenportDiversified Machine 5th Place Feature: Drake TroutmanWilwood Brakes 7th Place Feature: Max BlairWehrs Machine 11th Place Feature: Brian ShirleyVelocity Manufacturing 13th Place Feature: Daniel HilsabeckXS Power Batteries 15th Place Feature: Brandon SheppardHoker Trucking Hard Charger of the Race: Kyle Bronson (Advanced 17 positions)MD3 Most Laps Led: Brandon Overton (36 Laps)Sunoco Race Fuels Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Hudson O’NealMidwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Hudson O’NealO’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Race: n/aPro Fabrication Headers Fastest Lap of the Race: Brandon Overton | Lap 22 | 14.174 secondsFK Rod Ends Hard Luck Award: Brandon OvertonVictory Fuel Power Move of the Race: Brandon SheppardOuterwears Crew Chief of the Race: Jason DurhamARP Engine Builder of the Race: Clements Race EnginesMiller Welders Chassis Builder of the Race: Longhorn ChassisDirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps: Brenden Smith | 14.693 secondsTime of Race: 28 minutes 39 secondsBig River Steel Championship Standings Presented by ARP:Pos – Car # – Competitor – Hometown – Points – Earnings1 – 71 – Hudson O’Neal – Martinsville, IN – 1185 – $63,2002 – 99 – Devin Moran – Dresden, OH – 1135 – $46,8003 – 76 – Brandon Overton – Evans, GA – 1045 – $21,6004 – 1 – Brandon Sheppard – New Berlin, IL – 945 – $29,5755 – 6 – Clay Harris – Jupiter, FL – 920 – $20,0006 – 40B – Kyle Bronson – Brandon, FL – 920 – $10,1007 – 93 – Carson Ferguson – Lincolnton, NC – 900 – $12,9008 – 20RT – Ricky Thornton Jr – Chandler, AZ – 890 – $12,3509 – 111 – Max Blair – Centerville, PA – 870 – $9,60010 – 60 – Dan Ebert – Lake Shore, MN – 865 – $11,32511 – 3s – Brian Shirley – Chatham, IL – 855 – $10,50012 – 11 – Josh Rice – Crittenden, KY – 840 – $10,32513 – 79 – Cory Hedgecock – Loudon, TN – 795 – $8,80014 – 58 – Garrett Alberson – Las Cruces, NM – 785 – $12,00015 – 19M – Brenden Smith – Dade City, FL – 720 – $7,97516 – 22 – Daniel Hilsabeck – Earlham, IA – 715 – $6,95017 – 76N – Blair Nothdurft – Renner, SD – 655 – $4,65018 – 13 – Dallon Murty – Chelsea, IA – 640 – $4,55019 – 9 – Michael Leach – Sun River, MT – 640 – $3,50020 – 8 – Dillon McCowan – Urbana, MO – 635 – $3,67521 – 93L – Cory Lawler – Hanover, PA – 625 – $5,90022 – 7 – Ross Robinson – Georgetown, DE – 625 – $3,92523 – 77 – Preston Luckman – Coos Bay, OR – 610 – $3,02524 – C4 – Freddie Carpenter – Parkersburg, WV – 540 – $70025 – 5 – Mark Whitener – Middleburg, FL – 515 – $5,400