10 January 2024 – Sebastian Alvarez of Mexico will be the fourth driver of the DragonSpeed LMP2 entry for the Rolex 24 at Daytona endurance classic on 27-28 January, opening round of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship. The 21-year-old European Le Mans Series rising star will fill the number 81 car’s silver-ranked slot alongside the team’s 2022 Rolex-winning Bronze pilot Eric Lux, 2023 Rolex LMP2 victor James Allen, and Allen’s ELMS co-champion – and Ganassi INDYCAR rookie – Kyffin Simpson.

Following his early open-wheel exploits in British F4 and GB3, Sebastian made the move to sportscars in 2022, impressing in European and Asian LMP3 competition. 2023 saw a strong debut in LMP2 which has been rewarded by a drive with the Le Mans LMP2 class-winning Inter Europol squad for the upcoming ELMS season. The Mexico City native is a member of the prestigious Escuderia Telmex driver development program and brings a combination of speed and experience to his second Rolex 24 outing.

“I am very happy to return to Daytona, this time in LMP2 with DragonSpeed,” said Alvarez. “Last year we were leading LMP3 when we retired with a mechanical issue, so I feel there is unfinished business for me here. The team is so experienced and has already won this special race three times, so I am confident that if we stay out of trouble, we can challenge for the win in the final hours. I am motivated and ready!”DragonSpeed team principal Elton Julian said, “Sebastian continues our team’s tradition of helping to put promising silver-ranked drivers on the map. He’s young and fast, but has also shown plenty of savvy and discipline in his ELMS career to date. He understands the job at hand, and rounds out a great driver lineup for our return to the Rolex.”

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 9, 2024) – GOMR (Grumpy Old Men Racing) is pleased to announce the signing of reigning Progressive American Flat Track Rookie of the Year Declan Bender to compete in the 2024 Mission SuperTwins championship aboard an Indian FTR750.  Bender turned pro in 2023 on the heels of a stellar amateur career that saw him earn 10 AMA Flat Track Grand Championships and more than 60 race victories among a host of other achievements. He then proved himself a frontrunner from the very start of his maiden Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER season, qualifying seventh at the ‘23 Daytona opener.  Bender continued to improve as he gained experience throughout the season. The Cooksville, Illinois, native ended the year in outstanding form, securing a sixth and two sevenths over the season’s final four Main Events, which propelled him to Rookie of the Year honors.  GOMR will once again enjoy significant support from BriggsAuto.com as the team’s biggest sponsor with additional backing from Martin Trucking and Precision Body Works. Johnny and Sarah Goad will continue to helm the GOMR operation with Johnny serving as Crew Chief and Sarah in the role of Team Manager. Tom Draina and Buddy Pulliam are back to assist in turning the wrenches, while Miriam Pulliam and Dick Tibbits will provide additional support.  Sarah Goad said, “Family has always been an important aspect of our racing program and that tradition continues with our children and grandchildren (Caylee, Raylynn, Raye and Clara) present to lend a hand or just root us on. I also think this makes Declan a great fit, as he and his father, Mike, have accomplished so much working as a rider/dad team throughout Declan’s career. Declan is an exciting young rider. He has a huge future in the sport, and we believe he’ll be a contender for Mission SuperTwins Rookie of the Year honors in 2024.  “I also want to thank Russ and Ilene Briggs of BriggsAuto.com, CD Martin of Martin Trucking, and Buddy and Miriam Pulliam of Precision Body Works. It’s only through their support that we are able to continue competing in this sport we love.”  Bender said, “I am beyond excited for the opportunity that Russ Briggs and the Goads have given me this year. Their deep roots and knowledge in the sport are all I could ask for and more. I am ready to give it everything I’ve got this season and look forward to building on the success that I ended with in ‘23.”

Kofoid joins the list of legends who have wheeled Dennis and Teresa Roth’s Sprint Car with the World of OutlawsCONCORD, NC (January 9, 2024) – Michael “Buddy” Kofoid, one of Sprint Car racing’s top young talents, is set to compete full-time with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars in 2024.The 22-year-old will wheel the Roth Motorsports #83 powered by Toyota Racing engines for his first full run with The Greatest Show on Dirt. It’s a dream come true for the Penngrove, CA driver to pilot Dennis and Teresa Roth’s car on the tour.The California kid fell in love with the sport going to World of Outlaws races whenever they visited “The Golden State.” And Roth’s cars, out of Fresno, CA, have been a staple of both the World of Outlaws and west coast scene for three decades.“It means a lot to me,” Kofoid said. “It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I started racing. Being a kid and going to Gold Cup, we used to go every year as a family. We’d do it every year. I became even more attached and grew more fond because you got to see the Outlaws so few times. I was like, ‘That’s what I want to do. That’s what I want to be one day is an Outlaw.’“To do it with Dennis and Teresa Roth makes it even more special being from California and growing up watching that car and everyone that they had that made an impact on the sport. It’s an iconic car from California, but I always appreciate how iconic they are in Sprint Car racing in general.”“Buddy and Toyota have a long history of success together in multiple dirt racing disciplines, including multiple national midget championships,” said Jack Irving, Executive Commercial Director, TRD. “Buddy’s talent behind the wheel of a Sprint Car is clearly evident and everyone at TRD looks forward to supporting his full-season effort with Roth Motorsports. Their win last fall at Placerville showed what the team is capable of, and we are confident Buddy will celebrate many more victories this season under the Toyota umbrella.”Kofoid has assembled quite the résumé in his young career. He topped a Trophy Cup prelim at Thunderbowl Raceway (Tulare, CA) at 14 years old in 2016 – then won the event in 2021. He’s one of 12 competitors who’ve claimed back-to-back USAC National Midget championships (2021-2022). And his first World of Outlaws triumph came in only his 16th Feature start with the Series in 2022 at Huset’s Speedway. He joined Roth Motorsports midway through 2023 and hit the ground running, winning an All Star Circuit of Champions race at I-70 Motorsports Park in July. Then, Kofoid became the 16th different driver to usher Roth’s #83 to World of Outlaws Victory Lane with a win at Placerville Speedway in September. He’ll enter the new year with three World of Outlaws Feature wins already in his back pocket (Huset’s in 2022, Talladega Short Track in 2023 and Placerville in 2023).Dylan Buswell, Roth’s esteemed mechanic, helped lead “Buddy” to his early success with the team as the two found instant chemistry. He’ll continue to lead the way on the wrenches in 2024, giving Kofoid another level of confidence for his debut campaign.“That comfort came almost instantly, and it was a package that I was kind of used to and fond of,” Kofoid said. “But I think that’s kind of a testament to the team that Dennis, Teresa, Todd (Ventura), and everyone at Toyota provides for us. But then also I think it’s a testament to Dylan’s skill and his talent. I believe in Dylan a lot. I’ve always wanted to work with him and was super thankful that it worked out last year. But I had no idea it would lead into this. I think having the right people in your corner that believe in you and people that want to win just as bad as you is how you be successful.”The 2024 season will take Kofoid from coast to coast and to a handful of new and familiar tracks along the way. Among those they’ll have circled will undoubtedly be the $83,000-to-win Dennis Roth Classic at Thunderbowl Raceway (Sept. 20-21) – an event saluting their legendary owner at one of Kofoid’s favorite tracks.Over the course of the grind of the 86-night campaign, Kofoid plans to take a balanced approach. His USAC titles taught him blending the race by race focus with mindfulness of the year-long points outlook is vital for a successful season.“Obviously, I feel like you’ve got to take it race by race and focus on the task at hand,” Kofoid said. “I kind of set small goals. Work on that one and move to the next one and try to accomplish each small goal. But also, at the same time I feel like in a season like that for points it’s hard to not look ahead. I learned that with my USAC races racing for points and trying to compete for that. You’ve got to look ahead and work on your weaknesses but also try to improve your strengths at tracks that my lie ahead.”The 2024 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car season begins at Volusia Speedway Park (Barberville, FL) for the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals, Feb. 7-10. For tickets, CLICK HERE.If you can’t make it to the track, catch every lap live on DIRTVision.

BARBERVILLE, FL (Jan. 8, 2024) – Dollar signs haunt Ryan Harrison’s mind. He has money into a new house, money into a new race car and money into motor work; on top of thousands needed for he and his family’s travels from England to America for a few weeks of Sprint Car racing.

“Financially it’s ridiculous,” said Harrison, of North Hampshire, UK. “If you actually stopped and thought about what it costs us, flights, accommodation, running the cars, all of us away, and everything else, if you added it up, you’d probably never do it again and think this is f@#king stupid.

“But you’re only here once.”

Harrison, a multi-time BriSCA F1 champion in England, has traveled to the United States to race Sprint Cars for the past seven years and raced Florida’s winter events since 2019. He earned his first Sprint Car win in 2022 with the United Sprint Car Series, which he considers his biggest career triumph. Last year was his first appearance at Volusia Speedway Park during the Germfree Southern Sprint Car Shootout and Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals – two events he’ll return to this year.

His conscience told him to stay home this winter and save money, but his dad pushed him to race.

“My dad said he’s getting older, and we need to do it,” Harrison said.

Whether in England or the United States, Harrison, now 32 years old, has never raced without his parents. And unless extra sponsorship is found, Harrison admitted he’s not sure how many more winter Speedweeks he’ll be able to attend. So, despite having to borrow money to make the trip this year, Harrison wasn’t going to deny his dad – and himself – another shot at doing what they love.

“We’re just trying to go there to have some fun and go full on, just absolutely full on,” Harrison said. “I mean, we love it. We absolutely love it.”

He made some changes and upgrades to his Sprint Car program last year, moving all his equipment from a friend’s shop in Florida to Chad Kemenah’s shop in Ohio. The move allows Harrison to make the most of his U.S. visits by hitting multiple Ohio races in a weekend, while benefiting from the help of the six-time All Star Circuit of Champions Sprint Car champion.

“[Chad’s] doing heaps to help us,” Harrison said. “It’s unbelievable. We’re renting a bit of space from them to keep the race trailer and stuff. Use a bit of his workshop. I was just over there during Thanksgiving, working on the car and switching some things around. They’re so much fun. Good help for us.”

He’s also added a new car to his stable. Last year, Harrison ran a car he purchased from NASCAR star Alex Bowman. This year, he’s dedicating that car to his 360 Sprint Car races, while the new car he bought from Crouch Motorsports will be his new 410-powered #97UK.

Harrison hopes to make at least five trips to the U.S. this year, first for Florida Speedweeks and then for various Ohio race weekends at tracks like Attica Raceway Park and Fremont Speedway.

The move to Ohio also means 2024 will see Harrison predominantly run 410 Sprint Car races for the first time. And while he’s having his motor freshened for the new adventure, Harrison said he knows it won’t be at the same level of the bigger teams.

But he’s not letting that deter his competitive curiosity.

“You know your arms are tied behind your back a little bit,” he said. “But all you do is see how close you can get to them. That’s our goal, see how close can you get? It’s not about beating them, it’s about how close you can get.”

In doing so, he still needs to keep the car in one piece. If he wrecks, he has to wait until he’s raised enough funds to fix the car before he can return. If he loads the car in the trailer at the end of the night with no issues, he’s planning his next trip before he’s on his flight home.

“What sometimes bothers me about the racing side is you’re racing against (many) guys who don’t pay for the cars,” he said. “They’re paid drivers, I guess. If they flip it, they just get out and get into the next one, where I’m thinking, ‘F@#k, I can’t afford to flip this or wreck this.’ You don’t go for some of the gaps and moves you should do, really. I said to my dad, ‘Maybe we need to be a little bit ruthless.’ But when we start being a little bit more ruthless it’s going to bit me.

“But in the same token, there’s no point in driving around like Miss F@#king Daisy and not going anywhere. You’re in between a rock and hard place sometimes.”

He said he’s excited to get back to Volusia, though, for the Germfree Southern Sprint Car Shootout – boasting the biggest purse in USCS history, including a $10,000 to win finale – and to race with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series during DIRTcar Nationals. While Volusia is “The World’s Fastest Half Mile” Harrison said it almost fells slower than other tracks to him because of how wide it is.

If he makes the Features for both events, he’ll consider that a successful trip, he said, easing the weight of dollar signs on his conscience.

With his family by his side and sponsorship from friends in England – KBTS, Hambridge Transport and Bensons Products – Harrison said he knows no matter what happens, he’s still living a dream many will never get to see.

“I always say, I’m a little bloke from England, fat as f@#k, having a go,” he said.

For tickets to the Germfree Southern Sprint Car Shootout (Jan. 25-27) and Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals, CLICK HERE.

If you can’t make it to Volusia Speedway Park, you can watch both events live on DIRTVision. 

Kankakee County Speedway is 2023 Track of the Year; Chris Sullivan honored as Promoter of the Year

SPRINGFIELD, IL (Jan. 6, 2024) – DIRTcar Racing celebrated its 40th season of weekly competition Saturday night at the annual awards banquet in Springfield, IL, recognizing each of the national and regional points champions along with the many special award winners.

Headlining the special award winners was longtime Midwest motorsports stalwart Tommy Scott, who was honored with one of DIRTcar’s most prestigious accolades – the Bob Memmer Award. Stock Car driver Don Hilleary was presented with the Lee J. Hall Memorial Sportsmanship Award, Kankakee County Speedway took home Track of the Year honors and COMP Cams Super Dirt Series promoter Chris Sullivan was recognized as Promoter of the Year.

Bob Memmer Award – Tommy Scott

Scott, a career Sprint Car racer from Springfield, was given the Bob Memmer Award for his unwavering dedication to and support of the many divisions that make up DIRTcar’s weekly racing scene. He is often seen in Victory Lane at several DIRTcar-sanctioned series events throughout the year in support of drivers that race with his product – Multi-Fire X Spark Plug Wires.

“It means a lot to me, and the people mean a lot to me – they’re basically my family,” Scott said after receiving the award. “I mean that from the bottom of my heart.”

Scott founded Multi-Fire during the 2017-18 seasons and has been a sponsor of DIRTcar and its events over the past several years. The brand has amassed a wide customer base throughout the Midwest on the back of the product’s performance and reliability, which Scott can be found at the track advertising with his Multi-Fire apparel, banners and signature white pit bike.

“My wire’s a little more expensive than anybody else’s, but I put more time in it,” Scott said. “It’s hard to make what I make.”

Despite his Sprint Car-centric background, Scott has focused his efforts to helping the local Late Model, Modified, Stock Car and other budget divisions. With his products, spontaneous cash bonuses to drivers and constant presence at the track, Scott’s efforts to help “the little guy” and keep weekly racing afloat reflect the professional values of UMP/DIRTcar founder Bob Memmer on which he established the organization over 40 years ago.

Lee J. Hall Memorial Sportsmanship Award – Don Hilleary

Veteran Illinois Stock Car racer Don Hilleary was presented with the Lee J. Hall Memorial Sportsmanship Award. The award, first presented to Hall’s son, was spawned at last year’s banquet in memory of the late Stock Car driver who was killed by a drunk driver in October 2022.

The Hall Award is presented to a Stock Car driver who best exemplifies the same respectfulness and gentlemanly conduct that Hall showed on and off the racetrack throughout his career. Hilleary – a personal friend, longtime competitor and former teammate of Hall – finished ninth in the national points standings with three Feature wins in 2023.

Track of the Year Award – Kankakee County Speedway

Each year, the Track of the Year Award is presented to a weekly DIRTcar-sanctioned track that demonstrates outstanding abilities to provide top-quality racing entertainment, elevates competitor participation and hosts special events that bring out the best in fan attendance. The 2023 honor went to one of DIRTcar’s most historic and longest-running weekly facilities in Illinois – Kankakee County Speedway.

Since taking over management of the Kankakee County Fairgrounds racetrack in 2022, promoter Bill Knippenberg has taken his experience as a racer and applied it directly to the weekly program. The 1/4-mile track hosted multiple special events in 2023, including races with the DIRTcar Summer Nationals and the MARS Late Model and Modified Championships, and was the Friday night home to national DIRTcar points champions Deece Schwartz, Jerrad Krick and Jimmy Dutlinger.

Promoter of the Year – Chris Sullivan

Similar to Track of the Year, the Promoter of the Year Award is annually presented to a DIRTcar-sanctioned track or series promoter that demonstrates exceptional commitment to the growth and improvement of the sport. COMP Cams Super Dirt Series promoter Chris Sullivan was honored as the recipient for 2023 – the series’ first year with DIRTcar sanctioning.

Chris, brother to champion Late Model racer Jack Sullivan, aligned the Deep South-centric Super Late Model tour with DIRTcar for the 2023 season, enabling the wide variety of Texarkana-area racers to compete for DIRTcar regional points and other DIRTcar-sanctioned events throughout the year. Billy Moyer Jr. was crowned champion of the Series and DIRTcar’s newly established COMP Cams Super Dirt Series regional title.

The COMP Cams Series will grow closer to DIRTcar in 2024, co-sanctioning a full week on the Summer Nationals Late Models schedule with multiple races in the Deep South region.

National Points Champions

Late Model – Jason Feger
UMP Modified – Tyler Nicely
Pro Late Model – Jose Parga
Pro Modified – Deece Schwartz
UMP Sportsman – Josh Litton
Stock Car – Jerrad Krick
Factory Stock – Trevor Isaak
Sport Compact – Jimmy Dutlinger
Mod Lite – Jimmy Smith

Other Special Awards
Late Model Engine Champion – Clements Racing Engines (45 Feature wins)
Modified Engine Champion – Mullins Race Engines (214 Feature wins)
Late Model Chassis Champion – Rocket Chassis (107 Feature wins)
Modified Chassis Champion – Elite Chassis (148 Feature wins)

BARBERVILLE, FL (Jan. 5, 2024) – When the best teams in the country venture to the 53rd Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals, they’ll benefit from the event’s more than $970,000 overall purse, which now includes a Big Gator Championship points fund.

The massive two-week spectacle at Volusia Speedway Park will again feature the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars and the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds during the first week (Feb. 5-10), and then USAC Non-Wing Sprint Cars, DIRTcar Late Models, World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models and Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds during the second week (Feb. 12-17).

Drivers in each division will battle each week for the prestigious Big Gator Championship, and this year, along with the iconic gator trophy, checks will be handed out to the top-three in Big Gator points.

The Big Gator champions for the Sprint Cars and Late Models will each receive $3,000, while second gets $2,000 and third gets $1,000. For the Big Block drivers, the champion will get $2,000, second will get $1,000 and third gets $500. The DIRTcar UMP Modified Big Gator champion will get $1,000, while second gets $750 and third gets $500.

An increase in funds doesn’t stop there either for the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars and World of Outlaws Late Models. Both receive purse increases for their races leading up to the final day.

The first three days of World of Outlaws Sprint Car events will boast a $60,500 Feature purse ($66,325 overall, including the Last Chance Showdown and C-Main) with the Features paying $12,000 to win and $1,200 to start. Saturday’s finale (Feb. 10) will pay $20,000 to win and $1,500 to start. In total, it’s a $286,300 overall purse for the four days (Feb. 7-10).

RELATED: World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars Add Fourth Event at Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals

For the World of Outlaws Late Models, their first two days will now pay $12,000 to win and $1,000 to start. And like the Sprint Cars, their Saturday finale will also pay $20,000 to win and $1,500 to start. For the three days (Feb. 15-17), it adds up to a $223,340 overall purse.

“DIRTcar Nationals is two of the biggest weeks of racing for fans and drivers alike, and we strive every year to offer a healthy purse for all competitors,” said Jeff Hachmann, DIRTcar Nationals Executive Director of Events. “With support from great partners and the best fans in motorsports, we’re able to accomplish that, such as establishing a points fund for the Big Gator Championship.”

DIRTcar UMP Modifieds will again have six Features each day, Monday through Friday, leading to Saturday’s $5,000-to-win Gator Championship Feature. The format will be the same as last year with Thursday’s Features being lined up based on points from the first three nights (highest to lowest with a 10 car invert) and Friday seeing the top-three in each Feature locked into Saturday’s Gator title race.

The second week of racing will open with USAC Non-Wing Sprint Cars (Feb. 12-13) and DIRTcar Late Models (Feb. 12-14). The Non-Wing Sprint Cars will run for a $6,000 check and then a $10,000 payday. The DIRTcar Late Models will again run $7,000-to-win Features on Monday and Tuesday, and then three $5,000-to-win Features on Wednesday.

Then, the Super DIRTcar Series (Feb. 14-17) and World of Outlaws Late Models (Feb. 15-17) will help cap off the event. The Big Blocks will have three straight nights of $5,000-to-win Features, Wednesday through Friday, and then compete for a $7,500 check on Saturday.

Gates open at 4 p.m. (ET) each day. For the full schedule, visit DIRTcarNationals.com/schedule.

Tickets to the 53rd annual Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park are now on sale at DIRTcarNationals.com/Tickets. If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch all the action live on DIRTVision.

Full Schedule & Feature Purses:

Monday, Feb. 5:
DIRTcar UMP Modifieds (Features 1-6: $600 to win | $21,900 overall purse) 

Tuesday, Feb. 6:
DIRTcar UMP Modifieds (Features 1-6: $700 to win | $23,100 overall purse)
World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars (Practice) 

Wednesday, Feb. 7:
World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars ($12,000 to win | $60,500 Feature purse)
DIRTcar UMP Modifieds (Features 1-6: $1,000 to win | $30,720 overall purse)

Thursday, Feb. 8:
World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars ($12,000 to win | $60,500 Feature purse)
DIRTcar UMP Modifieds (Features 1-6: $600 to win | $21,900 overall purse) 

Friday, Feb. 9:
World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars ($12,000 to win | $60,500 Feature purse)
DIRTcar UMP Modifieds (Features 1-6: $1,000 to win | $30,720 overall purse)

Saturday, Feb. 10:
World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars ($20,000 to win | $81,500 Feature purse)
DIRTcar UMP Modified Gator Championship ($5,000 to win | $20,450 Feature purse)

Sunday, Feb. 11: No Racing 

Monday, Feb. 12:
DIRTcar Late Models ($7,000 to win | $27,200 Feature purse)
USAC Non-Wing Sprint Cars ($6,000 to win | $25,825 Feature purse)

Tuesday, Feb. 13:
DIRTcar Late Models ($7,000 to win | $27,200 Feature purse)
USAC Non-Wing Sprint Cars ($10,000 to win | $37,875 Feature purse) 

Wednesday, Feb. 14:
DIRTcar Late Models (Features 1-3: $5,000 to win | $22,800 purse per Feature)
Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds ($5,000 to win | $19,575 Feature purse)

Thursday, Feb. 15:
World of Outlaws CASE Late Models ($12,000 to win | $57,600 Feature purse)
Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds ($5,000 to win | $19,575 Feature purse)

Friday, Feb. 16:
World of Outlaws CASE Late Models ($12,000 to win | $57,600 Feature purse)
Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds ($5,000 to win | $19,575 Feature purse) 

Saturday, Feb. 17:
World of Outlaws CASE Late Models ($20,000 to win | $81,500 Feature purse)
Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds ($7,500 to win | $30,200 Feature purse)

The Decorah, IA driver finished third in points in 2021, earning Rookie of the Year

CONCORD, NC – January 5, 2024 – Tyler Bruening has one goal for his Skyline Motorsports team in 2024 – keep growing.

The next step in that growth is his return to the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series, searching for a win and a title.

Bruening, who won Rookie of the Year honors in 2021, said racing with the Series was the best challenge for his Skyline Motorsports #16 team in the upcoming season.

“We just felt like where we’re at with our program, we just need to challenge ourselves and our team to compete at the top level,” Bruening said. “Running with the tour is the best opportunity to grow with our team and our program. And if we want to be the best or be considered to be the best, that’s where we feel like we need to be. 

“We sat down and thought about it and weighed the pros and cons and felt like there are quite a few more pros than cons with the scheduling and how it looked for us geographically. And with our team with [Mike Marlar] and all that, we feel like we’re stronger than ever.”

In 2021, Bruening finished third in the standings behind four-time champion Brandon Sheppard and Chris Madden. At the time, it tied the highest finish for a rookie in Series history before Tanner English beat that accomplishment with his second-place finish in 2022.

But one milestone he hasn’t accomplished as the season starts at Volusia Speedway Park during Sunshine Nationals, Jan. 17-20, is his first World of Outlaws victory. And while it’s in his mind, he’s focused on improving.

“I’m just like any other kid that went with their dad to the races when they were young and wished to be hoisting up that trophy,” Bruening said. “Obviously, we’re in this sport to succeed and meet all of our goals and expectations. But sometimes, you also have to take a step back and realize you’re competing against the best in the world. 

“Where we came from with our program, literally from nothing to where we’re now, I think, says a lot about our dedication, commitment, and work ethic. Everyone wants to win, but it’s how your team responds to adversity. We had a good rookie year and a kind of up-and-down last couple of years. I know if everything goes our way and lady luck is on our side, (a win) will be there before we know it.”

His experience with the Series means he knows the importance of a good start. And even though he hasn’t won at Volusia, he’s shown consistency there over the past three seasons, scoring seven top 10s. 

That consistency in 2021 vaulted him to a third-place finish in points, a mark he hopes to beat as he aims for his first championship.

“You don’t even realize how important it really is to start out strong and consistent,” Bruening said. “It is a long season, and a lot of stuff can happen. But you can usually tell a lot by the first couple of weeks how someone’s season will go. Obviously, there’s ups and downs. But it’s really important. It’s almost as important to finish the year strong as it is to start the year strong. 

“So, a lot of emphasis has gone on the off-season for us. I feel like we’ve checked a lot of those big boxes and how we’re down to the fine-toothed-comb things that bring our program to the next level.”

Bruening officially makes his World of Outlaws CASE Late Models return when the season begins at Sunshine Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park, Jan. 17-20. Joining the Series is the Crate Racin’ USA DIRTcar Pro Late Models and 602 Late Models, making it a true Late Model Palooza. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

If you can’t make it to the track, watch all our events live on DIRTVision – available either online or through the DIRTVision App.

Sent on behalf of A1R Racing DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (January 4, 2024) – A1R Racing is thrilled to announce an augmented program for the upcoming Progressive American Flat Track season featuring Aidan RoosEvansaboard Yamaha YZ450Fs in the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER class.  2024 marks an exciting opportunity for the team as it is set to grow significantly with support from Yamaha. The squad will carry a full complement of crew, including four mechanics and former racer and professional bodybuilder Joe RoosEvans on board as coach.  The additional support lays a strong foundation, which should allow Aidan to fully capitalize on his potential and establish himself a contender at the front of the highly competitive category.   A racer since the age of four, RoosEvans was a 14-time motorcycle dirt track amateur national champion before shifting his focus to auto racing, where he was named Warrior Region ASCR Rookie of the Year in 2018. Since returning to two wheels, the O’Fallon, Illinois, native has repeatedly proven himself against the best 450cc riders in the world, securing 13 top tens since 2020 while finishing ninth in the ‘22 championship standings. RoosEvans enjoyed the best Main Event result of his burgeoning Progressive AFT career a year ago, finishing in the top five at the Orange County Half-Mile.  Team Manager Derek Arnett said, “Our success in the upcoming season is not only reliant on skill and talent, but also a huge effort as a team dedicated to one goal. We’ve put in a ton of hard work testing and tuning, and we are totally confident in what we’ve accomplished over the offseason. We’re race ready now and excited to see the fruits of our labor.”  RoosEvans said, “I couldn’t be more excited to start the season. With backing from Yamaha and all of our other great partners, I feel like this can be my best year yet. Honestly, I struggled at times getting a rhythm in recent years, but when I hopped back on the Yamaha, I felt right back at home. It was like a homecoming when we tried one last fall, and I was instantly hooked on the idea of coming back to Yamaha. Everything fell into place, and I’m really excited about having Yamaha be a part of our team in 2024.”

BATAVIA, Ohio (January 3, 2024) – O’Reilly Auto Parts, one of the largest retailers of automotive aftermarket parts, tools, supplies, equipment, and accessories in the United States is continuing their support of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year in 2024. The O’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Year will earn an industry high $20,000. In addition to their cash award, the Rookie of the Year will also receive product certificates from various product manufacturers – valued at over $10,000. Second and third place in the final Rookie of the Year standings will pay $5,000 and $2,500 respectively.  “Having O’Reilly Auto Parts return as the title sponsor of the Rookie of the Year Program solidifies our series in offering the largest cash and product awards program for any rookies that follow the series again in 2024. We are grateful for the continued partnership from O’Reilly Auto Parts and the credibility they bring to our series,” stated Wayne Castleberry, Sales and Marketing for Lucas Oil Motorsports. Competitors gunning for the O’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Year title in 2024 will compete in 63 events at 28 unique venues across 16 states from January to October. In addition to the $20,000 top prize to the Rookie of the Year, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will pay a $100 cash bonus to the highest finishing rookie driver in each feature event – beginning at the first event after April 1, 2024. The 2024 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series season will launch with the Georgia-Florida Speedweeks from January 24 to February 10 with visits to Golden Isles Speedway, Ocala Speedway, All-Tech Raceway, and East Bay Raceway Park. For the latest news, results, championship standings and more about the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, please visit www.lucasdirt.com.

The 2022 Series champion will try to rebound from his eighth-place finish in points last year

CONCORD, NC – January 2, 2024 – The World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series’ depth of talent continues to grow in 2024 with 2022 Series champion Dennis Erb Jr. returning to chase another title.

Erb Jr. is back for his sixth World of Outlaws season after finishing eighth in points last year with a win, eight top fives, and 20 top 10s.

Despite not mimicking his 2022 championship campaign in 2023, the Carpentersville, IL, driver scored four wins in an overall 101-race schedule—three of those paying $ 20,000-to-win or more.

“It wasn’t a bad season,” Erb said. “But it wasn’t what I was expecting. I had a little bit more higher hopes than that. Some things just didn’t work out, and things happen that way. We’re just going to regroup here and start off 2024, and hopefully, we have a lot better season.”

While Erb didn’t have the finish he hoped for, he still had a consistent stretch that vaulted him into a battle for fourth in points at the end of the season. Between June 1 at Farmer City Raceway and Oct. 6 at Brownstown Speedway, Erb had 20 top 10s in a 23-race stretch.

That consistency has Erb looking ahead to a second championship in 2024.

“We got some things going toward the end of the year,” Erb said. “We had some good runs. But we definitely needed to be up closer. We were consistent, and I think that’s one of the main goals to win a championship. I think we’re where we need to be, but we need to keep that consistency rolling.”

One of the places he can get that consistency going is at Volusia Speedway Park when the season opens during Sunshine Nationals, Jan. 17-20. In six races at Volusia in 2022, he only finished outside the top 10 once. However, that was the opposite in 2023, as his best finish at “The World’s Fastest Half-Mile” was 11th in four races.

For Erb, it proved the importance of a fast start in Florida.

“You definitely need to get off to a good start,” Erb said. “Right off the bat, you have to be upfront. That definitely helps out. I think last year with us, we definitely started off bad. Right at the beginning, in the first few races, we had some bad finishes, and things weren’t going our way. And that really put us behind. To try and catch up with the way the points system is, it’s really hard, and I think we need to step it up to get in the top three spots more.”

Erb begins his quest for a second World of Outlaws CASE Late Models title when the season starts at Sunshine Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park, Jan. 17-20, a Late Model Palooza which will also feature Crate Racin’ USA Late Models and DIRTcar 602 Late Models. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

If you can’t make it to the track, watch all our events live on DIRTVision – available either online or through the DIRTVision App.