OCALA, FL (May 15, 2024) — Last year Josh Hart and the R+L Carriers Top Fuel team raced to the final round of the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals. This year the team will be looking to add one more round win and race into the winner’s circle for the first time in 2024. The business owner from Ocala, Florida, has been battling the Top Fuel competition since his rookie season of 2021 and the multi-time national event winner is eager to return to the windy city.
 
“We have been working through some issues since the beginning of the season and the lay off after Charlotte only has me more eager to get to Chicago and start racing again,” said Hart. “We made some significant changes and we need to make passes to build up some data. Everyone lost qualifying rounds early in the year, but I don’t know if anyone made as many adjustments as us. I know we will figure it out, but it never happens fast enough.”

 Josh Hart will be racing for his first victory of 2024 at the Route 66 Nationals this weekend,
photo credit Auto Imagery/Gary Nastase

This season Hart has raced to the quarterfinals at the season opening Gatornationals and the Las Vegas Four-Wide Nationals. Early round exits in Pomona, Phoenix and Charlotte and frustrated Hart and his R+L Carriers team but they are far from discouraged. The upcoming four qualifying sessions in Chicago and a favorable weather forecast has the team that is regarded as a sleeping giant ready to go.
 
“The races that have been effected by weather have hurt us,” said Hart. “You can look at our ETs and our Sunday morning times are considerably quicker than our best qualifying efforts, but we lost some runs in qualifying. If we had had all the qualifying runs, we would have been higher in the order and that could make a huge difference. When we can get four qualifying runs, I am totally confident my crew chief Ron Douglas can put us in a position to go rounds.”
 
Hart has dedicated himself over the last season to improving his reaction times and the work has paid off for the accomplished Top Alcohol Dragster driver turned Top Fuel pilot. Hart is second in the class when it comes to reaction time average.
 
“It takes the whole team working together to get win lights,” said Hart. “The guys in the pits have to put the car together correctly, Ron has to make the right calls and I have to be at my best on the starting line. We have had two of the three elements come together but we need to get all three parts working together on Sunday. We have all the right pieces but sometimes it just takes time to get everything to gel.”
 
With only five races off the schedule Hart knows he has time to move up in the Top Ten and position himself for a run at his first Top Fuel championship. As a student of the class he has seen veteran drivers like 2023 Top Fuel world champion Doug Kalitta struggle for two seasons only to start hitting on all cylinders in the Countdown. Hart knows that the key is continuing to do the work and not go negative.
 
“We want to just keep improving round by round and race by race,” said Hart. “This season is a marathon that turns into a sprint during the Countdown. You want to get to the regular season finish line positioned with the top teams. You don’t have to be at the top, but we need to be moving in the right direction. I know we will keep grinding to make the right adjustments.”
 
Hart and the R+L Carriers team will get their first chance to make passes on Friday afternoon and evening when qualifying for the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals get underway. There will be two more qualifying sessions on Saturday with final eliminations for the 16 quickest Top Fuel dragsters commencing at 11 a.m. on Sunday. The race will be televised nationally on FS1 Sunday evening.
 

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 15, 2024) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, is excited to confirm that the 2024 Grand National Championship season finale will be waged at Lake Ozark Speedway in Eldon, Missouri, on Saturday, September 14.  The inaugural Lake Ozark Short Track is destined to be a centerpiece attraction of the 18th Annual Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest, which will draw more than 125,000 motorcycle enthusiasts to the Lake of the Ozarks to celebrate the area’s beautiful scenery and incredible twisty roads from September 11-15. This will also mark the first occasion the series will visit Lake Ozark Speedway. The venue, which opened in 2004, is a 1/3-mile semi-banked clay oval with seating for more than 5000 spectators. Progressive American Flat Track will serve as one of the title partners of Bikefest to maximize awareness of what promises to be one of the most highly anticipated finales in recent memory as living legend and reigning Mission AFT SuperTwins king Jared Mees makes his bid for immortality via an unprecedented tenth Grand National Championship. Ed Schmidt, Bikefest member said, “We’re thrilled to bring Progressive American Flat Track racing to this year’s Lake of the Ozarks Bikefest. The racing is incredible and should prove to be a hit alongside all the other new attractions we have on tap. With more than 300 bars and restaurants, over 50 live music and entertainment shows, a Harley-Davidson giveaway, and tons of vendor areas, we have every expectation that 2024 will be the largest Bikefest yet.” Lake Ozark Speedway Owner Kenny Brown said, “We’re extremely excited to host Progressive American Flat Track for the very first time. These are the greatest motorcycle dirt trackers on the planet without question, and we absolutely cannot wait to witness the show they put on.” Tickets for the 2024 Progressive AFT finale are available for purchase. General Admission tickets are just $40 (kids 12 and under $5 with a paid adult General Admission ticket), while the Pit Pass Upgrade adds access to the pit area for $50. New for 2024 is the Opening Ceremonies Trackside Fan Experience ($150 all ages). This ticket option provides reserved seating with Pit Pass access, a guided tour of, and photo opportunities at, the infield podium and start/finish line, infield viewing of Opening Ceremonies and the heat races, and a track talk and photo opportunity with a special guest. Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/lake-ozark-short-track-104135 to reserve your seats today. For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

CHICAGO (May 15, 2024) — The popularity of the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown Series has been on a steady rise since the launch of the multi-manufacturer backed door-slammer class in 2017. The heated competition between Chevrolet COPO Camaros, Ford Mustang Cobra Jets and Dodge Mopar Challenger Drag Paks will be front and center this weekend at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 Nationals in Joliet, Ill. A full field of Chevrolets, Fords and Dodges will be racing for the coveted Wally winner’s trophy as well as points for the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown world championship. Mark Pawuk and his Dodge Drag Pak sit No. 1 atop a stacked list of competitors heading into the fourth race of the 2024 season.
 
“We picked up the win at the Gatornationals and raced to the semifinals at Winternationals,” said Pawuk, driver of the Empaco Dodge. “This will be a special weekend celebrating the life of my friend Don Schumacher. We have been honoring him on our race car all season. He was a giant in drag racing as a driver and team owner. I would love to put on a good show in his memory.”

 Mark Pawuk (foreground) will be looking to extend his Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown points lead in Chicago, photo credit Auto Imagery/Gary Nastase

Right behind Pawuk in the points standings sits Stephen Bell, winner of Winternationals and runner-up for the season opening Gatornationals. Bell was also the Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown championship runner-up in 2023. The businessman from Shreveport, La., would like to collect his second win of the season and first title at Route 66 Raceway with a strong performance in his Chevrolet COPO Camaro.
 
“There are so many tough competitors out here like Mark (Pawuk), David Janac, David Davies, Ricky Hord and so many guys,” said Bell. “We went a couple rounds in Chicago last year and so far this season we have been running pretty good. I just need to keep doing my job on the starting line. We are almost to the halfway point of the season and I just want to be in the mix for the championship when we get to the end.”
 
Last year at the Route 66 Nationals, Doug Hamp was runner-up to Lenny Lottig, who drove his ITI Trailers & Truck Bodies COPO Camaro and won his second consecutive Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown race at the Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals. This year with Lottig racing in Factory X class, Hamp is hoping he can power his Hamp Racing Camaro into the winner’s circle.
 
“I am excited to get back to Chicago,” said Hamp, a two-time Flexjet Factory Stock Showdown runner-up. “Ever since we hooked up with Stanfield Engines, Aaron and Greg Stanfield have been awesome. We tested last week in Dallas and figured a few things out. My driving has improved and this has just been a great move. I am looking forward to getting to Chicago since it is closer to our home in York, Pa.”

KNOXVILLE, IA (May 15, 2024) – Two months before World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series drivers contend in “The Granddaddy of Them All” at Knoxville Raceway, they’ll get two days of racing at the premier facility in June.Knoxville will welcome the best Sprint Car drivers in the country for the Premier Chevy Dealers Clash, Friday-Saturday, June 14-15. The two-day event will feature two $12,000-to-win races and valuable lap time for World of Outlaws drivers before the NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals, Aug. 7-10. Knoxville has ran two weekly shows, so far, this year with Aaron Reutzel picking up the season-opening win and Dusty Zomer scoring the most recent win at the track on May 11. When the World of Outlaws were last at Knoxville Raceway, Kyle Larson scored his second Knoxville Nationals title. David Gravel finished second with an impressive 22nd to second run, and 11-time Knoxville Nationals winner Donny Schatz finished third. The Knoxville Nationals was voted the second best motorports race in USA Today’s 10Best poll this year. EVENT INFO: Date – Friday-Saturday, June 14-15 Location – Knoxville, IA Track Record – 14.351 seconds by Brian Brown on May 22, 2021Times (CT) – 2PM Pit Gates open 5PM Grandstand Gates open 6:30PM Hot Laps & Qualifying -Racing to follow Tickets – Click HERE to purchase How to Watch – Can’t make it? Watch every lap live on DIRTVision Last Race Video Recap (Aug. 12, 2023) – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pfJ66-l-pLYPrevious World of Outlaws Knoxville Winners – 2023 – Brian Brown on June 9, David Gravel on June 10, Kyle Larson on Aug. 12 (Knoxville Nationals) 2022 – Brent Marks on June 10, Brian Brown on June 11, Donny Schatz on Aug. 13 (Knoxville Nationals) 2021 – Carson Macedo on June 11, Carson Macedo on June 12, Kyle Larson on Aug. 14 (Knoxville Nationals) 2020 – David Gravel on May 8, Kyle Larson on June 12, Kyle Larson on June 13, Kyle Larson on Aug. 13, David Gravel on Aug. 14, Kyle Larson on Aug. 15 2019 – Brian Brown on June 14, Brad Sweet on June 15, David Gravel on Aug. 10 (Knoxville Nationals) 2018 – Donny Schatz on June 29, David Gravel on June 30, Greg Hodnett on Aug. 8, Brad Sweet on Aug. 9, Logan Schuchart on Aug. 10, Brad Sweet on Aug. 11 (Knoxville Nationals) 2017 – Brad Sweet on June 9, Donny Schatz on June 10, Donny Schatz on Aug. 12 (Knoxville Nationals) 2016 – Terry McCarl on June 10, Donny Schatz on June 11, Jason Johnson on Aug. 13 (Knoxville Nationals) 2015 – Donny Schatz on June 13, Donny Schatz on Aug. 15 (Knoxville Nationals) 2014 – Brad Sweet on June 14, Donny Schatz on Aug. 9 (Knoxville Nationals) 2013 – Donny Schatz on May 11, Donny Schatz on June 15, Donny Schatz on Aug. 10 (Knoxville Nationals) 2012 – Sammy Swindell on April 28, Kerry Madsen on June 9, Donny Schatz on Aug. 11 (Knoxville Nationals) 2011 – Sammy Swindell on June 11, Donny Schatz on Aug. 13 (Knoxville Nationals) 2010 – Brooke Tatnell on June 3, Jac Haudenschild on June 4 2009 – Donny Schatz on May 2, Terry McCarl on June 27 2008 – Donny Schatz on May 3, Shane Stewart on June 6, Donny Schatz on June 7 2007 – Donny Schatz on April 28, Terry McCarl on June 16 2006 – Joey Saldana on June 23, Donny Schatz on Oct. 7 2005 – Kraig Kinser on June 24, Steve Kinser on April 30 2004 – Craig Dollansky on June 26, Mark Kinser on May 1, Danny Lasoski on Aug. 14 (Knoxville Nationals) 2003 – Danny Lasoski on April 26, Danny Lasoski on July 5, Danny Lasoski on Aug. 16 (Knoxville Nationals) 2002 – Steve Kinser on April 26, Danny Lasoski on June 29, Steve Kinser on Aug. 10 (Knoxville Nationals) 2001 – Danny Lasoski on April 28, Stevie Smith on June 30, Jason Meyers on July 16, Danny Lasoski on Aug. 11 (Knoxville Nationals) 2000 – Danny Lasoski on April 29, Stevie Smith on July 1, Steve Kinser on July 19, Mark Kinser on Aug. 12 (Knoxville Nationals) 1999 – Sammy Swindell on May 1, Danny Lasoski on July 3, Danny Lasoski on July 21, Mark Kinser on Aug. 14 (Knoxville Nationals) 1998 – Jac Haudenschild on May 2, Jac Haudenschild on July 4, Jac Haudenschild on July 22, Danny Lasoski on Aug. 15 (Knoxville Nationals) 1997 – Mark Kinser on April 26, Jac Haudenschild on July 5, Mark Kinser on July 23, Dave Blaney on Aug. 17 (Knoxville Nationals) 1996 – Mark Kinser on April 27, Mark Kinser on June 22, Mark Kinser on July 24, Mark Kinser on Aug. 17 (Knoxville Nationals) 1995 – Mark Kinser on May 6, Mark Kinser on June 24, Steve Kinser on July 19, Steve Kinser on Aug. 19(Knoxville Nationals), Mark Kinser on Sept. 27 1994 – Dave Blaney on April 29, Steve Kinser on June 25, Steve Kinser on July 20, Steve Kinser on Aug. 20 (Knoxville Nationals), Jac Haudenschild on Sept. 23 1993 – Danny Lasoski on April 30, Mark Kinser on June 27, Steve Kinser on Aug. 21 (Knoxville Nationals), Stevie Smith on Sept. 24 1992 – Sammy Swindell on April 26, Steve Kinser on June 20, Steve Kinser on July 22, Steve Kinser on Aug. 15 (Knoxville Nationals), Steve Kinser on Sept. 26 1991 – Steve Kinser on April 27, Doug Wolfgang on June 22, Steve Kinser on July 24, Steve Kinser on Aug. 17 (Knoxville Nationals) 1990 – Doug Wolfgang on April 29, Steve Kinser on June 23, Sammy Swindell on July 25, Bobby Allen on Aug. 18 (Knoxville Nationals) 1989 – Sammy Swindell on April 29, Doug Wolfgang on June 24, Doug Wolfgang on Aug. 19 (Knoxville Nationals) 1988 – Steve Kinser on April 30, Steve Kinser on June 22, Steve Kinser on Aug. 13 (Knoxville Nationals) 1987 – Steve Kinser on April 25, Steve Kinser on June 22, Steve Kinser on Aug. 15 (Knoxville Nationals) 1986 – Sammy Swindell on April 26, Steve Kinser on June 25, Steve Kinser on July 23, Steve Kinser on Aug. 16 (Knoxville Nationals) 1985 – Sammy Swindell on April 28, Doug Wolfgang on Aug. 17 (Knoxville Nationals) Doug Wolfgang on Oct. 6 1984 – Sammy Swindell on July 25, Doug Wolfgang on Aug. 11 (Knoxville Nationals) 1983 – Sammy Swindell on April 16, Sammy Swindell on July 27, Sammy Swindell on Aug. 13 (Knoxville Nationals), Sammy Swindell on Oct. 16 1982 – Doug Wolfgang on April 17, Danny Smith on July 21, Steve Kinser on Aug. 15 (Knoxville Nationals) 1981 – Steve Kinser on April 18, Doug Wolfgang on May 22, Sammy Swindell on May 23, Sammy Swindell on July 22, Steve Kinser on Aug. 15 (Knoxville Nationals), Doug Wolfgang on Sept. 12 1980 – Steve Kinser on April 19, Steve Kinser on April 20, Doug Wolfgang on May 31, Steve Kinser on Aug. 17 (Knoxville Nationals), Tim Green on Sept. 20 1979 – Sammy Swindell on April 21, Ron Shuman on Aug. 11 (Knoxville Nationals) 1978 – Doug Wolfgang on Aug. 12 (Knoxville Nationals)

CHICAGO, IL (May 15, 2024) — It has been a year since Chris King and the Howards Cams/Competition Products Dodge Charger Funny Car hit the track at Route 66 Raceway. This weekend’s Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals will be a homecoming and relaunch for the Chicago firefighter and aspiring professional Funny Car driver. Last year King made a valiant effort and narrowly missed making the field. This season King and his revamped team have reason for optimism heading into their first race of 2024.
 
“We made some significant changes in the off-season, and I feel like we are starting the season in a much better position,” said King, who made his professional Funny Car debut in 2021. “Last year we raced in five races and we had our ups and downs. I have to thank everyone that has worked over the off season and beginning of this year to get us to this point. I haven’t gotten a lot of sleep in the past couple of weeks but when you are chasing a dream that doesn’t really matter.”

 
For King and his Howards Cams/Competition Products crew the goal for the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 Nationals is simple. They want to take advantage of every qualifying round and make improvements without damaging parts along the way. Throughout his young career King has been mindful of driving smart and listening to his race car.
 
“We don’t have a big budget, but we have more parts this season than we have ever had,” said King. “We are not going to go out and run low ET, but we can race smart and race the track. The Funny Car class is tough, but I love every second of the competition at the track. We have received a lot of support from other teams in the class. I am excited to get to the track and hit the throttle. I am really glad the NHRA and the Chicago track added the fourth qualifying session. That will really help our team.”
 
Prior to the start of the race King will host several professional drivers at a firefighter experience event on Thursday at the Romeoville Fire Academy. King held the first event like this last year and showing his fellow competitors what it’s like to be a firefighter was a thrill for King. As a long-time Chicago firefighter himself, King knows the physical strain and adrenaline boost has a serious crossover effect from firefighting to driving a 12,000-horsepower nitro Funny Car or Top Fuel dragster.
 
“The firefighter experience is something I have always wanted to do ever since I started racing Funny Cars,” said King. “You get a unique perspective when you are putting out a fire or knocking down a door with an axe. The similarities between the focus you need and the physicality of both jobs are so similar. I am excited to show a new group of drivers what my day job is like.”
 
On Thursday night King will host a dinner at Joliet Firehouse 1 with the support of Mission Foods and Fire Department Coffee. Mission Foods is donating a variety of their great tortilla and salsa products to produce a Mexican Dinner Feast for the men and women who protect the great Joliet area with King doing the cooking along with members of the firehouse. This is another way King has thought about using his platform as a professional race car driver to give back to the local community.
 
“I have been thinking about how I could give back to some of the firehouses across the country and I wanted to be sure and include Mission Foods, since they are an amazing sponsor for our series,” said King. “I pitched them the idea of hosting a Mexican Dinner and they jumped at the opportunity. Fire Department Coffee, another great NHRA sponsor, is also supporting so we will have a great dinner and say thank you to these brave community heroes before the race gets underway.”
 
When the race does get started King will face some of the toughest competition the sport has seen in recent memory. Since the beginning of the season the class has seen multiple winners and record setting times and speeds. The fact that King and his Howards Cams/Competition Products Funny Car will be wading into a competitive pool that will feature eighteen drivers vying for sixteen spots has King hyper focused on the task at hand.
 
“We have been working for months towards this race and putting our best foot forward,” said King. “When we come off the trailer on Friday, we want to just make a nice smooth run to shake the car down. We have a lot of new parts and we aren’t going to try anything crazy. We are going to race what the track gives us and hopefully at the end of the day on Saturday we will have one of the sixteen quickest times.”
 
In addition to racing and his work with the Chicago fire department King volunteers his time with public safety charities including Ignite the Spirit, National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, The Ronnie Thames Foundation, and The Leary Firefighters Foundation. All these amazing groups dedicate resources and support to first responders and their families. King has seen firsthand the impact the job can have on men and women and their families.
 
“I have a personal connection to every charity I work with and that is one of the things I missed about not being at the racetrack, was the connection to something I loved,” said King. “When you are a member of the firefighter or first responder community it is a big family and racing is the same thing. I can’t wait to just be around the other drivers. They have all bene welcoming and supportive in the past. This year we will be doing more races, so I hope to get to know some of these guys even better.”
 
In 2021 King raced in three NHRA national events qualifying for the Mile High Nationals in Denver, The Kansas Nationals in Topeka and the Midwest Nationals in St. Louis. Last year King entered the Route 66 Nationals, the Mile-High Nationals in Denver, the Topeka Nationals, the Lucas Oil Nationals in Brainerd and the Midwest Nationals in St. Louis. This season King is looking forward to competing in five or six national events.
 
The Howards Cams/Competition Products Dodge Charger Funny Car and King will get their first chance to make passes on Friday afternoon and evening when qualifying for the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals get underway. There will be two more qualifying sessions on Saturday with final eliminations for the 16 quickest Funny Cars commencing at 11 a.m. on Sunday. The race will be televised nationally on FS1 Sunday evening.
 

LONG BEACH, CA (May 15, 2024) — Entering what you could consider as Q2 of the 2024 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series, Funny Car driver Buddy Hull is confident he has some strong momentum from the first five races of the year. As he prepares for this weekend’s Gerber Collision & Glass NHRA Route 66 Nationals presented by PEAK Performance at Route 66 Raceway, just outside of Chicago, he is fired up to keep the momentum going.   “I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – this season is a marathon and not a sprint,” said Hull, driver for the iconic Jim Dunn Racing team. “We’re five races in and we still have fifteen to go. We have nine races left until the Countdown, so we just have to keep buckling down, and improving bit by bit, which is what we have been doing.”   Most recently, Hull made his best qualifying start as a rookie Funny Car driver at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte, entering race day in the No. 13 spot. During qualifying at the same race, he made his quickest and fastest run in his Funny Car to date.   “We had a lot of things go right for us in Charlotte,” said Hull. “Our goal for this weekend in Chicago is to take those things that went right during four-wide and build on them, so we have an even better qualifying position, to increase our chances of taking a few round wins. Nothing would make me happier right now than to see a win light. We are becoming a more competitive team with every race, and I want to keep that energy going. I want every driver I go against to know they are going to have to work hard for it, if they want to beat me.”   Outside of being a tough competitor, Hull is also becoming more of an ambassador for the sport. This weekend Hull and Jim Dunn Racing will be debuting their new Sweet Classics nitro Funny Car. Sweet Classics candy from Mondoux Confectionery in Canada is a traditional mix of high-quality candies that are peanut and nut-free, gluten-free and come in convenient resealable packaging.   “I don’t care if this is a cheesy thing to say, but this is quite literally a sweet ride,” said Hull. “Since we announced this new partnership last week, everyone I’ve talked to has commented on how incredible the car looks. It’s bursting with personality and just makes you want to smile. I am so excited to bring candy company Sweet Classics into the world of drag racing and introduce the sport to their base of consumers. Just like how they have a Sweet and Sour Mix, drag racing has a mix of sweet and sour personalities. I have quite the sweet tooth myself, so this is a perfect pairing in my book. I’m grateful every time that we can bring a new brand or company into this world, because it just keeps making the tent bigger.”   In addition to the bright car design, Hull and the Jim Dunn team will be repping Sweet Classics uniform shirts, and specialty hero cards have been made for the weekend. Chicago fans will also be able to see the Sweet Classics Funny Car up close and in-person on Thursday, May 16 at Menards (2524 W Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL, 60435) from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m. There, Hull will be signing the specialty cards, posing for photos and talking with fans about the race.   “I can’t wait to interact with fans and get them excited for this weekend’s race,” said Hull. “Any time we can get an actual car away from the track and out in the world, it’s an opportunity to get current fans pumped up and introduce new fans to the sport. I’m proud to be that ambassador.”

The Greatest Show on Dirt makes its first stops of 2024 a pair of Ohio staples  ATTICA, OH (May 14, 2024) – The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars are ready to kick off a two-week stay in the “Buckeye State.”Ohio welcomes The Greatest Show on Dirt for two nights at two tracks this weekend. First up is the 24th visit in Series history to Attica Raceway Park on Friday, May 17. The following night it’s an eastward trip to Hartford, OH’s Sharon Speedway.The pair of races are the first two of five consecutive in the state of Ohio with Atomic Speedway (May 24-25) and Fremont Speedway (May 27) on the horizon.The slick ovals of Ohio routinely produce some of the season’s most exciting racing, and the upcoming slate should be no different. A strong crop of Buckeye based talent is ready to face off with the stars of the World of Outlaws tour.BUY ATTICA TICKETS HERE BUY SHARON TICKETS HEREWATCH LIVE ON DIRTVisionLet’s look at the weekend’s top storylines:HAUD’S HOME: Trips to Ohio are always circled on Sheldon Haudenschild’s calendar. The 30-year-old calls Wooster, OH home, and it’s where he cut his teeth in Sprint Cars. He’ll roll into home territory with four victories under his belt already in 2024.Attica is home to two of Haudenschild’s 17 career All-Star Circuit of Champions (ASCoC) victories. The Stenhouse Jr.-Marshall Racing driver is yet to bag a World of Outlaws win at Attica, but he’s been banging on the door with three top fives in his last four tries including a runner-up at last year’s Brad Doty Classic.Over at Sharon, it’s a similar story for the son of Jac Haudenschild. He topped the 2015 Lou Blaney Memorial in ASCoC competition. Victory Lane has narrowly eluded him with the World of Outlaws as he owns three podiums in four tries piloting the NOS Energy Drink #17.BIG GAME BRILLIANCE: The combination of David Gravel and Big Game Motorsports are borderline unbeatable right now. Three of the last four races have belonged to the potent pairing as they’ve claimed wins at Jacksonville, Eldora and Lincoln. The most recent made Tod Quiring the sixth owner in Series history to reach 100 wins. The No. 2 has finished in the top two in nine of the last 12 main events. Gravel came into the year as a premier championship favorite, and he’s showing why.The numbers show no reason for Gravel to slow this weekend in Ohio. The Watertown, CT native three most recent visits to Attica have resulted in top fives. He’s also bagged a pair of Series victories at the 1/3-mile (2017 & 2021).Over at Sharon, Gravel is yet to make a trip to Victory Lane, but he’s been remarkably consistent. His four starts there with the Big Game Motorsports team have led to a pair of runner-ups, no result worse than fourth, and an average finish of third.Gravel heads to Ohio atop the standings with a 58-point advantage over Donny Schatz.OHIO EXPERTISE: There’s no doubt this coming stretch of Ohio races is circled on Donny Schatz’s calendar as he chases an 11th World of Outlaws title. The Fargo, ND native has won at least once at all four tracks within the “Buckeye State” borders over the next couple weeks.It begins this weekend at Attica where Schatz has excelled. In 17 Attica starts, Schatz owns five wins, nine podiums, and a 4.53 average finish. A DNF in 2009 caused his only result outside the top 10. Last May Schatz picked up his first Series victory at Sharon to complete a weekend sweep at the two tracks ahead this weekend.Schatz heads to Attica sitting second in the points amid what’s been a resurgent season. He’s already bagged a pair of victories along with seven podiums, and the only occurrences he’s missed the top-10 have been a trio of 11ths. READY TO WIN: There are two notable names on the 2024 roster still chasing a victory with the season nearly a quarter complete – Logan Schuchart and Michael “Buddy” Kofoid.Schuchart and the Shark Racing crew have been consistent all year long with an average finish of 7.21, and they’ve completed every lap of Feature competition through 19 events. None of Schuchart’s 41 career wins have come at Attica or Sharon, but like the story of his 2024 campaign, he’s been close. His last seven outings at Attica have led to top 10s including a trio of top fives. Four of his five Sharon finishes have been inside the top 10.Kofoid rolls to Ohio on a streak of 14 straight top 10s including six podiums with Roth Motorsports. But none of those top three efforts placed the Penngrove, CA native atop the podium. Kofoid owns plenty of Attica laps courtesy of moving from California to Ohio when his Sprint Car career was blooming. He’s made 11 appearances on the Attica podium highlighted by a 2020 local win. The 22-year-old’s Sharon experience is much more limited, but he did pick up a top five in a 2022 ASCoC race.The pair currently reside as neighbors in the points with Schuchart in fifth, 18 markers ahead of Kofoid.BUCKEYE PROUD: With plenty of racing on a weekly basis, Ohio offers up many local talents that are expected to battle the World of Outlaws this weekend.Bryce Lucius (Findlay, OH), Cap Henry (Bellevue, OH), and Craig Mintz (Gibsonburg, OH) are all Buckeyes who’ve already made visits to Attica Victory Lane in 2024. Greg Wilson is a 25-time Attica Feature winner (tied 16th-most) and is fresh off a runner-up finish at the 3/8-mile this past weekend. The Benton Ridge, OH driver picked up an Attica top five with the World of Outlaws back in 2005. Sharon may share the state with Attica, but its location being about 150 miles east typically means the local contingent looks a little different. Dave Blaney owns the racetrack and often finds success when he brings his No. 10 out for battle. Last year, the 1995 Series champion collected a trio of Sharon checkered flags, and it’s also the site of his most recent World of Outlaws win came at Sharon in 2021 with a dramatic last lap pass. Dave’s brother – Dale Blaney – is also strong at the Ohio oval. He matched Dave’s 2023 Sharon win tally with three victories of his own.Sharon also often invites a western Pennsylvania presence including the likes of A.J. Flick (Apollo, PA), George Hobaugh (Chicora, PA), Brandon Matus (Wampum, PA), and more.THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCEWHEN AND WHERE Friday, May 17 at Attica Raceway Park in Attica, OH Saturday, May 18 at Sharon Speedway in Hartford, OHON THE INTERNETWorld of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series X – @WorldofOutlaws Instagram – @WoOSprint Facebook – Facebook.com/WorldofOutlawsSprintCarSeries YouTube – Youtube.com/WorldofOutlaws DIRTVision – DIRTVision.com – Platinum annual FAST PASS for $299 or monthly FAST PASS for $39/monthCURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (19/78 Races):1. David Gravel – Big Game Motorsports #2 (2692 PTS) 2. Donny Schatz – Tony Stewart/Curb Agajanian Racing #15 (-58 PTS) 3. Giovanni Scelzi – KCP Racing #18 (-62 PTS) 4. Carson Macedo – Jason Johnson Racing #41 (-80 PTS) 5. Logan Schuchart – Shark Racing #1S (-116 PTS) 6. Michael Kofoid – Roth Motorsports #83 (-134 PTS) 7. Sheldon Haudenschild – Stenhouse Jr.-Marshall Racing #17 (-180 PTS) 8. Bill Balog – B Squared Motorsports #17B (-324 PTS) 9. Brock Zearfoss – Brock Zearfoss Racing #3Z (-462 PTS) 10. Landon Crawley – Sides Motorsports #7S (-538 PTS)NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (10 Drivers): 6 Wins – David Gravel 4 Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild 2 Wins – Donny Schatz 1 Win – Brad Sweet, Tyler Courtney, Brent Marks, Giovanni Scelzi, Carson Macedo, Rico Abreu, Brady BaconFEATURE LAPS LED (14 Drivers):160 Laps – David Gravel 107 Laps – Sheldon Haudenschild 56 Laps – Giovanni Scelzi 55 Laps – Carson Macedo 54 Laps – Rico Abreu 47 Laps – Donny Schatz 29 Laps – Kyle Larson 26 Laps – Brady Bacon 25 Laps – Brad Sweet 13 Laps – Anthony Macri, Michael Kofoid 11 Laps – Bill Balog 3 Laps – Brent Marks 1 Lap – Tyler Courtney SIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS QUICKTIME AWARDS (10 Drivers):4 Quick Times – Carson Macedo, David Gravel 2 Quick Times ��� Brent Marks, Michael Kofoid, Giovanni Scelzi 1 Quick Time – Landon Crawley, Brian Brown, Aaron Reutzel, Brady Bacon, Donny SchatzHEAT RACE WINNERS (23 Drivers): 12 Heat Wins – David Gravel 8 Heat Wins – Giovanni Scelzi, Carson Macedo 6 Heat Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild, Michael Kofoid 5 Heat Wins – Rico Abreu 4 Heat Wins – Brent Marks 3 Heat Wins – Donny Schatz 2 Heat Wins – Brian Brown, Tyler Courtney, Landon Crawley 1 Heat Win – Corey Day, Justin Peck, Bill Balog, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Brock Zearfoss, Logan Schuchart, Bill Rose, Ryan Timms, Danny Sams III, Kyle Larson, Emerson Axsom, Anthony MacriTOYOTA DASH APPEARANCES (35 Drivers):16 Dashes – David Gravel 14 Dashes – Giovanni Scelzi, Carson Macedo 12 Dashes – Michael Kofoid 11 Dashes – Sheldon Haudenschild 8 Dashes – Donny Schatz 7 Dashes – Rico Abreu, Bill Balog 6 Dashes – Landon Crawley 5 Dashes – Brent Marks, Logan Schuchart 4 Dashes – Tyler Courtney, Brian Brown 3 Dashes – Emerson Axsom 2 Dashes – Brad Sweet, Aaron Reutzel, Brock Zearfoss, Anthony Macri 1 Dash – Justin Peck, Zeb Wise, Corey Day, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Bill Rose, Ryan Timms, Garet Williamson, James McFadden, Logan McCandless, Ayrton Gennetten, Brady Bacon, Danny Sams III, Cole Macedo, Kyle Larson, Skylar Gee, Kody Hartlaub, Chase DietzMICROLITE LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (15 Drivers):2 LCS Wins – Logan McCandless 1 LCS Win – Austin McCarl, Bill Balog, Corey Day, Kasey Kahne, Koty Adams, Jace Park, Anthony Macri, Landon Crawley, Garet Williamson, Brock Zearfoss, Kevin Newton, Brenham Crouch, Sheldon Haudenschild, Brandon RahmerKSE HARD CHARGER AWARDS (14 Drivers):3 Hard Chargers – Donny Schatz, Logan Schuchart 2 Hard Chargers – Carson Macedo 1 Hard Charger – Aaron Reutzel, Jace Park, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Brock Zearfoss, Chase Randall, Chris Windom, Noah Gass, Austin McCarl, Giovanni Scelzi, Sheldon Haudenschild, Danny DietrichPODIUM FINISHES (16 Drivers):11 Podiums – David Gravel 7 Podiums – Donny Schatz, Carson Macedo 6 Podiums – Michael Kofoid 5 Podiums – Sheldon Haudenschild, Giovanni Scelzi 3 Podiums – Brad Sweet, Rico Abreu 2 Podiums – Tyler Courtney, Brent Marks 1 Podium – Justin Peck, Anthony Macri, Aaron Reutzel, Bill Balog, Brady Bacon, Kyle LarsonTOP 10 FINISHES (43 Drivers): 18 Top 10s – Giovanni Scelzi 17 Top 10s – David Gravel 16 Top 10s – Donny Schatz, Michael Kofoid 15 Top 10s – Carson Macedo, Logan Schuchart 13 Top 10s – Sheldon Haudenschild 9 Top 10s – Bill Balog 6 Top 10s – Tyler Courtney 5 Top 10s – Brent Marks, Rico Abreu, Brock Zearfoss, Anthony Macri 4 Top 10s – Brad Sweet 3 Top 10s – Brian Brown, Aaron Reutzel, Cole Macedo 2 Top 10s – Ryan Timms, Chase Randall, Kraig Kinser, Landon Crawley, Corey Day, James McFadden 1 Top 10 – Justin Peck, Kasey Kahne, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Zeb Wise, Cory Eliason, Jacob Allen, Chris Windom, Garet Williamson, Joe B. Miller, Ayrton Gennetten, Brady Bacon, Emerson Axsom, Scotty Milan, Cale Thomas, Cole Duncan, Kyle Larson, Skylar Gee, Troy Wagaman Jr., Danny Dietrich, Chase Dietz2024 WORLD OF OUTLAWS SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE & WINNERS:No. / Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner (Total Wins)1. Wed, Feb 7 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Brad Sweet (1) 2. Thurs, Feb 8 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / David Gravel (1) 3. Fri, Feb 9 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Tyler Courtney (1) 4. Sat, Feb 10 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Sheldon Haudenschild (1) 5. Mon, March 4 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Donny Schatz (1) 6. Fri, March 15 / Cotton Bowl Speedway / Paige, TX / Brent Marks (1) 7. Sat, March 16 / Cotton Bowl Speedway / Paige, TX / Giovanni Scelzi (1) 8. Sat, March 23 / Kennedale Speedway Park / Kennedale, TX / Carson Macedo (1) 9. Sat, March 30 / 81 Speedway / Wichita, KS / Rico Abreu (1) 10. Fri, April 5 / US 36 Raceway / Osborn, MO / David Gravel (2) 11. Sat, April 6 / Arrowhead Speedway / Colcord, OK / Sheldon Haudenschild (2) 12. Fri, April 12 / Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 / Pevely, MO / David Gravel (3) 13. Sat, April 13 / Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 / Pevely, MO / Donny Schatz (2) 14. Fri, April 19 / Paducah International Raceway / Paducah, KY / Sheldon Haudenschild (3) 15. Sat, April 20 / Tri-State Speedway / Haubstadt, IN / Brady Bacon (1) 16. Wed, May 1 / Jacksonville Speedway / Jacksonville, IL / David Gravel (4) 17. Fri, May 3 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Sheldon Haudenschild (4) 18. Sat, May 4 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / David Gravel (5) 19. Wed, May 8 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA / David Gravel (6)For the full 2024 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car schedule, CLICK HERE.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (May 14, 2024) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, will complete its run of five Short Tracks in its opening six races with this weekend’s inaugural Silver Dollar Short Track at Silver Dollar Speedway in Chico, California, on Saturday, May 18. While two weeks later than originally scheduled due to inclement weather on the original date, the visit to the historic venue is actually overdue by measure of decades rather than weeks. The track is fabled among West Coast auto racing superstars and finally has its opportunity to earn its place in the esteem of the world’s elite motorcycle dirt trackers starting this weekend. There have been different winners in each of the four Mission AFT SuperTwins Short Track Main Events to date this season: points leader Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT), second-ranked Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), reigning Grand National Champion Jared Mees (No. 1 Rogers Racing/SDI Racing/Indian Motorcycle FTR750), and last weekend’s victor, Briar Bauman (No. 3 Rick Ware Racing/KTM/Parts Plus KTM 790 Duke). Solid arguments can be made for all four heading into this weekend. But that level of parity combined with the novel nature of the Silver Dollar Short Track makes it difficult, if not impossible, to predict who is most likely to hold the upper hand. Of course, the ‘24 season could continue on brand and deliver fans a fifth winner in as many STs. Brandon Price (No. 92 Memphis Shades/Corbin/OTBR Yamaha MT-07) and Sammy Halbert (No. 69 Dodge Bros. Racing/Castrol Harley-Davidson XR750) have both earned runners-up in the discipline this year, while Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 JMC Motorsports/Fairway Ford Ohio Indian FTR750), Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750), and Bronson Bauman (No. 37 Fastrack Racing Mission Foods KTM 790 Duke) have all stood atop the box in recent seasons. Historically, Short Tracks have a way of springing surprises. So perhaps one of a number of talented underdogs will step to the fore in Chico, a group of riders that includes the likes of Kolby Carlile (No. 36 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing MT-07), Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Mission Foods/Zanotti Racing KTM 790 Duke), Max Whale (No. 18 Latus Motors Racing/Liqui Moly Harley-Davidson XG750R), and Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson/Al Lamb’s Dallas Honda Transalp). Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER By contrast, this year’s four ST wins in the Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKERcategory have been split evenly by just two riders, reigning class champ Kody Kopp (No. 1 Rick Ware Racing/Parts Plus KTM 450 SX-F) and his most persistent challenger, Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F). Outside of a last-lap incident in the opener that cost Australian Drane what could prove to be a vital haul of points, the two have been nearly perfectly matched, with each rider boasting two wins among four podium finishes this season. Chase Saathoff (No. 88 JPG Motorsports Honda CRF450R), Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 D&D Racing/Certified KTM 450 SX-F), and Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) haven’t been too far off that form. Saathoff boasts a pair of top threes including his maiden victory, former class champ Gauthier has reeled in two runners-up among three podiums, while Lowe has taken a pair of thirds. Others to watch include Californians James Ott (No. 19 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450), Travis Petton IV (No. 82 ECG Racing/A.M Ortega KTM 450 SX-F), Tarren Santero (No. 75 Vinson Construction, P&M Motorcycles Honda CRF450R), andTyler Raggio (No. 55 Raggio Racing/Sluggo Racing KTM 450 SX-F), as well as up-and-comers Logan Eisenhard (No. 66 Hannum’s Harley-Davidson KTM 450 SX-F) and Evan Renshaw (No. 265 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R). There will be plenty to keep spectators entertained off the track as well, including numerous vendors, plenty of food and beverage options, live music, activities for kids, and extensive motorcycle parking. General Admission Grandstand tickets are just $30 (kids 12 and under free), while Reserved Grandstand tickets are $40 (all ages), Trackside Box tickets are $60 (all ages), and Pit Grandstand tickets offer premium viewing experiences for $70 (all ages). New for 2024 is the Opening Ceremonies Trackside Fan Experience ($150 all ages). This ticket option provides reserved seating with Pit Pass access, a guided tour of, and photo opportunities at, the infield podium and start/finish line, infield viewing of Opening Ceremonies and the heat races, and a track talk and photo opportunity with 2016 Grand National Champion Bryan Smith. Visit https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/silver-dollar-short-track-89147 to reserve your seats today. Gates will open for fans at 6:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. PT) with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT). You can catch the livestream of all the weekend’s racing activities on FloRacing. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2024. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/aft or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast. FOX Sports coverage of the Silver Dollar Short Track, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, May 25, at 11:00 a.m. ET (8:00 a.m. PT). For more information on Progressive AFT visit  https://www.americanflattrack.com.

Inside Line Promotions – ANTIOCH, Calif. (May 14, 2024) – Dominic Scelzi will participate in a pair of sprint car divisions this Saturday at Thunderbowl Raceway.

The elbows-up track in Tulare, Calif., hosts the NARC 410 Sprint Car Series and the Kings of Thunder 360ci winged sprint cars.

“There’s no question Tulare is my favorite track and it’ll be good to get back there,” Scelzi said. “Both races we’ve done this year in Hanford have been good and racy. We’ve had a first and a second so I’m hoping we can go to Tulare and expect the same thing.”

Scelzi has been victorious at the track each of the last three years and he is seeking redemption following a frustrating finish to a NARC 410 Sprint Car Series race last Saturday at Antioch Speedway.

Scelzi qualified seventh quickest and advanced from third to second place despite mechanical problems during a Contra Costa County Clash heat race.

“We dropped a valve a lap in and it was still running so I knew it was important to finish the heat race in a good position,” he said. “We were able to make a pass running on seven cylinders.”

The team lined up on the inside of the fifth row in the main event.

“We were in sixth and passing for fifth when a caution came out about 10 laps in so I felt we had a strong race car,” he said. “I had passed (Cole) Macedo two laps prior and was underneath someone for fifth when the yellow came out. I don’t understand the scoring because they put Cole in front of me for the restart. The second we went green those two got together and I had nowhere to go. I got into someone and it ripped the right front shock off and damaged the nose wing. I tried to run for a lap or two, but ended up pulling off because the damage was too severe.”

Scelzi was credited with a 21^st-place finish.

QUICK RESULTS –

May 11 – Antioch Speedway in Antioch, Calif. – Qualifying: 7; Heat race: 2 (3); Feature: 21 (9).

SEASON STATS –

18 races, 1 win, 4 top fives, 4 top 10s, 12 top 15s, 16 top 20s

UP NEXT –

Saturday at Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare, Calif., with the NARC 410 Sprint Car Series and the Kings of Thunder

MEDIA LINKS –

Website: http://www.GaryScelziMotorsports.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scelzi41

John and Brittany Force, plus Austin Prock, eager to start second quarter of NHRA season

For Immediate Release JOLIET, IL. (May 14, 2024) – With five races already in the record books, John Force Racing moves into the second quarter of the 20-race 2024 NHRA season at this weekend’s Route 66 Nationals presented by PEAK Antifreeze & Coolant at Route 66 Raceway in suburban Chicago. This is an especially big weekend for JFR, as PEAK is not only the presenting sponsor of the event, it has also been the primary sponsor of John Force’s Funny Car since 2015, and will also be the primary sponsor for this race on Brittany Force’s Top Fuel dragster. The sponsorship of the father-daughter team sets up a possibility of a “double up” end result: having both PEAK cars in the winner’s circle after Sunday’s eliminations (or perhaps a “double up” between Brittany and teammate Austin Prock in the Cornwell Tools Funny Car). Here’s the latest from John Force Racing heading into this weekend’s race: JOHN FORCE: The most successful driver in NHRA history with 16 Funny Car championships and 156 national event wins is especially looking forward to this weekend’s race. First, Chicago is one of Force’s favorite towns. He calls the Windy City “our hometown” because it is also the home of Old World Industries and PEAK Antifreeze & Coolant, the primary sponsor of Force’s Funny Car (and will also sponsor Brittany Force’s dragster for this race). Second, PEAK is once again presenting sponsor for this weekend’s big race in suburban Joliet, IL. It’s one of the biggest events for parent company Old World Industries and its employees. Third, Force is coming off a strong weekend in his last race three weeks ago, one that saw him set an all-time personal-best record of 3.820 seconds, the 10th-quickest ET in NHRA history. Force also reached the finals of the 4-Wide Nationals in Charlotte that weekend. Force has three wins (2000, 2004 and 2006) at Route 66, tying him with Matt Hagan for most victories among Funny Car drivers there. Interestingly, each time Force has won at Chicago, he’s gone on to win the NHRA Funny Car championship in those respective seasons. Force’s eight total final round showings are also tops among Funny Car drivers there, as well as his six No. 1 qualifying positions. Force made history at Route 66: his 2000 victory over Jerry Toliver (June 4, 2000), which was his 86th tour victory, moving him past Pro Stock legend Bob Glidden and making him the most prolific winner in NHRA history. Force has since won 70 more races. Force is hoping to “double up” with his daughter, Brittany. They have jointly won the same national event in the same weekend just one time before: August 15, 2021, in Topeka, Ks. “This is a very important race for us,” Force said. “It’s our home office (PEAK is headquartered in north suburban Northbrook, IL.), but Route 66, where NHRA puts on that national event, is unbelievable. It’s fun to race there, the access to it is great, the stands wrap around so that the fans can see everything. It’s just a great place to be. “I’m also excited to be representing PEAK and Blue Def. And with myself, a Funny Car world champion and Brittany, a Top Fuel world champion, if we were to double up wearing PEAK colors and at a PEAK race, that’ll be huge. We’d love to double up, so we’re going to be trying. And this is also a home race for my son-in-law (and crew chief), Danny Hood, who is from Chicago. “I’ve always said Indy (U.S. Nationals) was our granddaddy of races and, of course, the world finals at Pomona. And this is major, just as big to me because of all the things that we’re doing. “We’ve got a big event at PEAK’s headquarters on Wednesday, we’re going to have media all over town, TV and radio appearances, and then we’re going out to the racetrack for photo shoots. So, all this is exciting. I love this race, the track and we’ve run good at it. We’re going in there with guns blazing.” Indeed, Route 66 Raceway is high on Force’s list of favorite racetracks. The NHRA raced there from 1999 until 2019, then returned last year. “I love the concept of Route 66, from the old days of the highway (Route 66) that went from Chicago and across the country, all the way to California,” Force said. “You never want to lose a race. But you especially don’t want to lose one that’s in a market that’s as huge as Chicago. We’re excited that we’re back in Chicago because that’s where my major sponsor is. That’s where we need to be.” John Force enters this weekend’s race fifth in the NHRA Funny Car standings.  AUSTIN PROCK: Austin Prock has had a dream season thus far. Since switching from driving a Top Fuel dragster to filling Robert Hight’s seat in the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car at the beginning of this season, Prock’s performance has been nothing short of outstanding. He already has one win (Arizona), has finished runner-up two other times (Gainesville and Las Vegas), has been No. 1 qualifier in three of the first five races and has led the Funny Car point standings for the last two races. Not bad for a guy who is considered a “rookie” in Funny Car. However, Prock is anything but a rookie. Prior to switching to a Funny Car this year, he earned four wins and eight final round appearances in four seasons driving a Top Fuel dragster for JFR. Prock, whose father Jimmy and brother Thomas are his crew chief and assistant crew chief, respectively, has a legacy at Route 66 that he hopes to extend. Hight was the No. 1 qualifier in three of the last four races at Route 66 (2017, 2019 and 2023) and last year set the current track records of 3.831 seconds and 335.07 mph. Prock is seeking to become the fifth different JFR Funny Car driver to win at the Chicago track after John Force (2000, 2004 and 2006), Tony Pedregon (2002 and 2003), Mike Neff (2011) and Hight (2018). Having grown up three hours east of Route 66 Raceway in Lansing, Mich., Prock is excited to have a number of friends and family members to cheer him on this weekend.’ “They’re all big races throughout the season, but this is always a good one for us,” Prock said. “Growing up in Lansing, it’s kind of like a home race in a sense to have some family members and friends out there, it’s always a good time and it’s a huge race for PEAK and quite a few of our partners.” Being the points leader heading into the second quarter of the season, Prock is aware of the challenge he faces to remain No. 1. “There’s some very challenging tracks coming up,” Prock said. “New Hampshire is always a challenging track, you’ve got Bristol, of course, and Chicago as well. How do we keep our momentum going? I’m just excited to get back to the racetrack, sitting out of the seat for three weeks. “Yeah, there are some tough tracks ahead, but we’ve also done well at some other hard tracks in the first part of the season already. This team and this car have been really successful at all those racetracks. So I’m looking forward to getting back doing what I love, driving this race car. It’s like riding a bike, it’ll all come back real quick, but we’ve just got to keep our heads down and keep being really focused. So I’m looking forward to what should be a good weekend.” The success Prock has enjoyed thus far has caused him to say several times that he has to keep pinching himself to make sure all the good he’s enjoyed this season has been real. “This year has just been a blur,” Prock said. “It’s crazy that we’re already a quarter of the way through the season. It just seems like it’s flown by and it’s been a lot mentally to process and it just doesn’t seem like it’s really happened. So I’ve just got to keep doing the same job I’ve been doing. “It’s been working so far, but we’ve got a long ways to go. I’m just head down, got to stay focused, can’t get too caught up in everything surrounding you and just go up there and do everything one moment at a time and try to be perfect every moment you do something.”  BRITTANY FORCE: After roaring to her second Top Fuel championship in 2022, followed by a challenging year in 2023, positive signs abound for Brittany Force thus far in 2024. Thus far this season, the younger Force was No. 1 qualifier and reached the semifinals in her home race, the Winternationals, in Pomona, Calif.; qualified No. 2 in Arizona, and reached the semifinals in both 4-Wide races at Las Vegas and Charlotte. “Our team struggled last year and we need to get our car back on track,” said Brittany, who comes into this weekend ranked ninth in the Top Fuel standings. “We were lost all last season. I already feel the improvement that’s come into this season, looking at what we did last year and all the testing we’ve done this year. “We’re kind of combining the last few years and trying to create our tune-up that way, combining all the good from those last few years. But it’s something you can’t do overnight, it’s always a work in progress. But this extra testing is definitely getting us closer to the ultimate goal, to turning on the win lights and getting us back into the winner’s circle.” A two-time No. 1 qualifier at Chicago in Top Fuel (2016, 2017), Force has one final round appearance (2014) and reached the semifinals in last year’s race. She also set the Route 66 Top Fuel track speed record on May 20, 2023 (334.82 mph), but still is seeking her first Chicago win. Ironically, before he became Force’s crew chief, David Grubnic as a driver was No. 1 qualifier at Chicago in 2004 and finished runner-up to Del Worsham in 2011. “Our team is very structured with how we move through the season,” Force said. “So we had a goal coming into the first quarter, the first five races, that we should have so many round wins. “Well, the problem is we’re already behind, which is why we’ve been doing (so much) extra testing to get us moving forward quicker than what we’ve been doing this year.” Brittany is excited to not only carry PEAK colors on her dragster this weekend, she also would love to double up and share the winner’s circle Sunday afternoon with her father. “I look forward to coming to Chicago because it’s a unique setting,” Brittany Force said. “This year, with my dad running PEAK and me running PEAK, it gives us the opportunity for a double-up in all-PEAK colors, and gives us the opportunity to do something we’ve never been able to do.” ****************************** NITRO AND TV SCHEDULE (ALL TIMES EASTERN): Friday, May 17 (Nitro Qualifying, streamed live on NHRA.TV)·      Nitro qualifying session (Q1): 4:30 p.m.·      Nitro qualifying session (Q2): 7 p.m. Saturday, May 18 (Nitro Qualifying & Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge, streamed live on NHRA.TV)·      Top Fuel qualifying session (Q3): 1:30 p.m.·      Mission #2Fast2Tasty Top Fuel Challenge – Round 1: 1:55 p.m.·      Funny Car qualifying session (Q3): 2:05 p.m.·      Mission #2Fast2Tasty Funny Car Challenge – Round 1: 2:30 p.m.·      Top Fuel qualifying session (Q4): 4:30 p.m.·      Mission #2Fast2Tasty Top Fuel Challenge – Finals: 4:55 p.m.·      Funny Car qualifying session (Q4): 5 p.m.·      Mission #2Fast2Tasty Funny Car Challenge – Finals: 5:25 p.m. Sunday, May 19 (Nitro Eliminations, streamed live on NHRA.TV)·      Round 1: 12 p.m.·      Round 2: 2 p.m.·      Semi-Finals: 3:35 p.m.·      Finals: 5:15 p.m. TV coverage on FS1 (all times Eastern):· Friday, May 17: Qualifying show (7:30-9 p.m.)· Saturday, May 18: Pro Stock All-Star Callout (7-8:30 p.m.)· Sunday, May 19: Qualifying show, recap of Saturday’s action (1-2 p.m.)·  Sunday, May 19: FinalS Round 1 (4-5 p.m.)·.  Sunday, May 19: Finals show (10 p.m.-12 a.m.) #2024ORCE— John Force Racing —

Four days of racing at four different racetracks with over $230,000 at stake up next for the ‘Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet’  

CONCORD, NC (May 13, 2024) – Some of the toughest dirt Late Model racers come from the Ohio and Pennsylvania region, right where the stars of the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series is headed this week. 

The green flag waves on this tour beginning Thursday, May 16, with $10,000-to-win event at Raceway 7 in Conneaut, OH before crossing into the Keystone State for $15,000-to-win races at Bedford Speedway (May 17) and Marion Center Raceway (May 18), and the $10,000-to-win event at Path Valley Speedway on Sunday, May 19. In all, there will be more than $230,000 up for grabs over the course of the four days. 

Tickets can be purchased at each of the tracks. You can buy advanced tickets for Path Valley today at the link HERE.  

For more information about every event in the 2024 World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment schedule, visit WorldofOutlaws.com/schedule, or CLICK HERE. 

If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch every World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model race live on DIRTVision.  

Here are the top storylines to look out for this weekend: 

Ryan’s Win Gust: Marshalltown, IA driver Ryan Gustin’s tenure with Todd Cooney Racing in the first quarter of 2024 culminated in his first Dairyland Showdown crown at Mississippi Thunder Speedway after a tight battle with defending series champion Bobby Pierce that went down to the final lap. 

Gustin’s sixth career World of Outlaws CASE Late Models win moved him up to eighth in the standings — motivating “The Reaper” to continue climbing his way up the standings aboard his No.19R Infinity Chassis by Wells Motorsports. 

Marion Center Raceway allows him the opportunity to claim back-to-back wins as the 0.25-mile track was the site of Gustin’s first of three Series Feature wins in 2023. 

Shepp’s Steady Lead: In a similar position to Gustin, current World of Outlaws CASE Late Models points leader Brandon Sheppard has progressively shown improved pace from his No.B5 Longhorn Factory Team Late Model. 

While the New Berlin, IL driver has yet to win a Feature race with the Series in 2024, he is the only driver to finish inside the top-10 in all eight points races through the season, including a podium at Mississippi Thunder Speedway on Friday night. 

Sheppard has a solid track record with Series debuts at racetracks — winning 15 out of his record-standing 83 Feature wins in maiden races. 

Charge & Thrill: Nick Hoffman has continued to prove that he and Tye Twarog Racing are ready to challenge for his first World of Outlaws CASE Late Model Series title in his second full-time season as a Late Model pilot. 

On the first night at Mississippi Thunder Speedway, the Mooresville, NC driver led the final 45 circuits of the 50-lap Feature to claim his third win of 2024 — the most of all drivers to date. 

Through eight races in 2024, “The Thrill from Mooresville” passed his rookie numbers in wins with three, total laps led with 85, and holds a tie in podium finishes with five total. 

New-Look Three: The Ohio-Pennsylvania swing has two new tracks to test World of Outlaws CASE Late Model Series drivers, and one track returning for the first time since 2009. 

Raceway 7’s first appearance with the Series is not the first time an Outlaw conquered the 0.437-mile track. In 2019, Brandon, FL driver Kyle Bronson claimed a Feature win in his #40B Super Late Model at the Conneaut, OH venue. 

Bedford Speedway’s Billy Winn Classic is the first time the Series has raced at the track since 2009, with winners at the track including Chub Frank, Steve Francis and Tim Fuller. Nick Hoffman took home a Feature win in 2021 by piloting a DIRTcar UMP Modified. 

Path Valley Speedway — known for its history in Pennsylvania Sprint Car racing — has the traveling band of Late Models invading the Spring Run, PA track for its first national dirt Late Model event. The track creates a new page in the notebook for drivers as no previous Outlaw has won at the 0.25-mile bullring. 

FEATURE WINNERS (5 Drivers) 
Rank- Driver- Hometown-Wins  

1. Nick Hoffman – Mooresville, NC – 3  

2. Devin Moran – Dresden, OH – 2 

3. Ryan Gustin –  Marshalltown, IA – 1 

3. Bobby Pierce – Oakwood, IL – 1  

3. Hudson O’Neal – Martinsville, IN – 1 
   

HEAT RACE WINNERS (15 Drivers) 
Rank- Driver- Hometown-Wins  

1. Chris Madden – Gray Court, SC – 4  

2. Nick Hoffman – Mooresville, NC – 3  

2. Bobby Pierce – Oakwood, IL – 3  

2. Cade Dillard – Robeline, LA – 3  

2. Devin Moran – Dresden, OH – 3  

2. Mike Marlar – Winfield, TN – 3  

3. Dale McDowell – Chickamauga, GA – 2  

3. Ricky Thornton Jr – Martinsville, IN – 2  

4. Shannon Babb – Moweaqua – IL -1  

4. Dennis Erb Jr – Carpentersville, IL – 1  

4. Drake Troutman – Hyndman, PA – 1  

4. Tyler Bruening – Decorah, IA – 1  

4. Ethan Dotson – Bakersfield, CA – 1  

4. Hudson O’Neal – Martinsville, IN – 1  

4. Garrett Smith – Eatonton, GA – 1  

LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINNERS (13 Drivers)  
Rank- Driver- Hometown-Wins  

1. Max Blair – Centerville, PA – 3  

2. Jimmy Owens – Newport, TN – 2  

2. Dustin Sorensen – Rochester, MN – 2 

3. Jake Timm – Winona, MN – 1 

3. Jordan Yaggy – Rochester, MN – 1  

3. Ryan Gustin – Marshalltown, IA – 1  

3. Dennis Erb Jr – Carpentersville, IL – 1  

3. Cody Overton – Thomson, GA – 1  

3. Frank Heckenast Jr – Frankfort, IL – 1  

3. Hudson O’Neal – Martinsville, IN – 1  

3. Chase Junghans – Manhattan, KS – 1  

3. Boom Briggs – Bear Lake, PA – 1  

3. Tripp Gerrald – Versailles, KY – 1  

PODIUM FINISHES (11 Drivers)  
Rank – Driver – Hometown – Podiums  

1. Bobby Pierce – Oakwood, IL – 6  

2. Nick Hoffman – Mooresville, NC – 5  

2. Devin Moran – Dresden, OH – 3  

3. Chris Madden – Gray Court, SC – 2  

3. Brandon Sheppard – New Berlin, IL – 2 

4. Ryan Gustin –  Marshalltown, IA – 1 

4. Cade Dillard – Robeline, LA – 1  

4. Tyler Erb – New Waverly, TX – 1 

4. Kyle Bronson – Brandon, FL – 1  

4. Ricky Thornton Jr – Martinsville, IN – 1  

4. Hudson O’Neal – Martinsville, IN – 1  

FOX FACTORY HARD CHARGER (6 Drivers)   
Rank – Driver – Hometown – H.C.  

1. Brandon Sheppard – New Berlin, IL – 2  

1. Max Blair – Centerville, PA – 2 

2. Brent Larson – Lake Elmo, MN – 1 

2. Jake Timm – Winona, MN -1  

2. Ricky Thornton Jr – Martinsville, IN – 1  

2. Chris Madden – Gray Court, SC – 1  

SIMPSON RACING PRODUCTS QUICK TIMES (6 Drivers)  
Rank – Driver – Hometown – QTs   

1. Bobby Pierce – Oakwood, IL – 2 

2. Ryan Gustin –  Marshalltown, IA – 1 

2. Cade Dillard – Robeline, LA – 1  

2. Nick Hoffman – Mooresville, NC – 1  

2. Tim McCreadie – Watertown, NY – 1  

2. Devin Moran – Dresden, OH – 1  

BILSTEIN REDRAW POLE AWARD (7 Drivers)  

Rank – Driver – Hometown – Poles  

1. Cade Dillard – Robeline, LA – 2 

2. Ryan Gustin –  Marshalltown, IA – 1 

2. Brian Shirley – Chatham, IL – 1  

2. Chris Madden – Gray Court, SC – 1  

2. Ethan Dotson – Bakersfield, CA – 1  

2. Devin Moran – Dresden, OH – 1  

2. Mike Marlar – Winfield, TN – 1  
   

CASE FEATURE LAP LEADERS (9 Drivers)   
Rank – Driver – Hometown – Laps Led  

1. Nick Hoffman – Mooresville, NC – 85  

2. Bobby Pierce – Oakwood, IL – 70  

3. Devin Moran – Dresden, OH – 47 

4. Hudson O’Neal – Martinsville, IN – 29 

5. Ryan Gustin –  Marshalltown, IA – 28  

5. Chris Madden – Gray Court, SC – 27  

6. Ricky Thornton Jr – Martinsville, IN – 16  

7. Cade Dillard – Robeline, LA – 15  

8. Ethan Dotson – Bakersfield, CA – 6 

9. Brian Shirley – Chatham, IL – 5 

2024 World of Outlaws Late Model Schedule & Winners 

1. Friday, Jan. 19/Vololusia Speedway Park/Barberville, FL/Devin Moran 

2. Saturday, Jan. 20/Volusia Speedway Park/Barberville, FL/Hudson O’Neal 

3. Thursday, Feb. 15 /Volusia Speedway Park/Barberville, FL/Nick Hoffman 

4. Friday, Jan. 19/Volusia Speedway Park/Barberville, FL/Devin Moran (2) 

5. Friday, Apr. 12/Farmer City Raceway/Farmer City, IL/Nick Hoffman (2) 

6. Saturday, Apr. 13/Farmer City Raceway/Farmer City, IL/Bobby Pierce 

7. Friday, May 3/Mississippi Thunder Speedway/Nick Hoffman (3) 

8. Friday, May 4/Mississippi Thunder Speedway/Ryan Gustin 

(5/13/24 – Ben Deatherage) Sacramento, CA … The wait for an entire weekend of NARC 410 Sprint Car Series racing is almost over, as the 900+ horsepower behemoths of the tour are in action not once but twice, this Saturday and Sunday! First, Thunderbowl Raceway will be the first stop on Saturday, May 18th, for KRC Safety Night.But wait, there is more! The Stockton Dirt Track will visit the reconfigured ¼-mile track for a Sunday Twilight Show spectacular for the rescheduled Salute to LeRoy Van Conett.Among them will be Easton, CA driver Caeden Steele, the current leader in the race for the NARC Rookie of the Year award.  He sits ninth in the standings.”I’m excited to get back to 410 racing, especially Tulare,” said Steele.  “I have a lot of laps there, and that’s one of my favorite tracks because it really fits my driving style.  The season has been pretty great so far. We’ve been lucky enough to avoid some of the wrecks, so we’ll see if we can continue that.”The journey to the famed 1/3-mile clay oval in Tulare marks the fourth event of the 65th Anniversary season for the NARC 410 Sprint Car Series, followed by the Stockton Dirt Track show.The companion divisions for the Tulare are the Kings of Thunder 360 Sprints and West Coast Sport Compacts, while the Bay Cities Racing Association Midgets will be on the card on Sunday for Stockton.Sunday’s race will honor the living legend LeRoy Van Conett, one of the all-time great drivers to come out of California.  The “Dragon from Galt” scored eight NARC titles (1969, 1970, 1975, 1977, 1978, 1980, 1981, and 1984) and won the track title at Calistoga Speedway on seven occasions.  He was the 1976 Gold Cup Race of Champions winner at the defunct West Capital Raceway. He was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall of Fame in 1999.  The Van Conett race was established in 2016, and Shane Golobic and D.J. Netto are tied for the most wins at this event, with two apiece. Championship ChaseWith three completed rounds in the 2024 schedule, the march for the King of the West championship is still in the early stages.Cole Macedo enters the weekend as the series point leader. He is a tough customer to beat on the track and has yet to finish outside the top five this season. The Lemoore racer, piloting the Tarlton Motorsports #21 entry, already has won two of three events in 2024 and is coming off of a fifth-place result at Antioch.  Aromas driver Justin Sanders, the winner of last Saturday’s show at Antioch, is only 11-points behind Macedo.Who to WatchMany Central Valley-based competitors will attend, several of which are competing for the Rookie Of The Year honors. Steele currently leads the chase as the BCCR Racing #121 entry has been incredible despite a limited number of 410 Sprint Car starts to his name.Gauge Garcia, from Lemoore, is looking to bounce back from a hard flip last weekend.  The Keller Motorsports #2K team is also looking to try and build on their tenth-place finish in their most recent Stockton NARC outing.Dominic Gorden is looking to keep early-season gremlins behind him.  The Clovis teenager had a season-best result last Saturday with his 12th-place effort.Mariah Ede made her NARC debut last weekend. She is one of the newest members of the massive pool of 410 talent from California and has an extremely bright future. The Fresno racer will be running both tracks for the first time in a 410 between the frame rails.Another local driver also making the journey is the aforementioned Netto, from Hanford, who is always a threat to win against the competition when he rolls into the pit area.  The 2019 NARC champion has twice won with the series at Stockton, which happens to be the Van Conett Tribute and grabbed a victory at Tulare in 2015.Justin Sanders got a big win last weekend for the Mittry Motorsports #2X team at the Contra Costa County Clash. The Aromas racer didn’t win; he dominated, leading all the laps of the feature, setting a quick time, and winning the dash. He will undoubtedly look to continue that positive momentum. Sanders was third in his last Tulare outing with NARC and has two Stockton wins.The previously referenced Golobic will looking to score his 16th career NARC victory. The Matt Wood Racing #17W entry has finished second in three shows so far.  The Fremont racer will look to win his second career Tulare win with the series for the first time since 2018. His only two NARC wins at Stockton were during the Van Conett race.Other NARC 410 Series regulars in action will include 2017 champion Bud Kaeding of Campbell, Justyn Cox from Roseville, Oakley pilot Dylan Bloomfield, Billy Aton from Benicia, Penngrove’s Chase Johnson, Chico pilots Nick Parker and Michael Ing, and Jarrett Soares of Gilroy. Other notable names expected will be two-time NARC champ Dominic Scelzi from Fresno, Lincoln’s Tanner Carrick, and Ryan Bernal of Roseville.Fan & Competitor InfoThunderbowl Raceway is located at the Tulare County Fairgrounds at 620 South K Street in Tulare, California. Grandstand Tickets are $35.00 for Adults, Seniors $33.00, Kids (6-12) $18.00, and 5 and Under are FREE. Bleacher Tickets are $30.00 for Adults, $28.00 for Seniors, Kids (6-12 for $15.00, and 4 and Under are FREE.The Front Gates open at 4:00 PM, Qualifying at 6:00 p.m., and racing at 7:00.Additional information can be found at www.thunderbowlraceway.com.The Stockton Dirt Track is located at the San Joaquin County Fairground at 1658 S Airport Way in Stockton, California. Tickets are $30.00 for Adults, Juniors (5-17)/Seniors (65+)/Military (with ID) $25.00, and 4 and Under are FREE. Please note that there is a $10.00 cash-only parking fee for spectators. Online tickets can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/narc-410-king-of-the-west-sprint-cars-bcra-midgets-tickets-890659044177?aff=website.The Pit Gates will open at 1:00 pm, and qualifying will kick off at 4:00 p.m, with racing starting around 5:15 pm.Additional information can be found at www.stocktondirttrack.com.The NARC racing format includes qualifying, four 8-lap heat races, an exciting six-lap trophy dash, a 12-lap last chance race, and a 30-lap main event.The NARC 410 Sprint Series is the leading 410 Sprint Car tour west of the Rocky Mountains. Since 1960, it has enthralled countless thousands of fans from tracks up and down the Pacific Coast. For more information, visit its website at www.narc410.com or social media pages.The event at Thunderbowl Raceway and the Stockton Dirt Track’s Salute To LeRoy Van Conett, along with every NARC 410 Sprint Car Series race, can be viewed live on Floracing.com.Past Salute To Leroy Van Conett Winners:
2016- Cory Eliason
2017- Shane Golobic
2018- Tim Kaeding
2019- Shane Golobic
2021- D.J. Netto
2022- D.J. NettoThe NARC 410 Sprint Car Racing Series is also sponsored by Hoosier Racing Tires and Floracing.com. Associate and product award sponsors include Automotive Racing Products (ARP), Beacon Wealth Strategies, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Bullet Impressions, Diversified Machine Inc., Jim Allen Promotions, Kaeding Performance Center, Kimo’s Tropical Car Wash, KSE Racing Enterprises, Lifeline LLC, Maxim Racing Products, Mettec Titanium, Pyrotect, Saldana Racing Products, Schoenfeld Headers, Scelzi Enterprises, SCI Racing Products, Starr Property Management, System 1 Ignition, Ultra Lite Brakes, Williams Roofing, Wilwood Disc Brakes, and Winters Performance Products.NARC 410 SPRINT CARS SERIES
CHAMPIONSHIP POINT STANDINGS
(AFTER THREE EVENTS IN 23-RACE SERIES – 5/13/24)

1. Cole Macedo, Lemoore – 421
2. Justin Sanders, Aromas – 410
3. Bud Kaeding, Campbell – 407
4. Dylan Bloomfield, Oakley – 404
5. Tanner Carrick, Lincoln – 400
6. Sean Becker, Roseville – 399
7. Chase Johnson, Penngrove – 397
8. Shane Golobic, Fremont – 397
9. Caeden Steele, Fresno (R) – 395
10. Nick Parker, Chico – 395
11. Kaleb Montgomery, Templeton – 387
12. Gauge Garcia, Lemoore (R) – 384
13. Justyn Cox, Clarksburg – 382
14. Jarrett Soares, Gilroy – 362
15. Dominic Gorden, Clovis (R) – 360
16. Billy Aton, Benicia – 359
17. Michael Ing, Chico – 344
18. Burt Foland Jr, San Jose – 339
19. Ryan Bernal, Roseville – 262
20. DJ Netto, Hanford – 252

UPCOMING EVENTS:
June 1 – Placerville Speedway – Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial
FASTEST FIVE DAYS IN MOTORSPORTS
June 12 – Southern Oregon Speedway (Central Point, OR) – Wild Wednesday Sprint Cars
June 13 – The Douglas County Dirtrack (Roseburg, OR) – Thursday Night Thunder
June 14 – Cottage Grove Speedway (Cottage Grove, OR) – Friday Night Frenzy
June 15 – Willamette Speedway (Lebanon, OR) – Sprint Car Invasion
June 16 – Grays Harbor Raceway (Elma, CA) – Fathers Day Timber CupJune 20-22 – Skagit Speedway (Burlington, WA) – Jim Raper Super Dirt Cup
June 29 – Silver Dollar Speedway (Chico, CA) – David Tarter Memorial

Tickets for all three 2024 PFL Global Season Playoff Events available Thursday, May 16th only via Ticketmaster! Women’s Flyweight and Heavyweight Playoffs at the Nashville Municipal Auditorium in Nashville, TN on August 2  Light Heavyweight and Lightweight Playoffs at the Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL on August 16 Welterweight and Featherweight Playoffs at The Anthem in Washington, D.C. on August 23  2024 PFL Global Season Playoffs, available live across ESPN platforms in the U.S. and via DAZN in Canada, Europe and additional premium sports platforms internationally

INFORMATION HERE

DARLINGTON, SC – May 13, 2024 – Brad Keselowski won Sunday’s Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway, marking his first win as RFK Racing co-owner, 36th of his career, and second at Darlington Raceway. This was Ford Performance’s first win of the 2024 season with the new Ford Mustang Dark Horse.

“Congratulations to Jack, Brad, Matt, and everyone at Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing on the race win at Darlington,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “Brad and Matt were fast in qualifying and maintained that speed throughout the entire race. Everyone at Ford Performance, Roush Fenway Keselowski Racing, and Roush Yates Engines has worked hard this year to bring the Mustang Dark Horse to victory lane and winning at a difficult track like Darlington is really special.”

“It’s just so great to be here in Darlington. I love this track. I love coming here. It’s a special place to me whether you win or not, but to run up front all day and have a great car, qualify up front, it was just an awesome day for Castrol. I’m glad for Ford. Ford has been working really hard to get us up here and here we are. We got them a win, so they don’t have to hear about that anymore. I’m happy for Ford. Hopefully, there are more great things to come. It was a total team effort from the top to the bottom to get us to where we could have a fast car. We executed on pit road, led laps and were there when it counted at the end,” commented Keselowski.

Brad Keselowski started Sunday’s 400-mile race in second and led 37 laps after battling pole sitter Tyler Reddick for most of the afternoon. With 33 laps remaining in the race, Keselowski and Reddick raced side-by-side for a few laps until both were passed by Keselowski’s teammate Chris Buescher. Buescher drove down to the bottom of the track and sped past Keselowski and Reddick to assume the lead. With 10 laps remaining, Buescher and Reddick made contact causing both cars to cut a tire, allowing Keselowski to take the lead. Keselowski took the checkered flag and finished 1.214 seconds ahead of runner-up Ty Gibbs.

A total of five Ford Performance drivers finished in the top 10: Stewart-Haas Racing’s Josh Berry finished in P3 along with teammate Chase Briscoe in P5, Rick Ware Racing’s Justin Haley in P9, and Front Row Motorsports’ Michael McDowell in P10.

The NASCAR Xfinity Series also raced at Darlington on Saturday. Stewart-Haas Racing’s Cole Custer started from the pole and finished in P3 while teammate Riley Herbst finished in P7. The NASCAR Cup Series heads to North Wilkesboro Speedway this weekend for the All-Star Race while the Xfinity Series takes a one-week break and races next at Charlotte.

39 CHAMPIONSHIPS – 459 WINS – 429 POLES

CHICAGO (May 9, 2024) – Last season, drag racing fans were thrilled to see Chicago native TJ Zizzo and the Rust-Oleum Top Fuel dragster return to action on the NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series. Once again Zizzo Racing led by team owner Tony Zizzo and driver TJ will start their season at the Gerber Collision & Glass Route 66 NHRA Nationals, May 17-19, at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, Illinois. The wildly popular event returned last season with sold out grandstands and racing action that included a run to the semifinals by Zizzo and the Rust-Oleum Top Fuel team. With a busy off-season behind them, Zizzo Racing is even more prepared and excited to get the 2024 season underway.   “Last year we had all new equipment and had been away from the sport, so it took us some time to get our feet under ourselves,” said Zizzo, one of the most respected drivers on the tour. “We want to represent Rust-Oleum and all our sponsors to the highest level when we hit the track so our goal in Chicago and throughout the season will be to make the most of qualifying and then give it our all on race day. This team has a lot of experience and most importantly we have a lot of heart.”   Last season one of the major contributors to Zizzo Racing’s return and success was the addition of a new race car thanks to a generous offer by NHRA Hall of Fame driver and team owner, Don Schumacher. Over the off-season, Schumacher lost a courageous battle against cancer and the loss weighs heavily on the entire Zizzo Racing team and NHRA community. There will be a number of celebratory memorial events for Schumacher, and he will be top of mind for Zizzo throughout the event and rest of the season.   “Don Schumacher is one of the major reasons Zizzo Racing is still getting to do what we love,” said Zizzo. “He was a great friend and mentor. His impact on racing and the Chicago business community was massive. I think about him every day and every time I go into the shop, I am thankful for every opportunity, every conversation, and the words of encouragement he gave me and our team over the many, many years we raced together and against each other. He was one of the iconic figures in our sport and this weekend will be a celebration of his generosity and impact.”   The Zizzo Racing team has always prided themselves on being race ready no matter when their season starts.  They will begin their 2024 limited race schedule with the Route 66 Nationals and then compete throughout the summer at the Norwalk Nationals, June 27-30 (Norwalk, Ohio), the historic U.S. Nationals, the iconic Norwalk Night Under Fire, August 3 (Norwalk, Ohio), August 28-September 2 (Indianapolis, Indiana) and the Midwest Nationals, September 27-29 (St. Louis, Missouri). At each of these races Zizzo, will be campaigning the beautiful Rust-Oleum Top Fuel dragster, one of the fastest accelerating race cars on the planet, harnessing 12,000-horsepower and exceeding speeds of 330 mph in less than 3.7 seconds.   “There is nothing that can compare to hitting the throttle on the Rust-Oleum Top Fuel dragster,” said Zizzo, who has raced to one final round in his Top Fuel career. “You can’t really describe it other than to say it is a handful, beautiful, powerful, and amazing all at once and as soon as you make a 3.7 second pass you want to get right back in the cockpit and do it again. I am looking forward to getting the season started in Chicago and talking with fans across the country about Rust-Oleum and how cool the NHRA is.”   Top Fuel qualifying begins on Friday, May 17, and continues Saturday, May 18. Zizzo and the Rust-Oleum Rocket team will once again host a pancake breakfast on Saturday morning in their pit area which will be a welcome addition to race festivities. Final eliminations for the 16 quickest Top Fuel dragsters will take place on Sunday, May 19 and the race will be broadcast nationally on FS1. Fans can buy tickets to see Zizzo and the Rust-Oleum Top Fuel dragster at www.nhra.com.

PEAK has been primary sponsor of John Force’s Funny Car since 2015 and hopes for a father-daughter “double up” in the winner’s circle

For Immediate Release NORTHBROOK, IL. (May 9, 2024) – In addition to once again serving as presenting sponsor for the May 17-19 NHRA Route 66 Nationals at Route 66 Raceway in Joliet, IL., PEAK Antifreeze & Coolant announced today that it will be the primary sponsor for two-time NHRA Top Fuel champion Brittany Force’s dragster in the pivotal race. Old World Industries and its PEAK and BlueDEF brands have been the primary sponsor of 16-time NHRA Funny Car champion John Force for the past decade. PEAK is excited to also partner with John’s daughter, Brittany, in what OWI proudly calls its “hometown race” on the 20-race NHRA national event schedule. “I’m very proud to carry the PEAK colors next weekend in Chicago,” said Brittany Force, whose PEAK Antifreeze & Coolant dragster will match her father’s Funny Car. “When I see PEAK, I see my dad, John Force, 16-time champion. And now to be connected with him through PEAK is something very unique, something very special. I actually ran a PEAK car back in 2018, so I’m excited to bring it back on board again in 2024.” Old World Industries’ management and employees have been looking forward to next weekend’s race both on and off the racetrack. “This event is very important for Old World Industries,” states Director of Marketing – Sports & Partnerships, Brian Bohlander. “Not only is it great to bring NHRA Championship Drag Racing back to the Chicago market, but having both John and Brittany in PEAK colors gives our employees another Force to cheer on. This year, the employees names will be riding along on the top of Brittany’s dragster, so everyone is excited about this.” Brittany Force has 16 NHRA national event wins, has reached the final round 35 times, and been No. 1 qualifier 42 times on the Top Fuel circuit in her career. She is excited at the possibility to potentially “double up” with her father and both share the winner’s circle in next weekend’s race. “The ultimate goal every single weekend is to double up and get both those cars in the winner’s circle,” Brittany Force said. “There would be nothing better than that for us, especially with both cars of my dad and myself representing PEAK. That is the goal, that’s what we’re trying to achieve, and it would be something no one’s ever seen before.” John Force is proud of his daughter and what she has achieved in her career. He’s also excited to be returning to Chicago. “The way I look at it, we’re going home, Chicago is PEAK’s hometown,” John Force said. “We may not live there, but as far as I’m concerned, it’s become our hometown. PEAK saved us 11 years ago and it has been a great partnership, along with Chevrolet. (Old World Industries Chairman) Tom Hurvis is great. It’s our home office; our race car is up in their building in the roof. “PEAK is a company that I love. Tom Hurvis gave me a chance to extend my career and I owe the man for that.” In addition to the race weekend, John, Brittany and teammate Austin Prock will all visit the Old World Industries headquarters in Northbrook, to meet with employees, sign autographs and take photos. Over 150 employees will also attend the race throughout the weekend, cheering on all three John Force Racing cars. A special diecast of Brittany’s PEAK dragster is also being released today for fans and members of the #PEAKSquad to purchase for late season arrival. And a VERY special guest will be on hand during the weekend to not only spend time with Brittany, but who is also slated to warm up John Force’s race car at some point in his pit area. Check social media to find out who the surprise guest is and when the warm up will take place. The first two rounds of Top Fuel and Funny Car qualifying take place Friday, May 17, at 3:30 and 6 pm CT. Two more rounds are Saturday, May 18, at 12:30 and 3:30 pm CT. Final eliminations begin Sunday. May 19, at 11 am CT. #2024ORCE— John Force Racing —

Gravel rolls to third win in four races to make Tod Quiring the sixth car owner with 100 World of Outlaws wins  ABBOTTSTOWN, PA (May 8, 2024) – Sprint Car Racing history was made Wednesday night at Lincoln Speedway. All the hype heading into Lincoln Speedway’s Federated Auto Parts Gettysburg Clash was the renewal of the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car and Pennsylvania Posse rivalry. And while the atmosphere was alive and well in the Pigeon Hills, the evening evolved into a historic occasion not for the rivalry, but for The Greatest Show on Dirt.David Gravel and Big Game Motorsports had been on a tear entering Pennsylvania. Their previous 11 races consisted of four wins and eight top two finishes. And each victory pushed Tod Quiring’s team closer and closer to 100 career World of Outlaws triumphs. Last Saturday Gravel put them at 99 with a trip to Victory Lane, meaning Lincoln would be the first opportunity at triple digits.And Gravel delivered.The Watertown, CT native started on the pole and drove a masterful 35 laps around the Abbottstown, PA oval to make Big Game Motorsports only the sixth team with 100 wins. Gravel fended off challenges from both Carson Macedo and Giovanni Scelzi to get the job done in Posse territory. “We got Tod’s 100th win,” Gravel said. “Congrats to Tod Quiring. He’s put so much into this sport, and for him to get 100 is really, really cool. Our joke was once he gets his 100, hopefully I can get mine. We’re still a few away from that, but we’re going to keep working hard and doing our jobs. This Huset’s #2 has been really, really fun to drive lately and really all year. Cody (Jacobs), Zach (Patterson), and Stephen (Hamm-Reilly) have been doing a really good job.”As Gravel noted, he’s still a handful of checkered flags away from personally hitting 100 wins as Wednesday marked his 94th, moving him within one of equaling Dave Blaney for eighth all-time. With his 100th win, Quiring joined fellow car owners Karl Kinser, Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne, Steve Kinser, and Dennis Roth in the exclusive triple digit category. Six different drivers helped him get there – Gravel (36 wins), Craig Dollansky (28 wins), Sammy Swindell (26 wins), Kerry Madsen (six wins), Terry McCarl (three wins), and Danny Lasoski (one win). Gravel now owns a pair of Lincoln victories with his first coming in 2017.A last lap pass for the win in the Toyota Racing Dash slotted Gravel on the pole of the 35-lap Feature. The green flag waved, and Gravel pulled ahead of Carson Macedo.Throughout the early circuits Macedo looked as if he may pose a strong threat to Gravel. The Jason Johnson Racing #41 stayed glued to the tail tank of the #2 as they both ripped around the top of the 3/8-mile. Traffic became a factor in the early going, but Macedo still wasn’t able to muster a run as they navigated the earliest batch of lapped cars. With 21 laps remaining, Macedo put together some momentum down the front straightaway and took a look to Gravel’s inside in Turns 1 and 2. But he wasn’t able to complete a pass, and Gravel powered away down the back straightaway.Gravel pulled away over the next several laps until a yellow flag with 12 laps remaining. That yellow along with a couple red flags put the pressure on Gravel multiple times as the laps faded. But Gravel never flinched.He nailed every restart as battles broke out behind him. Giovanni Scelzi challenged Macedo for the runner-up spot and secured it with 10 to go. Then it was Anthony Macri attempting to climb onto the podium by following Scelzi around Macedo. The two traded sliders, but Macedo managed to hold on.Up ahead, Gravel drove away smoothly for his sixth win of the World of Outlaws season and the 100th of Tod Quiring’s career as an owner.“It got really slick there at the end off of (Turn) 4,” Gravel explained. “And I didn’t know if I needed to move or not, but I got down the backstretch good. I could run her in pretty hard and then just maintain on exit. If I was in second or third, I would’ve definitely been searching around. I think the bottom came in late there.”Giovanni Scelzi came home second for his fifth podium of the season in the KCP Racing #18 and third top five in a row. The sophomore World of Outlaws campaign continues to be a strong one for Scelzi as he’s third in points.“There’s no excuses from me tonight. We just flat out got beat tonight,” Scelzi said. “My car was unbelievable tonight. Adam Clark (crew chief) went from delivering beer to crew chief on a Sprint Car. He’s done an incredible job.”The final step of the podium belonged to Carson Macedo. The Lemoore, CA driver is on a roll of nine consecutive top five finishes. Macedo had plenty of speed early in the 35-lapper behind the wheel of the Jason Johnson Racing #41 but couldn’t find the speed to challenge Gravel.“I feel like I was pretty good early in the Feature,” Macedo said. “I feel like we had a lot of speed. I feel like Philip (Dietz), Robby (McQuinn), and Adam (Zimmerman) did a great job. I feel like I was kind of just racing my race just waiting to make a move, and it never kind of played out. I feel like he did a good job in traffic.”Anthony Macri and Donny Schatz completed the top five.A 24th to ninth drive earned Danny Dietrich the KSE Racing Hard Charger.Donny Schatz grabbed his first Simpson Quick Time of the year and the 111th of his career.NOS Energy Drink Heats One, Three, and Four went to Donny Schatz, Anthony Macri, and Carson Macedo. Milton Hershey School Heat Two belonged to David Gravel.David Gravel topped the Toyota Racing Dash.Brandon Rahmer won the Micro-Lite Last Chance Showdown.Bill Balog was awarded the Smith Titanium Brake Systems Break of the Race.UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars go head-to-head with the PA Posse two more nights (May 10-11) at Mechanicsburg, PA’s Williams Grove Speedway in the HVAC Distributors Morgan Cup presented by Daikin. The winner of the finale is taking home $15,000. For tickets, CLICK HERE.If you can’t make it to the track, catch every lap live on DIRTVision.FEATURE RESULTS:NOS Energy Drink Feature (35 Laps): 1. 2-David Gravel[1]; 2. 18-Giovanni Scelzi[4]; 3. 41-Carson Macedo[2]; 4. 39M-Anthony Macri[6]; 5. 15-Donny Schatz[7]; 6. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild[12]; 7. 83-Michael Kofoid[3]; 8. 27-Troy Wagaman Jr[10]; 9. 48-Danny Dietrich[24]; 10. 2D-Chase Dietz[8]; 11. 1S-Logan Schuchart[14]; 12. 5-Tyler Ross[16]; 13. X-Matt Campbell[15]; 14. 23-Devon Borden[22]; 15. 75-Cameron Smith[23]; 16. 17N-Dylan Norris[18]; 17. 1X-Chad Trout[20]; 18. 5W-Lucas Wolfe[11]; 19. 8-Freddie Rahmer[17]; 20. 95-Kody Hartlaub[5]; 21. 17B-Bill Balog[9]; 22. 99M-Kyle Moody[13]; 23. 8D-Billy Dietrich[19]; 24. 88-Brandon Rahmer[21]For complete results, CLICK HERE.

BATAVIA, Ohio (May 8, 2024) – The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will return to a pair of iconic Midwest venues this week as part of the 3rd Annual Illinois Speedweek.  The four-race swing through the Land of Lincoln begins with Spoon River Speedway on Wednesday, May 8 before invading Lincoln Speedway on Thursday, May 9. Both of those events, sanctioned by the FloRacing Night in America tour, feature a $20,000-to-win / $1,000-to-start program for Super Late Models. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will sanction rounds three and four of the third annual Illinois Speedweek on Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11. The Farmer City 74 will be a complete program for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, including Dirt Draft Hot Laps, Allstar Performance Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, and a 74-lap, $25,000-to-win A-Main. The Modifieds ($2,000-to-win) and Kids Modifieds will join the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series at Farmer City Raceway. Farmer City Raceway is a 1/4-mile, high banked dirt oval located on the Fairgrounds in Farmer City, Illinois, just off I-74 at Exit 159. On Friday, May 10 all gates will open at 4:00PM CT. The on-track action is slated to begin at 6:00PM CT with Hot Laps. For more information, visit www.farmercityracing.com. Fairbury Speedway’s FALS Spring Shootout presented by Titan Industries will cap off the Illinois Speedweek. The $30,000 to win main event is preceded by a complete program of Dirt Draft Hot Laps, Allstar Performance Time Trials, Heat Races, and B-Mains for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. The Modifieds are also on the docket, chasing a $2,000 top prize. Fairbury Speedway is a 1/4-mile semi-banked oval located at the Fairbury, Illinois fairgrounds. The Speedway is located three blocks south of U.S. 24 on 3rd Street. All gates at Fairbury Speedway will open at 12:00PM CT (noon) on Saturday, May 11. Hot Laps will begin at 6:00PM CT with racing to follow. For more information, please visit www.fairburyspeedway.com. Both Lucas Oil-sanctioned events are part of the Sunoco Race Fuels Road to Wheatland program. Sunoco Race Fuels will pay out $16,000 in bonus money to the top 15 drivers in the series point standings with perfect attendance at the Show-Me 100 on Memorial Day weekend at Lucas Oil Speedway. Ricky Thornton Jr. is atop the Big River Steel Chase for the Championship – presented by ARP standings, followed by Jonathan Davenport and Devin Moran. Mike Marlar and Hudson O’Neal round out the top five in the championship point standings. For the latest news, results, championship standings and more about the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, please visit www.lucasdirt.com. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Purses:Farmer City Raceway – May 101. $25,000, 2. $10,000, 3. $6,000, 4. $4,000, 5. $3,500, 6. $2,700, 7. $2,500, 8. $2,300, 9. $2,200, 10. $2,100, 11. $2,000, 12. $1,900, 13. $1,800, 14. $1,700, 15. $1,600, 16. $1,500, 17. $1,500, 18. $1,500, 19. $1,500, 20. $1,500, 21. $1,500, 22. $1,500, 23. $1,500, 24. $1,500 = Total $82,800 Fairbury Speedway – May 111. $30,000, 2. $15,000, 3. $7,000, 4. $5,500, 5. $4,500, 6. $3,500, 7. $3,000, 8. $2,500, 9. $2,400, 10. $2,300, 11. $2,200, 12. $2,100, 13. $2,000, 14. $1,900, 15. $1,800, 16. $1,750, 17. $1,700, 18. $1,650, 19. $1,600, 20. $1,550, 21. $1,550, 22. $1,500, 23. $1,500, 24. $1,500 = Total $100,000 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Tire Rule:Friday – Saturday, May 10-11Left Rear/Fronts – Hoosier (90) NLMT2, (90) NLMT3 Right Rear – Hoosier (92) NLMT3, (92) NLMT4

Darlington, South CarolinaMay 10-12, 2024

THROWBACK AT “THE LADY IN BLACK”The next stop of the 2024 NASCAR season will see all three national series compete at one of the sport’s most historic ovals: Darlington Raceway. The three-day event will mark the 10th time the 1.366-mile South Carolina oval will host the sport’s annual “Throwback Weekend”, with drivers and teams across the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS), NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) and NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) sporting unique liveries honoring the sport’s history.  For the fourth consecutive season, Darlington Raceway will play host to NASCAR for two event weekends, with the NCS and NXS returning to “The Lady in Black” in September. A shift in the schedule has made the South Carolina oval the new home for the 2024 regular-season finale for NASCAR’s premier series.  In six tripleheader weekends this season, Chevrolet is the only manufacturer to achieve a sweep of the wins across all three NASCAR national series – accomplishing the feat three times (Daytona International Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway).

In the NASCAR Cup Series at Darlington: Since hosting NASCAR’s inaugural event in 1950, the 1.366-mile South Carolina oval has hosted 125 races for NASCAR’s top division. Chevrolet leads the series with 44 all-time NASCAR Cup Series victories at Darlington Raceway, with the manufacturer looking to make it four-straight trips to victory lane at the track in Sunday’s Goodyear 400. There have been 23 different drivers that have earned a victory for Chevrolet at “The Lady in Black”. That list includes Herb Thomas, who produced the Bowtie brand’s inaugural win at the track on Sept. 5, 1955.

In the Next Gen Era at Darlington:  Since the introduction of the Next Gen vehicles to the NASCAR Cup Series in 2022, Chevrolet leads the way with victories in three of the four races held at Darlington Raceway – all recorded in the series’ last three appearances at the track. The manufacturer’s three-peat at the South Carolina oval started with a victory by Erik Jones behind the wheel of a Petty-GMS Camaro ZL1 in Sept. 2022, with Hendrick Motorsports teammates William Byron (May 2023) and Kyle Larson (Sept. 2023) sweeping the events last season.

MILESTONE MEMORIESChevrolet heads to Darlington Raceway with an active streak of three-straight trips to victory lane in NASCAR’s top division, with each of those victories holding a monumental significance for the team. The first two of those triumphs came with Erik Jones and William Byron behind the wheel of two of the sport’s most iconic car numbers – both of which were milestone victories with Jones giving the No. 43 its 200th all-time win (Sept. 2022) and Byron taking the No. 24 to its 100th all-time win (May 2023). Most recently in Sept. 2023, Kyle Larson’s victory in the series’ playoff opener delivered the Hendrick Motorsports engine shop its 500th win in the NASCAR national ranks.

Erik JonesNo. 43 Petty GMS Racing Chevrolet Sept. 4, 2022

William ByronNo. 24 Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletMay 14, 2023

Kyle Larson No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletSept. 3, 2023

BYRON, KVAPIL HIGHLIGHTS DARLINGTON NXS ENTRY LISTSlated to join Team Chevy’s full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series contenders at Darlington Raceway include William Byron and Carson Kvapil.

William Byron – the track’s defending winner of the NASCAR Cup Series’ spring event – will get behind the wheel of the No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro SS for his second of four starts in the entry this season. The 26-year-old Charlotte, North Carolina, native has just one NXS start at “The Lady in Black” – earning a fifth-place finish in his title-winning season (2017). The No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports Camaro SS has made four starts in the NXS this season, with Kyle Larson taking the entry to victory lane at Circuit of The Americas in March. 

JR Motorsports will be fielding its fifth entry for its fourth start of the season, with Carson Kvapil returning to the seat of the No. 88 Camaro SS for Saturday’s 200-mile event. The 20-year-old Mooresville, North Carolina, native made his series’ debut at Martinsville Speedway in April – reeling off an impressive fourth-place finish. The two-time CARS Tour Champion followed up that performance with a runner-up finish at Dover Motor Speedway two weeks ago – a result that came after leading his first-ever laps in the series during a late-race battle for the win.

Chevrolet in the NASCAR Xfinity Series at Darlington Raceway: In 67 NASCAR Xfinity Series races at Darlington Raceway, Chevrolet leads the series with 22 all-time victories in the series. Since 2021, the Bowtie brand has visited victory lane at “The Lady in Black” in five of the series’ six appearances at the track. Four of those victories came courtesy of back-to-back season sweeps by JR Motorsports in 2021-2022 with two wins each by Justin Allgaier and Noah Gragson. Chevrolet is the series’ defending winner in the spring event at Darlington Raceway – a victory recorded by Kyle Larson behind the wheel of Kaulig Racing’s all-star entry last season.

HITTING THE HALFWAY POINTWith eight races complete, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series has officially hit the halfway point of its regular season. Chevrolet has posted a powerhouse performance throughout the 2024 season, with the manufacturer heading into the second-half of the regular-season leading nearly all major statistical categories:  Four drivers from three different Chevrolet teams have earned a combined six victories including Spire Motorsports with three wins (Kyle Busch – two wins; Rajah Caruth – one win); McAnally-Hilgemann Racing’s Christian Eckes with two wins; and Rev Racing’s Nick Sanchez with one win. Chevrolet has recorded a series-leading six pole wins – each of which have been recorded by a different Team Chevy driver.  Chevrolet leads its manufacturer competitors with wins in 12 of the 16 stages thus far this season.In each of Chevrolet’s six victories this season, the Bowtie brand has claimed at least 50 percent of the top-10 finishing positions, including a season-high seven top-10s on two separate occasions (Daytona International Speedway and Martinsville Speedway).Chevrolet – the defending NCTS Manufacturer Champion – has remained atop the series’ manufacturer points standings throughout the entirety of the season thus far. Entering the second-half of the regular-season, Chevrolet holds a 28-point advantage over its manufacturer competitors – a lead nearly triple in size compared to its lead at this time last season.

Chevrolet in the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at Darlington Raceway:The NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series has a much shorter history at Darlington Raceway, with Friday’s Buckle Up South Carolina 200 marking the series’ 12th appearance at the track. The 2024 season marks the track’s fourth consecutive year hosting the NCTS, with each of Chevrolet’s three victories in the series coming within that time span. Sheldon Creed and GMS Racing drove Chevrolet to its first two NCTS victories at “The Lady in Black” – sweeping both events in 2021. Christian Eckes and the No. 19 McAnally-Hilgemann Racing Silverado RST team is the series’ defending Darlington winners – picking up the win in the May 2023 event.

BOWTIE BULLETS:·       With 30 races complete across NASCAR’s three national series this season, Chevrolet has a winning percentage of 60% with 18 victories (NASCAR Cup Series – seven wins; NASCAR Xfinity Series – five wins; NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series – six wins). ·       Active Chevrolet drivers with a NASCAR Cup Series win at Darlington Raceway:    Kyle Larson – one win (Sept. 2023)William Byron – one win (May 2023) Kyle Busch – one win (May 2008) ·       In 125 NASCAR Cup Series races at Darlington Raceway, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 44 victories. In four events in the series’ Next Gen era at the 1.366-mile South Carolina oval, Chevrolet has earned three victories – each recorded in the series’ last three appearances at the track.  ·       Team Chevy’s William Byron is the only driver to have a double-digit win record in the NASCAR Cup Series’ Next Gen era – with his victory at Martinsville Speedway marking his 11th all-time victory in the Next Gen Camaro ZL1.  ·       In 84 points-paying races in the Next Gen era, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 44 victories – a winning percentage of 52.4%.  ·       In six tripleheader weekends this season, Chevrolet is the only manufacturer to reel off a weekend sweep – accomplishing the feat three times (Daytona International Speedway, Atlanta Motor Speedway and Texas Motor Speedway).  ·       With its 42 NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer Championships, 33 NASCAR Cup Series Driver Championships, and 858 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title as the winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history.

Manufacturer Points Standings Chevrolet: 446Toyota: 435 (-11)Ford: 398 (-48)

Manufacturer Points Standings Chevrolet: 370Toyota: 365 (-5)Ford: 311 (-59)

Manufacturer Points Standings Chevrolet: 308Toyota: 280 (-28)Ford: 251 (-57)

TUNE-IN:NASCAR Cup Series Goodyear 400Sunday, May 12, at 3 p.m. ET(FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90) NASCAR Xfinity SeriesCrown Royal Purple Bag Project 200Saturday, May 11, at 1:30 p.m. ET(FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90) NASCAR Craftsman Truck SeriesBuckle Up South Carolina 200Friday, May 10, at 7:30 pm. ET(FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90)

QUOTABLE QUOTES:ROSS CHASTAIN, NO. 1 BUSCH LIGHT THROWBACK CAMARO ZL1What is the difference between running really well at Darlington and finishing well?“I wish I knew the answer to that (laughs). Finishing well is keeping the car intact and not hitting the wall too hard. Keeping the wheel straight, keeping paint out of the wheels as much as you can if you hit the wall, have the suspension the same way you went to the track with it at lap 495…those are all the reasons of finishing well instead of just running well.” Does Darlington hold any special significance to you since you kind of burst onto the scene there and everyone took notice of you there?“There’s so much about that CGR No. 42 Xfinity car. The year before at Darlington was when a sponsor saw me dumping the honey tank from the camper and that led me to driving for Chip. Yes, that weekend going down the backstretch and feeling the horsepower of the 42 car, the grip in the corners, qualifying, the race and the ending, obviously. Yes, so much about that is so vivid in my memory. It was a real turning point in my career and my life. My life has forever been changed because of that one weekend at Darlington. I was going to head-to-head with two Cup champions. Racing with those guys was the first time I had done it. Yes, I remember a lot about that weekend.” Darlington is known to be one of the toughest tracks on the circuit, why is that?“Darlington is the most difficult oval to me. The ends being so different and the speed being up by the wall, you’re going to hit the wall if you overstep. It’s a high commitment track. At the end of a run at Darlington you’re running so much slower than the start of a run but you have to be so precise. You put tires on at Darlington and you’re going so much faster than you were. The way you have to adjust your driving at Darlington throughout a run makes it very challenging.” How does it feel to be making your 200th Cup start?“Well, I can definitely remember making my first Cup start at Dover. I was nervous to be in a Cup car, nervous to be doing it at Dover, all of the things that come with it. It’s great to be doing it at Darlington because it’s a track that I really like. I hope to be driving a Cup car and winning for several more hundred starts.” AUSTIN DILLON, NO. 3 BASS PRO SHOPS CAMARO ZL1400 miles at Darlington Raceway is grueling. How do you stay focused?“We always have a long, hot race at Darlington Raceway. Keeping hydrated is key leading up to the event, and working out in the gym and running laps on the simulator helps me maintain focus during 400 miles. I am looking forward to racing at Darlington Raceway. This is one of my favorite tracks. I have finished second here in the past, so we want to improve on that. We need to qualify well on Saturday because track position is extremely important and a good pit stall can make the difference during the race.” Do you enjoy racing at Darlington?“I enjoy racing at Darlington Raceway. It’s challenging. The track gets slick and wears tires quite a bit. The key to Darlington is trying to race the track and not the competition. It would be nice to knock off another Crown Jewel. I have two of them, and another one would be very special.” KYLE BUSCH, NO. 8 ZONE CAMARO ZL1Has the Next Gen car changed how you race at Darlington?“I don’t know that it’s really changed the race a whole lot at Darlington. I think we’ve always kind of had trouble passing there to begin with anyways because the track is so narrow and it’s really, really tough to pass regardless. The Next Gen car has definitely created more gaps between the cars, so it is harder to get to the back of the guy in front of you.” Do you still have the same approach where you have to keep the car off the wall and stay out of trouble?“It’s changed a little bit too with the ability of being able to lean up against the wall and be closer to the wall with the body because the flange fit body allows it to flex in and flex out. But the car is still very brittle with the components to it. You can bend a toe-link pretty easy.”  How challenging is entering pit road off the track between Turns 3 and 4?“Pit Road entry in the middle of Turns 3 and 4 is not really that bad. You just have to know where it’s at. Experience is obviously the best key. You have to maintain that slowing down time up on top of the racetrack and then the turning down. You’re only running between 45 and 50 laps on tires versus years ago you’d run 60 or so. The tires are old and worn out and they feel bad but they’re not as bad as they could be.”   Do you enjoy the challenge of racing at Darlington?    “I do feel like Darlington has its own unique challenges and those challenges are pretty fun. It kind of gives to that old school nature of NASCAR but yet still has its own unique differences between any of the other one-mile or mile-and-a-half racetracks that we go to.”  DANIEL HEMRIC, NO. 31 BLACK’S TIRE CAMARO ZL1“Darlington is such a wildcard for everyone. This track is always evolving so fast, and these Next Gen cars allow for more versatility, as far as not having to be in one particular lane. There’s a lot of room for opportunity there. I’m also looking forward to having Black’s Tire on our No. 31 Camaro ZL1 and remembering the time I spent alongside Ricky [Benton] during my early racing career.” ALEX BOWMAN, NO. 48 ALLY THROWBACK CAMARO ZL1Bowman on racing at Darlington Raceway:“Darlington (Raceway) is such a tough place to put an entire day together. The race is super long and you kind of have to run that place in a high risk space for the entire day. It’s hard to do that for that long without mentally making a mistake or kind of overstepping the boundaries and hurting your race car. It’s a tough place for sure, but a challenge that I look forward to tackling this weekend with the Ally Racing team. We’re running a special throwback on our team’s Chevy this weekend too. It will be cool to run the scheme from Jimmie (Johnson)’s rookie year in 2002. Jimmie (Johnson) has always been a great Ally and is a large piece of the history and success behind the No. 48.”  BLAKE HARRIS, CREW CHIEF, NO. 48 ALLY THROWBACK CAMARO ZL1Harris on racing at Darlington Raceway: “With running the Ally throwback scheme this weekend, it would be great to get the No. 48 back in victory lane. Darlington (Raceway) is a tough track and honestly, I feel like our team has some unfinished business there (Darlington Raceway) from last fall. We crashed there in the late stages while we were right there around the top five. So, I’m looking forward to getting back to competing at “The Lady in Black” with Alex (Bowman).” CARSON HOCEVAR, NO. 77 PREMIER SECURITY / NLEOMF.ORG CAMARO ZL1“I am so excited for this weekend at Darlington. It’s a really cool scheme on my Premier Security Chevy for an even better cause and we’re racing for a lot of people this weekend. To be a part of this with a longtime sponsor, supporting something that means so much to not only Dave Forystek (CEO of Premier Security) but also myself and my family, I couldn’t be happier. I’m thrilled to go to a place where I can be versatile. I’m ready to put together a really good run for a lot of really great men and women who serve us and our community.” DANIEL SUAREZ, NO. 99 QUAKER STATE CAMARO ZL1Suárez on the throwback weekend at Darlington Raceway:“It’s special because it’s the only weekend of the entire year of almost 40 races that we get to play around with throwbacks to recognize not just all the generations of drivers, but teams, paint schemes and everything, really. It’s a lot of fun to celebrate the history of NASCAR, teams and drivers. I enjoy it a lot.” What makes Darlington Raceway so tough?“Darlington (Raceway) is one of the toughest racetracks. The reason for that is because it’s tough on tires. It’s only one lane, maybe two at times, in (turns) three and four, and one-and-a-half in one and two. It’s a tricky one. You have to be very precise. It’s a long race, as well. 400 miles, 500 miles, 600 miles – whatever that may be, Darlington is a long race. It’s way different to run 500 miles at Daytona (International Speedway) than it is to run 500 miles at Darlington. At Darlington, it feels like it goes forever. It’s a tough task, but I enjoy it. I enjoy the challenge. We’ve run well there in the past, and we’re looking forward to putting a very special paint scheme upfront – honoring Adrián Fernández with his Quaker State IndyCar scheme from 20 years ago. Hopefully, we can have a good run with it.” BAYLEY CURREY, NO. 41 AUTOVENTIVE / PRECISION SILVERADO RSTDoes the excessive tire falloff help overcome the battle for clean air or does that make it more important?“I think it makes it that much more important. Without the clean air, you’re using mechanical grip more than you’re using aero, so you’re just shredding your tires even more. You have to get that track position early while you have the grip, because once you lose it, it’s pretty much impossible.” MATT MILLS, NO. 42 J.F. ELECTIC / UTILITRA SILVERADO RSTHow difficult is it to run inches from the wall here in Darlington?“Darlington will be a new one for me as far as going there in a truck. I’ve got Xfinity starts there, and in those cars, you can be a little bit more aggressive running the wall because the composite body can take more of a beating. So, the truck will be a little more interesting there, I’ll definitely have to watch out for the risk vs. reward for sure.” ROSS CHASTAIN, NO. 45 BUCKLE UP SOUTH CAROLINA SILVERADO RSTOf all the tracks on the Truck Series calendar, why did you choose to add Darlington to your schedule?“Darlington has always been one of my favorite tracks because of how challenging it is on us drivers. I love the tracks that you have to manage all the little details because it feels so rewarding when you hit everything right. Phil Gould and this team have shown a lot of speed at this place over the past few years. Every time I get the chance to drive for Al Niece, I feel confident that we have a shot to contend for the win, but even more so especially at a track where they’ve had recent success at. I’m looking forward to racing there and encouraging everyone to buckle up.”

Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics Manufacturers Championships:Total (1949-2023): 42First title for Chevrolet: 1958Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15) 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 Drivers Championships:Total (1949-2021): 33First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)Most Recent: Kyle Larson (2021) 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 Event Victories:Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007)                2024 STATISTICS:                                                                                                    Wins: 7Poles: 5Laps Led: 1,302Top-five finishes: 26Top-10 finishes: 47Stage wins: 7·       Chase Elliott: 1 ·       Kyle Larson: 6·       Ross Chastain: 1 CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:Total Chevrolet race wins: 858 (1949 to date)Poles won to date: 748Laps led to date: 250,477Top-five finishes to date: 4,324Top-10 finishes to date: 8,908                                                                                                          Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date:                    General Motors: 1,192           Chevrolet: 858           Pontiac: 154           Oldsmobile: 115           Buick: 65            Ford: 828                                                                      Ford: 728           Mercury: 96           Lincoln: 4            Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467           Dodge: 217           Plymouth: 191           Chrysler: 59            Toyota: 185

The Reaper wins his sixth career Feature and brings Todd Cooney his first World of Outlaws win as an owner

FOUNTAIN CITY, WI (May 4, 2024) – The conclusion of this year’s Dairyland Showdown at Mississippi Thunder Speedway announced the rise of a new empire. One led by Ryan Gustin and Todd Cooney Racing. 

Since joining forces at the beginning of 2024, Gustin and his new team have been collecting trophies throughout the first quarter of the season. And on Saturday night, they added their biggest one yet: a $25,000 Dairyland Showdown victory with the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models – Gustin’s sixth Series win and Todd Cooney Racing’s first. 

The Marshalltown, IA driver began the night setting a new track record (13.417 sec.) at the Fountain City, WI track – his first Simpson Quick Time Award of the year. Then, he followed that up by winning Heat 1. 

Gustin’s good fortunes continued by drawing the Bilstein Pole Award for the 50-lap finale – leading the field to the Gorsuch Performance green flag alongside New Waverly, TX driver Tyler Erb.

He commanded the field in the first half while a wave of cautions and a hornet’s nest of talented drivers traded positions across the top five that included Erb, reigning Series champion Bobby Pierce, Friday night Dairyland Showdown winner Nick Hoffman, and four-time Series champion Brandon Sheppard. 

The two fierce rivals in Erb and Pierce exchanged multiple slide-job moves on each other – with Pierce eventually clearing the driver of the #1T for the second-place spot. 

Halfway into the Feature, Pierce made his chance for the lead come to fruition – sliding his way by Gustin to take the lead. 

Lapped traffic played a heavy hand in deciding the night’s winner as the leaders attempted every inch of the 3/8-mile track to find clean air to navigate through the cars. The top two in Pierce and Gustin used these chances to try and one-up each other in the closing stages. 

With four laps to go in the $25,000-to-win competition, Gustin made his chance for the win on Pierce with a run down the front stretch. Using the lapped car of Daniel Hilsabeck as a pick, Gustin slid up through Turns 1 and 2 to take the lead with sparks flying off the back of the #19R from hitting the wall. 

Scurrying away from Pierce after the lead change, Gustin crossed under the flagstand to claim his first Dairyland Showdown Feature at a track that has seen him win five races previously with USMTS. 

“Well, this big ol’ Jay Dickens engine showed out to keep the tires pretty good,” Gustin said. “I was trying to pace myself there in the first half of (the Feature), then I let Bobby get a big ol’ run on me and slide on me and I knew I had to get up, follow him, and hopefully he had to slide somebody and that’s how it all worked out. You win and lose by lap traffic, I’ve lost a fair share and I’m sure he has too, so that’s how it all goes. 

“Everybody at Wells Motorsports has been great to us and I gotta shoutout Brandon Overton for helping us at Smoky Mountain Speedway and this thing has been on rails. My guys at (Todd Cooney Racing) have been working extremely hard and I can’t thank everyone enough for that.” 

Pierce, in an attempt to catch Gustin on the final lap, slid up the track and smacked the Turn 2 wall. This opened the door for Hoffman to slide under “The Smooth Operator” to finish the night in second. 

“I knew I wasn’t gonna pass Bobby and Ryan on the cushion,” Hoffman said. “I made a little bit of speed in the middle of the track when I needed to get back to fourth at that point. Once the top began to slow down and getting right against the wall, that bottom-to-middle came back into play. That’s how I won last night and that’s what we were set for tonight. The racetrack had a little more grip with the rain we had, and the (track crew) did a fantastic job to give us a track where we could race all around.” 

“When they started sliding each other, it got me back to them. I was gonna settle for third, but Bobby hit the fence on the last lap. I tried biding my time, stayed in fifth for a while battling with the guys and it got the tires hot, but I had enough left towards the end and if we got a caution with a few laps to go, we could’ve won again. To win once and run second the next like Farmer City is badass.” 

Pierce’s costly mistake had him finish on the last spot of the podium – a move he knows could have been avoided in his efforts to chase the lead back from Gustin. 

“It was definitely a heartbreaker for us,” Pierce said. “I thought I had it in the bag, but I caught the lap traffic with awkward timing. The top was kind of getting slower, but yet, it was still there. The way those guys ahead of me raced mattered a lot and messed up the air there. Just did the dip when I should’ve made a dive and Gustin capitalized on it. I wish I held onto second, but of course tried to get the lead and jumped the cushion. I’ll be kicking myself in the butt for a while for that. But it’s just one of them deals and who knows what could’ve been.” 

Sheppard’s consistent run inside the top five rewarded the current Series points leader with a fourth-place finish, while Erb managed to save his tires to complete the Feature’s top five finishers. 

Sheppard continues to lead the Series’ standings with a 24-point lead over Hoffman. Gustin is now eighth in points with a 136-point deficit. 

An 11-place climb rewarded Winona, MN driver Jake Timm with Saturday’s FOX Factory Hard Charger Award. 

RECAP NOTES:
Dirt King Simulator Hottest Hot Lap of the Night Award Winner – Cade Dillard
Bilstein Pole Award Winner – Ryan Gustin
Simpson Quick Time Award Winner – Ryan Gustin
CASE Heat Winners – Gustin (Heat 1), Erb (Heat 2), Pierce (Heat 3), and Cade Dillard (Heat 4).
CASE Last Chance Showdown Winners – Dennis Erb Jr. and Sam Mars
FOX Factory Hard Charger Award Winner – Jake Timm 

UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws CASE Late Models return to racing in the month of May with a swing through Ohio and Pennsylvania in two weeks – beginning with Raceway 7 (May 16), Bedford Speedway (May 17), Marion Center Raceway (May 18), and Path Valley Speedway (May 19). For more information about each of the races and ticket options, CLICK HERE. 

If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch every World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model race live on DIRTVision. 

Feature Results 

CASE Late Model Feature (50 Laps): 1. 19R-Ryan Gustin[1]; 2. 9-Nick Hoffman[5]; 3. 32-Bobby Pierce[3]; 4. B5-Brandon Sheppard[9]; 5. 1-Tyler Erb[2]; 6. 19-Dustin Sorensen[12]; 7. 40B-Kyle Bronson[8]; 8. 16-Tyler Bruening[6]; 9. 3S-Brian Shirley[10]; 10. 49-Jake Timm[21]; 11. 22*-Max McLaughlin[15]; 12. B1-Brent Larson[22]; 13. 18-Shannon Babb[13]; 14. 97-Cade Dillard[4]; 15. 20TC-Tristan Chamberlain[25]; 16. 28-Dennis Erb Jr[17]; 17. 22P-Nick Panitzke[16]; 18. 28M-Sam Mars[18]; 19. 22-Daniel Hilsabeck[19]; 20. 30-Todd Cooney[23]; 21. 97C-Cody Overton[11]; 22. 14W-Dustin Walker[24]; 23. 77-Jordan Yaggy[20]; 24. 88-Chad Mahder[14]; 25. 44-Chris Madden[7]