Media conference transcript with Corvette Racing factory driver heading to Monterey

Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports driver Tommy Milner met with members of the media via Zoom on Monday afternoon to discuss this weekend’s StubHub Monterey SportsCar Championship at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The Corvette Racing factory driver is a three-time winner at the circuit including twice with Corvette Racing (2012 and 2021). He and Nicky Catsburg are third in the GTD PRO Drivers Championship and placed third at this race in 2024. The team’s two Corvettes will compete at Laguna in a special throwback livery similar to the 2000 early-season Corvette C5-Rs. TOMMY MILNER, NO. 4 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.RTell us a little bit about the throwback livery and what you’re looking forward to this weekend? “Yeah, obviously super, super cool livery from the team, joining some other teams this weekend. To throw it back to an earlier era of Corvette Racing. I think the response so far from the crew has been pretty positive, with some of them hoping that we can continue that for the rest of the season with that livery. A fun thing to do, especially with the history that Corvette Racing has and some of the details. If you look at the door panel there, it says Pratt Miller Motorsports Plus. So, kind of harkening back to some of the other sponsors that were on the door. Super cool to be in that car and fun for the fans to see something new every now and then.“For me, I’m excited to be at Laguna. I feel like Nicky and I have had a good start to the season so far, kind of building on some momentum from last year as well. The goal at times last year was just trying to get race wins. This year, both Nicky and I agreed that just getting points is more important than always going for outright race wins. It’s great to be in a good position and getting those points at the first two races. Obviously, a lot of racing happening there, 36 hours of racing, and to be at the front for most of that hopefully bodes well for the rest of the season. But now we kind of get into the meat of the season here in IMSA where these two-hour and 40-minute races will feel quick, and will feel short compared to those first two endurance races. So, really minimizing mistakes in the race, making sure that we have a good race car from the start to the finish. And, hoping to continue down the path of scoring points and going for a championship.”

I was going to ask you about the whole win situation. You obviously won in an SRO with the car, but not in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. What made you guys sort of change your focus to just collecting points? Was it a similar strategy to what Alex (Sims) and Antonio (Garcia) did last year? Are you trying to sort of replicate that kind of approach?

Corvette Racing Media Resources Documents | Statistics | Photos | Factory Driver Bios | Chevrolet Newsroom

“What happens a little bit as the year goes on – we had good races last year, but for one reason or another, we didn’t get a result to show for it – and then as the year builds, that frustration grows a little bit. You feel like those races that you had good races going and didn’t have the result to show for it, you start to reach a little bit to make something happen. Then that becomes your focus – just getting those wins. Which obviously for us, that didn’t work last year and in different years that I’ve won championships and years that I’ve had success and years that I haven’t had success.“I’ve been doing it long enough now that you realize that racing – as Doug Fehan always says – is 50 percent great team, great driver, great preparation, and 50 percent luck. Oftentimes, if you’re trying too hard to make something happen, then you’re not achieving what you’re setting out to do. So, if you think about putting yourself in the best position at the end of the race, whether that’s second, third, fourth, or whatever it may be, if you put yourself in that position, then you’re giving yourself a chance to win the race as opposed to trying to make something happen that maybe is not in the cards for that day. It goes both ways. You can have an extraordinary race and really overachieve in many ways and you get the win that way, but it was not working out that way for us last year.“So, a little bit of a different mentality. Again, I felt like we had chances to win last year that didn’t quite work in our favor. We’ve had chances to win both of the first races this year as well and it didn’t fall our way. So, not getting frustrated with that, leaning on the fact that we have good race cars, and we’ve had good races. One of these times, it will turn around. I’ve never been a very superstitious kind of person. I didn’t realize I hadn’t won in IMSA since 2020-2021. So it’s been a little while since then. Mostly, you lean back on the team’s performance, my performance, that kind of stuff. I’ve had some good races, had some bad ones too, but I think mostly, learning every race, trying to improve myself every race, continuing on that path and one of these days it will turn around for sure.”What are you looking forward to most? What’s the kind of an advantage that you guys can see in yourselves coming into Laguna that you guys can kind of take and hopefully eradicate that five-year win drought? “With Corvette Racing and Pratt Miller, it’s the strength of the team, the strength of the engineering staff there, all the men and women on the team. I’ve said since day one with this team that I feel like every time I’m at the track, they provide me a chance to win the race. Nicky and Sims are in the sim right now, the DIL (Driver In The Loop) sim in Charlotte. So, they’re getting some time trying to find as much laptime as they can with some setup options for us. We always lean on our strengths. And I feel like right now the team’s working well together, Nicky, myself, Alexander and Antonio as well, we gel well together and have a lot of fun at the racetrack and push each other to be better and better. That’s all we can do, is just focus on ourselves… figure out once we get going here, what our strengths and weaknesses are, and then from there build a plan for the race that we think is going to either keep us up front if that’s where we are pace-wise, or if we’re not quite the quickest then then looking for a strategy for the race that can provide us a chance to be more towards the front there as well. So, hopefully a little bit of good luck with that paint scheme from the days of the C5-R when that thing was winning everything. And really put our foot forward for the rest of the season, with the first of the sprint races here in IMSA.” What’s the one area track you think you can kind of gain the most with that Corvette as opposed to everybody else?“The way our Corvette has been this year, and in previous years as well, braking performance is quite strong. We have some of our aero back for this race so that’s always been a strength. So the drive up the hill, Turn Five and Turn Six, is usually pretty quick for us. Rainey Curve has been good. We’ll see how we look once we’re on the racetrack and how we compare, but that’s always been sort of our strengths. It’s tough, the drive up the hill. Laguna is not a very fast racetrack in the sense there’s not a long straightaway. We barely get into sixth gear there. But up the hill from Turn Five all the way to the Corkscrew still requires a pretty powerful engine to find laptime. So yeah, we’ll see how we fare once we get to the weekend.”

CORVETTE RACING AT LAGUNA SECA: Tommy Milner Q&AMedia conference transcript with Corvette Racing factory driver heading to Monterey

Corvette Racing by Pratt Miller Motorsports driver Tommy Milner met with members of the media via Zoom on Monday afternoon to discuss this weekend’s StubHub Monterey SportsCar Championship at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca. The Corvette Racing factory driver is a three-time winner at the circuit including twice with Corvette Racing (2012 and 2021). He and Nicky Catsburg are third in the GTD PRO Drivers Championship and placed third at this race in 2024. The team’s two Corvettes will compete at Laguna in a special throwback livery similar to the 2000 early-season Corvette C5-Rs. TOMMY MILNER, NO. 4 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.RTell us a little bit about the throwback livery and what you’re looking forward to this weekend? “Yeah, obviously super, super cool livery from the team, joining some other teams this weekend. To throw it back to an earlier era of Corvette Racing. I think the response so far from the crew has been pretty positive, with some of them hoping that we can continue that for the rest of the season with that livery. A fun thing to do, especially with the history that Corvette Racing has and some of the details. If you look at the door panel there, it says Pratt Miller Motorsports Plus. So, kind of harkening back to some of the other sponsors that were on the door. Super cool to be in that car and fun for the fans to see something new every now and then.“For me, I’m excited to be at Laguna. I feel like Nicky and I have had a good start to the season so far, kind of building on some momentum from last year as well. The goal at times last year was just trying to get race wins. This year, both Nicky and I agreed that just getting points is more important than always going for outright race wins. It’s great to be in a good position and getting those points at the first two races. Obviously, a lot of racing happening there, 36 hours of racing, and to be at the front for most of that hopefully bodes well for the rest of the season. But now we kind of get into the meat of the season here in IMSA where these two-hour and 40-minute races will feel quick, and will feel short compared to those first two endurance races. So, really minimizing mistakes in the race, making sure that we have a good race car from the start to the finish. And, hoping to continue down the path of scoring points and going for a championship.”

I was going to ask you about the whole win situation. You obviously won in an SRO with the car, but not in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. What made you guys sort of change your focus to just collecting points? Was it a similar strategy to what Alex (Sims) and Antonio (Garcia) did last year? Are you trying to sort of replicate that kind of approach?

Corvette Racing Media Resources Documents | Statistics | Photos | Factory Driver Bios | Chevrolet Newsroom

“What happens a little bit as the year goes on – we had good races last year, but for one reason or another, we didn’t get a result to show for it – and then as the year builds, that frustration grows a little bit. You feel like those races that you had good races going and didn’t have the result to show for it, you start to reach a little bit to make something happen. Then that becomes your focus – just getting those wins. Which obviously for us, that didn’t work last year and in different years that I’ve won championships and years that I’ve had success and years that I haven’t had success.“I’ve been doing it long enough now that you realize that racing – as Doug Fehan always says – is 50 percent great team, great driver, great preparation, and 50 percent luck. Oftentimes, if you’re trying too hard to make something happen, then you’re not achieving what you’re setting out to do. So, if you think about putting yourself in the best position at the end of the race, whether that’s second, third, fourth, or whatever it may be, if you put yourself in that position, then you’re giving yourself a chance to win the race as opposed to trying to make something happen that maybe is not in the cards for that day. It goes both ways. You can have an extraordinary race and really overachieve in many ways and you get the win that way, but it was not working out that way for us last year.“So, a little bit of a different mentality. Again, I felt like we had chances to win last year that didn’t quite work in our favor. We’ve had chances to win both of the first races this year as well and it didn’t fall our way. So, not getting frustrated with that, leaning on the fact that we have good race cars, and we’ve had good races. One of these times, it will turn around. I’ve never been a very superstitious kind of person. I didn’t realize I hadn’t won in IMSA since 2020-2021. So it’s been a little while since then. Mostly, you lean back on the team’s performance, my performance, that kind of stuff. I’ve had some good races, had some bad ones too, but I think mostly, learning every race, trying to improve myself every race, continuing on that path and one of these days it will turn around for sure.”What are you looking forward to most? What’s the kind of an advantage that you guys can see in yourselves coming into Laguna that you guys can kind of take and hopefully eradicate that five-year win drought? “With Corvette Racing and Pratt Miller, it’s the strength of the team, the strength of the engineering staff there, all the men and women on the team. I’ve said since day one with this team that I feel like every time I’m at the track, they provide me a chance to win the race. Nicky and Sims are in the sim right now, the DIL (Driver In The Loop) sim in Charlotte. So, they’re getting some time trying to find as much laptime as they can with some setup options for us. We always lean on our strengths. And I feel like right now the team’s working well together, Nicky, myself, Alexander and Antonio as well, we gel well together and have a lot of fun at the racetrack and push each other to be better and better. That’s all we can do, is just focus on ourselves… figure out once we get going here, what our strengths and weaknesses are, and then from there build a plan for the race that we think is going to either keep us up front if that’s where we are pace-wise, or if we’re not quite the quickest then then looking for a strategy for the race that can provide us a chance to be more towards the front there as well. So, hopefully a little bit of good luck with that paint scheme from the days of the C5-R when that thing was winning everything. And really put our foot forward for the rest of the season, with the first of the sprint races here in IMSA.” What’s the one area track you think you can kind of gain the most with that Corvette as opposed to everybody else?“The way our Corvette has been this year, and in previous years as well, braking performance is quite strong. We have some of our aero back for this race so that’s always been a strength. So the drive up the hill, Turn Five and Turn Six, is usually pretty quick for us. Rainey Curve has been good. We’ll see how we look once we’re on the racetrack and how we compare, but that’s always been sort of our strengths. It’s tough, the drive up the hill. Laguna is not a very fast racetrack in the sense there’s not a long straightaway. We barely get into sixth gear there. But up the hill from Turn Five all the way to the Corkscrew still requires a pretty powerful engine to find laptime. So yeah, we’ll see how we fare once we get to the weekend.”

The throwback Corvettes look awesome. We know the team’s track record, we know your track record here, and I think it’s awesome to have this throwback weekend. I know people will say it’s a little bit late to the game compared to like NASCAR with the throwback weekend, but even still, no matter the timing, how important is it to have an event like this where we, you know, take a moment to honor the history of American sports car racing?“Yeah, no question. I think the idea was a great one. Sports car racing has been growing in popularity considerably over the last couple of years. Having been racing for a long time, one of my first wins in my career was 2005 at Laguna here, it’s been a long time for me, and when you think about what it was then and where we are now, it’s always been this general upslope in popularity. So, you can say that we’re late to the game in some ways, but I think it just tracks well with sports car racing. Obviously, there’s a huge history in the United States, but kind of in its current form to start to have teams that have been around for as long as they have. Obviously, Corvette Racing being the oldest kind of continuously running teams… there’s a lot of history there to pull from, from our side. And it’s one for the fans, right? Sports car racing has grown in popularity and we have a lot of new fans, and it’s fun to expose them to the not-so-distant past in some ways of sports car racing. I think in many ways, it encourages these new fans to take a look back at where sports car racing was 10/15/20 years ago and to see what it was like then. And, and I think in general, many fans. Many people in the paddock have great memories of those previous times, especially a lot of the Corvette Racing fans. So yeah, it’s great for us to be a part of that, great to kind of give a nod to the team of the past and hopefully make some of our own history this weekend.”

CONCORD, NC (April 27, 2026) – A huge week of Late Model racing in the Midwest is on the horizon.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision is gearing up for a stretch of four races in five nights across two tracks in Iowa and Wisconsin. First up is the first midweek race of the 2026 season, a visit to Independence Motor Speedway on Tuesday, April 28, for a 40-lap, $12,000-to-win, showdown.

Following a travel day on Wednesday, one of the region’s marquee events lies ahead on Thursday-Saturday, April 30-May 2. Mississippi Thunder Speedway has become a favorite among fans and drivers in recent years, and the Dairyland Showdown has risen in stature right alongside it. The festivities begin with a pair of 30-lap, $10,000-to-win, shows on Thursday and Friday before Saturday’s 50-lap, $40,000-to-win, finale, the highest-paying World of Outlaws race of the season thus far.

The Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet will be accompanied by the Karl Chevrolet Premier Late Model Tour, IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Stock Cars at Independence and the USRA Northern Lights Modified Series at Mississippi Thunder.

GET TICKETS

WATCH LIVE ON DIRTVISION

Here are this week’s top storylines:

THE BATTLE RAGES ON: The way the championship battle has gone so far, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the points lead changed hands four more times this week.

Nick Hoffman and Bobby Pierce have remained neck-and-neck since the season began in Florida, and the gap sits at two points entering Independence. Last time the Series raced at the Iowa facility two years ago, Pierce picked up the win while Hoffman finished third.

Both men are former winners at Mississippi Thunder, as Hoffman won once in each of the last two years while Pierce was victorious in 2022. Even when they aren’t winning, they’re still running up front – it’s been three years since either of them finished off the podium in Fountain City.

WELCOME HOME: Ryan Gustin is getting his first chance of the year to race in his home state at the perfect time.

The Marshalltown, IA native hasn’t been pleased with how he’s started his sixth full-time World of Outlaws season, as he’s sitting sixth in points and is still searching for his first Series win of the year. Gustin had yet to win anywhere in 2026 until April 17, when he topped a Northern Allstars Late Model Dirt Series race at Paragon Speedway to generate some momentum.

But “The Reaper” wasn’t done there. Seven days later, Gustin met up with the MARS Late Model Championship at Brownstown Bullring on Friday night and bagged another trophy. Saturday’s agenda led him to Farmington Empire Speedway for a duel with the Midwest Late Model Racing Association (MLRA), which he won to collect an additional $5,000 and extend his win streak to three ahead of his return to the World of Outlaws circuit.

After years of racing at Independence in a Modified, Gustin made his first Super Late Model start there with the World of Outlaws in 2024 and finished seventh. Mississippi Thunder has been the better track of the two for Gustin historically, as he won a World of Outlaws race there two years ago to go along with his five United States Modified Touring Series victories at the track.

TERBO TIME: Tyler Erb may not have been racing full-time with the World of Outlaws over the past several years, but the Dairyland Showdown has still been an annual stop for the Best Performance Motorsports team just the same.

The New Waverly, TX native’s first trip to Mississippi Thunder in 2022 resulted in a pair of top fives. He collected another one in 2024, then broke through in the Friday portion of last year’s event for his fourth World of Outlaws win and first at somewhere other than Atomic Speedway.

Like Gustin, Erb is also seeking his first Series win of the season. The two are locked in a close points battle for the last spot in the top five, with Erb leading Gustin by five points ahead of his Independence debut on Tuesday night.

SORENSEN’S STOMPING GROUNDS: Outside of the July weekend at Deer Creek Speedway, Mississippi Thunder is as close as Dustin Sorensen gets to home while racing with the World of Outlaws.

The Rochester, MN driver is rolling into his home region ninth in points with 16 races complete in his third full-time season. Sorensen capped off Speedweeks with four-straight top 10s in Florida, but he proceeded to stumble a bit in the March southern swing. He’s made modest gains as of late, finishing 12th or better in his last three starts.

His rookie World of Outlaws season included a 13th-place run at Independence, while he has a best finish of sixth in five Feature starts at Mississippi Thunder. He does have two Late Model wins there with the Wisconsin-based Dirt Kings Late Model Tour to go along with his pair of USMTS triumphs.

SUPERMAN WATCH: A refreshed, independent schedule for Jonathan Davenport will take him north for four nights against the World of Outlaws this week.

The Blairsville, GA driver will get his first look at Independence on Tuesday, but he’s become fond of Mississippi Thunder in the few appearances he’s made there. Davenport scored the Friday win in his first Dairyland Showdown in 2022 but hasn’t made any planned visits since. That was until last year’s Ralph Latham Memorial at Florence Speedway rained out early enough for Davenport to pivot and make the eight-hour drive north to Mississippi Thunder for the Saturday finale, in which he finished ninth.

Other names expected to hit the track this week include Tyler Bruening, Dallon Murty, Jake Timm, Chad Simpson, Chris Simpson, Garrett Alberson, Cade Dillard and many more.

WHEN AND WHERE:
Tuesday, April 28, at Independence Motor Speedway in Independence, IA
Thursday-Saturday, April 30-May 2, at Mississippi Thunder Speedway in Fountain City, WI

CURRENT POINT STANDINGS:
1. Nick Hoffman (2198 points)
2. Bobby Pierce (-2)
3. Tim McCreadie (-139)
4. Daulton Wilson (-158)
5. Tyler Erb (-173)
6. Ryan Gustin (-178)
7. Drake Troutman (-192)
8. Ethan Dotson (-206)
9. Dustin Sorensen (-261)
10. Dennis Erb Jr. (-267)

FEATURE WINNERS (7):
Bobby Pierce – 5
Nick Hoffman – 4
Brandon Sheppard – 2
Hudson O’Neal – 2
Tim McCreadie – 1
Chris Madden – 1
Mike Marlar – 1

FEATURE TOP FIVES (18):
Nick Hoffman – 14
Bobby Pierce – 11
Brandon Sheppard – 6
Tim McCreadie – 6
Chris Madden – 5
Tyler Erb – 5
Ryan Gustin – 4
Daulton Wilson – 4
Drake Troutman – 4
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 4
Hudson O’Neal – 3
Jonathan Davenport – 3
Ethan Dotson – 3
Dale McDowell – 2
Ashton Winger – 2
Dennis Erb Jr. – 2
Mike Marlar – 2
Brandon Overton – 1

FEATURE LAPS LED (17):
Nick Hoffman – 157
Bobby Pierce – 95
Brandon Sheppard – 78
Chris Madden – 73
Drake Troutman – 47
Hudson O’Neal – 45
Jonathan Davenport – 45
Mike Marlar – 39
Daulton Wilson – 37
Tim McCreadie – 28
Ryan Gustin – 22
Ashton Winger – 22
Brandon Overton – 12
Michael Leach – 10
Sam Seawright – 5
Dale McDowell – 4
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 2

BILSTEIN POLE AWARDS (11):
Nick Hoffman – 3
Chris Madden – 2
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 1
Drake Troutman – 1
Ryan Gustin – 1
Jonathan Davenport – 1
Ashton Winger – 1
Daulton Wilson – 1
Brandon Overton – 1
Michael Leach – 1
Sam Seawright – 1

SIMPSON QUICK TIME AWARDS (11):
Nick Hoffman – 4
Chris Madden – 2
Drake Troutman – 2
Ryan Gustin – 1
Daulton Wilson – 1
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 1
Jonathan Davenport – 1
Ashton Winger – 1
Brandon Overton – 1
Sam Seawright – 1
Michael Leach – 1

HEAT RACE WINS (28):
Nick Hoffman – 10
Chris Madden – 7
Bobby Pierce – 6
Tyler Erb – 5
Brandon Sheppard – 4
Drake Troutman – 4
Ryan Gustin – 4
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 3
Brandon Overton – 3
Hudson O’Neal – 2
Daulton Wilson – 2
Jonathan Davenport – 2
Tim McCreadie – 1
Mike Marlar – 1
Ashton Winger – 1
Dale McDowell – 1
Dennis Erb Jr. – 1
Devin Moran – 1
Michael Leach – 1
Trey Mills – 1
Cody Overton – 1
Dustin Sorensen – 1
Tristan Chamberlain – 1
Sam Seawright – 1
Austin Smith – 1
Dan Ebert – 1
Blair Nothdurft – 1
Donald McIntosh – 1

LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (23):
Dennis Erb Jr. – 3
Josh Rice – 3
Bobby Pierce – 2
Ethan Dotson – 2
Tim McCreadie – 1
Daulton Wilson – 1
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 1
Ryan Gustin – 1
Michael Page – 1
Jake Timm – 1
Jason Feger – 1
Tristan Chamberlain – 1
Cody Overton – 1
Logan Zarin – 1
Carson Ferguson – 1
Shane Clanton – 1
Dalton Cook – 1
Dallon Murty – 1
Michael Leach – 1
Dan Ebert – 1
Cory Hedgecock – 1
Brian Shirley – 1
Luke Morey – 1

2026 WORLD OF OUTLAWS LATE MODEL SERIES PRESENTED BY DIRTVISION SCHEDULE
Wednesday, Jan. 21 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL (Practice)
Thursday, Jan. 22 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Chris Madden (1)
Friday, Jan. 23 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Hudson O’Neal (1)
Saturday, Jan. 24 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Tim McCreadie (1)
Thursday, Feb. 12 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Nick Hoffman (1)
Friday, Feb. 13 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Nick Hoffman (2)
Saturday, Feb. 14 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Brandon Sheppard (1)
Thursday, Feb. 19 / Hendry County Motorsports Park / Clewiston, FL (Practice)
Friday, Feb. 20 / Hendry County Motorsports Park / Clewiston, FL / Bobby Pierce (1)
Saturday, Feb. 21 / Hendry County Motorsports Park / Clewiston, FL / Nick Hoffman (3)
Friday, March 13 / Volunteer Speedway / Bulls Gap, TN / Mike Marlar (1)
Saturday, March 14 / Smoky Mountain Speedway / Maryville, TN / Bobby Pierce (2)
Thursday, March 19 / Magnolia Motor Speedway / Columbus, MS (Practice)
Friday, March 20 / Magnolia Motor Speedway / Columbus, MS / Bobby Pierce (3)
Saturday, March 21 / Magnolia Motor Speedway / Columbus, MS / Hudson O’Neal (2)
Friday, March 27 / East Alabama Motor Speedway / Phenix City, AL / Nick Hoffman (4)
Saturday, March 28 / Senoia Raceway / Senoia, GA / Bobby Pierce (4)
Thursday, April 9 / Farmer City Raceway / Farmer City, IL (Practice)
Friday, April 10 / Farmer City Raceway / Farmer City, IL / Brandon Sheppard (2)
Saturday, April 11 / Farmer City Raceway / Farmer City, IL / Bobby Pierce (5)
Tuesday, April 28 / Independence Motor Speedway / Independence, IA
Thursday, April 30 / Mississippi Thunder Speedway / Fountain City, WI
Friday, May 1 / Mississippi Thunder Speedway / Fountain City, WI
Saturday, May 2 / Mississippi Thunder Speedway / Fountain City, WI
Wednesday, May 13 / Georgetown Speedway / Georgetown, DE
Thursday, May 14 / Selinsgrove Speedway / Selinsgrove, PA
Friday, May 15 / Marion Center Raceway / Marion Center, PA
Saturday, May 16 / Marion Center Raceway / Marion Center, PA
Sunday, May 17 / Bedford Speedway / Bedford, PA
Thursday, May 28 / Wayne County Speedway / Orrville, OH
Friday, May 29 / Mansfield Speedway / Mansfield, OH
Saturday, May 30 / Mansfield Speedway / Mansfield, OH
Friday, June 12 / West Virginia Motor Speedway / Mineral Wells, WV
Saturday, June 13 / West Virginia Motor Speedway / Mineral Wells, WV
Friday, June 19 / 141 Speedway / Maribel, WI
Saturday, June 20 / 141 Speedway / Maribel, WI
Monday, June 22 / Ogilvie Raceway / Ogilvie, MN
Wednesday, June 24 / I-94 emr Speedway / Fergus Falls, MN
Friday, June 26 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND
Sunday, June 28 / Nodak Speedway / Minot, ND
Tuesday, June 30 / Norman County Raceway / Ada, MN
Thursday, July 2 / Deer Creek Speedway / Spring Valley, MN
Friday, July 3 / Deer Creek Speedway / Spring Valley, MN
Saturday, July 4 / Deer Creek Speedway / Spring Valley, MN
Wednesday, July 8 / Stateline Speedway / Busti, NY
Friday, July 10 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH
Saturday, July 11 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH
Friday, July 24 / Fairbury Speedway / Fairbury, IL
Saturday, July 25 / Fairbury Speedway / Fairbury, IL
Thursday, July 30 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI
Friday, July 31 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI
Saturday, Aug. 1 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI
Thursday, Aug. 20 / Maquoketa Speedway / Maquoketa, IA (Practice)
Friday, Aug. 21 / Maquoketa Speedway / Maquoketa, IA
Saturday, Aug. 22 / Maquoketa Speedway / Maquoketa, IA
Wednesday, Aug. 26 / Southern Iowa Speedway / Oskaloosa, IA
Friday, Aug, 28 / Adams County Speedway / Corning, IA
Saturday, Aug. 29 / Shelby County Speedway / Harlan, IA
Friday, Sept. 25 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Saturday, Sept. 26 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Friday, Oct. 2 / Boothill Speedway / Greenwood, LA
Saturday, Oct. 3 / Boothill Speedway / Greenwood, LA
Friday, Oct. 23 / Modoc Speedway / Modoc, SC
Saturday, Oct. 24 / Modoc Speedway / Modoc, SC
Wednesday, Nov. 4 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Thursday, Nov. 5 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Friday, Nov. 6 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Saturday, Nov. 7 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC 

TOP FIVE STORYLINES: World of Outlaws Rolling North for Midweek Clash at Independence, Dairyland Showdown

CONCORD, NC (April 27, 2026) – A huge week of Late Model racing in the Midwest is on the horizon.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision is gearing up for a stretch of four races in five nights across two tracks in Iowa and Wisconsin. First up is the first midweek race of the 2026 season, a visit to Independence Motor Speedway on Tuesday, April 28, for a 40-lap, $12,000-to-win, showdown.

Following a travel day on Wednesday, one of the region’s marquee events lies ahead on Thursday-Saturday, April 30-May 2. Mississippi Thunder Speedway has become a favorite among fans and drivers in recent years, and the Dairyland Showdown has risen in stature right alongside it. The festivities begin with a pair of 30-lap, $10,000-to-win, shows on Thursday and Friday before Saturday’s 50-lap, $40,000-to-win, finale, the highest-paying World of Outlaws race of the season thus far.

The Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet will be accompanied by the Karl Chevrolet Premier Late Model Tour, IMCA Modifieds and IMCA Stock Cars at Independence and the USRA Northern Lights Modified Series at Mississippi Thunder.

GET TICKETS

WATCH LIVE ON DIRTVISION

Here are this week’s top storylines:

THE BATTLE RAGES ON: The way the championship battle has gone so far, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the points lead changed hands four more times this week.

Nick Hoffman and Bobby Pierce have remained neck-and-neck since the season began in Florida, and the gap sits at two points entering Independence. Last time the Series raced at the Iowa facility two years ago, Pierce picked up the win while Hoffman finished third.

Both men are former winners at Mississippi Thunder, as Hoffman won once in each of the last two years while Pierce was victorious in 2022. Even when they aren’t winning, they’re still running up front – it’s been three years since either of them finished off the podium in Fountain City.

WELCOME HOME: Ryan Gustin is getting his first chance of the year to race in his home state at the perfect time.

The Marshalltown, IA native hasn’t been pleased with how he’s started his sixth full-time World of Outlaws season, as he’s sitting sixth in points and is still searching for his first Series win of the year. Gustin had yet to win anywhere in 2026 until April 17, when he topped a Northern Allstars Late Model Dirt Series race at Paragon Speedway to generate some momentum.

But “The Reaper” wasn’t done there. Seven days later, Gustin met up with the MARS Late Model Championship at Brownstown Bullring on Friday night and bagged another trophy. Saturday’s agenda led him to Farmington Empire Speedway for a duel with the Midwest Late Model Racing Association (MLRA), which he won to collect an additional $5,000 and extend his win streak to three ahead of his return to the World of Outlaws circuit.

After years of racing at Independence in a Modified, Gustin made his first Super Late Model start there with the World of Outlaws in 2024 and finished seventh. Mississippi Thunder has been the better track of the two for Gustin historically, as he won a World of Outlaws race there two years ago to go along with his five United States Modified Touring Series victories at the track.

TERBO TIME: Tyler Erb may not have been racing full-time with the World of Outlaws over the past several years, but the Dairyland Showdown has still been an annual stop for the Best Performance Motorsports team just the same.

The New Waverly, TX native’s first trip to Mississippi Thunder in 2022 resulted in a pair of top fives. He collected another one in 2024, then broke through in the Friday portion of last year’s event for his fourth World of Outlaws win and first at somewhere other than Atomic Speedway.

Like Gustin, Erb is also seeking his first Series win of the season. The two are locked in a close points battle for the last spot in the top five, with Erb leading Gustin by five points ahead of his Independence debut on Tuesday night.

SORENSEN’S STOMPING GROUNDS: Outside of the July weekend at Deer Creek Speedway, Mississippi Thunder is as close as Dustin Sorensen gets to home while racing with the World of Outlaws.

The Rochester, MN driver is rolling into his home region ninth in points with 16 races complete in his third full-time season. Sorensen capped off Speedweeks with four-straight top 10s in Florida, but he proceeded to stumble a bit in the March southern swing. He’s made modest gains as of late, finishing 12th or better in his last three starts.

His rookie World of Outlaws season included a 13th-place run at Independence, while he has a best finish of sixth in five Feature starts at Mississippi Thunder. He does have two Late Model wins there with the Wisconsin-based Dirt Kings Late Model Tour to go along with his pair of USMTS triumphs.

SUPERMAN WATCH: A refreshed, independent schedule for Jonathan Davenport will take him north for four nights against the World of Outlaws this week.

The Blairsville, GA driver will get his first look at Independence on Tuesday, but he’s become fond of Mississippi Thunder in the few appearances he’s made there. Davenport scored the Friday win in his first Dairyland Showdown in 2022 but hasn’t made any planned visits since. That was until last year’s Ralph Latham Memorial at Florence Speedway rained out early enough for Davenport to pivot and make the eight-hour drive north to Mississippi Thunder for the Saturday finale, in which he finished ninth.

Other names expected to hit the track this week include Tyler Bruening, Dallon Murty, Jake Timm, Chad Simpson, Chris Simpson, Garrett Alberson, Cade Dillard and many more.

WHEN AND WHERE:
Tuesday, April 28, at Independence Motor Speedway in Independence, IA
Thursday-Saturday, April 30-May 2, at Mississippi Thunder Speedway in Fountain City, WI

CURRENT POINT STANDINGS:
1. Nick Hoffman (2198 points)
2. Bobby Pierce (-2)
3. Tim McCreadie (-139)
4. Daulton Wilson (-158)
5. Tyler Erb (-173)
6. Ryan Gustin (-178)
7. Drake Troutman (-192)
8. Ethan Dotson (-206)
9. Dustin Sorensen (-261)
10. Dennis Erb Jr. (-267)

FEATURE WINNERS (7):
Bobby Pierce – 5
Nick Hoffman – 4
Brandon Sheppard – 2
Hudson O’Neal – 2
Tim McCreadie – 1
Chris Madden – 1
Mike Marlar – 1

FEATURE TOP FIVES (18):
Nick Hoffman – 14
Bobby Pierce – 11
Brandon Sheppard – 6
Tim McCreadie – 6
Chris Madden – 5
Tyler Erb – 5
Ryan Gustin – 4
Daulton Wilson – 4
Drake Troutman – 4
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 4
Hudson O’Neal – 3
Jonathan Davenport – 3
Ethan Dotson – 3
Dale McDowell – 2
Ashton Winger – 2
Dennis Erb Jr. – 2
Mike Marlar – 2
Brandon Overton – 1

FEATURE LAPS LED (17):
Nick Hoffman – 157
Bobby Pierce – 95
Brandon Sheppard – 78
Chris Madden – 73
Drake Troutman – 47
Hudson O’Neal – 45
Jonathan Davenport – 45
Mike Marlar – 39
Daulton Wilson – 37
Tim McCreadie – 28
Ryan Gustin – 22
Ashton Winger – 22
Brandon Overton – 12
Michael Leach – 10
Sam Seawright – 5
Dale McDowell – 4
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 2

BILSTEIN POLE AWARDS (11):
Nick Hoffman – 3
Chris Madden – 2
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 1
Drake Troutman – 1
Ryan Gustin – 1
Jonathan Davenport – 1
Ashton Winger – 1
Daulton Wilson – 1
Brandon Overton – 1
Michael Leach – 1
Sam Seawright – 1

SIMPSON QUICK TIME AWARDS (11):
Nick Hoffman – 4
Chris Madden – 2
Drake Troutman – 2
Ryan Gustin – 1
Daulton Wilson – 1
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 1
Jonathan Davenport – 1
Ashton Winger – 1
Brandon Overton – 1
Sam Seawright – 1
Michael Leach – 1

HEAT RACE WINS (28):
Nick Hoffman – 10
Chris Madden – 7
Bobby Pierce – 6
Tyler Erb – 5
Brandon Sheppard – 4
Drake Troutman – 4
Ryan Gustin – 4
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 3
Brandon Overton – 3
Hudson O’Neal – 2
Daulton Wilson – 2
Jonathan Davenport – 2
Tim McCreadie – 1
Mike Marlar – 1
Ashton Winger – 1
Dale McDowell – 1
Dennis Erb Jr. – 1
Devin Moran – 1
Michael Leach – 1
Trey Mills – 1
Cody Overton – 1
Dustin Sorensen – 1
Tristan Chamberlain – 1
Sam Seawright – 1
Austin Smith – 1
Dan Ebert – 1
Blair Nothdurft – 1
Donald McIntosh – 1

LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (23):
Dennis Erb Jr. – 3
Josh Rice – 3
Bobby Pierce – 2
Ethan Dotson – 2
Tim McCreadie – 1
Daulton Wilson – 1
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 1
Ryan Gustin – 1
Michael Page – 1
Jake Timm – 1
Jason Feger – 1
Tristan Chamberlain – 1
Cody Overton – 1
Logan Zarin – 1
Carson Ferguson – 1
Shane Clanton – 1
Dalton Cook – 1
Dallon Murty – 1
Michael Leach – 1
Dan Ebert – 1
Cory Hedgecock – 1
Brian Shirley – 1
Luke Morey – 1

2026 WORLD OF OUTLAWS LATE MODEL SERIES PRESENTED BY DIRTVISION SCHEDULE
Wednesday, Jan. 21 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL (Practice)
Thursday, Jan. 22 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Chris Madden (1)
Friday, Jan. 23 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Hudson O’Neal (1)
Saturday, Jan. 24 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Tim McCreadie (1)
Thursday, Feb. 12 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Nick Hoffman (1)
Friday, Feb. 13 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Nick Hoffman (2)
Saturday, Feb. 14 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Brandon Sheppard (1)
Thursday, Feb. 19 / Hendry County Motorsports Park / Clewiston, FL (Practice)
Friday, Feb. 20 / Hendry County Motorsports Park / Clewiston, FL / Bobby Pierce (1)
Saturday, Feb. 21 / Hendry County Motorsports Park / Clewiston, FL / Nick Hoffman (3)
Friday, March 13 / Volunteer Speedway / Bulls Gap, TN / Mike Marlar (1)
Saturday, March 14 / Smoky Mountain Speedway / Maryville, TN / Bobby Pierce (2)
Thursday, March 19 / Magnolia Motor Speedway / Columbus, MS (Practice)
Friday, March 20 / Magnolia Motor Speedway / Columbus, MS / Bobby Pierce (3)
Saturday, March 21 / Magnolia Motor Speedway / Columbus, MS / Hudson O’Neal (2)
Friday, March 27 / East Alabama Motor Speedway / Phenix City, AL / Nick Hoffman (4)
Saturday, March 28 / Senoia Raceway / Senoia, GA / Bobby Pierce (4)
Thursday, April 9 / Farmer City Raceway / Farmer City, IL (Practice)
Friday, April 10 / Farmer City Raceway / Farmer City, IL / Brandon Sheppard (2)
Saturday, April 11 / Farmer City Raceway / Farmer City, IL / Bobby Pierce (5)
Tuesday, April 28 / Independence Motor Speedway / Independence, IA
Thursday, April 30 / Mississippi Thunder Speedway / Fountain City, WI
Friday, May 1 / Mississippi Thunder Speedway / Fountain City, WI
Saturday, May 2 / Mississippi Thunder Speedway / Fountain City, WI
Wednesday, May 13 / Georgetown Speedway / Georgetown, DE
Thursday, May 14 / Selinsgrove Speedway / Selinsgrove, PA
Friday, May 15 / Marion Center Raceway / Marion Center, PA
Saturday, May 16 / Marion Center Raceway / Marion Center, PA
Sunday, May 17 / Bedford Speedway / Bedford, PA
Thursday, May 28 / Wayne County Speedway / Orrville, OH
Friday, May 29 / Mansfield Speedway / Mansfield, OH
Saturday, May 30 / Mansfield Speedway / Mansfield, OH
Friday, June 12 / West Virginia Motor Speedway / Mineral Wells, WV
Saturday, June 13 / West Virginia Motor Speedway / Mineral Wells, WV
Friday, June 19 / 141 Speedway / Maribel, WI
Saturday, June 20 / 141 Speedway / Maribel, WI
Monday, June 22 / Ogilvie Raceway / Ogilvie, MN
Wednesday, June 24 / I-94 emr Speedway / Fergus Falls, MN
Friday, June 26 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND
Sunday, June 28 / Nodak Speedway / Minot, ND
Tuesday, June 30 / Norman County Raceway / Ada, MN
Thursday, July 2 / Deer Creek Speedway / Spring Valley, MN
Friday, July 3 / Deer Creek Speedway / Spring Valley, MN
Saturday, July 4 / Deer Creek Speedway / Spring Valley, MN
Wednesday, July 8 / Stateline Speedway / Busti, NY
Friday, July 10 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH
Saturday, July 11 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH
Friday, July 24 / Fairbury Speedway / Fairbury, IL
Saturday, July 25 / Fairbury Speedway / Fairbury, IL
Thursday, July 30 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI
Friday, July 31 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI
Saturday, Aug. 1 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI
Thursday, Aug. 20 / Maquoketa Speedway / Maquoketa, IA (Practice)
Friday, Aug. 21 / Maquoketa Speedway / Maquoketa, IA
Saturday, Aug. 22 / Maquoketa Speedway / Maquoketa, IA
Wednesday, Aug. 26 / Southern Iowa Speedway / Oskaloosa, IA
Friday, Aug, 28 / Adams County Speedway / Corning, IA
Saturday, Aug. 29 / Shelby County Speedway / Harlan, IA
Friday, Sept. 25 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Saturday, Sept. 26 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Friday, Oct. 2 / Boothill Speedway / Greenwood, LA
Saturday, Oct. 3 / Boothill Speedway / Greenwood, LA
Friday, Oct. 23 / Modoc Speedway / Modoc, SC
Saturday, Oct. 24 / Modoc Speedway / Modoc, SC
Wednesday, Nov. 4 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Thursday, Nov. 5 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Friday, Nov. 6 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Saturday, Nov. 7 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC 

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/latemodels/top-five-storylines-world-of-outlaws-rolling-north-for-midweek-clash-at-independence-dairyland-showdown/

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (April 27, 2026) – Matthew Brabham and his #16 CD Racing GYM WEED Ford Mustang picked up at the green flag Sunday morning where they left off at the checker Saturday, leading the Trans Am field at California’s Sonoma Raceway. The race looked almost like an instant replay taken from the day before. Brabham started from pole, led flag to flag, and set the fastest race lap. “The team has given me such a great race car every weekend,” Brabham said as he walked to the GYM WEED Winners Circle following the race, adding that “it was a lot of fun racing with Paul (Menard, who finished second). Thanks to everyone on the team and especially to Chris (Dyson) for making this possible.” Brabham has now won the first four races of the 2026 Trans Am by Pirelli season, and five straight going back to the 2025 season finale at Circuit of the Americas in Texas. Over the course of his Trans Am career, until this year on a part-time basis, Brabham has won 12 of his 20 starts, all of them piloting a CD Racing entry. Since the halfway point of the Texas race, no other driver has led a lap. Menard, the defending series champion, gave Brabham his best shot today, trading fastest laps along the way. But according to his team owner, Paul Gentilozzi, whenever Menard tried to press Brabham for the race lead he overheated his rear tires and had to ease off. Brabham answered the challenge and set the fastest race lap just past the race’s three-quarter mark, almost a half second quicker than Menard’s best. By the end of the caution-free event, Brabham’s margin of victory was a comfortable 4.176 seconds. “That was an outstanding performance by Matt,” Dyson said afterwards.  “He is setting a brilliant standard each and every weekend. The team and I could not be happier with him. It is inspiring to all of us.”  It was a tough day and a challenging weekend for Brabham’s CD Racing teammate Rafa Matos and his #20 RACER / GYM SODA Ford Mustang. Matos was filling in for team owner Chris Dyson, who had planned to race at Sonoma but had to withdraw when he came down with a severe bout of flu earlier in the week. Matos starred in qualifying and helped the team lock out the front row for Saturday’s opening race. He challenged Brabham and took the lead early, but dropped out from a potential podium finish with a mechanical issue. Then during Sunday morning’s warmup, the engine in the #20 car dropped a cylinder. Despite the best efforts of the CD Racing crew, there wasn’t sufficient time to install a spare engine and get the car to the grid for the race start. “I’m in recuperation mode now,” said Dyson, “But the team’s great results this weekend take some of the sting out of not being able to drive myself and give us a lot of pride – and momentum. I’m looking forward to getting back into the #20 car soon. In the meantime I’m sure grateful to Rafa for being available to stand in for me.”   Lime Rock Park Next On Trans Am Calendar The next event on the Trans Am by Pirelli calendar is at the Dyson team’s home track, Connecticut’s Lime Rock Park, May 21-23. Chris Dyson won there from the pole in 2022 on his way to his second Trans Am championship, with Brabham finishing second. Dyson also won at Lime Rock in 2019 and 2021. Re-Broadcast of Sonoma Races Rebroadcasts of all Trans Am races are available on the Trans Am You Tube channel. Click here for more on Chris Dyson Racing.

Press InformationBRABHAM & CD RACING SWEEP SONOMA TRANS AM WEEKEND WITH SATURDAY AND SUNDAY WINS  POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (April 27, 2026) – Matthew Brabham and his #16 CD Racing GYM WEED Ford Mustang picked up at the green flag Sunday morning where they left off at the checker Saturday, leading the Trans Am field at California’s Sonoma Raceway. The race looked almost like an instant replay taken from the day before. Brabham started from pole, led flag to flag, and set the fastest race lap. “The team has given me such a great race car every weekend,” Brabham said as he walked to the GYM WEED Winners Circle following the race, adding that “it was a lot of fun racing with Paul (Menard, who finished second). Thanks to everyone on the team and especially to Chris (Dyson) for making this possible.” Brabham has now won the first four races of the 2026 Trans Am by Pirelli season, and five straight going back to the 2025 season finale at Circuit of the Americas in Texas. Over the course of his Trans Am career, until this year on a part-time basis, Brabham has won 12 of his 20 starts, all of them piloting a CD Racing entry. Since the halfway point of the Texas race, no other driver has led a lap. Menard, the defending series champion, gave Brabham his best shot today, trading fastest laps along the way. But according to his team owner, Paul Gentilozzi, whenever Menard tried to press Brabham for the race lead he overheated his rear tires and had to ease off. Brabham answered the challenge and set the fastest race lap just past the race’s three-quarter mark, almost a half second quicker than Menard’s best. By the end of the caution-free event, Brabham’s margin of victory was a comfortable 4.176 seconds. “That was an outstanding performance by Matt,” Dyson said afterwards.  “He is setting a brilliant standard each and every weekend. The team and I could not be happier with him. It is inspiring to all of us.”  It was a tough day and a challenging weekend for Brabham’s CD Racing teammate Rafa Matos and his #20 RACER / GYM SODA Ford Mustang. Matos was filling in for team owner Chris Dyson, who had planned to race at Sonoma but had to withdraw when he came down with a severe bout of flu earlier in the week. Matos starred in qualifying and helped the team lock out the front row for Saturday’s opening race. He challenged Brabham and took the lead early, but dropped out from a potential podium finish with a mechanical issue. Then during Sunday morning’s warmup, the engine in the #20 car dropped a cylinder. Despite the best efforts of the CD Racing crew, there wasn’t sufficient time to install a spare engine and get the car to the grid for the race start. “I’m in recuperation mode now,” said Dyson, “But the team’s great results this weekend take some of the sting out of not being able to drive myself and give us a lot of pride – and momentum. I’m looking forward to getting back into the #20 car soon. In the meantime I’m sure grateful to Rafa for being available to stand in for me.”   Lime Rock Park Next On Trans Am Calendar The next event on the Trans Am by Pirelli calendar is at the Dyson team’s home track, Connecticut’s Lime Rock Park, May 21-23. Chris Dyson won there from the pole in 2022 on his way to his second Trans Am championship, with Brabham finishing second. Dyson also won at Lime Rock in 2019 and 2021. Re-Broadcast of Sonoma Races Rebroadcasts of all Trans Am races are available on the Trans Am You Tube channel. Click here for more on Chris Dyson Racing.

View this email in your browser

Event: Jack Link’s 500Location: Talladega Superspeedway, Talladega, AlabamaDate: Sunday, April 26, 2026Start: 26thFinish: 33rdThe stage lengths may have changed for Sunday’s Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, but the “Big One” remained as impactful as ever.That was the case for Josh Berry and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team, who were collected in a Lap 115 incident that resulted in a 33rd-place finish despite showing early speed and executing a solid opening strategy.Berry rolled off 26th after Saturday’s qualifying session was canceled due to rain, with the starting lineup set by the NASCAR Rule Book. The Wood Brothers Racing team opted for a one-stop strategy in Stage 1, which was extended to 98 laps, and it paid off with a sixth-place finish and five valuable stage points.Following a pit stop under caution, Berry restarted 12th to begin Stage 2 and was running inside the top 10 when the 26-car “Big One” broke out ahead of him. With nowhere to go, the No. 21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse sustained heavy damage, forcing the team to the garage for extensive repairs.After returning to the track later in the event, Berry was able to pick up several positions, ultimately gaining five spots from his running position prior to the incident to finish 33rd.Up next, Berry and the Wood Brothers head to Texas Motor Speedway for Sunday’s Würth 400, looking to rebound after a day that showed promise before being cut short.

Sheppard Handles Hagerstown Field on Sunday Night

HAGERSTOWN, MD (April 26, 2026) – Brandon Sheppard dominated Sunday night at Hagerstown Speedway, capturing the Conococheague 40 for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series in commanding fashion. The New Berlin, Illinois native earned $10,000 for his third LOLMDS victory of the season, taking the lead from Brandon Overton on lap three and pacing the remainder of the race. Sheppard crossed the finish line more than five seconds ahead of Overton, with 11th-starting Hudson O’Neal rounding out the Big River Steel podium in third. Current championship points leader Devin Moran finished fourth, and Max Blair completed the top five. Overton led the opening two laps of the annual event, which marked the Series’ 16th appearance at Hagerstown Speedway, before Sheppard surged past him for the top spot on lap three. Once out front, Sheppard quickly built a commanding lead, reaching lapped traffic by lap nine. The race’s only caution came on lap 10, but it did little to slow his momentum. On the restart, Sheppard remained firmly in control, leading the rest of the way in a race that featured just one caution flag. The victory marked the 38th of Sheppard’s Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series career—and his first at Hagerstown Speedway. “It was awesome. Mark, Dan, Austin, Joel, Steve Baker, and everyone at Rocket Chassis have been working their tails off,” Sheppard said. “They’ve been giving me a great car night in and night out. There’s so much competition out here—you can have the fastest car and still not win—but I really feel like we’ve been fast all year. I don’t think I’ve felt bad at the track once this season.” “You never really know how big of a lead you have. My signal guy showed me it was comfortable, but I wasn’t overdriving. I was going as fast as my tires would allow. A couple of times I pushed hard and felt the left rear getting hot, so I backed it down and let it come back to me.” Overton, who was aiming for a clean sweep of the night, settled for the runner-up finish. “He (Sheppard) had a little different tire than we did. I probably tried to block him too early—I moved down and pushed up the track,” Overton said. “Hats off to them—they did a great job. We were good, just not quite good enough.” O’Neal, who started sixth row inside, closed the gap late and now sits 25 points behind Moran in the championship standings heading into next weekend’s events at Circle City Raceway and Florence Speedway. “We just needed to qualify better,” O’Neal said. “We weren’t very good in qualifying and probably over-adjusted for the rough conditions. We got back to our normal program for the feature and were really good. We just didn’t get a caution at the right time. I was able to close in during lapped traffic, but Brandon was able to navigate through and pull away. Thanks to Hagerstown and Lucas Oil for the effort—they gave us a great racetrack.” Sheppard’s winning Mark Richards Racing Rocket Chassis is powered by a Durham Racing Engine and backed by Valvoline, Seubert Calf Ranches, Ace Metal Works, Performance Bodies, Petroff Towing, Sunoco Race Fuels, Franklin Enterprises, Gunter’s Honey, Stiles Marine and Maintenance, and Collins Brothers Towing. Completing the top ten were Ricky Thornton Jr., Brian Shirley, Kyle Bronson, and Carson Ferguson. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Race Summary Conococheague 40Sunday, April 26, 2026Hagerstown Speedway | Hagerstown, MD Allstar Performance Time TrialsFast Time Group A: Brandon Sheppard | 17.671 secondsFast Time Group B: Brandon Overton | 17.428 seconds (Overall) Penske Shocks Heat Race #1 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 1-Brandon Sheppard[1]; 2. 3S-Brian Shirley[4]; 3. 25Z-Mason Zeigler[2]; 4. 55-Jamie Lathroum[6]; 5. 66C-Matt Cosner[7]; 6. 12M-Ryan Montgomery[5]; 7. C4-Freddie Carpenter[3]; 8. 22-Daniel Hilsabeck[8] Summit Racing Products Heat Race #2 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 11-Josh Rice[1]; 2. 111-Max Blair[2]; 3. 71-Hudson O’Neal[3]; 4. 32J-Justin Weaver[5]; 5. 58-Garrett Alberson[6]; 6. 8-Dillon McCowan[4]; 7. 15K-Kyle Lee[7]; 8. (DNS) 1C-Alex Ferree Cool-It Thermo-Tec Heat Race #3 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 76-Brandon Overton[1]; 2. 99-Devin Moran[4]; 3. 40B-Kyle Bronson[3]; 4. 19M-Brenden Smith[5]; 5. 93-Carson Ferguson[2]; 6. 93L-Cory Lawler[7]; 7. 4-Gary Stuhler[6]; 8. (DNS) 66K-Justin Kann Simpson Race Products Heat Race #4 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[1]; 2. 60-Dan Ebert[2]; 3. 22G-Gregg Satterlee[3]; 4. 27-Trever Feathers[4]; 5. 6-Clay Harris[5]; 6. 7-Ross Robinson[6]; 7. 11H-JT Spence[7] Fast Shafts B-Main Race #1 Finish (10 Laps, Top 6 Transfer): 1. 66C-Matt Cosner[1]; 2. 58-Garrett Alberson[3]; 3. 93-Carson Ferguson[2]; 4. 7-Ross Robinson[8]; 5. 8-Dillon McCowan[7]; 6. 12M-Ryan Montgomery[5]; 7. 11H-JT Spence[12]; 8. 4-Gary Stuhler[10]; 9. 93L-Cory Lawler[6]; 10. 22-Daniel Hilsabeck[13]; 11. C4-Freddie Carpenter[9]; 12. 6-Clay Harris[4]; 13. (DNS) 15K-Kyle Lee; 14. (DNS) 66K-Justin Kann; 15. (DNS) 1C-Alex Ferree Conococheague 40 Feature Finish (40 Laps):Pos – Start – Car # – Competitor – Hometown – Earnings1 – 1 – 1 – Brandon Sheppard – New Berlin, IL – $10,9002 – 2 – 76 – Brandon Overton – Evans, GA – $6,4003 – 11 – 71 – Hudson O’Neal – Martinsville, IN – $4,8004 – 6 – 99 – Devin Moran – Dresden, OH – $4,1005 – 7 – 111 – Max Blair – Centerville, PA – $3,4006 – 4 – 20RT – Ricky Thornton Jr – Chandler, AZ – $3,6007 – 5 – 3S – Brian Shirley – Chatham, IL – $3,1008 – 10 – 40B – Kyle Bronson – Brandon, FL – $3,0009 – 19 – 93 – Carson Ferguson – Lincolnton, NC – $2,95010 – 9 – 25Z – Mason Zeigler – Chalk Hill, PA – $2,00011 – 8 – 60 – Dan Ebert – Lake Shore, MN – $2,50012 – 12 – 22G – Gregg Satterlee – Indiana, PA – $1,40013 – 17 – 66C – Matt Cosner – Ridgeley, WV – $1,20014 – 15 – 32J – Justin Weaver – Clearspring, MD – $1,00015 – 14 – 19M – Brenden Smith – Dade City, FL – $1,85016 – 21 – 8 – Dillon McCowan – Urbana, MO – $1,92517 – 24 – C4 – Freddie Carpenter – Parkersburg, WV – $20018 – 13 – 55 – Jamie Lathroum – Mechanicsville, MD – $87519 – 3 – 11 – Josh Rice – Crittenden, KY – $1,75020 – 18 – 58 – Garrett Alberson – Las Cruces, NM – $1,72521 – 16 – 27 – Trever Feathers – Winchester, VA – $80022 – 20 – 7 – Ross Robinson – Georgetown, DE – $80023 – 25 – 6 – Clay Harris – Jupiter, FL – $1,70024 – 23 – 22 – Daniel Hilsabeck – Earlham, IA – $90025 – 22 – 12M – Ryan Montgomery – Fairmont, WV – $800 Race Statistics  Entrants: 31Bilstein Shocks Pole Sitter: Brandon SheppardMD3 Lap Leaders: Brandon Overton (Laps 1-2); Brandon Sheppard (Laps 3-40)Hellraizer Jacks Halfway Leader: Brandon SheppardWieland Feature Winner: Brandon SheppardMargin of Victory: 0.5733 secondsHellraizer Jacks Cautions: Daniel Hilsabeck (Lap 10)MyRacePass Series Provisional: Clay Harris; Daniel HilsabeckFast Time Provisional: n/aEmergency Provisionals: Freddie CarpenterTrack Provisional: n/aBig River Steel Podium Top 3: Brandon Sheppard, Brandon Overton, Hudson O’NealPenske Shocks Top 5: Brandon Sheppard, Brandon Overton, Hudson O’Neal, Devin Moran, Max BlairBehrent’s One-Lap-to-Go Top 3: Brandon Sheppard, Brandon Overton, Hudson O’NealPEM 4th Place Feature: Devin MoranDiversified Machine 5th Place Feature: Max BlairWilwood Brakes 7th Place Feature: Brian ShirleyWehrs Machine 11th Place Feature: Dan EbertVelocity Manufacturing 13th Place Feature: Matt CosnerXS Power Batteries 15th Place Feature: Brenden SmithHoker Trucking Hard Charger of the Race: Carson Ferguson (Advanced 9 positions)MD3 Most Laps Led: Brandon Sheppard (38 Laps)Sunoco Race Fuels Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Brandon SheppardMidwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Devin MoranO’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Race: Dillon McCowanPro Fabrication Headers Fastest Lap of the Race: Brandon Sheppard | Lap 4 | 18.483 secondsFK Rod Ends Hard Luck Award: Daniel HilsabeckVictory Fuel Power Move of the Race: Brandon SheppardOuterwears Crew Chief of the Race: Danny WhiteARP Engine Builder of the Race: Durham Race EnginesMiller Welders Chassis Builder of the Race: Longhorn ChassisDirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps: Hudson O’Neal | 17.521 secondsTime of Race: 18 minutes 18 seconds Big River Steel Championship Standings Presented by ARP:Pos – Car # – Competitor – Hometown – Points – Earnings1 – 99 – Devin Moran – Dresden, OH – 2095 – $134,0492 – 71 – Hudson O’Neal – Martinsville, IN – 2070 – $98,4003 – 76 – Brandon Overton – Evans, GA – 1925 – $49,4504 – 1 – Brandon Sheppard – New Berlin, IL – 1910 – $64,6005 – 111 – Max Blair – Centerville, PA – 1875 – $44,1006 – 20RT – Ricky Thornton Jr – Chandler, AZ – 1850 – $56,3507 – 6 – Clay Harris – Jupiter, FL – 1685 – $39,9008 – 58 – Garrett Alberson – Las Cruces, NM – 1670 – $34,7259 – 40B – Kyle Bronson – Brandon, FL – 1655 – $26,07510 – 93 – Carson Ferguson – Lincolnton, NC – 1620 – $28,80011 – 3s – Brian Shirley – Chatham, IL – 1615 – $27,60012 – 11 – Josh Rice – Crittenden, KY – 1600 – $26,97513 – 60 – Dan Ebert – Lake Shore, MN – 1525 – $26,47514 – 8 – Dillon McCowan – Urbana, MO – 1375 – $16,30015 – 19M – Brenden Smith – Dade City, FL – 1370 – $18,85016 – 22 – Daniel Hilsabeck – Earlham, IA – 1325 – $17,52517 – C4 – Freddie Carpenter – Parkersburg, WV – 1145 – $5,10018 – 93L – Cory Lawler – Hanover, PA – 1140 – $10,525

RACE RECAP – CHARLOTTERace 4 of 20

Photography: John Force Racing / Auto Imagery / Gary Nastase

BECKMAN FINISHES RUNNER-UP AT 4-WIDE NATSVandergriff and DeJoria finish in Rd. 2, Hart bows out in Rd. 1

RACE RECAP – CHARLOTTERace 4 of 20

Photography: John Force Racing / Auto Imagery / Gary Nastase

BECKMAN FINISHES RUNNER-UP AT 4-WIDE NATSVandergriff and DeJoria finish in Rd. 2, Hart bows out in Rd. 1

CONCORD, N.C. (April 26, 2026) – Jack Beckman took advantage of a competitor’s misfortune in Round 2 of the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals to advance to the Funny Car final round and then went on to earn himself and his John Force Racing HendrickCars.com Chevrolet SS Funny Car team the runner-up spot at zMax Dragway near Charlotte. Beckman’s John Force Racing teammates Jordan Vandergriff (Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car) and Alexis DeJoria (Bandero Café Chevrolet SS Funny Car) were second-round finishers and Top Fuel teammate Josh Hart (HendrickCars.com Dragster) bowed out in the first round of the lone three-round, 4-wide competition on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series schedule. The 2012 NHRA Funny Car World Champion spun the tires early and finished third in his second-round matchup with Matt Hagan, Vandergriff and Dave Richards but Richards’ car made contact with the retaining wall before crossing the finish line, forcing his disqualification and moving the HendrickCars.com team to the final round against Hagan, Ron Capps, and J.R. Todd. Beckman had his best reaction time of the event (0.058) and the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car ran 3.917 seconds at 329.50 mph but it wasn’t enough to get around Capps’ 3.905-second run at 334.90 mph. The runner-up finish is the team’s best showing in the season’s first four races and advanced them from 10th to eighth in the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Funny Car point standings. “It was an eventful race day for John Force’s Funny Cars and it was really cool to get HendrickCars.com into our first final round of the year,” said Beckman. “We had a heck of a run: we had a great car, then we struggled. We found our car, then we struggled again but we were right where we needed to be in the final round. So, we’ll take a runner-up finish, we’ll take the points to go with that and we’ll move up in the standings some. That means when we unload five days from now, we know we have a car we can leave with the trophy there so we’re getting closer.” Vandergriff was the quickest in his Round 1 quad, with the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car running 3.874 seconds at 326.63 mph to advance to the second round. The 4-Wide Nationals #2Fast2Tasty Challenge winner lined up against Hagan, Beckman and Richards but smoked the tires almost immediately, slowing to a run of 9.698 seconds at 72.35 mph. The team maintained fifth place in the point standings. “That was definitely not what we were looking for there in the second round,” said Vandergriff. “It was maybe a little too much, a little too less, whatever it was. It’s a little disheartening when it shakes a little liked that. I checked all three lanes and was like, ’Okay, I might as well stay out of this one.’ But overall, it was a great weekend. Getting my first Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty win in a quad that included J.R. Todd, Matt Hagen, and Ron Capps was really huge for this Cornwell Quality Tools team. We have some momentum and we’re going to carry it into South Georgia next weekend.” DeJoria was the second quickest in her Round 1 quad, with the Bandero Chevrolet SS Funny Car running 3.962 seconds at 324.36 mph. In her Round 2 matchup against Capps, Todd and Chad Green, she ran 3.980 seconds, but crossed the finish line at just 296.89 mph. The teamed moved up one spot, to sixth, in the point standings. “The Bandero Chevy ran a little slower than we than we wanted to in the second round,” said DeJoria. “It didn’t drop a cylinder, but it was pushing me down track and I was getting really close to the center line. Luckily, it was at the very end of the run. I was giving the wheel input and it was just not reacting so, right before I thought I was going to cross the center line, I lifted and luckily missed it. In the end, it wouldn’t have mattered because we ran a 3.98. We’re doing good and just need to touch up on some areas to get going a little quicker. The performance is consistent. We’re getting down the racetrack. Now we just need to get to the finish line a little quicker.” Hart was the low qualifier in his quad for the first round of eliminations, lining up against Tony Stewart, Billy Torrance and Tony Schumacher. The cars had performed their burnouts and were about to stage when a light rain at the top end forced NHRA to halt the proceedings. When racing resumed, the HendrickCars.com dragster ran 3.753 seconds at 333.16 mph, but it wasn’t enough against either Stewart’s, 3.727-second posting or Torrence’s 3.731-second run. Schumacher was unable to repair a mechanical issue that occurred as the cars were initially being shut off for the rain so he did not compete in the first round of eliminations. “There are a lot of emotions on the starting line without all the extra chaos in that first round,” said Hart. “We’re running four wide, then we’re running three wide, then we’re running four wide again. I’m usually a lot better at focusing on what I have to do and usually we have a really, really strong car in those conditions but this time the combination, or lack thereof, in that realm put us out. I’m very disappointed for everyone involved with the HendrickCars.comprogram this weekend but I know that the John Force Racing group will get everything going again. I’ll refocus over the next couple of days and be ready when we get to Georgia next week.” The 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Top Fuel point standings after four of 20 races are: Doug Kalitta, 373; 2. Shawn Langdon, 350; 3. Leah Pruett, 297; 4. Tony Stewart, 296; 5. Josh Hart, 265; 6. Maddi Gordon, 238; 7. Justin Ashley, 208; 8. Billy Torrence, 187; 9. Antron Brown, 163; 10. Clay Millican, 146. The 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Funny Car point standings after four of 20 races are: 1. Ron Capps, 369; 2. Matt Hagan, 327; 3. J.R. Todd, 299; 4. Chad Green, 276; 5. Jordan Vandergriff, 262; 6. Alexis DeJoria, 235; 7. Spencer Hyde, 221; 8. Jack Beckman, 213; 9. Daniel Wilkerson, 170; 10. Dave Richards, 138. NEXT RACEThe fifth of 20 races of the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series is the May 1-3 NHRA Southern Nationals at South Georgia Motorsports Park in Adel, Ga.

CHARLOTTE, NC (April 26, 2026) – No. 1 qualifier Jonathan Allegrucci took home all the hardware today at zMax Dragway winning the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals for the second year in a row. The driver from Scott Township, Pa. drove his Ford Mustang Cobra Jet to the winner’s circle in a tough quad that included two-time winners Jason and Taylor Dietsch, and Raymond Nash, driver of one of the most competitive Dodge Challenger Drag Paks. His winning time of 7.716 seconds at 178.42 mph was a strong showing to wrap up race day.   “Getting this win means a lot,” said Allegrucci. “Everyone thinks because you won last year, you’re going to come out and do it again. And it just puts the bullseye on your back, and we put more pressure on ourselves. I think it makes it much harder. We came out and qualified on the top spot and it just  gave us more pressure. And then the car started fighting us, showing us who’s boss.”  Jonathan Allegrucci (bottom) drives his Ford Mustang Cobra Jet off the starting line enroute to victory today at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, Photo credit Auto Imagery/Gary NastaseAllegrucci was the first off the starting line in the final and held off Jason Dietsch who was the No. 14 qualifier this weekend and scored two wins last year. Dietsch scored the runner-up finish in his first Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series race of the season racing his Mustang Cobra Jet to the finish line with a 7.722 second run at 166.93 mph. Semifinalists Nash and Taylor Dietsch tripped the finish line timers in 7.739 seconds and 9.007 seconds, respectively, today with a solid effort for their teams.   “We just said, ‘Hey, let’s go do the best we can and let the cards fall where they fall,’” said Allegrucci. “This was a tough day and that second round was really a turning point. We got by that quad and that really set us up for the day.”  With the win Allegrucci moves into the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series points lead and will carry the $1,000 bounty into the next national event. He also took home one of the diamond NHRA Wally trophies celebrating the NHRA’s 75th anniversary.  Jonathan Allegrucci celebrates at the top end after winning his second consecutive NHRA 4-Wide Nationals today. Photo credit: Auto Imagery/Gary Nastase“It’s amazing. Just feeling how heavy it is and looking at it, it’s something special to be able to get out here and do this,” said Allegrucci. “I didn’t think it’s ever possible. I knew we could run with this class and throw some punches here and there. I never thought we could be contending like this at this level. It’s all because of the guys behind us. It’s because of KSR. These guys are just top notch, and they make our job easier.”   Earlier in the day, Nash outran Gatornationals winner Ricky Hord in the third quad to take the $1,000 Flexjet Bounty and advance to the final quad along with Allegrucci. In a wild round following Nash’s win over Hord, Doug Duell, David Davies II and Jason Dietsch all left the starting line before the Christmas Tree activated leading to a unique outcome. The fourth participant of the quad, Taylor Dietsch, was declared the winner and Jason Dietsch also advanced because he was the last participant to leave early sliding him into the second winner position of that quad.   The Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series will be back in action at Route 66 Raceway outside Chicago from May 15-17, 2026.     Flexjet Bounty Program Gatornationals (Gainesville, Fla.) $1,000 bounty collected by Jonathan Allegrucci, defeated Mark Pawuk (2025 Flexjet world champion)   NHRA 4-Wide Nationals (Charlotte, North Carolina) $1,000 bounty collected by Raymond Nash, defeated Ricky Hord (2026 Gatornationals winner)   2026 Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Results Gainesville – Ricky Hord, winner; David Janac, runner-up Charlotte – Jonathan Allegrucci, winner; Jason Dietsch, runner-up   Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Point Standings 1. Jonathan Allegrucci    196 2. Richard Hord             192 3. Raymond Nash          167 4. David Janac               145 5. Richard Bierie            142 6. David Davies II          131 7. Jason Dietsch            111 8. Lee Hartman              106 9. Doug Duell                 105 9. Matthew Hartman       105   2026 Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Schedule   May 14-17: 26th annual Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals, Chicago   June 12-14: 25th annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, Bristol, Tenn.   June 25-28: 20th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, Norwalk, Ohio   Sept. 2-7: 72nd annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals, Indianapolis   Sept. 17-20: Inaugural Dodge NHRA Great Lake Nationals, Martin, Mich.   Oct. 2-4: 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals, St. Louis   Oct. 14-18: 41st annual Texas NHRA Fall Nationals, Dallas

NASCAR Cup SeriesTalladega SuperspeedwayJack Link’s 500Team Chevy Post-Race ReportApril 26, 2026

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

·        In a three-lap dash to the finish, Spire Motorsports’ Carson Hocevar became a first-time winner in NASCAR’s premier series – taking the checkered flag in the Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. The victory, Chevrolet’s second in the series this season, was celebrated by a manufacturer-leading representation in the top-10, with Hocevar leading Hendrick Motorsports’ Alex Bowman and Chase Elliott in the third and fourth positions, respectively; Hyak Motorsports’ Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in sixth; Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain in seventh; and Richard Childress Racing’s Kyle Busch in 10th.  ·        The victory marked the Bowtie brand’s series-leading 46th all-time NASCAR Cup Series win at Talladega Superspeedway. Chevrolet drivers have now earned the victory in five of the nine NASCAR Cup Series races held during the Next Gen era at the Alabama venue – a feat accomplished by five drivers from five different Chevrolet organizations.  RACE RECAP:  Stage One: With the lineup set by the rulebook, Kyle Larson turned last weekend’s season-best finish into a front row starting spot for the Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Taking the green flag for Stage One, Larson drove his Chevrolet to the command position heading into Turn One, but it was Austin Dillion that quickly made his charge towards the front. Jumping to the outside to create a third lane, Dillon turned an 18th-place starting position into a battle for the lead in the opening laps. In just 20 laps, the lead pack saw a seven-car breakaway that included a trio of ECR-powered Chevrolet’s – led by Cody Ware in fifth, with the Richard Childress Racing teammates, Busch and Dillon, in tow. With the introduction of new stage lengths for drafting-style tracks, pit strategies saw the three lead pack Chevrolet-powered machines make their first trip to pit road on Lap 41 to start the green flag pit cycle. A mix bag of pit road calls saw the Richard Boswell-led team opt for a two-tire and fuel stop. Once the field cycled through, Dillon found his way back to the top lane and patiently went to work to climb back through the field – finding his way back up to the top position to lead the Bowtie brigade through the two-thirds mark of Stage One. A long opening stage saw a split between an one- and two-stop strategy. The No. 3 Chevrolet were among those that opted to make a second trip to pit road, leading a group of Chevrolet drivers for a scheduled stop on Lap 69 – ultimately cycling up to the 17th position to lead the two-stop strategy cars.  As the stage hit a single-digit lap countdown, there was still a group of cars that chose to stretch the green flag run. With fresh right-side tires and just enough fuel, the radio to Dillon told the Team Chevy driver to “go hard” for the push towards the first green-white checkered flag. With the top-nine cars stretching their fuel to make it a one-stop stage, it was Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain that led Team Chevy in 10th to end Stage One. Stage Two: The 40-lap Stage Two saw Chastain lead the field to the green flag from a position on the front row. With a shorter stage on the horizon, a sense of urgency quickly came across the field as the lead pack saw spurts of four-wide racing. Dicey moves at the front transpired into the “Big One” on Lap 115 that ultimately collected 26 cars. Among those with race-ending damage included the Hendrick Motorsports duo of Larson and Byron. Chastain remained in the battle for the lead throughout the remainder of Stage Two, with the 2022 Talladega winner going on to pick up the stage win. Final Stage: The start of the final stage saw six drivers from five different Chevrolet organizations sitting in the top-10 of the running order. For the first time of the day, Spire Motorsports’ Carson Hocevar found his way to the front of the lead pack – trading position for the lead throughout the opening laps of Stage Three. Sitting back on the front row for the restart with three laps to go, Hocevar edged towards the lead with fellow Team Chevy driver, Alex Bowman, at his back bumper. Sitting in the top position as he led the field to the white flag, a wreck in the lead pack brought out the caution to ultimately end the race for Hocevar to pick up his first career win at NASCAR’s highest level.

Team Chevy Unofficial Top-10 ResultsPos.     Driver 1st – Carson Hocevar3rd – Alex Bowman4th – Chase Elliott6th – Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 7th – Ross Chastain10th – Kyle Busch Chevrolet’s season statistics with 10 NASCAR Cup Series races complete: Wins: 2Poles: 1Top-Fives: 18Top 10s: 34Stage Wins: 7

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season continues at Texas Motor Speedway with the Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY on Sunday, May 3, at 3:30 p.m. ET. Live coverage can be found on FS1, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

NASCAR Cup SeriesTalladega SuperspeedwayJack Link’s 500Team Chevy Post-Race ReportApril 26, 2026

Carson Hocevar Drives to First Career NASCAR Cup Series Win at Talladega Superspeedway

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

·        In a three-lap dash to the finish, Spire Motorsports’ Carson Hocevar became a first-time winner in NASCAR’s premier series – taking the checkered flag in the Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. The victory, Chevrolet’s second in the series this season, was celebrated by a manufacturer-leading representation in the top-10, with Hocevar leading Hendrick Motorsports’ Alex Bowman and Chase Elliott in the third and fourth positions, respectively; Hyak Motorsports’ Ricky Stenhouse Jr. in sixth; Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain in seventh; and Richard Childress Racing’s Kyle Busch in 10th.  ·        The victory marked the Bowtie brand’s series-leading 46th all-time NASCAR Cup Series win at Talladega Superspeedway. Chevrolet drivers have now earned the victory in five of the nine NASCAR Cup Series races held during the Next Gen era at the Alabama venue – a feat accomplished by five drivers from five different Chevrolet organizations.  RACE RECAP:  Stage One: With the lineup set by the rulebook, Kyle Larson turned last weekend’s season-best finish into a front row starting spot for the Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Taking the green flag for Stage One, Larson drove his Chevrolet to the command position heading into Turn One, but it was Austin Dillion that quickly made his charge towards the front. Jumping to the outside to create a third lane, Dillon turned an 18th-place starting position into a battle for the lead in the opening laps. In just 20 laps, the lead pack saw a seven-car breakaway that included a trio of ECR-powered Chevrolet’s – led by Cody Ware in fifth, with the Richard Childress Racing teammates, Busch and Dillon, in tow. With the introduction of new stage lengths for drafting-style tracks, pit strategies saw the three lead pack Chevrolet-powered machines make their first trip to pit road on Lap 41 to start the green flag pit cycle. A mix bag of pit road calls saw the Richard Boswell-led team opt for a two-tire and fuel stop. Once the field cycled through, Dillon found his way back to the top lane and patiently went to work to climb back through the field – finding his way back up to the top position to lead the Bowtie brigade through the two-thirds mark of Stage One. A long opening stage saw a split between an one- and two-stop strategy. The No. 3 Chevrolet were among those that opted to make a second trip to pit road, leading a group of Chevrolet drivers for a scheduled stop on Lap 69 – ultimately cycling up to the 17th position to lead the two-stop strategy cars.  As the stage hit a single-digit lap countdown, there was still a group of cars that chose to stretch the green flag run. With fresh right-side tires and just enough fuel, the radio to Dillon told the Team Chevy driver to “go hard” for the push towards the first green-white checkered flag. With the top-nine cars stretching their fuel to make it a one-stop stage, it was Trackhouse Racing’s Ross Chastain that led Team Chevy in 10th to end Stage One. Stage Two: The 40-lap Stage Two saw Chastain lead the field to the green flag from a position on the front row. With a shorter stage on the horizon, a sense of urgency quickly came across the field as the lead pack saw spurts of four-wide racing. Dicey moves at the front transpired into the “Big One” on Lap 115 that ultimately collected 26 cars. Among those with race-ending damage included the Hendrick Motorsports duo of Larson and Byron. Chastain remained in the battle for the lead throughout the remainder of Stage Two, with the 2022 Talladega winner going on to pick up the stage win. Final Stage: The start of the final stage saw six drivers from five different Chevrolet organizations sitting in the top-10 of the running order. For the first time of the day, Spire Motorsports’ Carson Hocevar found his way to the front of the lead pack – trading position for the lead throughout the opening laps of Stage Three. Sitting back on the front row for the restart with three laps to go, Hocevar edged towards the lead with fellow Team Chevy driver, Alex Bowman, at his back bumper. Sitting in the top position as he led the field to the white flag, a wreck in the lead pack brought out the caution to ultimately end the race for Hocevar to pick up his first career win at NASCAR’s highest level.

Team Chevy Unofficial Top-10 ResultsPos.     Driver 1st – Carson Hocevar3rd – Alex Bowman4th – Chase Elliott6th – Ricky Stenhouse Jr. 7th – Ross Chastain10th – Kyle Busch Chevrolet’s season statistics with 10 NASCAR Cup Series races complete: Wins: 2Poles: 1Top-Fives: 18Top 10s: 34Stage Wins: 7

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season continues at Texas Motor Speedway with the Würth 400 presented by LIQUI MOLY on Sunday, May 3, at 3:30 p.m. ET. Live coverage can be found on FS1, PRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Post-Race Driver Quotes: Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletFinished: 7th“I thought we executed the day really well. We got really fortunate through a lot of scenarios. We were in the right lane there at the end to not get caught up in the last wreck.  There was an emphasis on stage points in January for this No. 1 team, and we’ve struggled getting up there. A point in Stage One and the Stage Two win was good. Brandon (McSwain, crew chief) has been on us to unload better so we can get stage points on downforce tracks. Overall, it was a great effort for this No. 1 Jockey VentraCool Air Chevrolet team.”   Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletFinished: 19th “Not the way we wanted our day to end but our Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Long Beard XR Chevrolet had speed. We were in position to have a shot at it on the last lap which is a positive. I went to the middle and next thing I know, I had contact from behind and around we went. We were still able to finish but it could have been a much better day. Still very proud of the effort from everyone at RCR and ECR.”   Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletSidelined by damage sustained in the “Big One” in Stage Two. Finished: 40th “There was a big stack-up and I was just in the middle of it. It was a bummer for this No. 5 Valvoline Chevrolet team. Just another Talladega result for us, but we got ourselves back there. I don’t know what happened on our first pit stop, but we didn’t get as much fuel in it that we needed to. I was saving fuel and got shuffled to the back. We had to take a little longer on the next pit stop, so we lost the draft and had to restart in the back to start Stage Two. It was starting to get hairy there at the start of the stage, so I wasn’t surprised to get wrapped up in that crash. It’s just an unfortunate end to the day.”    Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletFinished: 10th “Solid run. We were good early, we just didn’t keep it clean all day. I felt like we had a really good race car early there, we got caught up in the wreck in the second stage and bent her up a little bit, but the guys were able to repair the Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet to get us back in the top 10. I hate it for Austin [Dillon], I think he was going to be a top 5 guy, but they got wrecked in that last one on the start finish, but good job to us. Definitely good to get a good finish. We wanted more, I felt like we were capable of more, but we’ve got to take the top 10 result right now and be happy with that.”   Chase Elliott, No. 9 Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletFinished: 4th “It was an OK day for the No. 9 Prime Video Chevrolet team. You try to do the best you can to execute and put yourself on those first couple of rows. We kept getting really close, but we just lacked a little bit there to put ourselves just one row forward. I think that would have made a big difference for us. Nonetheless, it was a solid day. Super happy for Carson (Hocevar, race winner). He’s been really close many times. Glad to get Team Chevy a win. Between Alex (Bowman) and everyone there on the bottom, I thought we were doing a good job keeping him in it. Happy it worked out for one of us.”   William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletSidelined by damage sustained in the “Big One” in Stage Two. Finished: 35th “I was just trying to get slowed down so I didn’t get any major impacts. It didn’t feel like I hit that hard, but somebody got me in the right-front and I got damage to the suspension. It was cool to have Phorm Energy on our Chevrolet this weekend. It’s a new partner for us, so I wish we could have gotten a better finish for them.  We didn’t have the best Stage One, in terms of how the strategy shook out. We kind of cycled back a little bit. We were just trying to get back towards the front, but we didn’t get the chance. It’s a bummer, but we’ll regroup and get ready for Texas (Motor Speedway) next weekend.”   Jesse Love, No. 33 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletFinished: 27th“Today was a bummer in our 1-800-PACK RAT Chevrolet. Even though we made it to the end of the race, our day ended pretty early after we ended up with damage in the Big One. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to get it fixed up competitively. We were okay to start the race. We had to save fuel, and crashing is always a risk when you have to save fuel in the first couple of stages. Still thankful for the opportunity and looking forward to my next Cup race.”   Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletFinished: 3rd“Just happy that we survived. I don’t have many big hits left in me, so coming home with a solid finish was nice. We found ourselves in a good spot and did what we could there at the end. Congratulations to Carson (Hocevar, race winner) and the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet team. It’s cool to get the win for Team Chevy and the Hendrick Engine Shop. We did all we could, and glad we could push hard to get a Chevrolet into victory lane. It was a solid weekend and we’re looking forward to building off it.”   Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports ChevroletFinished: 1stSince you’ve come to the Cup Series, you have done things your own way, and I’m just going to start with this victory celebration. Kind of your own way right here?“Yeah, I feel like every time I’ve ever just seen the crown, I never really got to hear them. I had this thought up for a while. I’ve messed it up every which way to not be able to do it. I didn’t care if it took 20 minutes or whatever, I was going to figure out how to do it. It took a while. I’m out of breath.  I am just so thankful. This is the biggest dream I have ever thought of. Thank you to everybody at Spire Motorsports, Jeff Dickerson and Chevrolet. I couldn’t have done it a better way. Hopefully my grandpa’s watching. My grandma passed away last year, so I’m so thankful that I can give my grandpa a trophy now. We rode the Dente today, that’s for sure. I mean just unbelievable… it’s a dream.”

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 26, 2026) — Spencer Hyde, Funny Car driver of the Head Contractors and Engineers Funny Car, continued to build a rhythm in his sophomore season at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMAX Dragway, qualifying ninth in a stacked 16-car field and gaining valuable data despite an early loss on race day.   Hyde delivered a strong 3.981 second pass at 319.67 mph during Friday qualifying to secure his position. He also picked up two bonus points with that pass, since it was the second-quickest run of the qualifying session.   “It’s kind of becoming our thing to come out really strong in Q1 and pick up bonus points,” said Hyde. “I don’t hate it. Every point in the battle for the championship matters, and those bonus points add up quickly.”  Spencer Hyde raced this weekend supporting the Caine Group throughout the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals, photo credit Innovative Creation ExpertsThe weekend carried added meaning, as Jim and Janet Russell of The Caine Group stepped in as primary sponsors with a special livery to honor their late son, Caine, whose passion for racing continues to inspire. Hyde, the only full-time Canadian professional racer on the NHRA tour, emphasized his appreciation for the weekend’s meaningful partnership.   “Having The Caine Group on board as our main sponsor this weekend meant a lot to all of us,” said Hyde. “Jim and Janet Russell’s son was a very special guy, and we were proud to carry his name on our car. We wish we could’ve gone more rounds for them, but we’ll keep pushing to make them proud the rest of the season.”   On race day, Hyde faced a formidable opening-round quad that included No. 1 qualifier and three-time world champion Ron Capps, No. 8 qualifier and recent Gainesville winner Chad Green, and two-time reigning world champion Austin Prock. Hyde’s run was cut short by traction issues, preventing advancement to the next round. Capps went on to win the race.   Despite the outcome, the second-year driver and 2025 NHRA Rookie of the Year remains encouraged by the progress his team is making.   “We learned a lot this weekend, and that’s what’s important,” said Hyde. “This track can be tricky, especially in the four-wide format, but Jim Head and this entire team gave me a great car. That 3.98 run shows what we’re capable of, and we’re getting closer to putting it all together on race day.”   Hyde leaves Charlotte seventh in the NHRA Funny Car points standings and now turns his focus to the next event, the NHRA Southern Nationals, a new addition to the schedule that presents a fresh opportunity for every team in the field.   “It’s exciting heading into a brand-new race,” said Hyde. “Nobody has notes, so it really levels the playing field. We’ll take what we learned here, apply it and come out swinging. I’m confident in this team and ready to see what we can do.”   Hyde and the Head Contractors and Engineers Funny Car will be back in competition next weekend at the NHRA Southern Nationals on May 1-3 at South Georgia Motorsports Park. There will be two qualifying sessions on Friday, May 1 and two qualifying sessions on Saturday, May 2. For tickets or more information on the NHRA Southern Nationals visit nhra.com.   Qualifying Results Q1: 3.981 sec, 319.67 mph; Qual. 2 Q2: 4.943 sec, 155.08 mph; Qual. 9 Q3: 7.152 sec, 87.68 mph; Qual. 9 Q4: 3.994 sec, 318.09 mph; Qual. 9 Bonus Points: +2 (2nd quickest of Q1)   Race Results First Round Win: Ron Capps, Carlsbad, Calif., NAPA Auto Parts Toyota GR Supra Funny Car, (.075), 3.865 sec, 333.00 mph R/U: Chad Green, Midland, Tex., Bond Coat Ford Mustang, (.060), 3.950 sec, 320.58 mph 3rd: Austin Prock, Pittsboro, Ind., Ford Mustang Dark Horse, (.070), 4.460 sec, 191.76 mph 4th: Spencer Hyde, Stratford, Ontario, Head Contractors & Engineers Funny Car, (.083), 8.207 sec, 69.59 mph   Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Point Standings – Funny Car 1. Ron Capps                       377 2. Matt Hagan                     329 3. J.R. Todd                         304 4. Chad Green                     279 5. Jordan Vandergriff          265 6. Alexis DeJoria                 235 7. Spencer Hyde                 223 8. Jack Beckman                 213 9. Dan Wilkerson                170 10. Dave Richards               138

POUGHKEEPSIE, NY (April 26, 2026) – CD Racing’s Matthew Brabham started his #16 GYM WEED Ford Mustang from the pole in Saturday’s Trans Am by Pirelli first race in the weekend’s doubleheader at Sonoma Raceway, fended off a first-lap challenge from CD Racing teammate Rafa Matos, and after Matos’ #20 RACER / GYM SODA Ford Mustang suffered a mechanical problem just short of the 100-mile sprint race’s three-quarter mark cruised to a one-minute victory over second-place Paul Menard. The 12-race season is now at the quarter-mark and Brabham has led every lap of the three races run so far, also starting from the pole and setting the fastest lap of each race. “Rafa was pretty feisty on the start,” Brabham noted after climbing from his car at the GYM WEED Winners Circle following the race. “We had a good race going until he broke. I’d expected it to be a three-way race with Paul (Menard) but he lost almost a lap in the pits. The car was amazing, but we’re going to do this all over again tomorrow, so I didn’t want to lean on it any harder than I had to. Also, while it was a cold day, which is easy on tires, I wanted to make sure I was ready if there were a full-course yellow and Paul had another shot. He was running hard.” “Matty and the team did a great job today,” said team-owner and former Sonoma Trans Am race winner (and three-time series champion) Chris Dyson. “It’s a shame Rafa’s car broke – he was having an excellent drive too. A one-two finish would have been very satisfying. Now we need to do it again on Sunday.” Dyson had originally planned to drive the #20 car himself and had been training for several weeks to regain the high level of fitness necessary to contend with the demands of a 900-horsepower Trans Am car, particularly without anti-lock brakes, traction control and other driver aids, and especially within the confines of the tight and unrelenting Sonoma circuit. Unfortunately, Dyson fell ill during the week and had to withdraw from participation. “I’m glad Rafa was on site and was available to take my place this weekend.” Dyson said. Sunday’s 100-mile race takes the green flag at 10:45 a.m. PT (1:45 p.m. ET) and will be live-streamed on the Trans Am You Tube channel.

Briar Bauman (No. 3) leads the field into turn one during the Memphis Shades Ventura Short Track presented by 805 Beer. [Photo: Tim Lester for AMA Pro Racing]Download high-resolution photo from AMA Pro’s Digital Asset Management system

Bauman, Tadman Repeat Ventura Heroics in Front of a Sold Out Crowd

Briar Bauman (No. 3) leads the field into turn one during the Memphis Shades Ventura Short Track presented by 805 Beer. [Photo: Tim Lester for AMA Pro Racing]Download high-resolution photo from AMA Pro’s Digital Asset Management system

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (April 25, 2026) – Briar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Jacob Construction/Parts Plus Harley-Davidson XG750R) formally announced his arrival as a 2026 Grand National Championship contender with a dominant performance in Saturday’s Memphis Shades Ventura Short Track presented by 805 Beer.  Even after a somewhat-slower-than-expected start to his ‘26 Mission AFT SuperTwins campaign, Bauman’s one-sided victory at Ventura Raceway came as little surprise. The win was his third straight at the ocean-side venue and served as a stark reminder to the rest of the field the type of performance the two-time premier-class champion is capable of when on his game.  Bauman blasted into the lead from the start and soon after eliminated the threat of all but fellow Harley-Davidson ace Kody Kopp (No. 12 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R).  The rookie points leader did all he could just to keep Bauman in sight as they raced away from the pack. But despite his best efforts, Bauman ultimately proved too strong.   Kopp was given a glimmer of hope late when Bauman got hung up behind a three-rider group waging fifth position as he lapped his way up the order. However, Bauman’s hard work and big lead paid off, as he held on to grab the checkered flag with a 1.373-second margin of victory.   After earning his first win of the season, Bauman admitted, “I got a little bit greedy the first three rounds. I kind of led the team in a difficult direction. We wanted to bite off more than we could chew, and we got a little ahead of ourselves. So apologies to Rick Ware Racing and the whole family, but this is where we belong.  “I love coming here. I see my friends. I see my family where I grew up. I’m a pretty good Short Tracker, so I enjoy riding this track in general… I’m so proud of my guys. We did something massive tonight.”    Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07) finished third but required a good deal of luck to claim his usual spot on the podium.   Earlier, the reigning class king engaged in a bar-banging battle with a motivated Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke). But just as Fisher looked to have gotten the better of Daniels, he was dealt a cruel hand of mechanical misfortune with less than a minute remaining on the clock.   Fisher’s disappointment also elevated part-timer Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Dick Ford Racing/Mission/Roof Systems Yamaha MT-07) to a hugely impressive fourth in his 2026 debut.  Fisher’s teammate, Ben Lowe (No. 25 Rackley Racing/Roof Systems KTM 790 Duke), rounded out the top five, finishing just ahead of Aidan RoosEvans (No. 26 FRA Trust Advisors Harley-Davidson XG750R) and Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods Honda CB750 Hornet).   Logan Mcgrane (No. 14 Schaffers MotorSports/Ryan Varnes Racing KTM 790 Duke), Jacob Lehmann (No. 16 Weirbach Racing Kawasaki Ninja 650), and Evan Renshaw (No. 95 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) finished eighth through tenth, respectively.  Four races into his Mission AFT SuperTwins career, Kopp continues to lead the Grand National Championship with 84 points courtesy of two wins and two runners-up. Daniels is second at 77, followed by Bauman with 62. KICKER AFT SinglesKage Tadman (No. 28 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) did it again, scoring a scintillating KICKER AFT Singles victory in the return to the scene of his shock maiden win at Ventura Raceway one year ago.  This one was arguably even more tense than the first if possible, coming by just 0.034 seconds following a race-long showdown with reigning class champion Tom Drane (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F).   However, it was an on-form Jared Lowe (No. 63 Big R Racing/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R) who actually grabbed the holeshot.  Lowe led in the opening stages before Tadman came railing around the outside. Soon after, Drane pushed his way up the inside of Lowe, desperate to keep the Californian from running away at the front. The Australian then proceeded to apply heavy pressure, taking full advantage of the fact that Tadman’s high line kept the door open for an inside lunge throughout.    The Estenson Racing Yamaha star finally made a go with just over a minute to go, but Tadman countered by crossing up his line and immediately reclaiming the position.   Drane’s bike bucked and weaved as he attempted to mount another charge, but he never got quite close enough to edge ahead again. The closest he came was on the final lap, coming up a wheel short as the two stormed past the stripe.   Tadman’s victory makes him the fourth different KICKER AFT Singles winner in four races this season. He said, “It’s been a roller coaster. I can’t thank the Turner Racing team enough for everything they do for me. We had a couple bad rounds; I’ve been struggling with some things, but we got it figured out when it mattered. Right now, this is a dream come true – again.”  Prior to the Main, Senoia winner Brunner thought he had another win coming his way. A less-than-ideal start dropped him from realistic contention for the win, but he still managed to track down Lowe in order to collect third.   Despite narrowly missing out on the box, Lowe equaled his career-best result in fourth.   Tarren Santero (No. 75 Roof Systems/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R) fought his way up to fifth after starting from the back of the pack due to earning his way via the Last Chance Qualifier.    Chase Saathoff (No. 88 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450), who had factored into previous podium fights at Ventura, was an uncharacteristically quiet sixth. Meanwhile, Tadman’s teammate, Walker Porter (No. 10 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) came home seventh, with Justin Jones (No. 91 Fairway Ford Chevy GMC Yamaha YZ450F 450), Justin Anselmi (No. 15 Team TDR/Leblanc Family Farms Yamaha YZ450F), and  Skylar Sentell (No. 60 Hoffer Performance/Stauffer Motors KTM 450 SX-F) rounding out the top ten.  Drane now leads Brunner, 75-66, with Tadman right there in third with 61 points following his Ventura Short Track heroics.  AFT ProSport 450Californian Jett Katarzy (No. 17 1st Impressions Husqvarna FC450) secured a popular first-career AFT ProSport victory in front of his home fans with a wire-to-wire victory.   The AFT ProSport 450’s West Coast debut brought out a number of new contenders to race against the established frontrunners who made the trip out to Ventura. However, none of the talented amateurs who qualified for the event by way of the 450 Road to AFT Main Event in Friday’s AMA-sanctioned Mission Foods CTR Showcase Event had anything for home-state hero Katarzy.  Prior to Ventura, the 1st Impressions Husqvarna had twice finished inside the top five but was yet to stand on the podium. The highly rated prospect rectified that by bolting out into the lead off the line and going unchallenged from that point forward.   “It just feels so good,” Katarzy said. ”I know I get good starts, and I knew if I got out front, I could just stay calm and hold it for the win.”  Behind Katarzy, a frenetic, multi-rider brawl broke out for second. While a revolving collection of challengers took their shot at displacing Bayne Nantz (No. 313 Nantz Bros Racing KTM 450 SX-F) from second, no one managed to make a move stick.   Meanwhile, Ryder Bitz-Hay (No. 14 Bitz-Hay Racing KTM 450 SX-F) finished close behind Nantz in third to up his perfect AFT ProSport 450 podium record to three-for-three.  Adam Costan-Wood (No. 88 Turner Racing Honda CRF450R) and Kensei Matsudaira (No. 74 Team Roberts Husqvarna FC 450) registered with top-five debuts, finishing fourth and fifth, respectively.   Royal Enfield Build.Train.Race. (BTR)Emma Gottsch (No. 5 Royal Enfield/Parts Unlimited/Arai/Alpinestars) extended her 2026 Royal Enfield Build.Train.Race. win streak to three following an early back-and-forth battle with top qualifier Julia Heess (No. 13 Royal Enfield/Parts Unlimited/Arai/Alpinestars).  Despite the determined challenge from Heess, Gottsch shook free to grab control of the race shortly before a red flag reset things. Burdened with a renewed potential for upset, Gottsch shrugged it off, got away clean, and carried on to pick up a convincing victory.   While Gottsch and Heess went 1-2 for the third consecutive race, Hanna Brewer (No. 39 Royal Enfield/Parts Unlimited/Arai/Alpinestars) broke Madicela Rodriguez’s (No. 113 Royal Enfield/Parts Unlimited/Arai/Alpinestars) stranglehold over third by edging her to claim the final spot on the box.  Next UpProgressive American Flat Track will round out its back-to-back California swing in Chico next Saturday, May 2, with the Silver Dollar Short Track.

The two-time and defending champion cruises to his fourth victory of the season

KNOXVILLE, IA (April 25, 2026) – David Gravel and Big Game Motorsports are tough to stop at Knoxville Raceway.

A day after coming up one spot short at “The Sprint Car Capital of the World,” the two-time and defending World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series champions refused to be denied.

Gravel lined the ShopHusets.com No. 2 on the outside of the front row for Saturday’s Premier Chevy Dealers Clash finale, rocketed to the lead on the opening circuit, and never looked back. The Watertown, CT native opened up a huge advantage in the early stages of the 25-lapper. Rico Abreu, Ryan Timms, and Carson Macedo all had stints in the runner-up spot when they closed in, but none could put together a serious challenge as Gravel wheeled to Victory Lane.

“They (Knoxville) didn’t blade the top last night and they did tonight,” Gravel explained. “And that’s kind of a characteristic they did quite a bit last year and made the top really, really fast. I searched down low on Lap 4 or 5 and felt like the top was starting to slow down. But under that red Cody (Jacobs) said I had a big lead. I was just going to hammer the top but started to get tight on entry. Once it stuck like glue a car length down, I went to the bottom, and it was there. Luckily, I sniffed it out and guessed at the right time.”

The night marked Gravel and the Big Game crew’s fourth win of the year with The Greatest Show on Dirt, equaling them with Michael “Buddy” Kofoid and Roth Motorsports for the most. The 33-year-old is up to 124 World of Outlaws checkered flags in his career. His overall win total stands at 15 after Saturday’s score, giving him sole possession of the 24th most at the iconic Iowa oval.

Carson Macedo and the Jason Johnson Racing crew rallied to the runner-up position after starting seventh.

Ryan Timms put the Liebig Motorsports No. 10 on the podium for the second night in a row with a third-place finish.

Logan Schuchart and Rico Abreu completed the top five.

NIGHTLY NOTES

Ryan Timms clocked the Race//Ready Hottest Lap of the Night.

Brian Brown earned Simpson Quick Time honors.

Heat Races belonged to Brian Brown (NOS Energy Drink Heat One), Carson Macedo (TheGreatestStoreonDirt.com Heat Two), David Gravel (WIX Filters Heat Three), and Rico Abreu (Golf Cart Services Heat Four).

The SPA Technique #1 Redraw went to Rico Abreu.

Abreu also topped the Toyota Dash.

Giovanni Scelzi won the Micro-Lite Last Chance Showdown.

Donny Schatz moved the CJB Motorsports No. 15 up 15 spots to collect KSE Racing Products Hard Charger.

Cole Macedo was the Tub O’ Towels Seventh Place Finisher.

Emerson Axsom was the Five Star Bodies Rookie of the Race.

Kelby Watt grabbed the ACME Trading Company Fast Lap.

The Smith Titanium Brake Systems Break of the Race went to Sheldon Haudenschild.

UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars head to Ohio for the first time in 2026 with stops at Attica, OH’s Attica Raceway Park on Friday, May 1 and Hartford, OH’s Sharon Speedway on Saturday, May 2. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

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

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

FEATURE RESULTS:

CONTROLLING THE CAPITAL: David Gravel Dominates Knoxville’s Premier Chevy Dealers Clash Finale

The two-time and defending champion cruises to his fourth victory of the season

KNOXVILLE, IA (April 25, 2026) – David Gravel and Big Game Motorsports are tough to stop at Knoxville Raceway.

A day after coming up one spot short at “The Sprint Car Capital of the World,” the two-time and defending World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series champions refused to be denied.

Gravel lined the ShopHusets.com No. 2 on the outside of the front row for Saturday’s Premier Chevy Dealers Clash finale, rocketed to the lead on the opening circuit, and never looked back. The Watertown, CT native opened up a huge advantage in the early stages of the 25-lapper. Rico Abreu, Ryan Timms, and Carson Macedo all had stints in the runner-up spot when they closed in, but none could put together a serious challenge as Gravel wheeled to Victory Lane.

“They (Knoxville) didn’t blade the top last night and they did tonight,” Gravel explained. “And that’s kind of a characteristic they did quite a bit last year and made the top really, really fast. I searched down low on Lap 4 or 5 and felt like the top was starting to slow down. But under that red Cody (Jacobs) said I had a big lead. I was just going to hammer the top but started to get tight on entry. Once it stuck like glue a car length down, I went to the bottom, and it was there. Luckily, I sniffed it out and guessed at the right time.”

The night marked Gravel and the Big Game crew’s fourth win of the year with The Greatest Show on Dirt, equaling them with Michael “Buddy” Kofoid and Roth Motorsports for the most. The 33-year-old is up to 124 World of Outlaws checkered flags in his career. His overall win total stands at 15 after Saturday’s score, giving him sole possession of the 24th most at the iconic Iowa oval.

Carson Macedo and the Jason Johnson Racing crew rallied to the runner-up position after starting seventh.

Ryan Timms put the Liebig Motorsports No. 10 on the podium for the second night in a row with a third-place finish.

Logan Schuchart and Rico Abreu completed the top five.

NIGHTLY NOTES

Ryan Timms clocked the Race//Ready Hottest Lap of the Night.

Brian Brown earned Simpson Quick Time honors.

Heat Races belonged to Brian Brown (NOS Energy Drink Heat One), Carson Macedo (TheGreatestStoreonDirt.com Heat Two), David Gravel (WIX Filters Heat Three), and Rico Abreu (Golf Cart Services Heat Four).

The SPA Technique #1 Redraw went to Rico Abreu.

Abreu also topped the Toyota Dash.

Giovanni Scelzi won the Micro-Lite Last Chance Showdown.

Donny Schatz moved the CJB Motorsports No. 15 up 15 spots to collect KSE Racing Products Hard Charger.

Cole Macedo was the Tub O’ Towels Seventh Place Finisher.

Emerson Axsom was the Five Star Bodies Rookie of the Race.

Kelby Watt grabbed the ACME Trading Company Fast Lap.

The Smith Titanium Brake Systems Break of the Race went to Sheldon Haudenschild.

UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars head to Ohio for the first time in 2026 with stops at Attica, OH’s Attica Raceway Park on Friday, May 1 and Hartford, OH’s Sharon Speedway on Saturday, May 2. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

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

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

FEATURE RESULTS:

NOS Energy Drink Feature (25 Laps): 1. 2-David Gravel[2]; 2. 41-Carson Macedo[7]; 3. 10-Ryan Timms[5]; 4. 1S-Logan Schuchart[14]; 5. 24A-Rico Abreu[1]; 6. 83-Michael Kofoid[4]; 7. 2C-Cole Macedo[19]; 8. 87-Aaron Reutzel[6]; 9. 21-Brian Brown[3]; 10. 15-Donny Schatz[25]; 11. 88-Austin McCarl[22]; 12. 1K-Kelby Watt[9]; 13. 13-Tanner Holmes[20]; 14. 19-Brent Marks[12]; 15. 77-Giovanni Scelzi[21]; 16. 17B-Bill Balog[10]; 17. 27-Emerson Axsom[18]; 18. 7BC-Tyler Courtney[24]; 19. 18-Sheldon Haudenschild[16]; 20. 23-Garet Williamson[27]; 21. 1A-Ashton Torgerson[17]; 22. 11-Justin Henderson[15]; 23. 1TZ-Tasker Phillips[23]; 24. 7S-Chris Windom[28]; 25. (DNF) 28-Jace Park[13]; 26. (DNF) 2KS-Carson McCarl[26]; 27. (DNF) 94-Brad Sweet[11]; 28. (DNF) 55-Kerry Madsen[8]

SATURDAY RECAP – CHARLOTTERace 4 of 20

Photography: John Force Racing / Auto Imagery / Gary Nastase

VANDERGRIFF WRAPS UP 1ST #2FAST2TASTY WINJFR drivers maintain top-half qualifying spots for Round 1 of eliminations

SATURDAY RECAP – CHARLOTTERace 4 of 20

Photography: John Force Racing / Auto Imagery / Gary Nastase

VANDERGRIFF WRAPS UP 1ST #2FAST2TASTY WINJFR drivers maintain top-half qualifying spots for Round 1 of eliminations

CONCORD, N.C. (April 25, 2026) – Jordan Vandergriff took advantage of holeshot victories in both rounds of the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge to earn his first victory in the race-within-a-race held in conjunction with the second day of qualifying for the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway. Vandergriff’s triumph was the 18th #2Fast2Tasty win for John Force Racing. He was the 24-time NHRA World Championship organization’s sixth different driver to achieve the feat, on a list that includes Robert Hight, John Force, Brittany Force, Austin Prock and Jack Beckman. All four John Force Racing teams maintained their qualifying positions from Friday’s night qualifying session. In Funny Car, Vandergriff qualified second in the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS (3.889 seconds, 328.70 mph), Alexis DeJoria maintained the fifth position in the Bandero Café Chevrolet SS (3.932 seconds, 331.20 mph) and Jack Beckman qualified the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet SS in the sixth position (3.933 seconds, 314.97 mph). Hart drove the HendrickCars.com dragster to a fourth place showing with a run of 3.733 seconds at 324.59 mph. The Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car driver cut a 0.067 light in the #2Fast2Tasty final round and streaked to a run of 3.933 seconds at 325.85 mph. Ron Capps ran quicker, 3.929 seconds, but it wasn’t enough to overcome his 0.073 reaction time. J.R. Todd ran the exact same time as Vandergriff, 3.933 seconds, but had a 0.101 reaction time. In Round 1, Vandergriff grabbed the holeshot over Capps, 0.061 to 0.088, and held on for the win with a run of 3.982 seconds to Capps’ quicker run of 3.957 seconds. Vandergriff’s three competitors in his Round 1 of eliminations quad are No. 7 qualifier Dave Richards, No. 10 qualifier Daniel Wilkerson and No. 15 qualifier Jeff Diehl. Hart won his #2Fast2Tasty Challenge first round with a run of 3.957 seconds at 293.15 mph against Billy Torrence (who also moved to championship round), Shawn Langdon and Tony Stewart. In the final, Hart’s 3.873-second run was no match for Clay Millikan’s 3.832-second run. Hart’s three competitors in his Round 1 of eliminations quad are No. 5 Qualifier Torrence (3.748 seconds), No. 12 Qualifier Stewart (3.808 seconds) and No. 13 Qualifier Tony Schumacher (3.812). DeJoria lined up against Vandergriff, Capps and Chad Green in her first round of the #2Fast2Tasty Challenge. Her run of 3.993 seconds 329.42 mph was the third quickest of the quad. The competitors in her quad for the first round of eliminations are No. 4 Todd (3.910 seconds), No. 12 Qualifier Hunter Green (4.049 seconds) and No. 13 Qualifier Jeff Arend (4.080 seconds). Beckman’s #2Fast2Tasty Challenge first-round run of 3.984 seconds at 317.94 was not enough to get past Todd’s 3.935-second run or Hagan’s 3.972-second run. The 2012 Funny Car World Champion’s first round of eliminations quad includes No. 3 Qualifier Hagan (3.901 seconds), No. 11 Qualifier Cruz Pedregon (4.001 seconds) and No. 14 Qualifier Jeff Smith (4.117 seconds). Sunday eliminations are slated for 12 p.m. ET. Quote from Jordan Vandergriff, Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car: “This is my first time racing four-wide, and it’s interesting, for sure. This last run, I was in lane two and it’s a little trickier looking across the tree, but it seemed to work out. I didn’t expect to win it. I just went up there and did what I could and that’s thanks to my Cornwell Quality Tools team giving me the right car to go out there and do it. I’m getting more and more comfortable in the car. It’s starting to slow down and I’m starting to get the handle on the steering wheel and feel for the car. It’s a whole lot of fun driving these cars. I never thought I would be a Funny Car driver, but I think after this, I can say I’m a Funny Car driver now.”  Quote from Josh Hart, HendrickCars.com Top Fuel Dragster:“The HendrickCars.com team is definitely doing a great job. They’re giving me a great car and we’re figuring out this hot weather and slower ET stuff. It’s hard to do when you have the most powerful car in the world. This John Force Racing operation is epic and I’m very blessed to be here representing HendrickCars.com. Tomorrow is just going to be awesome and, hopefully, we can park this thing in the winner’s circle for Mr. Hendrick.” Quote from Alexis DeJoria, Bandero Café Chevrolet SS Funny Car: “I feel good about our chances tomorrow. We had two good runs in qualifying and, on the last round, we were trying to step on it a little bit and it was just a bit too much. But we found our breaking point with that last run so that will help with how we set up for tomorrow. We’re qualified in the top half of the field so that’s definitely beneficial.” Quote from Jack Beckman, HendrickCars.com Chevrolet SS Funny Car: “We started to spin the tires at 250 feet but felt great up until then. We’ve been chasing some issues this weekend. We dropped a cylinder in Q1 and burned a piston in Q2. So we went from too rich to too lean and then dropped the cylinder again in Q4. We made some bigger changes in Q3 which was the run that told us, ‘Okay, you’re getting close.’ So, in Q4, the motor looks like it was happy and we pushed. We got some cloud cover and we had nothing to lose and everything to gain. When you’re solidly in the top half of the show, there’s nothing to lose. We were swinging for No. 1 and we swung a little too much. Sometimes you need to know what that little bit too much is to know how much to back it up. It looks like the weather may be really cooperative for good elapsed times tomorrow so that might be a great tune up run for tomorrow.”

Steering Buddy Partners with Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

BATAVIA, Ohio (April 25, 2026) – The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing is excited to announce a new partnership with Steering Buddy, based in Anniston, Alabama. Mike Pearl, founder of the Steering Buddy system, has agreed to sponsor the Dark Horse Winner category for the remainder of the 2026 season. The Dark Horse category will recognize any driver who has never won a full-points Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series feature event and goes on to capture their first Series victory in 2026. Eligible winners will receive an additional $1,000 bonus, courtesy of Steering Buddy. Pearl, who was eager to partner with the Series, saw this initiative as a meaningful way to give back to racers while also promoting his product. Steering Buddy was designed and developed several years ago by Mike Pearl and his son, Grant Pearl, an experienced dirt racing crew member. Maneuvering a race car in and out of a hauler, around the pits, and through technical inspection can be difficult – especially for a single person. To solve this problem, the Pearls created the original Steering Buddy device, which is now widely used across the country to help steer race cars safely and efficiently in pit areas. After four years of development, testing, and refinement – followed by three years of proven success in the field – the Steering Buddy is well-established in the racing industry. To learn more or to order, visit SteeringBuddy.com. “We are incredibly grateful to welcome another partner to the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series—especially one that supports a program giving back to racers,” said Wayne Castleberry, Corporate Sales for FloRacing. “We look forward to working with Mike and the entire Steering Buddy team and hope to see a Dark Horse driver in Victory Lane at some point in 2026.”

CHARLOTTE, NC (April 25, 2026) — The final qualifying session of the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway outside of Charlotte, NC, was rained out, locking in Jonathan Allegrucci as the No. 1 qualifier for the second race of the season. He opened the season as the Gatornationals No. 1 qualifier and raced to the quarterfinals at that race. The veteran driver is also the defending NHRA 4-Wide Nationals Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown champion and will roll into race day confident but not overly so.
 
“We don’t feel as good as you’d think,” said Allegrucci. “I still think we’ve got some bugs that we need to work out. The car is obviously running fantastic because of the KSR boys, but I’m honestly not as comfortable as I’ve been in the past. But we’ll get there.”

Defending NHRA 4-Wide Nationals winner Jonathan Allegrucci, will roll into race day as the No. 1 qualifier at zMax Dragway, photo credit Auto Imagery/Gary Nastase

Jonathan Allegrucci Scores Second Consecutive Flexjet Factory Stock
No. 1 Qualifier of the Season

CHARLOTTE, NC (April 25, 2026) — The final qualifying session of the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway outside of Charlotte, NC, was rained out, locking in Jonathan Allegrucci as the No. 1 qualifier for the second race of the season. He opened the season as the Gatornationals No. 1 qualifier and raced to the quarterfinals at that race. The veteran driver is also the defending NHRA 4-Wide Nationals Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown champion and will roll into race day confident but not overly so.
 
“We don’t feel as good as you’d think,” said Allegrucci. “I still think we’ve got some bugs that we need to work out. The car is obviously running fantastic because of the KSR boys, but I’m honestly not as comfortable as I’ve been in the past. But we’ll get there.”

Defending NHRA 4-Wide Nationals winner Jonathan Allegrucci, will roll into race day as the No. 1 qualifier at zMax Dragway, photo credit Auto Imagery/Gary Nastase

Allegrucci made a solid run in the third and only qualifier today, but it was not an improvement over his 7.716 second pass at 178.68 mph pass from Friday. As the defending champion the driver from Scott Township, Pa., is ready to take on the challenge of racing four-wide.
 
“We just have to get up there and worry about us, not worry about anything else, and we’ll be okay,” said Allegrucci. “Racing at a facility like Charlotte doesn’t get any better. Four-wide Charlotte, North Carolina is a premier national event. Where else would you want to be? This track is perfect.”
 
This is the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series’ lone four-wide race of the 2026 season. The second race of the season will feature some of the quickest and fastest Ford Mustang Cobra Jets, Chevrolet COPO Camaros and Dodge Challenger Drag Paks factory stock competitors from across the country. Gatornationals winner Ricky Hord will carry the $1,000 Flexjet bounty into the first round of eliminations. If another competitor can defeat Hord they will collect the bounty but if Hord holds off the field the bounty will double at the following event.
 
After the first day of qualifying at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals Allegrucci was holding down the provisional No. 1 qualifier position. After two rounds Allegrucci’s Ford Mustang had posted the quickest time of 7.716 seconds at 178.68 mph. David Davies II opened the first round of qualifying with a solid 7.730 second pass at 180.65 mph and that time held up through Friday as the second quickest elapsed time.
 
 
The first round of eliminations at the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals will begin tomorrow at zMax Dragway. Fans can follow the racing action at www.nhra.com.
 
 
2026 Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Schedule
 
May 14-17: 26th annual Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals, Chicago
 
June 12-14: 25th annual Super Grip NHRA Thunder Valley Nationals, Bristol, Tenn.
 
June 25-28: 20th annual Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals, Norwalk, Ohio
 
Sept. 2-7: 72nd annual Cornwell Quality Tools NHRA U.S. Nationals, Indianapolis
 
Sept. 17-20: Inaugural Dodge NHRA Great Lake Nationals, Martin, Mich.
 
Oct. 2-4: 15th annual NAPA Auto Parts NHRA Midwest Nationals, St. Louis
 
Oct. 14-18: 41st annual Texas NHRA Fall Nationals, Dallas
 
 

NASCAR CUP SERIES TALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAY TEAM CHEVY DRIVER QUOTES APRIL 25, 2026

Michael McDowell, driver of the No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, met with the media in advance of the NASCAR Cup Series race weekend at Talladega Superspeedway.

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

Media Availability Quotes:  Talk a little bit about your team, where you guys are at this point in the season and what you’re looking forward to for Sunday’s race…“Yeah, we were really hoping to qualify. Talladega is just one of those racetracks where if it was going to rain out, this is an okay one to rain out, just because at first stage, you’re going to be saving fuel and you’ll have an opportunity to work your way towards the front or towards the middle. I don’t know the stats, but I think we got the last five out of six poles here, so we were kind of looking forward to trying to go out there and see what kind of speed we have, but we can’t control the weather.  Just looking forward to Sunday. We’ve had a tough few weeks, so looking to try to get some momentum back on our side and get some points back up on the scoreboard because we definitely struggled the last few weeks. It’s a good weekend to get things turned around.”   What do you think the state of the 71 team is right now? You say you haven’t had necessarily the speed you’re looking for… where do you think you guys are missing it? Do you have any idea?“Yeah, I think it’s just more execution and some setup things. Our teammates have had speed, so I don’t think it’s in our processes or our potential of the race car. We just haven’t maximized it. I think for us, probably more than anything, we sort of had a pretty good rhythm from last year. With the updated Chevy Camaro body, I feel like we just haven’t hit it quite as good, especially with the mile-and-a-halves. The good news is we have good data points. Every weekend, one of us has been quick, so I feel like we have the speed in our cars. We just haven’t hit it as a 71 group. We also have compounded our problems the last few weeks with pit road penalties and things like that, you know, when you take a not a great day and you make it a bad day. We just have to clean all those things up.”    How much do you look at points after each race at this time of the season?“Well, they always matter. I think that where you’re at now is going to be that window of where you’re going to be, so you have to keep scoring points. I feel like even two or three races ago, I would have told you that we’re going to be right on that cutline, and it’ll probably be three of us racing for that cutline or close to it. We sort of knew that going into it. The points haven’t really shaken up much from what we thought they would be. We’re going to be close, and we can’t have weekends like we had last weekend.”    NASCAR just announced that they made the news official that Jim France is stepping down as CEO. Your reaction to that news and when you heard it yesterday?“We had a little pre-meeting before they made the announcement with all the drivers. I think that it’s great for him. Obviously, he’s been dedicated to the sport for a long time, so for him to be able to not necessarily step away, but just step aside to allow Steve O’Donnell and Ben Kennedy to start to fill those roles and bring in the new management, I feel like it was what was going to happen at some point, right? You don’t do it forever. Honestly, I don’t think it changes a whole lot because we were sort of already there a little bit. I feel like it’s just kind of new titles.  But I feel comfortable with where the sport’s at and where we’re going.”   Were you a little surprised when you heard it, or like you said, you kind of saw this coming and that kind of thing?“Well, you guys have seen the last three or four years, Jim has been very active at NASCAR races, where three or four years prior to that, we probably didn’t see him quite as much. So I didn’t think that pace would stay up forever. He’s been not just NASCAR, but IMSA, motorcycle racing and everything for a long time, so it’s hard to keep that pace up, being at the racetrack every single week into your 70s and 80s has got to be tough.”    How does NASCAR’s changes to the stage lengths for this weekend affect your team’s ability to try and execute the kind of strategy that you guys nearly pulled off at the end of the Daytona 500?“Yeah, there’s still a lot of strategy in play. I mean, we don’t know exactly what it’s going to look like. You know, you come up with theories and ideas, but a lot of it is based off of your competitors, too. Obviously, they’re not telling us what they’re going to do, so you kind of have plan A, plan B and plan C, depending on what everybody else does. But it’s definitely changed the flow of this race. You just kind of flip-flopped it to where that first stage is going to be where you do a lot of your fuel mileage saving and you kind of work your strategy. But there will still be opportunities for strategy in that second and third stage, as well. But yeah, I think everybody’s excited because there are some opportunities to do things, and we’ll see who takes those opportunities.”   Even if they hadn’t changed the length of the final stage, would you guys still be able to try and execute the kind of fuel strategy you did at the end of the DAYTONA 500, just because you put it out there, everyone saw it, and now everyone knows that, oh, we might be able to try and stretch it to the end on fuel the way you guys looked like you could before that last caution came out?“I don’t know if anybody else could do it. I think we just executed it really well. We had the perfect scenario where we had a car behind us. We had Connor Zilisch behind us that was three or four laps down. And he didn’t know it, but he was pushing us along while we were saving fuel. It was just a perfect scenario. We were in the right spot at the right time, and once we realized we were getting the numbers that we were getting, it kind of opened that opportunity. But yeah, there won’t be an opportunity like that at the end of this race. But like I said, there are still some opportunities in the beginning.”    Drivers have talked quite a bit that they like that this change has happened with the length of the stages. What’s your take on that, and how will fans see a slight difference for a better show this weekend?“Yeah, I’m optimistic, just like everybody else, that it’ll be a positive change. There’ll still be people that complain. That’s part of what we do, and I feel like that’s inevitable. There’s a lot of voices out there. I think the drivers probably like it because you know once you get into those final stages that, for the most part, you’re going to be hammer down. But I think that, just like the rules packages with the lower downforce and all those things, we just have to be cautious of how optimistic we get because there’s going to be guys that still short-fill in that final stage to get track position, and they’re still going to save fuel. There’s going to be people that flip the stages so that they have track position and they’ll have to save fuel, so it’s not a no-brainer where it’s like, I’ll throw a strategy out. There’s still going to be a lot of strategy playing out. There’s still going to be a lot of fuel saving happening.’    Just wanted to get your take on Talladega Superspeedway, not just the pure adrenaline rush, but something about this racetrack that excites you and piques your interest?“Yeah, it is exciting. It’s a fun race. When you make it to that final lap and you’re in those first few rows, it’s intense. There’s no doubt about it. The start-finish line is so far down here, it’s just hard to get to the finish line, right? You take the white and there’s still an eternity left of racing. I find it really fun. I’ve been pretty close here; had some good runs, but never gotten the checkered flag. Every time I come here, I look at the opportunity that’s in front of me that this could be a weekend that we could go win. I enjoy it. You don’t think about the risk while you’re out there or even right now. When you get home on Sunday evening, you’re like, okay, whether it was good or bad, you’re like, I survived Talladega and you move on to the next week.  I enjoy this racetrack. I like the intensity. It’s produced some of the best finishes that we’ve seen in our sport. It’s also produced some of the scariest crashes we’ve seen in our sport. I feel like it’s just an iconic, historic NASCAR racetrack that we come to. Not everybody loves it, but I definitely love being here and like the opportunity that we have in front of us.”    Thinking back to the first time you came here, what were your thoughts when you were going at full speed into turn one? What was your first thoughts there?“I remember in particular, I thought this was the dumbest racing I’ve ever seen in my entire life. You have to remember that I came from sportscars and IndyCar racing, and we barely are two-wide in those, for the most part. You just out-brake somebody, make the pass, it’s over. When I was three or four wide stuck in the middle of the pack, I was just like, this is like a suicide mission… what are we doing out here? It took me a while to embrace this style of racing because it’s so unique. When you come from other forms of motorsports and you come to Talladega or Daytona, it’s just so different than anything you’ve ever done. It took me a while to really learn to enjoy it because when you’re wedged up in the middle there, you just feel hopeless. You feel like, oh, there’s nothing I can do. If somebody makes a mistake in front of me, I’m just going to be in it. You’re thinking about all the wrong things. Now moving forward, I don’t ever feel that way. I’m like, oh, there’s an opportunity… I’m going to snake my way through here. I’m going to make a hole here.  The first time coming here, I remember thinking, man, this is really, really dumb… what are we doing? But I’ve grown to love it and enjoy it, for sure.”   Both of your teammates are in a position in their careers where a win would be very, very big for them. So if you’re in that situation where you’re ahead of one or both of them coming to the line, are you viewing them as more of a wingman or someone you’re going to have to really try hard to defend?“I think we had this scenario at Daytona (laughs). Yeah, I think that it’s a tough question to ask because every scenario is different. But the plan is for the Spire cars to work together to the best of our ability. But then there’s things at the end that happen that, I wouldn’t even say that it’s a matter of trying to win the race for your individual self or team, it’s more of trying to protect the win.  So yeah, I don’t think about that. I also feel like I have something to prove, and it’s an opportunity for me, too. But I’m definitely going to help my teammates in any way that I can. And when it comes to the end of the races, everyone talks about it like, well, you plan for all these scenarios and they don’t always work out. Well, the scenario we planned for at Daytona worked out; we were in that position, but we didn’t execute. So I feel like that’s a learning experience for all of us, and we’ve got to make sure that we get to the finish line and not crash coming to the white.”   Everyone always lumps Daytona and Talladega together. How similar are they actually, or how dissimilar are they?“The style of racing is similar, but the track itself, the way that the runs happen, the way that you’ve got to block and the way that you’ve got to protect the lanes is completely different. They’re the same style.  It’s like going to a road course, right? Road course racing is kind of the same style, but they’re very different racetracks. The way that you get to the end of Daytona and the way that you get to the end of Talladega is different. But the mindset of taking your runs and all those things are somewhat similar, but the track does race very different than Daytona.”   You mentioned the Chevrolet bodies earlier. I was just curious, has there been a noticeable difference in how they can take pushes or handle pushes in the draft?“You know, this is something that I didn’t have a problem with the old one. I think it was a lot more setup related than body related. It was a big fear of mine coming into the Chevy camp last year of, man, I’ve been so used to being able to push whoever I want, whenever I want, and take a push. I was scared that first Daytona of like, oh, what’s going to happen? But I didn’t have any issues with the old body or with the new body. I feel like that was a not a real thing. It was a thing that maybe everyone got in their heads, but it wasn’t a real thing. You know, the cars have to drive well; they have to take a push and there’s a lot of setup things that allow you to do that. I think it was more of that related than it actually was the body or manufacturer related.”

NASCAR CUP SERIESTALLADEGA SUPERSPEEDWAYTEAM CHEVY DRIVER QUOTESAPRIL 25, 2026

Michael McDowell, driver of the No. 71 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, met with the media in advance of the NASCAR Cup Series race weekend at Talladega Superspeedway.

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

Media Availability Quotes:  Talk a little bit about your team, where you guys are at this point in the season and what you’re looking forward to for Sunday’s race…“Yeah, we were really hoping to qualify. Talladega is just one of those racetracks where if it was going to rain out, this is an okay one to rain out, just because at first stage, you’re going to be saving fuel and you’ll have an opportunity to work your way towards the front or towards the middle. I don’t know the stats, but I think we got the last five out of six poles here, so we were kind of looking forward to trying to go out there and see what kind of speed we have, but we can’t control the weather.  Just looking forward to Sunday. We’ve had a tough few weeks, so looking to try to get some momentum back on our side and get some points back up on the scoreboard because we definitely struggled the last few weeks. It’s a good weekend to get things turned around.”   What do you think the state of the 71 team is right now? You say you haven’t had necessarily the speed you’re looking for… where do you think you guys are missing it? Do you have any idea?“Yeah, I think it’s just more execution and some setup things. Our teammates have had speed, so I don’t think it’s in our processes or our potential of the race car. We just haven’t maximized it. I think for us, probably more than anything, we sort of had a pretty good rhythm from last year. With the updated Chevy Camaro body, I feel like we just haven’t hit it quite as good, especially with the mile-and-a-halves. The good news is we have good data points. Every weekend, one of us has been quick, so I feel like we have the speed in our cars. We just haven’t hit it as a 71 group. We also have compounded our problems the last few weeks with pit road penalties and things like that, you know, when you take a not a great day and you make it a bad day. We just have to clean all those things up.”    How much do you look at points after each race at this time of the season?“Well, they always matter. I think that where you’re at now is going to be that window of where you’re going to be, so you have to keep scoring points. I feel like even two or three races ago, I would have told you that we’re going to be right on that cutline, and it’ll probably be three of us racing for that cutline or close to it. We sort of knew that going into it. The points haven’t really shaken up much from what we thought they would be. We’re going to be close, and we can’t have weekends like we had last weekend.”    NASCAR just announced that they made the news official that Jim France is stepping down as CEO. Your reaction to that news and when you heard it yesterday?“We had a little pre-meeting before they made the announcement with all the drivers. I think that it’s great for him. Obviously, he’s been dedicated to the sport for a long time, so for him to be able to not necessarily step away, but just step aside to allow Steve O’Donnell and Ben Kennedy to start to fill those roles and bring in the new management, I feel like it was what was going to happen at some point, right? You don’t do it forever. Honestly, I don’t think it changes a whole lot because we were sort of already there a little bit. I feel like it’s just kind of new titles.  But I feel comfortable with where the sport’s at and where we’re going.”   Were you a little surprised when you heard it, or like you said, you kind of saw this coming and that kind of thing?“Well, you guys have seen the last three or four years, Jim has been very active at NASCAR races, where three or four years prior to that, we probably didn’t see him quite as much. So I didn’t think that pace would stay up forever. He’s been not just NASCAR, but IMSA, motorcycle racing and everything for a long time, so it’s hard to keep that pace up, being at the racetrack every single week into your 70s and 80s has got to be tough.”    How does NASCAR’s changes to the stage lengths for this weekend affect your team’s ability to try and execute the kind of strategy that you guys nearly pulled off at the end of the Daytona 500?“Yeah, there’s still a lot of strategy in play. I mean, we don’t know exactly what it’s going to look like. You know, you come up with theories and ideas, but a lot of it is based off of your competitors, too. Obviously, they’re not telling us what they’re going to do, so you kind of have plan A, plan B and plan C, depending on what everybody else does. But it’s definitely changed the flow of this race. You just kind of flip-flopped it to where that first stage is going to be where you do a lot of your fuel mileage saving and you kind of work your strategy. But there will still be opportunities for strategy in that second and third stage, as well. But yeah, I think everybody’s excited because there are some opportunities to do things, and we’ll see who takes those opportunities.”   Even if they hadn’t changed the length of the final stage, would you guys still be able to try and execute the kind of fuel strategy you did at the end of the DAYTONA 500, just because you put it out there, everyone saw it, and now everyone knows that, oh, we might be able to try and stretch it to the end on fuel the way you guys looked like you could before that last caution came out?“I don’t know if anybody else could do it. I think we just executed it really well. We had the perfect scenario where we had a car behind us. We had Connor Zilisch behind us that was three or four laps down. And he didn’t know it, but he was pushing us along while we were saving fuel. It was just a perfect scenario. We were in the right spot at the right time, and once we realized we were getting the numbers that we were getting, it kind of opened that opportunity. But yeah, there won’t be an opportunity like that at the end of this race. But like I said, there are still some opportunities in the beginning.”    Drivers have talked quite a bit that they like that this change has happened with the length of the stages. What’s your take on that, and how will fans see a slight difference for a better show this weekend?“Yeah, I’m optimistic, just like everybody else, that it’ll be a positive change. There’ll still be people that complain. That’s part of what we do, and I feel like that’s inevitable. There’s a lot of voices out there. I think the drivers probably like it because you know once you get into those final stages that, for the most part, you’re going to be hammer down. But I think that, just like the rules packages with the lower downforce and all those things, we just have to be cautious of how optimistic we get because there’s going to be guys that still short-fill in that final stage to get track position, and they’re still going to save fuel. There’s going to be people that flip the stages so that they have track position and they’ll have to save fuel, so it’s not a no-brainer where it’s like, I’ll throw a strategy out. There’s still going to be a lot of strategy playing out. There’s still going to be a lot of fuel saving happening.’    Just wanted to get your take on Talladega Superspeedway, not just the pure adrenaline rush, but something about this racetrack that excites you and piques your interest?“Yeah, it is exciting. It’s a fun race. When you make it to that final lap and you’re in those first few rows, it’s intense. There’s no doubt about it. The start-finish line is so far down here, it’s just hard to get to the finish line, right? You take the white and there’s still an eternity left of racing. I find it really fun. I’ve been pretty close here; had some good runs, but never gotten the checkered flag. Every time I come here, I look at the opportunity that’s in front of me that this could be a weekend that we could go win. I enjoy it. You don’t think about the risk while you’re out there or even right now. When you get home on Sunday evening, you’re like, okay, whether it was good or bad, you’re like, I survived Talladega and you move on to the next week.  I enjoy this racetrack. I like the intensity. It’s produced some of the best finishes that we’ve seen in our sport. It’s also produced some of the scariest crashes we’ve seen in our sport. I feel like it’s just an iconic, historic NASCAR racetrack that we come to. Not everybody loves it, but I definitely love being here and like the opportunity that we have in front of us.”    Thinking back to the first time you came here, what were your thoughts when you were going at full speed into turn one? What was your first thoughts there?“I remember in particular, I thought this was the dumbest racing I’ve ever seen in my entire life. You have to remember that I came from sportscars and IndyCar racing, and we barely are two-wide in those, for the most part. You just out-brake somebody, make the pass, it’s over. When I was three or four wide stuck in the middle of the pack, I was just like, this is like a suicide mission… what are we doing out here? It took me a while to embrace this style of racing because it’s so unique. When you come from other forms of motorsports and you come to Talladega or Daytona, it’s just so different than anything you’ve ever done. It took me a while to really learn to enjoy it because when you’re wedged up in the middle there, you just feel hopeless. You feel like, oh, there’s nothing I can do. If somebody makes a mistake in front of me, I’m just going to be in it. You’re thinking about all the wrong things. Now moving forward, I don’t ever feel that way. I’m like, oh, there’s an opportunity… I’m going to snake my way through here. I’m going to make a hole here.  The first time coming here, I remember thinking, man, this is really, really dumb… what are we doing? But I’ve grown to love it and enjoy it, for sure.”   Both of your teammates are in a position in their careers where a win would be very, very big for them. So if you’re in that situation where you’re ahead of one or both of them coming to the line, are you viewing them as more of a wingman or someone you’re going to have to really try hard to defend?“I think we had this scenario at Daytona (laughs). Yeah, I think that it’s a tough question to ask because every scenario is different. But the plan is for the Spire cars to work together to the best of our ability. But then there’s things at the end that happen that, I wouldn’t even say that it’s a matter of trying to win the race for your individual self or team, it’s more of trying to protect the win.  So yeah, I don’t think about that. I also feel like I have something to prove, and it’s an opportunity for me, too. But I’m definitely going to help my teammates in any way that I can. And when it comes to the end of the races, everyone talks about it like, well, you plan for all these scenarios and they don’t always work out. Well, the scenario we planned for at Daytona worked out; we were in that position, but we didn’t execute. So I feel like that’s a learning experience for all of us, and we’ve got to make sure that we get to the finish line and not crash coming to the white.”   Everyone always lumps Daytona and Talladega together. How similar are they actually, or how dissimilar are they?“The style of racing is similar, but the track itself, the way that the runs happen, the way that you’ve got to block and the way that you’ve got to protect the lanes is completely different. They’re the same style.  It’s like going to a road course, right? Road course racing is kind of the same style, but they’re very different racetracks. The way that you get to the end of Daytona and the way that you get to the end of Talladega is different. But the mindset of taking your runs and all those things are somewhat similar, but the track does race very different than Daytona.”   You mentioned the Chevrolet bodies earlier. I was just curious, has there been a noticeable difference in how they can take pushes or handle pushes in the draft?“You know, this is something that I didn’t have a problem with the old one. I think it was a lot more setup related than body related. It was a big fear of mine coming into the Chevy camp last year of, man, I’ve been so used to being able to push whoever I want, whenever I want, and take a push. I was scared that first Daytona of like, oh, what’s going to happen? But I didn’t have any issues with the old body or with the new body. I feel like that was a not a real thing. It was a thing that maybe everyone got in their heads, but it wasn’t a real thing. You know, the cars have to drive well; they have to take a push and there’s a lot of setup things that allow you to do that. I think it was more of that related than it actually was the body or manufacturer related.”

Moran Goes Back-to-Back in Melvin L. Joseph Memorial at Georgetown

GEORGETOWN, DE (April 24, 2026) – Devin Moran captured the Melvin L. Joseph Memorial for the second consecutive year Friday night at Georgetown Speedway, taking home the $21,049 top prize in the feature event honoring the track’s founder. The defending Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion started fifth and charged to the lead on lap seven, passing Hudson O’Neal before pacing the remainder of the 49-lap event for his fifth Series win of the 2026 season. O’Neal finished second, while ninth-starting Max Blair rounded out the Big River Steel podium in third. Brandon Sheppard finished fourth, and Josh Rice impressed in his Georgetown debut, advancing from 16th to complete the top five. O’Neal grabbed the early lead with Ricky Thornton Jr. in pursuit. After leading the first six laps, O’Neal was overtaken by Moran, who made a decisive move to the front on lap seven. Thornton’s night came to an abrupt end shortly after when a broken driveshaft forced him to retire to the infield. Following the restart, Moran steadily extended his advantage over O’Neal and Blair. He ultimately crossed the finish line 0.570 seconds ahead of O’Neal, extending his championship points lead to 35 as the Series heads to Hagerstown Speedway on Sunday after Saturday’s event at BAPS Motor Speedway was canceled due to weather. Moran’s victory marked the 29th of his Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series career, capping off a challenging night filled with adversity. “Today was pretty much what racing is like sometimes—we went from low to high, then back to low again,” said the Dresden, Ohio native. “We couldn’t hot lap, had to pull out a backup car, set fast time, and even had an oil line come off that caused a fire under the hood. To come back from all that and win is pretty special.” “I want to thank Garrett Alberson—he offered us one of his cars if we needed it—and the Rocket 1 team for helping us throughout the night. It was a tough one, but we kept fighting.” “I wasn’t sure how good the top would be. This is a brand-new car and motor, but we overcame a lot tonight. I was excited to go to BAPS tomorrow, but unfortunately that’s canceled. We’ll be ready for Hagerstown.” O’Neal, who entered the race as the nation’s winningest dirt late model driver with 11 victories, came up just short of his fourth Series win of the year. “He showed us a different part of the racetrack,” O’Neal said of Moran. “I thought the top would dominate early, but by the time I realized he was making the bottom work, he was already by me. He did a great job, and his car was really good. We just need to be a little better to start the race.” Blair’s third-place finish moved him up to fourth in the championship standings. “I thought I had a shot—I had just passed Garrett (Alberson), but we didn’t get that lap in,” Blair said. “I wish we had one more lap so I could’ve lined up in the second row, but it all worked out. We weren’t great in the heat race, but we improved for the feature.” Moran’s winning Double Down Motorsports, Longhorn Chassis is powered by a Cornett Racing Engine and backed by Big River Steel, Millwood Plumbing, C&W Trucking, Phillips CPA, BOMAG, Haulin’ Haskell’s, CarSourceAuto.com, Anthony’s Pizza, Hazen Services, Northeastern Fabrication, McHugh Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Elliott Farms, and Pee Wee’s Wrecker Service. Completing the top ten were Carson Ferguson, Daniel Hilsabeck, Garrett Alberson, Clay Harris, and Dillon McCowan. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Race Summary The Melvin L. Joseph MemorialFriday, April 24, 2026Georgetown Speedway | Georgetown, DE Allstar Performance Time TrialsFast Time Group A: Devin Moran | 17.566 seconds (Overall)Fast Time Group B: Hudson O’Neal | 17.657 seconds Penske Shocks Heat Race #1 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[2]; 2. 99-Devin Moran[1]; 3. 111-Max Blair[3]; 4. 22-Daniel Hilsabeck[4]; 5. 55L-Donald Lingo Jr[6]; 6. 93L-Cory Lawler[5]; 7. (DNS) 01-Matt Glanden Summit Racing Products Heat Race #2 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 58-Garrett Alberson[1]; 2. 93-Carson Ferguson[3]; 3. 60-Dan Ebert[2]; 4. 7-Ross Robinson[5]; 5. 4S-Danny Snyder[6]; 6. 40B-Kyle Bronson[4]; 7. (DNS) 22*-Drake Troutman Cool-It Thermo-Tec Heat Race #3 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 71-Hudson O’Neal[1]; 2. 76-Brandon Overton[2]; 3. 3S-Brian Shirley[4]; 4. 6-Clay Harris[3]; 5. 00-Willie Milliken[5]; 6. 11AC-Trevor Collins[7]; 7. C4-Freddie Carpenter[6]; 8. 121-Tristin Neiderer[8] Simpson Race Products Heat Race #4 Finish (8 Laps, Top 4 Transfer): 1. 1-Brandon Sheppard[1]; 2. 8-Dillon McCowan[2]; 3. 24-Rick Eckert[5]; 4. 11-Josh Rice[3]; 5. 19M-Brenden Smith[4]; 6. 15K-Kyle Lee[6]; 7. KB-Kerry King[7] Fast Shafts B-Main Race #1 Finish (10 Laps, Top 6 Transfer): 1. 55L-Donald Lingo Jr[1]; 2. 4S-Danny Snyder[3]; 3. 19M-Brenden Smith[4]; 4. 00-Willie Milliken[2]; 5. 40B-Kyle Bronson[7]; 6. 11AC-Trevor Collins[6]; 7. C4-Freddie Carpenter[9]; 8. 93L-Cory Lawler[5]; 9. 121-Tristin Neiderer[11]; 10. 15K-Kyle Lee[8]; 11. KB-Kerry King[10]; 12. (DNS) 01-Matt Glanden; 13. (DNS) 22*-Drake Troutman The Melvin L. Joseph Memorial Feature Finish (49 Laps):Pos – Start – Car # – Competitor – Hometown – Earnings1 – 5 – 99 – Devin Moran – Dresden, OH – $22,4492 – 2 – 71 – Hudson O’Neal – Martinsville, IN – $8,3003 – 9 – 111 – Max Blair – Centerville, PA – $5,9004 – 4 – 1 – Brandon Sheppard – New Berlin, IL – $4,9005 – 16 – 11 – Josh Rice – Crittenden, KY – $4,0006 – 7 – 93 – Carson Ferguson – Lincolnton, NC – $3,4007 – 13 – 22 – Daniel Hilsabeck – Earlham, IA – $2,4008 – 3 – 58 – Garrett Alberson – Las Cruces, NM – $3,2009 – 14 – 6 – Clay Harris – Jupiter, FL – $3,10010 – 8 – 8 – Dillon McCowan – Urbana, MO – $3,00011 – 10 – 3S – Brian Shirley – Chatham, IL – $2,90012 – 21 – 40B – Kyle Bronson – Brandon, FL – $2,70013 – 20 – 0 – Willie Milliken – Roanoke Rapids, NC – $1,60014 – 22 – 11AC – Trevor Collins – Seaford, DE – $1,50015 – 6 – 76 – Brandon Overton – Evans, GA – $2,30016 – 24 – C4 – Freddie Carpenter – Parkersburg, WV – $1,30017 – 11 – 60 – Dan Ebert – Lake Shore, MN – $2,10018 – 23 – 93L – Cory Lawler – Hanover, PA – $1,10019 – 19 – 19M – Brenden Smith – Dade City, FL – $1,90020 – 17 – 55L – Donald Lingo Jr – Millsboro, DE – $1,00021 – 18 – 4S – Danny Snyder – Green Lane, PA – $1,00022 – 15 – 7 – Ross Robinson – Georgetown, DE – $1,00023 – 12 – 24 – Rick Eckert – York, PA – $1,00024 – 1 – 20RT – Ricky Thornton Jr – Chandler, AZ – $2,400 Race Statistics  Entrants: 29Bilstein Shocks Pole Sitter: Ricky Thornton, Jr.MD3 Lap Leaders: Hudson O’Neal (Laps 1-6); Devin Moran (Laps 7-49)Hellraizer Jacks Halfway Leader: Devin MoranWieland Feature Winner: Devin MoranMargin of Victory: 0.570 secondsHellraizer Jacks Cautions: Ricky Thornton, Jr. (Lap 7); Donald Lingo, Jr., Ross Robinson (Lap 8); Brenden Smith (Lap 12); Dan Ebert (Lap 19); Ross Robinson (Lap 22)MyRacePass Series Provisional: Cory Lawler; Freddie CarpenterFast Time Provisional: n/aEmergency Provisionals: n/aTrack Provisional: n/aBig River Steel Podium Top 3: Devin Moran, Hudson O’Neal, Max BlairPenske Shocks Top 5: Devin Moran, Hudson O’Neal, Max Blair, Brandon Sheppard, Josh RiceBehrent’s One-Lap-to-Go Top 3: Devin Moran, Hudson O’Neal, Max BlairPEM 4th Place Feature: Brandon SheppardDiversified Machine 5th Place Feature: Josh RiceWilwood Brakes 7th Place Feature: Daniel HilsabeckWehrs Machine 11th Place Feature: Brian ShirleyVelocity Manufacturing 13th Place Feature: Willie MillikenXS Power Batteries 15th Place Feature: Brandon OvertonHoker Trucking Hard Charger of the Race: Josh Rice (Advanced 11 positions)MD3 Most Laps Led: Devin Moran (43 Laps)Sunoco Race Fuels Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Hudson O’NealMidwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Devin MoranO’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Race: Josh RicePro Fabrication Headers Fastest Lap of the Race: Devin Moran | Lap 7 | 18.646 secondsFK Rod Ends Hard Luck Award: Ricky Thornton, Jr.Victory Fuel Power Move of the Race: Devin MoranOuterwears Crew Chief of the Race: Chuck KimbleARP Engine Builder of the Race: Cornett Race EnginesMiller Welders Chassis Builder of the Race: Longhorn ChassisDirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps: Hudson O’Neal | 17.521 secondsTime of Race: 30 minutes 35 seconds Big River Steel Championship Standings Presented by ARP:Pos – Car # – Competitor – Hometown – Points – Earnings1 – 99 – Devin Moran – Dresden, OH – 1885 – $129,9492 – 71 – Hudson O’Neal – Martinsville, IN – 1850 – $93,6003 – 76 – Brandon Overton – Evans, GA – 1685 – $43,0504 – 111 – Max Blair – Centerville, PA – 1670 – $40,7005 – 1 – Brandon Sheppard – New Berlin, IL – 1650 – $53,7006 – 20RT – Ricky Thornton Jr – Chandler, AZ – 1650 – $52,7507 – 6 – Clay Harris – Jupiter, FL – 1560 – $38,2008 – 58 – Garrett Alberson – Las Cruces, NM – 1540 – $33,0009 – 11 – Josh Rice – Crittenden, KY – 1465 – $25,22510 – 40B – Kyle Bronson – Brandon, FL – 1465 – $23,07511 – 93 – Carson Ferguson – Lincolnton, NC – 1435 – $25,85012 – 3s – Brian Shirley – Chatham, IL – 1420 – $24,50013 – 60 – Dan Ebert – Lake Shore, MN – 1350 – $23,97514 – 8 – Dillon McCowan – Urbana, MO – 1225 – $14,37515 – 19M – Brenden Smith – Dade City, FL – 1215 – $17,00016 – 22 – Daniel Hilsabeck – Earlham, IA – 1200 – $16,62517 – 93L – Cory Lawler – Hanover, PA – 1030 – $10,42518 – C4 – Freddie Carpenter – Parkersburg, WV – 1000 – $4,900

The five-time World of Outlaws champion flexes his muscle with Silva Motorsports to continue a historic streak

KNOXVILLE, IA (April 24, 2026) – Brad Sweet may be semi-retired from being behind the wheel, but he’s not slowing down.

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series brought a huge field to Knoxville Raceway Friday, and the “Big Cat” looked like he was in his prime. More than 60 entries signed in, and Sweet delivered a masterclass aboard the Silva Motorsports No. 94.

The five-time Series champion started on the pole and never looked back. Sweet ripped through traffic as the laps clicked away. David Gravel surged into second early on in the Big Game Motorsports No. 2 and looked like he may give Sweet a challenge. But the Grass Valley, CA native made all the right moves on the way to Victory Lane.

“It felt difficult, but the bottom lane was just definitely a little faster,” Sweet said. “Lapped cars were hard. I was nervous coming here because Paul (Silva) and Trevor (Canales), they work so hard, and Kyle (Larson) has had so much success here I didn’t want to be the weak link. Just really happy to get them a win.”

Sweet extended a historic streak with his victory. He’s now won a World of Outlaws Feature in 15 straight seasons. That’s tied for the fourth longest such run. Sweet is up to 93 career victories with The Greatest Show on Dirt. He’s now come out on top three times in eight 410 Sprint Car starts this year. All of them have been with Paul Silva on the wrenches, though the first two were in Kevin Kozlowski’s No. W on the west coast with the Northern Auto Racing Club.

David Gravel came home runner-up to collect his 10th podium of the season and extend his lead atop the standings.

The reigning NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s champion, Ryan Timms, rounded out the podium in the Liebig Motorsports No. 10.

Brent Marks and J.J. Hickle completed the top five.

NIGHTLY NOTES

Buddy Kofoid collected his third Race//Ready Hottest Lap of the Night in 2026.

J.J. Hickle earned his first career Simpson Quick Time in Honest Abe Roofing Qualifying.

Heat Races belonged to Brent Marks (NOS Energy Drink Heat One), Aaron Reutzel (TheGreatestStoreonDirt.com Heat Two), David Gravel (WIX Filters Heat Three), and Emerson Axsom (Golf Cart Services Heat Four).

The SPA Technique #1 Redraw went to J.J. Hickle.

Brad Sweet topped the Toyota Dash.

Garet Williamson won the Micro-Lite Last Chance Showdown.

Justin Henderson was the Tub O’ Towels Seventh Place Finisher.

Sheldon Haudenschild took the KCP Racing No. 18 from 25th to 18th to earn the KSE Racing Products Hard Charger.

Emerson Axsom’s top 10 earned him the Five Star Bodies Rookie of the Race.

Brad Sweet clocked the ACME Trading Company Fast Lap.

The Smith Titanium Brake Systems Break of the Race went to Cole Macedo.

UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars take on the finale of Knoxville Raceway’s Premier Chevy Dealers Clash on Saturday, April 25. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

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

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

FEATURE RESULTS:

NOS Energy Drink Feature (25 Laps): 1. 94-Brad Sweet[1]; 2. 2-David Gravel[6]; 3. 10-Ryan Timms[4]; 4. 19-Brent Marks[7]; 5. 2M-JJ Hickle[3]; 6. 87-Aaron Reutzel[8]; 7. 11-Justin Henderson[2]; 8. 83-Michael Kofoid[9]; 9. 15-Donny Schatz[12]; 10. 27-Emerson Axsom[5]; 11. 1S-Logan Schuchart[10]; 12. 41-Carson Macedo[11]; 13. 28-Jace Park[13]; 14. 24A-Rico Abreu[17]; 15. 7S-Chris Windom[18]; 16. 26-Justin Peck[14]; 17. 88-Austin McCarl[23]; 18. 18-Sheldon Haudenschild[25]; 19. 23-Garet Williamson[21]; 20. 2C-Cole Macedo[15]; 21. 21-Brian Brown[20]; 22. 88T-Tanner Thorson[22]; 23. 13-Tanner Holmes[19]; 24. 6-Kasey Jedrzejek[24]; 25. (DNF) 5-Brenham Crouch[16]

BIG CAT BEATDOWN: Brad Sweet Leads Every Lap to Top Knoxville Opener

The five-time World of Outlaws champion flexes his muscle with Silva Motorsports to continue a historic streak

KNOXVILLE, IA (April 24, 2026) – Brad Sweet may be semi-retired from being behind the wheel, but he’s not slowing down.

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series brought a huge field to Knoxville Raceway Friday, and the “Big Cat” looked like he was in his prime. More than 60 entries signed in, and Sweet delivered a masterclass aboard the Silva Motorsports No. 94.

The five-time Series champion started on the pole and never looked back. Sweet ripped through traffic as the laps clicked away. David Gravel surged into second early on in the Big Game Motorsports No. 2 and looked like he may give Sweet a challenge. But the Grass Valley, CA native made all the right moves on the way to Victory Lane.

“It felt difficult, but the bottom lane was just definitely a little faster,” Sweet said. “Lapped cars were hard. I was nervous coming here because Paul (Silva) and Trevor (Canales), they work so hard, and Kyle (Larson) has had so much success here I didn’t want to be the weak link. Just really happy to get them a win.”

Sweet extended a historic streak with his victory. He’s now won a World of Outlaws Feature in 15 straight seasons. That’s tied for the fourth longest such run. Sweet is up to 93 career victories with The Greatest Show on Dirt. He’s now come out on top three times in eight 410 Sprint Car starts this year. All of them have been with Paul Silva on the wrenches, though the first two were in Kevin Kozlowski’s No. W on the west coast with the Northern Auto Racing Club.

David Gravel came home runner-up to collect his 10th podium of the season and extend his lead atop the standings.

The reigning NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s champion, Ryan Timms, rounded out the podium in the Liebig Motorsports No. 10.

Brent Marks and J.J. Hickle completed the top five.

NIGHTLY NOTES

Buddy Kofoid collected his third Race//Ready Hottest Lap of the Night in 2026.

J.J. Hickle earned his first career Simpson Quick Time in Honest Abe Roofing Qualifying.

Heat Races belonged to Brent Marks (NOS Energy Drink Heat One), Aaron Reutzel (TheGreatestStoreonDirt.com Heat Two), David Gravel (WIX Filters Heat Three), and Emerson Axsom (Golf Cart Services Heat Four).

The SPA Technique #1 Redraw went to J.J. Hickle.

Brad Sweet topped the Toyota Dash.

Garet Williamson won the Micro-Lite Last Chance Showdown.

Justin Henderson was the Tub O’ Towels Seventh Place Finisher.

Sheldon Haudenschild took the KCP Racing No. 18 from 25th to 18th to earn the KSE Racing Products Hard Charger.

Emerson Axsom’s top 10 earned him the Five Star Bodies Rookie of the Race.

Brad Sweet clocked the ACME Trading Company Fast Lap.

The Smith Titanium Brake Systems Break of the Race went to Cole Macedo.

UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars take on the finale of Knoxville Raceway’s Premier Chevy Dealers Clash on Saturday, April 25. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

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

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

FEATURE RESULTS:

NOS Energy Drink Feature (25 Laps): 1. 94-Brad Sweet[1]; 2. 2-David Gravel[6]; 3. 10-Ryan Timms[4]; 4. 19-Brent Marks[7]; 5. 2M-JJ Hickle[3]; 6. 87-Aaron Reutzel[8]; 7. 11-Justin Henderson[2]; 8. 83-Michael Kofoid[9]; 9. 15-Donny Schatz[12]; 10. 27-Emerson Axsom[5]; 11. 1S-Logan Schuchart[10]; 12. 41-Carson Macedo[11]; 13. 28-Jace Park[13]; 14. 24A-Rico Abreu[17]; 15. 7S-Chris Windom[18]; 16. 26-Justin Peck[14]; 17. 88-Austin McCarl[23]; 18. 18-Sheldon Haudenschild[25]; 19. 23-Garet Williamson[21]; 20. 2C-Cole Macedo[15]; 21. 21-Brian Brown[20]; 22. 88T-Tanner Thorson[22]; 23. 13-Tanner Holmes[19]; 24. 6-Kasey Jedrzejek[24]; 25. (DNF) 5-Brenham Crouch[16]

For complete results, CLICK HERE.

FRIDAY RECAP – CHARLOTTE Race 4 of 20

Photography: John Force Racing / Auto Imagery / Gary Nastase

VANDERGRIFF LEADS JFR IN FRIDAY QUALIFYING Vandergriff 2nd, Hart 4th, DeJoria 5th, Beckman 6th at Charlotte

FRIDAY RECAP – CHARLOTTERace 4 of 20

Photography: John Force Racing / Auto Imagery / Gary Nastase

VANDERGRIFF LEADS JFR IN FRIDAY QUALIFYING Vandergriff 2nd, Hart 4th, DeJoria 5th, Beckman 6th at Charlotte

CONCORD, N.C. (April 24, 2026) – Jordan Vandergriff and the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car team led John Force Racing’s first-day qualifying efforts for the NHRA 4-Wide Nationals at zMax Dragway but all four teams’ solid runs Friday night positioned them for success in Saturday’s final two qualifying sessions and Sunday’s first round of eliminations. Vandergriff ran 3.899 seconds at 328.70 mph for the second-quickest Funny Car run of the day. Alexis DeJoria and the Bandero Café Chevrolet SS Funny Car team sit fifth with their run of 3.932 seconds at 331.20 mph while Jack Beckman and the HendrickCars.com Chevrolet SS Funny Car team are sixth with their run of 3.933 seconds at 314.97 mph. Josh Hart and the HendrickCars.com Top Fuel team established the fourth-quickest run of their class with a Friday evening run of 3.733 seconds at 324.59 mph. Saturday’s qualifying sessions are scheduled for 12:30 and 3 p.m. ET. Sunday eliminations are slated for 12 p.m. ET. Quote from Jordan Vandergriff, Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car:“This was my first night session run in a Funny Car and it’s a lot different. The header flames make it a lot brighter, which kind of narrows your vision but it’s really cool driving these things at night. It’s been a great weekend so far for the Cornwell Tools team here in Charlotte.” Quote from Alexis DeJoria, Bandero Café Chevrolet SS Funny Car:“That was a great run. I’m going to sleep a lot better tonight knowing that we were that good … nice and straight. That’s what teammates are for. I’m happy to be a part of this John Force Racing team and really stoked for Bandero.” Quote from Josh Hart, HendrickCars.com Top Fuel Dragster:“We wanted a little bit more but I can’t put into words how proud I am to be flying the HendrickCars.com flag this weekend. I got to meet Rick Hendrick for the first time and Kyle Larson was hanging out with us, too, so lots of cool first-time experiences. The car looks amazing. The fans here are awesome so It’s always great to be in Charlotte.” Quote from Jack Beckman, HendrickCars.com Chevrolet SS Funny Car: “We’re tearing down the engine to figure out why the PEAK Chevy slowed right at the end of the run and I’m sure we’ll find whatever the smoking gun was. There was a mechanical issue where the car shut off about 150 feet before the finish line because it was going to run a little bit quicker than that. The good news is, even with that issue, we’re still a top-half-of-the-ladder car and we still collected good data. Saturday would normally be a ‘get race day data” day but we have the Mission Foods #2Fast2Tasty Challenge and we’d really like to win as soon as possible … and Saturday sounds good.”

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Event at BAPS Rained Out; Hagerstown Speedway Event Still On

YORK HAVEN, PA (April 24, 2026) – Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing officials, in conjunction with BAPS Motor Speedway, have announced that the event scheduled for Saturday, April 25 has been canceled due to the unfavorable weather forecast. The event will not be rescheduled during the 2026 season. Fans and teams can look ahead, however, as the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series is set to return to BAPS Motor Speedway in 2027. “Based on the current forecast and the high likelihood of continued rain throughout the day, we felt it was in the best interest of teams and fans to make this decision early,” said track officials. “We look forward to hosting the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series in 2027.” Tickets that have been purchased online through MyRacePass will be refunded. Anyone that has purchased a suite will have the option to request a refund or hold it for 2027 season. The series will continue its weekend schedule, with the event at Hagerstown Speedway on Sunday proceeding as planned. The pit gate will open at 3:00 PM with the general admission gate opening at 4:00 PM. Hot laps will begin at 6:00 PM to kick off the on-track action. For the latest news, results, championship standings, and more about the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing, please visit LucasDirt.com.