KNOXVILLE, IA (August 10, 2026) – Knoxville Nationals week is here.
The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series and the sport in its entirety are converging upon Knoxville Raceway. The 65th running of the NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s is slated for Aug. 12-15.
The Knoxville Nationals is more than a Sprint Car race. It’s an event on the grandest scale. People from all over the globe are ready to multiply the population of the small town of Knoxville, IA. A sea of campers will stretch across campgrounds and yards. Fans will roam the streets visiting the dozens of merch trailers, grabbing a slice of pizza and NOS Energy Drink from Casey’s, and maybe making a Dingus visit for a beverage or two.
For the competitors, this is the mountaintop. It’s the race circled from the moment they step into a Sprint Car. It’s the race they all dream of winning.
This year’s running will dish out a record $200,000 to the champion atop a massive purse that hands out $15,000 for simply making the show. But the Knoxville Nationals is about so much more than the money. It’s about immortality. Winning this event cements a place in the sport’s history. Knoxville Nationals champions are never forgotten.
BUY KNOXVILLE NATIONALS TICKETS HERE
WATCH LIVE ON DIRTVision
Let’s look at the top stories to watch at Knoxville:
HISTORY WITHIN REACH
The opportunity to equal one of the sport’s most impressive records stands ahead of Donny Schatz this week.
Steve Kinser earned his 12th and final Knoxville Nationals title in 2002, a record that seemed insurmountable considering no other driver owned more than five at the time. But just a little more than two decades later, Schatz is knocking on the door.
The Fargo, ND native heads to Iowa with 11 Knoxville Nationals titles on his résumé. He broke through for his first in 2006 to launch a historic run of 10 triumphs in 12 years. Number 11 came in 2022. Since then, the closest he’s come to tying “The King” was third in 2023.
Schatz gets another shot this year, and it’ll be his first since joining forces with CJB Motorsports. The pairing already proved to have speed at Knoxville in May when Schatz ran runner-up at the Stars and Stripes Salute.
RETURNING CHAMPIONS
Schatz will have four more former champions joining him in pursuit of making that famed right turn into Knoxville Victory Lane Saturday.
Ryan Timms shocked the world a year ago when his first World of Outlaws win came in the form of a Knoxville Nationals title. He engineered a 50-lap beatdown aboard the Liebig Motorsports No. 10 and has the opportunity to become the ninth competitor to win the crown jewel two years in a row. The Oklahoma City, OK native already boasts eight Knoxville scores this year and is fresh off dominating the 360 Nationals with the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS).
David Gravel will be on the hunt for his second title and first since joining Big Game Motorsports. The Watertown, CT native got his first in 2019 with Jason Johnson Racing. He’s been on the podium in three of the last four Championship Features in Tod Quiring’s No. 2, including drives from 22nd to second in 2023 and 21st to third in 2025.
Sammy Swindell, the 1983 champion, will make his 50th Knoxville Nationals appearance this week. In addition to his one victory, “Slammin’ Sammy” has been runner-up on three occasions (1981, 1985, 1990).
While NASCAR obligations may interfere with his chances at racing Saturday, three-time Knoxville Nationals champion Kyle Larson is slated for Thursday’s qualifying night. “Yung Money” put the Silva Motorsports No. 57 in Victory Lane in 2021, 2023, and 2024. He’s fresh off winning the Capitani Classic.
FIRST TIME FAVORITES
The entry list features several accomplished drivers who are looking to conquer the sport’s most prestigious race.
Carson Macedo stands out as one of the favorites on the World of Outlaws roster as he could give Jason Johnson Racing their third Knoxville Nationals title. He’s won there four times in the “Ragin’ Cajun’s” No. 41, most recently a 2023 prelim. The last three runnings of the event have led to top five finishes for Macedo. The team rolled out a special paint scheme for this week that pays homage to Jason Johnson’s popular 2016 win.
Four top fives have brought Logan Schuchart so close to Knoxville Nationals glory with Shark Racing. Among those are memorable drives from 22nd to second in 2019 and 17th to third in 2022. All that’s left for Schuchart to find is the top step of the podium and join his grandfather Bobby Allen on the list of champions.
Sheldon Haudenschild’s speed during Knoxville Nationals week has flown a bit under the radar. He carries an active streak of six consecutive top 10s in the finale into his first attempt since joining KCP Racing.
Rico Abreu was one spot away from getting the job done last year, finishing a personal best of second. The St. Helena, CA driver owns 13 total Knoxville triumphs, including one to open the month of August with the Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing team.
Clovis, CA phenom Corey Day will take a break from his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series duties to chase a Knoxville Nationals title. He drove the Jason Meyers Racing No. 14 from 11th to the podium two years ago and is a two-time World of Outlaws Feature winner at “The Sprint Car Capital of the World.”
Brian Brown has been trying to win the Knoxville Nationals for more than two decades and came so close with three consecutive runner-up results from 2012 through 2014. The Grain Valley, MO native’s 69 career Knoxville victories rank second behind only Danny Lasoski (112).
Giovanni Scelzi enters the biggest week of the year with the momentum of Bob Weikert Memorial and 360 Nationals prelim victories with Spire Motorsports. “Hot Sauce” boasts nine total Knoxville triumphs.
IOWA PROUD
It’s hard to believe that no Iowa native has ever won the Knoxville Nationals, but could this be the year it happens?
If a “Hawkeye” is going to make the home state proud, it’s tough to look at anyone aside from Austin McCarl as the favorite. The Altoona, IA driver has captured four 410 track championships, including the last three. He’s also won 10 races at the 1/2 mile with a 410 under the hood. In 2022, he proved he could perform under the bright lights when he put the Country Builders Racing No. 88 on the pole of the sport’s biggest race.
McCarl will have plenty of fellow Iowa-born competitors joining him, including Tasker Phillips (Pleasantville, IA), Kelby Watt (Adel, IA), Riley Goodno (Knoxville, IA), and more.
FLYING UNDER THE RADAR
The names expected to be up front have been covered, but who are some of the entries that could surprise with a strong run?
It’s hard to call 2013 World of Outlaws champion Daryn Pittman an underdog, but his semi-retired status doesn’t allow him a lot of track time these days. Still, the 2019 Knoxville Nationals podium finisher can’t be counted out as he takes another crack with Pennsylvania’s Kreitz Racing. Pittman put the blue No. 69K on the front row two years ago.
Garet Williamson has been banging on the door of his first World of Outlaws win and would love to replicate Ryan Timms’ feat of pulling it off on the biggest stage. Like many from Missouri, Knoxville is where Williamson spent plenty of time cutting his teeth. He owns a trio of Knoxville checkered flags, two in a 360 and one in a 410.
James McFadden’s name may not get thrown around in the favorite category, but his recent results with Tarlton Motorsports make him hard to overlook. They won last year’s Capitani Classic and grabbed a 360 Nationals top five over the weekend.
Quilcene, WA’s J.J. Hickle has turned plenty of heads in the Matt Moro No. 2M this season. It started with a World of Outlaws top five in April, and he’s been back in the top five in 410 competition seven more times, highlighted by a runner-up. Hickle made the Championship Feature in 2022.
THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE
WHEN AND WHERE
Wednesday-Saturday, August 12-15 at Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, IA
AROUND THE TURN
Friday, August 21 at Ogilvie Raceway in Ogilvie, MN (TICKETS)
Saturday, August 22 at Jackson Motorplex in Jackson, MN (TICKETS)
CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (48/81 Races):
1. David Gravel – Big Game Motorsports No. 2 (6502 PTS)
2. Michael Kofoid – Roth Motorsports No. 83 (-180 PTS)
3. Sheldon Haudenschild – KCP Racing No. 18 (-206 PTS)
4. Carson Macedo – Jason Johnson Racing No. 41 (-244 PTS)
5. Logan Schuchart – Shark Racing No. 1S (-294 PTS)
6. Donny Schatz – CJB Motorsports No. 15 (-502 PTS)
7. Garet Williamson – Fischer Motorsports No. 23 (-600 PTS)
8. Cole Macedo – TwoC Racing No. 2C (-822 PTS)
9. Chris Windom – Sides Motorsports No. 7S (-864 PTS)
10. Spencer Bayston – Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing No. 17 (-890 PTS)
NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (18 Drivers):
10 Wins – Michael Kofoid, David Gravel
7 Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild
4 Wins – Carson Macedo
3 Wins – Anthony Macri
2 Wins – Logan Schuchart
1 Win – Spencer Bayston, Donny Schatz, Tyler Courtney, Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne, Rico Abreu, Aaron Reutzel, Brent Marks, Bryce Lucius, Corey Day, Chase Dietz, Chris Windom
FEATURE LAPS LED (30 Drivers):
320 Laps Led – David Gravel
280 Laps Led – Michael Kofoid
142 Laps Led – Logan Schuchart
113 Laps Led – Carson Macedo
85 Laps Led – Garet Williamson
79 Laps Led – Sheldon Haudenschild
56 Laps Led – Anthony Macri
44 Laps Led – Bill Balog
40 Laps Led – Aaron Reutzel, Chris Windom
37 Laps Led – Tyler Courtney
35 Laps Led – Donny Schatz
33 Laps Led – Brady Bacon, Rico Abreu
30 Laps Led – Corey Day, Chase Dietz
28 Laps Led – Ryan Timms
25 Laps Led – Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne
21 Laps Led – Kasey Jedrzejek
17 Laps Led – Spencer Bayston
16 Laps Led – Bryce Lucius
15 Laps Led – Christopher Thram
12 Laps Led – Cole Macedo
11 Laps Led – Giovanni Scelzi, Emerson Axsom
9 Laps Led – Kyle Larson
7 Laps Led – Brian Brown
6 Laps Led – Brock Zearfoss
3 Laps Led – Brent MarksPODIUM FINISHES (33 Drivers):
25 Podiums – David Gravel
22 Podiums – Michael Kofoid
18 Podiums – Sheldon Haudenschild
13 Podiums – Carson Macedo
9 Podiums – Logan Schuchart
6 Podiums – Donny Schatz
5 Podiums – Garet Williamson
4 Podiums – Ryan Timms, Anthony Macri, Rico Abreu
3 Podiums – Spencer Bayston, Bill Balog, Aaron Reutzel
2 Podiums – Brady Bacon, Cole Macedo, Tyler Courtney, Giovanni Scelzi, Chase Dietz
1 Podium – Ashton Torgerson, Scott Bogucki, Emerson Axsom, Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne, Justin Whittall, Troy Wagaman Jr., Kasey Jedrzejek, Brent Marks, Bryce Lucius, Corey Day, Daryn Pittman, Logan Rumsey, Chris Windom, Kelby Watt
SIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS QUICKTIME AWARDS (19 Drivers):
17 Quick Times – David Gravel
5 Quick Times – Sheldon Haudenschild
4 Quick Times – Bill Balog
3 Quick Times – Logan Schuchart, Michael Kofoid, Brady Bacon
1 Quick Time – Ashton Torgerson, Kasey Jedrzejek, Will Armitage, J.J. Hickle, Brian Brown, Danny Dietrich, Rico Abreu, Aaron Reutzel, Justin Henderson, Chase Dietz, Carson Macedo, Daryn Pittman, Logan Rumsey
HEAT RACE WINNERS (49 Drivers):
29 Heat Wins – David Gravel
21 Heat Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild
15 Heat Wins – Bill Balog
12 Heat Wins – Carson Macedo, Logan Schuchart
9 Heat Wins – Michael Kofoid
8 Heat Wins – Garet Williamson
6 Heat Wins – Donny Schatz
5 Heat Wins – Emerson Axsom
4 Heat Wins – Cole Macedo, Rico Abreu, Spencer Bayston
3 Heat Wins – Ashton Torgerson, Kasey Jedrzejek, Aaron Reutzel, Giovanni Scelzi, Anthony Macri, Brent Marks, Kerry Madsen
2 Heat Wins – Chase Dietz, Kasey Kahne, Austin McCarl, Jacob Hughes, Ryan Timms, Tyler Courtney, Justin Whittall, Daryn Pittman, Kelby Watt
1 Heat Win – Justin Peck, Tanner Holmes, Scotty Thiel, Will Armitage, Rees Moran, Tyler Courtney, Brian Brown, Danny Dietrich, Chad Trout, Joel Myers Jr., Andy Pake, Sam Henderson, Dayne Kingshott, Christopher Thram, Daison Pursley, Terry McCarl, Kyle Larson, Bryce Lucius, Brady Bacon, Chris Windom, Brent Shearer, Logan Rumsey
TOYOTA DASH APPEARANCES (65 Drivers):
34 Dashes – Sheldon Haudenschild, David Gravel
24 Dashes – Michael Kofoid
19 Dashes – Carson Macedo
18 Dashes – Bill Balog
15 Dashes – Garet Williamson, Logan Schuchart
10 Dashes – Emerson Axsom
9 Dashes – Donny Schatz, Cole Macedo
7 Dashes – Ashton Torgerson, Kasey Jedrzejek
6 Dashes – Spencer Bayston, Aaron Reutzel, Chris Windom
5 Dashes – Rico Abreu, Ryan Timms, Brent Marks, Chase Dietz
4 Dashes – Anthony Macri, Brian Brown, Brady Bacon, Logan Rumsey, Kelby Watt
3 Dashes – Kerry Madsen, Tanner Holmes, Justin Henderson, Daryn Pittman
2 Dashes – Scotty Thiel, Kasey Kahne, Troy Wagaman Jr., Will Armitage, J.J. Hickle, Austin McCarl, Joe B. Miller, Brenham Crouch, Conner Morrell, Bryce Lucius, Tyler Courtney, Kyle Larson, Justin Whittall, Cory Eliason
1 Dash – Justin Peck, Parker Price-Miller, Brock Zearfoss, Christopher Thram, 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, Corey Day, D.J. Christie, Skylar Gee, Ricky Peterson, Lance Dewease, Brent Shearer, Dylan Norris
MICRO-LITE LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (31 Drivers):
4 LCS Wins – Donny Schatz, Garet Williamson
3 LCS Wins – Spencer Bayston, Emerson Axsom
2 LCS Wins – Michael Kofoid, Chris Windom, Giovanni Scelzi, Cole Macedo, Skylar Gee
1 LCS Wins – Cameron Martin, Bill Balog, Blake Hahn, Landon Crawley, Bryce Norris, Logan Schuchart, Doug Hammaker, Daryn Pittman, Kerry Madsen, Justin Henderson, Joel Myers Jr., Tyler Courtney, Daison Pursley, Zane DeVault, Logan Julien, Jordan Poirier, Matt Farnham, Jordan Thomas, Dylan Norris, Justin Whittall, Brent Shearer, Danny Dietrich
KSE HARD CHARGER AWARDS (22 Drivers):
7 Hard Chargers – Carson Macedo
6 Hard Chargers – Michael Kofoid
5 Hard Chargers – Donny Schatz, Logan Schuchart
3 Hard Chargers – Spencer Bayston, Chris Windom
2 Hard Chargers – Garet Williamson, Cole Macedo, Ashton Torgerson
1 Hard Charger – Giovanni Scelzi, Ryan Timms, Brady Bacon, Sheldon Haudenschild, Tyler Ross, Cameron Smith, David Gravel, Emerson Axsom, Logan Julien, Tyler Courtney, Kasey Jedrzejek, James McFadden, Danny Dietrich
ACME FASTEST LAP AWARDS (23 Drivers):
7 Fastest Laps – Michael Kofoid
6 Fastest Laps – David Gravel
5 Fastest Laps – Logan Schuchart
3 Fastest Laps – Sheldon Haudenschild, Carson Macedo
2 Fastest Laps – Bill Balog, Brady Bacon, Aaron Reutzel, Kasey Jedrzejek, Garet Williamson, Anthony Macri
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
RACE READY CLOTHING HOTTEST LAP OF THE NIGHT AWARDS (16 Drivers):
16 Hottest Laps – David Gravel
7 Hottest Laps – Sheldon Haudenschild
4 Hottest Laps – Michael Kofoid, Carson Macedo
3 Hottest Laps – Logan Schuchart
2 Hottest Laps – Garet Williamson
1 Hottest Lap – Austin McCarl, Brent Marks, Cole Macedo, Emerson Axsom, Tyler Courtney, Ryan Timms, Daryn Pittman, Giovanni Scelzi, Bryce Lucius, Ashton Torgerson, Nate Dussel, Logan Rumsey
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*
Thurs, Aug 13 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Fri, Aug 14 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Sat, Aug 15 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Fri, Aug 21 / Ogilvie Raceway / Ogilvie, MN
Sat, Aug 22 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN
Fri, Aug 28 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND
Sat, Aug 29 / Red River Valley Speedway / West Fargo, ND
Sun, Aug 30 / Nodak Speedway / Minot, ND
Fri, Sept 4 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sat, Sept 5 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sun, Sept 6 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, Sept 11 / Belleville High Banks / Belleville, KS
Sat, Sept 12 / Dodge City Raceway Park / Dodge City, KS
Mon, Sept 14 / El Paso County Raceway / Calhan, CO
Fri, Sept 18 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA
Sat, Sept 19 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA
Tues, Sept 22 / Kings Speedway / Hanford, CA
Fri, Sept 25 / Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway / Bakersfield, CA
Sat, Sept 26 / Ventura Raceway / Ventura, CA
Fri, Oct 2 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Sat, Oct 3 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Thurs, Oct 8 / Millstream Speedway / Findlay, OH
Fri, Oct 9 / Mansfield Speedway / Mansfield, OH
Sat, Oct 10 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH
Fri, Oct 16 / Lincoln Park Speedway / Putnamville, IN
Sat, Oct 17 / TBA
Fri, Oct 23 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR
Sat, Oct 24 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR
Wed, Nov 4 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Thurs, Nov 5 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Fri, Nov 6 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Sat, Nov 7 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
*denotes unofficial split-field prelim race.
TOP FIVE STORYLINES: 65th Knoxville Nationals Bringing Sprint Car World to Iowa
KNOXVILLE, IA (August 10, 2026) – Knoxville Nationals week is here.
The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series and the sport in its entirety are converging upon Knoxville Raceway. The 65th running of the NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s is slated for Aug. 12-15.
The Knoxville Nationals is more than a Sprint Car race. It’s an event on the grandest scale. People from all over the globe are ready to multiply the population of the small town of Knoxville, IA. A sea of campers will stretch across campgrounds and yards. Fans will roam the streets visiting the dozens of merch trailers, grabbing a slice of pizza and NOS Energy Drink from Casey’s, and maybe making a Dingus visit for a beverage or two.
For the competitors, this is the mountaintop. It’s the race circled from the moment they step into a Sprint Car. It’s the race they all dream of winning.
This year’s running will dish out a record $200,000 to the champion atop a massive purse that hands out $15,000 for simply making the show. But the Knoxville Nationals is about so much more than the money. It’s about immortality. Winning this event cements a place in the sport’s history. Knoxville Nationals champions are never forgotten.
BUY KNOXVILLE NATIONALS TICKETS HERE
WATCH LIVE ON DIRTVision
Let’s look at the top stories to watch at Knoxville:
HISTORY WITHIN REACH
The opportunity to equal one of the sport’s most impressive records stands ahead of Donny Schatz this week.
Steve Kinser earned his 12th and final Knoxville Nationals title in 2002, a record that seemed insurmountable considering no other driver owned more than five at the time. But just a little more than two decades later, Schatz is knocking on the door.
The Fargo, ND native heads to Iowa with 11 Knoxville Nationals titles on his résumé. He broke through for his first in 2006 to launch a historic run of 10 triumphs in 12 years. Number 11 came in 2022. Since then, the closest he’s come to tying “The King” was third in 2023.
Schatz gets another shot this year, and it’ll be his first since joining forces with CJB Motorsports. The pairing already proved to have speed at Knoxville in May when Schatz ran runner-up at the Stars and Stripes Salute.
RETURNING CHAMPIONS
Schatz will have four more former champions joining him in pursuit of making that famed right turn into Knoxville Victory Lane Saturday.
Ryan Timms shocked the world a year ago when his first World of Outlaws win came in the form of a Knoxville Nationals title. He engineered a 50-lap beatdown aboard the Liebig Motorsports No. 10 and has the opportunity to become the ninth competitor to win the crown jewel two years in a row. The Oklahoma City, OK native already boasts eight Knoxville scores this year and is fresh off dominating the 360 Nationals with the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS).
David Gravel will be on the hunt for his second title and first since joining Big Game Motorsports. The Watertown, CT native got his first in 2019 with Jason Johnson Racing. He’s been on the podium in three of the last four Championship Features in Tod Quiring’s No. 2, including drives from 22nd to second in 2023 and 21st to third in 2025.
Sammy Swindell, the 1983 champion, will make his 50th Knoxville Nationals appearance this week. In addition to his one victory, “Slammin’ Sammy” has been runner-up on three occasions (1981, 1985, 1990).
While NASCAR obligations may interfere with his chances at racing Saturday, three-time Knoxville Nationals champion Kyle Larson is slated for Thursday’s qualifying night. “Yung Money” put the Silva Motorsports No. 57 in Victory Lane in 2021, 2023, and 2024. He’s fresh off winning the Capitani Classic.
FIRST TIME FAVORITES
The entry list features several accomplished drivers who are looking to conquer the sport’s most prestigious race.
Carson Macedo stands out as one of the favorites on the World of Outlaws roster as he could give Jason Johnson Racing their third Knoxville Nationals title. He’s won there four times in the “Ragin’ Cajun’s” No. 41, most recently a 2023 prelim. The last three runnings of the event have led to top five finishes for Macedo. The team rolled out a special paint scheme for this week that pays homage to Jason Johnson’s popular 2016 win.
Four top fives have brought Logan Schuchart so close to Knoxville Nationals glory with Shark Racing. Among those are memorable drives from 22nd to second in 2019 and 17th to third in 2022. All that’s left for Schuchart to find is the top step of the podium and join his grandfather Bobby Allen on the list of champions.
Sheldon Haudenschild’s speed during Knoxville Nationals week has flown a bit under the radar. He carries an active streak of six consecutive top 10s in the finale into his first attempt since joining KCP Racing.
Rico Abreu was one spot away from getting the job done last year, finishing a personal best of second. The St. Helena, CA driver owns 13 total Knoxville triumphs, including one to open the month of August with the Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing team.
Clovis, CA phenom Corey Day will take a break from his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series duties to chase a Knoxville Nationals title. He drove the Jason Meyers Racing No. 14 from 11th to the podium two years ago and is a two-time World of Outlaws Feature winner at “The Sprint Car Capital of the World.”
Brian Brown has been trying to win the Knoxville Nationals for more than two decades and came so close with three consecutive runner-up results from 2012 through 2014. The Grain Valley, MO native’s 69 career Knoxville victories rank second behind only Danny Lasoski (112).
Giovanni Scelzi enters the biggest week of the year with the momentum of Bob Weikert Memorial and 360 Nationals prelim victories with Spire Motorsports. “Hot Sauce” boasts nine total Knoxville triumphs.
IOWA PROUD
It’s hard to believe that no Iowa native has ever won the Knoxville Nationals, but could this be the year it happens?
If a “Hawkeye” is going to make the home state proud, it’s tough to look at anyone aside from Austin McCarl as the favorite. The Altoona, IA driver has captured four 410 track championships, including the last three. He’s also won 10 races at the 1/2 mile with a 410 under the hood. In 2022, he proved he could perform under the bright lights when he put the Country Builders Racing No. 88 on the pole of the sport’s biggest race.
McCarl will have plenty of fellow Iowa-born competitors joining him, including Tasker Phillips (Pleasantville, IA), Kelby Watt (Adel, IA), Riley Goodno (Knoxville, IA), and more.
FLYING UNDER THE RADAR
The names expected to be up front have been covered, but who are some of the entries that could surprise with a strong run?
It’s hard to call 2013 World of Outlaws champion Daryn Pittman an underdog, but his semi-retired status doesn’t allow him a lot of track time these days. Still, the 2019 Knoxville Nationals podium finisher can’t be counted out as he takes another crack with Pennsylvania’s Kreitz Racing. Pittman put the blue No. 69K on the front row two years ago.
Garet Williamson has been banging on the door of his first World of Outlaws win and would love to replicate Ryan Timms’ feat of pulling it off on the biggest stage. Like many from Missouri, Knoxville is where Williamson spent plenty of time cutting his teeth. He owns a trio of Knoxville checkered flags, two in a 360 and one in a 410.
James McFadden’s name may not get thrown around in the favorite category, but his recent results with Tarlton Motorsports make him hard to overlook. They won last year’s Capitani Classic and grabbed a 360 Nationals top five over the weekend.
Quilcene, WA’s J.J. Hickle has turned plenty of heads in the Matt Moro No. 2M this season. It started with a World of Outlaws top five in April, and he’s been back in the top five in 410 competition seven more times, highlighted by a runner-up. Hickle made the Championship Feature in 2022.
THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE
WHEN AND WHERE
Wednesday-Saturday, August 12-15 at Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, IA
AROUND THE TURN
Friday, August 21 at Ogilvie Raceway in Ogilvie, MN (TICKETS)
Saturday, August 22 at Jackson Motorplex in Jackson, MN (TICKETS)
CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (48/81 Races):
1. David Gravel – Big Game Motorsports No. 2 (6502 PTS)
2. Michael Kofoid – Roth Motorsports No. 83 (-180 PTS)
3. Sheldon Haudenschild – KCP Racing No. 18 (-206 PTS)
4. Carson Macedo – Jason Johnson Racing No. 41 (-244 PTS)
5. Logan Schuchart – Shark Racing No. 1S (-294 PTS)
6. Donny Schatz – CJB Motorsports No. 15 (-502 PTS)
7. Garet Williamson – Fischer Motorsports No. 23 (-600 PTS)
8. Cole Macedo – TwoC Racing No. 2C (-822 PTS)
9. Chris Windom – Sides Motorsports No. 7S (-864 PTS)
10. Spencer Bayston – Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing No. 17 (-890 PTS)
NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (18 Drivers):
10 Wins – Michael Kofoid, David Gravel
7 Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild
4 Wins – Carson Macedo
3 Wins – Anthony Macri
2 Wins – Logan Schuchart
1 Win – Spencer Bayston, Donny Schatz, Tyler Courtney, Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne, Rico Abreu, Aaron Reutzel, Brent Marks, Bryce Lucius, Corey Day, Chase Dietz, Chris Windom
FEATURE LAPS LED (30 Drivers):
320 Laps Led – David Gravel
280 Laps Led – Michael Kofoid
142 Laps Led – Logan Schuchart
113 Laps Led – Carson Macedo
85 Laps Led – Garet Williamson
79 Laps Led – Sheldon Haudenschild
56 Laps Led – Anthony Macri
44 Laps Led – Bill Balog
40 Laps Led – Aaron Reutzel, Chris Windom
37 Laps Led – Tyler Courtney
35 Laps Led – Donny Schatz
33 Laps Led – Brady Bacon, Rico Abreu
30 Laps Led – Corey Day, Chase Dietz
28 Laps Led – Ryan Timms
25 Laps Led – Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne
21 Laps Led – Kasey Jedrzejek
17 Laps Led – Spencer Bayston
16 Laps Led – Bryce Lucius
15 Laps Led – Christopher Thram
12 Laps Led – Cole Macedo
11 Laps Led – Giovanni Scelzi, Emerson Axsom
9 Laps Led – Kyle Larson
7 Laps Led – Brian Brown
6 Laps Led – Brock Zearfoss
3 Laps Led – Brent MarksPODIUM FINISHES (33 Drivers):
25 Podiums – David Gravel
22 Podiums – Michael Kofoid
18 Podiums – Sheldon Haudenschild
13 Podiums – Carson Macedo
9 Podiums – Logan Schuchart
6 Podiums – Donny Schatz
5 Podiums – Garet Williamson
4 Podiums – Ryan Timms, Anthony Macri, Rico Abreu
3 Podiums – Spencer Bayston, Bill Balog, Aaron Reutzel
2 Podiums – Brady Bacon, Cole Macedo, Tyler Courtney, Giovanni Scelzi, Chase Dietz
1 Podium – Ashton Torgerson, Scott Bogucki, Emerson Axsom, Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne, Justin Whittall, Troy Wagaman Jr., Kasey Jedrzejek, Brent Marks, Bryce Lucius, Corey Day, Daryn Pittman, Logan Rumsey, Chris Windom, Kelby Watt
SIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS QUICKTIME AWARDS (19 Drivers):
17 Quick Times – David Gravel
5 Quick Times – Sheldon Haudenschild
4 Quick Times – Bill Balog
3 Quick Times – Logan Schuchart, Michael Kofoid, Brady Bacon
1 Quick Time – Ashton Torgerson, Kasey Jedrzejek, Will Armitage, J.J. Hickle, Brian Brown, Danny Dietrich, Rico Abreu, Aaron Reutzel, Justin Henderson, Chase Dietz, Carson Macedo, Daryn Pittman, Logan Rumsey
HEAT RACE WINNERS (49 Drivers):
29 Heat Wins – David Gravel
21 Heat Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild
15 Heat Wins – Bill Balog
12 Heat Wins – Carson Macedo, Logan Schuchart
9 Heat Wins – Michael Kofoid
8 Heat Wins – Garet Williamson
6 Heat Wins – Donny Schatz
5 Heat Wins – Emerson Axsom
4 Heat Wins – Cole Macedo, Rico Abreu, Spencer Bayston
3 Heat Wins – Ashton Torgerson, Kasey Jedrzejek, Aaron Reutzel, Giovanni Scelzi, Anthony Macri, Brent Marks, Kerry Madsen
2 Heat Wins – Chase Dietz, Kasey Kahne, Austin McCarl, Jacob Hughes, Ryan Timms, Tyler Courtney, Justin Whittall, Daryn Pittman, Kelby Watt
1 Heat Win – Justin Peck, Tanner Holmes, Scotty Thiel, Will Armitage, Rees Moran, Tyler Courtney, Brian Brown, Danny Dietrich, Chad Trout, Joel Myers Jr., Andy Pake, Sam Henderson, Dayne Kingshott, Christopher Thram, Daison Pursley, Terry McCarl, Kyle Larson, Bryce Lucius, Brady Bacon, Chris Windom, Brent Shearer, Logan Rumsey
TOYOTA DASH APPEARANCES (65 Drivers):
34 Dashes – Sheldon Haudenschild, David Gravel
24 Dashes – Michael Kofoid
19 Dashes – Carson Macedo
18 Dashes – Bill Balog
15 Dashes – Garet Williamson, Logan Schuchart
10 Dashes – Emerson Axsom
9 Dashes – Donny Schatz, Cole Macedo
7 Dashes – Ashton Torgerson, Kasey Jedrzejek
6 Dashes – Spencer Bayston, Aaron Reutzel, Chris Windom
5 Dashes – Rico Abreu, Ryan Timms, Brent Marks, Chase Dietz
4 Dashes – Anthony Macri, Brian Brown, Brady Bacon, Logan Rumsey, Kelby Watt
3 Dashes – Kerry Madsen, Tanner Holmes, Justin Henderson, Daryn Pittman
2 Dashes – Scotty Thiel, Kasey Kahne, Troy Wagaman Jr., Will Armitage, J.J. Hickle, Austin McCarl, Joe B. Miller, Brenham Crouch, Conner Morrell, Bryce Lucius, Tyler Courtney, Kyle Larson, Justin Whittall, Cory Eliason
1 Dash – Justin Peck, Parker Price-Miller, Brock Zearfoss, Christopher Thram, 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, Corey Day, D.J. Christie, Skylar Gee, Ricky Peterson, Lance Dewease, Brent Shearer, Dylan Norris
MICRO-LITE LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (31 Drivers):
4 LCS Wins – Donny Schatz, Garet Williamson
3 LCS Wins – Spencer Bayston, Emerson Axsom
2 LCS Wins – Michael Kofoid, Chris Windom, Giovanni Scelzi, Cole Macedo, Skylar Gee
1 LCS Wins – Cameron Martin, Bill Balog, Blake Hahn, Landon Crawley, Bryce Norris, Logan Schuchart, Doug Hammaker, Daryn Pittman, Kerry Madsen, Justin Henderson, Joel Myers Jr., Tyler Courtney, Daison Pursley, Zane DeVault, Logan Julien, Jordan Poirier, Matt Farnham, Jordan Thomas, Dylan Norris, Justin Whittall, Brent Shearer, Danny Dietrich
KSE HARD CHARGER AWARDS (22 Drivers):
7 Hard Chargers – Carson Macedo
6 Hard Chargers – Michael Kofoid
5 Hard Chargers – Donny Schatz, Logan Schuchart
3 Hard Chargers – Spencer Bayston, Chris Windom
2 Hard Chargers – Garet Williamson, Cole Macedo, Ashton Torgerson
1 Hard Charger – Giovanni Scelzi, Ryan Timms, Brady Bacon, Sheldon Haudenschild, Tyler Ross, Cameron Smith, David Gravel, Emerson Axsom, Logan Julien, Tyler Courtney, Kasey Jedrzejek, James McFadden, Danny Dietrich
ACME FASTEST LAP AWARDS (23 Drivers):
7 Fastest Laps – Michael Kofoid
6 Fastest Laps – David Gravel
5 Fastest Laps – Logan Schuchart
3 Fastest Laps – Sheldon Haudenschild, Carson Macedo
2 Fastest Laps – Bill Balog, Brady Bacon, Aaron Reutzel, Kasey Jedrzejek, Garet Williamson, Anthony Macri
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
RACE READY CLOTHING HOTTEST LAP OF THE NIGHT AWARDS (16 Drivers):
16 Hottest Laps – David Gravel
7 Hottest Laps – Sheldon Haudenschild
4 Hottest Laps – Michael Kofoid, Carson Macedo
3 Hottest Laps – Logan Schuchart
2 Hottest Laps – Garet Williamson
1 Hottest Lap – Austin McCarl, Brent Marks, Cole Macedo, Emerson Axsom, Tyler Courtney, Ryan Timms, Daryn Pittman, Giovanni Scelzi, Bryce Lucius, Ashton Torgerson, Nate Dussel, Logan Rumsey
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*
Thurs, Aug 13 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Fri, Aug 14 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Sat, Aug 15 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Fri, Aug 21 / Ogilvie Raceway / Ogilvie, MN
Sat, Aug 22 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN
Fri, Aug 28 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND
Sat, Aug 29 / Red River Valley Speedway / West Fargo, ND
Sun, Aug 30 / Nodak Speedway / Minot, ND
Fri, Sept 4 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sat, Sept 5 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sun, Sept 6 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, Sept 11 / Belleville High Banks / Belleville, KS
Sat, Sept 12 / Dodge City Raceway Park / Dodge City, KS
Mon, Sept 14 / El Paso County Raceway / Calhan, CO
Fri, Sept 18 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA
Sat, Sept 19 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA
Tues, Sept 22 / Kings Speedway / Hanford, CA
Fri, Sept 25 / Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway / Bakersfield, CA
Sat, Sept 26 / Ventura Raceway / Ventura, CA
Fri, Oct 2 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Sat, Oct 3 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Thurs, Oct 8 / Millstream Speedway / Findlay, OH
Fri, Oct 9 / Mansfield Speedway / Mansfield, OH
Sat, Oct 10 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH
Fri, Oct 16 / Lincoln Park Speedway / Putnamville, IN
Sat, Oct 17 / TBA
Fri, Oct 23 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR
Sat, Oct 24 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR
Wed, Nov 4 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Thurs, Nov 5 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Fri, Nov 6 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Sat, Nov 7 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
*denotes unofficial split-field prelim race.