NASCAR Cup Series Phoenix Raceway Team Chevy Driver Quotes October 17, 2026

Daniel Suarez, driver of the No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, met with the media in advance of the NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying session at Phoenix Raceway.

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NASCAR Cup SeriesPhoenix RacewayTeam Chevy Driver QuotesOctober 17, 2026

Daniel Suarez, driver of the No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, met with the media in advance of the NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying session at Phoenix Raceway.

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

Media Availability Quotes:  First off, Daniel, congratulations on signing with Spire Motorsports for next year. Do you mind just talking about that?“Yeah, I mean I think it was expected, right, for everyone. Obviously, the team has been doing a good job, and you just don’t see every day that you put a team and a driver that were struggling the year before and you put them together and you start just getting results right away. So that was very, very positive. Obviously, we’ve been working a lot throughout the year to make our group better and better, and we have made some progress. We still have obviously a long ways to go from where we want to be, not just as a team on the 7 team, but also as an organization with Spire Motorsports, but I believe that we have the pieces to be able to make great things with this organization. So yeah, happy where we’re at and excited where we’re heading.”   Last year when you signed the deal, I guess the vibe was sort of like, okay, this was a late deal and we’re not really sure how Daniel’s career is going to go. Now having pen to paper, signing the deal, just kind of talk about the difference between this year and last year and how you feel? “Yeah, you know, I had dinner with Jeff Dickerson a while back. It’s been like four months ago when we started having the contract discussions. This deal has been done for a little while. It’s so funny because he made a comment that made me laugh. He said to me — man, last year, you and Spire were like the last two kids in the dance floor that didn’t have a mate, you know, they didn’t have a partner. And we were like, oh, might as well just dance together. I thought it was very funny. And now, obviously, it’s a completely different game, right? Like I can’t remember, I think last year, I was in the high 20s in the points standings and the 7 team were like 30th or something like that. It wasn’t very good, but there was a lot of work that went into it during the off-season.  I have always known what I’m capable of, and I also knew what Spire Motorsports was doing, especially with the 77 and Carson (Hocevar.) So in my mind, I’m like, okay, this group has potential, we just need to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Obviously right now, we’re happy, but not satisfied. We always want more. But if in the beginning of the year, you were telling us, ‘Hey Daniel, this is how the year is going to go — you guys are going to have several top-10s, top-15s, be qualifying up front, win a race, be in The Chase’, we’re going to be pretty happy. But obviously as an organization, we’re greedy people and we always want more. Right now, even though we are competitive, we want more. We want to be able to have a real shot for a championship in the near future. And for that, obviously we have to continue to grow and that’s where we are. But overall, obviously I’m excited. The team is doing a good job, and hopefully we can continue to grow together.”   You talked already right there about Jeff Dickerson and how the relationship started. I’m just curious, how has that relationship evolved now here after signing this new deal?“Yeah, I mean, like I said, a year ago from right now, there were not many options either for me or for him. So in a way we, we took what we had, even though that I saw potential and they also saw previous potential in myself. So right now, it’s a completely different story, right? We are a solid team. The last month, we’ve been finishing in the top-15. We’re a strong team, and that’s not a surprise. If we qualify in the top-five today, I don’t think anyone is going to be surprised. That’s good, but we want more, obviously. We want to continue to put the bar higher and higher. Right now, we’re already having conversations about what we need to do better in the off-season for next year. What are our strengths and weaknesses of this year heading into next year. I believe, like I said, that we have had a strong year, but we want more. Those are the conversations, right? Like, okay, we’re happy where we’re at, but how can we make it even better? To be able to beat the Gibbs, the Penske, the Hendrick cars, we’re going to need one more step or two, so how can we make that next step? Those are the conversations that we’re having now.”   This week, you got to visit three Phoenix schools, which is something that’s very near and dear to your heart. Just tell me a little bit more about that experience and why it’s so important for you to keep doing this.“Yeah, I mean, I’ve been doing this for a while. I’ve been visiting schools for at least five years. And especially I know that I can make a bigger impact in Hispanic schools, right? Because that’s who I am. And listen, winning races, winning championships, being competitive on the racetrack; that’s amazing and that’s my priority. But if I don’t take advantage of my platform and the journey that I have had to get to this point, coming from Mexico, without speaking the language and all these different barriers I’ve had to go through; I feel like it would be a little bit of a waste. So a handful of years ago, I decided to use what I have built to inspire the next generations and to share a little bit of my journey, and that’s what I’ve been doing. You know, like you mentioned, on Thursday, I went to a few schools. Yesterday, I was in the Mexican consulate and there were actually another 40 or 50 students in there from high school. So for me, that’s special. That’s one of those things that I couldn’t do 10 years ago, but I can now, and I have to take advantage of the journey and the story that I have built with time.”   Right now, are you working toward next year, or do  you still care about where you finish in points?“Oh, of course I care, Bob (Pockrass). Of course, I care. I would be lying to you if I told you that we’re going to win the championship, right? But I believe that we still have a lot to fight for. I mean, like I said, the last four races, we have finished in the top-15. Is that what we want? No, we want a little bit more than that. But we’re working hard. We’re pushing hard. We’re trying to maximize our potential. I believe that if we do everything right in the next month, I believe that top-10 in points is achievable for us. Very achievable. So we just have to continue to maximize. With that being said, also, I would say 10% of the time that we spend during the week is about what do we need to do as a company to be able to go to the next level? It’s only 10%. It’s not 80%. So this year is still very, very important, and it’s very important for me. I believe that as a driver, you are just as good as your last race, so I want to close this season as strong as possible. And then, we can put full focus into the next.”  Next week is Talladega. What went through your mind when you saw Carson (Hocevar) win his first Cup race and is doing that celebration? Are you surprised? Are you like, this guy is nuts? What was your feeling? What was your reaction to all that and all that’s kind of happened around that guy since?“You know, I was extremely happy for Carson (Hocevar). Extremely happy for the 77 team. Very, very happy for Spire Motorsports. Carson deserved that win. He did a great job. About his celebration, you know, it’s so funny that you asked me that question. I can actually pull some pictures and videos of this, but my very first victory in NASCAR Mexico back around 2010 or 2009. I won in Mexico City at the Hermano Rodriguez, where we raced, and I didn’t know what to do. I knew I was such a small kid that I could drive outside the car, and I did exactly the same thing. I can’t remember if I was going backwards like he was, but on the front straightaway, I was driving and hanging like halfway out (laughs).  I thought it was very funny. I only mentioned that to Julia because I wasn’t going to make a big deal, that was his moment. But it was very funny that I did something similar 15 years ago.”   What have you learned from Michael (McDowell) and Carson (Hocevar) as teammates in year one at Spire Motorsports?“I learned that they are extremely different from each other, and I’m not saying that’s a bad thing. They’re just extremely different. And I believe that, honestly, I came to Spire Motorsports at a perfect time because if you think about, Carson (Hocevar) is in his low 20s, I’m in my mid-30s, and Michael is in his low 40s. So we are three different generations, completely different. Sometimes, I felt that the gap was too big between Michael and Carson in the way that they think and the way that they were operating, and I feel like I came into the picture in a perfect moment to kind of like connect the dots and it has worked very well. I believe that I have in me a lot of Michael and I have in me a lot of Carson, as well, so that’s why I feel like I’ve been able to help the entire team to connect the dots. And like I said, I’m not saying that in a bad way. I believe that Michael has a lot of assets and a lot of strengths. The same thing with Carson. But they are different. They’re very, very different. There are a lot of things that Michael does way better than Carson, and there are a lot of things that Carson does way better than Michael. So, for me to be able to learn those things and to be able to communicate with both of them, has been fun.”   With increased horsepower at this track, does it change the way you drive the car and can you feel it? “It doesn’t really change much with the way that you drive the car. You can definitely feel it, but we raced this package earlier this year, so we already have, in a way, experienced what we are going to have. With the way that you shift on the back straightaway, it’s a little bit different now with more horsepower. You’re having to shift to fifth a little bit more, where before, we stayed in fourth a little bit longer. But yeah, I think it’s going to be fun. It’s going to be a little bit warmer tomorrow, it’s supposed to be at least, than the last time we were here, so it should be a fun race.” In the spring, IndyCar was here, as well. They put some stuff on the track, kind of added some more grip maybe with them running. Do you think there’s anything different here with just O’Reilly’s, Trucks and ARCA?“Yeah, I think so. The rubber that the IndyCar guys put down already with those different tires is a little different, but I don’t remember. I don’t think we were affected by that, but the O’Reilly cars may have. I can’t remember how it worked last time here, but I don’t remember us being too affected by that, but the O’Reilly cars definitely did.  I miss those guys, to be honest. I think it’s a lot of fun to have the double with the IndyCar guys. I think it’s a lot of fun to watch those guys and to see them around. Hopefully next year, we can do it again. I think it’s a great thing for them, for us, and for the fans.”  Daniel, you mentioned visiting the three schools here in Phoenix, and then you also went down to the Fan Fest downtown Phoenix. What can we do to bridge the gap to be able to bring more kids to be able to have that experience?“Yeah, first of all, I really want to give a lot of credit to Latasha, the president of Phoenix Raceway, because she does an amazing job. She takes it personal, right? She’s not just the president of Phoenix Raceway, but also she’s from this area, and she’s always willing to go the extra mile to help and support the community. Actually, we gave away hundreds of tickets to the schools that we were at on Thursday for some of those kids to come for the weekend. Things like this, trying to build different platforms and different ways to have these young kids to interact with all the different positions that we have in the sport. That’s something I was telling the kids. I’m very blessed, I’m very fortunate, that I’m one of the faces of the sport as a driver, but there is so many different positions in the sport: from PR, mechanics, engineers, designing, you name it. I can almost guarantee you that there is a position for everything that you can maybe think of. So that’s, I think, something that’s very important, and I feel like we just have to continue to work in building these different mechanisms, different platforms, to give awareness to these young adults, especially from high school and middle school, that are starting to make different decisions on what they want to do in their lives. Like I said, I have a huge amount of respect for Latasha because I truly believe that she does an amazing job with this racetrack and this community to always go the extra mile.”

NASCAR Cup Series Phoenix Raceway Team Chevy Driver Quotes October 17, 2026

Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, met with the media in a panel with fellow Chase contenders, Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell, in advance of the NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying session at Phoenix Raceway.

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NASCAR Cup SeriesPhoenix RacewayTeam Chevy Driver QuotesOctober 17, 2026

Kyle Larson, driver of the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, met with the media in a panel with fellow Chase contenders, Denny Hamlin and Christopher Bell, in advance of the NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying session at Phoenix Raceway.

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

Kye Larson Media Availability Quotes:  You have three JGR drivers and teams on your heels. Which one are you most concerned about? “I would say all of them equally. As Chase (Briscoe) and (Christopher) Bell has proven and Denny (Hamlin) has proven for decades, they can win anywhere at any point. As they said, you just have to limit your bad days, and for us so far, we haven’t had any. I’m not saying that we won’t, so we’re just trying to do what we can to execute to the best of our abilities every week and just try to maximize our days.”  Kyle and Christopher, you guys have been super competitive with each other for long stretches of your career, from dirt tracks to now. Has that competitive relationship evolved or changed at all throughout the years? Is it safe to call it a ‘friendly rivalry’ that might not have quite the bitter edge to it?“I think I’ve said it in other press conferences; nobody’s pushed me more than Christopher (Bell) to become a better racer, so I appreciate that. I think in all forms of sports, there’s always athletes that push athletes, and he’s been the guy to push me to be better because he’s beaten me so much throughout my career. I appreciate the competitive rivalry, for sure. Like he said, we’re different people and hangout with different crowds. We’re just different. You’re always going to have that.”  You’ve been on record numerous times that you suck at Phoenix Raceway, but you’ve finished in the top-five the last four races and third in the last three, so what makes you say that? What constitutes ‘good’ for you? “Well, I think if you would dig through and pull out average speed throughout a race, I think it would show – which I’m pretty blunt I guess with my comments, but why I feel like we suck here. It just hasn’t, historically, been a good track for us from start to finish. We’re able to finish well, but I think that just has a lot to do with team execution. We’ve done that time and time again here, I feel like. In average ranking, we’re probably an eighth to 13th- place car most times we come here. We’ve had a couple decent ones, but never do we come here and we’re the fastest. It’s just been a tough track for us and one that we’ve worked hard to try and find the speed. William (Byron), I feel like, has been the best out of the four Hendrick Motorsports guys here, consistently, but the rest of us are just always searching.”  Obviously we’ve had rain here today, but more importantly, there’s a tremendous amount of cloud cover here today. What are the difficulties with setting up your car for practice in trying to find a feel of the race pace that is going to be presented in a much different way on Sunday? “I don’t know. I think in practice, you’re always trying to find a balance that feels comfortable, and I think that can translate to cool or warm conditions. And then, yeah, obviously it’s going to be a little different in the race, but I think the times that you’re off in practice, no matter what the conditions are going to be like in the race, you’re probably going to be off in the race. If you’re balanced in certain conditions, you’re probably going to be balanced in the other conditions.”   Do you guys think it’s weird that a year ago, this would have been the start of a round and Kyle Larson’s lead would have been wiped out and you (Denny Hamlin) would be the points leader? “I just don’t know why we’re still talking about it because it’s not the format, so it just doesn’t matter. This is what it is now.” 

October 17th, 2026 – Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA will start the 6 Hours of Barcelona in P5 and P10, for the latest round of the FIA World Endurance Championship.  The No.12 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R, driven by Will Stevens posted the fifth quickest time in qualifying (a 1:31:116), before progressing to Hyperpole, where he finished the session in P5.  The No.38 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R driven by Jack Aitken also had a strong qualifying session, setting the fourth quickest time (a 1:30:983). Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to set his last flying lap of the hyperpole session because of a stopped car on track. Jack had to back off, and couldn’t start a new lap before the checkered flag fell. His previous lap of 1:31:065 stood, which was the 10th quickest of the session. The No. 12 car will be driven by Will Stevens, Norman Nato and Alex Lynn in tomorrow’s race. Whilst Jack Aitken, Sebastien Bourdais and Earl Bamber will share driving duties in the No.38 car. The 6 Hours of Barcelona will take place on the 4.657 km (2.894 miles), 14-turn Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. It is scheduled for 12pm local time on Sunday 18th October.

Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA qualify P5 and P10 in Barcelona October 17th, 2026 – Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA will start the 6 Hours of Barcelona in P5 and P10, for the latest round of the FIA World Endurance Championship.  The No.12 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R, driven by Will Stevens posted the fifth quickest time in qualifying (a 1:31:116), before progressing to Hyperpole, where he finished the session in P5.  The No.38 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R driven by Jack Aitken also had a strong qualifying session, setting the fourth quickest time (a 1:30:983). Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to set his last flying lap of the hyperpole session because of a stopped car on track. Jack had to back off, and couldn’t start a new lap before the checkered flag fell. His previous lap of 1:31:065 stood, which was the 10th quickest of the session. The No. 12 car will be driven by Will Stevens, Norman Nato and Alex Lynn in tomorrow’s race. Whilst Jack Aitken, Sebastien Bourdais and Earl Bamber will share driving duties in the No.38 car. The 6 Hours of Barcelona will take place on the 4.657 km (2.894 miles), 14-turn Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. It is scheduled for 12pm local time on Sunday 18th October.

What they’re saying:No.12 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA, Will Stevens: “Overall, a pretty solid session. There were a few bits and pieces we could have tidied up, but I feel like the half a second or six tenths we needed to get pole today was probably a little out of reach. We pretty much maximised what we had, so it was a solid result and a good starting position for tomorrow. It looks like we’ll have pretty mixed conditions, especially at the start of the race, when it’s quite likely to be wet. Starting up at the sharp end just makes things that little bit cleaner for the race start. We’ve made good progress so far, we’ll be looking to keep that going tomorrow.” No.38 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA, Jack Aitken: “On the No. 38 side, we didn’t manage to get a clean lap in during Hyperpole, so we couldn’t really show what we were capable of, which is a shame. But it’s a long race tomorrow and the No. 12 is starting from a decent position, so we’ll work on our plans tonight and see what we can do.”

Both TF Sport Corvette GT3s advance to Hyperpole for first time this year BARCELONA, Catalunya, Spain (October 17, 2026) – TF Sport’s two Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs will start from the second and fifth rows of the LMGT3 grid Sunday for the Six Hours of Barcelona presented by Visit Qatar and the first race there for the FIA World Endurance Championship.

For the first time this year, both Corvettes advanced to the 10-minute Hyperpole session with Jonny Edgar setting the fastest lap among the TF Sport drivers – 1:41.447 (102.713 mph). The class Drivers Championship leader will team again with Nicky Catsburg and Ben Keating, who advanced out of Q1 and into the 10-minute Hyperpole session for the first time this year.  The No. 34 Racing Team Turkey by TF entry of Charlie Eastwood, Salih Yoluc and Peter Dempsey was the quickest of the two Corvettes in Saturday’s Q1 thanks to Dempsey’s lap of 1:42.082 (102.029 mph). Yoluc, who drove in Hyperpole, will take the start in the red Corvette in Sunday’s race.  After struggling with pace during Friday’s two free practice sessions, the No. 33 team made a setup change to help front-end compliance and bring it into a similar window of the sister Corvette, which made all the difference in qualifying. The Hyperpole appearance for the No. 33 was a pleasant turn of events, but qualifying outside the top-10 has meant little as the trio has moved forward in previous races and scored points in five of them – tied for most in the class.That consistency plus a win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans has put the No. 33 Corvette on the cusp of clinching the LMGT3 Teams Championship. If the trio finishes more than 26 points ahead of their closest competitor coming out of the race, then the No. 33 TF Corvette squad will clinch the championship with one race to go. The Drivers title will officially go to the season finale at Monza as Edgar leads by two points over Catsburg and 22 over Keating. Not far behind is the No. 34 Corvette squad, which has a class victory at Brazil and third-place finish at Fuji to its credit. Those results have lifted the No. 34 to third in the Teams standings and the three drivers to fifth in Drivers points. Despite the dry and warm conditions in qualifying Saturday, rain in the forecast for Sunday gives additional hope to the Corvette camp, with all six drivers confident in the wet setup and performance of the Z06 GT3.R. Both cars were quick during a damp final practice session at Fuji in the previous WEC round before qualifying was washed out. The Six Hours of Barcelona presented by Visit Qatar for the FIA World Endurance Championship is scheduled for noon CET / 6 a.m. ET on Sunday. Live streaming coverage of the race plus timing and scoring is available through a subscription on FIA WEC Plus with additional live streaming on the HBO Max app in the U.S. Radio Le Mans also will provide live streaming audio coverage as well.

CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R POST-QUALIFYING DRIVER QUOTES

JONNY EDGAR, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “It’s been a much better day. Yesterday was really difficult for us generally compared to the sister car. We seemed to really struggle for pace and were missing a few tenths. We made some changes based on our feelings and already in FP3 the car was much better. All three of us were way happier with the balance, and we also seemed much faster. Ben did a great job of getting us into Hyperpole for the time this year, which is really nice. Going into my session I didn’t know fully what to expect. I haven’t done qualifying in over a year. I knew here the tire deg is pretty big so I expected the laptime to come in the first or second push lap. The first lap I did was pretty good and the second was basically the same time. So everyone did a great job. The car was massively improved, and I was happy with my lap. I don’t think there was much time left in it. A big improvement from where we were yesterday, which was nice. Whenever we have a tough day, we seem to be able to turn it around. We did the same in Fuji so that’s very positive. I’m looking forward to the race. It’s the best starting position I’ve had in the two years I’ve driven with Ben, which is quite cool.”(Outlook for a wet race?) “In the rain or dry, starting at the front helps. You’re in a better track position, especially if it’s wet you can see better. But I think the plan stays the same: no mistakes, have a clean race, drive as fast as we can. In Fuji we seemed to have a good car in the rain and today it was good in the dry. I think in any conditions we should be pretty good. We’ll try to score as many points as we can for the championship.”

BEN KEATING, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I can’t remember what my mock qualifying time was yesterday, but I think I’m close to two seconds a lap faster than yesterday. Yesterday I was very frustrated. Kudos to the team. Tyler (Neff, race engineer) did an amazing job of studying the data last night and figuring out what was causing our issues. The car feels so much better today. All racecars like a cool track. This morning I did a qualy sim, and I’m really glad I did but it was very different. I’m learning how to bring the tires in properly at this specific track because it’s very different from most tracks we go to. I feel like I learned a lot and that I executed well.“It’s extremely tight. I think I did a 43.3 first to put me in P2, which was already a tenth quicker than my mock qualy in practice. With the heat of the day I thought that would be pretty good. I pushed for another lap and did a 43.1 and was still P2 at the time and had no doubt that was going to be good enough. On the next lap I did a 42.9 that put me in P4 at the checkered flag. I was shocked to look at the timing screen to see that my 43.1 would have put me out of Hyperpole. From fourth to 12th is only three-tenths of a second. That’s extremely tight, especially when you consider that every car out there had their Bronze driver in there. You get a little bit of a mix of drivers, and I’m just thrilled. It’s my first Hyperpole of the entire season. I’m grateful to be where we are and proud of Jonny for giving us a P4 starting position. It’s far and away the best starting position we’ve had all year.”

NICKY CATSBURG, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “Tire deg is a big issue for everyone. We’re probably pretty good at it so hopefully it’s something we can use to our advantage. We are on the medium compound whereas in ELMS the team ran the hard compound. I feel like it’s just out of the window. There’s massive deg compared to what we normally so we will have to find a setup and a way to keep the tires alive. ”I was actually using AI to fine the last time I was here, and it was awhile ago! I definitely have not driven the last sector the way it is now. But I have driven the last two corners back in 2007 or something in a Seat front-wheel drive, so that’s a bit far away from the Corvette! It’s a lot of fun. The track is great. The only thing is the state of the asphalt. There’s so much deg which kind of makes it less fun. Luckily now in this last practice we’ve really found something good on the car so I feel like everyone will be a bit happier today. (The rain) changes things for sure. I hope it rains. We haven’t really had a proper rain race yet. I think we’ll be good in the wet so I’ll be dancing tonight.”

PETER DEMPSEY, NO. 34 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “First off, congrats to Ben and the 33 car. He did a phenomenal job to get them into their first Hyperpole of the year. It allows them to start a bit closer to the front than normal, which is great for the team. For us, I’m happy with my qualifying. It was my first qualifying sim of the weekend so I definitely left a bit on the table. But I did the job I needed to do to get into Hyperpole and give Salih a run at it there. Overall I’m pretty happy. We’ll see what the weather brings tomorrow.(Key to changing mindset of dry practice and qualifying vs. a rain race) “Not too much really. Just don’t overthink it and deal with what conditions the weather gives us to maximize our day. If that’s first or 10th, it is what it is. We just need to get the most out of it. I raced here in the rain two weeks ago in GT World Challenge so I think that will give me a bit of an advantage if it’s the first session in the wet for everybody. Hopefully I can push us through our stints and give Charlie the car in a good position to finish the race.”

CORVETTE RACING AT BARCELONA: No. 33 Starts Season-Best P4Both TF Sport Corvette GT3s advance to Hyperpole for first time this year BARCELONA, Catalunya, Spain (October 17, 2026) – TF Sport’s two Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs will start from the second and fifth rows of the LMGT3 grid Sunday for the Six Hours of Barcelona presented by Visit Qatar and the first race there for the FIA World Endurance Championship.

For the first time this year, both Corvettes advanced to the 10-minute Hyperpole session with Jonny Edgar setting the fastest lap among the TF Sport drivers – 1:41.447 (102.713 mph). The class Drivers Championship leader will team again with Nicky Catsburg and Ben Keating, who advanced out of Q1 and into the 10-minute Hyperpole session for the first time this year.  The No. 34 Racing Team Turkey by TF entry of Charlie Eastwood, Salih Yoluc and Peter Dempsey was the quickest of the two Corvettes in Saturday’s Q1 thanks to Dempsey’s lap of 1:42.082 (102.029 mph). Yoluc, who drove in Hyperpole, will take the start in the red Corvette in Sunday’s race.  After struggling with pace during Friday’s two free practice sessions, the No. 33 team made a setup change to help front-end compliance and bring it into a similar window of the sister Corvette, which made all the difference in qualifying. The Hyperpole appearance for the No. 33 was a pleasant turn of events, but qualifying outside the top-10 has meant little as the trio has moved forward in previous races and scored points in five of them – tied for most in the class.That consistency plus a win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans has put the No. 33 Corvette on the cusp of clinching the LMGT3 Teams Championship. If the trio finishes more than 26 points ahead of their closest competitor coming out of the race, then the No. 33 TF Corvette squad will clinch the championship with one race to go. The Drivers title will officially go to the season finale at Monza as Edgar leads by two points over Catsburg and 22 over Keating. Not far behind is the No. 34 Corvette squad, which has a class victory at Brazil and third-place finish at Fuji to its credit. Those results have lifted the No. 34 to third in the Teams standings and the three drivers to fifth in Drivers points. Despite the dry and warm conditions in qualifying Saturday, rain in the forecast for Sunday gives additional hope to the Corvette camp, with all six drivers confident in the wet setup and performance of the Z06 GT3.R. Both cars were quick during a damp final practice session at Fuji in the previous WEC round before qualifying was washed out. The Six Hours of Barcelona presented by Visit Qatar for the FIA World Endurance Championship is scheduled for noon CET / 6 a.m. ET on Sunday. Live streaming coverage of the race plus timing and scoring is available through a subscription on FIA WEC Plus with additional live streaming on the HBO Max app in the U.S. Radio Le Mans also will provide live streaming audio coverage as well.

CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R POST-QUALIFYING DRIVER QUOTES

JONNY EDGAR, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “It’s been a much better day. Yesterday was really difficult for us generally compared to the sister car. We seemed to really struggle for pace and were missing a few tenths. We made some changes based on our feelings and already in FP3 the car was much better. All three of us were way happier with the balance, and we also seemed much faster. Ben did a great job of getting us into Hyperpole for the time this year, which is really nice. Going into my session I didn’t know fully what to expect. I haven’t done qualifying in over a year. I knew here the tire deg is pretty big so I expected the laptime to come in the first or second push lap. The first lap I did was pretty good and the second was basically the same time. So everyone did a great job. The car was massively improved, and I was happy with my lap. I don’t think there was much time left in it. A big improvement from where we were yesterday, which was nice. Whenever we have a tough day, we seem to be able to turn it around. We did the same in Fuji so that’s very positive. I’m looking forward to the race. It’s the best starting position I’ve had in the two years I’ve driven with Ben, which is quite cool.”(Outlook for a wet race?) “In the rain or dry, starting at the front helps. You’re in a better track position, especially if it’s wet you can see better. But I think the plan stays the same: no mistakes, have a clean race, drive as fast as we can. In Fuji we seemed to have a good car in the rain and today it was good in the dry. I think in any conditions we should be pretty good. We’ll try to score as many points as we can for the championship.”

BEN KEATING, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I can’t remember what my mock qualifying time was yesterday, but I think I’m close to two seconds a lap faster than yesterday. Yesterday I was very frustrated. Kudos to the team. Tyler (Neff, race engineer) did an amazing job of studying the data last night and figuring out what was causing our issues. The car feels so much better today. All racecars like a cool track. This morning I did a qualy sim, and I’m really glad I did but it was very different. I’m learning how to bring the tires in properly at this specific track because it’s very different from most tracks we go to. I feel like I learned a lot and that I executed well.“It’s extremely tight. I think I did a 43.3 first to put me in P2, which was already a tenth quicker than my mock qualy in practice. With the heat of the day I thought that would be pretty good. I pushed for another lap and did a 43.1 and was still P2 at the time and had no doubt that was going to be good enough. On the next lap I did a 42.9 that put me in P4 at the checkered flag. I was shocked to look at the timing screen to see that my 43.1 would have put me out of Hyperpole. From fourth to 12th is only three-tenths of a second. That’s extremely tight, especially when you consider that every car out there had their Bronze driver in there. You get a little bit of a mix of drivers, and I’m just thrilled. It’s my first Hyperpole of the entire season. I’m grateful to be where we are and proud of Jonny for giving us a P4 starting position. It’s far and away the best starting position we’ve had all year.”

NICKY CATSBURG, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “Tire deg is a big issue for everyone. We’re probably pretty good at it so hopefully it’s something we can use to our advantage. We are on the medium compound whereas in ELMS the team ran the hard compound. I feel like it’s just out of the window. There’s massive deg compared to what we normally so we will have to find a setup and a way to keep the tires alive. ”I was actually using AI to fine the last time I was here, and it was awhile ago! I definitely have not driven the last sector the way it is now. But I have driven the last two corners back in 2007 or something in a Seat front-wheel drive, so that’s a bit far away from the Corvette! It’s a lot of fun. The track is great. The only thing is the state of the asphalt. There’s so much deg which kind of makes it less fun. Luckily now in this last practice we’ve really found something good on the car so I feel like everyone will be a bit happier today. (The rain) changes things for sure. I hope it rains. We haven’t really had a proper rain race yet. I think we’ll be good in the wet so I’ll be dancing tonight.”

PETER DEMPSEY, NO. 34 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “First off, congrats to Ben and the 33 car. He did a phenomenal job to get them into their first Hyperpole of the year. It allows them to start a bit closer to the front than normal, which is great for the team. For us, I’m happy with my qualifying. It was my first qualifying sim of the weekend so I definitely left a bit on the table. But I did the job I needed to do to get into Hyperpole and give Salih a run at it there. Overall I’m pretty happy. We’ll see what the weather brings tomorrow.(Key to changing mindset of dry practice and qualifying vs. a rain race) “Not too much really. Just don’t overthink it and deal with what conditions the weather gives us to maximize our day. If that’s first or 10th, it is what it is. We just need to get the most out of it. I raced here in the rain two weeks ago in GT World Challenge so I think that will give me a bit of an advantage if it’s the first session in the wet for everybody. Hopefully I can push us through our stints and give Charlie the car in a good position to finish the race.”

CHARLIE EASTWOOD, NO. 34 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “In ELMS this year we ran the hard Goodyear, which is probably quite a bit more suited to Barcelona with these track temps. For us, we want there to be the most tire deg as possible. The Corvette… there’s nobody better on it. Even if we miss a bit on pace and time in the early laps, we gain it back at the end of a stint. It’s gone pretty well. We were strong out of the box with P3 in FP1. It’s hard to get a feel on everyone’s tire strategy. It seems like some are using more tires than normal due to the rain that’s going to come Sunday and things like that. It’s tricky to get an understanding but we’re in a good spot.”(Racing on rain tires) “I raced them in Austin and I raced on them in at Silverstone in ELMS, and the car was really good there. We’re kind of on the balanced side where it normally goes to understeer in the wet so we definitely have that in the back of our mind that we want it to be a bit on edge so then if it does rain then it will be really good. There’s plenty for the smarter people to think about.(Advantage of racing at Barcelona in ELMS) “It always helps, and Peter was here in GT World Challenge a couple of weeks ago. It’s a different tire but he put on an unbelievable performance. We’re in a really good spot as a team and a lineup to capitalize if it does rain.”

Abreu & TSR Lead Scelzi & Spire by 36pts Entering Saturday’s Championship Finale at Texas Motor Speedway

DON’T CALL IT A COMEBACK: Giovanni Scelzi Wins Texas Thriller, Puts Championship Pressure on Rico Abreu Abreu & TSR Lead Scelzi & Spire by 36pts Entering Saturday’s Championship Finale at Texas Motor Speedway

FORT WORTH, TEX. (October 16, 2026) – With their backs against the wall and championships hopes hanging by a thread, Giovanni Scelzi and his Spire Motorsports, Chili’s Grill & Bar #77 stepped up to the plate with a never say die attitude and no fear to be found – the result: an epic 7th-to-1st drive at Texas Motor Speedway on Friday night. Entering Friday’s opener of the All-In Championship Weekend down by 45pts to Rico Abreu and Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing, Scelzi and Spire knew that a big-time performance was needed to keep them in the title fight – especially considering that Abreu had won three of nine High Limit events at TMS. Starting from seventh in the 25-lap feature, Scelzi was already behind the eight-ball as Abreu rolled from P3 and ripped into second right out of the gate. In fact, for 11 of the 25 laps, Scelzi would have been mathematically eliminated from title contention had the checkered flew as they ran with Abreu in front of him by multiple spots. However, the kid they call “Hot Sauce” dug deep for his clutch gene and found another gear – storming into third on Lap 14, taking second on Lap 16, and then ripping right by Abreu himself to take the lead on Lap 18. Scelzi would lead the final eight circuits in arguably the best High Limit race held at Texas Motor Speedway – holding on to secure back-to-back series victories and send him into Saturday’s season finals 36pts behind Abreu and TSR with a chance at the 2026 Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing championship. The clinching scenarios are simple for Saturday’s finale in Fort Worth:- Abreu 16th or better – he wins championship- Abreu 17th/18th – Scelzi has to win to take championship- Abreu 19th/20th – Scelzi has to run 1st/2nd to take championship- Abreu 21st/22nd – Scelzi has to run 1st/2nd/3rd to take championship- Abreu 23rd – Scelzi has to run 1st-4th to take championship- Abreu 24th – Scelzi has to run 1st-5th to take championship While Scelzi enjoyed his third trip to Whiskey Myers Victory Lane this season, Tyler Courtney chased him to the stripe as Rod End Supply Hard Charger honors for an 11th-to-2nd run capped his chaotic night that began with an engine change for his Clauson-Marshall Racing, NOS Energy Drink #7BC. After leading laps 13-17, Abreu fell back to finish third aboard his Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing, Carquest Auto Parts #24. While it wasn’t a championship-clinching night, the defending series champion still controls his own destiny in pursuit of a second-straight title on Saturday. Rounding out the top-five on Friday night was Tanner Thorson aboard the JST Motorsports #88 and Daison Pursley in the Kasey Kahne Racing w/ Mike Curb #9. Closing out the top-10 in Texas was Brent Marks, Chase Randall, Tanner Holmes, Brady Bacon, and Ryan Timms. THE ALL-IN NOTEBOOK (Friday, October 16, 2026)Texas Motor Speedway (Fort Worth, Texas)All-In Championship Weekend Dirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps – Justin Peck (13.316)Capitol Custom Trailers QuickTime (Flight A) – Rico Abreu (13.151)Capitol Custom Trailers QuickTime (Flight B) – Giovanni Scelzi (13.124)TJ Forged Heat One Winner – Tanner HolmesDMI Heat Two Winner – Brady BaconBR Motorsports Heat Three Winner – Kasey KahneRod End Supply Heat Four Winner – Brenham CrouchFK Rod Ends Dash Winner – Tanner HolmesWinters Performance B-Main Winner – Justin PeckDURST Dice Roll Driver – Kasey Kahne (8th-to-15th)Jake’s Golf Carts Fastest Lap – Tanner Holmes (14.319 on Lap 1)Rod End Supply Hard Charger – Tyler Courtney +9 (11th-2nd)Whiskey Meyers Victory Lane Visitor – Giovanni Scelzi (4th of career)CASM Win Sticker – Spire Motorsports (3rd of season)Lap Leader(s) – Tanner Holmes 1-12; Rico Abreu 13-17; Giovanni Scelzi 18-25 Interstate Batteries A-Main Results (25 Laps): 1. 1. 77-Giovanni Scelzi[7]; 2. 7BC-Tyler Courtney[11]; 3. 24-Rico Abreu[3]; 4. 88-Tanner Thorson[5]; 5. 9-Daison Pursley[2]; 6. 19-Brent Marks[10]; 7. 9R-Chase Randall[12]; 8. 13-Tanner Holmes[1]; 9. 55-Brady Bacon[6]; 10. 10-Ryan Timms[16]; 11. 17GP-Kerry Madsen[13]; 12. 5-Brenham Crouch[4]; 13. 88W-Austin McCarl[19]; 14. 26-Justin Peck[21]; 15. 4-Kasey Kahne[8]; 16. 21-Brian Brown[15]; 17. 11-Roger Crockett[9]; 18. 22M-Rees Moran[23]; 19. 42-Sye Lynch[17]; 20. 24D-Danny Sams III[14]; 21. 3-Ayrton Gennetten[24]; 22. 45X-Ashton Torgerson[22]; 23. 44-Chris Martin[20]; 24. 12X-Landon Crawley[18] NEW Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing Championship Standings (After 53/54 Races):1. 3,125 pts – Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing #24 (Rico Abreu)2. -36 pts – Spire Motorsports #77 (Giovanni Scelzi)3. -98 pts – Ridge & Sons Racing #87 (Aaron Reutzel)4. -212 pts – Clauson-Marshall Racing #7BC (Tyler Courtney)5. -278 pts – Rudeen Racing #26 (Justin Peck)6. -360 pts – Chase Briscoe Racing #19 (Brent Marks)7. -382 pts – JST Motorsports #88 (Tanner Thorson)8. -414 pts – Buch Motorsports #13 (Tanner Holmes)9. -528 pts – Vermeer Motorsports #55 (Brady Bacon)10. -590 pts – Kasey Kahne Racing w/ Mike Curb #9 (Daison Pursley)11. -921 pts – Chase Randall Racing #9R (Chase Randall)12. -977 pts – CJB Motorsports #5 (Brenham Crouch))13. -1,076 pts – Mosites Lynch Racing #42 (Sye Lynch)14. -1,160 pts – Randerson Racing #24D (Danny Sams III)15. -1,219 pts – Michael Dutcher Motorsports #17GP (Kerry Madsen) WHAT’S NEXT: The 2026 Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing season will conclude on Saturday, October 16 as the All-In Championship Weekend pits Rico Abreu vs. Giovanni Scelzi for the right to be a champion at Texas Motor Speedway. Tickets are available for purchase at HighLimitRacing.com, or you can watch every event live on FloRacing.

Media Resources: Images | Media Advances | Cadillac Newsroom

DETROIT (October 15, 2026) – Cadillac Racing, the reigning IMSA manufacturer champion, will enter the 2027 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with a championship-winning foundation and a deep, experienced driver lineup across three Cadillac V-Series.Rs.  As Cadillac begins its fifth year of IMSA GTP competition, the program will pair the continuity of its proven full-season combinations with the strength and versatility of its endurance-race drivers. The 2027 roster is positioned to carry the momentum of a historic 2026 campaign into the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona and the full IMSA GTP schedule. Cadillac Racing’s 2027 IMSA GTP driver roster:  Cadillac Whelen (No. 31)·      Jack Aitken, Frederik Vesti (season)·      Earl Bamber (endurance races) Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing (No. 10)·      Ricky Taylor, Filipe Albuquerque (season)·      Will Stevens (endurance races)Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing (No. 40)·      Jordan Taylor, Louis Deletraz (season)·      Norman Nato (endurance races) The fourth driver for Action Express Racing in the Rolex 24 at Daytona will be announced at a later date.  “We are proud to carry the momentum of our championship-winning 2026 season into 2027 with a driver lineup that combines proven IMSA experience, championship-caliber performance and the depth required to compete across the full GTP schedule,” said Eric Warren, Vice President, Global Motorsports Competition for General Motors. “Our three Cadillac V-Series.R programs have demonstrated remarkable consistency and pace, and this roster gives each team a strong platform for the 2027 season. The goal is clear: defend our titles, continue building on Cadillac’s endurance racing legacy and pursue success at every round, beginning with the Rolex 24 At Daytona.”

Cadillac won the 2026 IMSA Manufacturer title, while the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R secured the IMSA team title and Jack Aitken earned the IMSA GTP driver title. Cadillac Racing has stood on the podium in 11 consecutive races, dating back to Sept. 21, 2025, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. During that stretch, Action Express Racing won four races and Wayne Taylor Racing scored one victory. In 2026 Cadillac recorded four poles, 11 podium finishes, and three wins. Since joining IMSA prototype competition in 2017, Cadillac Racing has totaled 36 IMSA DPi/GTP victories – the most of any manufacturer – and 115 podium finishes, including 31 in GTP and 84 in DPi.

What they’re saying: Gary Nelson, general manager, Action Express Racing: “We are very pleased with our driver lineup, and we kept it the same for 2027 with the only change being Fred moving to full time and Earl doing the endurance races. We think so highly of all three guys, and they delivered a championship for the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac. We are looking forward to defending our championships and I can’t think of a better way to do that than a great run in the 2027 Rolex 24 at Daytona.”  No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R: Jack Aitken: “I’m thrilled to return to IMSA with Whelen Cadillac to defend our titles. We’ve built something pretty special over the last few years here and we know the competition will be just as fierce as ever, so I’m already looking forward to Daytona and a chance to pick up where we left off. Continuity on the driver lineup with Fred and Earl is great as we’ve got a fantastic chemistry between us, and seeing Fred step up to more racing this year will be fun as well.” Earl Bamber: “Can’t wait to return to the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac next year. I think what we’ve built over the last two seasons is something super, super special, and it just really thrills the team to get another IMSA championship, and also Jack, his first IMSA championship. And now it’s all eyes forward to the big one for us, which is Daytona, where we’re trying to get Cadillac and Whelan, their first win in the GDP era at Daytona.” Frederik Vesti: “Very excited for the 2027 season. Obviously, 2026 was an incredible year altogether. I really enjoyed my time on the team. Just so proud of all of us and everyone, mechanics, engineers, drivers, we’ve done an amazing job. But looking into 2027, I’m very motivated and very excited to be back with Action Express, but in a full-time capacity doing all nine rounds of IMSA. That’s always been part of the plan with the Whelen Cadillac team, a few learning years and then finally stepping up to fight for the championship, which I can’t wait. We are keeping consistency in the team, which means a lot to me. I think we are by far the strongest driver line up on the grid and I’m looking forward to continuing that journey. So yeah, thank you to Gary Nelson, the whole Action Express team, and of course, GM and Whelen Cadillac for the extension and very excited for the future.”

Wayne Taylor, owner, Wayne Taylor Racing: “Continuity is key and I’m excited to be returning in 2027 with the same driver lineup. Delighted to welcome Norman Nato back in the No. 40 cockpit and will lean on the knowledge that he will bring to us from WEC. Given our win and double podium at Road America and additional podiums at Detroit and Petit, I feel confident that we have the right mix of drivers and am excited to go testing.” No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R: Ricky Taylor: “Continuity and consistency within the Cadillac Racing GTP stable has been critical to our progress with the car. Being able to share drivers across programs while building a relationship over multiple seasons has really helped us to build step by step and learn across programs.” Filipe Albuquerque: “I just love the idea of continuing with Cadillac. If there is something a driver wants to feel is the full commitment from the manufacturer he works for. When I am on track, I give my 100 percent and I know Cadillac is doing the same. The programs they are involved shows that commitment. It will be my seventh year with the brand, and I could not be happier. This off season will be used to evolve and aim for more wins in 2027.” Will Stevens: “Having continuity within a team’s lineup is crucial to building long term success as nothing makes you feel more prepared than arriving in Daytona at the start of a new year and already knowing everyone withing the program and all the finer details that takes time to learn so when we hit the track we can just focus on performance. When you have everyone working united in the same direction over the winter break that is the recipe for success and I really feel 2027 is going to be a special year.”No. 40 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R: Jordan Taylor: “We have grown together so much over the last two years with our driver lineups. It really feels like one big team even though when we hit the track we are in two different cars. It’s a tough task in sports car racing to find a group of drivers that can take their egos out of the equation and put the team first and that’s exactly what we have with our lineup. Everyone is here to win and will do whatever is needed to get to victory lane. It’s been great working with Louis these past few years. We have really found a great way to work with each other to not just get the most out of ourselves, but the team as well. I am very confident heading into 2027.”Louis Deletraz: “In endurance racing, every detail matters. Continuity and team dynamics is very important and it’s great that we can have exactly that for 2027 at Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing. The one team approach has worked well this year and I’m glad we can keep working together as a three-car effort in IMSA. We push each other and learn every weekend that way.” Norman Nato: “It is very important to have consistency in a team. It’s all about details at this level of performance. Having a mix of very experienced drivers in IMSA and WEC allow us to extract the best from both championships and make our package and time behind the wheel of the Cadillac V series more efficient. WTR is a very experienced team, the atmosphere within the team is amazing, drivers get along very well which is something you don’t always find in a team. We will definitely use this strength as a team to make the best usage of our package and make Cadillac WTR shine. Thank you to Cadillac and WTR for their trust.”

Cadillac Racing announces 2027 IMSA GTP driver roster

Media Resources: Images | Media Advances | Cadillac Newsroom

DETROIT (October 15, 2026) – Cadillac Racing, the reigning IMSA manufacturer champion, will enter the 2027 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with a championship-winning foundation and a deep, experienced driver lineup across three Cadillac V-Series.Rs.  As Cadillac begins its fifth year of IMSA GTP competition, the program will pair the continuity of its proven full-season combinations with the strength and versatility of its endurance-race drivers. The 2027 roster is positioned to carry the momentum of a historic 2026 campaign into the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona and the full IMSA GTP schedule. Cadillac Racing’s 2027 IMSA GTP driver roster:  Cadillac Whelen (No. 31)·      Jack Aitken, Frederik Vesti (season)·      Earl Bamber (endurance races) Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing (No. 10)·      Ricky Taylor, Filipe Albuquerque (season)·      Will Stevens (endurance races)Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing (No. 40)·      Jordan Taylor, Louis Deletraz (season)·      Norman Nato (endurance races) The fourth driver for Action Express Racing in the Rolex 24 at Daytona will be announced at a later date.  “We are proud to carry the momentum of our championship-winning 2026 season into 2027 with a driver lineup that combines proven IMSA experience, championship-caliber performance and the depth required to compete across the full GTP schedule,” said Eric Warren, Vice President, Global Motorsports Competition for General Motors. “Our three Cadillac V-Series.R programs have demonstrated remarkable consistency and pace, and this roster gives each team a strong platform for the 2027 season. The goal is clear: defend our titles, continue building on Cadillac’s endurance racing legacy and pursue success at every round, beginning with the Rolex 24 At Daytona.”

Cadillac won the 2026 IMSA Manufacturer title, while the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R secured the IMSA team title and Jack Aitken earned the IMSA GTP driver title. Cadillac Racing has stood on the podium in 11 consecutive races, dating back to Sept. 21, 2025, at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. During that stretch, Action Express Racing won four races and Wayne Taylor Racing scored one victory. In 2026 Cadillac recorded four poles, 11 podium finishes, and three wins. Since joining IMSA prototype competition in 2017, Cadillac Racing has totaled 36 IMSA DPi/GTP victories – the most of any manufacturer – and 115 podium finishes, including 31 in GTP and 84 in DPi.

What they’re saying: Gary Nelson, general manager, Action Express Racing: “We are very pleased with our driver lineup, and we kept it the same for 2027 with the only change being Fred moving to full time and Earl doing the endurance races. We think so highly of all three guys, and they delivered a championship for the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac. We are looking forward to defending our championships and I can’t think of a better way to do that than a great run in the 2027 Rolex 24 at Daytona.”  No. 31 Whelen Cadillac V-Series.R: Jack Aitken: “I’m thrilled to return to IMSA with Whelen Cadillac to defend our titles. We’ve built something pretty special over the last few years here and we know the competition will be just as fierce as ever, so I’m already looking forward to Daytona and a chance to pick up where we left off. Continuity on the driver lineup with Fred and Earl is great as we’ve got a fantastic chemistry between us, and seeing Fred step up to more racing this year will be fun as well.” Earl Bamber: “Can’t wait to return to the No. 31 Whelen Cadillac next year. I think what we’ve built over the last two seasons is something super, super special, and it just really thrills the team to get another IMSA championship, and also Jack, his first IMSA championship. And now it’s all eyes forward to the big one for us, which is Daytona, where we’re trying to get Cadillac and Whelan, their first win in the GDP era at Daytona.” Frederik Vesti: “Very excited for the 2027 season. Obviously, 2026 was an incredible year altogether. I really enjoyed my time on the team. Just so proud of all of us and everyone, mechanics, engineers, drivers, we’ve done an amazing job. But looking into 2027, I’m very motivated and very excited to be back with Action Express, but in a full-time capacity doing all nine rounds of IMSA. That’s always been part of the plan with the Whelen Cadillac team, a few learning years and then finally stepping up to fight for the championship, which I can’t wait. We are keeping consistency in the team, which means a lot to me. I think we are by far the strongest driver line up on the grid and I’m looking forward to continuing that journey. So yeah, thank you to Gary Nelson, the whole Action Express team, and of course, GM and Whelen Cadillac for the extension and very excited for the future.”

Wayne Taylor, owner, Wayne Taylor Racing: “Continuity is key and I’m excited to be returning in 2027 with the same driver lineup. Delighted to welcome Norman Nato back in the No. 40 cockpit and will lean on the knowledge that he will bring to us from WEC. Given our win and double podium at Road America and additional podiums at Detroit and Petit, I feel confident that we have the right mix of drivers and am excited to go testing.” No. 10 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R: Ricky Taylor: “Continuity and consistency within the Cadillac Racing GTP stable has been critical to our progress with the car. Being able to share drivers across programs while building a relationship over multiple seasons has really helped us to build step by step and learn across programs.” Filipe Albuquerque: “I just love the idea of continuing with Cadillac. If there is something a driver wants to feel is the full commitment from the manufacturer he works for. When I am on track, I give my 100 percent and I know Cadillac is doing the same. The programs they are involved shows that commitment. It will be my seventh year with the brand, and I could not be happier. This off season will be used to evolve and aim for more wins in 2027.” Will Stevens: “Having continuity within a team’s lineup is crucial to building long term success as nothing makes you feel more prepared than arriving in Daytona at the start of a new year and already knowing everyone withing the program and all the finer details that takes time to learn so when we hit the track we can just focus on performance. When you have everyone working united in the same direction over the winter break that is the recipe for success and I really feel 2027 is going to be a special year.”No. 40 Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing V-Series.R: Jordan Taylor: “We have grown together so much over the last two years with our driver lineups. It really feels like one big team even though when we hit the track we are in two different cars. It’s a tough task in sports car racing to find a group of drivers that can take their egos out of the equation and put the team first and that’s exactly what we have with our lineup. Everyone is here to win and will do whatever is needed to get to victory lane. It’s been great working with Louis these past few years. We have really found a great way to work with each other to not just get the most out of ourselves, but the team as well. I am very confident heading into 2027.”Louis Deletraz: “In endurance racing, every detail matters. Continuity and team dynamics is very important and it’s great that we can have exactly that for 2027 at Cadillac Wayne Taylor Racing. The one team approach has worked well this year and I’m glad we can keep working together as a three-car effort in IMSA. We push each other and learn every weekend that way.” Norman Nato: “It is very important to have consistency in a team. It’s all about details at this level of performance. Having a mix of very experienced drivers in IMSA and WEC allow us to extract the best from both championships and make our package and time behind the wheel of the Cadillac V series more efficient. WTR is a very experienced team, the atmosphere within the team is amazing, drivers get along very well which is something you don’t always find in a team. We will definitely use this strength as a team to make the best usage of our package and make Cadillac WTR shine. Thank you to Cadillac and WTR for their trust.”

Event: Freeway Insurance 500Date/Time: Sunday, October 18, 2026, 3 p.m. ETLocation: Phoenix Raceway, Avondale, ArizonaLayout: 1-Mile OvalTV/Radio: USA, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio

As Josh Berry and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team enter the final stretch of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season, this weekend’s Freeway Insurance 500 at Phoenix Raceway presents a promising opportunity to build on their recent momentum and contend for another strong finish.The relatively flat, one-mile oval has been a favorable track for Berry and the Wood Brothers Racing team, who recorded fourth- and seventh-place finishes in their two visits to Phoenix last season. Their success on similar tracks this year provides further reason for optimism, with Berry earning a fourth-place finish at Iowa Speedway, an eighth-place result at Richmond Raceway and a third-place finish at New Hampshire Motor Speedway.While the team’s most recent visit to Phoenix on March 8 proved challenging, with brake issues hampering the No. 21 Mustang Dark Horse before Berry was collected in an accident, the driver remains confident in the team’s ability to return to form this weekend.During an appearance on SiriusXM NASCAR Radio earlier this week, Berry pointed to the team’s previous success at Phoenix and its continued strength on shorter tracks as reasons for optimism heading into Sunday’s race.“It was a bit of a struggle for us in the spring compared to last year,” Berry said. “We had two really good races there last year, and we’ve been super strong at short tracks this year.“We can look back on those notes and take what we’ve learned at those tracks and apply it to Phoenix. It should be a great race for us.”Berry and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team have delivered a string of competitive performances over the past two months, positioning themselves to continue pursuing top-five and top-10 finishes as the season winds down. Berry believes that consistency is key to putting the No. 21 team in contention for another trip to Victory Lane.“Hopefully we can keep knocking out those top-fives and top-10s, and when you consistently put yourselves in those positions, you get the opportunity to go for a win,” he said. “We are in a position where we can certainly go do that.”With a proven track record at Phoenix and encouraging results on comparable circuits, Berry and the Wood Brothers will look to capitalize on one of their stronger opportunities to contend near the front of the field during the closing weeks of the season.Practice for the Freeway Insurance 500 is scheduled for Saturday at 4:30 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 5:35 p.m. ET. Both sessions will be televised on truTV.Sunday’s 312-mile race is scheduled to take the green flag shortly after 3 p.m. ET, with television coverage on USA Sports.Stage breaks are scheduled for Laps 60 and 185.

Josh BerryAge: 35 (Oct. 22, 1990)Hometown: Hendersonville, TennesseeCrew Chief: Miles StanleyIG: @joshberry88X: @joshberry

MODOC, SC (October 14, 2026) – For the 20th consecutive year, the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision will conclude the season in the Carolinas – with an added twist.

New in 2026 is a visit to Modoc Speedway for the Modoc 100 on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24. The inaugural Modoc event has become the lead-in to the annual finale at The Dirt Track at Charlotte as part of Dave Smith Motors World of Outlaws World Finals, Wednesday-Saturday, Nov. 4-7.

The greater Charlotte area has been the center of the full-fendered racing universe for eight decades, dating back to the moonshine-running era in the 1940s. Dirt tracks popped up all over the region in the years that followed, and while several were later paved alongside the rise of NASCAR, many have stayed true to their dirt roots to this day. The result is one of the strongest dirt Late Model scenes in the nation, and one that the World of Outlaws have played an important role in for the past two decades.

Here’s a look at the Carolina tracks that have been part of World of Outlaws history:

The Dirt Track at Charlotte: In the late 1990s, Bruton Smith and the team at Charlotte Motor Speedway wanted to expand the facility’s motorsports offerings beyond the 1.5-mile oval that opened in 1960. Their vision became public in 1999 when the announcement was made that a dirt track would be constructed on the opposite side of Highway 29 from the NASCAR oval.

The original blueprints included a 3/8-mile layout, but plans were changed to the eventual 4/10-mile size during construction. The Dirt Track at Charlotte was completed in the spring of 2000, with the inaugural event being a World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series doubleheader on Memorial Day weekend prior to the Coca-Cola 600.

It wouldn’t be long until the Late Model contingent got their first taste of the state-of-the-art Charlotte facility. The Hav-A-Tampa Series made two stops at Charlotte in 2000, with Scott Bloomquist winning on July 3 and Dan Schlieper taking the checkers on Sept. 23.

Several other touring series added Charlotte to their schedules in the years that followed – the Southern All Stars being the most frequent visitor – prior to the arrival of the World of Outlaws in 2007 for the first edition of World Finals. The new event created a combined championship weekend for the Late Model and Sprint Car communities, as well as the Super DIRTcar Series beginning in 2010.

World Finals has since grown into a premier staple of the World of Outlaws schedule, consistently featuring one of the largest car counts of the season. In the 19-year history of the event, no one has had more success than Jonathan Davenport, who won twice in 2025 to surpass Jimmy Owens as the winningest Late Model driver in World Finals history. Davenport’s eight victories place him second on the World Finals wins list across all three divisions, trailing only Donny Schatz with nine.

For a few years in the 2000s, World Finals wasn’t Charlotte’s only major World of Outlaws event. The Series also visited in the spring for the Colossal 100, an event won by Bloomquist (2007), Steve Francis (2008) and Earl Pearson Jr. (2009) before the race was discontinued.

Cherokee Speedway: Ask anyone to think about Late Model racing in the Carolinas, and there’s a good chance that Cherokee Speedway is one of the first things that comes to mind.

“The Place Your Mama Warned You About” has become one of the most widely known tracks in the sport since opening in 1957. Nearly every national and Southeast regional Late Model tour has made plenty of stops at the 3/8-mile in Gaffney, SC, including the World of Outlaws, starting in 2017.

Much like many other southeastern red-dirt ovals, Brandon Overton has been dominant in Series action at Cherokee, winning four of the nine World of Outlaws races held there. A pair of South Carolinians have also won their first Series race at Cherokee, those being Ross Bailes in 2019 and Michael Brown in 2022.

Cherokee has remained a hotbed for Super Late Model racing since their most recent World of Outlaws race four years ago, with their biggest event being the Blue-Gray 100 every fall. This year’s race is set for Sunday, Oct. 25, the day after the World of Outlaws event at Modoc, creating a tripleheader race weekend in the “Palmetto State.”

Fayetteville Motor Speedway: The lone track in eastern North Carolina that has hosted World of Outlaws racing is Fayetteville Motor Speedway, which appeared on the schedule eight times between 2008 and 2018.

The 5/16-mile oval maintained plenty of parity in Series action with seven different winners in eight races, with Josh Richards being the only repeat winner. Fayetteville is also the home track of current World of Outlaws regular Daulton Wilson, a former track champion in the Pure Stock division.

Following their final World of Outlaws race in 2018, Fayetteville continued to host regional and local racing until its closure at the end of the 2025 season.

Lancaster Motor Speedway: A hub of local and regional Late Model racing for almost 70 years, Lancaster Motor Speedway has a pair of World of Outlaws races in its history books from 2019 and 2020.

In the inaugural event, a blown right-rear tire for Lancaster, SC native Ben Watkins on Lap 20 of 50 handed the lead to Brandon Sheppard, who never looked back. Then on Labor Day weekend in 2020, Overton broke away to a lead of more than three seconds for his fourth-straight World of Outlaws win.

The track continues to host regional Super Late Model racing regularly, and Watkins is riding a six-race Carolina Clash win streak at his home track dating back to 2022.

311 Motor Speedway: No one misses 311 Motor Speedway’s spot on the World of Outlaws schedule more than Tim McCreadie.

The Watertown, NY native won both Series visits to Pine Hall, NC in 2012 and 2013, with both victories snapping a long winless streak lasting nearly a year. McCreadie is one of many big names with 311 wins on their resume alongside Bloomquist, Davenport, Overton, Dale McDowell and even NASCAR Cup Series driver Austin Dillon, who won a pair of Carolina Clash Super Late Model Series races there in 2010.

While 311 has sat dormant since 2021, efforts have been made in the past year to potentially reopen the track.

Friendship Motor Speedway: The other dirt track in the North Carolina foothills is Friendship Motor Speedway, sitting 50 miles west of 311 in Elkin, NC.

Opening as a dirt track in 1982, Friendship spent a few seasons hosting pavement racing from 2003 to 2007 before returning to dirt for the 2008 season. Seven years later, Friendship welcomed the World of Outlaws for the first time in 2015 when North Carolina native Chris Ferguson collected his first Series win.

The event appeared to be a one-and-done until 2023, when the track was purchased by Bobby and Jessica Koehler of nearby Mt. Airy, NC, renamed Ultimate Motorsports Park and added to the World of Outlaws schedule on Memorial Day weekend in 2024. Bailes and Bobby Pierce split a pair of split-field Friday Features before Saturday’s main event was canceled due to rain.

When the Koehler family ended their operation of the track to focus on their other businesses, Ultimate Towing & Recovery and Koehler Motorsports, local businessman Chuck Melton stepped in to purchase the facility. The track’s original name was restored for 2026, and Friendship has become one of the few tracks in the southeast to run Super Late Models as part of its weekly racing program.

Carolina Speedway: One of the oldest continuously-operating tracks in the region, Carolina Speedway opened in 1961 under the management of Humpy Wheeler, who got his start in race promotion at Carolina before going on to become the general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway.

After hosting a handful of Hav-A-Tampa shows in the early 1990s, the Gastonia, NC oval got its lone modern-era national-touring event in 2016. The trophy went to Richards, who fended off Chub Frank and Rick Eckert for his fifth of 18 wins that season.

Race-by-Race History
April 21, 2007 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Scott Bloomquist
Oct. 10, 2007 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Shannon Babb
Nov. 2, 2007 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Scott Bloomquist
Nov. 3, 2007 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Donnie Moran
April 19, 2008 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Steve Francis
Oct. 7, 2008 – Fayetteville Motor Speedway – Josh Richards
Oct. 29, 2008 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Chris Madden
Oct. 31, 2008 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Scott Bloomquist
Nov. 1, 2008 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Josh Richards
March 29, 2009 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Earl Pearson Jr.
April 17, 2009 – Fayetteville Motor Speedway – Jeff Smith
Nov. 5, 2009 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Josh Richards
Nov. 6, 2009 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Scott Bloomquist
Nov. 7, 2009 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jimmy Owens
April 30, 2010 – Fayetteville Motor Speedway – Josh Richards
Oct. 13, 2010 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Josh Richards
Nov. 6, 2010 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jimmy Owens
Nov. 6, 2010 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jonathan Davenport
Oct. 12, 2011 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Josh Richards
Nov. 4, 2011 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jonathan Davenport
Nov. 5, 2011 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jimmy Owens
May 4, 2012 – 311 Motor Speedway – Tim McCreadie
Oct. 10, 2012 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Rick Eckert
Nov. 2, 2012 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jimmy Owens
Nov. 3, 2012 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jimmy Owens
April 20, 2013 – 311 Motor Speedway – Tim McCreadie
Nov. 8, 2013 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Darrell Lanigan
Nov. 9, 2013 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Josh Richards
May 2, 2014 – Fayetteville Motor Speedway – Darrell Lanigan
Nov. 7, 2014 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Darrell Lanigan
Nov. 8, 2014 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jimmy Owens
May 1, 2015 – Friendship Motor Speedway – Chris Ferguson
May 2, 2015 – Fayetteville Motor Speedway – Chris Ferguson
Nov. 6, 2015 – The Dirt Track at Charotte – Brandon Sheppard
Nov. 8, 2015 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jonathan Davenport
April 29, 2016 – Carolina Speedway – Josh Richards
April 30, 2016 – Fayetteville Motor Speedway – Brian Shirley
Oct. 28, 2016 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Josh Richards
Oct. 29, 2016 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Chris Madden
May 5, 2017 – Cherokee Speedway – Shane Clanton
May 6, 2017 – Fayetteville Motor Speedway – Brandon Sheppard
Nov. 3, 2017 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Brandon Sheppard
Nov. 4, 2017 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Dennis Erb Jr.
May 4, 2018 – Cherokee Speedway – Mike Marlar
May 12, 2018 – Fayetteville Motor Speedway – Jimmy Owens
Nov. 3, 2018 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Brandon Sheppard
Nov. 3, 2018 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Scott Bloomquist
May 3, 2019 – Cherokee Speedway – Ross Bailes
June 1, 2019 – Lancaster Motor Speedway – Brandon Sheppard
Oct. 4, 2019 – Cherokee Speedway – Brandon Overton
Nov. 8, 2019 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Chris Madden
Nov. 9, 2019 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jimmy Owens
Sept. 5, 2020 – Lancaster Motor Speedway – Brandon Overton
Oct. 2, 2020 – Cherokee Speedway – Brandon Overton
Nov. 4, 2020 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Brandon Overton
Nov. 5, 2020 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Tim McCreadie
Sept. 2, 2021 – Cherokee Speedway – Brandon Overton
Oct. 1, 2021 – Cherokee Speedway – Brandon Overton
Nov. 5, 2021 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jonathan Davenport
Nov. 6, 2021 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jonathan Davenport
March 25, 2022 – Cherokee Speedway – Michael Brown
March 26, 2022 – Cherokee Speedway – Max Blair
Nov. 2, 2022 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Mike Marlar
Nov. 3, 2022 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Tanner English
Nov. 5, 2022 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jonathan Davenport
Nov. 2, 2023 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Mike Marlar
Nov. 3, 2023 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Ricky Thornton Jr.
Nov. 4, 2023 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Ricky Thornton Jr.
Nov. 7, 2024 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Ricky Thornton Jr.
Nov. 8, 2024 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Bobby Pierce
Nov. 9, 2024 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Chris Madden
Nov. 6, 2025 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Hudson O’Neal
Nov. 7, 2025 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jonathan Davenport
Nov. 8, 2025 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jonathan Davenport

World of Outlaws Winners from the Carolinas
Chris Madden – Gray Court, SC – 40
Nick Hoffman – Mooresville, NC – 19
Chris Ferguson – Mt. Holly, NC – 2
Kyle Strickler – Mooresville, NC – 2
Jeff Smith – Dallas, NC – 1
Ross Bailes – Clover, SC – 1
Zack Mitchell – Enoree, SC – 1
Ben Watkins – Lancaster, SC – 1
Michael Brown – Lancaster, SC – 1
Daulton Wilson – Fayetteville, NC – 1

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision will wrap up the 2026 season with the Modoc 100 at Modoc Speedway (Friday-Saturday, Oct. 23-24), followed by the Dave Smith Motors World of Outlaws World Finals (Wednesday-Saturday, Nov. 4-7).

Get tickets in advance for both events by clicking here. Get free pit passes to World Finals by purchasing a two-day pass by Friday, Oct. 16.

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

Closing Stretch at Modoc, Charlotte Users In New Era for Carolina Late Model Racing

MODOC, SC (October 14, 2026) – For the 20th consecutive year, the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision will conclude the season in the Carolinas – with an added twist.

New in 2026 is a visit to Modoc Speedway for the Modoc 100 on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23-24. The inaugural Modoc event has become the lead-in to the annual finale at The Dirt Track at Charlotte as part of Dave Smith Motors World of Outlaws World Finals, Wednesday-Saturday, Nov. 4-7.

The greater Charlotte area has been the center of the full-fendered racing universe for eight decades, dating back to the moonshine-running era in the 1940s. Dirt tracks popped up all over the region in the years that followed, and while several were later paved alongside the rise of NASCAR, many have stayed true to their dirt roots to this day. The result is one of the strongest dirt Late Model scenes in the nation, and one that the World of Outlaws have played an important role in for the past two decades.

Here’s a look at the Carolina tracks that have been part of World of Outlaws history:

The Dirt Track at Charlotte: In the late 1990s, Bruton Smith and the team at Charlotte Motor Speedway wanted to expand the facility’s motorsports offerings beyond the 1.5-mile oval that opened in 1960. Their vision became public in 1999 when the announcement was made that a dirt track would be constructed on the opposite side of Highway 29 from the NASCAR oval.

The original blueprints included a 3/8-mile layout, but plans were changed to the eventual 4/10-mile size during construction. The Dirt Track at Charlotte was completed in the spring of 2000, with the inaugural event being a World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series doubleheader on Memorial Day weekend prior to the Coca-Cola 600.

It wouldn’t be long until the Late Model contingent got their first taste of the state-of-the-art Charlotte facility. The Hav-A-Tampa Series made two stops at Charlotte in 2000, with Scott Bloomquist winning on July 3 and Dan Schlieper taking the checkers on Sept. 23.

Several other touring series added Charlotte to their schedules in the years that followed – the Southern All Stars being the most frequent visitor – prior to the arrival of the World of Outlaws in 2007 for the first edition of World Finals. The new event created a combined championship weekend for the Late Model and Sprint Car communities, as well as the Super DIRTcar Series beginning in 2010.

World Finals has since grown into a premier staple of the World of Outlaws schedule, consistently featuring one of the largest car counts of the season. In the 19-year history of the event, no one has had more success than Jonathan Davenport, who won twice in 2025 to surpass Jimmy Owens as the winningest Late Model driver in World Finals history. Davenport’s eight victories place him second on the World Finals wins list across all three divisions, trailing only Donny Schatz with nine.

For a few years in the 2000s, World Finals wasn’t Charlotte’s only major World of Outlaws event. The Series also visited in the spring for the Colossal 100, an event won by Bloomquist (2007), Steve Francis (2008) and Earl Pearson Jr. (2009) before the race was discontinued.

Cherokee Speedway: Ask anyone to think about Late Model racing in the Carolinas, and there’s a good chance that Cherokee Speedway is one of the first things that comes to mind.

“The Place Your Mama Warned You About” has become one of the most widely known tracks in the sport since opening in 1957. Nearly every national and Southeast regional Late Model tour has made plenty of stops at the 3/8-mile in Gaffney, SC, including the World of Outlaws, starting in 2017.

Much like many other southeastern red-dirt ovals, Brandon Overton has been dominant in Series action at Cherokee, winning four of the nine World of Outlaws races held there. A pair of South Carolinians have also won their first Series race at Cherokee, those being Ross Bailes in 2019 and Michael Brown in 2022.

Cherokee has remained a hotbed for Super Late Model racing since their most recent World of Outlaws race four years ago, with their biggest event being the Blue-Gray 100 every fall. This year’s race is set for Sunday, Oct. 25, the day after the World of Outlaws event at Modoc, creating a tripleheader race weekend in the “Palmetto State.”

Fayetteville Motor Speedway: The lone track in eastern North Carolina that has hosted World of Outlaws racing is Fayetteville Motor Speedway, which appeared on the schedule eight times between 2008 and 2018.

The 5/16-mile oval maintained plenty of parity in Series action with seven different winners in eight races, with Josh Richards being the only repeat winner. Fayetteville is also the home track of current World of Outlaws regular Daulton Wilson, a former track champion in the Pure Stock division.

Following their final World of Outlaws race in 2018, Fayetteville continued to host regional and local racing until its closure at the end of the 2025 season.

Lancaster Motor Speedway: A hub of local and regional Late Model racing for almost 70 years, Lancaster Motor Speedway has a pair of World of Outlaws races in its history books from 2019 and 2020.

In the inaugural event, a blown right-rear tire for Lancaster, SC native Ben Watkins on Lap 20 of 50 handed the lead to Brandon Sheppard, who never looked back. Then on Labor Day weekend in 2020, Overton broke away to a lead of more than three seconds for his fourth-straight World of Outlaws win.

The track continues to host regional Super Late Model racing regularly, and Watkins is riding a six-race Carolina Clash win streak at his home track dating back to 2022.

311 Motor Speedway: No one misses 311 Motor Speedway’s spot on the World of Outlaws schedule more than Tim McCreadie.

The Watertown, NY native won both Series visits to Pine Hall, NC in 2012 and 2013, with both victories snapping a long winless streak lasting nearly a year. McCreadie is one of many big names with 311 wins on their resume alongside Bloomquist, Davenport, Overton, Dale McDowell and even NASCAR Cup Series driver Austin Dillon, who won a pair of Carolina Clash Super Late Model Series races there in 2010.

While 311 has sat dormant since 2021, efforts have been made in the past year to potentially reopen the track.

Friendship Motor Speedway: The other dirt track in the North Carolina foothills is Friendship Motor Speedway, sitting 50 miles west of 311 in Elkin, NC.

Opening as a dirt track in 1982, Friendship spent a few seasons hosting pavement racing from 2003 to 2007 before returning to dirt for the 2008 season. Seven years later, Friendship welcomed the World of Outlaws for the first time in 2015 when North Carolina native Chris Ferguson collected his first Series win.

The event appeared to be a one-and-done until 2023, when the track was purchased by Bobby and Jessica Koehler of nearby Mt. Airy, NC, renamed Ultimate Motorsports Park and added to the World of Outlaws schedule on Memorial Day weekend in 2024. Bailes and Bobby Pierce split a pair of split-field Friday Features before Saturday’s main event was canceled due to rain.

When the Koehler family ended their operation of the track to focus on their other businesses, Ultimate Towing & Recovery and Koehler Motorsports, local businessman Chuck Melton stepped in to purchase the facility. The track’s original name was restored for 2026, and Friendship has become one of the few tracks in the southeast to run Super Late Models as part of its weekly racing program.

Carolina Speedway: One of the oldest continuously-operating tracks in the region, Carolina Speedway opened in 1961 under the management of Humpy Wheeler, who got his start in race promotion at Carolina before going on to become the general manager of Charlotte Motor Speedway.

After hosting a handful of Hav-A-Tampa shows in the early 1990s, the Gastonia, NC oval got its lone modern-era national-touring event in 2016. The trophy went to Richards, who fended off Chub Frank and Rick Eckert for his fifth of 18 wins that season.

Race-by-Race History
April 21, 2007 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Scott Bloomquist
Oct. 10, 2007 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Shannon Babb
Nov. 2, 2007 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Scott Bloomquist
Nov. 3, 2007 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Donnie Moran
April 19, 2008 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Steve Francis
Oct. 7, 2008 – Fayetteville Motor Speedway – Josh Richards
Oct. 29, 2008 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Chris Madden
Oct. 31, 2008 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Scott Bloomquist
Nov. 1, 2008 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Josh Richards
March 29, 2009 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Earl Pearson Jr.
April 17, 2009 – Fayetteville Motor Speedway – Jeff Smith
Nov. 5, 2009 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Josh Richards
Nov. 6, 2009 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Scott Bloomquist
Nov. 7, 2009 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jimmy Owens
April 30, 2010 – Fayetteville Motor Speedway – Josh Richards
Oct. 13, 2010 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Josh Richards
Nov. 6, 2010 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jimmy Owens
Nov. 6, 2010 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jonathan Davenport
Oct. 12, 2011 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Josh Richards
Nov. 4, 2011 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jonathan Davenport
Nov. 5, 2011 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jimmy Owens
May 4, 2012 – 311 Motor Speedway – Tim McCreadie
Oct. 10, 2012 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Rick Eckert
Nov. 2, 2012 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jimmy Owens
Nov. 3, 2012 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jimmy Owens
April 20, 2013 – 311 Motor Speedway – Tim McCreadie
Nov. 8, 2013 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Darrell Lanigan
Nov. 9, 2013 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Josh Richards
May 2, 2014 – Fayetteville Motor Speedway – Darrell Lanigan
Nov. 7, 2014 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Darrell Lanigan
Nov. 8, 2014 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jimmy Owens
May 1, 2015 – Friendship Motor Speedway – Chris Ferguson
May 2, 2015 – Fayetteville Motor Speedway – Chris Ferguson
Nov. 6, 2015 – The Dirt Track at Charotte – Brandon Sheppard
Nov. 8, 2015 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jonathan Davenport
April 29, 2016 – Carolina Speedway – Josh Richards
April 30, 2016 – Fayetteville Motor Speedway – Brian Shirley
Oct. 28, 2016 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Josh Richards
Oct. 29, 2016 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Chris Madden
May 5, 2017 – Cherokee Speedway – Shane Clanton
May 6, 2017 – Fayetteville Motor Speedway – Brandon Sheppard
Nov. 3, 2017 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Brandon Sheppard
Nov. 4, 2017 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Dennis Erb Jr.
May 4, 2018 – Cherokee Speedway – Mike Marlar
May 12, 2018 – Fayetteville Motor Speedway – Jimmy Owens
Nov. 3, 2018 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Brandon Sheppard
Nov. 3, 2018 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Scott Bloomquist
May 3, 2019 – Cherokee Speedway – Ross Bailes
June 1, 2019 – Lancaster Motor Speedway – Brandon Sheppard
Oct. 4, 2019 – Cherokee Speedway – Brandon Overton
Nov. 8, 2019 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Chris Madden
Nov. 9, 2019 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jimmy Owens
Sept. 5, 2020 – Lancaster Motor Speedway – Brandon Overton
Oct. 2, 2020 – Cherokee Speedway – Brandon Overton
Nov. 4, 2020 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Brandon Overton
Nov. 5, 2020 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Tim McCreadie
Sept. 2, 2021 – Cherokee Speedway – Brandon Overton
Oct. 1, 2021 – Cherokee Speedway – Brandon Overton
Nov. 5, 2021 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jonathan Davenport
Nov. 6, 2021 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jonathan Davenport
March 25, 2022 – Cherokee Speedway – Michael Brown
March 26, 2022 – Cherokee Speedway – Max Blair
Nov. 2, 2022 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Mike Marlar
Nov. 3, 2022 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Tanner English
Nov. 5, 2022 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jonathan Davenport
Nov. 2, 2023 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Mike Marlar
Nov. 3, 2023 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Ricky Thornton Jr.
Nov. 4, 2023 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Ricky Thornton Jr.
Nov. 7, 2024 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Ricky Thornton Jr.
Nov. 8, 2024 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Bobby Pierce
Nov. 9, 2024 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Chris Madden
Nov. 6, 2025 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Hudson O’Neal
Nov. 7, 2025 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jonathan Davenport
Nov. 8, 2025 – The Dirt Track at Charlotte – Jonathan Davenport

World of Outlaws Winners from the Carolinas
Chris Madden – Gray Court, SC – 40
Nick Hoffman – Mooresville, NC – 19
Chris Ferguson – Mt. Holly, NC – 2
Kyle Strickler – Mooresville, NC – 2
Jeff Smith – Dallas, NC – 1
Ross Bailes – Clover, SC – 1
Zack Mitchell – Enoree, SC – 1
Ben Watkins – Lancaster, SC – 1
Michael Brown – Lancaster, SC – 1
Daulton Wilson – Fayetteville, NC – 1

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision will wrap up the 2026 season with the Modoc 100 at Modoc Speedway (Friday-Saturday, Oct. 23-24), followed by the Dave Smith Motors World of Outlaws World Finals (Wednesday-Saturday, Nov. 4-7).

Get tickets in advance for both events by clicking here. Get free pit passes to World Finals by purchasing a two-day pass by Friday, Oct. 16.

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

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/latemodels/closing-stretch-at-modoc-charlotte-ushers-in-new-era-for-carolina-late-model-racing/

PUTNAMVILLE, IN (October 14, 2026) – Dirt Sprint Car racing always occupied a space in Noah West’s mind no matter where life took him.

How could it not, after growing up in an environment that brought the likes of Jimmy Carr, Steve “Scuba” Swenson, Sonny Kreitzer, and others around him?

West was born in New York right into a racing family and moved to a major motorsports hub during his formative years.

“It’s kind of been something that we’ve always been involved in,” West said. “That’s why we actually moved out here to Indy. My dad (Jeff West) started Supermodified racing out in the northeast up in Oswego, building his own cars, chassis, stuff like that. Then he actually moved to Indy to work for Eddie Cheever in IndyCar doing some repair work and carbon repair stuff. From there, he started his own business with IPC.”

His father’s business introduced him to the famed crew chiefs previously mentioned. It’s also the time when he began to learn the mechanical basics of race cars. Lessons learned from his dad and other key figures would eventually lead West to wrenching for his own family’s World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car operation.

“My dad obviously taught me a lot of what I know from the mechanical side of things,” West said. “I spent a lot of time with Brinton Marvel and his dad Justin and was kind of just always learning as well with Ayrton (Olsen) and his dad. I was always surrounded by some really good minds in the sport.”

West’s teenage years brought a new passion outside of racing: hockey. The same competitive drive that fueled his family’s racing endeavors helped West reach Big Ten Conference level collegiate competition at the University of Michigan before a season of professional play in the ECHL with the Kansas City Mavericks.

“I raced Go-Karts when I was growing up, but hockey took over,” West recalled. “It just consumes your life, the same as Sprint Car racing. If you’re not eating, breathing, and sleeping hockey, you’re not going to be successful at it and be able to do it at the level we’re trying to do it at. Hockey, yeah, it’s a winter sport, but it’s really year-round. You’re training day in and day out six days a week, sometimes seven depending on the time of year. So, it consumed a ton of time and was a blast.”

Hockey may have required most of his time, but his love for racing never wavered. West remained involved in his family’s team, Three Stooges Racing, and their primarily pavement race cars. West truly began to lean into the dirt when the opportunity arose to turn the wrenches on the Hayward Motorsports No. 19 in 2023. That combination started strong as C.J. Leary put the car in the Eldora Million and finished 12th.

As West continued to lead the Hayward crew, the hunger to launch his own Sprint Car operation grew. He periodically attempted to persuade his father until finally he was convinced to add a dirt Winged Sprint Car to the Three Stooges stable.

“It was always something I really wanted to do,” West said of going Winged Sprint Car racing on dirt. “I mean, the pavement cars were fun, but I always told dad, ‘We need to have a Winged Sprint Car. Let’s go Winged Sprint Car racing.’ And it was always, ‘Well, when you’re out of college, we’ll start putting that together.’ Sure enough, my last year of college, the deal with Brodie (Hayward) was kind of ending, and I told my dad, ‘This is what I want to do still. We’re getting close to that time. Let’s do something.’ That was right after Kings Royal that year. I think we sat in the shop and talked and said let’s do it. He drove 10 minutes home to the house, and by the time I got home he called me and said, ‘Well, I got two cars on the way, and we’ll start this and put it together and see what we can do.’”

The Three Stooges Racing No. 51 Sprint Car debuted during the 2025 Kings Royal week with Joel Myers Jr. in the seat. Eventually, Scott Bogucki came aboard to close out the year with a pick-and-choose schedule as a plan began to form for them to go World of Outlaws racing in 2026.

“My dad was driving somewhere with my mom, probably leaving a brother’s hockey game or something; he called me and said, ‘I think we should just go Outlaw racing,’” West said. “I was like, ‘If that’s what you want to do, we’ll do it.’ He did some more talking to some people that we know and got everything together.”

They began the season with Bogucki and picked up a podium at only the eighth race of the campaign when he drove from ninth to second at Lawton Speedway. The two sides parted ways in May before the team brought Ashton Torgerson aboard for most of the summer. Then came their current pilot, Steven Snyder Jr., with his first weekend in the car at the Ironman 55in early August.

West believes he and the 20-year-old out of Rising Sun, MD are gelling fast and laying the foundations of a potent partnership. The results agree. Snyder Jr. drove from 16th to sixth at the Front Row Challenge during just their fourth night together. Less than a month later, he led laps before a top-five finish at Huset’s Speedway. Then came a 10th-to-second charge at El Paso County Raceway for Snyder’s first World of Outlaws podium. He battled for a win at Ventura Raceway to close out September.

“Steven, he’s got very high upside and potential,” West said. “We both want to build together and work together. We’re both ultra-competitive. Will it bite us some nights? Yes, but at the end of the day if I’m out here giving 110%, the last thing I want is for my driver who’s getting in my race car to not give me 110% back. I feel like with Steven here these last three months, he’s came in and given us that. As a crew chief and car owner, that’s all we can ask for.”

The short-term future with Snyder isn’t all that’s on West’s mind as they continue to grow. This isn’t merely some quick experiment. West wants to construct an organization to contend with the best of the best for years to come. He knows he may not always be able to be the one going up and down the road with the team, but he’s putting the pieces in place for his team to do so and continue the family racing tradition he was born into.

“I’d like to establish it into something like Big Game and what Tod Quiring has built there and KCP (Racing), Roth (Motorsports). I want to establish us to be something like that,” West said. “Whether it’s myself out here on the road full-time for years to come, I don’t know. I want to keep doing it, and I want to be out here for a few more years, but I’d like to turn it into something where when it’s time to have a family and kids and stuff I can also be at home while our team will be out here competing with the World of Outlaws.”

West, Snyder Jr., and the Three Stooges Racing crew continue to wind down the 2026 season this weekend at Indiana’s Lincoln Park Speedway on Friday, Oct. 16, and Illinois’ Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway on Saturday, Oct. 17. 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.

RINK TO WRENCHES: Noah West’s Journey Through Childhood in Racing, Professional Hockey, World of Outlaws Crew Chief

PUTNAMVILLE, IN (October 14, 2026) – Dirt Sprint Car racing always occupied a space in Noah West’s mind no matter where life took him.

How could it not, after growing up in an environment that brought the likes of Jimmy Carr, Steve “Scuba” Swenson, Sonny Kreitzer, and others around him?

West was born in New York right into a racing family and moved to a major motorsports hub during his formative years.

“It’s kind of been something that we’ve always been involved in,” West said. “That’s why we actually moved out here to Indy. My dad (Jeff West) started Supermodified racing out in the northeast up in Oswego, building his own cars, chassis, stuff like that. Then he actually moved to Indy to work for Eddie Cheever in IndyCar doing some repair work and carbon repair stuff. From there, he started his own business with IPC.”

His father’s business introduced him to the famed crew chiefs previously mentioned. It’s also the time when he began to learn the mechanical basics of race cars. Lessons learned from his dad and other key figures would eventually lead West to wrenching for his own family’s World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car operation.

“My dad obviously taught me a lot of what I know from the mechanical side of things,” West said. “I spent a lot of time with Brinton Marvel and his dad Justin and was kind of just always learning as well with Ayrton (Olsen) and his dad. I was always surrounded by some really good minds in the sport.”

West’s teenage years brought a new passion outside of racing: hockey. The same competitive drive that fueled his family’s racing endeavors helped West reach Big Ten Conference level collegiate competition at the University of Michigan before a season of professional play in the ECHL with the Kansas City Mavericks.

“I raced Go-Karts when I was growing up, but hockey took over,” West recalled. “It just consumes your life, the same as Sprint Car racing. If you’re not eating, breathing, and sleeping hockey, you’re not going to be successful at it and be able to do it at the level we’re trying to do it at. Hockey, yeah, it’s a winter sport, but it’s really year-round. You’re training day in and day out six days a week, sometimes seven depending on the time of year. So, it consumed a ton of time and was a blast.”

Hockey may have required most of his time, but his love for racing never wavered. West remained involved in his family’s team, Three Stooges Racing, and their primarily pavement race cars. West truly began to lean into the dirt when the opportunity arose to turn the wrenches on the Hayward Motorsports No. 19 in 2023. That combination started strong as C.J. Leary put the car in the Eldora Million and finished 12th.

As West continued to lead the Hayward crew, the hunger to launch his own Sprint Car operation grew. He periodically attempted to persuade his father until finally he was convinced to add a dirt Winged Sprint Car to the Three Stooges stable.

“It was always something I really wanted to do,” West said of going Winged Sprint Car racing on dirt. “I mean, the pavement cars were fun, but I always told dad, ‘We need to have a Winged Sprint Car. Let’s go Winged Sprint Car racing.’ And it was always, ‘Well, when you’re out of college, we’ll start putting that together.’ Sure enough, my last year of college, the deal with Brodie (Hayward) was kind of ending, and I told my dad, ‘This is what I want to do still. We’re getting close to that time. Let’s do something.’ That was right after Kings Royal that year. I think we sat in the shop and talked and said let’s do it. He drove 10 minutes home to the house, and by the time I got home he called me and said, ‘Well, I got two cars on the way, and we’ll start this and put it together and see what we can do.’”

The Three Stooges Racing No. 51 Sprint Car debuted during the 2025 Kings Royal week with Joel Myers Jr. in the seat. Eventually, Scott Bogucki came aboard to close out the year with a pick-and-choose schedule as a plan began to form for them to go World of Outlaws racing in 2026.

“My dad was driving somewhere with my mom, probably leaving a brother’s hockey game or something; he called me and said, ‘I think we should just go Outlaw racing,’” West said. “I was like, ‘If that’s what you want to do, we’ll do it.’ He did some more talking to some people that we know and got everything together.”

They began the season with Bogucki and picked up a podium at only the eighth race of the campaign when he drove from ninth to second at Lawton Speedway. The two sides parted ways in May before the team brought Ashton Torgerson aboard for most of the summer. Then came their current pilot, Steven Snyder Jr., with his first weekend in the car at the Ironman 55in early August.

West believes he and the 20-year-old out of Rising Sun, MD are gelling fast and laying the foundations of a potent partnership. The results agree. Snyder Jr. drove from 16th to sixth at the Front Row Challenge during just their fourth night together. Less than a month later, he led laps before a top-five finish at Huset’s Speedway. Then came a 10th-to-second charge at El Paso County Raceway for Snyder’s first World of Outlaws podium. He battled for a win at Ventura Raceway to close out September.

“Steven, he’s got very high upside and potential,” West said. “We both want to build together and work together. We’re both ultra-competitive. Will it bite us some nights? Yes, but at the end of the day if I’m out here giving 110%, the last thing I want is for my driver who’s getting in my race car to not give me 110% back. I feel like with Steven here these last three months, he’s came in and given us that. As a crew chief and car owner, that’s all we can ask for.”

The short-term future with Snyder isn’t all that’s on West’s mind as they continue to grow. This isn’t merely some quick experiment. West wants to construct an organization to contend with the best of the best for years to come. He knows he may not always be able to be the one going up and down the road with the team, but he’s putting the pieces in place for his team to do so and continue the family racing tradition he was born into.

“I’d like to establish it into something like Big Game and what Tod Quiring has built there and KCP (Racing), Roth (Motorsports). I want to establish us to be something like that,” West said. “Whether it’s myself out here on the road full-time for years to come, I don’t know. I want to keep doing it, and I want to be out here for a few more years, but I’d like to turn it into something where when it’s time to have a family and kids and stuff I can also be at home while our team will be out here competing with the World of Outlaws.”

West, Snyder Jr., and the Three Stooges Racing crew continue to wind down the 2026 season this weekend at Indiana’s Lincoln Park Speedway on Friday, Oct. 16, and Illinois’ Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway on Saturday, Oct. 17. 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.

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars/rink-to-wrenches-noah-wests-journey-through-childhood-in-racing-professional-hockey-world-of-outlaws-crew-chief/

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE Phoenix RacewayOctober 16-18, 2026

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

NASCAR’s three national touring series are set to make their final trip to the West Coast of the season for a race weekend at Phoenix Raceway, and Chevrolet will arrive with a Chase contender in front or in the hunt in every garage. Boasting a 2.8 average finish in The Chase, Kyle Larson will return to the site that delivered his second championship title with a 49-point lead, and he’ll look to extend that margin once again in Sunday’s Freeway Insurance 500. In the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Sheldon Creed narrowly maintains the points lead, pacing a tight battle that sees the top-six Team Chevy drivers sitting within a 59-point margin of each other heading into Saturday night’s Timberland PRO 200. Chevrolet’s top Craftsman Truck Series Chase driver, Christian Eckes, has finished second in back-to-back postseason races and sits fourth, 88 points behind the lead, as the division opens the weekend Friday night in the Zero Carbon Bioethanol 150 Powered by POET.

Chevrolet’s Cup Series History at Phoenix Raceway:Chevrolet has been a part of Phoenix Raceway’s story since Dale Earnhardt, Sr. delivered the Bowtie brand’s first win in just the series’ third appearance at the track (Nov. 1990). Over the Cup Series’ 60-race history at the one-mile oval, Chevrolet has recorded a series-leading 27 victories. That total includes a record-setting streak of 10 straight, earned by six different drivers between 2005 and 2010, and a sweep of the 2023 events with William Byron (March) and Ross Chastain (November). The desert has also been a place of championship celebrations for the brand with three title-clinching performances alongside Chase Elliott (2020) and Kyle Larson (2025 & 2021).

LARSON CONTINUES TO LEAD THE WAYKyle Larson and the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet team will return to the site of their title-earning campaigns, Phoenix Raceway, with the points lead intact after yet another impressive postseason performance. Though a sixth-place finish at Charlotte snapped his run of top-five finishes, it was still a strong day for the reigning champion. He drove to a points-earning run in both stages, including the Stage One win, and led a race-high 97 laps to build onto his points lead once again to now sit at a 49-point advantage heading into the final four race stretch of The Chase. Through six Chase races, he’s maintained a record-setting 2.8 average finish. Larson has one Cup win at Phoenix, the 2021 victory that clinched his first championship. He’s strung together four-straight top-five finishes at the desert oval, including a pair of third-place results that came in last season’s championship race and the series’ spring stop in March.

CREED ATOP TIGHT TOP-SIX BATTLEJust 59 points separates the top-six drivers in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Chase standings, all of which come from the Chevrolet camp. Haas Factory Team’s Sheldon Creed still leads the way, though his advantage has shrunk to two points over the reigning champion, Jesse Love. While Creed faced early-race woes at Charlotte after wall contact led to extended time on pit road for repairs, the No. 00 team rebounded to finish third. The West Coast native has found a sense of consistency at Phoenix Raceway, earning top-10 finishes in eight of his 10 O’Reilly Series starts at the track.

Love Returns to a Special PlaceJesse Love returns to the track where he clinched his first O’Reilly Series championship, and he arrives in a position to take a shot at the points lead. The reigning champion earned a runner-up finish and a 54-point race at Charlotte to close the gap to just two points behind leader Sheldon Creed. Phoenix has been a key part of Love’s career. He clinched his two ARCA Menards Series West titles there in 2020 and 2021; earned his first career top-five finish in the O’Reilly Series there in March 2024; and made the trip to victory lane to collect the title in last year’s championship race. He has posted a top-10 in all five of his O’Reilly Series starts there, most recently tallying a second-place finish in the spring event after leading a race-high 114 laps.

Day on a RollCorey Day has turned his first full-time O’Reilly Series campaign into true title potential. With back-to-back wins at Las Vegas and Charlotte, the Hendrick Motorsports driver has been able to make up an impressive 85 points over the last two races to now sit third and just seven points back from the lead. Day’s fourth win of the season didn’t come without a fight, where he had to rally from the back of the field after a pit road penalty at the conclusion of Stage One.

Allgaier’s Deep Desert History Looking to turn a six-win season into a second title, Justin Allgaier heads to Phoenix with some much needed momentum after a solid fourth-place run at Charlotte brought him within 15 points from the lead. Allgaier is a three-time winner at the one-mile oval, with his most recent coming in March when he led the final 11 laps to earn his first victory of the season. Also earning his first O’Reilly Series championship at Phoenix, the title came the hard way as he fell a lap down midway through the race before rebounding to finish second and beat the other three championship finalists. The result started an active streak of four-straight top-five finishes at the track that he will bring into the weekend.

ECKES HEATING UP Christian Eckes and the No. 91 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing Chevrolet are hitting their stride just at the right time, racking up back-to-back runner-up results to make yet another position gain up the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Chase Standings. Now sitting fourth, 88 points behind the leader, the Team Chevy driver heads to a track that could be a good place to make a breakthrough performance. Eckes’ one Phoenix victory came in the 2023 finale race. That win is part of a solid resume at the track that includes top-nine finishes in five of his six Truck Series starts.

BOWTIE BULLETS:·        Sunday’s Freeway Insurance 500 will mark the third of five races in Chevrolet’s ‘Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’ campaign, where Chevrolet will donate $1,500 for each Team Chevy driver that earns a top-10 finish in the NASCAR Cup Series race. The current contribution total is $9,000 heading into the Phoenix race weekend.  ·        Active Chevrolet drivers with a NASCAR Cup Series win at Phoenix Raceway:   Ross Chastain – one win (2023)William Byron – one win (2023)Kyle Larson – one win (2021)Chase Elliott – one win (2020) ·        In 60 NASCAR Cup Series races held at Phoenix Raceway, Chevrolet has recorded 27 victories, including a record-setting streak of 10 straight – earned by six different drivers between 2005-2010. ·        With a sixth-place finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kyle Larson holds an average finish of 2.8 in The Chase – a feat that sets the record for the best average finish by a driver through the first six races of the postseason in NASCAR’s premier series.  ·        With Grant Enfinger’s win at Lime Rock Park, Chevrolet sits just two wins away from its milestone 300th all-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series win.  ·        With seven-straight victories to start the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, Chevrolet set the record for the longest season-opening streak by a single manufacturer in the division’s history.  ·        In 175 points-paying races in the NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen era, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 75 victories – a winning percentage of 42.9%.  ·        Chevrolet is coming off its 29th all-time sweep of the NASCAR Cup Series championship titles – capturing its 34th driver championship and 44th, and fifth consecutive, manufacturer championship in 2025.  ·        With its 44 NASCAR Cup Series manufacturer championships, 34 NASCAR Cup Series driver championships, and 889 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title as the winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history.

TUNE-IN:NASCAR Cup SeriesFreeway Insurance 500Sunday, Oct. 18, at 3 p.m. ETUSA Network, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90  NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts SeriesTimberland PRO 200Saturday, Oct. 17, at 7:30 p.m. ETCW, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90  NASCAR Craftsman Truck SeriesZero Carbon Bioethanol 150 Powered by POETFriday, Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m. ETFS2, NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90

QUOTABLE QUOTES:Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletWhat is it like going to Phoenix knowing it’s not the Championship race this year like it has been in the past?“For sure it’s going to be different. I mean, races with the Championship 4, that was a very unique thing that we’re not going to experience again in this current format. Phoenix got that race for several years and it had a different feel. I remember flying out there as part of the Championship 4 in 2022. I’ll never forget all that. It was one of the few times in my life I paid for wi-fi on the plane because I had a lot of texts and emails to respond to and I took those four plus hours and responded to a lot of people on my way to Phoenix. After we lost, I’ll be honest, I did not buy the wi-fi on the trip home (laughs). I just sat in silence and sulked as we finished second in the points that year. But to get a win there back in 2023 when it was the last race of the season, that was really cool and special. It was a huge win for me and I remember enjoying victory lane and going into the off-season as the most recent winner.” At what point in your career did you find that ability to move on and not dwell on results?“I mean it came with the success around 2018, and I started meeting with Josh Wise when it was just him out back at Ganassi. There was the physical side, but he was trying to make the couple of us that were working with him be strong enough to go perform in NASCAR. The way he explains things and talks to me and the way that we talk through things has just opened my eyes to a different outlook, and that’s what he’s really good at. You don’t leave Josh’s office ever feeling sad, and it’s not a fake pump up either. It’s truly a way to look at whatever the issue is. After a bad race, with a little bit of time, I can switch on to the next one. It does make it important for me to finish the season strong because I want to go into the off season feeling good since there isn’t a next race to reset to and focus on until the next year. I’m pretty fortunate that I’ve been taught the ability to switch the last race and its results off and focus on the next one.”   Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletWhat are your thoughts on Phoenix Raceway?“Phoenix Raceway is a tough place. We’ve worked really hard on getting good finishes at the track, but it’s one of those places where you hit on the setup or you don’t. It’s a very challenging short track, but everyone on the No. 3 Dow Arm & Hammer Chevrolet team loves a good challenge. It’s a fun track for drivers because the track is so unique. You try and turn it into a short track, but the aero platform in the car really matters. One end of the track is flat, one end is banked, and you’re just trying to get the car neutral in both. You have to constantly work on improving there, but we’re always optimistic.” How much do you think you’ll be able to take from the Spring Phoenix Raceway race and apply to this weekend?“I would say some things will probably change, but not a whole lot. We just need to take good notes. Anytime we go to a track, we’re going to be writing notes and talking about ways we can get better and improve. There’s always something you can learn and take to the next event.”   Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet“Consistency wasn’t something we had throughout the regular season, but we’ve been really consistent during The Chase, and I’m proud of everyone’s effort. I think our race cars have gotten a little better, and the pit crew has been solid and consistent all year. Having a slightly faster race car has allowed me to be a bit calmer behind the wheel, which helps with consistency. Cliff [Daniels] and the engineers have also done a really good job with strategy and calling races. The combination of all those factors has been good and has translated into results.”    Daniel Suarez, No. 7 Spire Motorsports ChevroletYou’re returning to Spire Motorsports for the 2027 season. How pumped are you to continue building with this team, and what are your expectations heading into next year?“I’m really excited to continue with Spire Motorsports. I believe in this team and, more importantly, the people behind it. We’ve made a lot of progress this year and it’s been rewarding to see how much we’ve grown together. Making the Chase was an important milestone for us and I think it shows what we’re capable of as a team. There’s a lot of talent and determination within this organization and I truly believe in the direction we’re heading. We’ve built a strong foundation, and I’m looking forward to continuing that momentum and seeing what more we can accomplish together.” What can you take from the spring race at Phoenix to help you this weekend?“We had good speed here in the spring and learned a lot that we can take into this weekend. We’ll go back through our notebook, look at what worked well, and try to build on that to be even stronger this time around. We’re looking forward to having Freeway Insurance with us for the Freeway Insurance 500 and hopefully put together a solid weekend.”   Ty Dillon, No. 10 Kaulig Racing ChevroletWhat are your thoughts on Phoenix Raceway?“We feel pretty confident and solid with our mile-and-a-half program. I think it’s the short track program with this new horsepower package—where we don’t have any notes from last year—that’s been a tough one for our team to develop and grow. We’ve been working really hard and I feel like we have improved, but that’s one area we can get better. Going back to Phoenix will be a big weekend for us to get one last crack at this short-track package before Martinsville Speedway. We want to learn as much as we can for our race team, and hopefully make the most of the opportunity. I love racing at those two speedways, and we want to have strong weekends at each of them.”   AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing ChevroletPhoenix has historically been a challenging track, but after a respectable finish in the spring, what are you taking away from that previous performance?“I guess the only thing I could say about Phoenix is that we were better there in the spring than we’ve been in the past. Hopefully we can carry over some of the things we’ve learned at other racetracks, like Iowa Speedway for instance, and build on what we did at Phoenix earlier this season. Honestly, it’s a track I enjoy when we’re decent at it. It’s a fun racetrack to drive, but it definitely hasn’t been one of our best throughout our history at Kaulig Racing. We’re looking to change that and have a good run.” What are your expectations heading into Phoenix?“It felt like we’d been making progress until Charlotte (Motor Speedway), so that was surprising. We’ll go on to Phoenix and do our best. I think if we could run in the top 20 there, that would be a positive, especially since we did a pretty good job there in the spring. So, we’ll see.”   Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet“We’re looking forward to getting back on track at Phoenix this weekend with Beyond Resilience returning to the No. 47 Chevrolet. It’s great to have them on board for back-to-back races, and we appreciate their continued support. Phoenix is a unique track where track position and having a good balance throughout the race are really important. Hopefully we can take what we learned last weekend at Charlotte, build on it, and put together a strong run for Beyond Resilience and everyone at Hyak Motorsports.”   Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet“Phoenix has always been a difficult racetrack. It’s not really a short track because it’s so wide and so fast. It kind of blends the lines of an intermediate, downforce-style track into a short track. Like a short track, we’re doing a lot of shifting at Phoenix, and there are different ways to approach the corners in regard to how many times you’re shifting and where you’re shifting. Loose is fast at Phoenix, and the setups there are very aggressive. You’ve got to run the car mechanically free, so you never feel good around Phoenix. Even though it’s only a 312-lap race, it feels like a very long 312 laps.”   Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports ChevroletWhat makes Phoenix such a dynamic track?“I feel like Phoenix is unique in its own way. With the ability to run the dog leg, you can see five-wide restarts and different lanes which makes for fun racing. There’s also a lot of intensity being late in The Chase and the season is winding down. It is a grueling season. You get to the end, and you don’t want the last couple of races to be that gut shot where you just feel like you’ve lost steam. You want to go out with good momentum, but it is going to be different going to Arizona and not ending the season there. We have shown a lot of speed here in the last few runs with Spire Motorsports, and I am hoping we can capitalize on this weekend. We will have a lot of friends and family coming to the race, so I am excited to see them and hopefully put on a good show based on the notes we have put together earlier this year. I think finishing strong across the last few weeks is really important as we build momentum going into the 2027 season and that momentum can be huge with good runs at Phoenix and Talladega.”   Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports ChevroletYour results at Phoenix don’t reflect the speed you’ve displayed. How can that change this weekend?“We have been fast at the flat tracks. We were pretty good at Gateway, which has similar characteristics, so we feel good about it. We have qualified really well there the last couple years, just haven’t necessarily gotten the finishes for one reason or another. Hopefully, we are up front and have an opportunity to get a good finish.”   Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletThe No. 88 Chevrolet will have a special version of the Jockey 150th Anniversary paint scheme at Phoenix, carrying the message “For the Generations.” What does that mean to you?“I’ve had the chance to drive the 150th anniversary car already this season, but the Phoenix scheme carries an added message with ‘For the Generations.’ It connects 150 years of Jockey providing comfort and care for families with a focus on helping protect the next generation, which makes this one especially meaningful. I’m proud that we can use the No. 88 and this race weekend to help bring more attention to the partnership between Jockey, One Mighty Fortress Foundation and A21.”  What are your thoughts entering Phoenix this weekend?“I love racing at Phoenix. That track is awesome and the restarts are crazy. I feel bad for the spotters having to call however many wide you are, how many are outside of you and how many are inside. It’s always chaotic there. The track is wide and there’s a lot of room to make moves, move around, and change the balance of your car. I love visiting that part of the country.”   Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletDo you enjoy racing at Phoenix Raceway?“I really like Phoenix (Raceway). It’s a very tough track, flat but a lot of line variations and things you can do to explore. It’s one of my tracks that I like and starting to get better at. We had a pretty good race there in the spring. It was adventurous, we had an up and down day and finished 11th with the brake pedal falling off, so that wasn’t fun (laughs). The track changes so much, how you can move all over the place. It’s always a fun track to race at.” Since missing the Chase, are you and the team using the last part of this season to prepare for next year?“Yeah, obviously it’s disappointing to miss the Chase. We had a pretty rough Daytona and since then we’ve been struggling for a bit, but I think it’s for a reason. Like I said, we’ve been trying a bunch of stuff and trying to learn and get better for next year. I’m glad we’re thinking outside the box, but now hopefully we can start making more speed and find some things that work well and carry that with us into next season.”

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCEPhoenix RacewayOctober 16-18, 2026

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

NASCAR’s three national touring series are set to make their final trip to the West Coast of the season for a race weekend at Phoenix Raceway, and Chevrolet will arrive with a Chase contender in front or in the hunt in every garage. Boasting a 2.8 average finish in The Chase, Kyle Larson will return to the site that delivered his second championship title with a 49-point lead, and he’ll look to extend that margin once again in Sunday’s Freeway Insurance 500. In the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series, Sheldon Creed narrowly maintains the points lead, pacing a tight battle that sees the top-six Team Chevy drivers sitting within a 59-point margin of each other heading into Saturday night’s Timberland PRO 200. Chevrolet’s top Craftsman Truck Series Chase driver, Christian Eckes, has finished second in back-to-back postseason races and sits fourth, 88 points behind the lead, as the division opens the weekend Friday night in the Zero Carbon Bioethanol 150 Powered by POET.

Chevrolet’s Cup Series History at Phoenix Raceway:Chevrolet has been a part of Phoenix Raceway’s story since Dale Earnhardt, Sr. delivered the Bowtie brand’s first win in just the series’ third appearance at the track (Nov. 1990). Over the Cup Series’ 60-race history at the one-mile oval, Chevrolet has recorded a series-leading 27 victories. That total includes a record-setting streak of 10 straight, earned by six different drivers between 2005 and 2010, and a sweep of the 2023 events with William Byron (March) and Ross Chastain (November). The desert has also been a place of championship celebrations for the brand with three title-clinching performances alongside Chase Elliott (2020) and Kyle Larson (2025 & 2021).

LARSON CONTINUES TO LEAD THE WAYKyle Larson and the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet team will return to the site of their title-earning campaigns, Phoenix Raceway, with the points lead intact after yet another impressive postseason performance. Though a sixth-place finish at Charlotte snapped his run of top-five finishes, it was still a strong day for the reigning champion. He drove to a points-earning run in both stages, including the Stage One win, and led a race-high 97 laps to build onto his points lead once again to now sit at a 49-point advantage heading into the final four race stretch of The Chase. Through six Chase races, he’s maintained a record-setting 2.8 average finish. Larson has one Cup win at Phoenix, the 2021 victory that clinched his first championship. He’s strung together four-straight top-five finishes at the desert oval, including a pair of third-place results that came in last season’s championship race and the series’ spring stop in March.

CREED ATOP TIGHT TOP-SIX BATTLEJust 59 points separates the top-six drivers in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Chase standings, all of which come from the Chevrolet camp. Haas Factory Team’s Sheldon Creed still leads the way, though his advantage has shrunk to two points over the reigning champion, Jesse Love. While Creed faced early-race woes at Charlotte after wall contact led to extended time on pit road for repairs, the No. 00 team rebounded to finish third. The West Coast native has found a sense of consistency at Phoenix Raceway, earning top-10 finishes in eight of his 10 O’Reilly Series starts at the track.

Love Returns to a Special PlaceJesse Love returns to the track where he clinched his first O’Reilly Series championship, and he arrives in a position to take a shot at the points lead. The reigning champion earned a runner-up finish and a 54-point race at Charlotte to close the gap to just two points behind leader Sheldon Creed. Phoenix has been a key part of Love’s career. He clinched his two ARCA Menards Series West titles there in 2020 and 2021; earned his first career top-five finish in the O’Reilly Series there in March 2024; and made the trip to victory lane to collect the title in last year’s championship race. He has posted a top-10 in all five of his O’Reilly Series starts there, most recently tallying a second-place finish in the spring event after leading a race-high 114 laps.

Day on a RollCorey Day has turned his first full-time O’Reilly Series campaign into true title potential. With back-to-back wins at Las Vegas and Charlotte, the Hendrick Motorsports driver has been able to make up an impressive 85 points over the last two races to now sit third and just seven points back from the lead. Day’s fourth win of the season didn’t come without a fight, where he had to rally from the back of the field after a pit road penalty at the conclusion of Stage One.

Allgaier’s Deep Desert History Looking to turn a six-win season into a second title, Justin Allgaier heads to Phoenix with some much needed momentum after a solid fourth-place run at Charlotte brought him within 15 points from the lead. Allgaier is a three-time winner at the one-mile oval, with his most recent coming in March when he led the final 11 laps to earn his first victory of the season. Also earning his first O’Reilly Series championship at Phoenix, the title came the hard way as he fell a lap down midway through the race before rebounding to finish second and beat the other three championship finalists. The result started an active streak of four-straight top-five finishes at the track that he will bring into the weekend.

ECKES HEATING UP Christian Eckes and the No. 91 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing Chevrolet are hitting their stride just at the right time, racking up back-to-back runner-up results to make yet another position gain up the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Chase Standings. Now sitting fourth, 88 points behind the leader, the Team Chevy driver heads to a track that could be a good place to make a breakthrough performance. Eckes’ one Phoenix victory came in the 2023 finale race. That win is part of a solid resume at the track that includes top-nine finishes in five of his six Truck Series starts.

BOWTIE BULLETS:·        Sunday’s Freeway Insurance 500 will mark the third of five races in Chevrolet’s ‘Making Strides Against Breast Cancer’ campaign, where Chevrolet will donate $1,500 for each Team Chevy driver that earns a top-10 finish in the NASCAR Cup Series race. The current contribution total is $9,000 heading into the Phoenix race weekend.  ·        Active Chevrolet drivers with a NASCAR Cup Series win at Phoenix Raceway:   Ross Chastain – one win (2023)William Byron – one win (2023)Kyle Larson – one win (2021)Chase Elliott – one win (2020) ·        In 60 NASCAR Cup Series races held at Phoenix Raceway, Chevrolet has recorded 27 victories, including a record-setting streak of 10 straight – earned by six different drivers between 2005-2010. ·        With a sixth-place finish at Charlotte Motor Speedway, Kyle Larson holds an average finish of 2.8 in The Chase – a feat that sets the record for the best average finish by a driver through the first six races of the postseason in NASCAR’s premier series.  ·        With Grant Enfinger’s win at Lime Rock Park, Chevrolet sits just two wins away from its milestone 300th all-time NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series win.  ·        With seven-straight victories to start the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season, Chevrolet set the record for the longest season-opening streak by a single manufacturer in the division’s history.  ·        In 175 points-paying races in the NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen era, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 75 victories – a winning percentage of 42.9%.  ·        Chevrolet is coming off its 29th all-time sweep of the NASCAR Cup Series championship titles – capturing its 34th driver championship and 44th, and fifth consecutive, manufacturer championship in 2025.  ·        With its 44 NASCAR Cup Series manufacturer championships, 34 NASCAR Cup Series driver championships, and 889 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title as the winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history.

TUNE-IN:NASCAR Cup SeriesFreeway Insurance 500Sunday, Oct. 18, at 3 p.m. ETUSA Network, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90  NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts SeriesTimberland PRO 200Saturday, Oct. 17, at 7:30 p.m. ETCW, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90  NASCAR Craftsman Truck SeriesZero Carbon Bioethanol 150 Powered by POETFriday, Oct. 16, at 7:30 p.m. ETFS2, NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90

QUOTABLE QUOTES:Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletWhat is it like going to Phoenix knowing it’s not the Championship race this year like it has been in the past?“For sure it’s going to be different. I mean, races with the Championship 4, that was a very unique thing that we’re not going to experience again in this current format. Phoenix got that race for several years and it had a different feel. I remember flying out there as part of the Championship 4 in 2022. I’ll never forget all that. It was one of the few times in my life I paid for wi-fi on the plane because I had a lot of texts and emails to respond to and I took those four plus hours and responded to a lot of people on my way to Phoenix. After we lost, I’ll be honest, I did not buy the wi-fi on the trip home (laughs). I just sat in silence and sulked as we finished second in the points that year. But to get a win there back in 2023 when it was the last race of the season, that was really cool and special. It was a huge win for me and I remember enjoying victory lane and going into the off-season as the most recent winner.” At what point in your career did you find that ability to move on and not dwell on results?“I mean it came with the success around 2018, and I started meeting with Josh Wise when it was just him out back at Ganassi. There was the physical side, but he was trying to make the couple of us that were working with him be strong enough to go perform in NASCAR. The way he explains things and talks to me and the way that we talk through things has just opened my eyes to a different outlook, and that’s what he’s really good at. You don’t leave Josh’s office ever feeling sad, and it’s not a fake pump up either. It’s truly a way to look at whatever the issue is. After a bad race, with a little bit of time, I can switch on to the next one. It does make it important for me to finish the season strong because I want to go into the off season feeling good since there isn’t a next race to reset to and focus on until the next year. I’m pretty fortunate that I’ve been taught the ability to switch the last race and its results off and focus on the next one.”   Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletWhat are your thoughts on Phoenix Raceway?“Phoenix Raceway is a tough place. We’ve worked really hard on getting good finishes at the track, but it’s one of those places where you hit on the setup or you don’t. It’s a very challenging short track, but everyone on the No. 3 Dow Arm & Hammer Chevrolet team loves a good challenge. It’s a fun track for drivers because the track is so unique. You try and turn it into a short track, but the aero platform in the car really matters. One end of the track is flat, one end is banked, and you’re just trying to get the car neutral in both. You have to constantly work on improving there, but we’re always optimistic.” How much do you think you’ll be able to take from the Spring Phoenix Raceway race and apply to this weekend?“I would say some things will probably change, but not a whole lot. We just need to take good notes. Anytime we go to a track, we’re going to be writing notes and talking about ways we can get better and improve. There’s always something you can learn and take to the next event.”   Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet“Consistency wasn’t something we had throughout the regular season, but we’ve been really consistent during The Chase, and I’m proud of everyone’s effort. I think our race cars have gotten a little better, and the pit crew has been solid and consistent all year. Having a slightly faster race car has allowed me to be a bit calmer behind the wheel, which helps with consistency. Cliff [Daniels] and the engineers have also done a really good job with strategy and calling races. The combination of all those factors has been good and has translated into results.”    Daniel Suarez, No. 7 Spire Motorsports ChevroletYou’re returning to Spire Motorsports for the 2027 season. How pumped are you to continue building with this team, and what are your expectations heading into next year?“I’m really excited to continue with Spire Motorsports. I believe in this team and, more importantly, the people behind it. We’ve made a lot of progress this year and it’s been rewarding to see how much we’ve grown together. Making the Chase was an important milestone for us and I think it shows what we’re capable of as a team. There’s a lot of talent and determination within this organization and I truly believe in the direction we’re heading. We’ve built a strong foundation, and I’m looking forward to continuing that momentum and seeing what more we can accomplish together.” What can you take from the spring race at Phoenix to help you this weekend?“We had good speed here in the spring and learned a lot that we can take into this weekend. We’ll go back through our notebook, look at what worked well, and try to build on that to be even stronger this time around. We’re looking forward to having Freeway Insurance with us for the Freeway Insurance 500 and hopefully put together a solid weekend.”   Ty Dillon, No. 10 Kaulig Racing ChevroletWhat are your thoughts on Phoenix Raceway?“We feel pretty confident and solid with our mile-and-a-half program. I think it’s the short track program with this new horsepower package—where we don’t have any notes from last year—that’s been a tough one for our team to develop and grow. We’ve been working really hard and I feel like we have improved, but that’s one area we can get better. Going back to Phoenix will be a big weekend for us to get one last crack at this short-track package before Martinsville Speedway. We want to learn as much as we can for our race team, and hopefully make the most of the opportunity. I love racing at those two speedways, and we want to have strong weekends at each of them.”   AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing ChevroletPhoenix has historically been a challenging track, but after a respectable finish in the spring, what are you taking away from that previous performance?“I guess the only thing I could say about Phoenix is that we were better there in the spring than we’ve been in the past. Hopefully we can carry over some of the things we’ve learned at other racetracks, like Iowa Speedway for instance, and build on what we did at Phoenix earlier this season. Honestly, it’s a track I enjoy when we’re decent at it. It’s a fun racetrack to drive, but it definitely hasn’t been one of our best throughout our history at Kaulig Racing. We’re looking to change that and have a good run.” What are your expectations heading into Phoenix?“It felt like we’d been making progress until Charlotte (Motor Speedway), so that was surprising. We’ll go on to Phoenix and do our best. I think if we could run in the top 20 there, that would be a positive, especially since we did a pretty good job there in the spring. So, we’ll see.”   Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet“We’re looking forward to getting back on track at Phoenix this weekend with Beyond Resilience returning to the No. 47 Chevrolet. It’s great to have them on board for back-to-back races, and we appreciate their continued support. Phoenix is a unique track where track position and having a good balance throughout the race are really important. Hopefully we can take what we learned last weekend at Charlotte, build on it, and put together a strong run for Beyond Resilience and everyone at Hyak Motorsports.”   Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet“Phoenix has always been a difficult racetrack. It’s not really a short track because it’s so wide and so fast. It kind of blends the lines of an intermediate, downforce-style track into a short track. Like a short track, we’re doing a lot of shifting at Phoenix, and there are different ways to approach the corners in regard to how many times you’re shifting and where you’re shifting. Loose is fast at Phoenix, and the setups there are very aggressive. You’ve got to run the car mechanically free, so you never feel good around Phoenix. Even though it’s only a 312-lap race, it feels like a very long 312 laps.”   Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports ChevroletWhat makes Phoenix such a dynamic track?“I feel like Phoenix is unique in its own way. With the ability to run the dog leg, you can see five-wide restarts and different lanes which makes for fun racing. There’s also a lot of intensity being late in The Chase and the season is winding down. It is a grueling season. You get to the end, and you don’t want the last couple of races to be that gut shot where you just feel like you’ve lost steam. You want to go out with good momentum, but it is going to be different going to Arizona and not ending the season there. We have shown a lot of speed here in the last few runs with Spire Motorsports, and I am hoping we can capitalize on this weekend. We will have a lot of friends and family coming to the race, so I am excited to see them and hopefully put on a good show based on the notes we have put together earlier this year. I think finishing strong across the last few weeks is really important as we build momentum going into the 2027 season and that momentum can be huge with good runs at Phoenix and Talladega.”   Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports ChevroletYour results at Phoenix don’t reflect the speed you’ve displayed. How can that change this weekend?“We have been fast at the flat tracks. We were pretty good at Gateway, which has similar characteristics, so we feel good about it. We have qualified really well there the last couple years, just haven’t necessarily gotten the finishes for one reason or another. Hopefully, we are up front and have an opportunity to get a good finish.”   Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletThe No. 88 Chevrolet will have a special version of the Jockey 150th Anniversary paint scheme at Phoenix, carrying the message “For the Generations.” What does that mean to you?“I’ve had the chance to drive the 150th anniversary car already this season, but the Phoenix scheme carries an added message with ‘For the Generations.’ It connects 150 years of Jockey providing comfort and care for families with a focus on helping protect the next generation, which makes this one especially meaningful. I’m proud that we can use the No. 88 and this race weekend to help bring more attention to the partnership between Jockey, One Mighty Fortress Foundation and A21.”  What are your thoughts entering Phoenix this weekend?“I love racing at Phoenix. That track is awesome and the restarts are crazy. I feel bad for the spotters having to call however many wide you are, how many are outside of you and how many are inside. It’s always chaotic there. The track is wide and there’s a lot of room to make moves, move around, and change the balance of your car. I love visiting that part of the country.”   Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletDo you enjoy racing at Phoenix Raceway?“I really like Phoenix (Raceway). It’s a very tough track, flat but a lot of line variations and things you can do to explore. It’s one of my tracks that I like and starting to get better at. We had a pretty good race there in the spring. It was adventurous, we had an up and down day and finished 11th with the brake pedal falling off, so that wasn’t fun (laughs). The track changes so much, how you can move all over the place. It’s always a fun track to race at.” Since missing the Chase, are you and the team using the last part of this season to prepare for next year?“Yeah, obviously it’s disappointing to miss the Chase. We had a pretty rough Daytona and since then we’ve been struggling for a bit, but I think it’s for a reason. Like I said, we’ve been trying a bunch of stuff and trying to learn and get better for next year. I’m glad we’re thinking outside the box, but now hopefully we can start making more speed and find some things that work well and carry that with us into next season.”

Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics Manufacturer Championships:Total (1949-2025): 44First title for Chevrolet: 1958Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15)Most recent: 2025 Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 Driver Championships:Total (1949-2025): 34First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)Most recent: Kyle Larson (2025)Driver and Manufacturer Championship Sweeps: 29 Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2025 Event Victories:Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007)                2026 STATISTICS:                                                                                                    Wins: 8Poles: 6Laps Led: 2,477Top-Fives: 52Top-10s: 109Stage Wins: 22 CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:Total Chevrolet race wins: 889 (1949 to date)Poles won to date: 772Laps led to date: 259,211Top-fives to date: 4,488Top-10s to date: 9,260                                                                                                          Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date:                    General Motors: 1,223           Chevrolet: 889           Pontiac: 154           Oldsmobile: 115           Buick: 65            Ford: 855                                                                                          Ford: 755           Mercury: 96           Lincoln: 4            Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467           Dodge: 217           Plymouth: 191           Chrysler: 59            Toyota: 220

Thursday Program and Modified Competition Rescheduled for October 24 With inclement weather forecast for Wednesday through Friday, the schedule for the 46th Annual ARP Dirt Track World Championship presented by Summit Racing Equipment at West Virginia Motor Speedway has been revised. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will contest its planned two-day program on Saturday and Sunday, October 17-18. “The remnants of Hurricane Isaias have left the grounds heavily saturated, and more weather is forecast for Wednesday through Friday,” officials said. “After consulting with our partners at BAM Weather, we made this decision in an effort to provide the best possible conditions for racers and fans.” The stakes remain enormous for Sunday’s finale. One eligible driver could win the $100,000 Dirt Track World Championship, secure the $250,000 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series championship, claim the $100,000 top-five bonus in the Big River Steel Bonus Program presented by ARP, and earn the additional $5,000 Summit Racing Equipment award. Together, those prizes would total $455,000. Saturday will feature qualifying, heat races, b-mains, and twin 25-lap features paying $5,000 to win. Sunday’s program will include last-chance races, the Jim Dunn Non-Qualifier and the 100-lap Dirt Track World Championship, which pays $100,000 to win and concludes the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series season. The program originally scheduled for Thursday, October 15, along with the Modified competition, has been moved to Saturday, October 24. All advanced three-day all-access tickets will be honored Saturday and Sunday, October 17-18, along with Saturday, October 24. Details regarding the Saturday, October 24 program will be forthcoming. Follow West Virginia Motor Speedway @VisitWVMS on social media and WVMotorSpeedway.com for the latest information. All gates are scheduled to open at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, with racing scheduled for 4:45 p.m. daily. Fans may begin placing chairs at 10 a.m. Order of Events – Saturday, October 17:Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Hot LapsLucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Time Trials – 2 LapsAllstar Performance Fast Time PresentationInvocation/National AnthemLucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Heats – 10 lapsLucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series B-Mains – 12 LapsLucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 1st A-Main – 25 LapsLucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 2nd A-Main – 25 Laps Order of Events – Sunday, October 18:Awards Presentation for Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the YearLucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series B-Main Hot LapsInvocation/National AnthemLucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series B-Mains – 12 LapsLucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series A-Main Transfers Hot LapsLucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Jim Dunn Memorial Non-Qualifiers Race – 25 LapsLucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Dirt Track World Championship A-Main – 100 LapsAwards Presentation for Dirt Track World Championship Event WinnerAwards Presentation for Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion

Dirt Track World Championship Schedule Shifts to Saturday and SundayThursday Program and Modified Competition Rescheduled for October 24 With inclement weather forecast for Wednesday through Friday, the schedule for the 46th Annual ARP Dirt Track World Championship presented by Summit Racing Equipment at West Virginia Motor Speedway has been revised. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will contest its planned two-day program on Saturday and Sunday, October 17-18. “The remnants of Hurricane Isaias have left the grounds heavily saturated, and more weather is forecast for Wednesday through Friday,” officials said. “After consulting with our partners at BAM Weather, we made this decision in an effort to provide the best possible conditions for racers and fans.” The stakes remain enormous for Sunday’s finale. One eligible driver could win the $100,000 Dirt Track World Championship, secure the $250,000 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series championship, claim the $100,000 top-five bonus in the Big River Steel Bonus Program presented by ARP, and earn the additional $5,000 Summit Racing Equipment award. Together, those prizes would total $455,000. Saturday will feature qualifying, heat races, b-mains, and twin 25-lap features paying $5,000 to win. Sunday’s program will include last-chance races, the Jim Dunn Non-Qualifier and the 100-lap Dirt Track World Championship, which pays $100,000 to win and concludes the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series season. The program originally scheduled for Thursday, October 15, along with the Modified competition, has been moved to Saturday, October 24. All advanced three-day all-access tickets will be honored Saturday and Sunday, October 17-18, along with Saturday, October 24. Details regarding the Saturday, October 24 program will be forthcoming. Follow West Virginia Motor Speedway @VisitWVMS on social media and WVMotorSpeedway.com for the latest information. All gates are scheduled to open at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday, with racing scheduled for 4:45 p.m. daily. Fans may begin placing chairs at 10 a.m. Order of Events – Saturday, October 17:Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Hot LapsLucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Time Trials – 2 LapsAllstar Performance Fast Time PresentationInvocation/National AnthemLucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Heats – 10 lapsLucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series B-Mains – 12 LapsLucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 1st A-Main – 25 LapsLucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series 2nd A-Main – 25 Laps Order of Events – Sunday, October 18:Awards Presentation for Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the YearLucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series B-Main Hot LapsInvocation/National AnthemLucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series B-Mains – 12 LapsLucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series A-Main Transfers Hot LapsLucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Jim Dunn Memorial Non-Qualifiers Race – 25 LapsLucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Dirt Track World Championship A-Main – 100 LapsAwards Presentation for Dirt Track World Championship Event WinnerAwards Presentation for Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Champion

SAPULPA, OK (October 13, 2026) — Everything is on the line in Oklahoma. 

The 2026 American Sprint Car Series season will close with two nights at Creek County Speedway for the 11th annual Fuzzy’s Fall Fling on Friday-Saturday, Oct. 16-17. The weekend’s opener will pay $4,000-to-win, and Saturday’s finale will reward a $10,000 payday and crown a new champion for the ASCS National Tour and ASCS Sooner Region. 

Across the two nights, the 360 Sprint Cars will be joined by Factory Stocks and Dwarf Cars. Pit gates will open at 2 p.m. CT, grandstands will open at 5 p.m., and Hot Laps are scheduled to commence at 7 p.m. You can purchase tickets at the track on race day. 

Looking for more info about Creek County? CLICK HERE 

WATCH ON DIRTVISION

Here’s a look at the top storylines: 

The Final Battle – The jury is out on who will be the newest ASCS National Tour champion ahead of the Creek County finale: Sam Hafertepe Jr. or Matt Covington. 

The two drivers are separated by 21 points in the standings, with Hafertepe ahead of Covington. On the track, that means as close as a four-position difference and no room for error between the two contenders. Battling toe-to-toe for points and season stats since January, Hafertepe holds more Feature wins and podiums while Covington has more top-10 finishes and Heat race wins. 

When the Series visited the 1/4-mile for the Don Swope Classic in June, Hafertepe encountered an engine failure while Covington finished in the runner-up position. Hafertepe bounced back at Creek in POWRi 410 competition the following Saturday with a Feature win. 

Sooner Pride – The Oklahoma natives controlled Saturday in Texas at RPM Speedway, with Sapulpa’s Blake Hahn scoring his 27th career ASCS National Tour win, and his 15th with the Sooner Region. 

Hahn was one of the three Oklahomans to lead the 30-lap contest, with Tulsa’s Sean McClelland leading the first eight laps, then Glenpool’s Covington sat at the helm for 15 circuits before Hahn made the winning pass. 

Hahn will lead the charge of home-state defenders into Creek County as the reigning winner in the Don Swope Classic and the last two Fuzzy’s Fall Fling openers. McClelland, a six-time Sonner Region champion, is an 11-time winner at Creek County with ASCS, with his latest triumph coming in 2025. 

Top Dog – Bradley Fezard has two nights left in 2026 before he can officially be called an ASCS champion. 

Since taking control of the Sooner Region standings at Creek County in June, the Bonnerdale, AR driver leads 2024 champ Casey Wills by 74 points and Hayden Mabe by 81 ahead of Fuzzy’s Fall Fling. All three are hunting a first win to close the year. 

Fezard won at the track in 2022 with the United Sprint League and finished fifth in the two ASCS Features of 2026. Wills and Mabe are each looking for their first win at Creek County. 

Pivotal Points – Multiple positions across the top-10 in National Tour points remain unsolidified as “Creekadega” owns the final word through two nights. 

Sixth-place Austyn Gossel and seventh-place Cole Schroeder provide the closest battle, with six markers separating the two drivers. While Gossel is seeking to end with a career-high finish, Schroeder will clinch the year’s BRODIX Rookie of the Year to end his first-year racing Sprint Cars on a national scale. 

Eighth-place Brogan Carder is 30 points away from Schroeder as he’ll make a final charge at gaining position at Creek. While the Sioux Falls, SD sophomore ends his year in 360 Sprint Cars with ASCS, he’ll close 2026 in a World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series debut at The Dirt Track at Charlotte for Dave Smith Motors World of Outlaws World Finals. 

THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

WHEN AND WHERE 

Friday-Saturday, Oct. 16-17, at Creek County Speedway in Sapulpa, OK 

AROUND THE CORNER 

Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 4-6, 2027, at Volusia Speedway Park in DeLeon Springs, FL 

CURRENT TOP-10 STANDINGS 

1. Sam Hafertepe Jr. (2998 pts)
2. Matt Covington (-21)
3. Seth Bergman (-107)
4. Kyler Johnson (-323)
5. Ryder LaPlante (-488)
6. Austyn Gossel (-589)
7. Cole Schroeder (-593)
8. Brogan Carder (-623)
9. Terry Easum (-678)
10. Garrett Benson (-1314)

FEATURE WINNERS (12 Drivers) 

6 wins – Sam Hafertepe Jr. 

4 wins – Seth Bergman 

3 wins – Tyler Courtney 

2 wins – Justin Peck, Matt Covington, Jett Barnes, Blake Hahn 

1 win – Kyler Johnson, Chris Martin, Brady Bacon, Levi Hillier, Gio Scelzi, Ryan Timms 

FEATURE LAPS LED (20 Drivers) 

102 laps – Sam Hafertepe Jr. 

73 laps – Seth Bergman 

54 laps – Kyler Johnson 

52 laps – Justin Peck 

49 laps – Matt Covington 

38 laps – Blake Hahn 

37 laps – Jett Barnes 

30 laps – Levi Hillier,  Ryan Timms 

29 laps – Brady Bacon 

24 laps – Austyn Gossel 

22 laps – Chris Martin 

21 laps – Austin McCarl 

20 laps – Gio Scelzi 

16 laps – Cameron Martin 

15 laps – Tyler Courtney 

13 laps – Brian Brown 

11 laps – Sean McClelland 

9 laps – Whit Gastineau 

7 laps – Cole Macedo 

2 laps – Brady Baker 

QUICK TIME AWARDS (11 Drivers) 

11 awards – Sam Hafertepe Jr 

4 awards – Matt Covington 

2 awards – Kyler Johnson, Jett Barnes 

1 award – Seth Bergman, Howard Moore, Chris Martin, Levi Hillier, Aaron Reutzel, Brogan Carder, Sean McClelland 

HEAT RACE WINNERS (44 Drivers) 

11 wins – Matt Covington 

8 wins – Seth Bergman 

6 wins – Sam Hafertepe Jr. 

5 wins – Ryder Laplante 

4 wins – Garrett Benson, Kyler Johnson 

3 wins – Chris Martin, Whit Gastineau, Justin Peck 

2 wins – Austyn Gossel, Cam Martin, Blake Hahn 

1 win – Jordan Mallett, Sean McClelland, Brady Bacon, Tyler Clem, Emerson Axsom, Brian Brown, Cole Macedo, Garen Linder, Colby Copeland, Nick Parker, Hank Davis, JJ Hickle, Alex Hill, Jeremy Campbell, Kade Morton, Alex Sewell, Brady Baker, Howard Moore, John Carney II, Tanner Holmes, Austin McCarl, Matt Juhl, Tyler Courtney, Ryan Timms, Tasker Phillips, Clint Garner, Evan Semerad, Brogan Carder, Cole Schroeder, Jett Barnes, Josh Schneiderman, Michael Day 

DASH STARTS (43 Drivers) 

17 starts – Sam Hafertepe Jr., Matt Covington 

12 starts – Kyler Johnson 

9 starts – Seth Bergman 

7 starts – Whit Gastineau 

6 starts – Ryder Laplante 

4 starts – Levi Hillier, Chris Martin, Jett Barnes, Garrett Benson 

3 starts – Tyler Courtney, Brian Brown, Justin Peck, Cameron Martin, Brogan Carder 

2 starts – Emerson Axsom, Austin McCarl, Brady Bacon, Davie Franek, Howard Moore, Austyn Gossel, Cole Schroeder, Blake Hahn 

1 start – Jordan Mallett, Paul Solomon, Brock Zearfoss, Cole Macedo, Tyler Clem, Hank Davis, Nick Parker, Colby Copeland, Garen Linder, JJ Hickle, Alex Hill, Alex Sewell, Kade Morton, Jeremy Campbell, Bryant Wiedeman, Brady Baker, Rich Bailey, Terry Easum, Paxton Fleming, Jamie Ball, Josh Schneiderman, John Carney II, Sean McClelland, Michael Day 

LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINNERS (15 Drivers) 

2 wins – Braxton Weger, Rico Abreu 

1 win – DJ Christie, Matt Covington, Tyler Clem, Whit Gastineau, Sterling Cling, Gage Montgomery, Brogan Carder, Bradley Fezard, Chris Martin, Cole Schroeder, Kade Morton, Zach Blurton, Austyn Gossel, Steven Shebester 

HARD CHARGER AWARDS (18 Drivers) 

3 awards – Seth Bergman, Whit Gastineau 

2 awards – Sam Hafertepe Jr. 

1 award – Ryder Laplante, Brady Bacon, Cole Macedo, DJ Netto, Brogan Carder, Joe B. Miller, Bradley Fezard, Hayden Mabe, Jack Thomas, Kyler Johnson, Casey Wills, Riley Goodno, Tasker Phillips, Rico Abreu, Cole Schroeder, Zach Blurton, Sheldon Bender, Austyn Gossel, Christopher Townsend, Steven Shebester 

PODIUM FINISHES (30 Drivers) 

13 podiums – Sam Hafertepe Jr. 

12 podiums – Matt Covington 

8 podiums – Seth Bergman 

4 podiums – Kyler Johnson, Tyler Courtney 

3 podiums – Garrett Benson, Justin Peck, Whit Gastineau, Brady Bacon 

2 podiums – Blake Hahn, Austin McCarl, Levi Hillier, Austyn Gossel, Ryan Timms, Aaron Reutzel, Jett Barnes 

1 podium – Cole Macedo, Emerson Axsom, Brock Zearfoss, JJ Hickle, Jordan Mallett, Chris Martin, Alex Sewell, Christopher Townsend, Gio Scelzi, Kyle Larson, Ryder Laplante, Cole Schroeder, Zach Blurton, Cameron Martin 

2026 AMERICAN SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE + WINNERS 

Date / Track / City, State / Winner (Total Wins) 

*Denotes Split-Field Prelim Feature 

1. Thu, Jan. 29 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Tyler Courtney
2. Fri, Jan. 30 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Tyler Courtney (2)
3. Mon, Feb. 2 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Brady Bacon
4. Sat, Feb. 21 / Central Arizona Raceway / Casa Grande, AZ / Justin Peck
5. Sun, Feb. 21 / Central Arizona Raceway / Casa Grande, AZ / Matt Covington
6. Sat, Feb. 28 / Central Arizona Raceway / Casa Grande, AZ / Justin Peck (2)
7. Sun, Mar. 1 / Central Arizona Raceway / Casa Grande, AZ / Levi Hillier
8. Sat, Apr. 11 / Salina Highbanks Speedway / Salina, OK / Chris Martin
9. Fri, May 8 / Benton Speedway / Benton, MO / Seth Bergman
10. Fri, June 5 / Creek County Speedway / Sapulpa, OK / Blake Hahn
11. Sat, June 6 / 81 Speedway / Park City, KS / Seth Bergman (2)
12. Fri, June 26 / Belleville High Banks / Belleville, KS / Sam Hafertepe Jr.
13. Sat, June 27 / Belleville High Banks / Belleville, KS / Sam Hafertepe Jr. (2)
14. Fri, July 10 / Batesville Motor Speedway / Locust Grove, AR / Matt Covington (2)
15. Sat, July 11 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR / Seth Bergman (3)
16. Sat, July 25 / Dodge City Raceway Park / Dodge City, KS / Sam Hafertepe Jr. (3)
17. Sat, Aug. 1 / Viking Speedway / Alexandria, MN / Kyler Johnson
18. *Thu, Aug. 6 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Gio Scelzi
19. *Fri, Aug. 7 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Tyler Courtney
20. Sat, Aug. 8 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Ryan Timms
21. Fri, Aug. 28 / Big Sky Speedway / Shepherd, MT / Seth Bergman (4)
22. Sat, Aug. 29 / Big Sky Speedway / Shepherd, MT / Sam Hafertepe Jr. (4)
23. Sun, Aug. 30 / Sheridan Speedway / Sheridan, WY / Jett Barnes
24. Fri, Sept. 4 / Gallatin Speedway / Belgrade, MT / Sam Hafertepe Jr. (5)
25. Sat, Sept. 5 / Electric City Speedway / Black Eagle, MT / Sam Hafertepe Jr. (6)
26. Sat, Sept. 12 / Moberly Motorsports Park / Moberly, MO / Jett Barnes (2)
27. Sat, Oct. 10 / RPM Speedway / Crandall, TX / Blake Hahn (2)

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: ASCS National Tour, Sooner Region Determine Champions in Fuzzy’s Fall Fling SAPULPA, OK (October 13, 2026) — Everything is on the line in Oklahoma. 

The 2026 American Sprint Car Series season will close with two nights at Creek County Speedway for the 11th annual Fuzzy’s Fall Fling on Friday-Saturday, Oct. 16-17. The weekend’s opener will pay $4,000-to-win, and Saturday’s finale will reward a $10,000 payday and crown a new champion for the ASCS National Tour and ASCS Sooner Region. 

Across the two nights, the 360 Sprint Cars will be joined by Factory Stocks and Dwarf Cars. Pit gates will open at 2 p.m. CT, grandstands will open at 5 p.m., and Hot Laps are scheduled to commence at 7 p.m. You can purchase tickets at the track on race day. 

Looking for more info about Creek County? CLICK HERE 

WATCH ON DIRTVISION

Here’s a look at the top storylines: 

The Final Battle – The jury is out on who will be the newest ASCS National Tour champion ahead of the Creek County finale: Sam Hafertepe Jr. or Matt Covington. 

The two drivers are separated by 21 points in the standings, with Hafertepe ahead of Covington. On the track, that means as close as a four-position difference and no room for error between the two contenders. Battling toe-to-toe for points and season stats since January, Hafertepe holds more Feature wins and podiums while Covington has more top-10 finishes and Heat race wins. 

When the Series visited the 1/4-mile for the Don Swope Classic in June, Hafertepe encountered an engine failure while Covington finished in the runner-up position. Hafertepe bounced back at Creek in POWRi 410 competition the following Saturday with a Feature win. 

Sooner Pride – The Oklahoma natives controlled Saturday in Texas at RPM Speedway, with Sapulpa’s Blake Hahn scoring his 27th career ASCS National Tour win, and his 15th with the Sooner Region. 

Hahn was one of the three Oklahomans to lead the 30-lap contest, with Tulsa’s Sean McClelland leading the first eight laps, then Glenpool’s Covington sat at the helm for 15 circuits before Hahn made the winning pass. 

Hahn will lead the charge of home-state defenders into Creek County as the reigning winner in the Don Swope Classic and the last two Fuzzy’s Fall Fling openers. McClelland, a six-time Sonner Region champion, is an 11-time winner at Creek County with ASCS, with his latest triumph coming in 2025. 

Top Dog – Bradley Fezard has two nights left in 2026 before he can officially be called an ASCS champion. 

Since taking control of the Sooner Region standings at Creek County in June, the Bonnerdale, AR driver leads 2024 champ Casey Wills by 74 points and Hayden Mabe by 81 ahead of Fuzzy’s Fall Fling. All three are hunting a first win to close the year. 

Fezard won at the track in 2022 with the United Sprint League and finished fifth in the two ASCS Features of 2026. Wills and Mabe are each looking for their first win at Creek County. 

Pivotal Points – Multiple positions across the top-10 in National Tour points remain unsolidified as “Creekadega” owns the final word through two nights. 

Sixth-place Austyn Gossel and seventh-place Cole Schroeder provide the closest battle, with six markers separating the two drivers. While Gossel is seeking to end with a career-high finish, Schroeder will clinch the year’s BRODIX Rookie of the Year to end his first-year racing Sprint Cars on a national scale. 

Eighth-place Brogan Carder is 30 points away from Schroeder as he’ll make a final charge at gaining position at Creek. While the Sioux Falls, SD sophomore ends his year in 360 Sprint Cars with ASCS, he’ll close 2026 in a World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series debut at The Dirt Track at Charlotte for Dave Smith Motors World of Outlaws World Finals. 

THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

WHEN AND WHERE 

Friday-Saturday, Oct. 16-17, at Creek County Speedway in Sapulpa, OK 

AROUND THE CORNER 

Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 4-6, 2027, at Volusia Speedway Park in DeLeon Springs, FL 

CURRENT TOP-10 STANDINGS 

1. Sam Hafertepe Jr. (2998 pts)
2. Matt Covington (-21)
3. Seth Bergman (-107)
4. Kyler Johnson (-323)
5. Ryder LaPlante (-488)
6. Austyn Gossel (-589)
7. Cole Schroeder (-593)
8. Brogan Carder (-623)
9. Terry Easum (-678)
10. Garrett Benson (-1314)

FEATURE WINNERS (12 Drivers) 

6 wins – Sam Hafertepe Jr. 

4 wins – Seth Bergman 

3 wins – Tyler Courtney 

2 wins – Justin Peck, Matt Covington, Jett Barnes, Blake Hahn 

1 win – Kyler Johnson, Chris Martin, Brady Bacon, Levi Hillier, Gio Scelzi, Ryan Timms 

FEATURE LAPS LED (20 Drivers) 

102 laps – Sam Hafertepe Jr. 

73 laps – Seth Bergman 

54 laps – Kyler Johnson 

52 laps – Justin Peck 

49 laps – Matt Covington 

38 laps – Blake Hahn 

37 laps – Jett Barnes 

30 laps – Levi Hillier,  Ryan Timms 

29 laps – Brady Bacon 

24 laps – Austyn Gossel 

22 laps – Chris Martin 

21 laps – Austin McCarl 

20 laps – Gio Scelzi 

16 laps – Cameron Martin 

15 laps – Tyler Courtney 

13 laps – Brian Brown 

11 laps – Sean McClelland 

9 laps – Whit Gastineau 

7 laps – Cole Macedo 

2 laps – Brady Baker 

QUICK TIME AWARDS (11 Drivers) 

11 awards – Sam Hafertepe Jr 

4 awards – Matt Covington 

2 awards – Kyler Johnson, Jett Barnes 

1 award – Seth Bergman, Howard Moore, Chris Martin, Levi Hillier, Aaron Reutzel, Brogan Carder, Sean McClelland 

HEAT RACE WINNERS (44 Drivers) 

11 wins – Matt Covington 

8 wins – Seth Bergman 

6 wins – Sam Hafertepe Jr. 

5 wins – Ryder Laplante 

4 wins – Garrett Benson, Kyler Johnson 

3 wins – Chris Martin, Whit Gastineau, Justin Peck 

2 wins – Austyn Gossel, Cam Martin, Blake Hahn 

1 win – Jordan Mallett, Sean McClelland, Brady Bacon, Tyler Clem, Emerson Axsom, Brian Brown, Cole Macedo, Garen Linder, Colby Copeland, Nick Parker, Hank Davis, JJ Hickle, Alex Hill, Jeremy Campbell, Kade Morton, Alex Sewell, Brady Baker, Howard Moore, John Carney II, Tanner Holmes, Austin McCarl, Matt Juhl, Tyler Courtney, Ryan Timms, Tasker Phillips, Clint Garner, Evan Semerad, Brogan Carder, Cole Schroeder, Jett Barnes, Josh Schneiderman, Michael Day 

DASH STARTS (43 Drivers) 

17 starts – Sam Hafertepe Jr., Matt Covington 

12 starts – Kyler Johnson 

9 starts – Seth Bergman 

7 starts – Whit Gastineau 

6 starts – Ryder Laplante 

4 starts – Levi Hillier, Chris Martin, Jett Barnes, Garrett Benson 

3 starts – Tyler Courtney, Brian Brown, Justin Peck, Cameron Martin, Brogan Carder 

2 starts – Emerson Axsom, Austin McCarl, Brady Bacon, Davie Franek, Howard Moore, Austyn Gossel, Cole Schroeder, Blake Hahn 

1 start – Jordan Mallett, Paul Solomon, Brock Zearfoss, Cole Macedo, Tyler Clem, Hank Davis, Nick Parker, Colby Copeland, Garen Linder, JJ Hickle, Alex Hill, Alex Sewell, Kade Morton, Jeremy Campbell, Bryant Wiedeman, Brady Baker, Rich Bailey, Terry Easum, Paxton Fleming, Jamie Ball, Josh Schneiderman, John Carney II, Sean McClelland, Michael Day 

LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINNERS (15 Drivers) 

2 wins – Braxton Weger, Rico Abreu 

1 win – DJ Christie, Matt Covington, Tyler Clem, Whit Gastineau, Sterling Cling, Gage Montgomery, Brogan Carder, Bradley Fezard, Chris Martin, Cole Schroeder, Kade Morton, Zach Blurton, Austyn Gossel, Steven Shebester 

HARD CHARGER AWARDS (18 Drivers) 

3 awards – Seth Bergman, Whit Gastineau 

2 awards – Sam Hafertepe Jr. 

1 award – Ryder Laplante, Brady Bacon, Cole Macedo, DJ Netto, Brogan Carder, Joe B. Miller, Bradley Fezard, Hayden Mabe, Jack Thomas, Kyler Johnson, Casey Wills, Riley Goodno, Tasker Phillips, Rico Abreu, Cole Schroeder, Zach Blurton, Sheldon Bender, Austyn Gossel, Christopher Townsend, Steven Shebester 

PODIUM FINISHES (30 Drivers) 

13 podiums – Sam Hafertepe Jr. 

12 podiums – Matt Covington 

8 podiums – Seth Bergman 

4 podiums – Kyler Johnson, Tyler Courtney 

3 podiums – Garrett Benson, Justin Peck, Whit Gastineau, Brady Bacon 

2 podiums – Blake Hahn, Austin McCarl, Levi Hillier, Austyn Gossel, Ryan Timms, Aaron Reutzel, Jett Barnes 

1 podium – Cole Macedo, Emerson Axsom, Brock Zearfoss, JJ Hickle, Jordan Mallett, Chris Martin, Alex Sewell, Christopher Townsend, Gio Scelzi, Kyle Larson, Ryder Laplante, Cole Schroeder, Zach Blurton, Cameron Martin 

2026 AMERICAN SPRINT CAR SERIES SCHEDULE + WINNERS 

Date / Track / City, State / Winner (Total Wins) 

*Denotes Split-Field Prelim Feature 

1. Thu, Jan. 29 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Tyler Courtney
2. Fri, Jan. 30 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Tyler Courtney (2)
3. Mon, Feb. 2 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Brady Bacon
4. Sat, Feb. 21 / Central Arizona Raceway / Casa Grande, AZ / Justin Peck
5. Sun, Feb. 21 / Central Arizona Raceway / Casa Grande, AZ / Matt Covington
6. Sat, Feb. 28 / Central Arizona Raceway / Casa Grande, AZ / Justin Peck (2)
7. Sun, Mar. 1 / Central Arizona Raceway / Casa Grande, AZ / Levi Hillier
8. Sat, Apr. 11 / Salina Highbanks Speedway / Salina, OK / Chris Martin
9. Fri, May 8 / Benton Speedway / Benton, MO / Seth Bergman
10. Fri, June 5 / Creek County Speedway / Sapulpa, OK / Blake Hahn
11. Sat, June 6 / 81 Speedway / Park City, KS / Seth Bergman (2)
12. Fri, June 26 / Belleville High Banks / Belleville, KS / Sam Hafertepe Jr.
13. Sat, June 27 / Belleville High Banks / Belleville, KS / Sam Hafertepe Jr. (2)
14. Fri, July 10 / Batesville Motor Speedway / Locust Grove, AR / Matt Covington (2)
15. Sat, July 11 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR / Seth Bergman (3)
16. Sat, July 25 / Dodge City Raceway Park / Dodge City, KS / Sam Hafertepe Jr. (3)
17. Sat, Aug. 1 / Viking Speedway / Alexandria, MN / Kyler Johnson
18. *Thu, Aug. 6 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Gio Scelzi
19. *Fri, Aug. 7 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Tyler Courtney
20. Sat, Aug. 8 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Ryan Timms
21. Fri, Aug. 28 / Big Sky Speedway / Shepherd, MT / Seth Bergman (4)
22. Sat, Aug. 29 / Big Sky Speedway / Shepherd, MT / Sam Hafertepe Jr. (4)
23. Sun, Aug. 30 / Sheridan Speedway / Sheridan, WY / Jett Barnes
24. Fri, Sept. 4 / Gallatin Speedway / Belgrade, MT / Sam Hafertepe Jr. (5)
25. Sat, Sept. 5 / Electric City Speedway / Black Eagle, MT / Sam Hafertepe Jr. (6)
26. Sat, Sept. 12 / Moberly Motorsports Park / Moberly, MO / Jett Barnes (2)
27. Sat, Oct. 10 / RPM Speedway / Crandall, TX / Blake Hahn (2)

ARTICLE:https://ascsracing.com/what-to-watch-for/what-to-watch-for-ascs-national-tour-sooner-region-determine-champions-in-fuzzys-fall-fling/

CHICAGO (October 13, 2026) — For Funny Car team owner and driver Chris King this NHRA season has played out like an old school western movie where the hero is continually under siege, but he continues to fight back. Heading into the Texas Fall Nationals and second weekend of the Stampede of Speed at Texas Motorplex, October 15-18 King and the Howards Cams/Competition Products Funny Car are looking to circle the wagons and turn the tide. The full-time Chicago firefighter will return to Texas with his focus on continuing to improve his performance and battle into the top 16 of a tough field of Nitro Funny Cars.

“We have definitely taken some hits over the last two races, but we are not giving up thanks to the hard work of (crew chief) Bob Peck and support from other teams,” said King. “In Indy at the U.S. Nationals then two weeks ago at the Midwest Nationals in St. Louis we just had a couple things that did not go our way. I am looking for our racing luck to turn around a little this weekend in Texas and we can make four good qualifying runs.”

Chris King will be looking to make big strides at Texas Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex,
photo credit Innovation Creative Experts

Chris King Galloping into Stampede of Speed

CHICAGO (October 13, 2026) — For Funny Car team owner and driver Chris King this NHRA season has played out like an old school western movie where the hero is continually under siege, but he continues to fight back. Heading into the Texas Fall Nationals and second weekend of the Stampede of Speed at Texas Motorplex, October 15-18 King and the Howards Cams/Competition Products Funny Car are looking to circle the wagons and turn the tide. The full-time Chicago firefighter will return to Texas with his focus on continuing to improve his performance and battle into the top 16 of a tough field of Nitro Funny Cars.

“We have definitely taken some hits over the last two races, but we are not giving up thanks to the hard work of (crew chief) Bob Peck and support from other teams,” said King. “In Indy at the U.S. Nationals then two weeks ago at the Midwest Nationals in St. Louis we just had a couple things that did not go our way. I am looking for our racing luck to turn around a little this weekend in Texas and we can make four good qualifying runs.”

Chris King will be looking to make big strides at Texas Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex,
photo credit Innovation Creative Experts

The Howards Cams/Competition Products Funny Car has shown flashes of improvement with King setting career best performance records. The car is consistent and getting quicker. During a wild U.S. Nationals, the 12,000-horsepower Funny Car was lifting the nose as King accelerated down track creating a challenging driving environment for King. Between the U.S. Nationals and the Midwest Nationals the team made some adjustments with the help of Jonnie Lindberg, Alexis DeJoria’s crew chief and master fabricator, to keep the nose planted to the track.

“We made one run in Indy where the nose was off the track a couple times and that got a lot of airtime,” said King. “I kept it straight, but we made some fixes and St. Louis was a lot better. We were in the show until the last session and then just barely dropped to 17th. This weekend in Dallas there will be a lot of cars, but we think we have made enough improvements to get into the show and I would love to run in the threes.”

Throughout the season King and the Howards Cams/Competition Products Funny Car have had a singular goal. They want to continue to make performance improvements and wow the fans. They have been successful every race this season when they have taken to the track. They have also been fan favorites off the track offering first responders and veterans the opportunity to meet with King and sign his race car. King, a firefighter himself, views this as a small gesture to say thank you to the men and women who are putting themselves on the line day in and day out.

“It is cool to see fellow firefighters and veterans sign the car,” said King. “I talk to just about everyone who signs the car and we all have so much in common. I appreciate the sacrifices they are making for all of us. I have made those same sacrifices throughout my career, and I just want to give them a cool opportunity and experience.”

King will also be one of the featured Mission Foods Drag Racing Series drivers at the Pre-Stage Fanfest presented by Red Line Synthetic Oil at Railyard Park in downtown Waxahachie, Texas on October 15. Over 50 professional drivers will be in attendance along with 80 JEGS all-star drivers signing with King from 7:00 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. The event will also feature live music, food trucks and vendors from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

“The fanfest before the Texas Fall Nationals is one of the biggest free fan events we go to all season,” said King. “The Meyer family and their staff are great. It is a cool way to start the race weekend and get everyone excited. I love meeting people at events like this and then seeing them in the pits at the races.”

Professional qualifying for the Texas Fall Nationals will feature two runs on Friday with the second run putting $15,000 on the line for King and the rest of the Funny Car field to make the quickest run of the night session. On Saturday there will be two final qualifying sessions to set the 16-car field for race day on Sunday. Final eliminations will start at noon, and the race will be broadcast nationally on FS1. For more information about the race or tickets visit www.stampedeofspeed.com or nhra.com.
 

ENNIS, TEX. (October 13, 2026) — Melanie Johnson and the Speedmaster Top Alcohol Dragster team kicked off the Stampede of Speed with a strong performance at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Regional event at Texas Motorplex, earning a runner-up finish and setting a new career best elapsed time.

Johnson set the tone early in qualifying, laying down a stellar 5.173-second pass at 277.71 mph to claim the No. 1 qualifying position. The run marked a new personal best E.T. for the California native.

Carrying that momentum into Sunday’s eliminations, Johnson opened round one with a victory over Chris Demke, clocking a 5.222 at 277.38 mph to Demke’s 5.406 at 274.07 mph. In the semifinals, she posted a 5.219 at 276.34 mph to defeat Jamie Noonan and earn a spot in the final round.

The final matchup produced a tight drag race against Alan Bradshaw. Johnson made a solid 5.240-second pass at 275.20 mph, but Bradshaw edged out the victory with a 5.227 at 275.13 mph, taking the win by a margin of just .021 seconds.

Melanie Johnson raced the Speedmaster A/Fuel Dragster to the final round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Regional event at Texas Motorplex on Sunday, photo credit Katy Gunter

“The car was on rails all weekend at the regional,” said Johnson. “To be out of the car for 4 weeks [since the U.S. Nationals] and set a career best E.T. on the first run of the weekend, really sets the tone and is a testament to that AJPE power. We have a great tune up for this track and I’m very excited to see what we can do this weekend. We’ve got our sights set on a Jegs All Stars win and a Texas Fall Nationals win. Pops & Richie have been making changes to the program and we’ve been seeing the success over the past few races. I think it’s all coming together right now.”

Johnson remains at Texas Motorplex for the second weekend of the Stampede of Speed to compete in the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals. Representing the Central Region in the Top Alcohol Dragster division, she will also compete in the prestigious Jegs Allstars event after earning points throughout the season to secure a spot on the regional team.

Johnson and the team are proud to be supported by primary sponsor Speedmaster, alongside Alan Johnson Performance Engineering (AJPE), NGK Spark Plugs, Lucas Oil, ARP (Automotive Racing Products), Shift Up Now, and WIMNA (Women in Motorsports North America).

MELANIE JOHNSON SETS PERSONAL BEST AND CLAIMS
RUNNER-UP FINISH AT TEXAS MOTORPLEX

ENNIS, TEX. (October 13, 2026) — Melanie Johnson and the Speedmaster Top Alcohol Dragster team kicked off the Stampede of Speed with a strong performance at the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Regional event at Texas Motorplex, earning a runner-up finish and setting a new career best elapsed time.

Johnson set the tone early in qualifying, laying down a stellar 5.173-second pass at 277.71 mph to claim the No. 1 qualifying position. The run marked a new personal best E.T. for the California native.

Carrying that momentum into Sunday’s eliminations, Johnson opened round one with a victory over Chris Demke, clocking a 5.222 at 277.38 mph to Demke’s 5.406 at 274.07 mph. In the semifinals, she posted a 5.219 at 276.34 mph to defeat Jamie Noonan and earn a spot in the final round.

The final matchup produced a tight drag race against Alan Bradshaw. Johnson made a solid 5.240-second pass at 275.20 mph, but Bradshaw edged out the victory with a 5.227 at 275.13 mph, taking the win by a margin of just .021 seconds.

Melanie Johnson raced the Speedmaster A/Fuel Dragster to the final round of the NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series Regional event at Texas Motorplex on Sunday, photo credit Katy Gunter

“The car was on rails all weekend at the regional,” said Johnson. “To be out of the car for 4 weeks [since the U.S. Nationals] and set a career best E.T. on the first run of the weekend, really sets the tone and is a testament to that AJPE power. We have a great tune up for this track and I’m very excited to see what we can do this weekend. We’ve got our sights set on a Jegs All Stars win and a Texas Fall Nationals win. Pops & Richie have been making changes to the program and we’ve been seeing the success over the past few races. I think it’s all coming together right now.”

Johnson remains at Texas Motorplex for the second weekend of the Stampede of Speed to compete in the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals. Representing the Central Region in the Top Alcohol Dragster division, she will also compete in the prestigious Jegs Allstars event after earning points throughout the season to secure a spot on the regional team.

Johnson and the team are proud to be supported by primary sponsor Speedmaster, alongside Alan Johnson Performance Engineering (AJPE), NGK Spark Plugs, Lucas Oil, ARP (Automotive Racing Products), Shift Up Now, and WIMNA (Women in Motorsports North America).

Action for the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals and the Jegs Allstars begins this Thursday, October 15 at Texas Motorplex. Johnson will be present at the Pre-Stage Fanfest presented by Red Line Synthetic Oil at Railyard Park in Waxahachie on Thursday evening. She’ll sign autographs will fellow Jegs Allstars and Mission Foods Drag Racing Series competitors at the free event from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The Pre-Stage FanFest will also feature live music and vendor booths. To learn more, visit www.stampedeofspeed.com. 

DALLAS (October 13, 2026) – The final race of the 2026 NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series will offer some of the most seasoned Chevrolet, Dodge and Ford teams one final chance to win a special 75^th anniversary NHRA diamond Wally trophy. The 41^st annual Texas NHRA Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex, October 14-18, will give reigning world champion Mark Pawuk, Raymond Nash, one of the fiercest championship contenders, and rookie Matthew Hartman the chance to pick up their first wins of 2026.
 
For Pawuk the 2026 season has been eight races of figuring out the brand-new Dodge Challenger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak. The team has seen significant improvement and the two-time champion would love to end the season on a high note with a victory.
 
“I was really hoping to three-peat this year but that didn’t work out,” said Pawuk. “I would love to get one of those 75^thanniversary diamond Wallys for my trophy case. This year was a challenge with the Hustle Stuff Drag Pak, but I have always loved a challenge.”

 Two-time world champion Mark Pawuk is focused on a strong finish this weekend at Texas Motorplex and Texas Fall Nationals, photo credit Auto Imagery

Nash battled Jonathan Allegrucci down to the final day of the NAPA Midwest Nationals before Allegrucci raced to the final mathematically clinching the championship. During the Bristol national event Nash raced to a runner-up finish and the Dodge Drag Pak driver has his sights set on a strong finish to springboard him into the 2027 season.
 
“Winning the Texas Fall Nationals would mean a lot to us,” said Nash. “It would mean a lot to our family. We’ve set goals to win a Wally. But to win a diamond Wally would mean even more. David Barton and Ray Barton Racing engines have had a really big impact on improving our car. To be able to top the season off with a Wally would mean an extraordinary amount to myself, my son Zachary, who works on the car, Hunter, my wife Christina, who helps get the rig ready. I have to thank Race Tech who helps keep us safe. Everyone is pulling for us to get a win to close out the season.”

 Championship runner-up Raymond Nash and his Dodge Challenger Drag Pak ae bringing determination and momentuum to the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown season finale this weekend, photo credit Auto Imagery

“We finished the season number two in points, and we still got a race to go,” said Nash. “I think that’s pretty proud accomplishment. We went from race fans walking around at these race tracks to racing and being number two in points in a couple of years. I am excited to get on track for this last race of the season.”
Rookie driver Matthew Hartman saw his father Lee win for the first time at the rain delayed Great Lakes Nationals two weeks ago in St. Louis. The rookie season for the younger Hartman has been a dramatic learning curve but one he has enjoyed on the competition side and the team side. Heading into his first Stampede of Speed race, Hartman is eager to put all the skills he has learned in 2026 to good use.
 
“Getting a win in Dallas would go a long way,” said Hartman. “I am so grateful for this opportunity. I was all over the place with my expectations for this season, but I am happy with the progress so far. Looking back on the season I am a lot more comfortable in the car. I am focusing on going a couple rounds in Texas and we are going to try and make some big swings.”

 Matthew Hartman will look to cap his Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series rookie season with a win in Dallas, photo credit Auto Imagery

SEASON FINALE OFFERS FLEXJET FACTORY STOCK SHOWDOWN TEAMS
ONE MORE CHANCE FOR VICTORY

DALLAS (October 13, 2026) – The final race of the 2026 NHRA Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series will offer some of the most seasoned Chevrolet, Dodge and Ford teams one final chance to win a special 75^th anniversary NHRA diamond Wally trophy. The 41^st annual Texas NHRA Fall Nationals at Texas Motorplex, October 14-18, will give reigning world champion Mark Pawuk, Raymond Nash, one of the fiercest championship contenders, and rookie Matthew Hartman the chance to pick up their first wins of 2026.
 
For Pawuk the 2026 season has been eight races of figuring out the brand-new Dodge Challenger Hustle Stuff Drag Pak. The team has seen significant improvement and the two-time champion would love to end the season on a high note with a victory.
 
“I was really hoping to three-peat this year but that didn’t work out,” said Pawuk. “I would love to get one of those 75^thanniversary diamond Wallys for my trophy case. This year was a challenge with the Hustle Stuff Drag Pak, but I have always loved a challenge.”

 Two-time world champion Mark Pawuk is focused on a strong finish this weekend at Texas Motorplex and Texas Fall Nationals, photo credit Auto Imagery

Nash battled Jonathan Allegrucci down to the final day of the NAPA Midwest Nationals before Allegrucci raced to the final mathematically clinching the championship. During the Bristol national event Nash raced to a runner-up finish and the Dodge Drag Pak driver has his sights set on a strong finish to springboard him into the 2027 season.
 
“Winning the Texas Fall Nationals would mean a lot to us,” said Nash. “It would mean a lot to our family. We’ve set goals to win a Wally. But to win a diamond Wally would mean even more. David Barton and Ray Barton Racing engines have had a really big impact on improving our car. To be able to top the season off with a Wally would mean an extraordinary amount to myself, my son Zachary, who works on the car, Hunter, my wife Christina, who helps get the rig ready. I have to thank Race Tech who helps keep us safe. Everyone is pulling for us to get a win to close out the season.”

 Championship runner-up Raymond Nash and his Dodge Challenger Drag Pak ae bringing determination and momentuum to the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown season finale this weekend, photo credit Auto Imagery

“We finished the season number two in points, and we still got a race to go,” said Nash. “I think that’s pretty proud accomplishment. We went from race fans walking around at these race tracks to racing and being number two in points in a couple of years. I am excited to get on track for this last race of the season.”
Rookie driver Matthew Hartman saw his father Lee win for the first time at the rain delayed Great Lakes Nationals two weeks ago in St. Louis. The rookie season for the younger Hartman has been a dramatic learning curve but one he has enjoyed on the competition side and the team side. Heading into his first Stampede of Speed race, Hartman is eager to put all the skills he has learned in 2026 to good use.
 
“Getting a win in Dallas would go a long way,” said Hartman. “I am so grateful for this opportunity. I was all over the place with my expectations for this season, but I am happy with the progress so far. Looking back on the season I am a lot more comfortable in the car. I am focusing on going a couple rounds in Texas and we are going to try and make some big swings.”

 Matthew Hartman will look to cap his Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series rookie season with a win in Dallas, photo credit Auto Imagery

“Seeing my dad win the Great Lakes Nationals was everything,” added Hartman “It was six years in the making. When we started, I was the crew chief and now seeing where he came from is amazing. Thanks to Stanfield Racing Engines for all their support. I was at the finish line so I didn’t get to celebrate right away with my mom but there were some teams at the top end with me. When we saw that win light it was a perfect moment. “
 
Qualifying will get underway on Friday for the Texas NHRA Fall Nationals with two sessions on the schedule. On Saturday one more round of qualifying will be contested and the field will be set with the first round of eliminations happening Saturday night. The Fords, Chevrolets and Dodges will have three rounds of eliminations on Sunday with one fortunate driver hoisting the 75^th anniversary diamond Wally at the end of the day. For information on the NHRA Texas Fall Nationals visit www.nhra.com.
 
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, N.C.)
$1,000 bounty collected by Raymond Nash, defeated Ricky Hord (2026 Gatornationals winner)
 
Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 Nationals (Chicago)
$1,000 bounty was not claimed with Allegrucci’s victory
 
Super Grip Thunder Valley Nationals (Bristol, Tenn.)
$2,000 bounty was not claimed with Allegrucci’s victory
 
Norwalk Nationals (Norwalk, Ohio)
$3,000 bounty claimed by Taylor Dietsch, defeated Jonathan Allegrucci (2026 Chicago and Bristol winner)
 
Cornwell Quality Tools U.S. Nationals (Indianapolis)
$1,000 bounty collected by Scott Libersher, defeated Taylor Dietsch (Norwalk winner)
 
Dodge Great Lakes Nationals (Martin, Mich.)
$1,000 bounty collected by Raymond Nash, defeated Scott Libersher (Indianapolis winner)
 
NAPA NHRA Midwest Nationals (St. Louis)
$1,000 bounty collected by Doug Duell, defeated Lee Hartman (Martin winner)
 
2026 Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Results
 
Gainesville – Ricky Hord, winner; David Janac, runner-up
Charlotte – Jonathan Allegrucci, winner; Jason Dietsch, runner-up
Chicago – Jonathan Allegrucci, winner; Jason Dietsch, runner-up
Bristol – Jonathan Allegrucci, winner; Raymond Nash, runner-up
Norwalk – Taylor Dietsch, winner; Jonathan Allegrucci, runner-up
Indianapolis – Scott Libersher, winner; Jonathan Allegrucci, runner-up
Martin, Mich. – Lee Hartman, winner; David Janac, runner-up
St. Louis, Mo. – Jonathan Allegrucci, winner; Scott Libersher, runner-up
 
Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Point Standings
1.       Jonathan Allegrucci 788
2.       Raymond Nash       579
3.       Scott Libersher        513
4.       David Janac            457
5.       Lee Hartman           433
6.       David Davies II       404
7.       Jason Dietsch         370
8.       Richard Hord           362
9.       Mark Pawuk            381
10.     Doug Duell              354
 
 

DRIFTERS REJOICE FOR WORLD DRIFT DAY

The takeover, the break’s over. 14 countries, 1 global drift community.Monster Energy hosts World Drift Day around the world – and we shredded 👿.

Baggsy and the SB Motorsport team headed to Lithuania for the Baltics edition of World Drift Day, the boys set up camp at the billiant KART 3 track in Šiauliai. The undulating track filled with technical bends gave drivers plenty of opportunities to tandem and create a drift train, the perfect way to celebrate such a moment.

This isn’t just any event; Monster Energy’s target to reignite the passion for drifting was something we all got behind. The day had the boys celebrating the grassroots spirit that built this sport from the garage up.

Baggsy gave a short speech to the WDD crowd, reminding themselves to ditch the screens, lose the traction and find their purpose out on the track. This is Monster Energy’s way of giving back to the drift community, no corporate gloss here – just pure, unadulterated fun.

From the smell of burnt rubber to the scream of engines, World Drift Day was an absolute hit. The boys live and breathe sideways and this was just the tonic after a busy few months on the road. The SB Motorsport PS13 roared to life, the supercharged V8 screamed through the KART 3 track.

Some people chill out at a spa, we’ll chill out on track. Mostly sideways. Huge kudos to Monster Energy for putting on a worldwide party, they’re the real MVP 👊🏼.

Catch us at the next event 🏁:RONS Takeover Tour, Santa Pod Raceway 🇬🇧

TF Sport, Corvette hope previous experience will help in LMGT3 title fight DETROIT (October 13, 2026) – TF Sport’s drive to a title in the FIA World Endurance Championship with the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R heads back to Europe this weekend for the series’ first race in Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the Six Hours of Barcelona. Saturday’s round is notable for a couple of reasons. First, it takes the place of March’s season-opening race in Qatar, which was moved due to the conflict in the Middle East region. Second, there is a possibility of TF Sport wrapping up the LMGT3 Teams championship at Barcelona with the right results for the Le Mans-winning No. 33 Corvette of Nicky Catsburg, Jonny Edgar and Ben Keating.

If the trio finishes more than 26 points ahead of their closest competitor coming out of the race, then the No. 33 TF Corvette squad will clinch the championship with one race to go. The Drivers title will officially go to the season finale at Monza as Edgar leads by two points over Catsburg and 22 over Keating. Although Barcelona is new to the WEC, it’s not new to TF Sport. The team contested European Le Mans Series races there the last two years with one of its Corvettes and four of the WEC drivers – Edgar and No. 34 Racing Team Turkey by TF teammates Charlie Eastwood, Salih Yoluc and Peter Dempsey – all have previous experience at the circuit.  Speaking of the red-liveried No. 34 Corvette squad, it’s one of the hottest teams in LMGT3 with four points-paying finishes in its last five races. Among those was a class victory at Brazil and third place in the most recent WEC round at Fuji. That has elevated the No. 34 to third in the Teams standings and the three drivers to fifth in Drivers points. In addition, Eastwood was one of three TF Sport drivers to win the ELMS LMGT3 championship last weekend at Portimão – a repeat title for TF Sport and Corvette. The Six Hours of Barcelona for the FIA World Endurance Championship is scheduled for noon CET / 6 a.m. ET on Sunday. Live streaming coverage of the race, qualifying and Hyperpole, plus timing and scoring, is available through a subscription on FIA WEC Plus with additional live streaming on the HBO Max app in the U.S. Radio Le Mans also will provide live streaming audio coverage as well.

CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R PRE-EVENT DRIVER QUOTES

NICKY CATSBURG, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “Barcelona should be a good track for the Corvette. It’s a pretty high-deg track, and usually we are a bit better than others on tires. So I do believe it’s going to be good for us. It’s an important weekend for us and I feel like we are able to do well. We might get away with a championship already there, which would be an unbelievable achievement for the team. In terms of success weight, we will still have 18 kilos as will the sister car. Some of our main opponents will have a lot of weight though. I have personally not been to the Barcelona circuit in many years. Luckily some of my teammates have been here a lot, so I will try to learn from them and then see how we go.”

JONNY EDGAR, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I’m interested to see how a WEC race will be in Barcelona. It will be pretty tough with tire degradation which is always a positive for us as the Corvette is one of the best cars at looking after the tires. I enjoy driving at Barcelona. It’s a track I know quite well as I’ve raced there in both F3 and LMP2. The goal will be to try and score as many points as possible for the championship to try and be in the best position possible for Monza, and if everything goes well there’s a chance we can already win the championship in Barcelona.”

BEN KEATING, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I have never raced at the Catalunya circuit. But I’m looking forward to going there and potentially racing for a championship. I also am happy that we should have a very competitive Corvette. We lost a bit of our success ballast in Fuji and it allows us to be a little closer to the front of the race. I think that will help in many ways like in cornering and managing the tires. If we can make that happen then I feel really good about chances to get back on the podium and hopefully wrap up the championship for our team and Jonny.”

CHARLIE EASTWOOD, NO. 34 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “Barcelona definitely should suit the Corvette. I’ve been there the last two years with ELMS, and also we actually did the Prologue there as well because it’s the first race. So as a team, we’ve actually gotten lots of mileage around there, which we should have over quite a few other manufacturers. The Corvette was really good there this year; we just got hit from behind and that finished our race early. But Barcelona is one of those tracks that basically you can’t really have a weakness as a car. It has a bit of everything… straights, slow-speed, high-speed, off-camber, on-camber. So that’s where, again, the Corvette kind of comes into its own. “From the 34 side, we just need to win it. It’s as simple as that. So that’s the only mindset we have at the minute, and there’s no reason why we can’t repeat the likes of Brazil. Salih knows the track well and can get us to the front. Peter was just there in GT World Challenge. So I think we’re going to be as prepared as anybody going in.”

PETER DEMPSEY, NO. 34 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I’m looking forward to going to Barcelona with TF Sport and the Corvette. I was lucky to be able to race there a couple of weeks ago, so it will be nice to not have to learn a new track for a change. I feel we are going to have a strong package and we want to keep pushing for the championship. Our aim is to try to keep chasing down our teammates in the 33 car and try to give Corvette a 1-2 in the WEC standings. We have scored points in most of the races, but this is crunch time and we want to be as strong as possible. Can’t wait to get there.”

2026 FIA World Endurance Championship PointsLMGT3 Drivers Standings1. Jonny Edgar – 862. Nicky Catsburg – 823. Ben Keating – 644. Ian James/Mattia Drudi/Zacharie Robichon – 625. Charlie Eastwood/Peter Dempsey/Salih Yoluc – 58 LMGT3 Teams Standings1. No. 33 TF Sport – 862. No. 27 Heart of Racing Team – 623. No. 34 Racing Team Turkey by TF – 584. No. 91 Manthey DK Engineering – 545. No. 21 Vista AF Corse – 54 CORVETTE RACING AT BARCELONA: By the Numbers• 2: Championships already clinched this year for Corvette Z06 GT3.R entries – TF Sport’s ELMS LMGT3 championship and Orey Fidani’s Bob Akin Award in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship• 2: Wins for TF Sport this year in the FIA World Endurance Championship – Le Mans (No. 33) and Brazil (No. 34)• 2: Number of TF Sport Corvettes in the top-three of the LMGT3 Teams standings• 3: Number of TF Sport Corvette drivers in the top-three of the LMGT3 Drivers Championship• 4: Drivers on the TF Sport roster who have competed at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya: Charlie Eastwood, Salih Yoluc, Peter Dempsey and Jonny Edgar• 16: Manufacturer Championships for Chevrolet and Corvette Racing since 2001• 26: The points advantage that TF Sport’s No. 33 Corvette needs after the Barcelona round to win the FIA WEC LMGT3 championship• 35: Tracks at which Corvette Racing has won races – Baltimore, Charlotte Motor Speedway, COTA, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park/Mosport, Chang International Circuit (Thailand), Daytona, Detroit, Fuji, Houston, Imola, Indianapolis, Laguna Seca, Le Mans, Lime Rock, Long Beach, Lusail International Circuit (Qatar), Miami, Mid-Ohio, Monza, Portimão, Portland, Road America, Road Atlanta, Sāo Paulo (Brazil), Sebring, Sepang International Circuit (Malaysia), Sonoma, Spa-Francorchamps, St. Petersburg, Texas, Trois Rivieres, Utah, VIR, Washington DC and Watkins Glen• 44: Number of drivers to win races in Corvette Racing entries since 1999. The latest to join the list were TF Sport’s Peter Dempsey and Salih Yoluc at Sāo Paulo in WEC• 73: Years since Corvette was introduced to the world on Jan. 17, 1953 in New York City. A total of 300 cars were produced that year• 88: Number of drivers in Corvette Racing entries since 1999. K-Tunes’ Kazunori Suenaga and Sena Sakaguchi joined the list in the No. 96 Corvette at Suzuka in Japan Cup competition• 159: Victories worldwide for Corvette Racing – 119 in IMSA, 10 at Le Mans, six in the FIA WEC, 13 in GT World Challenge America, three in GT World Challenge Asia, GT America and the European Le Mans Series, and one in IGTC/GT World Challenge Europe• 398: Event starts by Corvette Racing since 1999• 521,597.52: Total number of racing miles completed by Corvette Racing since its inception. The program went over the half-million mark at this year’s 24 Hours of Spa

CORVETTE RACING AT BARCELONA: Championship MarchTF Sport, Corvette hope previous experience will help in LMGT3 title fight DETROIT (October 13, 2026) – TF Sport’s drive to a title in the FIA World Endurance Championship with the Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.R heads back to Europe this weekend for the series’ first race in Spain at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya for the Six Hours of Barcelona. Saturday’s round is notable for a couple of reasons. First, it takes the place of March’s season-opening race in Qatar, which was moved due to the conflict in the Middle East region. Second, there is a possibility of TF Sport wrapping up the LMGT3 Teams championship at Barcelona with the right results for the Le Mans-winning No. 33 Corvette of Nicky Catsburg, Jonny Edgar and Ben Keating.

If the trio finishes more than 26 points ahead of their closest competitor coming out of the race, then the No. 33 TF Corvette squad will clinch the championship with one race to go. The Drivers title will officially go to the season finale at Monza as Edgar leads by two points over Catsburg and 22 over Keating. Although Barcelona is new to the WEC, it’s not new to TF Sport. The team contested European Le Mans Series races there the last two years with one of its Corvettes and four of the WEC drivers – Edgar and No. 34 Racing Team Turkey by TF teammates Charlie Eastwood, Salih Yoluc and Peter Dempsey – all have previous experience at the circuit.  Speaking of the red-liveried No. 34 Corvette squad, it’s one of the hottest teams in LMGT3 with four points-paying finishes in its last five races. Among those was a class victory at Brazil and third place in the most recent WEC round at Fuji. That has elevated the No. 34 to third in the Teams standings and the three drivers to fifth in Drivers points. In addition, Eastwood was one of three TF Sport drivers to win the ELMS LMGT3 championship last weekend at Portimão – a repeat title for TF Sport and Corvette. The Six Hours of Barcelona for the FIA World Endurance Championship is scheduled for noon CET / 6 a.m. ET on Sunday. Live streaming coverage of the race, qualifying and Hyperpole, plus timing and scoring, is available through a subscription on FIA WEC Plus with additional live streaming on the HBO Max app in the U.S. Radio Le Mans also will provide live streaming audio coverage as well.

CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R PRE-EVENT DRIVER QUOTES

NICKY CATSBURG, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “Barcelona should be a good track for the Corvette. It’s a pretty high-deg track, and usually we are a bit better than others on tires. So I do believe it’s going to be good for us. It’s an important weekend for us and I feel like we are able to do well. We might get away with a championship already there, which would be an unbelievable achievement for the team. In terms of success weight, we will still have 18 kilos as will the sister car. Some of our main opponents will have a lot of weight though. I have personally not been to the Barcelona circuit in many years. Luckily some of my teammates have been here a lot, so I will try to learn from them and then see how we go.”

JONNY EDGAR, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I’m interested to see how a WEC race will be in Barcelona. It will be pretty tough with tire degradation which is always a positive for us as the Corvette is one of the best cars at looking after the tires. I enjoy driving at Barcelona. It’s a track I know quite well as I’ve raced there in both F3 and LMP2. The goal will be to try and score as many points as possible for the championship to try and be in the best position possible for Monza, and if everything goes well there’s a chance we can already win the championship in Barcelona.”

BEN KEATING, NO. 33 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I have never raced at the Catalunya circuit. But I’m looking forward to going there and potentially racing for a championship. I also am happy that we should have a very competitive Corvette. We lost a bit of our success ballast in Fuji and it allows us to be a little closer to the front of the race. I think that will help in many ways like in cornering and managing the tires. If we can make that happen then I feel really good about chances to get back on the podium and hopefully wrap up the championship for our team and Jonny.”

CHARLIE EASTWOOD, NO. 34 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “Barcelona definitely should suit the Corvette. I’ve been there the last two years with ELMS, and also we actually did the Prologue there as well because it’s the first race. So as a team, we’ve actually gotten lots of mileage around there, which we should have over quite a few other manufacturers. The Corvette was really good there this year; we just got hit from behind and that finished our race early. But Barcelona is one of those tracks that basically you can’t really have a weakness as a car. It has a bit of everything… straights, slow-speed, high-speed, off-camber, on-camber. So that’s where, again, the Corvette kind of comes into its own. “From the 34 side, we just need to win it. It’s as simple as that. So that’s the only mindset we have at the minute, and there’s no reason why we can’t repeat the likes of Brazil. Salih knows the track well and can get us to the front. Peter was just there in GT World Challenge. So I think we’re going to be as prepared as anybody going in.”

PETER DEMPSEY, NO. 34 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I’m looking forward to going to Barcelona with TF Sport and the Corvette. I was lucky to be able to race there a couple of weeks ago, so it will be nice to not have to learn a new track for a change. I feel we are going to have a strong package and we want to keep pushing for the championship. Our aim is to try to keep chasing down our teammates in the 33 car and try to give Corvette a 1-2 in the WEC standings. We have scored points in most of the races, but this is crunch time and we want to be as strong as possible. Can’t wait to get there.”

2026 FIA World Endurance Championship PointsLMGT3 Drivers Standings1. Jonny Edgar – 862. Nicky Catsburg – 823. Ben Keating – 644. Ian James/Mattia Drudi/Zacharie Robichon – 625. Charlie Eastwood/Peter Dempsey/Salih Yoluc – 58 LMGT3 Teams Standings1. No. 33 TF Sport – 862. No. 27 Heart of Racing Team – 623. No. 34 Racing Team Turkey by TF – 584. No. 91 Manthey DK Engineering – 545. No. 21 Vista AF Corse – 54 CORVETTE RACING AT BARCELONA: By the Numbers• 2: Championships already clinched this year for Corvette Z06 GT3.R entries – TF Sport’s ELMS LMGT3 championship and Orey Fidani’s Bob Akin Award in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship• 2: Wins for TF Sport this year in the FIA World Endurance Championship – Le Mans (No. 33) and Brazil (No. 34)• 2: Number of TF Sport Corvettes in the top-three of the LMGT3 Teams standings• 3: Number of TF Sport Corvette drivers in the top-three of the LMGT3 Drivers Championship• 4: Drivers on the TF Sport roster who have competed at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya: Charlie Eastwood, Salih Yoluc, Peter Dempsey and Jonny Edgar• 16: Manufacturer Championships for Chevrolet and Corvette Racing since 2001• 26: The points advantage that TF Sport’s No. 33 Corvette needs after the Barcelona round to win the FIA WEC LMGT3 championship• 35: Tracks at which Corvette Racing has won races – Baltimore, Charlotte Motor Speedway, COTA, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park/Mosport, Chang International Circuit (Thailand), Daytona, Detroit, Fuji, Houston, Imola, Indianapolis, Laguna Seca, Le Mans, Lime Rock, Long Beach, Lusail International Circuit (Qatar), Miami, Mid-Ohio, Monza, Portimão, Portland, Road America, Road Atlanta, Sāo Paulo (Brazil), Sebring, Sepang International Circuit (Malaysia), Sonoma, Spa-Francorchamps, St. Petersburg, Texas, Trois Rivieres, Utah, VIR, Washington DC and Watkins Glen• 44: Number of drivers to win races in Corvette Racing entries since 1999. The latest to join the list were TF Sport’s Peter Dempsey and Salih Yoluc at Sāo Paulo in WEC• 73: Years since Corvette was introduced to the world on Jan. 17, 1953 in New York City. A total of 300 cars were produced that year• 88: Number of drivers in Corvette Racing entries since 1999. K-Tunes’ Kazunori Suenaga and Sena Sakaguchi joined the list in the No. 96 Corvette at Suzuka in Japan Cup competition• 159: Victories worldwide for Corvette Racing – 119 in IMSA, 10 at Le Mans, six in the FIA WEC, 13 in GT World Challenge America, three in GT World Challenge Asia, GT America and the European Le Mans Series, and one in IGTC/GT World Challenge Europe• 398: Event starts by Corvette Racing since 1999• 521,597.52: Total number of racing miles completed by Corvette Racing since its inception. The program went over the half-million mark at this year’s 24 Hours of Spa

PUTNAMVILLE, IN (October 13, 2026) – Throwing the top Sprint Car drivers in the world on bullrings never fails to thrill, and The Greatest Show on Dirt has a pair of the best quarter miles on deck.

First up is Indiana’s Lincoln Park Speedway on Friday, Oct. 16, for the Cushion Capital Clash. As the event name suggests, the “Hoosier State” track is known for a gnarly curb that the drivers must be willing to plant their right rear tires on to win. It’s made heroes and claimed victims and always entertains fans.

Then it’s over to the “Land of Lincoln” for the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series’ debut at Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway on Saturday, Oct. 17. The 1/4 mile is set to become the 12th Illinois track visited by the tour. Racing was brought back to the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds earlier this year when the oval opened and has already delivered excellent action. Expect Saturday to be no different.

BUY LINCOLN PARK TICKETS HERE
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WATCH LIVE ON DIRTVision

Let’s look at the weekend’s top storylines:

HOME OF THE HOOSIERS

A pair of World of Outlaws competitors are ready for a home game Friday as the tour returns to the “Hoosier State.”

Franklin, IN’s Emerson Axsom is more than familiar with Lincoln Park Speedway. His days of driving without wings brought him to Putnamville, IN often. He topped a USAC Regional Midget race in 2020 and a local Non-Wing event in 2022. Two years later, Axsom claimed a USAC National Midget visit before winning with wings when the Interstate Racing Association (IRA) came to town and brought a huge field of 55 cars. The latter came with his current Klaasmeyer/Petry Motorsports team. The one other Indiana stop in 2026 resulted in a podium for Axsom in April at Tri-State Speedway. The 22-year-old has been on a roll since the Knoxville Nationals with 16 top 10s in 20 races.

Lebanon, IN’s Spencer Bayston doesn’t have quite as many Lincoln Park laps as Axsom, but he’s been fast whenever he visits the 5/16 mile. He’s made four trips with the USAC National Midgets and never finished worse than ninth. The highlight of those was a 2017 runner-up during his title campaign with the tour. The 26-year-old also made one Non-Wing Sprint Car appearance at Lincoln Park in 2015.

Axsom and Bayston head to home turf locked in a points battle. The rookie campaign for Axsom has been solid as he sits ninth in points, 18 markers ahead of Bayston and the Stenhouse Jr./Marshall team.

BIG DADDY’S DOMAIN

Another driver with this weekend circled is Chris Windom.

His Non-Wing tenure led him to Lincoln Park often. Windom’s résumé features far more laps at the bullring than most of his fellow World of Outlaws drivers. He was a winner there in 2017 and also bagged a 2020 USAC National Midget trophy.

Then on Saturday the scene shifts to a rare chance for Windom to race in his home state. The Canton, IL native had one other opportunity earlier this year when he finished 15th at Jacksonville Speedway. Saturday will be Windom’s first trip to the new Belle-Clair Speedway, but he did get laps at the former 1/5 mile with the USAC Midgets in 2014.

Windom’s sophomore season with Sides Motorsports has been solid to this point with his first career win at I-55 in August and more top fives (six) and top 10s (23) than his rookie campaign with seven races still to go.

ROLLIN’ FROM OHIO

All the momentum entering the two races ahead belongs to Sheldon Haudenschild thanks to a special visit home.

After a seventh opened his weekend at Millstream, Haudenschild went to win the final two rounds of the NOS Energy Drink Buckeye Brawl at Mansfield Speedway and Sharon Speedway. The latter required a charge from 10th, which equaled the farthest back a winner has come from this season. The pair of scores moved the Wooster, OH native’s 2026 victory tally up to 11. That’s already a career best, and he’s got seven more race nights to add to it.

The next two opportunities to do so are ahead this weekend. Haudenschild made his debut at Lincoln Park a year ago, finishing 18th after a crash in Qualifying got the night started on the wrong foot. He’ll get his first look at Belle-Clair on Saturday.

In addition to racking up checkered flags, Haudenschild’s consistency has him sitting third in the standings. That will mark a personal high result if he can stay there in his first year with KCP Racing.

CAPITAL OF CUSHION CONQUERERS

The last two trips to Lincoln Park have belonged to the two Series champions on tour, Donny Schatz and David Gravel.

Schatz’s score came in 2016 when the World of Outlaws returned after 28-year absence. The Fargo, ND native came out on top of a fierce battle with Gravel and Kyle Larson on his path to the eighth of his now 10 Series titles. Schatz finished eighth at Lincoln Park last year. He’s currently riding the momentum of four top fives in the last seven races with CJB Motorsports, including a trio of podiums.

Gravel went to Victory Lane a year ago when the tour came back for the first time since Schatz’s glory. He bested Buddy Kofoid after a late race duel led to final lap contact coming to the checkered flag. Gravel and Big Game Motorsports appear poised for a third consecutive championship with a 148-point advantage over Kofoid. They’ve reeled off five straight finishes of fourth or better over the last two weeks.

TIME IS TICKING

The calendar is running low on races for the 2026 campaign to reach a record of parity. This season has already produced 23 different World of Outlaws winners. The most in one year is 25 in 2004.

Two names immediately stand out that could help push the season’s tally to a record-tying amount. Bill Balog is the first as he’s been beating on the door of a victory in recent weeks. He started on the pole at Stockton Dirt Track before finishing fifth, bagged a Ventura podium, and was hit with heartbreak while leading the National Open at Williams Grove when a mechanical issue slowed the No. 17B. The “North Pole Nightmare” topped a trio of races last season and could pick one off before 2026 concludes. He’s led 77 Feature laps this season, which is the seventh most.

The next is Cole Macedo as he continues to chase his first World of Outlaws win. He’s watched six drivers do so this year and is hungry to add his name to the list. The closest he’s come in 2026 is a pair of podiums in the TwoC Racing No. 2C.

Another candidate that may fly a bit under the radar is Rising Sun, MD native Steven Snyder Jr. He’s impressed after taking over driving duties of the Three Stooges Racing No. 51 to the tune of an El Paso County Raceway runner-up and leading laps in a pair of races (Huset’s Speedway and Ventura Raceway) last month.

THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

WHEN AND WHERE 
Friday, Oct. 16 at Lincoln Park Speedway in Putnamville, IN
Saturday, Oct. 17 at Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway in Belleville, IL

AROUND THE TURN
Friday-Saturday, Oct. 23-24 at Texarkana 67 Speedway in Texarkana, AR (TICKETS)

CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (72/80 Races):
1. David Gravel – Big Game Motorsports No. 2 (9316 PTS)
2. Michael Kofoid – Roth Motorsports No. 83 (-148 PTS)
3. Sheldon Haudenschild – KCP Racing No. 18 (-230 PTS)
4. Carson Macedo – Jason Johnson Racing No. 41 (-316 PTS)
5. Logan Schuchart – Shark Racing No. 1S (-482 PTS)
6. Garet Williamson – Fischer Motorsports No. 23 (-666 PTS)
7. Donny Schatz – CJB Motorsports No. 15 (-712 PTS)
8. Cole Macedo – TwoC Racing No. 2C (-1040 PTS)
9. Emerson Axsom – Klaasmeyer/Petry Motorsports No. 27 (-1118 PTS)
10. Spencer Bayston – Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing No. 17 (-1136 PTS)

NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (23 Drivers):
15 Wins – Michael Kofoid
11 Wins – David Gravel, Sheldon Haudenschild
6 Wins – Carson Macedo
3 Wins – Anthony Macri, Logan Schuchart, 
2 Wins – Donny Schatz, Corey Day, Chase Dietz
1 Win – Spencer Bayston, Tyler Courtney, Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne, Rico Abreu, Aaron Reutzel, Brent Marks, Bryce Lucius, Chris Windom, Kyle Larson, Garet Williamson, Emerson Axsom, James McFadden, Justin Sanders

FEATURE LAPS LED (35 Drivers):
453 Laps Led – Michael Kofoid
366 Laps Led – David Gravel
177 Laps Led – Logan Schuchart
151 Laps Led – Carson Macedo
147 Laps Led – Sheldon Haudenschild
124 Laps Led – Garet Williamson
77 Laps Led – Bill Balog
69 Laps Led – Corey Day
66 Laps Led – Emerson Axsom
64 Laps Led – Donny Schatz
62 Laps Led – Chase Dietz
59 Laps Led – Kyle Larson
56 Laps Led – Anthony Macri
40 Laps Led – Aaron Reutzel, Chris Windom
37 Laps Led – Tyler Courtney
33 Laps Led – Brady Bacon, Rico Abreu
28 Laps Led – Ryan Timms, Justin Sanders
26 Laps Led – Steven Snyder Jr.
25 Laps Led – Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne
21 Laps Led – Kasey Jedrzejek
17 Laps Led – Spencer Bayston, Nate Dussel
16 Laps Led – Bryce Lucius
15 Laps Led – Christopher Thram
12 Laps Led – Cole Macedo
11 Laps Led – Giovanni Scelzi
8 Laps Led – Justin Whittall
7 Laps Led – Brian Brown
6 Laps Led – Brock Zearfoss, James McFadden
3 Laps Led – Brent MarksPODIUM FINISHES (38 Drivers):
32 Podiums – Michael Kofoid
31 Podiums – David Gravel
27 Podiums – Sheldon Haudenschild
20 Podiums – Carson Macedo
11 Podiums – Logan Schuchart, Garet Williamson
8 Podiums – Donny Schatz
5 Podiums – Anthony Macri
4 Podiums – Ryan Timms, Rico Abreu, Bill Balog, Emerson Axsom, Corey Day
3 Podiums – Spencer Bayston, Aaron Reutzel, Chris Windom, Chase Dietz
2 Podiums – Brady Bacon, Cole Macedo, Tyler Courtney, Giovanni Scelzi, Kasey Kahne, James McFadden, Justin Peck
1 Podium – Ashton Torgerson, Scott Bogucki, Brad Sweet, Justin Whittall, Troy Wagaman Jr., Kasey Jedrzejek, Brent Marks, Bryce Lucius, Daryn Pittman, Logan Rumsey, Kelby Watt, Kyle Larson, Steven Snyder Jr., Justin Sanders

SIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS QUICKTIME AWARDS (24 Drivers):
23 Quick Times – David Gravel
7 Quick Times – Michael Kofoid
6 Quick Times – Sheldon Haudenschild
5 Quick Times – Bill Balog
3 Quick Times – Logan Schuchart, Brady Bacon
2 Quick Times – Kasey Jedrzejek, Corey Day, Chase Dietz, Carson Macedo
1 Quick Time – Ashton Torgerson, Will Armitage, J.J. Hickle, Brian Brown, Danny Dietrich, Rico Abreu, Aaron Reutzel, Justin Henderson, Daryn Pittman, Logan Rumsey, Kasey Kahne, Tanner Thorson, Emerson Axsom, Cole Macedo

HEAT RACE WINNERS (64 Drivers):
37 Heat Wins – David Gravel
26 Heat Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild
20 Heat Wins – Carson Macedo, Bill Balog
17 Heat Wins – Michael Kofoid
14 Heat Wins – Logan Schuchart
13 Heat Wins – Garet Williamson
12 Heat Wins – Emerson Axsom
7 Heat Wins – Spencer Bayston, Donny Schatz
6 Heat Wins – Cole Macedo
5 Heat Wins – Christopher Thram
4 Heat Wins – Rico Abreu, Brent Marks, Ryan Timms
3 Heat Wins – Ashton Torgerson, Kasey Jedrzejek, Aaron Reutzel, Giovanni Scelzi, Anthony Macri, Kerry Madsen, Chris Windom, Steven Snyder Jr., Corey Day, Chase Dietz, Daryn Pittman
2 Heat Wins – Kasey Kahne, Austin McCarl, Jacob Hughes, Tyler Courtney, Justin Whittall, Kelby Watt, Brock Zearfoss, Rees Moran, Bryce Lucius, James McFadden, Max Mittry, Justin Sanders
1 Heat Win – Justin Peck, Tanner Holmes, Scotty Thiel, Will Armitage, Brian Brown, Danny Dietrich, Chad Trout, Joel Myers Jr., Andy Pake, Sam Henderson, Dayne Kingshott, Daison Pursley, Terry McCarl, Kyle Larson, Brady Bacon, Brent Shearer, Logan Rumsey, Danny Sams III, Riley Goodno, Chris Martin, Ayrton Gennetten, Carson McCarl, Kaleb Johnson, Skylar Gee, Cameron Smith, Lance Dewease

TOYOTA DASH APPEARANCES (78 Drivers):
50 Dashes – David Gravel
44 Dashes – Sheldon Haudenschild
39 Dashes – Michael Kofoid
31 Dashes – Carson Macedo
27 Dashes – Bill Balog
26 Dashes – Garet Williamson
20 Dashes – Logan Schuchart
19 Dashes – Emerson Axsom
15 Dashes – Donny Schatz
13 Dashes – Cole Macedo
12 Dashes – Spencer Bayston
9 Dashes – Chris Windom
8 Dashes – Ryan Timms
7 Dashes – Ashton Torgerson, Kasey Jedrzejek, Chase Dietz
6 Dashes – Aaron Reutzel
5 Dashes – Rico Abreu, Brent Marks, Anthony Macri
4 Dashes – Brian Brown, Brady Bacon, Logan Rumsey, Kelby Watt, Christopher Thram, Skylar Gee, Steven Snyder Jr., Corey Day, Daryn Pittman
3 Dashes – Kerry Madsen, Tanner Holmes, Justin Henderson, Bryce Lucius, Justin Whittall, Justin Peck
2 Dashes – Scotty Thiel, Kasey Kahne, Troy Wagaman Jr., Will Armitage, J.J. Hickle, Austin McCarl, Joe B. Miller, Brenham Crouch, Conner Morrell, Tyler Courtney, Kyle Larson, Cory Eliason, Gage Pulkrabek, Max Mittry, James McFadden, Justin Sanders, Lance Dewease, Cameron Smith
1 Dash – Parker Price-Miller, Brock Zearfoss, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Rees Moran, Bryce Norris, Brad Sweet, Danny Dietrich, Logan Rumsey, Kody Hartlaub, Freddie Rahmer, Chad Trout, Giovanni Scelzi, Joel Myers Jr., Andy Pake, Tanner Thorson, D.J. Christie, Ricky Peterson, Brent Shearer, Dylan Norris, Sam Henderson, Sean Rayhall, Jett Yantis, Kaleb Montgomery, Dominic Gorden, Greg Wilson, Nate Dussel

MICRO-LITE LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (39 Drivers):
5 LCS Wins – Donny Schatz
4 LCS Wins – Garet Williamson, Cole Macedo, Emerson Axsom, Chris Windom
3 LCS Wins – Spencer Bayston, Logan Schuchart
2 LCS Wins – Michael Kofoid, Giovanni Scelzi, Skylar Gee, Tyler Courtney
1 LCS Wins – Cameron Martin, Bill Balog, Blake Hahn, Landon Crawley, Bryce Norris, Doug Hammaker, Daryn Pittman, Kerry Madsen, Justin Henderson, Joel Myers Jr., Daison Pursley, Zane DeVault, Logan Julien, Jordan Poirier, Matt Farnham, Jordan Thomas, Dylan Norris, Justin Whittall, Brent Shearer, Danny Dietrich, Rico Abreu, Lynton Jeffrey, Kelby Watt, Jacob Peterson, Sam Henderson, Bryce Lucius, Tim Kaeding, Brady Bacon, Nate Dussel

KSE HARD CHARGER AWARDS (27 Drivers):
9 Hard Chargers – Carson Macedo, Logan Schuchart
8 Hard Chargers – Michael Kofoid
7 Hard Chargers – Donny Schatz
4 Hard Chargers – Spencer Bayston, Ashton Torgerson
3 Hard Chargers – Chris Windom, Cole Macedo, Sheldon Haudenschild
2 Hard Chargers – Garet Williamson, Ryan Timms, Shane Golobic, Danny Dietrich
1 Hard Charger – Giovanni Scelzi, Brady Bacon, Tyler Ross, Cameron Smith, David Gravel, Emerson Axsom, Logan Julien, Tyler Courtney, Kasey Jedrzejek, James McFadden, Corey Day, J.J. Hickle, Tanner Holmes, Ricky Peterson

ACME FASTEST LAP AWARDS (31 Drivers):
12 Fastest Laps – Michael Kofoid
7 Fastest Laps – David Gravel
6 Fastest Laps – Logan Schuchart
5 Fastest Laps – Sheldon Haudenschild, Bill Balog
4 Fastest Laps – Carson Macedo
2 Fastest Laps – Brady Bacon, Aaron Reutzel, Kasey Jedrzejek, Garet Williamson, Anthony Macri, Kyle Larson, Steven Snyder Jr., Donny Schatz
1 Fastest Lap – Brock Zearfoss, Cole Macedo, Ryan Timms, Brad Sweet, Kelby Watt, Kasey Kahne, Giovanni Scelzi, Rico Abreu, Christopher Thram, Bryce Lucius, Corey Day, Chase Dietz, Jace Park, Emerson Axsom, Justin Sanders, Justin Whittall, Nate Dussel

RACE READY CLOTHING HOTTEST LAP OF THE NIGHT AWARDS (24 Drivers):
20 Hottest Laps – David Gravel
9 Hottest Laps – Sheldon Haudenschild
8 Hottest Laps – Michael Kofoid
5 Hottest Laps – Carson Macedo, Garet Williamson
3 Hottest Laps – Logan Schuchart
2 Hottest Laps – Ashton Torgerson, Daryn Pittman, Bill Balog, Emerson Axsom
1 Hottest Lap – Austin McCarl, Brent Marks, Cole Macedo, Tyler Courtney, Ryan Timms, Giovanni Scelzi, Bryce Lucius, Nate Dussel, Logan Rumsey, Chris Windom, Spencer Bayston, Steven Snyder Jr., Camerson Smith, Skylar Gee

2026 WORLD OF OUTLAWS SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE & WINNERS:
Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner
Wed, Feb 4 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Spencer Bayston (1)
Fri, Feb 6 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Michael Kofoid (1)
Sat, Feb 7 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Anthony Macri (1)
Sun, March 1 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Sheldon Haudenschild (1)
Mon, March 2 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Anthony Macri (2)
Fri, March 6 / Talladega Short Track / Eastaboga, AL / Donny Schatz (1)
Fri, March 13 / Kennedale Speedway Park / Kennedale, TX / David Gravel (1)
Fri, March 20 / Lawton Speedway / Lawton, OK / David Gravel (2)
Sat, March 21 / Creek County Speedway / Sapulpa, OK / David Gravel (3)
Fri, March 27 / US 36 Raceway / Osborn, MO / Carson Macedo (1)
Sat, March 28 / 81 Speedway / Park City, KS / Michael Kofoid (2)
Fri, April 10 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Michael Kofoid (3)
Sat, April 11 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Michael Kofoid (4)
Sun, April 19 / Tri-State Speedway / Haubstadt, IN / Tyler Courtney (1)
Fri, April 24 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Brad Sweet (1)
Sat, April 25 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / David Gravel (4)
Tues, May 5 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA / Michael Kofoid (5)
Fri, May 8 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Kasey Kahne (1)
Sat, May 9 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / David Gravel (5)
Fri, May 15 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Rico Abreu (1)
Sat, May 16 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Logan Schuchart (1)
Tues, May 19 / Jacksonville Speedway / Jacksonville, IL / Carson Macedo (2)
Sat, May 23 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Aaron Reutzel (1)
Mon, May 25 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Michael Kofoid (6)
Fri, May 29 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND / Carson Macedo (3)
Sat, June 6 / Plymouth Dirt Track / Plymouth, WI / Sheldon Haudenschild (2)
Sun, June 7 / Angell Park Speedway / Sun Prairie, WI / Carson Macedo (4)
Fri, June 12 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Brent Marks (1)
Wed, June 17 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Michael Kofoid (7)
Thurs, June 18 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Michael Kofoid (8)
Fri, June 19 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Sheldon Haudenschild (3)
Sat, June 20 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / David Gravel (6)
Fri, June 26 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI / David Gravel (7)
Sat, June 27 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI / Sheldon Haudenschild (4)
Thurs, July 9 / Hartford Speedway / Hartford, MI / Sheldon Haudenschild (5)
Fri, July 10 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI / Michael Kofoid (9)
Sat, July 11 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI / Sheldon Haudenschild (6)
Tues, July 14 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH / Bryce Lucius (1)
Fri, July 17 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Corey Day (1)
Sat, July 18 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Anthony Macri (3)
Wed, July 22 / Ohsweken Speedway / Ohsweken, ON, Canada / David Gravel (8)
Sat, July 25 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY / Sheldon Haudenschild (7)
Sun, July 26 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY / David Gravel (9)
Wed, July 29 / BAPS Motor Speedway / York Haven, PA / Chase Dietz (1)
Fri, July 31 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Michael Kofoid (10)
Sat, Aug 1 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / David Gravel (10)
Fri, Aug 7 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Chris Windom (1)
Sat, Aug 8 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Logan Schuchart (2)
Wed, Aug 12 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA* / Sheldon Haudenschild
Thurs, Aug 13 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA* / Kyle Larson
Fri, Aug 14 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA* / Donny Schatz
Sat, Aug 15 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Kyle Larson (1)
Fri, Aug 21 / Ogilvie Raceway / Ogilvie, MN / Sheldon Haudenschild (8)
Sat, Aug 22 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN / Logan Schuchart (3)
Fri, Aug 28 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND / Garet Williamson (1)
Sat, Aug 29 / Fix It Forward Speedway / West Fargo, ND / Carson Macedo (5)
Mon, Aug 31 / Nodak Speedway / Minot, ND / Michael Kofoid (11)
Fri, Sept 4 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Sheldon Haudenschild (9)
Sat, Sept 5 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Michael Kofoid (12)
Sun, Sept 6 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Emerson Axsom (1)
Sat, Sept 12 / Dodge City Raceway Park / Dodge City, KS / Michael Kofoid (13)
Mon, Sept 14 / El Paso County Raceway / Calhan, CO / Michael Kofoid (14)
Fri, Sept 18 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA / James McFadden (1)
Sat, Sept 19 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA / Justin Sanders (1)
Tues, Sept 22 / Kings Speedway / Hanford, CA / Carson Macedo (6)
Fri, Sept 25 / Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway / Bakersfield, CA / Donny Schatz (2)
Sat, Sept 26 / Ventura Raceway / Ventura, CA / Corey Day (2)
Fri, Oct 2 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / David Gravel (11)
Sat, Oct 3 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Chase Dietz (2)
Thurs, Oct 8 / Millstream Speedway / Findlay, OH / Michael Kofoid (15)
Fri, Oct 9 / Mansfield Speedway / Mansfield, OH / Sheldon Haudenschild (10)
Sat, Oct 10 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH / Sheldon Haudenschild (11)
Fri, Oct 16 / Lincoln Park Speedway / Putnamville, IN
Sat, Oct 17 / Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway / Belleville, IL
Fri, Oct 23 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR
Sat, Oct 24 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR
Wed, Nov 4 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Thurs, Nov 5 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Fri, Nov 6 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Sat, Nov 7 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC

*denotes unofficial split-field prelim race.

TOP FIVE STORYLINES: Former Non-Wing Stars Look to Shine with Lincoln Park, Belle-Clair Weekend Ahead

PUTNAMVILLE, IN (October 13, 2026) – Throwing the top Sprint Car drivers in the world on bullrings never fails to thrill, and The Greatest Show on Dirt has a pair of the best quarter miles on deck.

First up is Indiana’s Lincoln Park Speedway on Friday, Oct. 16, for the Cushion Capital Clash. As the event name suggests, the “Hoosier State” track is known for a gnarly curb that the drivers must be willing to plant their right rear tires on to win. It’s made heroes and claimed victims and always entertains fans.

Then it’s over to the “Land of Lincoln” for the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series’ debut at Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway on Saturday, Oct. 17. The 1/4 mile is set to become the 12th Illinois track visited by the tour. Racing was brought back to the Belle-Clair Fairgrounds earlier this year when the oval opened and has already delivered excellent action. Expect Saturday to be no different.

BUY LINCOLN PARK TICKETS HERE
BUY BELLE-CLAIR TICKETS HERE

WATCH LIVE ON DIRTVision

Let’s look at the weekend’s top storylines:

HOME OF THE HOOSIERS

A pair of World of Outlaws competitors are ready for a home game Friday as the tour returns to the “Hoosier State.”

Franklin, IN’s Emerson Axsom is more than familiar with Lincoln Park Speedway. His days of driving without wings brought him to Putnamville, IN often. He topped a USAC Regional Midget race in 2020 and a local Non-Wing event in 2022. Two years later, Axsom claimed a USAC National Midget visit before winning with wings when the Interstate Racing Association (IRA) came to town and brought a huge field of 55 cars. The latter came with his current Klaasmeyer/Petry Motorsports team. The one other Indiana stop in 2026 resulted in a podium for Axsom in April at Tri-State Speedway. The 22-year-old has been on a roll since the Knoxville Nationals with 16 top 10s in 20 races.

Lebanon, IN’s Spencer Bayston doesn’t have quite as many Lincoln Park laps as Axsom, but he’s been fast whenever he visits the 5/16 mile. He’s made four trips with the USAC National Midgets and never finished worse than ninth. The highlight of those was a 2017 runner-up during his title campaign with the tour. The 26-year-old also made one Non-Wing Sprint Car appearance at Lincoln Park in 2015.

Axsom and Bayston head to home turf locked in a points battle. The rookie campaign for Axsom has been solid as he sits ninth in points, 18 markers ahead of Bayston and the Stenhouse Jr./Marshall team.

BIG DADDY’S DOMAIN

Another driver with this weekend circled is Chris Windom.

His Non-Wing tenure led him to Lincoln Park often. Windom’s résumé features far more laps at the bullring than most of his fellow World of Outlaws drivers. He was a winner there in 2017 and also bagged a 2020 USAC National Midget trophy.

Then on Saturday the scene shifts to a rare chance for Windom to race in his home state. The Canton, IL native had one other opportunity earlier this year when he finished 15th at Jacksonville Speedway. Saturday will be Windom’s first trip to the new Belle-Clair Speedway, but he did get laps at the former 1/5 mile with the USAC Midgets in 2014.

Windom’s sophomore season with Sides Motorsports has been solid to this point with his first career win at I-55 in August and more top fives (six) and top 10s (23) than his rookie campaign with seven races still to go.

ROLLIN’ FROM OHIO

All the momentum entering the two races ahead belongs to Sheldon Haudenschild thanks to a special visit home.

After a seventh opened his weekend at Millstream, Haudenschild went to win the final two rounds of the NOS Energy Drink Buckeye Brawl at Mansfield Speedway and Sharon Speedway. The latter required a charge from 10th, which equaled the farthest back a winner has come from this season. The pair of scores moved the Wooster, OH native’s 2026 victory tally up to 11. That’s already a career best, and he’s got seven more race nights to add to it.

The next two opportunities to do so are ahead this weekend. Haudenschild made his debut at Lincoln Park a year ago, finishing 18th after a crash in Qualifying got the night started on the wrong foot. He’ll get his first look at Belle-Clair on Saturday.

In addition to racking up checkered flags, Haudenschild’s consistency has him sitting third in the standings. That will mark a personal high result if he can stay there in his first year with KCP Racing.

CAPITAL OF CUSHION CONQUERERS

The last two trips to Lincoln Park have belonged to the two Series champions on tour, Donny Schatz and David Gravel.

Schatz’s score came in 2016 when the World of Outlaws returned after 28-year absence. The Fargo, ND native came out on top of a fierce battle with Gravel and Kyle Larson on his path to the eighth of his now 10 Series titles. Schatz finished eighth at Lincoln Park last year. He’s currently riding the momentum of four top fives in the last seven races with CJB Motorsports, including a trio of podiums.

Gravel went to Victory Lane a year ago when the tour came back for the first time since Schatz’s glory. He bested Buddy Kofoid after a late race duel led to final lap contact coming to the checkered flag. Gravel and Big Game Motorsports appear poised for a third consecutive championship with a 148-point advantage over Kofoid. They’ve reeled off five straight finishes of fourth or better over the last two weeks.

TIME IS TICKING

The calendar is running low on races for the 2026 campaign to reach a record of parity. This season has already produced 23 different World of Outlaws winners. The most in one year is 25 in 2004.

Two names immediately stand out that could help push the season’s tally to a record-tying amount. Bill Balog is the first as he’s been beating on the door of a victory in recent weeks. He started on the pole at Stockton Dirt Track before finishing fifth, bagged a Ventura podium, and was hit with heartbreak while leading the National Open at Williams Grove when a mechanical issue slowed the No. 17B. The “North Pole Nightmare” topped a trio of races last season and could pick one off before 2026 concludes. He’s led 77 Feature laps this season, which is the seventh most.

The next is Cole Macedo as he continues to chase his first World of Outlaws win. He’s watched six drivers do so this year and is hungry to add his name to the list. The closest he’s come in 2026 is a pair of podiums in the TwoC Racing No. 2C.

Another candidate that may fly a bit under the radar is Rising Sun, MD native Steven Snyder Jr. He’s impressed after taking over driving duties of the Three Stooges Racing No. 51 to the tune of an El Paso County Raceway runner-up and leading laps in a pair of races (Huset’s Speedway and Ventura Raceway) last month.

THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

WHEN AND WHERE 
Friday, Oct. 16 at Lincoln Park Speedway in Putnamville, IN
Saturday, Oct. 17 at Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway in Belleville, IL

AROUND THE TURN
Friday-Saturday, Oct. 23-24 at Texarkana 67 Speedway in Texarkana, AR (TICKETS)

CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (72/80 Races):
1. David Gravel – Big Game Motorsports No. 2 (9316 PTS)
2. Michael Kofoid – Roth Motorsports No. 83 (-148 PTS)
3. Sheldon Haudenschild – KCP Racing No. 18 (-230 PTS)
4. Carson Macedo – Jason Johnson Racing No. 41 (-316 PTS)
5. Logan Schuchart – Shark Racing No. 1S (-482 PTS)
6. Garet Williamson – Fischer Motorsports No. 23 (-666 PTS)
7. Donny Schatz – CJB Motorsports No. 15 (-712 PTS)
8. Cole Macedo – TwoC Racing No. 2C (-1040 PTS)
9. Emerson Axsom – Klaasmeyer/Petry Motorsports No. 27 (-1118 PTS)
10. Spencer Bayston – Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing No. 17 (-1136 PTS)

NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (23 Drivers):
15 Wins – Michael Kofoid
11 Wins – David Gravel, Sheldon Haudenschild
6 Wins – Carson Macedo
3 Wins – Anthony Macri, Logan Schuchart, 
2 Wins – Donny Schatz, Corey Day, Chase Dietz
1 Win – Spencer Bayston, Tyler Courtney, Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne, Rico Abreu, Aaron Reutzel, Brent Marks, Bryce Lucius, Chris Windom, Kyle Larson, Garet Williamson, Emerson Axsom, James McFadden, Justin Sanders

FEATURE LAPS LED (35 Drivers):
453 Laps Led – Michael Kofoid
366 Laps Led – David Gravel
177 Laps Led – Logan Schuchart
151 Laps Led – Carson Macedo
147 Laps Led – Sheldon Haudenschild
124 Laps Led – Garet Williamson
77 Laps Led – Bill Balog
69 Laps Led – Corey Day
66 Laps Led – Emerson Axsom
64 Laps Led – Donny Schatz
62 Laps Led – Chase Dietz
59 Laps Led – Kyle Larson
56 Laps Led – Anthony Macri
40 Laps Led – Aaron Reutzel, Chris Windom
37 Laps Led – Tyler Courtney
33 Laps Led – Brady Bacon, Rico Abreu
28 Laps Led – Ryan Timms, Justin Sanders
26 Laps Led – Steven Snyder Jr.
25 Laps Led – Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne
21 Laps Led – Kasey Jedrzejek
17 Laps Led – Spencer Bayston, Nate Dussel
16 Laps Led – Bryce Lucius
15 Laps Led – Christopher Thram
12 Laps Led – Cole Macedo
11 Laps Led – Giovanni Scelzi
8 Laps Led – Justin Whittall
7 Laps Led – Brian Brown
6 Laps Led – Brock Zearfoss, James McFadden
3 Laps Led – Brent MarksPODIUM FINISHES (38 Drivers):
32 Podiums – Michael Kofoid
31 Podiums – David Gravel
27 Podiums – Sheldon Haudenschild
20 Podiums – Carson Macedo
11 Podiums – Logan Schuchart, Garet Williamson
8 Podiums – Donny Schatz
5 Podiums – Anthony Macri
4 Podiums – Ryan Timms, Rico Abreu, Bill Balog, Emerson Axsom, Corey Day
3 Podiums – Spencer Bayston, Aaron Reutzel, Chris Windom, Chase Dietz
2 Podiums – Brady Bacon, Cole Macedo, Tyler Courtney, Giovanni Scelzi, Kasey Kahne, James McFadden, Justin Peck
1 Podium – Ashton Torgerson, Scott Bogucki, Brad Sweet, Justin Whittall, Troy Wagaman Jr., Kasey Jedrzejek, Brent Marks, Bryce Lucius, Daryn Pittman, Logan Rumsey, Kelby Watt, Kyle Larson, Steven Snyder Jr., Justin Sanders

SIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS QUICKTIME AWARDS (24 Drivers):
23 Quick Times – David Gravel
7 Quick Times – Michael Kofoid
6 Quick Times – Sheldon Haudenschild
5 Quick Times – Bill Balog
3 Quick Times – Logan Schuchart, Brady Bacon
2 Quick Times – Kasey Jedrzejek, Corey Day, Chase Dietz, Carson Macedo
1 Quick Time – Ashton Torgerson, Will Armitage, J.J. Hickle, Brian Brown, Danny Dietrich, Rico Abreu, Aaron Reutzel, Justin Henderson, Daryn Pittman, Logan Rumsey, Kasey Kahne, Tanner Thorson, Emerson Axsom, Cole Macedo

HEAT RACE WINNERS (64 Drivers):
37 Heat Wins – David Gravel
26 Heat Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild
20 Heat Wins – Carson Macedo, Bill Balog
17 Heat Wins – Michael Kofoid
14 Heat Wins – Logan Schuchart
13 Heat Wins – Garet Williamson
12 Heat Wins – Emerson Axsom
7 Heat Wins – Spencer Bayston, Donny Schatz
6 Heat Wins – Cole Macedo
5 Heat Wins – Christopher Thram
4 Heat Wins – Rico Abreu, Brent Marks, Ryan Timms
3 Heat Wins – Ashton Torgerson, Kasey Jedrzejek, Aaron Reutzel, Giovanni Scelzi, Anthony Macri, Kerry Madsen, Chris Windom, Steven Snyder Jr., Corey Day, Chase Dietz, Daryn Pittman
2 Heat Wins – Kasey Kahne, Austin McCarl, Jacob Hughes, Tyler Courtney, Justin Whittall, Kelby Watt, Brock Zearfoss, Rees Moran, Bryce Lucius, James McFadden, Max Mittry, Justin Sanders
1 Heat Win – Justin Peck, Tanner Holmes, Scotty Thiel, Will Armitage, Brian Brown, Danny Dietrich, Chad Trout, Joel Myers Jr., Andy Pake, Sam Henderson, Dayne Kingshott, Daison Pursley, Terry McCarl, Kyle Larson, Brady Bacon, Brent Shearer, Logan Rumsey, Danny Sams III, Riley Goodno, Chris Martin, Ayrton Gennetten, Carson McCarl, Kaleb Johnson, Skylar Gee, Cameron Smith, Lance Dewease

TOYOTA DASH APPEARANCES (78 Drivers):
50 Dashes – David Gravel
44 Dashes – Sheldon Haudenschild
39 Dashes – Michael Kofoid
31 Dashes – Carson Macedo
27 Dashes – Bill Balog
26 Dashes – Garet Williamson
20 Dashes – Logan Schuchart
19 Dashes – Emerson Axsom
15 Dashes – Donny Schatz
13 Dashes – Cole Macedo
12 Dashes – Spencer Bayston
9 Dashes – Chris Windom
8 Dashes – Ryan Timms
7 Dashes – Ashton Torgerson, Kasey Jedrzejek, Chase Dietz
6 Dashes – Aaron Reutzel
5 Dashes – Rico Abreu, Brent Marks, Anthony Macri
4 Dashes – Brian Brown, Brady Bacon, Logan Rumsey, Kelby Watt, Christopher Thram, Skylar Gee, Steven Snyder Jr., Corey Day, Daryn Pittman
3 Dashes – Kerry Madsen, Tanner Holmes, Justin Henderson, Bryce Lucius, Justin Whittall, Justin Peck
2 Dashes – Scotty Thiel, Kasey Kahne, Troy Wagaman Jr., Will Armitage, J.J. Hickle, Austin McCarl, Joe B. Miller, Brenham Crouch, Conner Morrell, Tyler Courtney, Kyle Larson, Cory Eliason, Gage Pulkrabek, Max Mittry, James McFadden, Justin Sanders, Lance Dewease, Cameron Smith
1 Dash – Parker Price-Miller, Brock Zearfoss, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Rees Moran, Bryce Norris, Brad Sweet, Danny Dietrich, Logan Rumsey, Kody Hartlaub, Freddie Rahmer, Chad Trout, Giovanni Scelzi, Joel Myers Jr., Andy Pake, Tanner Thorson, D.J. Christie, Ricky Peterson, Brent Shearer, Dylan Norris, Sam Henderson, Sean Rayhall, Jett Yantis, Kaleb Montgomery, Dominic Gorden, Greg Wilson, Nate Dussel

MICRO-LITE LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (39 Drivers):
5 LCS Wins – Donny Schatz
4 LCS Wins – Garet Williamson, Cole Macedo, Emerson Axsom, Chris Windom
3 LCS Wins – Spencer Bayston, Logan Schuchart
2 LCS Wins – Michael Kofoid, Giovanni Scelzi, Skylar Gee, Tyler Courtney
1 LCS Wins – Cameron Martin, Bill Balog, Blake Hahn, Landon Crawley, Bryce Norris, Doug Hammaker, Daryn Pittman, Kerry Madsen, Justin Henderson, Joel Myers Jr., Daison Pursley, Zane DeVault, Logan Julien, Jordan Poirier, Matt Farnham, Jordan Thomas, Dylan Norris, Justin Whittall, Brent Shearer, Danny Dietrich, Rico Abreu, Lynton Jeffrey, Kelby Watt, Jacob Peterson, Sam Henderson, Bryce Lucius, Tim Kaeding, Brady Bacon, Nate Dussel

KSE HARD CHARGER AWARDS (27 Drivers):
9 Hard Chargers – Carson Macedo, Logan Schuchart
8 Hard Chargers – Michael Kofoid
7 Hard Chargers – Donny Schatz
4 Hard Chargers – Spencer Bayston, Ashton Torgerson
3 Hard Chargers – Chris Windom, Cole Macedo, Sheldon Haudenschild
2 Hard Chargers – Garet Williamson, Ryan Timms, Shane Golobic, Danny Dietrich
1 Hard Charger – Giovanni Scelzi, Brady Bacon, Tyler Ross, Cameron Smith, David Gravel, Emerson Axsom, Logan Julien, Tyler Courtney, Kasey Jedrzejek, James McFadden, Corey Day, J.J. Hickle, Tanner Holmes, Ricky Peterson

ACME FASTEST LAP AWARDS (31 Drivers):
12 Fastest Laps – Michael Kofoid
7 Fastest Laps – David Gravel
6 Fastest Laps – Logan Schuchart
5 Fastest Laps – Sheldon Haudenschild, Bill Balog
4 Fastest Laps – Carson Macedo
2 Fastest Laps – Brady Bacon, Aaron Reutzel, Kasey Jedrzejek, Garet Williamson, Anthony Macri, Kyle Larson, Steven Snyder Jr., Donny Schatz
1 Fastest Lap – Brock Zearfoss, Cole Macedo, Ryan Timms, Brad Sweet, Kelby Watt, Kasey Kahne, Giovanni Scelzi, Rico Abreu, Christopher Thram, Bryce Lucius, Corey Day, Chase Dietz, Jace Park, Emerson Axsom, Justin Sanders, Justin Whittall, Nate Dussel

RACE READY CLOTHING HOTTEST LAP OF THE NIGHT AWARDS (24 Drivers):
20 Hottest Laps – David Gravel
9 Hottest Laps – Sheldon Haudenschild
8 Hottest Laps – Michael Kofoid
5 Hottest Laps – Carson Macedo, Garet Williamson
3 Hottest Laps – Logan Schuchart
2 Hottest Laps – Ashton Torgerson, Daryn Pittman, Bill Balog, Emerson Axsom
1 Hottest Lap – Austin McCarl, Brent Marks, Cole Macedo, Tyler Courtney, Ryan Timms, Giovanni Scelzi, Bryce Lucius, Nate Dussel, Logan Rumsey, Chris Windom, Spencer Bayston, Steven Snyder Jr., Camerson Smith, Skylar Gee

2026 WORLD OF OUTLAWS SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE & WINNERS:
Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner
Wed, Feb 4 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Spencer Bayston (1)
Fri, Feb 6 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Michael Kofoid (1)
Sat, Feb 7 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Anthony Macri (1)
Sun, March 1 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Sheldon Haudenschild (1)
Mon, March 2 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Anthony Macri (2)
Fri, March 6 / Talladega Short Track / Eastaboga, AL / Donny Schatz (1)
Fri, March 13 / Kennedale Speedway Park / Kennedale, TX / David Gravel (1)
Fri, March 20 / Lawton Speedway / Lawton, OK / David Gravel (2)
Sat, March 21 / Creek County Speedway / Sapulpa, OK / David Gravel (3)
Fri, March 27 / US 36 Raceway / Osborn, MO / Carson Macedo (1)
Sat, March 28 / 81 Speedway / Park City, KS / Michael Kofoid (2)
Fri, April 10 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Michael Kofoid (3)
Sat, April 11 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Michael Kofoid (4)
Sun, April 19 / Tri-State Speedway / Haubstadt, IN / Tyler Courtney (1)
Fri, April 24 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Brad Sweet (1)
Sat, April 25 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / David Gravel (4)
Tues, May 5 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA / Michael Kofoid (5)
Fri, May 8 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Kasey Kahne (1)
Sat, May 9 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / David Gravel (5)
Fri, May 15 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Rico Abreu (1)
Sat, May 16 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Logan Schuchart (1)
Tues, May 19 / Jacksonville Speedway / Jacksonville, IL / Carson Macedo (2)
Sat, May 23 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Aaron Reutzel (1)
Mon, May 25 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Michael Kofoid (6)
Fri, May 29 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND / Carson Macedo (3)
Sat, June 6 / Plymouth Dirt Track / Plymouth, WI / Sheldon Haudenschild (2)
Sun, June 7 / Angell Park Speedway / Sun Prairie, WI / Carson Macedo (4)
Fri, June 12 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Brent Marks (1)
Wed, June 17 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Michael Kofoid (7)
Thurs, June 18 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Michael Kofoid (8)
Fri, June 19 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Sheldon Haudenschild (3)
Sat, June 20 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / David Gravel (6)
Fri, June 26 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI / David Gravel (7)
Sat, June 27 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI / Sheldon Haudenschild (4)
Thurs, July 9 / Hartford Speedway / Hartford, MI / Sheldon Haudenschild (5)
Fri, July 10 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI / Michael Kofoid (9)
Sat, July 11 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI / Sheldon Haudenschild (6)
Tues, July 14 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH / Bryce Lucius (1)
Fri, July 17 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Corey Day (1)
Sat, July 18 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Anthony Macri (3)
Wed, July 22 / Ohsweken Speedway / Ohsweken, ON, Canada / David Gravel (8)
Sat, July 25 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY / Sheldon Haudenschild (7)
Sun, July 26 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY / David Gravel (9)
Wed, July 29 / BAPS Motor Speedway / York Haven, PA / Chase Dietz (1)
Fri, July 31 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Michael Kofoid (10)
Sat, Aug 1 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / David Gravel (10)
Fri, Aug 7 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Chris Windom (1)
Sat, Aug 8 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Logan Schuchart (2)
Wed, Aug 12 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA* / Sheldon Haudenschild
Thurs, Aug 13 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA* / Kyle Larson
Fri, Aug 14 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA* / Donny Schatz
Sat, Aug 15 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Kyle Larson (1)
Fri, Aug 21 / Ogilvie Raceway / Ogilvie, MN / Sheldon Haudenschild (8)
Sat, Aug 22 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN / Logan Schuchart (3)
Fri, Aug 28 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND / Garet Williamson (1)
Sat, Aug 29 / Fix It Forward Speedway / West Fargo, ND / Carson Macedo (5)
Mon, Aug 31 / Nodak Speedway / Minot, ND / Michael Kofoid (11)
Fri, Sept 4 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Sheldon Haudenschild (9)
Sat, Sept 5 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Michael Kofoid (12)
Sun, Sept 6 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Emerson Axsom (1)
Sat, Sept 12 / Dodge City Raceway Park / Dodge City, KS / Michael Kofoid (13)
Mon, Sept 14 / El Paso County Raceway / Calhan, CO / Michael Kofoid (14)
Fri, Sept 18 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA / James McFadden (1)
Sat, Sept 19 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA / Justin Sanders (1)
Tues, Sept 22 / Kings Speedway / Hanford, CA / Carson Macedo (6)
Fri, Sept 25 / Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway / Bakersfield, CA / Donny Schatz (2)
Sat, Sept 26 / Ventura Raceway / Ventura, CA / Corey Day (2)
Fri, Oct 2 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / David Gravel (11)
Sat, Oct 3 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Chase Dietz (2)
Thurs, Oct 8 / Millstream Speedway / Findlay, OH / Michael Kofoid (15)
Fri, Oct 9 / Mansfield Speedway / Mansfield, OH / Sheldon Haudenschild (10)
Sat, Oct 10 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH / Sheldon Haudenschild (11)
Fri, Oct 16 / Lincoln Park Speedway / Putnamville, IN
Sat, Oct 17 / Belle-Clair Fairgrounds Park Speedway / Belleville, IL
Fri, Oct 23 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR
Sat, Oct 24 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR
Wed, Nov 4 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Thurs, Nov 5 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Fri, Nov 6 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Sat, Nov 7 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC

*denotes unofficial split-field prelim race.

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars/top-five-storylines-former-non-wing-stars-look-to-shine-with-lincoln-park-belle-clair-weekend-ahead/

DALLAS (October 13, 2026) — For veteran Funny Car team owner and driver Terry Haddock, competing at the Stampede of Speed and Texas NHRA Fall Nationals is more than just a race. Haddock lives in New Braunfels, Texas, his primary sponsor, Concho Supply, Inc., is a Texas-based company, and he has had success at the lead-up exhibition races, winning the Texas Invitational two years in a row (2023 and 2024). This weekend, Haddock will be campaigning a red, white and blue Concho Supply Funny Car celebrating and honoring America’s 250th anniversary at the historic Texas Motorplex during the fourth race of the NHRA Countdown. The Texas Fall Nationals will commence on Friday, October 16, and Haddock is looking to get off to a quick and fast start at his home track.

“I loved racing the Texas Invitational, and we have the championship belts proudly displayed in New Braunfels, Texas,” said Haddock. “Racing at the Stampede of Speed and Texas Fall Nationals is the highlight of our season as a Texas-based team. We have a ton of friends and family come to the race, and Concho Supply, Inc., has a major presence with our team.”

Haddock and Concho Supply, Inc., have had a long-standing relationship that has been integral to the growth and improvement of Haddock’s Funny Car race team in recent years. In addition to Concho Supply, Inc., Terry Haddock Racing will be representing Priority Systems Mechanical Services, Gearwrench, P&C Cable, Bowen Electric, Intergrated Metal Products, Rodak Coffee and Circle Racing Wheels. Many of these companies will attend the race, and for Circle Racing Wheels, Haddock’s own company, the Texas Fall Nationals is the perfect environment to grow his business.

“Concho Supply has been with us for almost a decade, and we are proud to represent them on our Funny Car and at events across the country,” said Haddock. “Our program has grown and continued to improve every year. We have made big strides this year, and I know our progress on and off the track is directly related to the support from all our sponsors.”

Terry Haddock has two victories at the Texas Invitational (2023 and 2024) and the veteran driver is looking to add a Texas Fall Nationals title to his collection this weekend at Texas Motorplex, photo credit Werner Communications

Funny Car’s Terry Haddock Looking to
Make an Impact in Countdown

DALLAS (October 13, 2026) — For veteran Funny Car team owner and driver Terry Haddock, competing at the Stampede of Speed and Texas NHRA Fall Nationals is more than just a race. Haddock lives in New Braunfels, Texas, his primary sponsor, Concho Supply, Inc., is a Texas-based company, and he has had success at the lead-up exhibition races, winning the Texas Invitational two years in a row (2023 and 2024). This weekend, Haddock will be campaigning a red, white and blue Concho Supply Funny Car celebrating and honoring America’s 250th anniversary at the historic Texas Motorplex during the fourth race of the NHRA Countdown. The Texas Fall Nationals will commence on Friday, October 16, and Haddock is looking to get off to a quick and fast start at his home track.

“I loved racing the Texas Invitational, and we have the championship belts proudly displayed in New Braunfels, Texas,” said Haddock. “Racing at the Stampede of Speed and Texas Fall Nationals is the highlight of our season as a Texas-based team. We have a ton of friends and family come to the race, and Concho Supply, Inc., has a major presence with our team.”

Haddock and Concho Supply, Inc., have had a long-standing relationship that has been integral to the growth and improvement of Haddock’s Funny Car race team in recent years. In addition to Concho Supply, Inc., Terry Haddock Racing will be representing Priority Systems Mechanical Services, Gearwrench, P&C Cable, Bowen Electric, Intergrated Metal Products, Rodak Coffee and Circle Racing Wheels. Many of these companies will attend the race, and for Circle Racing Wheels, Haddock’s own company, the Texas Fall Nationals is the perfect environment to grow his business.

“Concho Supply has been with us for almost a decade, and we are proud to represent them on our Funny Car and at events across the country,” said Haddock. “Our program has grown and continued to improve every year. We have made big strides this year, and I know our progress on and off the track is directly related to the support from all our sponsors.”

Terry Haddock has two victories at the Texas Invitational (2023 and 2024) and the veteran driver is looking to add a Texas Fall Nationals title to his collection this weekend at Texas Motorplex, photo credit Werner Communications

Concho Supply, Inc., specializes in providing a wide range of high-quality supplies and equipment for the oil and gas industry. Their product offerings include drilling tools, safety equipment, and maintenance supplies for oil and gas exploration and production. Concho Supply focuses on delivering reliable products and exceptional service with a serious focus on customer satisfaction.

“Since 2018, we’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Terry Haddock and his team both on and off the track,” said Keith Kincannon, President and CEO of Concho Supply, Inc. “What has always stood out is the team’s dedication, strong work ethic, and commitment to family. Those are values we hold close at Concho Supply, and they’re a big reason why this partnership has meant so much to us over the years. We’re proud to support Terry and grateful to be aligned with a team that represents integrity, perseverance, and respect in everything they do.”

This season, Haddock and the Concho Supply Funny Car have been a factor on the track, defeating Countdown-contending Funny Cars and posting strong elapsed times. During the first race of the Countdown, Haddock ran a career-best elapsed time and speed, lighting up the scoreboard with a 3.959-second, 317.35-mph pass in the first round of the Great Lakes Nationals. That win propelled Haddock past two-time Funny Car world champion Cruz Pedregon and advanced him to the second round, where he dropped a close race to championship contender J.R. Todd. Haddock will be looking to continue to be a factor in the Countdown championship run, as teams know they cannot overlook his improving independent Funny Car team.

“We are working very hard to be as competitive as possible in the toughest Funny Car class I can remember,” said Haddock. “We want to make quick, fast and clean runs every time we are on the track. Our team is focused on getting good qualifying positions and making great runs on Sunday. I am doing a lot on this team, from making crew chief decisions to driving to everything in between. We have an awesome crew, but we are still a small team racing against the big boys.”

Leading up to the Texas Fall Nationals, Haddock will be among the featured Mission Foods Drag Racing Series drivers participating in the Pre-Stage Fanfest presented by Red Line Synthetic Oil at Railyard Park on Thursday, October 15. This free event will have a driver autograph session from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and will also feature live music and vendor booths in Railyard Park in Waxahachie. During the race, Haddock will participate in a Q&A session in the premium-ticket Champions Club, as well as spend time with fans in the pits. The face-to-face interactions with fans throughout the event are a healthy diversion for the driver, crew chief and team owner.

“I love spending time with the fans, and sometimes you need a few minutes away from the race car to clear your head,” said Haddock. “I think about this Funny Car all the time, but the fans are so important. Without them, we cannot do this, and I appreciate every time I get to give someone an autograph or take a photo. The Stampede of Speed gives fans an amazing experience, and I am happy to be a part of this great race.”

Haddock and the Concho Supply Funny Car will have two qualifying runs on Friday, October 16, followed by two qualifying runs on Saturday, October 17. On Sunday, October 18, the quickest 16 Funny Cars will be competing for the 75th anniversary diamond Wally and a custom-fitted cowboy hat from American Hat Company. The race will be broadcast nationally on FS1, and fans can find all the information about the race at www.nhra.com and www.stampedeofspeed.com.

The takeover, the break’s over. 14 countries, 1 global drift community.Monster Energy hosts World Drift Day around the world – and we shredded 👿.

Baggsy and the SB Motorsport team headed to Lithuania for the Baltics edition of World Drift Day, the boys set up camp at the billiant KART 3 track in Šiauliai. The undulating track filled with technical bends gave drivers plenty of opportunities to tandem and create a drift train, the perfect way to celebrate such a moment.

This isn’t just any event; Monster Energy’s target to reignite the passion for drifting was something we all got behind. The day had the boys celebrating the grassroots spirit that built this sport from the garage up.

Baggsy gave a short speech to the WDD crowd, reminding themselves to ditch the screens, lose the traction and find their purpose out on the track. This is Monster Energy’s way of giving back to the drift community, no corporate gloss here – just pure, unadulterated fun.

From the smell of burnt rubber to the scream of engines, World Drift Day was an absolute hit. The boys live and breathe sideways and this was just the tonic after a busy few months on the road. The SB Motorsport PS13 roared to life, the supercharged V8 screamed through the KART 3 track.

Some people chill out at a spa, we’ll chill out on track. Mostly sideways. Huge kudos to Monster Energy for putting on a worldwide party, they’re the real MVP 👊🏼.