CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland1.964-mile, 12-Turn Portland International Raceway road course Portland, Oregon Sunday Race Repor tAugust 9, 2026 PORTLAND (August 9, 2026) –  PORTLAND (Aug 9. 2026) – Rinus VeeKay capped off his strong weekend at Portland International Raceway with a fourth-place finish in today’s ONLYBULLS Grand Prix of Portland for the NTT INDYCAR Series. The pilot of the No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Chevrolet, led the way for Team Chevy in both qualifying and the race. It is VeeKay’s third fourth-place finish in the last five races and the fifth top-10 of the year. Four Chevrolet powered drivers scored top-nine finishes with Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Sonsio Vehicle Protection Chevrolet drove from 13th on the grid to finish seventh. Two-time Series’ champion, Josef Newgarden, drove the No. 2 Astemo Team Penske Chevrolet to the eighth finishing position. Christian Lundgaard made an impressive drive from 25th on the starting grid to bring the No. 7 VELO Arrow McLaren Chevrolet to the checkered in ninth. Alex Palou was the race winner, The 110-lap had only one caution for two laps.  Next up for Team Chevy is a trip north of the border to Markham, Ontario, for a race on August 16, 2026, the only time the NTT INDYCAR SERIES visits Canada.  ONLYBULLS Grand Prix of Portland – Race Results:

What They’re Saying – Qualifying – ONLYBULL Grand Prix of Portland Rinus VeeKay, No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Chevrolet finished, 4th:Yeah, we had a really good day. Starting up front helps. Saves you from taking a lot of risks that cannot pay off. I think we just had a very stellar day. We had a good idea on strategy, and we kept calm and did what we wanted to do at the start. Kept out of trouble. A really good job by the pit crew to get me ahead of both Marcus Ericsson and Kyle Kirkwood at the end. Really happy to have a result like this with AM/PM on the car as well, and great to put Chevy up there.” Third top five in the last five races. What is it that’s injected this momentum into the program here in the second half of the year?  “I think we just figured out our road course car. My testing in.Mid-Ohio, I think that really just made a huge difference for our program, and we found some things that really need to change, especially after a really tough weekend in Road America. I think we are starting to figure things out, this far into the season. Also, we have a double header coming up in Milwaukee, so we’re really, really excited for that. But first, two new street courses. Yeah, it should be a lot of fun.”  Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Sonsio Vehicle Protection Team Penske Chevrolet, finished 7th:   13th to 7th in Sonsio Chevy. Probably maxed out what we could. Pretty solid We moved up in the exchanges, had pretty decent pace and looked after the fuel. Good pit stops again. Handed the boys a bit of a wild card, pitted two laps before I was supposed to. TC says let’s just keep opening the drapes. I love that. We’ll just keep opening the drapes.” Josef Newgarden, No. 2 Astemo Team Penske Chevrolet, finished 8th:“A great day of execution by the Astemo Chevy team today. Jonathan (Diuguid) and the team were really on top of the strategy today. It looked like we might be able to come away with a top five but some others kind took our strategy away on the last cycle. Those are the kind of days to build on for sure.” Christian Lundgaard, No. 7 VELO Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, finished 9th: “It was a long day. We’ve definitely got to work out some balance issues between the two tire compounds. They’re quite far away from each other and difficult to predict. The Firestone Reds were what worked for us, but you see the front two having a primary tire race. I was nowhere close to being in that camp on the primaries, so obviously there’s something there that we’ve missed. We fortunately had decent race execution to gain the 16 positions from last to ninth, but it’s not where we should have been to start the race. We’ll return to street circuits the next two weeks and hopefully roll off with a better start.” Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, finished 11th:“A really difficult day. We had good strategy to get us some clean track there at the beginning to make up some positions. But it’s been a big struggle from Practice 1. We never managed to turn it around. It’s just one of those weekends where it really was trouble after trouble. I’m glad that we walked away with maybe not the best of results, but also not the worst of results all things considered. It was just a day that we had to cut our losses.” David Malukas, No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet, finished 12th:We finished up there. We went forward but unfortunately, we had a penalty. Went two positions back. Outside of that, we missed the mark on strategy and missed the mark on car set-up. By the end of the race, we ended up getting into a good window, but it was already 80 or 90 laps too late. Unfortunate. A lot of missed potential in that race. We learned a lot. First year with the new team. It’s a lot of learning curves, so we’ll take it into next year. Big thank you to Chevy, we had a lot of good pace. We’ll get them next time.”  Nolan Siegel, No. 6 NTT DATA Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, finished 18th:“Pretty rough weekend as a whole for the whole group. We’ll do better next time, and fortunately, we have another shot at it on track in Markham in just a few days.” Alexander Rossi, No. 20 ECR Java House Chevrolet, finished 19th: “It was not the day, really the weekend, we were hoping for here in Portland, but I appreciate the Java House guys and girls never giving up. We’ll regroup from this for our first race in in the Streets of Markham in just a week’s time.” Caio Collet, No. 4 Combitrans Amazonia Chevrolet, finished 20th: “Tough race for both cars, we need to understand why we struggled so much in the middle of the race. Just lacking pace in general. I think my last stint was not as bad, but just in the middle of the race, we lost a lot of time there. So, we’ll try to analyze and understand why we did a couple of steps backwards in the race and come back stronger for next week.”Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 Homes For Our Troops Chevrolet, finished 21st: “We’ve just been struggling in race pace all season long. I think that this is a great example of that. We’ve missed the strategy again for third race in a row. Just not been on our side. We will regroup and focus forward on the next street course, Toronto, and see if we can’t make up some ground.”Sting Ray Robb, No. 77 Juncos Hollinger – Goodheart Chevrolet, finished 22nd:“Congrats to Rinus and the No. 76 crew. P4 again. A really good result for them and a good step forward on road courses again from Mid-Ohio to Portland. They found something there for sure, which is good. So, I think testing at these tracks has really helped the team figure out what we need to do, to roll off the truck a little bit better. I don’t know what the deal was for us. The No. 77 car struggled a little bit more this weekend in qualifying. I think we just missed the tire pressures a little bit and it costs us a couple tenths of a second, but a couple tenths in this field is a lot. Started from the back field. Maybe took a little bit of a risk on strategy and it just didn’t play out. So overall, not the result that I think that I know we are capable of. Try to fight hard and didn’t get what we needed. So on to the next. I think that. I’m excited for street courses. Detroit was the last one for us, and felt like that was a pretty, pretty good car. Feel like we can race with it. So,I’m hoping that it pays off when we get to Markham and DC. So, we’ll see how it is there. And then Milwaukee obviously is a track that we got to test at earlier this year. I think we have a good package that we can roll off the truck strong with and then hopefully run at the front and make a good end of the year.”  Christian Rasmussen, No. 21 Splenda Chevrolet finished 24th:: “This was obviously a disappointing way to have our race go here in Portland. We felt we had a chance for a solid result, but unfortunately we had an issue and lost a few laps. I appreciate the effort from the entire Splenda Stevia crew all weekend. It wasn’t the way we wanted this race to go, but we will take what we learned and move forward.”

Up next:Next up for Team Chevy is a trip north of the border to Markham, Ontario, for a race on August 16, 2026, the only time the NTT INDYCAR SERIES visits Canada. Markham, a northern suburb of Toronto, plays host to the first of two brand new street circuits in a row, and the third this season. The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto, held on a 2.29-mile, 12 Turn street circuit in downtown Markham, features long straights, technical corners and a double-sided pit lane. Markham is a high-tech hub that includes GM’s Canadian Technical Center. The race will air at noon (ET) on FOX

CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIESOnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland1.964-mile, 12-Turn Portland International Raceway road coursePortland, OregonSunday Race ReportAugust 9, 2026 PORTLAND (August 9, 2026) –  PORTLAND (Aug 9. 2026) – Rinus VeeKay capped off his strong weekend at Portland International Raceway with a fourth-place finish in today’s ONLYBULLS Grand Prix of Portland for the NTT INDYCAR Series. The pilot of the No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Chevrolet, led the way for Team Chevy in both qualifying and the race. It is VeeKay’s third fourth-place finish in the last five races and the fifth top-10 of the year. Four Chevrolet powered drivers scored top-nine finishes with Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Sonsio Vehicle Protection Chevrolet drove from 13th on the grid to finish seventh. Two-time Series’ champion, Josef Newgarden, drove the No. 2 Astemo Team Penske Chevrolet to the eighth finishing position. Christian Lundgaard made an impressive drive from 25th on the starting grid to bring the No. 7 VELO Arrow McLaren Chevrolet to the checkered in ninth. Alex Palou was the race winner, The 110-lap had only one caution for two laps.  Next up for Team Chevy is a trip north of the border to Markham, Ontario, for a race on August 16, 2026, the only time the NTT INDYCAR SERIES visits Canada.  ONLYBULLS Grand Prix of Portland – Race Results:

What They’re Saying – Qualifying – ONLYBULL Grand Prix of Portland Rinus VeeKay, No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Chevrolet finished, 4th:Yeah, we had a really good day. Starting up front helps. Saves you from taking a lot of risks that cannot pay off. I think we just had a very stellar day. We had a good idea on strategy, and we kept calm and did what we wanted to do at the start. Kept out of trouble. A really good job by the pit crew to get me ahead of both Marcus Ericsson and Kyle Kirkwood at the end. Really happy to have a result like this with AM/PM on the car as well, and great to put Chevy up there.” Third top five in the last five races. What is it that’s injected this momentum into the program here in the second half of the year?  “I think we just figured out our road course car. My testing in.Mid-Ohio, I think that really just made a huge difference for our program, and we found some things that really need to change, especially after a really tough weekend in Road America. I think we are starting to figure things out, this far into the season. Also, we have a double header coming up in Milwaukee, so we’re really, really excited for that. But first, two new street courses. Yeah, it should be a lot of fun.”  Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Sonsio Vehicle Protection Team Penske Chevrolet, finished 7th:   13th to 7th in Sonsio Chevy. Probably maxed out what we could. Pretty solid We moved up in the exchanges, had pretty decent pace and looked after the fuel. Good pit stops again. Handed the boys a bit of a wild card, pitted two laps before I was supposed to. TC says let’s just keep opening the drapes. I love that. We’ll just keep opening the drapes.” Josef Newgarden, No. 2 Astemo Team Penske Chevrolet, finished 8th:“A great day of execution by the Astemo Chevy team today. Jonathan (Diuguid) and the team were really on top of the strategy today. It looked like we might be able to come away with a top five but some others kind took our strategy away on the last cycle. Those are the kind of days to build on for sure.” Christian Lundgaard, No. 7 VELO Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, finished 9th: “It was a long day. We’ve definitely got to work out some balance issues between the two tire compounds. They’re quite far away from each other and difficult to predict. The Firestone Reds were what worked for us, but you see the front two having a primary tire race. I was nowhere close to being in that camp on the primaries, so obviously there’s something there that we’ve missed. We fortunately had decent race execution to gain the 16 positions from last to ninth, but it’s not where we should have been to start the race. We’ll return to street circuits the next two weeks and hopefully roll off with a better start.” Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, finished 11th:“A really difficult day. We had good strategy to get us some clean track there at the beginning to make up some positions. But it’s been a big struggle from Practice 1. We never managed to turn it around. It’s just one of those weekends where it really was trouble after trouble. I’m glad that we walked away with maybe not the best of results, but also not the worst of results all things considered. It was just a day that we had to cut our losses.” David Malukas, No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet, finished 12th:We finished up there. We went forward but unfortunately, we had a penalty. Went two positions back. Outside of that, we missed the mark on strategy and missed the mark on car set-up. By the end of the race, we ended up getting into a good window, but it was already 80 or 90 laps too late. Unfortunate. A lot of missed potential in that race. We learned a lot. First year with the new team. It’s a lot of learning curves, so we’ll take it into next year. Big thank you to Chevy, we had a lot of good pace. We’ll get them next time.”  Nolan Siegel, No. 6 NTT DATA Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, finished 18th:“Pretty rough weekend as a whole for the whole group. We’ll do better next time, and fortunately, we have another shot at it on track in Markham in just a few days.” Alexander Rossi, No. 20 ECR Java House Chevrolet, finished 19th: “It was not the day, really the weekend, we were hoping for here in Portland, but I appreciate the Java House guys and girls never giving up. We’ll regroup from this for our first race in in the Streets of Markham in just a week’s time.” Caio Collet, No. 4 Combitrans Amazonia Chevrolet, finished 20th: “Tough race for both cars, we need to understand why we struggled so much in the middle of the race. Just lacking pace in general. I think my last stint was not as bad, but just in the middle of the race, we lost a lot of time there. So, we’ll try to analyze and understand why we did a couple of steps backwards in the race and come back stronger for next week.”Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 Homes For Our Troops Chevrolet, finished 21st: “We’ve just been struggling in race pace all season long. I think that this is a great example of that. We’ve missed the strategy again for third race in a row. Just not been on our side. We will regroup and focus forward on the next street course, Toronto, and see if we can’t make up some ground.”Sting Ray Robb, No. 77 Juncos Hollinger – Goodheart Chevrolet, finished 22nd:“Congrats to Rinus and the No. 76 crew. P4 again. A really good result for them and a good step forward on road courses again from Mid-Ohio to Portland. They found something there for sure, which is good. So, I think testing at these tracks has really helped the team figure out what we need to do, to roll off the truck a little bit better. I don’t know what the deal was for us. The No. 77 car struggled a little bit more this weekend in qualifying. I think we just missed the tire pressures a little bit and it costs us a couple tenths of a second, but a couple tenths in this field is a lot. Started from the back field. Maybe took a little bit of a risk on strategy and it just didn’t play out. So overall, not the result that I think that I know we are capable of. Try to fight hard and didn’t get what we needed. So on to the next. I think that. I’m excited for street courses. Detroit was the last one for us, and felt like that was a pretty, pretty good car. Feel like we can race with it. So,I’m hoping that it pays off when we get to Markham and DC. So, we’ll see how it is there. And then Milwaukee obviously is a track that we got to test at earlier this year. I think we have a good package that we can roll off the truck strong with and then hopefully run at the front and make a good end of the year.”  Christian Rasmussen, No. 21 Splenda Chevrolet finished 24th:: “This was obviously a disappointing way to have our race go here in Portland. We felt we had a chance for a solid result, but unfortunately we had an issue and lost a few laps. I appreciate the effort from the entire Splenda Stevia crew all weekend. It wasn’t the way we wanted this race to go, but we will take what we learned and move forward.”

Up next:Next up for Team Chevy is a trip north of the border to Markham, Ontario, for a race on August 16, 2026, the only time the NTT INDYCAR SERIES visits Canada. Markham, a northern suburb of Toronto, plays host to the first of two brand new street circuits in a row, and the third this season. The Ontario Honda Dealers Indy Toronto, held on a 2.29-mile, 12 Turn street circuit in downtown Markham, features long straights, technical corners and a double-sided pit lane. Markham is a high-tech hub that includes GM’s Canadian Technical Center. The race will air at noon (ET) on FOX

Chevrolet history at Portland International RacewayChevrolet wins at Portland International Raceway: 9 2025 – Will Power – Team Penske2024 – Will Power – Team Penske2022 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2019 – Will Power – Team Penske1993 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske1991 – Michael Andretti – Newman Haas Racing 1990 – Michael Andretti – Newman Haas Racing 1989 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Patrick Racing1988 – Danny Sullivan – Team Penske Chevrolet poles at Portland International Raceway: 8 2025 – Christian Lundgaard – Arrow McLaren2024 – Santino Ferrucci – A.J. Foyt Racing2022 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2018 – Will Power – Team Penske1992 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske1991 – Emerson Fittipaldi Team Penske1990 – Danny Sullivan – Team Penske1988 – Danny Sullivan – Team Penske Chevrolet podiums at Portland International Raceway: 22 Chevrolet podiums at Portland International Raceway by driver: Emerson Fittipaldi (5), Will Power (4), Michael Andretti (2),  Al Unser Jr. (2), Mario Andretti (1), Christian Lundgaard (1), Scott McLaughlin (1), Rick Mears (1), Josef Newgarden (1), Bob Rahal (1), Felix Rosenqvist (1), Danny Sullivan (1) and Paul Tracy (1) Chevrolet podiums at Portland International Raceway by team: Team Penske (12), Galles Racing (3), Newman Haas Racing (3), Patrick Racing (2), Arrow McLaren (2) Chevrolet laps led at Portland International Raceway: 854 Chevrolet laps led at Portland International Raceway by driver: Will Power (233), Michael Andretti (203), Emerson Fittipaldi (182), , Scott McLaughlin (109), Danny Sullivan (46), Pato O’Ward (45), Rick Mears (25), Mario Andretti (3), Josef Newgarden (3), Felix Rosenqvist (3), Al Unser Jr. (3), Callum Ilott (1) Chevrolet laps led at Portland International Raceway by team: Team Penske (488), Newman Haas Racing (206), Patrick Racing (110), Arrow McLaren (46), Galles Racing (3), and Juncos Hollinger Racing (1) Manufacturer History at Portland International Raceway Wins (with competition): 9 – Chevrolet (2025, 2024, 2022, 2019, 1993, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988)7 – Honda (2023, 2021, 2018, 2000, 1999, 1998, 19964 – Cosworth (1987, 1986, 1985, 1984)2 – Ford (2001, 1992)2 – Mercedes (1997, 1995)1 – Toyota (20021 – Ilmor (1994 Poles (with competition): 8 – Chevrolet (2025, 2024, 2022, 2018, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1988)7 – Honda (2026, 2023, 2021, 2019, 2000, 1999, 1996)5 – Ford (2001, 1998, 1997, 1995, 19934 – Cosworth (1987, 1986, 1985, 1984)1 – Toyota (20021 – Ilmor (1995)1 – Porsche (1989)

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RACE RECAP:  Stage One: Under the hot summer sun at Iowa Speedway, an early qualifying run turned into a front-row qualifying effort for Kyle Larson and the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet team. Taking the green flag for the opening stage, Larson settled into the second position behind polesitter, Ryan Blaney, and it took just 26 laps around the 7/8-mile track to clock in the fastest lap of the race. Despite a quick caution just a few laps in, a long green flag run ensued to ultimately bring the stage to a close. While then race leader, Blaney, progressively pulled away from the field, Larson was able to maintain a position within the top-three for the entirety of the run. Past Iowa Truck Series winner, Austin Dillon, put his short track abilities on full display from the start to complete the Team Chevy top-five at the drop of the first green-white checkered flag. Stage Two: Courtesy of a clutch two position gain in the race off pit road during the stage break, Ross Chastain made his first appearance in the top-five of the race to take the green flag for Stage Two. Buried deep in the field to start the run, a pair of early cautions saw Alan Gustafson become one of just two crew chiefs to gamble on pit strategy and make the call to stay out under the second caution period of the stage. Despite the older set of tires, track position paid great dividends with Elliott becoming a steady fixture in the top-three until the run concluded with a caution just at the halfway point of the stage. Among much of the lead pack that hit pit road for four tires and fuel, trouble on the stop ultimately ended the strong progression from the strategy call for the No. 9 team. Similar to the start of the stage, it was the McSwain-led team that saw a two-tire call put Chastain back into the top-five. In the final 15 laps of the stage, Chastain was the only mover within the top-five – driving up into the third position and just 1.7 seconds from the leader to take the second green-white checkered flag. Final Stage: With yet another alternate strategy call for track position by Gustafson, it was Elliott that made the jump back to the top of the leaderboard to pace the field to the green flag for the final stage. But it was the fresh set of Goodyear tires that saw Chastain quickly return as Chevrolet’s top running driver as he sat in the fourth position when the race hit 100 laps to go. Blaney kickstarted what was setting up for the final trip to pit road for the afternoon with 66 laps remaining. With varying calls among the leaders, Chastain ultimately cycled up into the top position to take control of the race just a few laps later. McSwain stayed committed to his call to stretch the run as Chastain continued to set the pace before calling his driver to pit road with 20 laps to go for right-side tires and a splash of fuel. With the green flag cycle now officially complete, Chastain still maintained a position at the front of the Bowtie brigade as he reentered the field in seventh, going on to hold the position en route to the checkered flag.

Team Chevy Unofficial Top-10 ResultsPos.     Driver 7th – Ross Chastain8th – AJ Allmendinger9th – William Byron 10th – Austin DillonChevrolet’s season statistics with 23 NASCAR Cup Series races complete: Wins: 6Poles: 5Top-Fives: 38Top 10s: 78Stage Wins: 16

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season continues at Richmond Raceway with the Cook Out 400 on Saturday, August 15, at 7 p.m. ET. Live coverage can be found on the USA Network, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Post-Race Driver Quotes: Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletFinished: 7th“It was an incredible weekend for this No. 1 Busch Light Farming Chevrolet team. It was just a complete weekend from the very first lap. We made very small changes all weekend. We just made a few air pressure adjustments, a couple tenths here and a couple tenths there throughout the race, and really, we could have left it alone. To run in the top-five and take a shot at those guys, I love that Brandon McSwain (crew chief) swung for that. A seventh-place finish still feels really good. I don’t care about points unless the speed comes with it, and today was the speed we are looking for.”   Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletFinished: 10th “I’m proud of the entire No. 3 Get Bioethanol Chevrolet team today at Iowa Speedway. We ran inside the Top-five almost all of Stage 1, and were a consistent force up front all race. We built loose, but the team was making the needed adjustments to improve that. We finished the day 10th, and probably could have finished a couple spots higher if we wouldn’t have made a mistake mid-race. I’m ready to carry this momentum into Richmond Raceway next weekend.”   AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing ChevroletFinished: 8th“Overall, I felt like it was a good day for this No. 16 Camper Inn RV Chevrolet team. We weren’t very good in practice, so Trent (Owens, crew chief) and the team made really good adjustments. Our pit crew did a really good job, especially on that last pit stop to get me near the front. I felt like we made our car better throughout the race. We were pretty decent on the long runs. I would fade a little bit, but overall, we had good speed. I felt like we executed as good as we could and got everything we could out of it.”   Austin Hill, No. 33 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletFinished: 26th“That was a long one for our Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet team. We were really loose on initial fire off, but once we got into a rhythm, the balance was a little loose on entry, tight in the center and then loose on exit. Being tight in the center stayed with us for the majority of the day, no matter what adjustments we made. We fought to stay on the lead lap and did so until the green flag pit cycle in Stage 3. Proud of the guys for working hard.”   Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletFinished: 11th“It definitely feels good to come back from the off weekend and have a solid day with this No. 88 Roto-Rooter Chevrolet team. We got points in both stages and just missed a top-10 with an 11th-place finish. I’m proud of this entire team for keeping their heads down. Our pit crew did a great job. This should help us for qualifying at Richmond (Raceway) next weekend and hopefully we can go have a good run there.”

Four Chevrolet Organizations Earn Top-10 Finishes at Iowa Speedway

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RACE RECAP:  Stage One: Under the hot summer sun at Iowa Speedway, an early qualifying run turned into a front-row qualifying effort for Kyle Larson and the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet team. Taking the green flag for the opening stage, Larson settled into the second position behind polesitter, Ryan Blaney, and it took just 26 laps around the 7/8-mile track to clock in the fastest lap of the race. Despite a quick caution just a few laps in, a long green flag run ensued to ultimately bring the stage to a close. While then race leader, Blaney, progressively pulled away from the field, Larson was able to maintain a position within the top-three for the entirety of the run. Past Iowa Truck Series winner, Austin Dillon, put his short track abilities on full display from the start to complete the Team Chevy top-five at the drop of the first green-white checkered flag. Stage Two: Courtesy of a clutch two position gain in the race off pit road during the stage break, Ross Chastain made his first appearance in the top-five of the race to take the green flag for Stage Two. Buried deep in the field to start the run, a pair of early cautions saw Alan Gustafson become one of just two crew chiefs to gamble on pit strategy and make the call to stay out under the second caution period of the stage. Despite the older set of tires, track position paid great dividends with Elliott becoming a steady fixture in the top-three until the run concluded with a caution just at the halfway point of the stage. Among much of the lead pack that hit pit road for four tires and fuel, trouble on the stop ultimately ended the strong progression from the strategy call for the No. 9 team. Similar to the start of the stage, it was the McSwain-led team that saw a two-tire call put Chastain back into the top-five. In the final 15 laps of the stage, Chastain was the only mover within the top-five – driving up into the third position and just 1.7 seconds from the leader to take the second green-white checkered flag. Final Stage: With yet another alternate strategy call for track position by Gustafson, it was Elliott that made the jump back to the top of the leaderboard to pace the field to the green flag for the final stage. But it was the fresh set of Goodyear tires that saw Chastain quickly return as Chevrolet’s top running driver as he sat in the fourth position when the race hit 100 laps to go. Blaney kickstarted what was setting up for the final trip to pit road for the afternoon with 66 laps remaining. With varying calls among the leaders, Chastain ultimately cycled up into the top position to take control of the race just a few laps later. McSwain stayed committed to his call to stretch the run as Chastain continued to set the pace before calling his driver to pit road with 20 laps to go for right-side tires and a splash of fuel. With the green flag cycle now officially complete, Chastain still maintained a position at the front of the Bowtie brigade as he reentered the field in seventh, going on to hold the position en route to the checkered flag.

Team Chevy Unofficial Top-10 ResultsPos.     Driver 7th – Ross Chastain8th – AJ Allmendinger9th – William Byron 10th – Austin DillonChevrolet’s season statistics with 23 NASCAR Cup Series races complete: Wins: 6Poles: 5Top-Fives: 38Top 10s: 78Stage Wins: 16

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season continues at Richmond Raceway with the Cook Out 400 on Saturday, August 15, at 7 p.m. ET. Live coverage can be found on the USA Network, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Post-Race Driver Quotes: Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletFinished: 7th“It was an incredible weekend for this No. 1 Busch Light Farming Chevrolet team. It was just a complete weekend from the very first lap. We made very small changes all weekend. We just made a few air pressure adjustments, a couple tenths here and a couple tenths there throughout the race, and really, we could have left it alone. To run in the top-five and take a shot at those guys, I love that Brandon McSwain (crew chief) swung for that. A seventh-place finish still feels really good. I don’t care about points unless the speed comes with it, and today was the speed we are looking for.”   Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletFinished: 10th “I’m proud of the entire No. 3 Get Bioethanol Chevrolet team today at Iowa Speedway. We ran inside the Top-five almost all of Stage 1, and were a consistent force up front all race. We built loose, but the team was making the needed adjustments to improve that. We finished the day 10th, and probably could have finished a couple spots higher if we wouldn’t have made a mistake mid-race. I’m ready to carry this momentum into Richmond Raceway next weekend.”   AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing ChevroletFinished: 8th“Overall, I felt like it was a good day for this No. 16 Camper Inn RV Chevrolet team. We weren’t very good in practice, so Trent (Owens, crew chief) and the team made really good adjustments. Our pit crew did a really good job, especially on that last pit stop to get me near the front. I felt like we made our car better throughout the race. We were pretty decent on the long runs. I would fade a little bit, but overall, we had good speed. I felt like we executed as good as we could and got everything we could out of it.”   Austin Hill, No. 33 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletFinished: 26th“That was a long one for our Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet team. We were really loose on initial fire off, but once we got into a rhythm, the balance was a little loose on entry, tight in the center and then loose on exit. Being tight in the center stayed with us for the majority of the day, no matter what adjustments we made. We fought to stay on the lead lap and did so until the green flag pit cycle in Stage 3. Proud of the guys for working hard.”   Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletFinished: 11th“It definitely feels good to come back from the off weekend and have a solid day with this No. 88 Roto-Rooter Chevrolet team. We got points in both stages and just missed a top-10 with an 11th-place finish. I’m proud of this entire team for keeping their heads down. Our pit crew did a great job. This should help us for qualifying at Richmond (Raceway) next weekend and hopefully we can go have a good run there.”

KNOXVILLE FLYIN’: Ryan Timms Captures First 360 Knoxville Nationals in Duel Against Reutzel KNOXVILLE, IA (August 8, 2026) — Ryan Timms has become a master of the biggest events at Knoxville Raceway.

The driver of the Liebig Motorsports No. 10 showed his prowess in the 36th Xtream powered by Mediacom 360 Knoxville Nationals by leading all 30 laps while keeping the top drivers in Sprint Car racing at bay to become the second-youngest driver to win the crown jewel of the American Sprint Car Series.

“It’s unbelievable,” Timms said. “I was just as nervous, maybe even more nervous than I was for the 410 race last year. These 360s, they’re so hard to win here in Knoxville with how momentum-based they are. There’s not many guys that can say they’ve won either one, let alone both of them, so it’s cool.”

The Oklahoma City, OK native began the Feature from the Pole Position with 2022 winner Aaron Reutzel to his outside. On the opening lap, Timms jumped ahead of Reutzel with an advantage around the bottom lane of the 1/2-mile as James McFadden challenged Reutzel for second place.

As Timms began to stretch his lead by using the bottom lane, McFadden took the runner-up spot as Reutzel attempted multiple lines to build momentum towards the two drivers. Using the cushion, Reutzel retook the position on Lap 5 as Timms adjusted his driving towards the cushion before lapped traffic appeared.

Reutzel closed back in for the lead on Lap 10 as the traffic blocked Timms from using the preferred lanes around Knoxville. Instead, “Flyin’ Ryan” got creative and squeezed through the middle to build a buffer as Reutzel had a second fight for his spot in the form of Friday winner Tyler Courtney – giving Timms a 1.6-second advantage as the halfway signal was shown.

When Reutzel had clearance from the lapped cars, he worked the bottom lane to shorten the distance to Timms as the circuits around the “Sprint Car Capital of the World” began to wind down towards the finish.

With no lapped cars ahead, Reutzel reached the back bumper of Timms with six laps remaining as the 19-year-old encountered the final pack of lapped traffic. Stuck on the bottom lane, Timms struggled to make forward momentum as the Ridge & Sons Racing No. 87 reached his back bumper.

With two laps remaining, Timms caught the back of Kyler Johnson into Turn 1 as Reutzel followed suit. With the three drivers caught in a logjam, Reutzel smacked the rear end of Timms through the corner, but the two drivers continued to roll and keep fighting for the victory.

As the white flag flew, Timms drove to the cushion as Reutzel kept his car to the bottom lane. While Reutzel made a final charge in the final seconds, Timms earned the win by 0.167 seconds to join Danny Lasoski and Sammy Swindell as the only drivers to win both the 360 Nationals and NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals pres. by Casey’s.

“I wasn’t sure where to run the whole race, really,” Timms said. “I didn’t know what was working. Once we got to lap traffic, I assumed that was probably the 87 that ran into the back of me. I was running the top the whole time, then I guess the top started going away. I struggled to hit the bottom for whatever reason, but there’s lapped cars everywhere. 

“They were running the bottom, then I saw Aaron get to my inside once, so I figured he was making ground on the bottom. I was really unsure if I should just fall in line and follow them. It wasn’t my best effort in lap traffic for sure, but it was a good blocking effort, and I’m glad I blocked that guy.”

Reutzel drove to the finish in second, and Friday winner Tyler Courtney rounded out the podium. Kyle Larson took a fourth-place result, and McFadden completed the top five.

Recap Notes:

E-Main Winner: Josh Weller

D-Main Winner: Jamie Bell

C-Main Winner: Evan Semerad

Last Chance Showdown Winner: Rico Abreu

Rookie of the Year: Austin Wood

Hard Charger Award: Rico Abreu (+9)

UP NEXT: The American Sprint Car Series will make one final stop in Arkansas for the 2026 season with Riverside International Speedway hosting the King of the Ditch II on Saturday, Aug. 22.

KING OF THE DITCH INFO

Where can you watch every lap of the American Sprint Car Series? Live on DIRTVision.

RESULTS: Feature (30 Laps): 1. 10-Ryan Timms[1]; 2. 87-Aaron Reutzel[2]; 3. 7BC-Tyler Courtney[5]; 4. 57-Kyle Larson[7]; 5. 21T-James McFadden[4]; 6. 21-Brian Brown[3]; 7. 77-Giovanni Scelzi[8]; 8. 9-Chase Randall[11]; 9. 11-Justin Henderson[6]; 10. 14-Corey Day[16]; 11. 39M-Anthony Macri[9]; 12. 14TSR-Rico Abreu[21]; 13. 22X-Riley Goodno[15]; 14. 31-Brady Bacon[10]; 15. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr[12]; 16. 55-Kerry Madsen[19]; 17. 71P-Parker Price Miller[24]; 18. 44-Chris Martin[23]; 19. 26-Justin Peck[22]; 20. 24-Terry McCarl[17]; 21. 9P-Daison Pursley[14]; 22. 2A-Austin Wood[13]; 23. 45X-Kyler Johnson[20]; 24. 4J-Ryan Leavitt[18]

KNOXVILLE FLYIN’: Ryan Timms Captures First 360 Knoxville Nationals in Duel Against Reutzel KNOXVILLE, IA (August 8, 2026) — Ryan Timms has become a master of the biggest events at Knoxville Raceway.

The driver of the Liebig Motorsports No. 10 showed his prowess in the 36th Xtream powered by Mediacom 360 Knoxville Nationals by leading all 30 laps while keeping the top drivers in Sprint Car racing at bay to become the second-youngest driver to win the crown jewel of the American Sprint Car Series.

“It’s unbelievable,” Timms said. “I was just as nervous, maybe even more nervous than I was for the 410 race last year. These 360s, they’re so hard to win here in Knoxville with how momentum-based they are. There’s not many guys that can say they’ve won either one, let alone both of them, so it’s cool.”

The Oklahoma City, OK native began the Feature from the Pole Position with 2022 winner Aaron Reutzel to his outside. On the opening lap, Timms jumped ahead of Reutzel with an advantage around the bottom lane of the 1/2-mile as James McFadden challenged Reutzel for second place.

As Timms began to stretch his lead by using the bottom lane, McFadden took the runner-up spot as Reutzel attempted multiple lines to build momentum towards the two drivers. Using the cushion, Reutzel retook the position on Lap 5 as Timms adjusted his driving towards the cushion before lapped traffic appeared.

Reutzel closed back in for the lead on Lap 10 as the traffic blocked Timms from using the preferred lanes around Knoxville. Instead, “Flyin’ Ryan” got creative and squeezed through the middle to build a buffer as Reutzel had a second fight for his spot in the form of Friday winner Tyler Courtney – giving Timms a 1.6-second advantage as the halfway signal was shown.

When Reutzel had clearance from the lapped cars, he worked the bottom lane to shorten the distance to Timms as the circuits around the “Sprint Car Capital of the World” began to wind down towards the finish.

With no lapped cars ahead, Reutzel reached the back bumper of Timms with six laps remaining as the 19-year-old encountered the final pack of lapped traffic. Stuck on the bottom lane, Timms struggled to make forward momentum as the Ridge & Sons Racing No. 87 reached his back bumper.

With two laps remaining, Timms caught the back of Kyler Johnson into Turn 1 as Reutzel followed suit. With the three drivers caught in a logjam, Reutzel smacked the rear end of Timms through the corner, but the two drivers continued to roll and keep fighting for the victory.

As the white flag flew, Timms drove to the cushion as Reutzel kept his car to the bottom lane. While Reutzel made a final charge in the final seconds, Timms earned the win by 0.167 seconds to join Danny Lasoski and Sammy Swindell as the only drivers to win both the 360 Nationals and NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals pres. by Casey’s.

“I wasn’t sure where to run the whole race, really,” Timms said. “I didn’t know what was working. Once we got to lap traffic, I assumed that was probably the 87 that ran into the back of me. I was running the top the whole time, then I guess the top started going away. I struggled to hit the bottom for whatever reason, but there’s lapped cars everywhere. 

“They were running the bottom, then I saw Aaron get to my inside once, so I figured he was making ground on the bottom. I was really unsure if I should just fall in line and follow them. It wasn’t my best effort in lap traffic for sure, but it was a good blocking effort, and I’m glad I blocked that guy.”

Reutzel drove to the finish in second, and Friday winner Tyler Courtney rounded out the podium. Kyle Larson took a fourth-place result, and McFadden completed the top five.

Recap Notes:

E-Main Winner: Josh Weller

D-Main Winner: Jamie Bell

C-Main Winner: Evan Semerad

Last Chance Showdown Winner: Rico Abreu

Rookie of the Year: Austin Wood

Hard Charger Award: Rico Abreu (+9)

UP NEXT: The American Sprint Car Series will make one final stop in Arkansas for the 2026 season with Riverside International Speedway hosting the King of the Ditch II on Saturday, Aug. 22.

KING OF THE DITCH INFO

Where can you watch every lap of the American Sprint Car Series? Live on DIRTVision.

RESULTS: Feature (30 Laps): 1. 10-Ryan Timms[1]; 2. 87-Aaron Reutzel[2]; 3. 7BC-Tyler Courtney[5]; 4. 57-Kyle Larson[7]; 5. 21T-James McFadden[4]; 6. 21-Brian Brown[3]; 7. 77-Giovanni Scelzi[8]; 8. 9-Chase Randall[11]; 9. 11-Justin Henderson[6]; 10. 14-Corey Day[16]; 11. 39M-Anthony Macri[9]; 12. 14TSR-Rico Abreu[21]; 13. 22X-Riley Goodno[15]; 14. 31-Brady Bacon[10]; 15. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr[12]; 16. 55-Kerry Madsen[19]; 17. 71P-Parker Price Miller[24]; 18. 44-Chris Martin[23]; 19. 26-Justin Peck[22]; 20. 24-Terry McCarl[17]; 21. 9P-Daison Pursley[14]; 22. 2A-Austin Wood[13]; 23. 45X-Kyler Johnson[20]; 24. 4J-Ryan Leavitt[18]

ARTICLE:https://ascsracing.com/recap/knoxville-flyin-ryan-timms-captures-first-360-knoxville-nationals-in-duel-against-reutzel/

Dallas Daniels (No. 1) during the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT. Download high-resolution photo from AMA Pro’s Digital Asset Management system

Daniels Takes Title Lead with Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT Victory

Dallas Daniels (No. 1) during the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT. Download high-resolution photo from AMA Pro’s Digital Asset Management system

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 8, 2026) – Reigning Grand National Champion Dallas Daniels (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07) put himself in prime position to defend that title with a commanding ride in Saturday night’s Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT, Round 12 of the Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing.  It was the second successive season in which Daniels registered a clutch performance during a critical junction at the legendary Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in Sturgis, South Dakota.  Daniels left little doubt in the first of two Mission AFT SuperTwins Mains to be waged during this year’s 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, streaking out to the lead from the start and opening up a second-plus advantage before the race had truly fallen into shape.  The only moment the result seemed in question happened two minutes in when Daniels caught his boot in the dirt and was at risk of being tossed from his machine. But he wasn’t, and the fact he’d already assembled a 1.665-second lead allowed him to safely settle back in and resume an otherwise master-class performance.  By the end, the Estenson Racing superstar stacked up a 6.784-second margin of victory. While jubilant in its wake, his TT expertise is no secret, and he made clear the week’s bigger test is yet to come.  He said, “I knew I was strong coming in here. I knew this was probably my strongest track on the schedule, just because this is what I grew up on. There is a certain thing when you come with confidence. Things just come a little bit easier.   “But it’s been a long year. It’s been tough. I’m tired of getting beat. I want to turn this thing around. I feel like I want to be the guy. I am the guy. I have the #1 on my bike for a reason, and we just haven’t been delivering. Not really me or the team – but us as a group. We came together and did some testing. It doesn’t really apply to tonight; Monday will be the telltale for us. But regardless, I knew this back half of the season was going to be good for me.”   Two-time series king Briar Bauman (No. 3 Super.com/RWR/Rocket Doctor Harley-Davidson XG750R) looked to be a match (or nearly so) for Daniels heading into the contest. However, an early challenge from Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) forced him to focus behind rather than ahead, allowing Daniels to pull off his escape.  Bauman freed himself from Gauthier’s grasp in relatively short order. But even when fully focused on the task, he was unable to do anything about Daniels’ gap other than watch it grow.  Gauthier, meanwhile, remained in third to the end, handing Royal Enfield its second-ever premier-class podium, adding to the one he claimed for the marque at the Orange County Half-Mile back in 2024. Fourth was taken by former points leader Kody Kopp (No. 12 Latus Motors Racing Harley-Davidson XG750R). He actually posted the fastest time in qualifying but struggled to find the necessary space to overtake in both his heat and the Main.  While he hounded Gauthier for a spell, the chance to fight his way to a top-three finish evaporated when he suffered a near fall that required a borderline miraculous save just prior to halfway. Despite remaining upright, Kopp lost several seconds in the aftermath but had built up enough padding on fifth to not lose his position.  Fifth through tenth were jammed up tight deep into the contest, only breaking apart once Declan Bender (No. 70 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07) and Henry Wiles (No. 911 DL Racing/HYMMCO Yamaha MT-07) forced their way through on Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Mission Foods Honda CB750 Hornet) in rapid succession.  Bender would then fight off Wiles to claim the final spot in the top five. Behind, Lowe refused to allow anyone else through, while Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke), Aidan RoosEvans (No. 26 Bubba Boswell/Smokey Mountain Harley-Davidson XG750R), and Hunter Bauer (No. 24 G&G Racing Yamaha MT-07) rounded out the top ten.  While their ordering has been altered, the title fight is still a tense three-rider affair at the top. Daniels now leads with 226 points, while Kopp (220) and Bauman (214) remain close enough to pounce as early as Monday night’s Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track.  KICKER AFT Singles Evan Kelleher (No. 31 Schaeffer’s Motorsports KTM 450 SX-F) scored a breakthrough victory in a drama-soaked KICKER AFT Singles Main Event.  While Kelleher leapt out to the lead on the opening lap, there would be a litany of happenings before he could take the checkered flag back from that position.   Initially it appeared he would just prove a temporary obstacle for AFT Singles title fighters Tom Drane (No. 1 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450).  The championship contenders worked their way past Kelleher on successive laps and then opened up a gap on third – a gap which they used to further their long-running feud. Saathoff, who was hunting his first win of ‘26, closed in on Drane and attempted an ambitious strike with a minute-and-a-half remaining.   Saathoff collided with Drane while angling for an inside move in the tight transition to the pavement section. The two went down locked together, adding yet another chapter to their high-profile rivalry (after crashing together earlier in the day as well).  Kelleher sped past as Drane and Saathoff attempted to pick up their bikes but wasn’t in the clear just yet. He came under fire from an equally hungry Tarren Santero (No. 75 Roof Systems/Texas Utility Studies/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R), who also hoped to seize upon this golden opportunity to claim a maiden Progressive AFT victory.  Despite a number of heart-stopping moments, Kelleher ultimately held strong by 0.529 seconds. The result was not just the Schaeffer’s Motorsports runner’s first-career win, it was also his first series podium full stop.   He said, “I’ve worked a long time for this. It’s relieving more than anything. All the hard work, the money, the travel, so much sacrifice my family did for me. You start to wonder if it’s all worth it… And it’s worth it.”  Third went to Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats Yamaha YZ450F), who blitzed his way to the box despite being forced to do so from the back of the grid. Pfanders showcased the pace to contend for the win all day, but a heat race run-in with Trevor Brunner (No. 21 JMC Motorsports/Fairway GMC KTM 450 SX-F) forced both into the LCQ.  Brunner made out nearly as well, finishing fifth with Walker Porter (No. 10 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) splitting them up in fourth.  Jared Lowe (No. 63 Big R Racing/Vinson Construction Honda CRF450R) and Kage Tadman (No. 28 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) came home sixth and seventh. Next Up Progressive AFT isn’t done at the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally just yet. The world’s top motorcycle dirt trackers will be back in action on Monday night for the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track.  Visit  https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-jackpine-gypsies-short-track-194954   to reserve your seats today.

KNOXVILLE, IA (August 10, 2026) – Knoxville Nationals week is here.

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series and the sport in its entirety are converging upon Knoxville Raceway. The 65th running of the NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s is slated for Aug. 12-15.

The Knoxville Nationals is more than a Sprint Car race. It’s an event on the grandest scale. People from all over the globe are ready to multiply the population of the small town of Knoxville, IA. A sea of campers will stretch across campgrounds and yards. Fans will roam the streets visiting the dozens of merch trailers, grabbing a slice of pizza and NOS Energy Drink from Casey’s, and maybe making a Dingus visit for a beverage or two.

For the competitors, this is the mountaintop. It’s the race circled from the moment they step into a Sprint Car. It’s the race they all dream of winning.

This year’s running will dish out a record $200,000 to the champion atop a massive purse that hands out $15,000 for simply making the show. But the Knoxville Nationals is about so much more than the money. It’s about immortality. Winning this event cements a place in the sport’s history. Knoxville Nationals champions are never forgotten.

BUY KNOXVILLE NATIONALS TICKETS HERE

WATCH LIVE ON DIRTVision

Let’s look at the top stories to watch at Knoxville:

HISTORY WITHIN REACH

The opportunity to equal one of the sport’s most impressive records stands ahead of Donny Schatz this week.

Steve Kinser earned his 12th and final Knoxville Nationals title in 2002, a record that seemed insurmountable considering no other driver owned more than five at the time. But just a little more than two decades later, Schatz is knocking on the door.

The Fargo, ND native heads to Iowa with 11 Knoxville Nationals titles on his résumé. He broke through for his first in 2006 to launch a historic run of 10 triumphs in 12 years. Number 11 came in 2022. Since then, the closest he’s come to tying “The King” was third in 2023.

Schatz gets another shot this year, and it’ll be his first since joining forces with CJB Motorsports. The pairing already proved to have speed at Knoxville in May when Schatz ran runner-up at the Stars and Stripes Salute.

RETURNING CHAMPIONS

Schatz will have four more former champions joining him in pursuit of making that famed right turn into Knoxville Victory Lane Saturday.

Ryan Timms shocked the world a year ago when his first World of Outlaws win came in the form of a Knoxville Nationals title. He engineered a 50-lap beatdown aboard the Liebig Motorsports No. 10 and has the opportunity to become the ninth competitor to win the crown jewel two years in a row. The Oklahoma City, OK native already boasts eight Knoxville scores this year and is fresh off dominating the 360 Nationals with the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS).

David Gravel will be on the hunt for his second title and first since joining Big Game Motorsports. The Watertown, CT native got his first in 2019 with Jason Johnson Racing. He’s been on the podium in three of the last four Championship Features in Tod Quiring’s No. 2, including drives from 22nd to second in 2023 and 21st to third in 2025.

Sammy Swindell, the 1983 champion, will make his 50th Knoxville Nationals appearance this week. In addition to his one victory, “Slammin’ Sammy” has been runner-up on three occasions (1981, 1985, 1990).

While NASCAR obligations may interfere with his chances at racing Saturday, three-time Knoxville Nationals champion Kyle Larson is slated for Thursday’s qualifying night. “Yung Money” put the Silva Motorsports No. 57 in Victory Lane in 2021, 2023, and 2024. He’s fresh off winning the Capitani Classic.

FIRST TIME FAVORITES

The entry list features several accomplished drivers who are looking to conquer the sport’s most prestigious race.

Carson Macedo stands out as one of the favorites on the World of Outlaws roster as he could give Jason Johnson Racing their third Knoxville Nationals title. He’s won there four times in the “Ragin’ Cajun’s” No. 41, most recently a 2023 prelim. The last three runnings of the event have led to top five finishes for Macedo. The team rolled out a special paint scheme for this week that pays homage to Jason Johnson’s popular 2016 win.

Four top fives have brought Logan Schuchart so close to Knoxville Nationals glory with Shark Racing. Among those are memorable drives from 22nd to second in 2019 and 17th to third in 2022. All that’s left for Schuchart to find is the top step of the podium and join his grandfather Bobby Allen on the list of champions.

Sheldon Haudenschild’s speed during Knoxville Nationals week has flown a bit under the radar. He carries an active streak of six consecutive top 10s in the finale into his first attempt since joining KCP Racing.

Rico Abreu was one spot away from getting the job done last year, finishing a personal best of second. The St. Helena, CA driver owns 13 total Knoxville triumphs, including one to open the month of August with the Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing team.

Clovis, CA phenom Corey Day will take a break from his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series duties to chase a Knoxville Nationals title. He drove the Jason Meyers Racing No. 14 from 11th to the podium two years ago and is a two-time World of Outlaws Feature winner at “The Sprint Car Capital of the World.”

Brian Brown has been trying to win the Knoxville Nationals for more than two decades and came so close with three consecutive runner-up results from 2012 through 2014. The Grain Valley, MO native’s 69 career Knoxville victories rank second behind only Danny Lasoski (112).

Giovanni Scelzi enters the biggest week of the year with the momentum of Bob Weikert Memorial and 360 Nationals prelim victories with Spire Motorsports. “Hot Sauce” boasts nine total Knoxville triumphs.

IOWA PROUD

It’s hard to believe that no Iowa native has ever won the Knoxville Nationals, but could this be the year it happens?

If a “Hawkeye” is going to make the home state proud, it’s tough to look at anyone aside from Austin McCarl as the favorite. The Altoona, IA driver has captured four 410 track championships, including the last three. He’s also won 10 races at the 1/2 mile with a 410 under the hood. In 2022, he proved he could perform under the bright lights when he put the Country Builders Racing No. 88 on the pole of the sport’s biggest race.

McCarl will have plenty of fellow Iowa-born competitors joining him, including Tasker Phillips (Pleasantville, IA), Kelby Watt (Adel, IA), Riley Goodno (Knoxville, IA), and more.

FLYING UNDER THE RADAR

The names expected to be up front have been covered, but who are some of the entries that could surprise with a strong run?

It’s hard to call 2013 World of Outlaws champion Daryn Pittman an underdog, but his semi-retired status doesn’t allow him a lot of track time these days. Still, the 2019 Knoxville Nationals podium finisher can’t be counted out as he takes another crack with Pennsylvania’s Kreitz Racing. Pittman put the blue No. 69K on the front row two years ago.

Garet Williamson has been banging on the door of his first World of Outlaws win and would love to replicate Ryan Timms’ feat of pulling it off on the biggest stage. Like many from Missouri, Knoxville is where Williamson spent plenty of time cutting his teeth. He owns a trio of Knoxville checkered flags, two in a 360 and one in a 410.

James McFadden’s name may not get thrown around in the favorite category, but his recent results with Tarlton Motorsports make him hard to overlook. They won last year’s Capitani Classic and grabbed a 360 Nationals top five over the weekend.

Quilcene, WA’s J.J. Hickle has turned plenty of heads in the Matt Moro No. 2M this season. It started with a World of Outlaws top five in April, and he’s been back in the top five in 410 competition seven more times, highlighted by a runner-up. Hickle made the Championship Feature in 2022.

THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

WHEN AND WHERE 
Wednesday-Saturday, August 12-15 at Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, IA

AROUND THE TURN
Friday, August 21 at Ogilvie Raceway in Ogilvie, MN (TICKETS)
Saturday, August 22 at Jackson Motorplex in Jackson, MN (TICKETS)

CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (48/81 Races):
1. David Gravel – Big Game Motorsports No. 2 (6502 PTS)
2. Michael Kofoid – Roth Motorsports No. 83 (-180 PTS)
3. Sheldon Haudenschild – KCP Racing No. 18 (-206 PTS)
4. Carson Macedo – Jason Johnson Racing No. 41 (-244 PTS)
5. Logan Schuchart – Shark Racing No. 1S (-294 PTS)
6. Donny Schatz – CJB Motorsports No. 15 (-502 PTS)
7. Garet Williamson – Fischer Motorsports No. 23 (-600 PTS)
8. Cole Macedo – TwoC Racing No. 2C (-822 PTS)
9. Chris Windom – Sides Motorsports No. 7S (-864 PTS)
10. Spencer Bayston – Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing No. 17 (-890 PTS)

NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (18 Drivers):
10 Wins – Michael Kofoid, David Gravel
7 Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild
4 Wins – Carson Macedo
3 Wins – Anthony Macri
2 Wins – Logan Schuchart
1 Win – Spencer Bayston, Donny Schatz, Tyler Courtney, Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne, Rico Abreu, Aaron Reutzel, Brent Marks, Bryce Lucius, Corey Day, Chase Dietz, Chris Windom

FEATURE LAPS LED (30 Drivers):
320 Laps Led – David Gravel
280 Laps Led – Michael Kofoid
142 Laps Led – Logan Schuchart
113 Laps Led – Carson Macedo
85 Laps Led – Garet Williamson
79 Laps Led – Sheldon Haudenschild
56 Laps Led – Anthony Macri
44 Laps Led – Bill Balog
40 Laps Led – Aaron Reutzel, Chris Windom
37 Laps Led – Tyler Courtney
35 Laps Led – Donny Schatz
33 Laps Led – Brady Bacon, Rico Abreu
30 Laps Led – Corey Day, Chase Dietz
28 Laps Led – Ryan Timms
25 Laps Led – Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne
21 Laps Led – Kasey Jedrzejek
17 Laps Led – Spencer Bayston
16 Laps Led – Bryce Lucius
15 Laps Led – Christopher Thram
12 Laps Led – Cole Macedo
11 Laps Led – Giovanni Scelzi, Emerson Axsom
9 Laps Led – Kyle Larson
7 Laps Led – Brian Brown
6 Laps Led – Brock Zearfoss
3 Laps Led – Brent MarksPODIUM FINISHES (33 Drivers):
25 Podiums – David Gravel
22 Podiums – Michael Kofoid
18 Podiums – Sheldon Haudenschild
13 Podiums – Carson Macedo
9 Podiums – Logan Schuchart
6 Podiums – Donny Schatz
5 Podiums – Garet Williamson
4 Podiums – Ryan Timms, Anthony Macri, Rico Abreu
3 Podiums – Spencer Bayston, Bill Balog, Aaron Reutzel
2 Podiums – Brady Bacon, Cole Macedo, Tyler Courtney, Giovanni Scelzi, Chase Dietz
1 Podium – Ashton Torgerson, Scott Bogucki, Emerson Axsom, Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne, Justin Whittall, Troy Wagaman Jr., Kasey Jedrzejek, Brent Marks, Bryce Lucius, Corey Day, Daryn Pittman, Logan Rumsey, Chris Windom, Kelby Watt

SIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS QUICKTIME AWARDS (19 Drivers):
17 Quick Times – David Gravel
5 Quick Times – Sheldon Haudenschild
4 Quick Times – Bill Balog
3 Quick Times – Logan Schuchart, Michael Kofoid, Brady Bacon
1 Quick Time – Ashton Torgerson, Kasey Jedrzejek, Will Armitage, J.J. Hickle, Brian Brown, Danny Dietrich, Rico Abreu, Aaron Reutzel, Justin Henderson, Chase Dietz, Carson Macedo, Daryn Pittman, Logan Rumsey

HEAT RACE WINNERS (49 Drivers):
29 Heat Wins – David Gravel
21 Heat Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild
15 Heat Wins – Bill Balog
12 Heat Wins – Carson Macedo, Logan Schuchart
9 Heat Wins – Michael Kofoid
8 Heat Wins – Garet Williamson
6 Heat Wins – Donny Schatz
5 Heat Wins – Emerson Axsom
4 Heat Wins – Cole Macedo, Rico Abreu, Spencer Bayston
3 Heat Wins – Ashton Torgerson, Kasey Jedrzejek, Aaron Reutzel, Giovanni Scelzi, Anthony Macri, Brent Marks, Kerry Madsen
2 Heat Wins – Chase Dietz, Kasey Kahne, Austin McCarl, Jacob Hughes, Ryan Timms, Tyler Courtney, Justin Whittall, Daryn Pittman, Kelby Watt
1 Heat Win – Justin Peck, Tanner Holmes, Scotty Thiel, Will Armitage, Rees Moran, Tyler Courtney, Brian Brown, Danny Dietrich, Chad Trout, Joel Myers Jr., Andy Pake, Sam Henderson, Dayne Kingshott, Christopher Thram, Daison Pursley, Terry McCarl, Kyle Larson, Bryce Lucius, Brady Bacon, Chris Windom, Brent Shearer, Logan Rumsey

TOYOTA DASH APPEARANCES (65 Drivers):
34 Dashes – Sheldon Haudenschild, David Gravel
24 Dashes – Michael Kofoid
19 Dashes – Carson Macedo
18 Dashes – Bill Balog
15 Dashes – Garet Williamson, Logan Schuchart
10 Dashes – Emerson Axsom
9 Dashes – Donny Schatz, Cole Macedo
7 Dashes – Ashton Torgerson, Kasey Jedrzejek
6 Dashes – Spencer Bayston, Aaron Reutzel, Chris Windom
5 Dashes – Rico Abreu, Ryan Timms, Brent Marks, Chase Dietz
4 Dashes – Anthony Macri, Brian Brown, Brady Bacon, Logan Rumsey, Kelby Watt
3 Dashes – Kerry Madsen, Tanner Holmes, Justin Henderson, Daryn Pittman
2 Dashes – Scotty Thiel, Kasey Kahne, Troy Wagaman Jr., Will Armitage, J.J. Hickle, Austin McCarl, Joe B. Miller, Brenham Crouch, Conner Morrell, Bryce Lucius, Tyler Courtney, Kyle Larson, Justin Whittall, Cory Eliason
1 Dash – Justin Peck, Parker Price-Miller, Brock Zearfoss, Christopher Thram, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Rees Moran, Bryce Norris, Brad Sweet, Danny Dietrich, Logan Rumsey, Kody Hartlaub, Freddie Rahmer, Chad Trout, Giovanni Scelzi, Joel Myers Jr., Andy Pake, Tanner Thorson, Corey Day, D.J. Christie, Skylar Gee, Ricky Peterson, Lance Dewease, Brent Shearer, Dylan Norris

MICRO-LITE LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (31 Drivers):
4 LCS Wins – Donny Schatz, Garet Williamson
3 LCS Wins – Spencer Bayston, Emerson Axsom
2 LCS Wins – Michael Kofoid, Chris Windom, Giovanni Scelzi, Cole Macedo, Skylar Gee
1 LCS Wins – Cameron Martin, Bill Balog, Blake Hahn, Landon Crawley, Bryce Norris, Logan Schuchart, Doug Hammaker, Daryn Pittman, Kerry Madsen, Justin Henderson, Joel Myers Jr., Tyler Courtney, Daison Pursley, Zane DeVault, Logan Julien, Jordan Poirier, Matt Farnham, Jordan Thomas, Dylan Norris, Justin Whittall, Brent Shearer, Danny Dietrich

KSE HARD CHARGER AWARDS (22 Drivers):
7 Hard Chargers – Carson Macedo
6 Hard Chargers – Michael Kofoid
5 Hard Chargers – Donny Schatz, Logan Schuchart
3 Hard Chargers – Spencer Bayston, Chris Windom
2 Hard Chargers – Garet Williamson, Cole Macedo, Ashton Torgerson
1 Hard Charger – Giovanni Scelzi, Ryan Timms, Brady Bacon, Sheldon Haudenschild, Tyler Ross, Cameron Smith, David Gravel, Emerson Axsom, Logan Julien, Tyler Courtney, Kasey Jedrzejek, James McFadden, Danny Dietrich

ACME FASTEST LAP AWARDS (23 Drivers):
7 Fastest Laps – Michael Kofoid
6 Fastest Laps – David Gravel
5 Fastest Laps – Logan Schuchart
3 Fastest Laps – Sheldon Haudenschild, Carson Macedo
2 Fastest Laps – Bill Balog, Brady Bacon, Aaron Reutzel, Kasey Jedrzejek, Garet Williamson, Anthony Macri
1 Fastest Lap – Brock Zearfoss, Cole Macedo, Ryan Timms, Brad Sweet, Kelby Watt, Kasey Kahne, Giovanni Scelzi, Rico Abreu, Christopher Thram, Bryce Lucius, Corey Day, Chase Dietz

RACE READY CLOTHING HOTTEST LAP OF THE NIGHT AWARDS (16 Drivers):
16 Hottest Laps – David Gravel
7 Hottest Laps – Sheldon Haudenschild
4 Hottest Laps – Michael Kofoid, Carson Macedo
3 Hottest Laps – Logan Schuchart
2 Hottest Laps – Garet Williamson
1 Hottest Lap – Austin McCarl, Brent Marks, Cole Macedo, Emerson Axsom, Tyler Courtney, Ryan Timms, Daryn Pittman, Giovanni Scelzi, Bryce Lucius, Ashton Torgerson, Nate Dussel, Logan Rumsey

2026 WORLD OF OUTLAWS SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE & WINNERS:
Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner
Wed, Feb 4 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Spencer Bayston (1)
Fri, Feb 6 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Michael Kofoid (1)
Sat, Feb 7 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Anthony Macri (1)
Sun, March 1 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Sheldon Haudenschild (1)
Mon, March 2 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Anthony Macri (2)
Fri, March 6 / Talladega Short Track / Eastaboga, AL / Donny Schatz (1)
Fri, March 13 / Kennedale Speedway Park / Kennedale, TX / David Gravel (1)
Fri, March 20 / Lawton Speedway / Lawton, OK / David Gravel (2)
Sat, March 21 / Creek County Speedway / Sapulpa, OK / David Gravel (3)
Fri, March 27 / US 36 Raceway / Osborn, MO / Carson Macedo (1)
Sat, March 28 / 81 Speedway / Park City, KS / Michael Kofoid (2)
Fri, April 10 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Michael Kofoid (3)
Sat, April 11 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Michael Kofoid (4)
Sun, April 19 / Tri-State Speedway / Haubstadt, IN / Tyler Courtney (1)
Fri, April 24 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Brad Sweet (1)
Sat, April 25 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / David Gravel (4)
Tues, May 5 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA / Michael Kofoid (5)
Fri, May 8 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Kasey Kahne (1)
Sat, May 9 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / David Gravel (5)
Fri, May 15 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Rico Abreu (1)
Sat, May 16 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Logan Schuchart (1)
Tues, May 19 / Jacksonville Speedway / Jacksonville, IL / Carson Macedo (2)
Sat, May 23 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Aaron Reutzel (1)
Mon, May 25 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Michael Kofoid (6)
Fri, May 29 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND / Carson Macedo (3)
Sat, June 6 / Plymouth Dirt Track / Plymouth, WI / Sheldon Haudenschild (2)
Sun, June 7 / Angell Park Speedway / Sun Prairie, WI / Carson Macedo (4)
Fri, June 12 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Brent Marks (1)
Wed, June 17 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Michael Kofoid (7)
Thurs, June 18 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Michael Kofoid (8)
Fri, June 19 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Sheldon Haudenschild (3)
Sat, June 20 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / David Gravel (6)
Fri, June 26 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI / David Gravel (7)
Sat, June 27 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI / Sheldon Haudenschild (4)
Thurs, July 9 / Hartford Speedway / Hartford, MI / Sheldon Haudenschild (5)
Fri, July 10 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI / Michael Kofoid (9)
Sat, July 11 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI / Sheldon Haudenschild (6)
Tues, July 14 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH / Bryce Lucius (1)
Fri, July 17 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Corey Day (1)
Sat, July 18 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Anthony Macri (3)
Wed, July 22 / Ohsweken Speedway / Ohsweken, ON, Canada / David Gravel (8)
Sat, July 25 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY / Sheldon Haudenschild (7)
Sun, July 26 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY / David Gravel (9)
Wed, July 29 / BAPS Motor Speedway / York Haven, PA / Chase Dietz (1)
Fri, July 31 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Michael Kofoid (10)
Sat, Aug 1 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / David Gravel (10)
Fri, Aug 7 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Chris Windom (1)
Sat, Aug 8 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Logan Schuchart (2)
Wed, Aug 12 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Thurs, Aug 13 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Fri, Aug 14 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Sat, Aug 15 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Fri, Aug 21 / Ogilvie Raceway / Ogilvie, MN
Sat, Aug 22 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN
Fri, Aug 28 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND
Sat, Aug 29 / Red River Valley Speedway / West Fargo, ND
Sun, Aug 30 / Nodak Speedway / Minot, ND
Fri, Sept 4 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sat, Sept 5 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sun, Sept 6 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, Sept 11 / Belleville High Banks / Belleville, KS
Sat, Sept 12 / Dodge City Raceway Park / Dodge City, KS
Mon, Sept 14 / El Paso County Raceway / Calhan, CO
Fri, Sept 18 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA
Sat, Sept 19 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA
Tues, Sept 22 / Kings Speedway / Hanford, CA
Fri, Sept 25 / Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway / Bakersfield, CA
Sat, Sept 26 / Ventura Raceway / Ventura, CA
Fri, Oct 2 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Sat, Oct 3 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Thurs, Oct 8 / Millstream Speedway / Findlay, OH
Fri, Oct 9 / Mansfield Speedway / Mansfield, OH
Sat, Oct 10 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH
Fri, Oct 16 / Lincoln Park Speedway / Putnamville, IN
Sat, Oct 17 / TBA
Fri, Oct 23 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR
Sat, Oct 24 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR
Wed, Nov 4 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Thurs, Nov 5 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Fri, Nov 6 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Sat, Nov 7 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC

*denotes unofficial split-field prelim race.

TOP FIVE STORYLINES: 65th Knoxville Nationals Bringing Sprint Car World to Iowa

KNOXVILLE, IA (August 10, 2026) – Knoxville Nationals week is here.

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series and the sport in its entirety are converging upon Knoxville Raceway. The 65th running of the NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s is slated for Aug. 12-15.

The Knoxville Nationals is more than a Sprint Car race. It’s an event on the grandest scale. People from all over the globe are ready to multiply the population of the small town of Knoxville, IA. A sea of campers will stretch across campgrounds and yards. Fans will roam the streets visiting the dozens of merch trailers, grabbing a slice of pizza and NOS Energy Drink from Casey’s, and maybe making a Dingus visit for a beverage or two.

For the competitors, this is the mountaintop. It’s the race circled from the moment they step into a Sprint Car. It’s the race they all dream of winning.

This year’s running will dish out a record $200,000 to the champion atop a massive purse that hands out $15,000 for simply making the show. But the Knoxville Nationals is about so much more than the money. It’s about immortality. Winning this event cements a place in the sport’s history. Knoxville Nationals champions are never forgotten.

BUY KNOXVILLE NATIONALS TICKETS HERE

WATCH LIVE ON DIRTVision

Let’s look at the top stories to watch at Knoxville:

HISTORY WITHIN REACH

The opportunity to equal one of the sport’s most impressive records stands ahead of Donny Schatz this week.

Steve Kinser earned his 12th and final Knoxville Nationals title in 2002, a record that seemed insurmountable considering no other driver owned more than five at the time. But just a little more than two decades later, Schatz is knocking on the door.

The Fargo, ND native heads to Iowa with 11 Knoxville Nationals titles on his résumé. He broke through for his first in 2006 to launch a historic run of 10 triumphs in 12 years. Number 11 came in 2022. Since then, the closest he’s come to tying “The King” was third in 2023.

Schatz gets another shot this year, and it’ll be his first since joining forces with CJB Motorsports. The pairing already proved to have speed at Knoxville in May when Schatz ran runner-up at the Stars and Stripes Salute.

RETURNING CHAMPIONS

Schatz will have four more former champions joining him in pursuit of making that famed right turn into Knoxville Victory Lane Saturday.

Ryan Timms shocked the world a year ago when his first World of Outlaws win came in the form of a Knoxville Nationals title. He engineered a 50-lap beatdown aboard the Liebig Motorsports No. 10 and has the opportunity to become the ninth competitor to win the crown jewel two years in a row. The Oklahoma City, OK native already boasts eight Knoxville scores this year and is fresh off dominating the 360 Nationals with the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS).

David Gravel will be on the hunt for his second title and first since joining Big Game Motorsports. The Watertown, CT native got his first in 2019 with Jason Johnson Racing. He’s been on the podium in three of the last four Championship Features in Tod Quiring’s No. 2, including drives from 22nd to second in 2023 and 21st to third in 2025.

Sammy Swindell, the 1983 champion, will make his 50th Knoxville Nationals appearance this week. In addition to his one victory, “Slammin’ Sammy” has been runner-up on three occasions (1981, 1985, 1990).

While NASCAR obligations may interfere with his chances at racing Saturday, three-time Knoxville Nationals champion Kyle Larson is slated for Thursday’s qualifying night. “Yung Money” put the Silva Motorsports No. 57 in Victory Lane in 2021, 2023, and 2024. He’s fresh off winning the Capitani Classic.

FIRST TIME FAVORITES

The entry list features several accomplished drivers who are looking to conquer the sport’s most prestigious race.

Carson Macedo stands out as one of the favorites on the World of Outlaws roster as he could give Jason Johnson Racing their third Knoxville Nationals title. He’s won there four times in the “Ragin’ Cajun’s” No. 41, most recently a 2023 prelim. The last three runnings of the event have led to top five finishes for Macedo. The team rolled out a special paint scheme for this week that pays homage to Jason Johnson’s popular 2016 win.

Four top fives have brought Logan Schuchart so close to Knoxville Nationals glory with Shark Racing. Among those are memorable drives from 22nd to second in 2019 and 17th to third in 2022. All that’s left for Schuchart to find is the top step of the podium and join his grandfather Bobby Allen on the list of champions.

Sheldon Haudenschild’s speed during Knoxville Nationals week has flown a bit under the radar. He carries an active streak of six consecutive top 10s in the finale into his first attempt since joining KCP Racing.

Rico Abreu was one spot away from getting the job done last year, finishing a personal best of second. The St. Helena, CA driver owns 13 total Knoxville triumphs, including one to open the month of August with the Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing team.

Clovis, CA phenom Corey Day will take a break from his NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series duties to chase a Knoxville Nationals title. He drove the Jason Meyers Racing No. 14 from 11th to the podium two years ago and is a two-time World of Outlaws Feature winner at “The Sprint Car Capital of the World.”

Brian Brown has been trying to win the Knoxville Nationals for more than two decades and came so close with three consecutive runner-up results from 2012 through 2014. The Grain Valley, MO native’s 69 career Knoxville victories rank second behind only Danny Lasoski (112).

Giovanni Scelzi enters the biggest week of the year with the momentum of Bob Weikert Memorial and 360 Nationals prelim victories with Spire Motorsports. “Hot Sauce” boasts nine total Knoxville triumphs.

IOWA PROUD

It’s hard to believe that no Iowa native has ever won the Knoxville Nationals, but could this be the year it happens?

If a “Hawkeye” is going to make the home state proud, it’s tough to look at anyone aside from Austin McCarl as the favorite. The Altoona, IA driver has captured four 410 track championships, including the last three. He’s also won 10 races at the 1/2 mile with a 410 under the hood. In 2022, he proved he could perform under the bright lights when he put the Country Builders Racing No. 88 on the pole of the sport’s biggest race.

McCarl will have plenty of fellow Iowa-born competitors joining him, including Tasker Phillips (Pleasantville, IA), Kelby Watt (Adel, IA), Riley Goodno (Knoxville, IA), and more.

FLYING UNDER THE RADAR

The names expected to be up front have been covered, but who are some of the entries that could surprise with a strong run?

It’s hard to call 2013 World of Outlaws champion Daryn Pittman an underdog, but his semi-retired status doesn’t allow him a lot of track time these days. Still, the 2019 Knoxville Nationals podium finisher can’t be counted out as he takes another crack with Pennsylvania’s Kreitz Racing. Pittman put the blue No. 69K on the front row two years ago.

Garet Williamson has been banging on the door of his first World of Outlaws win and would love to replicate Ryan Timms’ feat of pulling it off on the biggest stage. Like many from Missouri, Knoxville is where Williamson spent plenty of time cutting his teeth. He owns a trio of Knoxville checkered flags, two in a 360 and one in a 410.

James McFadden’s name may not get thrown around in the favorite category, but his recent results with Tarlton Motorsports make him hard to overlook. They won last year’s Capitani Classic and grabbed a 360 Nationals top five over the weekend.

Quilcene, WA’s J.J. Hickle has turned plenty of heads in the Matt Moro No. 2M this season. It started with a World of Outlaws top five in April, and he’s been back in the top five in 410 competition seven more times, highlighted by a runner-up. Hickle made the Championship Feature in 2022.

THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

WHEN AND WHERE 
Wednesday-Saturday, August 12-15 at Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, IA

AROUND THE TURN
Friday, August 21 at Ogilvie Raceway in Ogilvie, MN (TICKETS)
Saturday, August 22 at Jackson Motorplex in Jackson, MN (TICKETS)

CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (48/81 Races):
1. David Gravel – Big Game Motorsports No. 2 (6502 PTS)
2. Michael Kofoid – Roth Motorsports No. 83 (-180 PTS)
3. Sheldon Haudenschild – KCP Racing No. 18 (-206 PTS)
4. Carson Macedo – Jason Johnson Racing No. 41 (-244 PTS)
5. Logan Schuchart – Shark Racing No. 1S (-294 PTS)
6. Donny Schatz – CJB Motorsports No. 15 (-502 PTS)
7. Garet Williamson – Fischer Motorsports No. 23 (-600 PTS)
8. Cole Macedo – TwoC Racing No. 2C (-822 PTS)
9. Chris Windom – Sides Motorsports No. 7S (-864 PTS)
10. Spencer Bayston – Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing No. 17 (-890 PTS)

NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (18 Drivers):
10 Wins – Michael Kofoid, David Gravel
7 Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild
4 Wins – Carson Macedo
3 Wins – Anthony Macri
2 Wins – Logan Schuchart
1 Win – Spencer Bayston, Donny Schatz, Tyler Courtney, Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne, Rico Abreu, Aaron Reutzel, Brent Marks, Bryce Lucius, Corey Day, Chase Dietz, Chris Windom

FEATURE LAPS LED (30 Drivers):
320 Laps Led – David Gravel
280 Laps Led – Michael Kofoid
142 Laps Led – Logan Schuchart
113 Laps Led – Carson Macedo
85 Laps Led – Garet Williamson
79 Laps Led – Sheldon Haudenschild
56 Laps Led – Anthony Macri
44 Laps Led – Bill Balog
40 Laps Led – Aaron Reutzel, Chris Windom
37 Laps Led – Tyler Courtney
35 Laps Led – Donny Schatz
33 Laps Led – Brady Bacon, Rico Abreu
30 Laps Led – Corey Day, Chase Dietz
28 Laps Led – Ryan Timms
25 Laps Led – Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne
21 Laps Led – Kasey Jedrzejek
17 Laps Led – Spencer Bayston
16 Laps Led – Bryce Lucius
15 Laps Led – Christopher Thram
12 Laps Led – Cole Macedo
11 Laps Led – Giovanni Scelzi, Emerson Axsom
9 Laps Led – Kyle Larson
7 Laps Led – Brian Brown
6 Laps Led – Brock Zearfoss
3 Laps Led – Brent MarksPODIUM FINISHES (33 Drivers):
25 Podiums – David Gravel
22 Podiums – Michael Kofoid
18 Podiums – Sheldon Haudenschild
13 Podiums – Carson Macedo
9 Podiums – Logan Schuchart
6 Podiums – Donny Schatz
5 Podiums – Garet Williamson
4 Podiums – Ryan Timms, Anthony Macri, Rico Abreu
3 Podiums – Spencer Bayston, Bill Balog, Aaron Reutzel
2 Podiums – Brady Bacon, Cole Macedo, Tyler Courtney, Giovanni Scelzi, Chase Dietz
1 Podium – Ashton Torgerson, Scott Bogucki, Emerson Axsom, Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne, Justin Whittall, Troy Wagaman Jr., Kasey Jedrzejek, Brent Marks, Bryce Lucius, Corey Day, Daryn Pittman, Logan Rumsey, Chris Windom, Kelby Watt

SIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS QUICKTIME AWARDS (19 Drivers):
17 Quick Times – David Gravel
5 Quick Times – Sheldon Haudenschild
4 Quick Times – Bill Balog
3 Quick Times – Logan Schuchart, Michael Kofoid, Brady Bacon
1 Quick Time – Ashton Torgerson, Kasey Jedrzejek, Will Armitage, J.J. Hickle, Brian Brown, Danny Dietrich, Rico Abreu, Aaron Reutzel, Justin Henderson, Chase Dietz, Carson Macedo, Daryn Pittman, Logan Rumsey

HEAT RACE WINNERS (49 Drivers):
29 Heat Wins – David Gravel
21 Heat Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild
15 Heat Wins – Bill Balog
12 Heat Wins – Carson Macedo, Logan Schuchart
9 Heat Wins – Michael Kofoid
8 Heat Wins – Garet Williamson
6 Heat Wins – Donny Schatz
5 Heat Wins – Emerson Axsom
4 Heat Wins – Cole Macedo, Rico Abreu, Spencer Bayston
3 Heat Wins – Ashton Torgerson, Kasey Jedrzejek, Aaron Reutzel, Giovanni Scelzi, Anthony Macri, Brent Marks, Kerry Madsen
2 Heat Wins – Chase Dietz, Kasey Kahne, Austin McCarl, Jacob Hughes, Ryan Timms, Tyler Courtney, Justin Whittall, Daryn Pittman, Kelby Watt
1 Heat Win – Justin Peck, Tanner Holmes, Scotty Thiel, Will Armitage, Rees Moran, Tyler Courtney, Brian Brown, Danny Dietrich, Chad Trout, Joel Myers Jr., Andy Pake, Sam Henderson, Dayne Kingshott, Christopher Thram, Daison Pursley, Terry McCarl, Kyle Larson, Bryce Lucius, Brady Bacon, Chris Windom, Brent Shearer, Logan Rumsey

TOYOTA DASH APPEARANCES (65 Drivers):
34 Dashes – Sheldon Haudenschild, David Gravel
24 Dashes – Michael Kofoid
19 Dashes – Carson Macedo
18 Dashes – Bill Balog
15 Dashes – Garet Williamson, Logan Schuchart
10 Dashes – Emerson Axsom
9 Dashes – Donny Schatz, Cole Macedo
7 Dashes – Ashton Torgerson, Kasey Jedrzejek
6 Dashes – Spencer Bayston, Aaron Reutzel, Chris Windom
5 Dashes – Rico Abreu, Ryan Timms, Brent Marks, Chase Dietz
4 Dashes – Anthony Macri, Brian Brown, Brady Bacon, Logan Rumsey, Kelby Watt
3 Dashes – Kerry Madsen, Tanner Holmes, Justin Henderson, Daryn Pittman
2 Dashes – Scotty Thiel, Kasey Kahne, Troy Wagaman Jr., Will Armitage, J.J. Hickle, Austin McCarl, Joe B. Miller, Brenham Crouch, Conner Morrell, Bryce Lucius, Tyler Courtney, Kyle Larson, Justin Whittall, Cory Eliason
1 Dash – Justin Peck, Parker Price-Miller, Brock Zearfoss, Christopher Thram, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Rees Moran, Bryce Norris, Brad Sweet, Danny Dietrich, Logan Rumsey, Kody Hartlaub, Freddie Rahmer, Chad Trout, Giovanni Scelzi, Joel Myers Jr., Andy Pake, Tanner Thorson, Corey Day, D.J. Christie, Skylar Gee, Ricky Peterson, Lance Dewease, Brent Shearer, Dylan Norris

MICRO-LITE LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (31 Drivers):
4 LCS Wins – Donny Schatz, Garet Williamson
3 LCS Wins – Spencer Bayston, Emerson Axsom
2 LCS Wins – Michael Kofoid, Chris Windom, Giovanni Scelzi, Cole Macedo, Skylar Gee
1 LCS Wins – Cameron Martin, Bill Balog, Blake Hahn, Landon Crawley, Bryce Norris, Logan Schuchart, Doug Hammaker, Daryn Pittman, Kerry Madsen, Justin Henderson, Joel Myers Jr., Tyler Courtney, Daison Pursley, Zane DeVault, Logan Julien, Jordan Poirier, Matt Farnham, Jordan Thomas, Dylan Norris, Justin Whittall, Brent Shearer, Danny Dietrich

KSE HARD CHARGER AWARDS (22 Drivers):
7 Hard Chargers – Carson Macedo
6 Hard Chargers – Michael Kofoid
5 Hard Chargers – Donny Schatz, Logan Schuchart
3 Hard Chargers – Spencer Bayston, Chris Windom
2 Hard Chargers – Garet Williamson, Cole Macedo, Ashton Torgerson
1 Hard Charger – Giovanni Scelzi, Ryan Timms, Brady Bacon, Sheldon Haudenschild, Tyler Ross, Cameron Smith, David Gravel, Emerson Axsom, Logan Julien, Tyler Courtney, Kasey Jedrzejek, James McFadden, Danny Dietrich

ACME FASTEST LAP AWARDS (23 Drivers):
7 Fastest Laps – Michael Kofoid
6 Fastest Laps – David Gravel
5 Fastest Laps – Logan Schuchart
3 Fastest Laps – Sheldon Haudenschild, Carson Macedo
2 Fastest Laps – Bill Balog, Brady Bacon, Aaron Reutzel, Kasey Jedrzejek, Garet Williamson, Anthony Macri
1 Fastest Lap – Brock Zearfoss, Cole Macedo, Ryan Timms, Brad Sweet, Kelby Watt, Kasey Kahne, Giovanni Scelzi, Rico Abreu, Christopher Thram, Bryce Lucius, Corey Day, Chase Dietz

RACE READY CLOTHING HOTTEST LAP OF THE NIGHT AWARDS (16 Drivers):
16 Hottest Laps – David Gravel
7 Hottest Laps – Sheldon Haudenschild
4 Hottest Laps – Michael Kofoid, Carson Macedo
3 Hottest Laps – Logan Schuchart
2 Hottest Laps – Garet Williamson
1 Hottest Lap – Austin McCarl, Brent Marks, Cole Macedo, Emerson Axsom, Tyler Courtney, Ryan Timms, Daryn Pittman, Giovanni Scelzi, Bryce Lucius, Ashton Torgerson, Nate Dussel, Logan Rumsey

2026 WORLD OF OUTLAWS SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE & WINNERS:
Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner
Wed, Feb 4 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Spencer Bayston (1)
Fri, Feb 6 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Michael Kofoid (1)
Sat, Feb 7 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Anthony Macri (1)
Sun, March 1 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Sheldon Haudenschild (1)
Mon, March 2 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Anthony Macri (2)
Fri, March 6 / Talladega Short Track / Eastaboga, AL / Donny Schatz (1)
Fri, March 13 / Kennedale Speedway Park / Kennedale, TX / David Gravel (1)
Fri, March 20 / Lawton Speedway / Lawton, OK / David Gravel (2)
Sat, March 21 / Creek County Speedway / Sapulpa, OK / David Gravel (3)
Fri, March 27 / US 36 Raceway / Osborn, MO / Carson Macedo (1)
Sat, March 28 / 81 Speedway / Park City, KS / Michael Kofoid (2)
Fri, April 10 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Michael Kofoid (3)
Sat, April 11 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Michael Kofoid (4)
Sun, April 19 / Tri-State Speedway / Haubstadt, IN / Tyler Courtney (1)
Fri, April 24 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Brad Sweet (1)
Sat, April 25 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / David Gravel (4)
Tues, May 5 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA / Michael Kofoid (5)
Fri, May 8 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Kasey Kahne (1)
Sat, May 9 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / David Gravel (5)
Fri, May 15 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Rico Abreu (1)
Sat, May 16 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Logan Schuchart (1)
Tues, May 19 / Jacksonville Speedway / Jacksonville, IL / Carson Macedo (2)
Sat, May 23 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Aaron Reutzel (1)
Mon, May 25 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Michael Kofoid (6)
Fri, May 29 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND / Carson Macedo (3)
Sat, June 6 / Plymouth Dirt Track / Plymouth, WI / Sheldon Haudenschild (2)
Sun, June 7 / Angell Park Speedway / Sun Prairie, WI / Carson Macedo (4)
Fri, June 12 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Brent Marks (1)
Wed, June 17 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Michael Kofoid (7)
Thurs, June 18 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Michael Kofoid (8)
Fri, June 19 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Sheldon Haudenschild (3)
Sat, June 20 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / David Gravel (6)
Fri, June 26 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI / David Gravel (7)
Sat, June 27 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI / Sheldon Haudenschild (4)
Thurs, July 9 / Hartford Speedway / Hartford, MI / Sheldon Haudenschild (5)
Fri, July 10 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI / Michael Kofoid (9)
Sat, July 11 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI / Sheldon Haudenschild (6)
Tues, July 14 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH / Bryce Lucius (1)
Fri, July 17 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Corey Day (1)
Sat, July 18 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Anthony Macri (3)
Wed, July 22 / Ohsweken Speedway / Ohsweken, ON, Canada / David Gravel (8)
Sat, July 25 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY / Sheldon Haudenschild (7)
Sun, July 26 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY / David Gravel (9)
Wed, July 29 / BAPS Motor Speedway / York Haven, PA / Chase Dietz (1)
Fri, July 31 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Michael Kofoid (10)
Sat, Aug 1 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / David Gravel (10)
Fri, Aug 7 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Chris Windom (1)
Sat, Aug 8 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Logan Schuchart (2)
Wed, Aug 12 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Thurs, Aug 13 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Fri, Aug 14 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA*
Sat, Aug 15 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA
Fri, Aug 21 / Ogilvie Raceway / Ogilvie, MN
Sat, Aug 22 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN
Fri, Aug 28 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND
Sat, Aug 29 / Red River Valley Speedway / West Fargo, ND
Sun, Aug 30 / Nodak Speedway / Minot, ND
Fri, Sept 4 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sat, Sept 5 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Sun, Sept 6 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD
Fri, Sept 11 / Belleville High Banks / Belleville, KS
Sat, Sept 12 / Dodge City Raceway Park / Dodge City, KS
Mon, Sept 14 / El Paso County Raceway / Calhan, CO
Fri, Sept 18 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA
Sat, Sept 19 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA
Tues, Sept 22 / Kings Speedway / Hanford, CA
Fri, Sept 25 / Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway / Bakersfield, CA
Sat, Sept 26 / Ventura Raceway / Ventura, CA
Fri, Oct 2 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Sat, Oct 3 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA
Thurs, Oct 8 / Millstream Speedway / Findlay, OH
Fri, Oct 9 / Mansfield Speedway / Mansfield, OH
Sat, Oct 10 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH
Fri, Oct 16 / Lincoln Park Speedway / Putnamville, IN
Sat, Oct 17 / TBA
Fri, Oct 23 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR
Sat, Oct 24 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR
Wed, Nov 4 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Thurs, Nov 5 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Fri, Nov 6 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Sat, Nov 7 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC

*denotes unofficial split-field prelim race.

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars/top-five-storylines-65th-knoxville-nationals-bringing-sprint-car-world-to-iowa/

August 8, 2026 — PORTLAND, OR

• Meyer Shank Racing’s Felix Rosenqvist qualifies on pole at Portland International Raceway
• Championship leader Alex Palou completes all-Honda front row
• Andretti Global teammates Will Power and Marcus Ericsson lock out row two
• Kyffin Simpson earns second-career Firestone Fast Six appearance
• Honda transfers 10 cars to the Top 12 round of qualifying, from all five Honda-powered teams

It was a banner day for Honda at Portland International Raceway, with Felix Rosenqvist qualifying on pole and leading 10 Hondas in the Top 12 round of NTT INDYCAR SERIES qualifications at the OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland.

This is the second pole position for the Meyer Shank Racing driver this season, following a P1 qualifying performance in April at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, where he finished second. Rosenqvist has one win already this season—taking victory in the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500, and will be looking to convert today’s pole position to another win.

Also this weekend at Portland, Felix Rosenqvist’s Indianapolis 500 winning engine made it to 2,000 miles run in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The durability of the motor reaching the 2k miles mark is rewarded by the series with a 50-point bonus for Honda in the manufacturers’ championship standings.

Lining up alongside the Swede is championship leader Alex Palou. Palou has won twice before at Portland and already has five wins this season as the Chip Ganassi Racing #10 Honda driver looks for his fifth championship in six years. Currently, the Spaniard holds an 83-point margin over second place in the points.

A pair of Andretti Global teammates locked out row two for Honda, with last year’s Portland winner Will Power qualifying third, just ahead of Marcus Ericsson.

Kyffin Simpson will line up sixth for Chip Ganassi Racing. With the second-youngest driver in the field making his first Firestone Fast Six appearance of the year and the second in his career.

Honda transferred 10 cars into the Top 12 round of qualifying, with all five Honda-powered teams represented. Kyle Kirkwood from Andretti Global was seventh, Graham Rahal of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing was eighth, Dale Coyne Racing’s pair of Dennis Hauger and Romain Grosjean were 10th and 11th respectively, and Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon was 12th.

OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland Honda Qualifying Results

• 1st Felix Rosenqvist
• 2nd Alex Palou
• 3rd Will Power
• 4th Marcus Ericsson
• 6th Kyffin Simpson
• 7th Kyle Kirkwood
• 8th Graham Rahal
• 10th Dennis Hauger–R
• 11th Romain Grosjean
• 12th Scott Dixon
• 13th Louis Foster
• 21st Marcus Armstrong
• 23rd Mick Schumacher– R

Meyer Shank Racing Honda
Chip Ganassi Racing Honda
Andretti Global Honda
Andretti Global Honda
Chip Ganassi Racing Honda
Andretti Global Honda
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda
Dale Coyne Racing Honda
Dale Coyne Racing Honda
Chip Ganassi Racing Honda
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda
Meyer Shank Racing Honda
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda

R – Rookie

Quotes

Felix Rosenqvist (#60 Meyer Shank Racing Honda) qualified first: “Huge thanks to Honda and the Meyer Shank Racing team for their hard work to get me here. That was an interesting one. I think it was super tight in the first two segments, and I feel like I had to risk quite a lot but still not make mistakes. I was glad I got a clean lap there in the Fast Six. It seemed like maybe the others made a mistake because we had a bit of a gap. So, I was kind of surprised. But yeah, I had a great car out there. Huge thank you to the MSR team for working on it all weekend. I wouldn’t say we started in a great spot, but they kept pushing all weekend and now we’re on pole!”

Alex Palou (#10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda) qualified second: “I’m never disappointed starting second. But it is disappointing that obviously we were that close and I can go back and know exactly where in the lap I lost that tiny amount of time. But, I’m happy with P2. We knew that it was going to be a tough qualifying and very tight up and down the field. We saw that there was going to be a lot of fast cars. So, just being in the fast six was already a good, good step. And being on the front row, a one-two for Honda, it’s great for tomorrow. So, I’m looking forward to tomorrow!”

Felix Rosenqvist leads Honda 1-4 in Portland Qualifying

• Release
• Photos

August 8, 2026 — PORTLAND, OR

• Meyer Shank Racing’s Felix Rosenqvist qualifies on pole at Portland International Raceway
• Championship leader Alex Palou completes all-Honda front row
• Andretti Global teammates Will Power and Marcus Ericsson lock out row two
• Kyffin Simpson earns second-career Firestone Fast Six appearance
• Honda transfers 10 cars to the Top 12 round of qualifying, from all five Honda-powered teams

It was a banner day for Honda at Portland International Raceway, with Felix Rosenqvist qualifying on pole and leading 10 Hondas in the Top 12 round of NTT INDYCAR SERIES qualifications at the OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland.

This is the second pole position for the Meyer Shank Racing driver this season, following a P1 qualifying performance in April at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, where he finished second. Rosenqvist has one win already this season—taking victory in the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500, and will be looking to convert today’s pole position to another win.

Also this weekend at Portland, Felix Rosenqvist’s Indianapolis 500 winning engine made it to 2,000 miles run in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The durability of the motor reaching the 2k miles mark is rewarded by the series with a 50-point bonus for Honda in the manufacturers’ championship standings.

Lining up alongside the Swede is championship leader Alex Palou. Palou has won twice before at Portland and already has five wins this season as the Chip Ganassi Racing #10 Honda driver looks for his fifth championship in six years. Currently, the Spaniard holds an 83-point margin over second place in the points.

A pair of Andretti Global teammates locked out row two for Honda, with last year’s Portland winner Will Power qualifying third, just ahead of Marcus Ericsson.

Kyffin Simpson will line up sixth for Chip Ganassi Racing. With the second-youngest driver in the field making his first Firestone Fast Six appearance of the year and the second in his career.

Honda transferred 10 cars into the Top 12 round of qualifying, with all five Honda-powered teams represented. Kyle Kirkwood from Andretti Global was seventh, Graham Rahal of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing was eighth, Dale Coyne Racing’s pair of Dennis Hauger and Romain Grosjean were 10th and 11th respectively, and Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon was 12th.

OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland Honda Qualifying Results

• 1st Felix Rosenqvist
• 2nd Alex Palou
• 3rd Will Power
• 4th Marcus Ericsson
• 6th Kyffin Simpson
• 7th Kyle Kirkwood
• 8th Graham Rahal
• 10th Dennis Hauger–R
• 11th Romain Grosjean
• 12th Scott Dixon
• 13th Louis Foster
• 21st Marcus Armstrong
• 23rd Mick Schumacher– R

Meyer Shank Racing Honda
Chip Ganassi Racing Honda
Andretti Global Honda
Andretti Global Honda
Chip Ganassi Racing Honda
Andretti Global Honda
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda
Dale Coyne Racing Honda
Dale Coyne Racing Honda
Chip Ganassi Racing Honda
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda
Meyer Shank Racing Honda
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda

R – Rookie

Quotes

Felix Rosenqvist (#60 Meyer Shank Racing Honda) qualified first: “Huge thanks to Honda and the Meyer Shank Racing team for their hard work to get me here. That was an interesting one. I think it was super tight in the first two segments, and I feel like I had to risk quite a lot but still not make mistakes. I was glad I got a clean lap there in the Fast Six. It seemed like maybe the others made a mistake because we had a bit of a gap. So, I was kind of surprised. But yeah, I had a great car out there. Huge thank you to the MSR team for working on it all weekend. I wouldn’t say we started in a great spot, but they kept pushing all weekend and now we’re on pole!”

Alex Palou (#10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda) qualified second: “I’m never disappointed starting second. But it is disappointing that obviously we were that close and I can go back and know exactly where in the lap I lost that tiny amount of time. But, I’m happy with P2. We knew that it was going to be a tough qualifying and very tight up and down the field. We saw that there was going to be a lot of fast cars. So, just being in the fast six was already a good, good step. And being on the front row, a one-two for Honda, it’s great for tomorrow. So, I’m looking forward to tomorrow!”

David Salters (President, Honda Racing Corporation USA): “That was amazing! I’m so proud of all of our Honda-powered teams and drivers. Pole is amazing, 1-4 is amazing, 10 Hondas in the top 12 is amazing, and all five of our Honda teams making it into the Top 12 is even more amazing. It’s great to see our hard work pay off in speed today in qualifying, but also with durability with Felix’s Indy 500 winning engine making it the full 2,000 miles to give us the bonus points in the manufacturers’ championship. It’s a testament to the incredible jobs that everyone at HRC US and all of our teams do.”

PEVELY, MO (Aug. 8, 2026) – Sharks can typically smell blood up to a quarter of a mile away. Some myths say a mile. At I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park, it’s measured in time.

Twenty-four hours after losing the chance at a win with the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota, “The Shark” Karter Sarff smelled blood in the water starting on the pole of Saturday’s 25-lap Feature during the World of Outlaws Ironman 55 weekend.

That hunger turned into determination and grit as he led all but one lap, fending off a battle from his teammate, to score his 11th Xtreme Outlaw victory and fifth at I-55.

“We were really good all week. I love this place,” Sarff said in Victory Lane. “I feel like I have a really good package coming here. Just can’t thank everyone that is a part of Trifecta Motorsports that helps make it happen.”

Sarff, of Mason City, IL, was the high points earner and a favorite to win on Friday night. But a part failure on Lap 1 hindered his chance for another I-55 win as he then had to fight his way from the back once it was fixed. He recovered to finish eighth, a result far from what was expected.

Twenty-four hours later, with a little luck from the invert draw, Sarff found himself on the pole for Saturday’s Feature. Blood was in the water.

Sarff hit the throttle and pulled away from second-place Kyle Jones on the start, sliding his Trifecta Motorsports No. 7U to the wall in Turn 2 and launching away from the field.

Behind him, his Trifecta teammate Kameron Key turned on videogame mode, rolling the bottom to go from eighth to third by the time he exited Turn 2 for the first time. He kept the run going the next lap to get by Jones for second and then planned his own hunt for the lead.

A caution on Lap 3 grouped everyone back together, setting up a Trifecta front row battle. The teammates picked their lanes on the restart – Sarff to the top, Key to the bottom.

Key gave Sarff a quick scare, perfecting the bottom well enough to pull ahead of the No. 7U car after the first circuit back, leading Lap 4. But “The Shark” was territorial. He powered back around Key through Turns 1 and 2 and then dove to the bottom the next lap to steal the lane. The move allowed Sarff to put distance between them and leave Key in a three-way battle for second with Jones and Cullen Hutchison.

While Sarff pulled away, Key was in a constant contest of slide jobs. His battle with Jones was short-lived, but the 14-year-old Hutchison made him work to keep second every lap. Key lost second to the teenager for a couple of laps while the top three drivers battled through traffic with less than 10 laps to go. But Key put an end to the sliderfest with six laps to go and looked to set a course to challenge Sarff.

However, Sarff was already two seconds ahead of him.

“The Shark” swam to the checkered flag and finally got to taste victory again with the Xtreme Outlaw Midgets.

“I felt really good everywhere, besides getting through (Turn) three and out of (Turn) four. You had to catch that real thin strip out of four, and when I hit it good, I knew we were really good, but when you missed it, you just lost a lot of time,” Sarff said. “I was just trying to hit my marks and stay up front. Just super grateful to pull this one off.”

Key crossed the line second, giving Trifecta Motorsports a one-two finish, and earned the Smith Titanium Hard Charger Award for the second straight night.

“I feel like in the Heat Races there everyone was just pounding the top and that’s where you needed to be, but then the Sprint Cars go out there and put 20 more laps on it, and the bottom; the Midget are smaller and we can get lower than the Sprint Cars, so there’s a grip strip right on the bottom there,” Key said. “I knew everyone was going to go shooting to the top, so I said I might as well try it. The seas parted, and to the front we went.

“Karter was just really good on the top, and I was going to stick to the bottom. I thought the top was better, but the bottom was a lot safer. I was just waiting until we got to traffic or if he made a mistake, but he’s a really good race car driver and didn’t make any mistakes. Just a lot of fun, man. I’m so glad to get back here.”

Hutchison, who made his Series debut and I-55 debut this weekend with Chase McDermand Racing, was one of the most impressive drivers all weekend. He won his Heat Race both nights and finished third both nights, making him the current Xtreme Outlaw points leader.

“Yeah, it was a really good weekend. I can’t thank Chase, Drake, Caleb, Kevin, for giving me the opportunity to run this car,” Hutchison said. “We’ve been really good in this car, and I’ve had very strong finishes so far. Hopefully we can keep the momentum going.”

QUICK NOTES
Federated Auto Parts Quick Time: Jacob Denney (13.000-second lap)
Toyota Heat 1 Winner: Kale Drake
TheGreatestStoreonDirt.com Heat 2 Winner: Cullen Hutchison
Smith Titanium Hard Charger: Kameron Key (8th to second)

RESULTS
Feature (25 Laps): 1. 7U-Karter Sarff[1]; 2. 3U-Kameron Key[8]; 3. 40-Cullen Hutchison[3]; 4. 67-Jacob Denney[6]; 5. 97-Gavin Miller[4]; 6. 7TX-Kyle Jones[2]; 7. 4-Kale Drake[5]; 8. 67K-Colton Robinson[7]; 9. 51B-Joe B Miller[13]; 10. 7-Shannon McQueen[9]; 11. 11-Alex Midkiff[11]; 12. 50-Daniel Adler[12]; 13. 7T-Adam Taylor[10]; 14. 4M-Sheldon Males[14]

UP NEXT
The Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota returns for the World Championship doubleheader at Millbridge Speedway, Monday-Tuesday, Nov. 2-3, serving as the prelude to the World of Outlaws World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte.

IRON SHARK: Karter Sarff Conquers I-55 For Fifth Time With Xtreme Outlaw Midgets

PEVELY, MO (Aug. 8, 2026) – Sharks can typically smell blood up to a quarter of a mile away. Some myths say a mile. At I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park, it’s measured in time.

Twenty-four hours after losing the chance at a win with the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota, “The Shark” Karter Sarff smelled blood in the water starting on the pole of Saturday’s 25-lap Feature during the World of Outlaws Ironman 55 weekend.

That hunger turned into determination and grit as he led all but one lap, fending off a battle from his teammate, to score his 11th Xtreme Outlaw victory and fifth at I-55.

“We were really good all week. I love this place,” Sarff said in Victory Lane. “I feel like I have a really good package coming here. Just can’t thank everyone that is a part of Trifecta Motorsports that helps make it happen.”

Sarff, of Mason City, IL, was the high points earner and a favorite to win on Friday night. But a part failure on Lap 1 hindered his chance for another I-55 win as he then had to fight his way from the back once it was fixed. He recovered to finish eighth, a result far from what was expected.

Twenty-four hours later, with a little luck from the invert draw, Sarff found himself on the pole for Saturday’s Feature. Blood was in the water.

Sarff hit the throttle and pulled away from second-place Kyle Jones on the start, sliding his Trifecta Motorsports No. 7U to the wall in Turn 2 and launching away from the field.

Behind him, his Trifecta teammate Kameron Key turned on videogame mode, rolling the bottom to go from eighth to third by the time he exited Turn 2 for the first time. He kept the run going the next lap to get by Jones for second and then planned his own hunt for the lead.

A caution on Lap 3 grouped everyone back together, setting up a Trifecta front row battle. The teammates picked their lanes on the restart – Sarff to the top, Key to the bottom.

Key gave Sarff a quick scare, perfecting the bottom well enough to pull ahead of the No. 7U car after the first circuit back, leading Lap 4. But “The Shark” was territorial. He powered back around Key through Turns 1 and 2 and then dove to the bottom the next lap to steal the lane. The move allowed Sarff to put distance between them and leave Key in a three-way battle for second with Jones and Cullen Hutchison.

While Sarff pulled away, Key was in a constant contest of slide jobs. His battle with Jones was short-lived, but the 14-year-old Hutchison made him work to keep second every lap. Key lost second to the teenager for a couple of laps while the top three drivers battled through traffic with less than 10 laps to go. But Key put an end to the sliderfest with six laps to go and looked to set a course to challenge Sarff.

However, Sarff was already two seconds ahead of him.

“The Shark” swam to the checkered flag and finally got to taste victory again with the Xtreme Outlaw Midgets.

“I felt really good everywhere, besides getting through (Turn) three and out of (Turn) four. You had to catch that real thin strip out of four, and when I hit it good, I knew we were really good, but when you missed it, you just lost a lot of time,” Sarff said. “I was just trying to hit my marks and stay up front. Just super grateful to pull this one off.”

Key crossed the line second, giving Trifecta Motorsports a one-two finish, and earned the Smith Titanium Hard Charger Award for the second straight night.

“I feel like in the Heat Races there everyone was just pounding the top and that’s where you needed to be, but then the Sprint Cars go out there and put 20 more laps on it, and the bottom; the Midget are smaller and we can get lower than the Sprint Cars, so there’s a grip strip right on the bottom there,” Key said. “I knew everyone was going to go shooting to the top, so I said I might as well try it. The seas parted, and to the front we went.

“Karter was just really good on the top, and I was going to stick to the bottom. I thought the top was better, but the bottom was a lot safer. I was just waiting until we got to traffic or if he made a mistake, but he’s a really good race car driver and didn’t make any mistakes. Just a lot of fun, man. I’m so glad to get back here.”

Hutchison, who made his Series debut and I-55 debut this weekend with Chase McDermand Racing, was one of the most impressive drivers all weekend. He won his Heat Race both nights and finished third both nights, making him the current Xtreme Outlaw points leader.

“Yeah, it was a really good weekend. I can’t thank Chase, Drake, Caleb, Kevin, for giving me the opportunity to run this car,” Hutchison said. “We’ve been really good in this car, and I’ve had very strong finishes so far. Hopefully we can keep the momentum going.”

QUICK NOTES
Federated Auto Parts Quick Time: Jacob Denney (13.000-second lap)
Toyota Heat 1 Winner: Kale Drake
TheGreatestStoreonDirt.com Heat 2 Winner: Cullen Hutchison
Smith Titanium Hard Charger: Kameron Key (8th to second)

RESULTS
Feature (25 Laps): 1. 7U-Karter Sarff[1]; 2. 3U-Kameron Key[8]; 3. 40-Cullen Hutchison[3]; 4. 67-Jacob Denney[6]; 5. 97-Gavin Miller[4]; 6. 7TX-Kyle Jones[2]; 7. 4-Kale Drake[5]; 8. 67K-Colton Robinson[7]; 9. 51B-Joe B Miller[13]; 10. 7-Shannon McQueen[9]; 11. 11-Alex Midkiff[11]; 12. 50-Daniel Adler[12]; 13. 7T-Adam Taylor[10]; 14. 4M-Sheldon Males[14]

UP NEXT
The Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota returns for the World Championship doubleheader at Millbridge Speedway, Monday-Tuesday, Nov. 2-3, serving as the prelude to the World of Outlaws World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte.

ARTICLE: https://xtremeoutlawseries.com/recap/iron-shark-karter-sarff-conquers-i-55-for-fifth-time-with-xtreme-outlaw-midgets/

August 8, 2026 — PORTLAND, OR

• Meyer Shank Racing’s Felix Rosenqvist qualifies on pole at Portland International Raceway
• Championship leader Alex Palou completes all-Honda front row
• Andretti Global teammates Will Power and Marcus Ericsson lock out row two
• Kyffin Simpson earns second-career Firestone Fast Six appearance
• Honda transfers 10 cars to the Top 12 round of qualifying, from all five Honda-powered teams

It was a banner day for Honda at Portland International Raceway, with Felix Rosenqvist qualifying on pole and leading 10 Hondas in the Top 12 round of NTT INDYCAR SERIES qualifications at the OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland.

This is the second pole position for the Meyer Shank Racing driver this season, following a P1 qualifying performance in April at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, where he finished second. Rosenqvist has one win already this season—taking victory in the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500, and will be looking to convert today’s pole position to another win.

Also this weekend at Portland, Felix Rosenqvist’s Indianapolis 500 winning engine made it to 2,000 miles run in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The durability of the motor reaching the 2k miles mark is rewarded by the series with a 50-point bonus for Honda in the manufacturers’ championship standings.

Lining up alongside the Swede is championship leader Alex Palou. Palou has won twice before at Portland and already has five wins this season as the Chip Ganassi Racing #10 Honda driver looks for his fifth championship in six years. Currently, the Spaniard holds an 83-point margin over second place in the points.

A pair of Andretti Global teammates locked out row two for Honda, with last year’s Portland winner Will Power qualifying third, just ahead of Marcus Ericsson.

Kyffin Simpson will line up sixth for Chip Ganassi Racing. With the second-youngest driver in the field making his first Firestone Fast Six appearance of the year and the second in his career.

Honda transferred 10 cars into the Top 12 round of qualifying, with all five Honda-powered teams represented. Kyle Kirkwood from Andretti Global was seventh, Graham Rahal of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing was eighth, Dale Coyne Racing’s pair of Dennis Hauger and Romain Grosjean were 10th and 11th respectively, and Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon was 12th.

OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland Honda Qualifying Results

• 1st Felix Rosenqvist
• 2nd Alex Palou
• 3rd Will Power
• 4th Marcus Ericsson
• 6th Kyffin Simpson
• 7th Kyle Kirkwood
• 8th Graham Rahal
• 10th Dennis Hauger–R
• 11th Romain Grosjean
• 12th Scott Dixon
• 13th Louis Foster
• 21st Marcus Armstrong
• 23rd Mick Schumacher– R

Meyer Shank Racing Honda
Chip Ganassi Racing Honda
Andretti Global Honda
Andretti Global Honda
Chip Ganassi Racing Honda
Andretti Global Honda
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda
Dale Coyne Racing Honda
Dale Coyne Racing Honda
Chip Ganassi Racing Honda
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda
Meyer Shank Racing Honda
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda

R – Rookie

Quotes

Felix Rosenqvist (#60 Meyer Shank Racing Honda) qualified first: “Huge thanks to Honda and the Meyer Shank Racing team for their hard work to get me here. That was an interesting one. I think it was super tight in the first two segments, and I feel like I had to risk quite a lot but still not make mistakes. I was glad I got a clean lap there in the Fast Six. It seemed like maybe the others made a mistake because we had a bit of a gap. So, I was kind of surprised. But yeah, I had a great car out there. Huge thank you to the MSR team for working on it all weekend. I wouldn’t say we started in a great spot, but they kept pushing all weekend and now we’re on pole!”

Alex Palou (#10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda) qualified second: “I’m never disappointed starting second. But it is disappointing that obviously we were that close and I can go back and know exactly where in the lap I lost that tiny amount of time. But, I’m happy with P2. We knew that it was going to be a tough qualifying and very tight up and down the field. We saw that there was going to be a lot of fast cars. So, just being in the fast six was already a good, good step. And being on the front row, a one-two for Honda, it’s great for tomorrow. So, I’m looking forward to tomorrow!”

Felix Rosenqvist leads Honda 1-4 in Portland Qualifying

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August 8, 2026 — PORTLAND, OR

• Meyer Shank Racing’s Felix Rosenqvist qualifies on pole at Portland International Raceway
• Championship leader Alex Palou completes all-Honda front row
• Andretti Global teammates Will Power and Marcus Ericsson lock out row two
• Kyffin Simpson earns second-career Firestone Fast Six appearance
• Honda transfers 10 cars to the Top 12 round of qualifying, from all five Honda-powered teams

It was a banner day for Honda at Portland International Raceway, with Felix Rosenqvist qualifying on pole and leading 10 Hondas in the Top 12 round of NTT INDYCAR SERIES qualifications at the OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland.

This is the second pole position for the Meyer Shank Racing driver this season, following a P1 qualifying performance in April at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, where he finished second. Rosenqvist has one win already this season—taking victory in the 110th running of the Indianapolis 500, and will be looking to convert today’s pole position to another win.

Also this weekend at Portland, Felix Rosenqvist’s Indianapolis 500 winning engine made it to 2,000 miles run in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The durability of the motor reaching the 2k miles mark is rewarded by the series with a 50-point bonus for Honda in the manufacturers’ championship standings.

Lining up alongside the Swede is championship leader Alex Palou. Palou has won twice before at Portland and already has five wins this season as the Chip Ganassi Racing #10 Honda driver looks for his fifth championship in six years. Currently, the Spaniard holds an 83-point margin over second place in the points.

A pair of Andretti Global teammates locked out row two for Honda, with last year’s Portland winner Will Power qualifying third, just ahead of Marcus Ericsson.

Kyffin Simpson will line up sixth for Chip Ganassi Racing. With the second-youngest driver in the field making his first Firestone Fast Six appearance of the year and the second in his career.

Honda transferred 10 cars into the Top 12 round of qualifying, with all five Honda-powered teams represented. Kyle Kirkwood from Andretti Global was seventh, Graham Rahal of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing was eighth, Dale Coyne Racing’s pair of Dennis Hauger and Romain Grosjean were 10th and 11th respectively, and Chip Ganassi Racing’s Scott Dixon was 12th.

OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland Honda Qualifying Results

• 1st Felix Rosenqvist
• 2nd Alex Palou
• 3rd Will Power
• 4th Marcus Ericsson
• 6th Kyffin Simpson
• 7th Kyle Kirkwood
• 8th Graham Rahal
• 10th Dennis Hauger–R
• 11th Romain Grosjean
• 12th Scott Dixon
• 13th Louis Foster
• 21st Marcus Armstrong
• 23rd Mick Schumacher– R

Meyer Shank Racing Honda
Chip Ganassi Racing Honda
Andretti Global Honda
Andretti Global Honda
Chip Ganassi Racing Honda
Andretti Global Honda
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda
Dale Coyne Racing Honda
Dale Coyne Racing Honda
Chip Ganassi Racing Honda
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda
Meyer Shank Racing Honda
Rahal Letterman Lanigan Honda

R – Rookie

Quotes

Felix Rosenqvist (#60 Meyer Shank Racing Honda) qualified first: “Huge thanks to Honda and the Meyer Shank Racing team for their hard work to get me here. That was an interesting one. I think it was super tight in the first two segments, and I feel like I had to risk quite a lot but still not make mistakes. I was glad I got a clean lap there in the Fast Six. It seemed like maybe the others made a mistake because we had a bit of a gap. So, I was kind of surprised. But yeah, I had a great car out there. Huge thank you to the MSR team for working on it all weekend. I wouldn’t say we started in a great spot, but they kept pushing all weekend and now we’re on pole!”

Alex Palou (#10 Chip Ganassi Racing Honda) qualified second: “I’m never disappointed starting second. But it is disappointing that obviously we were that close and I can go back and know exactly where in the lap I lost that tiny amount of time. But, I’m happy with P2. We knew that it was going to be a tough qualifying and very tight up and down the field. We saw that there was going to be a lot of fast cars. So, just being in the fast six was already a good, good step. And being on the front row, a one-two for Honda, it’s great for tomorrow. So, I’m looking forward to tomorrow!”

David Salters (President, Honda Racing Corporation USA): “That was amazing! I’m so proud of all of our Honda-powered teams and drivers. Pole is amazing, 1-4 is amazing, 10 Hondas in the top 12 is amazing, and all five of our Honda teams making it into the Top 12 is even more amazing. It’s great to see our hard work pay off in speed today in qualifying, but also with durability with Felix’s Indy 500 winning engine making it the full 2,000 miles to give us the bonus points in the manufacturers’ championship. It’s a testament to the incredible jobs that everyone at HRC US and all of our teams do.”

Media Resources: Images | Media Advances | Chevrolet Newsroom

CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIESOnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland1.964-mile, 12-Turn Portland International Raceway road coursePortland, OregonSaturday Qualifying ReportAugust 8, 2026 PORTLAND (Aug. 8, 2026) – The field is set for Sunday’s ONLYBULLS Grans Prix of Portland at Oregon’s Portland International Raceway. Rinus VeeKay piloting the No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Chevrolet will lead the Team Chevy contingent starting from the inside of the third row, Today’s performance landed VeeKay in his second Firestone Fast Six of the season and his second consecutive.  David Malukas put the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet, in the Fast 12 posting the ninth quickest lap.Tune-in for tomorrow’s race is as follows: Sunday, August 9NTT INDYCAR SERIES Warm Up – 1pm (ET)/ (CT)/7am (MT)/6am (PT) – FS1/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland (110 laps)– 4pm (ET)/3pm (CT)2pm (MT)/1pm (PT) – FOX/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218(CT)/5pm (MT)/4pm (PT) – FS1/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218 What They’re Saying – Qualifying – ONLYBULL Grand Prix of PortlandRinus VeeKay, No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Chevrolet qualified 5th:”We tested here and starting practice one, we were quick right away. We were third that session. But then, this morning in practice 2, everybody kind of started catch up. I think we had to pace for Fast 6, definitely did, but it’s just hard to make it happen. You have to be perfect. Really fun, really good.  With this track being this finicky and everything being this close. Really, really good job by the Juncos Hollinger crew, and having AM/PM on the car this weekend is really cool. David Malukas, No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet, qualified 9th:“The Verizon Chevy is really good. We had the speed to transfer to the Firestone Fast Six. The driver just made a few too many, small mistakes. Small mistakes are all it takes at this place where everyone is on top of each other. We’ll take our grid penalty in the morning and start working our way forward.” Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Sonsio Vehicle Protection Team Penske Chevrolet qualified 14th: “Just struggled to get a clean track after we went to reds. It’s very tight here and everyone is so close. Feels like maybe a little bit too much time was wasted on getting a gap but you know it can be like that when you come to Portland. We’ve definitely made improvements to the Sonsio Chevy since yesterday so I feel good about tomorrow.” Josef Newgarden, No. 2 Astemo Team Penske Chevrolet qualified 15th:“I think the car was really good. I mean, plenty good. It’s obviously very tight, as it always is in INDYCAR, more so here than ever. The speeding penalty didn’t help, Just a little too fast coming in there and you can’t make that mistake. So that’s my fault. I didn’t think it was going to throw the rhythm too much, but you know, probably just didn’t get our entire run the way wanted to. We had a great car. The team did a great job. This Astemo Chevy is good, so we’ll be ready to fight tomorrow.” Nolan Siegel, No. 6 NTT DATA Arrow McLaren Chevrolet qualified 16th:“Very rough start to the whole weekend as a group. We’re just lacking a lot of pace. We made gains from yesterday to today but just not enough. So, we’re going to have a lot of work to do overnight and tomorrow, and we’ll see if we can turn it around.” Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet qualified 17th:“Yeah, we’ve been struggling for pace. It’s been very difficult to extract lap time since practice one. We’ve gotten it a little bit more comfortable, but nowhere near where we have to be. Wouldn’t say I’m shocked, considering where we were yesterday, it’s kind of the same realm. I knew it was going to be difficult to transfer, even out of Q1.” Caio Collet, No. 4 Combitrans Amazonia Chevrolet qualified 18th:“I think so far this weekend we didn’t really extract everything when we put on new tires. I’ve been struggling a little bit to extract the grip and the lap time whenever we put new tires on. I think we’ve been quite competitive with used tires yesterday and this morning. In qualifying, when you need to extract everything from the tire, we just missed a little bit. I think the race will come to us because we were a bit stronger on the used tires and the longevity, so that’s not a bad thing for the race. But definitely, we need to understand how to extract a little bit more from the new tires.” Alexander Rossi, No. 20 ECR Java House Chevrolet qualified 19th:  Christian Rasmussen, No. 21 Splenda Chevrolet qualified 20th: Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 Homes For Our Troops Chevrolet qualified 22nd:“The balance on the prime tire is really good. You make your standard adjustments to go to the reds, and you just expect to pick up grip, and the car balance was just infinitely worse for no reason, I couldn’t put power down. But yeah, it was just an overall nightmare. So a lot of work to do tomorrow for Sunday.” Sting Ray Robb, No. 77 Juncos Hollinger – Goodheart Chevrolet qualified 24th: Christian Lundgaard, No. 7 VELO Arrow McLaren Chevrolet qualified 25th :“Quite disappointed in how our day ended up, considering we seemed to have made progress overnight with our pace. My dash froze when we came in for the tire change midway through Q1, and when we fired up again, my hybrid didn’t work after that. I had to do what I could with the car for the remainder of the session, which obviously wasn’t much without the hybrid functioning. We’ll start from the back tomorrow, which may be tough on this track, but we’re up for the challenge.” ONLYBULLS Grand Prix Portland – Qualifying Results:

David Malukas (Team Penske) on track at PIR

Rinus VeeKay qualifying at the Portland International Raceway

Media Resources: Images | Media Advances | Chevrolet Newsroom

CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIESOnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland1.964-mile, 12-Turn Portland International Raceway road coursePortland, OregonSaturday Qualifying ReportAugust 8, 2026 PORTLAND (Aug. 8, 2026) – The field is set for Sunday’s ONLYBULLS Grans Prix of Portland at Oregon’s Portland International Raceway. Rinus VeeKay piloting the No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Chevrolet will lead the Team Chevy contingent starting from the inside of the third row, Today’s performance landed VeeKay in his second Firestone Fast Six of the season and his second consecutive.  David Malukas put the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet, in the Fast 12 posting the ninth quickest lap.Tune-in for tomorrow’s race is as follows: Sunday, August 9NTT INDYCAR SERIES Warm Up – 1pm (ET)/ (CT)/7am (MT)/6am (PT) – FS1/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland (110 laps)– 4pm (ET)/3pm (CT)2pm (MT)/1pm (PT) – FOX/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218(CT)/5pm (MT)/4pm (PT) – FS1/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218 What They’re Saying – Qualifying – ONLYBULL Grand Prix of PortlandRinus VeeKay, No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Chevrolet qualified 5th:”We tested here and starting practice one, we were quick right away. We were third that session. But then, this morning in practice 2, everybody kind of started catch up. I think we had to pace for Fast 6, definitely did, but it’s just hard to make it happen. You have to be perfect. Really fun, really good.  With this track being this finicky and everything being this close. Really, really good job by the Juncos Hollinger crew, and having AM/PM on the car this weekend is really cool. David Malukas, No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet, qualified 9th:“The Verizon Chevy is really good. We had the speed to transfer to the Firestone Fast Six. The driver just made a few too many, small mistakes. Small mistakes are all it takes at this place where everyone is on top of each other. We’ll take our grid penalty in the morning and start working our way forward.” Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Sonsio Vehicle Protection Team Penske Chevrolet qualified 14th: “Just struggled to get a clean track after we went to reds. It’s very tight here and everyone is so close. Feels like maybe a little bit too much time was wasted on getting a gap but you know it can be like that when you come to Portland. We’ve definitely made improvements to the Sonsio Chevy since yesterday so I feel good about tomorrow.” Josef Newgarden, No. 2 Astemo Team Penske Chevrolet qualified 15th:“I think the car was really good. I mean, plenty good. It’s obviously very tight, as it always is in INDYCAR, more so here than ever. The speeding penalty didn’t help, Just a little too fast coming in there and you can’t make that mistake. So that’s my fault. I didn’t think it was going to throw the rhythm too much, but you know, probably just didn’t get our entire run the way wanted to. We had a great car. The team did a great job. This Astemo Chevy is good, so we’ll be ready to fight tomorrow.” Nolan Siegel, No. 6 NTT DATA Arrow McLaren Chevrolet qualified 16th:“Very rough start to the whole weekend as a group. We’re just lacking a lot of pace. We made gains from yesterday to today but just not enough. So, we’re going to have a lot of work to do overnight and tomorrow, and we’ll see if we can turn it around.” Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet qualified 17th:“Yeah, we’ve been struggling for pace. It’s been very difficult to extract lap time since practice one. We’ve gotten it a little bit more comfortable, but nowhere near where we have to be. Wouldn’t say I’m shocked, considering where we were yesterday, it’s kind of the same realm. I knew it was going to be difficult to transfer, even out of Q1.” Caio Collet, No. 4 Combitrans Amazonia Chevrolet qualified 18th:“I think so far this weekend we didn’t really extract everything when we put on new tires. I’ve been struggling a little bit to extract the grip and the lap time whenever we put new tires on. I think we’ve been quite competitive with used tires yesterday and this morning. In qualifying, when you need to extract everything from the tire, we just missed a little bit. I think the race will come to us because we were a bit stronger on the used tires and the longevity, so that’s not a bad thing for the race. But definitely, we need to understand how to extract a little bit more from the new tires.” Alexander Rossi, No. 20 ECR Java House Chevrolet qualified 19th:  Christian Rasmussen, No. 21 Splenda Chevrolet qualified 20th: Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 Homes For Our Troops Chevrolet qualified 22nd:“The balance on the prime tire is really good. You make your standard adjustments to go to the reds, and you just expect to pick up grip, and the car balance was just infinitely worse for no reason, I couldn’t put power down. But yeah, it was just an overall nightmare. So a lot of work to do tomorrow for Sunday.” Sting Ray Robb, No. 77 Juncos Hollinger – Goodheart Chevrolet qualified 24th: Christian Lundgaard, No. 7 VELO Arrow McLaren Chevrolet qualified 25th :“Quite disappointed in how our day ended up, considering we seemed to have made progress overnight with our pace. My dash froze when we came in for the tire change midway through Q1, and when we fired up again, my hybrid didn’t work after that. I had to do what I could with the car for the remainder of the session, which obviously wasn’t much without the hybrid functioning. We’ll start from the back tomorrow, which may be tough on this track, but we’re up for the challenge.” ONLYBULLS Grand Prix Portland – Qualifying Results:

David Malukas (Team Penske) on track at PIR

Chevrolet history at Portland International RacewayChevrolet wins at Portland International Raceway: 9 2025 – Will Power – Team Penske2024 – Will Power – Team Penske2022 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2019 – Will Power – Team Penske1993 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske1991 – Michael Andretti – Newman Haas Racing 1990 – Michael Andretti – Newman Haas Racing 1989 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Patrick Racing1988 – Danny Sullivan – Team Penske Chevrolet poles at Portland International Raceway: 8 2025 – Christian Lundgaard – Arrow McLaren2024 – Santino Ferrucci – A.J. Foyt Racing2022 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2018 – Will Power – Team Penske1992 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske1991 – Emerson Fittipaldi Team Penske1990 – Danny Sullivan – Team Penske1988 – Danny Sullivan – Team Penske Chevrolet podiums at Portland International Raceway: 22 Chevrolet podiums at Portland International Raceway by driver: Emerson Fittipaldi (5), Will Power (4), Michael Andretti (2),  Al Unser Jr. (2), Mario Andretti (1), Christian Lundgaard (1), Scott McLaughlin (1), Rick Mears (1), Josef Newgarden (1), Bob Rahal (1), Felix Rosenqvist (1), Danny Sullivan (1) and Paul Tracy (1) Chevrolet podiums at Portland International Raceway by team: Team Penske (12), Galles Racing (3), Newman Haas Racing (3), Patrick Racing (2), Arrow McLaren (2) Chevrolet laps led at Portland International Raceway: 854 Chevrolet laps led at Portland International Raceway by driver: Will Power (233), Michael Andretti (203), Emerson Fittipaldi (182), , Scott McLaughlin (109), Danny Sullivan (46), Pato O’Ward (45), Rick Mears (25), Mario Andretti (3), Josef Newgarden (3), Felix Rosenqvist (3), Al Unser Jr. (3), Callum Ilott (1) Chevrolet laps led at Portland International Raceway by team: Team Penske (488), Newman Haas Racing (206), Patrick Racing (110), Arrow McLaren (46), Galles Racing (3), and Juncos Hollinger Racing (1) Manufacturer History at Portland International Raceway Wins (with competition): 9 – Chevrolet (2025, 2024, 2022, 2019, 1993, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988)7 – Honda (2023, 2021, 2018, 2000, 1999, 1998, 19964 – Cosworth (1987, 1986, 1985, 1984)2 – Ford (2001, 1992)2 – Mercedes (1997, 1995)1 – Toyota (20021 – Ilmor (1994 Poles (with competition): 8 – Chevrolet (2025, 2024, 2022, 2018, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1988)6 – Honda (2023, 2021, 2019, 2000, 1999, 1996)5 – Ford (2001, 1998, 1997, 1995, 19934 – Cosworth (1987, 1986, 1985, 1984)1 – Toyota (20021 – Ilmor (1995)1 – Porsche (1989)

Carson Hocevar, driver of the No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet, met with the media in advance of the NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying session at Iowa Speedway.

Media Availability Quotes:  Do you allow yourself this year to realistically entertain the possibility of winning the championship, or do you just kind of go, hey we’re ahead of schedule and the most we make of this is fine by me?“Yeah, I mean I think for us, I think it’s an advantage for us that all the Chase races this year are good tracks for us, you know, statistically some of our best, so that’s an advantage. Obviously the Toyota’s are super-fast. Some of these guys that are super good that are obviously favorites, sometimes they take themselves out of it by just trying to get a little bit more, so you want to be next in line if it somehow gets given to you or they have trouble in front of us. Whether it’s three Toyota’s or (Ryan) Blaney, you want to be next in line so you can somewhat maybe take advantage of it. We’re just going to just try and click off as many good races as we can and see where it shakes out. I don’t think any of us are changing anything differently going — okay, now we can win a championship or we can do this or that. It’s like sprint car or dirt racing with the Spire car… they hadn’t won anything, and all of a sudden, they win two-in-a-row. You just get hot at the right times and you can take advantage of it. We’re hoping that guys cool off and we get hot at the right time. You never know.”    What do you think about having Daytona as the cut-off? You’re really secure in where you’re at in your space, but what are your thoughts about that being kind of a wild card? “Yeah, I don’t know. I think it’s great. You know, that 25-point bonus can swing it pretty good for anybody that I’m sure is on the cut. Or even too, just the battle up front, I think it’s 29 points from fifth to 10th. Four stage points here and there, if it’s within 25, a guy can go 10th to almost fifth with one win at Daytona.  So yeah, I don’t know. You know, I think it’s probably just entertaining for the viewer. For me, for how good we are at the superspeedway’s, I kind of wish it was just the first one of the Chase. But yeah, from a fan perspective, I’m sure they enjoy it.”    The first time you got in a Cup car, just the magnitude of being in a Cup car at that track, how different is it when you’re one of the Cup drivers and you’re lining up at Daytona? ““Yeah, especially for the DAYTONA 500. The 500 is a little different just because it’s always such a cluster of people throughout the day. I just enjoy Daytona because it sets itself apart. I think everybody wants to win there, especially the 500. But even too, the fall race is always a big deal.”    I was walking through the garage this morning and looking at where the Hendrick Motorsports haulers are compared to Spire Motorsports after you leapfrogged the Hendrick drivers at Indianapolis. Obviously, you noticed that. Is it weird? It’s your alliance partner and you’re out-running all of their cars. What’s the dynamic there? “Yeah, it’s great for us (at Spire Motorsports). I think we’ve all noticed it and taken pride in it. Jeff (Dickerson) and Mr. Hendrick are super close. I think it’s probably the first time Jeff can probably rag on Mr. H a little bit, so I’m sure Jeff, knowing him, is soaking all that up not knowing how long this hauler parade might last.  Yeah, it’s just great for us. But also too, Mr. H, Hendrick Motorsports, the Hendrick engine shop, they like seeing us run really well. The pit crew takes a lot of pride in being good because they’re not on the house cars, per se. The engine shop enjoys it, and I know Mr. H does it because he likes to see seven cars, rather than just four, have a shot. I know they look at it, per se, like a seven-car deal because of the close alliance. They just get more shots to, hopefully, win races because they have Hendrick engines in them, Hendrick pit crews and people he employees are on those cars. Jeff is like a son to him.”    In Indianapolis, you mentioned that you were behind the eight ball the whole season. You felt like you could have been fifth already, and then, you jumped up to fifth after the last race. Do you feel as though you earned it just from last race or can you hold it?“Yeah, I feel like we can hold it here. You know, I feel like we’ve been fast everywhere. I think our finishes are higher than our average running position, which is kind of always a telltale sign of maximizing our days. So yeah, I’ve enjoyed it. I still think we have a long way to go to our ceiling here, so that makes me exciting that we’re as fast as we are. I feel like there’s still a long ways to go on our progression here.”   Last year, you mentioned to us numerous times about getting to group two of qualifying. And this year, we’ve seen an over seven position increase on average of just your starting position. Do you contribute that increase as the biggest contributor to what your success has been this year?“Yeah, I mean, when you’re higher in points, the average for sure helps. And when we finish as good as we have this year, that also helps. It just makes life a lot easier for you. You know, I remember we blew up at Charlotte, but then we finished second at Nashville from 28th. I think we were good enough that day, but we needed maybe three seconds to catch (Ryan) Blaney to maybe win that race. You think about your whole day of like, maybe that three seconds could have been attributed if we didn’t start 28th.  So yeah, it just all adds up. You can just see it being up front. It’s tough to pass in theses races, so for us when we’re up front, have better pit stalls and everything, it just makes life a lot easier when we can have smooth, up front days and get a lot of points that people don’t really see. Our season has been kind of built on stage points that just kind of add up.”    As someone that had a lot of success here last year, how excited are you for the announcement of next season’s Fourth of July race and how pumped are you to get back to Iowa around this time next year?“Yeah, it’s great. I think this place already sells out, but hopefully the Fourth of July weekend just adds a little bit of excitement to it. Selfishly, I’m hoping they can somehow change the sprint car race so we can go watch that too during the weekend. I enjoy that while we’re here.  But yeah, I’m excited. The fireworks will be cool over all the cornfields here. Hopefully there’s a cornfield here where I can sneak off and light off some fireworks of my own.”   It’s a crowd that sells out all the time these last couple years. How does that get you and the rest of the racers in the garage juiced up for a race like this out in the Midwest, the pride of the Midwest, that is?“Yeah, I mean, I obviously enjoy the crowd perspective. When it’s full, loud or really anything that just really moves the energy up is always fun for me. So yeah, it just kind of gives this race another kind of fresh element to it with a date change like that. Hopefully, it just gets them even more excited.”    You’ve been really quick in qualifying the last few races. How do you think that can translate over to Sunday? And also, do you think you’ll be able to keep that qualifying hot streak up? “I mean, I hope so. We ran good here (at Iowa Speedway) last year. It seems like we’ve been faster just kind of everywhere we’ve gone lately, from year to year. So yeah, hopefully it just trends up. We were good last year and okay the year before, so hopefully we can kind of excel and keep that going again.”   The stage procedure was announced earlier this week. What are your thoughts on that? “I think it’s good. It’s similar to short-track, late model racing, so I like it. I think it will probably change the game some. It will probably allow for crew chiefs to makes mistakes, maybe flip the field or just catch people off guard. But ultimately, just make the race not predictable and hopefully it just allows for mistakes on the box. I feel like mistakes from either the box or the car tends to kind of always make the racing better.  So yeah, it’s good. I think it’s an improvement. It’s less caution laps, which is good. I found out on X, so I was glad I was looking at my phone that day.”

Tyler Courtney Brings Clauson Marshall Racing to Remarkable Prelim Victory at 360 Knoxville Nationals KNOXVILLE, IA (August 7, 2026) — Tyler Courtney knew there was only one place to park his Clauson Marshall Racing No. 7BC on Friday night: Knoxville Raceway Victory Lane.

The Indianapolis, IN native brought a special triumph for the team at Xtream powered by Mediacom 360 Knoxville Nationals pres. by Great Southern Bank to honor the memory of Bryan Clauson, who passed away 10 years ago to the day.

“This morning, you start looking through Facebook and remembering what a special person and great person he was,” Courtney said. “I feel like this was a night to win tonight, especially at Knoxville. It’s special, but even more special today. I just wish he was here to see it.”

Brady Bacon and Courtney established the front row for the 20-lap Feature for the American Sprint Car Series, with Bacon taking the early jump for the top spot on the opening circuit around the 1/2-mile facility as Courtney slotted into the runner-up position.

Bacon used the clean air ahead to work up to a 1.5-second bubble over Courtney through the first seven laps until lap traffic appeared in the eyesight of the two frontrunners.

While Bacon kept his Dave No. 31 Sprint Car to the bottom lane, Courtney experimented with the high line as he placed more pressure behind Bacon by cutting the gap to within a car length at the halfway point.

Bacon then utilized the middle lane as Courtney stuck the NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car to the cushion. On Lap 12, Courtney reached the outside of Bacon across the backstretch. As Bacon slipped to the high side in Turns 3-4, Courtney cut to the bottom and took the lead away on the frontstretch.

Courtney used his momentum to run away from Bacon to a 1.2-second lead with five laps remaining. However, the “Macho Man” did not allow Courtney to get away as he made a final attempt to retake the lead by charging back to the rear bumper of the leader.

With three laps left, Bacon got within one tenth of a second of Courtney, but a mistake on the exit of Turn 2 allowed Courtney to cement his place in Victory Lane at 360 Nationals for the first time since he won the event in 2024.

“You have nothing to lose when you’re running second,” Courtney said. “You can go search around and see what works and what doesn’t work. I feel like I got to move around just right before we got to lap traffic and found something that worked for me. Drawing the 73 (pill) wasn’t ideal, but we made the most of it. It was just an awesome car.”

Bacon finished second, and Ryan Timms finished in third to clinch the Pole Position for Saturday’s Championship Feature. Anthony Macri finished fourth, and two-time 360 Nationals champion Brian Brown took a fifth-place result.

The top-20 drivers to earn a spot into Saturday’s Feature include: Timms, Aaron Reutzel, Brown, James McFadden, Courtney, Justin Henderson, Kyle Larson, Gio Scelzi, Macri, Bacon, Chase Randall, Sam Hafertepe Jr, Austin Wood, Daison Pursley, Riley Goodno, Corey Day, Terry McCarl, Ryan Leavitt, Kerry Madsen, and Kyler Johnson.

Recap Notes:

Quick Time Award: Sam Hafertepe Jr (16.352 sec.)

Heat Race Winners: Tyler Courtney, Ryan Timms, Tasker Phillips, Clint Garner, Evan Semerad

C-Main Winner: Kasey Kahne

Last Chance Showdown Winner: Rico Abreu

Hard Charger Award: Tasker Phillips (+12)

UP NEXT: The final night of Xtream powered by Mediacom 360 Knoxville Nationals pres. by Great Southern Bank will begin with a final chance for drivers to lock a position into the 30-lap, $20,000-to-win Feature to complete the 36th edition of the event.

KNOXVILLE INFO

Where can you watch every lap of the American Sprint Car Series? Live on DIRTVision.

RESULTS: Feature (20 Laps): 1. 7BC-Tyler Courtney[2]; 2. 31-Brady Bacon[1]; 3. 10-Ryan Timms[7]; 4. 39M-Anthony Macri[4]; 5. 21-Brian Brown[6]; 6. 1TZ-Tasker Phillips[18]; 7. 2A-Austin Wood[3]; 8. 24-Terry McCarl[9]; 9. 63-JJ Hickle[10]; 10. 26R-Levi Hillier[11]; 11. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr[8]; 12. 71P-Parker Price Miller[24]; 13. 14TSR-Rico Abreu[21]; 14. 55-Kerry Madsen[22]; 15. 44X-Scott Bogucki[15]; 16. 45X-Kyler Johnson[5]; 17. 4-Cameron Martin[23]; 18. 59-Evan Semerad[20]; 19. 19-Joel Myers Jr[13]; 20. 40-Clint Garner[19]; 21. 7T-Tyler Lee[17]; 22. 53-Joe Beaver[12]; 23. 2-Whit Gastineau[14]; 24. 95-Matt Covington[16]

Tyler Courtney Brings Clauson Marshall Racing to Remarkable Prelim Victory at 360 Knoxville Nationals KNOXVILLE, IA (August 7, 2026) — Tyler Courtney knew there was only one place to park his Clauson Marshall Racing No. 7BC on Friday night: Knoxville Raceway Victory Lane.

The Indianapolis, IN native brought a special triumph for the team at Xtream powered by Mediacom 360 Knoxville Nationals pres. by Great Southern Bank to honor the memory of Bryan Clauson, who passed away 10 years ago to the day.

“This morning, you start looking through Facebook and remembering what a special person and great person he was,” Courtney said. “I feel like this was a night to win tonight, especially at Knoxville. It’s special, but even more special today. I just wish he was here to see it.”

Brady Bacon and Courtney established the front row for the 20-lap Feature for the American Sprint Car Series, with Bacon taking the early jump for the top spot on the opening circuit around the 1/2-mile facility as Courtney slotted into the runner-up position.

Bacon used the clean air ahead to work up to a 1.5-second bubble over Courtney through the first seven laps until lap traffic appeared in the eyesight of the two frontrunners.

While Bacon kept his Dave No. 31 Sprint Car to the bottom lane, Courtney experimented with the high line as he placed more pressure behind Bacon by cutting the gap to within a car length at the halfway point.

Bacon then utilized the middle lane as Courtney stuck the NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car to the cushion. On Lap 12, Courtney reached the outside of Bacon across the backstretch. As Bacon slipped to the high side in Turns 3-4, Courtney cut to the bottom and took the lead away on the frontstretch.

Courtney used his momentum to run away from Bacon to a 1.2-second lead with five laps remaining. However, the “Macho Man” did not allow Courtney to get away as he made a final attempt to retake the lead by charging back to the rear bumper of the leader.

With three laps left, Bacon got within one tenth of a second of Courtney, but a mistake on the exit of Turn 2 allowed Courtney to cement his place in Victory Lane at 360 Nationals for the first time since he won the event in 2024.

“You have nothing to lose when you’re running second,” Courtney said. “You can go search around and see what works and what doesn’t work. I feel like I got to move around just right before we got to lap traffic and found something that worked for me. Drawing the 73 (pill) wasn’t ideal, but we made the most of it. It was just an awesome car.”

Bacon finished second, and Ryan Timms finished in third to clinch the Pole Position for Saturday’s Championship Feature. Anthony Macri finished fourth, and two-time 360 Nationals champion Brian Brown took a fifth-place result.

The top-20 drivers to earn a spot into Saturday’s Feature include: Timms, Aaron Reutzel, Brown, James McFadden, Courtney, Justin Henderson, Kyle Larson, Gio Scelzi, Macri, Bacon, Chase Randall, Sam Hafertepe Jr, Austin Wood, Daison Pursley, Riley Goodno, Corey Day, Terry McCarl, Ryan Leavitt, Kerry Madsen, and Kyler Johnson.

Recap Notes:

Quick Time Award: Sam Hafertepe Jr (16.352 sec.)

Heat Race Winners: Tyler Courtney, Ryan Timms, Tasker Phillips, Clint Garner, Evan Semerad

C-Main Winner: Kasey Kahne

Last Chance Showdown Winner: Rico Abreu

Hard Charger Award: Tasker Phillips (+12)

UP NEXT: The final night of Xtream powered by Mediacom 360 Knoxville Nationals pres. by Great Southern Bank will begin with a final chance for drivers to lock a position into the 30-lap, $20,000-to-win Feature to complete the 36th edition of the event.

KNOXVILLE INFO

Where can you watch every lap of the American Sprint Car Series? Live on DIRTVision.

RESULTS: Feature (20 Laps): 1. 7BC-Tyler Courtney[2]; 2. 31-Brady Bacon[1]; 3. 10-Ryan Timms[7]; 4. 39M-Anthony Macri[4]; 5. 21-Brian Brown[6]; 6. 1TZ-Tasker Phillips[18]; 7. 2A-Austin Wood[3]; 8. 24-Terry McCarl[9]; 9. 63-JJ Hickle[10]; 10. 26R-Levi Hillier[11]; 11. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr[8]; 12. 71P-Parker Price Miller[24]; 13. 14TSR-Rico Abreu[21]; 14. 55-Kerry Madsen[22]; 15. 44X-Scott Bogucki[15]; 16. 45X-Kyler Johnson[5]; 17. 4-Cameron Martin[23]; 18. 59-Evan Semerad[20]; 19. 19-Joel Myers Jr[13]; 20. 40-Clint Garner[19]; 21. 7T-Tyler Lee[17]; 22. 53-Joe Beaver[12]; 23. 2-Whit Gastineau[14]; 24. 95-Matt Covington[16]

ARTICLE:https://ascsracing.com/recap/tyler-courtney-brings-clauson-marshall-racing-to-remarkable-prelim-victory-at-360-knoxville-nationals

A frantic final few laps sees Windom hold off Kofoid and Watt for first career Series victory

PEVELY, MO (August 7, 2026) – The tears nearly came pouring out for Chris Windom. 

The 35-year-old has accomplished plenty in his racing career, but Friday night at I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park was different. He’s one of only eight men that can call themselves a USAC Triple Crown champion. But since switching his focus to wings, a victory with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series had eluded him.

Until Friday’s Night Before the Ironman.

“Big Daddy” dominated the 40-lapper in the Sides Motorsports/NOS Energy Drink No. 7S. He sliced his way through heavy traffic on a tricky surface and held off a late charge from both Michael “Buddy” Kofoid and Kelby Watt. Finally, in his 114th career Feature start, Windom became a winner with The Greatest Show on Dirt.

“I don’t even know how to put it into words,” Windom said. “It’s almost getting me emotional. I’ve put so much time into trying to get successful at this and been working at it with Ian (Lyon) and J (Jason Sides) and obviously NOS Energy Drink with Lauren Albano sticking behind me. It’s been a work in progress. I know tonight was kind of perfect circumstances with how wet the track was, but you still had to get through lapped traffic. It was really tough. Everything we did all night helped the car and made it perfect there.”

Windom is the 158th different driver to win a World of Outlaws race in Series history and the 18th different competitor to visit Victory Lane this year. Of the eight USAC Triple Crown winners, Windom is only the second to have their name on the World of Outlaws win list alongside Tony Stewart. It gave Jason Sides his first score as an owner since he wheeled his No. 7S to victory at I-30 Speedway in April of 2016.

Buddy Kofoid threw a last lap slide job on Kelby Watt to secure the second spot and his 21st podium of the year in the Roth Motorsports No. 83.

Kelby Watt’s third place effort gave him his best career World of Outlaws result and first podium with the Series.

David Gravel and Sheldon Haudenschild completed the top five.

NIGHTLY NOTES

David Gravel earned his 16th Race//Ready Hottest Lap of the Night in 2026.

Bill Balog picked up his third Simpson Quick Time of the season in Honest Abe Roofing Qualifying.

Heat Races belonged to Bill Balog (NOS Energy Drink Heat One), David Gravel (Knoxville Bound Heat Two), Emerson Axsom (WIX Filters Heat Three), and Sheldon Haudenschild (Golf Cart Services Heat Four).

The SPA Technique #1 Redraw went to Chris Windom.

Windom also topped the Toyota Dash.

Danny Dietrich won the Micro-Lite Last Chance Showdown.

Logan Schuchart wheeled from 13th to seventh to earn the KSE Racing Hard Charger.

That also made Schuchart the Tub O’ Towels Seventh Place Finisher.

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

Logan Schuchart clocked the ACME Trading Company Fast Lap.

The Smith Titanium Brake Systems Break of the Race went to Bill Balog.

UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars take on the grueling Ironman 55 finale for $25,000-to-win at I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park on Saturday, Aug. 8. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

Then it’s off to Iowa for the 65th running of the NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s on Aug. 12-15. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

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

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

FEATURE RESULTS:

NOS Energy Drink Feature (40 Laps): 1. 7S-Chris Windom[1]; 2. 83-Michael Kofoid[4]; 3. 1K-Kelby Watt[2]; 4. 2-David Gravel[3]; 5. 18-Sheldon Haudenschild[5]; 6. 41-Carson Macedo[6]; 7. 1S-Logan Schuchart[13]; 8. 45X-Rees Moran[12]; 9. 17-Spencer Bayston[15]; 10. 16C-Skylar Gee[11]; 11. 6DC-Will Armitage[9]; 12. 27-Emerson Axsom[8]; 13. 17B-Bill Balog[7]; 14. 2C-Cole Macedo[17]; 15. 45-Cory Eliason[16]; 16. 37-Bryce Norris[20]; 17. 23-Garet Williamson[10]; 18. 6-Kasey Jedrzejek[14]; 19. 15-Donny Schatz[19]; 20. 51-Steven Snyder Jr[18]; 21. 65-Jordan Goldesberry[22]; 22. (DNF) 8N-Dylan Bloomfield[23]; 23. (DNS) 48-Danny Dietrich; 24. (DNS) W20-Greg Wilson

For complete results, CLICK HERE.

BIG DADDY DUB: Night Before the Ironman Brings Chris Windom First World of Outlaws Win

A frantic final few laps sees Windom hold off Kofoid and Watt for first career Series victory

PEVELY, MO (August 7, 2026) – The tears nearly came pouring out for Chris Windom. 

The 35-year-old has accomplished plenty in his racing career, but Friday night at I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park was different. He’s one of only eight men that can call themselves a USAC Triple Crown champion. But since switching his focus to wings, a victory with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series had eluded him.

Until Friday’s Night Before the Ironman.

“Big Daddy” dominated the 40-lapper in the Sides Motorsports/NOS Energy Drink No. 7S. He sliced his way through heavy traffic on a tricky surface and held off a late charge from both Michael “Buddy” Kofoid and Kelby Watt. Finally, in his 114th career Feature start, Windom became a winner with The Greatest Show on Dirt.

“I don’t even know how to put it into words,” Windom said. “It’s almost getting me emotional. I’ve put so much time into trying to get successful at this and been working at it with Ian (Lyon) and J (Jason Sides) and obviously NOS Energy Drink with Lauren Albano sticking behind me. It’s been a work in progress. I know tonight was kind of perfect circumstances with how wet the track was, but you still had to get through lapped traffic. It was really tough. Everything we did all night helped the car and made it perfect there.”

Windom is the 158th different driver to win a World of Outlaws race in Series history and the 18th different competitor to visit Victory Lane this year. Of the eight USAC Triple Crown winners, Windom is only the second to have their name on the World of Outlaws win list alongside Tony Stewart. It gave Jason Sides his first score as an owner since he wheeled his No. 7S to victory at I-30 Speedway in April of 2016.

Buddy Kofoid threw a last lap slide job on Kelby Watt to secure the second spot and his 21st podium of the year in the Roth Motorsports No. 83.

Kelby Watt’s third place effort gave him his best career World of Outlaws result and first podium with the Series.

David Gravel and Sheldon Haudenschild completed the top five.

NIGHTLY NOTES

David Gravel earned his 16th Race//Ready Hottest Lap of the Night in 2026.

Bill Balog picked up his third Simpson Quick Time of the season in Honest Abe Roofing Qualifying.

Heat Races belonged to Bill Balog (NOS Energy Drink Heat One), David Gravel (Knoxville Bound Heat Two), Emerson Axsom (WIX Filters Heat Three), and Sheldon Haudenschild (Golf Cart Services Heat Four).

The SPA Technique #1 Redraw went to Chris Windom.

Windom also topped the Toyota Dash.

Danny Dietrich won the Micro-Lite Last Chance Showdown.

Logan Schuchart wheeled from 13th to seventh to earn the KSE Racing Hard Charger.

That also made Schuchart the Tub O’ Towels Seventh Place Finisher.

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

Logan Schuchart clocked the ACME Trading Company Fast Lap.

The Smith Titanium Brake Systems Break of the Race went to Bill Balog.

UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars take on the grueling Ironman 55 finale for $25,000-to-win at I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park on Saturday, Aug. 8. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

Then it’s off to Iowa for the 65th running of the NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s on Aug. 12-15. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

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

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

FEATURE RESULTS:

NOS Energy Drink Feature (40 Laps): 1. 7S-Chris Windom[1]; 2. 83-Michael Kofoid[4]; 3. 1K-Kelby Watt[2]; 4. 2-David Gravel[3]; 5. 18-Sheldon Haudenschild[5]; 6. 41-Carson Macedo[6]; 7. 1S-Logan Schuchart[13]; 8. 45X-Rees Moran[12]; 9. 17-Spencer Bayston[15]; 10. 16C-Skylar Gee[11]; 11. 6DC-Will Armitage[9]; 12. 27-Emerson Axsom[8]; 13. 17B-Bill Balog[7]; 14. 2C-Cole Macedo[17]; 15. 45-Cory Eliason[16]; 16. 37-Bryce Norris[20]; 17. 23-Garet Williamson[10]; 18. 6-Kasey Jedrzejek[14]; 19. 15-Donny Schatz[19]; 20. 51-Steven Snyder Jr[18]; 21. 65-Jordan Goldesberry[22]; 22. (DNF) 8N-Dylan Bloomfield[23]; 23. (DNS) 48-Danny Dietrich; 24. (DNS) W20-Greg Wilson

For complete results, CLICK HERE.

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars/big-daddy-dub-night-before-the-ironman-brings-chris-windom-first-world-of-outlaws-win/

Overton and Rice Score Dramatic Last-Lap Wins Friday Night at Florence

Overton and Rice Score Dramatic Last-Lap Wins Friday Night at Florence

Overton and Rice Score Dramatic Last-Lap Wins Friday Night at Florence

WALTON, KY (August 7, 2026) – Brandon Overton and Josh Rice used last-lap passes to win their respective 25-lap preliminary features for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series on Friday night at Florence Speedway. Overton’s first series win since last May nearly slipped away when Mike Marlar got by him as they headed to the white flag. Overton fought back, storming past Marlar to regain the lead and taking the checkered flag by a scant 0.192 seconds. Hudson O’Neal finished third, with Jimmy Owens and Adam Stricker completing the top five in the first feature. Rice’s win also featured a dramatic last-lap finish. He got by Bobby Pierce as the two took the white flag, making a daring move for the lead that paid off as he held off Pierce for the win. Zack Dohm was third, with Dan Ebert and Devin Moran rounding out the top five in the second 25-lap feature. In Wieland Victory Lane for the 20th time in his career, Overton, an Evans, Georgia, native who sits fourth in the championship standings, was relieved to finally claim his first series win in more than a year. “I said, oh no, not again. I was fine early on, and those guys got to racing behind, and all I can say is hats off to Josh King. I look forward to coming here every year, and this is why: you can race all over it. Obviously, it’s hard to leave because you don’t know where everybody else is. It’s $6,000 to win and they’re racing like it’s the Daytona 500. I don’t expect anything less. It was a fun race with Mikey, and man, they drive so hard, and we will take them any way we can. It was fun, but my heart did sink when Mikey came sliding by me. I was just doing the best I could. It may be just a prelim night, but it’s a shot in the arm for us.” Marlar, who won a preliminary feature on Thursday night, came close to becoming the first driver to win two races this week. “It was fun all the way around. I had a little bit of a messed-up tire deal there. We went and changed a tire and couldn’t get the lug nut off of it, so I was struggling with my steering, but it’s all right. It was a fun race, and I had a little bit of a cushion, so I could steer on that just fine. Probably the part that hurt me was the corner steering, and I didn’t want to hit him (Overton) or something when I turned under him.” O’Neal came from 11th to round out the Big River Steel Podium in third in the first feature. “I had the best seat in the house. These guys were going at it. I really thought I was in the best spot whenever they were going down into three, and Mikey had a small run. I thought he was going in there to slide him, and I was hoping they would rub a little bit and I would sneak in there and get one.” The winner’s Scott and Jason Riggs/Riggs Motorsports Longhorn Chassis is powered by Clements Racing Engines and sponsored by Budweiser, Garnto Southern, Riggs Fiber, Muscle Factory, Harco Construction, Big Dog Stump and Tree, and R.W. Powell Construction. Completing the top 10 in the first feature were Carson Ferguson, Ricky Thornton Jr., Dillon McCowan, Shannon Babb, and Ryan Montgomery.In the second $6,000-to-win preliminary feature, current LOLMDS points leader Brandon Sheppard took the lead at the start over Bobby Pierce and held it until Pierce passed him for the top spot on lap 10. Rice then got by Sheppard for second. With three laps to go, Pierce, Rice, Sheppard, and Dohm were all battling for the lead when Sheppard suffered a flat tire, forcing him to make a pit stop. On the final restart, Pierce led the field to the white flag, but Rice threw a slider entering turn one to take the lead. He held his line into turn three and, despite banging the cushion hard in turn four, held on for the win. In Wieland Victory Lane for the second time this year and the fourth time in his career, the two-time Ralph Latham Memorial winner set his sights on his first Sunoco Race Fuels North-South 100 win on Saturday night. “I know Bobby (Pierce) won three of these North-South races in a row, but this is Rice Brothers, y’all. I tried that slider line right before the caution, and I closed up probably six car lengths. I don’t know if Bob (Pierce) told him that was good or not. He was messing my air really bad, and I finally just hit it right. I don’t know how clean it was; it was time to throw it. Man, what a hot rod. I can’t thank Mark Richards enough. It’s crazy to come out here and be on the podium and then win the first weekend out. This place is so darn cool to run good at. I have won everything here except the Big One, and we will give it our best shot tomorrow night.” Pierce, who will be looking for his fifth North-South 100 victory on Saturday night, led 14 laps and crossed the finish line 0.252 seconds behind Rice. “I felt like I didn’t get great off of four, and then I went to protect the slider if someone was there in one, and then I hit that hole. But all in all, I think the track was really good. They gave us lots of room to race on and gave us a last-lap pass in both features, so it was a really good track. I think we made a lot of good gains with the car throughout the weekend so far. We’ve learned a lot more, and I think the more we can apply for tomorrow, the better.” Dohm earned his first Big River Steel Podium finish of the year with the series, finishing a close third. “I thought I was sitting pretty. I knew what tires everybody had on, and it seems like those 3s fade after a caution. So I figured Josh would make a run on Bobby, and I was hoping they would get a little more aggressive. I thought even on that last lap Bobby was going to drive back up beside him and they both would go up the hill, but Josh had him cleared too much. Third is good. We have had just a terrible weekend. We had a transmission go out and a bent spindle when we hit the wall before qualifying yesterday, and it ruined my lap. But in the features, we have passed cars, and that’s what it’s all about.” The winner’s James Rattliff/JRR Motorsports Rocket Chassis is powered by a Vic Hill Racing Engine and sponsored by Glenwood Electric, Rice Excavating and Plumbing, Chain Locker, Cheap Chevrolet, Sunoco Race Fuels, BC Fluid Power, MGL Auto Sales, Berea Collision, Lonkard Construction, JRR Trucking, JRR Motor Sales, Jessie Insurance Agency, Keltner Contracting, Big Al’s Guns and Outdoor, and The KAG. Completing the top 10 in the second feature were Tyler Erb, Jason Jameson, Justin Rattliff, Kaede Loudy, and Max Blair. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Race Summary 44th Annual Sunoco North/South 100 Presented by Lucas Oil | Night 2Friday, August 7, 2026Florence Speedway | Union, KY Group A Results: Allstar Performance Time TrialsFast Time Group A: Michael Leach | 15.984 seconds (overall) Penske Shocks Heat Race #A11 Finish (8 Laps, Top 6 Transfer): 1. 76-Brandon Overton[5]; 2. 20O-Jimmy Owens[4]; 3. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[2]; 4. 09-Michael Leach[1]; 5. 79-Donald McIntosh[6]; 6. 49-Jonathan Davenport[3]; 7. 18L-Trevor Landrum[7]; 8. 9-Josh Dietz[8]; 9. 21-Kirk Phillips[9]; 10. H22-Brandon Hardgrove[10] Summit Racing Products Heat Race #A-2 Finish (8 Laps, Top 6 Transfer): 1. 157-Mike Marlar[1]; 2. 93F-Carson Ferguson[4]; 3. 5-Drake Troutman[3]; 4. 71-Hudson O’Neal[6]; 5. 12M-Ryan Montgomery[7]; 6. 3S-Brian Shirley[2]; 7. 0-Jake O’Neil[9]; 8. 18-Shannon Babb[5]; 9. D48-Derek Groomer[8] Cool-It Thermo-Tec Heat Race #A-3 Finish (8 Laps, Top 6 Transfer): 1. 22F-Chris Ferguson[1]; 2. C7-Adam Stricker[2]; 3. 17SS-Brenden Smith[3]; 4. 40B-Kyle Bronson[7]; 5. 5N-Dustin Nobbe[5]; 6. 8-Dillon McCowan[4]; 7. 49G-Billy Green[8]; 8. 18S-Quade Schoonover[9]; 9. 93-Devin Gilpin[6] Fast Shafts B-Main Group A Finish (10 Laps, Top 6 Transfer): 1. 0-Jake O’Neil[2]; 2. 18L-Trevor Landrum[1]; 3. 18-Shannon Babb[5]; 4. 49G-Billy Green[3]; 5. D48-Derek Groomer[8]; 6. 93-Devin Gilpin[9]; 7. 21-Kirk Phillips[7]; 8. H22-Brandon Hardgrove[10]; 9. 9-Josh Dietz[4]; 10. 18S-Quade Schoonover[6] 44th Annual Sunoco North/South 100 Presented by Lucas Oil Group A – Feature Finish (25 Laps):Pos – Start – Car # – Competitor – Hometown – Earnings1 – 1 – 76 – Brandon Overton – Evans, GA – $6,0002 – 2 – 157 – Mike Marlar – Winfield, TN – $3,0003 – 11 – 71 – Hudson O’Neal – Martinsville, IN – $2,0004 – 4 – 20O – Jimmy Owens – Newport, TN – $1,2505 – 6 – C7 – Adam Stricker – Batavia, OH – $1,0006 – 5 – 93F – Carson Ferguson – Lincolnton, NC – $9007 – 7 – 20RT – Ricky Thornton Jr – Chandler, AZ – $8508 – 18 – 8 – Dillon McCowan – Urbana, MO – $8009 – 21 – 18 – Shannon Babb – Moweaqua, IL – $75010 – 14 – 12M – Ryan Montgomery – Fairmont, WV – $70011 – 12 – 40B – Kyle Bronson – Brandon, FL – $65012 – 20 – 18L – Trevor Landrum – Florence, KY – $60013 – 17 – 3s – Brian Shirley – Chatham, IL – $55014 – 16 – 49 – Jonathan Davenport – Blairsville, GA – $50015 – 13 – 79 – Donald McIntosh – Dawsonville, GA – $50016 – 9 – 17SS – Brenden Smith – Dade City, FL – $50017 – 24 – 93 – Devin Gilpin – Columbus, IN – $50018 – 19 – 0 – Jake O’Neil – Tucson, AZ – $50019 – 8 – 5 – Drake Troutman – Hyndman, PA – $50020 – 15 – 5N – Dustin Nobbe – Batesville, IN – $50021 – 22 – 49G – Billy Green – Walton, KY – $50022 – 23 – D48 – Derek Groomer – Bloomington, IN – $50023 – 3 – 22F – Chris Ferguson – Mt. Holly, NC – $50024 – 10 – 9 – Michael Leach – Sun River, MT – $500 Group A Race Statistics  Entrants: 56Bilstein Shocks Pole Sitter: Brandon OvertonMD3 Lap Leaders: Brandon Overton (Laps 1-23); Mike Marlar (Lap 24); Brandon Overton (Lap 25)Hellraizer Jacks Halfway Leader: Brandon OvertonWieland Feature Winner: Brandon OvertonMargin of Victory: 0.190 secondsHellraizer Jacks Cautions: Michael Leach (Lap 1); Donald McIntosh (Lap 3); Jake O’Neil (Lap 18); Drake Troutman (Lap 23)MyRacePass Series Provisional: n/aFast Time Provisional: n/aEmergency Provisionals: n/aTrack Provisional: n/aBig River Steel Podium Top 3: Brandon Overton, Mike Marlar, Hudson O’NealPenske Shocks Top 5: Brandon Overton, Mike Marlar, Hudson O’Neal, Jimmy Owens, Adam StrickerBehrent’s One-Lap-to-Go Top 3: Mike Marlar, Brandon Overton, Hudson O’NealPEM 4th Place Feature: Jimmy OwensDiversified Machine 5th Place Feature: Adam StrickerWilwood Brakes 7th Place Feature: Ricky Thornton, Jr.Wehrs Machine 11th Place Feature: Kyle BronsonVelocity Manufacturing 13th Place Feature: Brian ShirleyXS Power Batteries 15th Place Feature: Donald McIntoshHoker Trucking Hard Charger of the Race: Shannon Babb (Advanced 12 positions)MD3 Most Laps Led: Brandon Overton (24 Laps)Sunoco Race Fuels Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Hudson O’NealMidwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Brandon SheppardO’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Race: n/aPro Fabrication Headers Fastest Lap of the Race: Brandon Overton | Lap 2 | 16.748 secondsFK Rod Ends Hard Luck Award: Michael LeachVictory Fuel Power Move of the Race: Mike MarlarOuterwears Crew Chief of the Race: Ryder CantilloARP Engine Builder of the Race: Clements Race EnginesMiller Welders Chassis Builder of the Race: Longhorn ChassisDirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps: Jonathan Davenport | 16.116 secondsTime of Race: 24 minutes 18 seconds Group B Results: Allstar Performance Time TrialsFast Time Group B: Brandon Sheppard | 16.155 seconds Simpson Race Products Heat Race #B-4 Finish (8 Laps, Top 6 Transfer): 1. 1-Brandon Sheppard[1]; 2. 11-Josh Rice[2]; 3. 93L-Cory Lawler[9]; 4. T1-Todd Morrow[3]; 5. 111-Max Blair[10]; 6. 12J-Jason Jameson[6]; 7. 22-Daniel Hilsabeck[7]; 8. 11M-Michael Chilton[5]; 9. 49M-Luke Morey[4]; 10. 7S-Justin Smith[8] MyRacePass Heat Race #B1-5 Finish (8 Laps, Top 6 Transfer): 1. 32-Bobby Pierce[2]; 2. 17D-Zack Dohm[6]; 3. 99-Devin Moran[1]; 4. 16-Justin Rattliff[8]; 5. 4G-Kody Evans[4]; 6. 6-Clay Harris[5]; 7. 31-Tyler Millwood[7]; 8. T8-Steve Banal[9]; 9. 58-Garrett Alberson[3] Lucas Oil Heat Race #B-6 Finish (8 Laps, Top 6 Transfer): 1. 60-Dan Ebert[1]; 2. 1T-Tyler Erb[2]; 3. 13-Dallon Murty[3]; 4. 126-Kaede Loudy[4]; 5. 17SR-Brody Smith[7]; 6. 81F-Jadon Frame[5]; 7. 317-Blake Creech[8]; 8. 99JR-Frank Heckenast Jr[6]; 9. 6C-Calvin Carlton[9] UNOH B-Main Group B Finish (10 Laps, Top 6 Transfer): 1. 22-Daniel Hilsabeck[1]; 2. 58-Garrett Alberson[8]; 3. 11M-Michael Chilton[4]; 4. 317-Blake Creech[3]; 5. 99JR-Frank Heckenast Jr[6]; 6. 7S-Justin Smith[10]; 7. T8-Steve Banal[5]; 8. 49M-Luke Morey[7]; 9. 6C-Calvin Carlton[9]; 10. 31-Tyler Millwood[2] 44th Annual Sunoco North/South 100 Presented by Lucas Oil Group B – Feature Finish (25 Laps):Pos – Start – Car # – Competitor – Hometown – Earnings1 – 4 – 11 – Josh Rice – Crittenden, KY – $6,0002 – 2 – 32 – Bobby Pierce – Oakwood, IL – $3,0003 – 5 – 17D – Zack Dohm – Cross Lanes, WV – $2,0004 – 3 – 60 – Dan Ebert – Lake Shore, MN – $1,2505 – 8 – 99 – Devin Moran – Dresden, OH – $1,0006 – 6 – 1T – Tyler Erb – New Waverly, TX – $9007 – 16 – 12J – Jason Jameson – Lawrenceburg, IN – $8508 – 11 – 16 – Justin Rattliff – Campbellsville, KY – $8009 – 12 – 126 – Kaede Loudy – Rogersville, TN – $75010 – 13 – 111 – Max Blair – Centerville, PA – $70011 – 10 – T1 – Todd Morrow – Penton, AL – $65012 – 18 – 81F – Jadon Frame – Winchester, TN – $60013 – 9 – 13 – Dallon Murty – Chelsea, IA – $55014 – 20 – 58 – Garrett Alberson – Las Cruces, NM – $50015 – 19 – 22 – Daniel Hilsabeck – Earlham, IA – $50016 – 1 – 1 – Brandon Sheppard – New Berlin, IL – $50017 – 17 – 6 – Clay Harris – Jupiter, FL – $50018 – 23 – 99JR – Frank Heckenast, Jr. – Frankfort, IL – $50019 – 22 – 317 – Blake Creech – Richmond, IN – $50020 – 7 – 93L – Cory Lawler – Hanover, PA – $50021 – 24 – 7S – Justin Smith – Barbourville, KY – $50022 – 21 – 11M – Michael Chilton – Salvisa, KY – $50023 – 15 – 17SR – Brody Smith – Dade City, FL – $50024 – 14 – 4G – Kody Evans – Camden, OH – $500 Group B Race Statistics  Entrants: 56Bilstein Shocks Pole Sitter: Brandon SheppardMD3 Lap Leaders: Brandon Sheppard (Laps 1-10); Bobby Pierce (Laps 11-24); Josh Rice (Lap 25)Hellraizer Jacks Halfway Leader: Bobby PierceWieland Feature Winner: Josh RiceMargin of Victory: 0.252 secondsHellraizer Jacks Cautions: Cory Lawler (Lap 22)MyRacePass Series Provisional: n/aFast Time Provisional: n/aEmergency Provisionals: n/aTrack Provisional: n/aBig River Steel Podium Top 3: Josh Rice, Bobby Pierce, Zack DohmPenske Shocks Top 5: Josh Rice, Bobby Pierce, Zack Dohm, Dan Ebert, Devin MoranBehrent’s One-Lap-to-Go Top 3: Bobby Pierce, Josh Rice, Zack DohmPEM 4th Place Feature: Dan EbertDiversified Machine 5th Place Feature: Devin MoranWilwood Brakes 7th Place Feature: Jason JamesonWehrs Machine 11th Place Feature: Todd MorrowVelocity Manufacturing 13th Place Feature: Dallon MurtyXS Power Batteries 15th Place Feature: Daniel HilsabeckHoker Trucking Hard Charger of the Race: Jason Jameson (Advanced 9 positions)MD3 Most Laps Led: Bobby Pierce (14 Laps)Sunoco Race Fuels Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Josh RiceMidwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Brandon SheppardO’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Race: n/aPro Fabrication Headers Fastest Lap of the Race: Brandon Sheppard | Lap 1 | 17.303 secondsFK Rod Ends Hard Luck Award: Brandon SheppardVictory Fuel Power Move of the Race: Josh RiceOuterwears Crew Chief of the Race: Daniel ClarkARP Engine Builder of the Race: Vic Hill Race EnginesMiller Welders Chassis Builder of the Race: Rocket ChassisDirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps: Brandon Sheppard | 16.107 secondsTime of Race: 12 minutes 45 seconds Sunoco North/South 100 Prelim Points:Pos – Car # – Driver – Thu – Fri – Total – Fastest Lap | Thu – Fastest Lap | Fri1 – 157 – Mike Marlar – 250 – 230 – 480 – 16.082 – 16.022 – 76 – Brandon Overton – 230 – 250 – 480 – 16.363 – 16.423 – 11 – Josh Rice – 220 – 250 – 470 – 16.312 – 16.2174 – 71 – Hudson O’Neal – 220 – 220 – 440 – 16.415 – 16.4715 – 1 – Brandon Sheppard – 260 – 160 – 420 – 15.929 – 16.1556 – 32 – Bobby Pierce – 185 – 230 – 415 – 16.398 – 16.2447 – 99 – Devin Moran – 200 – 205 – 405 – 16.251 – 16.1688 – 1T – Tyler Erb – 200 – 200 – 400 – 15.917 – 16.2779 – 17 – Zack Dohm – 180 – 220 – 400 – 16.573 – 16.46810 – 93F – Carson Ferguson – 195 – 200 – 395 – 15.992 – 16.41111 – 20RT – Ricky Thornton, Jr. – 195 – 195 – 390 – 15.996 – 16.07112 – 58 – Garrett Alberson – 230 – 160 – 390 – 16.012 – 16.34213 – 40B – Kyle Bronson – 210 – 175 – 385 – 16.483 – 16.54514 – 12J – Jason Jameson – 175 – 195 – 370 – 16.277 – 16.46615 – 49 – Jonathan Davenport – 205 – 160 – 365 – 16.019 – 16.22916 – 18 – Shannon Babb – 180 – 185 – 365 – 16.034 – 16.42517 – C7 – Adam Stricker – 160 – 205 – 365 – 16.044 – 16.2218 – 20O – Jimmy Owens – 155 – 210 – 365 – 16.43 – 16.36819 – 79 – Donald McIntosh – 210 – 155 – 365 – 16.37 – 16.46520 – 18L – Trevor Landrum – 190 – 170 – 360 – 16.277 – 16.5221 – 8 – Dillon McCowan – 170 – 190 – 360 – 16.495 – 16.41722 – 60 – Dan Ebert – 140 – 210 – 350 – 16.295 – 16.18723 – 6 – Clay Harris – 195 – 145 – 340 – 16.311 – 16.44624 – 5 – Drake Troutman – 200 – 135 – 335 – 16.026 – 16.28625 – 12M – Ryan Montgomery – 155 – 180 – 335 – 16.267 – 16.52326 – 81F – Jadon Frame – 165 – 170 – 335 – 16.273 – 16.45227 – 22F – Chris Ferguson – 205 – 125 – 330 – 16.221 – 16.04228 – 3s – Brian Shirley – 165 – 165 – 330 – 16.21 – 16.20829 – 99JR – Frank Heckenast, Jr – 185 – 140 – 325 – 16.008 – 16.55330 – 22 – Daniel Hilsabeck – 170 – 155 – 325 – 16.368 – 16.58231 – 16 – Justin Rattliff – 125 – 190 – 315 – 16.382 – 16.7332 – T1 – Todd Morrow – 135 – 175 – 310 – 16.171 – 16.30733 – 126 – Kaede Loudy – 125 – 185 – 310 – 16.357 – 16.42934 – 111 – Max Blair – 125 – 180 – 305 – 16.259 – 035 – 93 – Devin Gilpin – 160 – 145 – 305 – 16.396 – 16.51336 – 13 – Dallon Murty – 130 – 165 – 295 – 16.165 – 16.35737 – 09 – Michael Leach – 145 – 135 – 280 – 16.096 – 15.98438 – 93L – Cory Lawler – 150 – 130 – 280 – 16.286 – 16.85239 – 17SS – Brenden Smith – 125 – 150 – 275 – 16.328 – 16.32140 – D48 – Derek Groomer – 150 – 125 – 275 – 16.558 – 16.85641 – 0 – Jake O’Neil – 125 – 140 – 265 – 16.324 – 16.97942 – 11M – Michael Chilton – 140 – 125 – 265 – 16.514 – 16.43643 – 49M – Luke Morey – 145 – 115 – 260 – 16.13 – 16.38944 – 7S – Justin Smith – 135 – 125 – 260 – 16.501 – 16.71545 – 317 – Blake Creech – 125 – 135 – 260 – 16.517 – 16.76346 – 5N – Dustin Nobbe – 125 – 130 – 255 – 16.293 – 16.42647 – 4G – Kody Evans – 125 – 125 – 250 – 16.473 – 16.42448 – 17SR – Brody Smith – 120 – 125 – 245 – 16.324 – 16.59649 – 21 – Kirk Phillips – 120 – 120 – 240 – 16.783 – 16.96750 – 49G – Billy Green – 115 – 125 – 240 – 17.005 – 16.90451 – 31 – Tyler Millwood – 130 – 105 – 235 – 16.208 – 16.59152 – T8 – Steve Banal – 115 – 120 – 235 – 16.57 – 16.88353 – 6C – Calvin Carlton – 110 – 110 – 220 – 17.576 – 17.25154 – 9 – Josh Dietz – 105 – 110 – 215 – 16.36 – 16.55355 – 18S – Quade Schoonover – 110 – 105 – 215 – 17.596 – 17.16656 – H22 – Brandon Hardgrove – 50 – 115 – 165 – 17.666 – 17.19157 – 20 – Glenn Hounshell – 105 – 0 – 105 – 17.981 – 058 – 15 – Brad Rickels – 50 – 0 – 50 – 17.222 – 059 – 96 – Josh Vineyard – 50 – 0 – 50 – 18.707 – 0 Penske Shocks Heat 1 (10 Laps | Top 3 Transfer):Row – Car # – Driver – Hometown – Car # – Driver – Hometown1 – 79 – Donald McIntosh – Dawsonville, GA – 40B – Kyle Bronson – Brandon, FL2 – 99 – Devin Moran – Dresden, OH – 157 – Mike Marlar – Winfield, TN3 – 12M – Ryan Montgomery – Fairmont, WV – 16 – Justin Rattliff – Campbellsville, KY4 – 09 – Michael Leach – Sun River, MT – 49M – Luke Morey – Zeeland, MI5 – 21 – Kirk Phillips – Ashland, KY – 18S – Quade Schoonover – Peebles, OH Summit Racing Heat 2 (10 Laps | Top 3 Transfer):Row – Car # – Driver – Hometown – Car # – Driver – Hometown1 – 18L – Trevor Landrum – Florence, KY – 12J – Jason Jameson – Lawrenceburg, IN2 – 1T – Tyler Erb – New Waverly, TX – 76 – Brandon Overton – Evans, GA3 – 81F – Jadon Frame – Winchester, TN – T1 – Todd Morrow – Penton, AL4 – 93L – Cory Lawler – Hanover, PA – 7S – Justin Smith – Barbourville, KY5 – 49G – Billy Green – Walton, KY – H22 – Brandon Hardgrove – Burnside, KY Cool-It Thermo Tec Heat 3 (10 Laps | Top 3 Transfer):Row – Car # – Driver – Hometown – Car # – Driver – Hometown1 – 8 – Dillon McCowan – Urbana, MO – 49 – Jonathan Davenport – Blairsville, GA2 – 17D – Zack Dohm – Cross Lanes, WV – 11 – Josh Rice – Crittenden, KY3 – 22F – Chris Ferguson – Mt. Holly, NC – 126 – Kaede Loudy – Rogersville, TN4 – 17SS – Brenden Smith – Dade City, FL – 317 – Blake Creech – Richmond, IN5 – 31 – Tyler Millwood – Kingston, GA – 20 – Glenn Hounshell – Lancaster, KY Simpson Race Products Heat 4 (10 Laps | Top 3 Transfer):Row – Car # – Driver – Hometown – Car # – Driver – Hometown1 – 60 – Dan Ebert – Lake Shore, MN – 18 – Shannon Babb – Moweaqua, IL2 – 93F – Carson Ferguson – Lincolnton, NC – 71 – Hudson O’Neal – Martinsville, IN3 – 3s – Brian Shirley – Chatham, IL – 111 – Max Blair – Centerville, PA4 – D48 – Derek Groomer – Bloomington, IN – 5N – Dustin Nobbe – Batesville, IN5 – T8 – Steve Banal – Lincolnton, NC – 15 – Brad Rickels – Verona, KY Lucas Oil Heat 5 (10 Laps | Top 3 Transfer):Row – Car # – Driver – Hometown – Car # – Driver – Hometown1 – 6 – Clay Harris – Jupiter, FL – C7 – Adam Stricker – Batavia, OH2 – 20RT – Ricky Thornton Jr – Chandler, AZ – 1 – Brandon Sheppard – New Berlin, IL3 – 99JR – Frank Heckenast Jr – Frankfort, IL – 93 – Devin Gilpin – Columbus, IN4 – 0 – Jake O’Neil – Tucson, AZ – 4G – Kody Evans – Camden, OH5 – 6C – Calvin Carlton – Lawrenceburg, KY – 96 – Josh Vineyard – Harrodsburg, KY FloRacing Heat 6 (10 Laps | Top 3 Transfer):Row – Car # – Driver – Hometown – Car # – Driver – Hometown1 – 5 – Drake Troutman – Hyndman, PA – 20O – Jimmy Owens – Newport, TN2 – 58 – Garrett Alberson – Las Cruces, NM – 32 – Bobby Pierce – Oakwood, IL3 – 22 – Daniel Hilsabeck – Earlham, IA – 13 – Dallon Murty – Chelsea, IA4 – 11M – Michael Chilton – Salvisa, KY – 17SR – Brody Smith – Dade City, FL5 – 9 – Jos

PEVELY, MO (Aug. 7, 2026) – On the 20-minute drive from his St. Louis home to I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park, Joey Wirth wasn’t thinking much beyond just having a fun one-race night with his dad.

A few hours later, he was a first-time national Midget winner with the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota.

Wirth has been racing for 17 years with his family by his side, supporting his small budget racing program. No big wins, no big sponsors, just his love for the sport. But that passion was finally rewarded Friday night on one of the biggest stages of the year for Midget racing during the World of Outlaws Ironman 55 weekend.

He showed up to the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series’ season opener with speed, qualifying second in his group and finishing third in his Heat Race. Then, when the luck of the draw put him on the outside pole for the 25-lap Feature, he made sure to make the most of the opportunity. Wirth fired off into Turn 1 on the opening lap with the might of a raging rocket, blasting to the lead and never looking back.

“This is so cool,” Wirth said in Victory Lane. “We’ve been racing like 17 years. Never won a national race. This is my second race of the year. I live 20 minutes up the road. I mean, what a dream come true. Just me and my dad at the track. Grandpa, uncle, cousins back at home helping us get ready. Just my family, my wife; we have a newborn back at home, I know she’s watching. Just everybody.

“We don’t have sponsors. We have family, and family is what got us here. It feels so good to run up front with all of these guys.”

While he led every lap, his pursuit to victory was still plagued with a few stressors. Three cautions kept eliminating his straightaway lead and bringing Xtreme Outlaw winner Kale Drake back to his rear bumper. The worst of the three occasions occurred with two laps to go.

Drake conjured up his best restart of the night, allowing him to sneak his nose under Wirth going into Turn 1. Wirth stayed ahead down the backstretch and found an unlikely ally in Cullen Hutchison, who began putting pressure on Drake for second at the same time.

With clear lanes all around, Wirth was able to then cruise to a dream win.

“I knew I had to time it perfect to get the run down the front straightaway and get underneath him and push him out of the lane,” Drake said. “There was one preferred lane tonight. With all the rain we had, it made for a narrow racetrack. His car was really good, and they had everything on point tonight, so hats off to them. We’ll just have to be a little better tomorrow night.”

For Wirth, making the most of the track conditions started on Lap 1.

“I definitely prefer a tacky track. This one was in my favor,” Wirth said. “My car wasn’t taking off super well, so I was a little worried on the starts. I know Kale got under me there and I’m just really happy I held him off and beat him going into (Turn) one on the first lap too, to take the lead and control the race.”

On his 20-minute ride back home, he’ll have a lot more to think about now.

“This was actually our only night we planned to race; I was going to go golf and hang out tomorrow, but we might have to reconsider,” Wirth said with a smile in Victory Lane.

QUICK NOTES
Federated Auto Parts Quick Time: Jacob Denney (12.807 second lap)
Toyota Heat 1 Winner: Karter Sarff
DIRTVision Heat 2 Winner: Cullen Hutchison
Smith Titanium Hard Charger: Kameron Key

RESULTS
Feature (25 Laps): 1. 77-Joe Wirth[2]; 2. 4-Kale Drake[3]; 3. 40-Cullen Hutchison[4]; 4. 7TX-Kyle Jones[5]; 5. 67-Jacob Denney[7]; 6. 7-Shannon McQueen[8]; 7. 3U-Kameron Key[14]; 8. 7U-Karter Sarff[6]; 9. 67K-Colton Robinson[10]; 10. 11-Alex Midkiff[11]; 11. 50-Daniel Adler[13]; 12. 97-Gavin Miller[9]; 13. 7D-Michelle Decker[1]; 14. 7T-Adam Taylor[12]; 15. 51B-Joe B Miller[15]; 16. 10D-Daltyn England[16]

UP NEXT
The Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota returns to I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park, along with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, for the Ironman 55 finale on Saturday, Aug. 8. For tickets, click HERE.

How can you watch every lap of the Ironman 55 live? On DIRTVision. 

HOMETOWN HERO: Missouri’s Joey Wirth Scores First National Midget Win at I-55

PEVELY, MO (Aug. 7, 2026) – On the 20-minute drive from his St. Louis home to I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park, Joey Wirth wasn’t thinking much beyond just having a fun one-race night with his dad.

A few hours later, he was a first-time national Midget winner with the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota.

Wirth has been racing for 17 years with his family by his side, supporting his small budget racing program. No big wins, no big sponsors, just his love for the sport. But that passion was finally rewarded Friday night on one of the biggest stages of the year for Midget racing during the World of Outlaws Ironman 55 weekend.

He showed up to the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series’ season opener with speed, qualifying second in his group and finishing third in his Heat Race. Then, when the luck of the draw put him on the outside pole for the 25-lap Feature, he made sure to make the most of the opportunity. Wirth fired off into Turn 1 on the opening lap with the might of a raging rocket, blasting to the lead and never looking back.

“This is so cool,” Wirth said in Victory Lane. “We’ve been racing like 17 years. Never won a national race. This is my second race of the year. I live 20 minutes up the road. I mean, what a dream come true. Just me and my dad at the track. Grandpa, uncle, cousins back at home helping us get ready. Just my family, my wife; we have a newborn back at home, I know she’s watching. Just everybody.

“We don’t have sponsors. We have family, and family is what got us here. It feels so good to run up front with all of these guys.”

While he led every lap, his pursuit to victory was still plagued with a few stressors. Three cautions kept eliminating his straightaway lead and bringing Xtreme Outlaw winner Kale Drake back to his rear bumper. The worst of the three occasions occurred with two laps to go.

Drake conjured up his best restart of the night, allowing him to sneak his nose under Wirth going into Turn 1. Wirth stayed ahead down the backstretch and found an unlikely ally in Cullen Hutchison, who began putting pressure on Drake for second at the same time.

With clear lanes all around, Wirth was able to then cruise to a dream win.

“I knew I had to time it perfect to get the run down the front straightaway and get underneath him and push him out of the lane,” Drake said. “There was one preferred lane tonight. With all the rain we had, it made for a narrow racetrack. His car was really good, and they had everything on point tonight, so hats off to them. We’ll just have to be a little better tomorrow night.”

For Wirth, making the most of the track conditions started on Lap 1.

“I definitely prefer a tacky track. This one was in my favor,” Wirth said. “My car wasn’t taking off super well, so I was a little worried on the starts. I know Kale got under me there and I’m just really happy I held him off and beat him going into (Turn) one on the first lap too, to take the lead and control the race.”

On his 20-minute ride back home, he’ll have a lot more to think about now.

“This was actually our only night we planned to race; I was going to go golf and hang out tomorrow, but we might have to reconsider,” Wirth said with a smile in Victory Lane.

QUICK NOTES
Federated Auto Parts Quick Time: Jacob Denney (12.807 second lap)
Toyota Heat 1 Winner: Karter Sarff
DIRTVision Heat 2 Winner: Cullen Hutchison
Smith Titanium Hard Charger: Kameron Key

RESULTS
Feature (25 Laps): 1. 77-Joe Wirth[2]; 2. 4-Kale Drake[3]; 3. 40-Cullen Hutchison[4]; 4. 7TX-Kyle Jones[5]; 5. 67-Jacob Denney[7]; 6. 7-Shannon McQueen[8]; 7. 3U-Kameron Key[14]; 8. 7U-Karter Sarff[6]; 9. 67K-Colton Robinson[10]; 10. 11-Alex Midkiff[11]; 11. 50-Daniel Adler[13]; 12. 97-Gavin Miller[9]; 13. 7D-Michelle Decker[1]; 14. 7T-Adam Taylor[12]; 15. 51B-Joe B Miller[15]; 16. 10D-Daltyn England[16]

UP NEXT
The Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota returns to I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park, along with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, for the Ironman 55 finale on Saturday, Aug. 8. For tickets, click HERE.

How can you watch every lap of the Ironman 55 live? On DIRTVision. 

ARTICLE: https://xtremeoutlawseries.com/news/hometown-hero-missouris-joey-wirth-scores-first-national-midget-win-at-i-55/

CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIESOnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland1.964-mile, 12-Turn Portland International Raceway road coursePortland, OregonFriday Practice ReportAugust 7, 2026 PORTLAND (August 7, 2026) –– As history has shown, practice one for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES at Portland International Raceway can produce a bit of chaos as drivers re-adjust to the twists and turns of the flat, short, but very fast track. Fortunately, for the majority of the Chevrolet powered INDYCAR drivers, there was little calamity, and Rinus Veekay powered his No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Chevrolet to third overall following the three-tier session that comprised practice one. Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Sonsio Vehicle Protection Team Penske Chevrolet,  David Malulas. No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet and Josef Newgarden, No. 2 Astemo Team Penske Chevrolet also posted top-nine times today. Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, was the victim of the curb and railing of turn one, sending him around off the exit curb. He hustled the car back to pit lane where the team changed the nose, checked the car over, put on new tires and sent him out to finish practice. Activity resumes Saturday.:Saturday, August 8NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #2 – 1pm (ET)/noon (CT)/11am (MT)/10am (PT) – FS1/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying – 7pm (ET)/6pm (CT)/5pm (MT)/4pm (PT) – FS1/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218 ONLYBULLS Grand Prix Portland – Friday Practice Results:

NTT INDYCAR SERIES News ConferenceFriday, August 7, 2026Scott McLaughlinPress Conference THE MODERATOR: Wrapping up practice, we’re currently joined by Scott McLaughlin. The 2022 winner here at PIR. Scott, thanks for joining us. Your thoughts on practice one and the start of the weekend here? SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Yeah, hello, everyone. CTHE MODERATOR: Former winner here. You like this place a lot. What is it about it that seems to fit your driving style? SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Yeah, I mean, anyplace especially you come to that you won before. I think for me, being able to go to a track that requires a little bit of technicality in terms of braking hard, hairpins. Then you have the fast flowing nature of part of the track as well. It’s a challenge to set up for, a challenge to drive and get completely right. It’s a small lap. Always very tight. It’s rewarding when you get it right, but it does punish you when you get it wrong. Hopefully we’re on the right end of it and can make it happen. Certainly feels good. THE MODERATOR: Open it up for questions. Q. Scott, how important, if at all, is it to have a good weekend here, because there’s four straight after this one? SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Look, positive momentum, it’s a real thing in sport. Especially in motorsport. Yeah, we’re sort of looking at from the 3 car side really trying to concentrate on these five weeks as a little mini five-week championship in some ways, and try to do the best we can. I think the last few races we’ve come on strong as a team, between engineering, driving, on the stand. We’re chomping at the bit to get going this weekend. Yeah, I think it’s important every weekend to go well, important to get that momentum going. Hopefully, yes, we can start it this weekend. Q. Do you think that momentum is more important for the end of this year or for when you look ahead to 2027? SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: I don’t know. It’s such a long off-season that it’s hard. I think the biggest thing is trying to learn as much as you can with your team, prove that we can do this together and work hard. I really feel like the last month we’ve worked really well as a team. Any momentum’s great. Whether that carries into the off-season, to the preseason, it remains to behold. Certainly the confidence from a really good end to the year you’ll carry through the whole off-season with all your simulator work, testing, whatever. Hopefully that bodes well for the start of ’27. Q. All the engineering changes you kind of had this year, what were some of the biggest challenges initially this season? You mentioned this positive last month or so. Are there any kind of specifics that you feel have maybe clicked with this kind of revamped group in these past few months? SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Yeah, look, my stand is fantastic. My engineering group is fantastic. I was so confident with them heading into the year. It’s just one of those things that you’ve got to gel regardless. You have all these different tracks. It’s so tough in INDYCAR to be great week in, week out. For Raul, my engineer, he’s been in sports car for a long time. Hadn’t been in INDYCAR a long time full-time, although he’s done the odd Indy 500 here and there. Going to Barber, going to a street track, going to a short oval, trying to keep that cadence right and getting the balance right, nailing that in a series that’s so tight as INDYCAR, it’s difficult. It just took a little bit more time for me maybe to get my terminology about what I wanted with the car and to make it better to him. I think the way he was taking some of my comments maybe was like a little maybe he thought I wanted too much, and he was changing the car a lot. Then I didn’t want it that much. Just trying to manufacture that language that we can both get on top of a few things. I thought the testing we’ve done was really great. Milwaukee and Mid-Ohio we had some really good tests. The races since Indy, I feel like we’ve all clicked really well. I’m excited to keep building with this group. Have so much confidence and we’ll keep working. Q. Scott, I look at your teammate David Malukas being 83 points behind Palou in the championship. You’ve been in those championship fights before. What kind of collective effort do y’all try to make to help prop him up for this closing stretch? What kind of advice do you give David since he’s never been in a situation like this before? SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Firstly, one race at a time for everybody. Just take it as it comes, especially in this series these days, how competitive it is. From a team perspective, yeah, for sure, we want a Penske car to win, regardless if it’s myself, Malukas or Josef. We’re going to be working hard as a team to make that happen. We’ll figure that out as time goes on. That’s always been the mantra here. Yeah, for him, different championship cars throughout the years in different categories. It’s about trying not to really focus on the points, just worry about execution, the rest will take care of itself. But it’s hard to beat experience in that spot. He’ll just gain it this year and continued to get better. Q. Could you see a situation with you and Josef where maybe as a team y’all try to cover a certain way, do strategy a little bit different to try to shake stuff up and take points off Palou to aid David? SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: I think we always try to make sure a Penske car wins. We always cover all bases. I think you saw that in Nashville. We pitted early. The other guys stayed out. A few other things happened there. You try and cover all the bases to make sure we can at least get one car in front of the 10 or something like that. We just take that as circumstantial, and that will be decided between the strategists really more than the drivers. Q. Looking at the six races in the next five weeks, we know there’s a lot of scenarios that come into play. For you as a driver, how hard does this get in terms of your recovery between events, different type of tracks, all those scenarios? That has to put a lot of demand on the back end of the season for you as a driver physically. SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: I was speaking to Will about it. I’m so excited. I think five weeks straight is awesome. It’s tough for the teams. It’s tough for us overall as a category. But it’s awesome to be racing that much. Part and parcel of our calendar being from March to September and being so tight-knit together. I’m looking forward to it personally. Yeah, it is tough recovery-wise. Maybe your gym sessions are a little bit less than usual I guess in some ways. It’s nice to be in the seat all the time. Just getting match fit, track fit you could say, being in the race a lot. Q. Within the series of weeks, you have two brand-new tracks that no one has been to before. That will make a little bit more of a level playing field for everyone. SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Yeah, I mean, everyone has seen the track. They’ll get some simulator running. For sure, it’s try to hit the ground running as hard as you can. We know the Andretti boys are strong on street circuits. DC and Markham, two amazing events we’re going to. I’m really excited. It’s going to be great. Try to hit the ground running, but know that the normal guys will be up front and hopefully we can stay with them. THE MODERATOR: Scott, we’ll cut you loose. FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports

Tune-In Guide Saturday, August 8NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #2 – 1pm (ET)/noon (CT)/11am (MT)/10am (PT) – FS1/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying – 7pm (ET)/6pm (CT)/5pm (MT)/4pm (PT) – FS1/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218 Sunday, August 9NTT INDYCAR SERIES Warm Up – 1pm (ET)/ (CT)/7am (MT)/6am (PT) – FS1/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland (110 laps)– 4pm (ET)/3pm (CT)2pm (MT)/1pm (PT) – FOX/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

Scott McLaughlin (Team Penske) on track at PIR

Rinus VeeKay during Friday practice at the Portland International Raceway

Media Resources: Images | Media Advances | Chevrolet Newsroom

CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIESOnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland1.964-mile, 12-Turn Portland International Raceway road coursePortland, OregonFriday Practice ReportAugust 7, 2026 PORTLAND (August 7, 2026) –– As history has shown, practice one for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES at Portland International Raceway can produce a bit of chaos as drivers re-adjust to the twists and turns of the flat, short, but very fast track. Fortunately, for the majority of the Chevrolet powered INDYCAR drivers, there was little calamity, and Rinus Veekay powered his No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Chevrolet to third overall following the three-tier session that comprised practice one. Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Sonsio Vehicle Protection Team Penske Chevrolet,  David Malulas. No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet and Josef Newgarden, No. 2 Astemo Team Penske Chevrolet also posted top-nine times today. Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, was the victim of the curb and railing of turn one, sending him around off the exit curb. He hustled the car back to pit lane where the team changed the nose, checked the car over, put on new tires and sent him out to finish practice. Activity resumes Saturday.:Saturday, August 8NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #2 – 1pm (ET)/noon (CT)/11am (MT)/10am (PT) – FS1/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying – 7pm (ET)/6pm (CT)/5pm (MT)/4pm (PT) – FS1/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218 ONLYBULLS Grand Prix Portland – Friday Practice Results:

NTT INDYCAR SERIES News ConferenceFriday, August 7, 2026Scott McLaughlinPress Conference THE MODERATOR: Wrapping up practice, we’re currently joined by Scott McLaughlin. The 2022 winner here at PIR. Scott, thanks for joining us. Your thoughts on practice one and the start of the weekend here? SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Yeah, hello, everyone. CTHE MODERATOR: Former winner here. You like this place a lot. What is it about it that seems to fit your driving style? SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Yeah, I mean, anyplace especially you come to that you won before. I think for me, being able to go to a track that requires a little bit of technicality in terms of braking hard, hairpins. Then you have the fast flowing nature of part of the track as well. It’s a challenge to set up for, a challenge to drive and get completely right. It’s a small lap. Always very tight. It’s rewarding when you get it right, but it does punish you when you get it wrong. Hopefully we’re on the right end of it and can make it happen. Certainly feels good. THE MODERATOR: Open it up for questions. Q. Scott, how important, if at all, is it to have a good weekend here, because there’s four straight after this one? SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Look, positive momentum, it’s a real thing in sport. Especially in motorsport. Yeah, we’re sort of looking at from the 3 car side really trying to concentrate on these five weeks as a little mini five-week championship in some ways, and try to do the best we can. I think the last few races we’ve come on strong as a team, between engineering, driving, on the stand. We’re chomping at the bit to get going this weekend. Yeah, I think it’s important every weekend to go well, important to get that momentum going. Hopefully, yes, we can start it this weekend. Q. Do you think that momentum is more important for the end of this year or for when you look ahead to 2027? SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: I don’t know. It’s such a long off-season that it’s hard. I think the biggest thing is trying to learn as much as you can with your team, prove that we can do this together and work hard. I really feel like the last month we’ve worked really well as a team. Any momentum’s great. Whether that carries into the off-season, to the preseason, it remains to behold. Certainly the confidence from a really good end to the year you’ll carry through the whole off-season with all your simulator work, testing, whatever. Hopefully that bodes well for the start of ’27. Q. All the engineering changes you kind of had this year, what were some of the biggest challenges initially this season? You mentioned this positive last month or so. Are there any kind of specifics that you feel have maybe clicked with this kind of revamped group in these past few months? SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Yeah, look, my stand is fantastic. My engineering group is fantastic. I was so confident with them heading into the year. It’s just one of those things that you’ve got to gel regardless. You have all these different tracks. It’s so tough in INDYCAR to be great week in, week out. For Raul, my engineer, he’s been in sports car for a long time. Hadn’t been in INDYCAR a long time full-time, although he’s done the odd Indy 500 here and there. Going to Barber, going to a street track, going to a short oval, trying to keep that cadence right and getting the balance right, nailing that in a series that’s so tight as INDYCAR, it’s difficult. It just took a little bit more time for me maybe to get my terminology about what I wanted with the car and to make it better to him. I think the way he was taking some of my comments maybe was like a little maybe he thought I wanted too much, and he was changing the car a lot. Then I didn’t want it that much. Just trying to manufacture that language that we can both get on top of a few things. I thought the testing we’ve done was really great. Milwaukee and Mid-Ohio we had some really good tests. The races since Indy, I feel like we’ve all clicked really well. I’m excited to keep building with this group. Have so much confidence and we’ll keep working. Q. Scott, I look at your teammate David Malukas being 83 points behind Palou in the championship. You’ve been in those championship fights before. What kind of collective effort do y’all try to make to help prop him up for this closing stretch? What kind of advice do you give David since he’s never been in a situation like this before? SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Firstly, one race at a time for everybody. Just take it as it comes, especially in this series these days, how competitive it is. From a team perspective, yeah, for sure, we want a Penske car to win, regardless if it’s myself, Malukas or Josef. We’re going to be working hard as a team to make that happen. We’ll figure that out as time goes on. That’s always been the mantra here. Yeah, for him, different championship cars throughout the years in different categories. It’s about trying not to really focus on the points, just worry about execution, the rest will take care of itself. But it’s hard to beat experience in that spot. He’ll just gain it this year and continued to get better. Q. Could you see a situation with you and Josef where maybe as a team y’all try to cover a certain way, do strategy a little bit different to try to shake stuff up and take points off Palou to aid David? SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: I think we always try to make sure a Penske car wins. We always cover all bases. I think you saw that in Nashville. We pitted early. The other guys stayed out. A few other things happened there. You try and cover all the bases to make sure we can at least get one car in front of the 10 or something like that. We just take that as circumstantial, and that will be decided between the strategists really more than the drivers. Q. Looking at the six races in the next five weeks, we know there’s a lot of scenarios that come into play. For you as a driver, how hard does this get in terms of your recovery between events, different type of tracks, all those scenarios? That has to put a lot of demand on the back end of the season for you as a driver physically. SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: I was speaking to Will about it. I’m so excited. I think five weeks straight is awesome. It’s tough for the teams. It’s tough for us overall as a category. But it’s awesome to be racing that much. Part and parcel of our calendar being from March to September and being so tight-knit together. I’m looking forward to it personally. Yeah, it is tough recovery-wise. Maybe your gym sessions are a little bit less than usual I guess in some ways. It’s nice to be in the seat all the time. Just getting match fit, track fit you could say, being in the race a lot. Q. Within the series of weeks, you have two brand-new tracks that no one has been to before. That will make a little bit more of a level playing field for everyone. SCOTT McLAUGHLIN: Yeah, I mean, everyone has seen the track. They’ll get some simulator running. For sure, it’s try to hit the ground running as hard as you can. We know the Andretti boys are strong on street circuits. DC and Markham, two amazing events we’re going to. I’m really excited. It’s going to be great. Try to hit the ground running, but know that the normal guys will be up front and hopefully we can stay with them. THE MODERATOR: Scott, we’ll cut you loose. FastScripts Transcript by ASAP Sports

Tune-In Guide Saturday, August 8NTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #2 – 1pm (ET)/noon (CT)/11am (MT)/10am (PT) – FS1/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying – 7pm (ET)/6pm (CT)/5pm (MT)/4pm (PT) – FS1/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218 Sunday, August 9NTT INDYCAR SERIES Warm Up – 1pm (ET)/ (CT)/7am (MT)/6am (PT) – FS1/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218OnlyBulls Grand Prix of Portland (110 laps)– 4pm (ET)/3pm (CT)2pm (MT)/1pm (PT) – FOX/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

Scott McLaughlin (Team Penske) on track at PIR

Chevrolet history at Portland International RacewayChevrolet wins at Portland International Raceway: 9 2025 – Will Power – Team Penske2024 – Will Power – Team Penske2022 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2019 – Will Power – Team Penske1993 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske1991 – Michael Andretti – Newman Haas Racing 1990 – Michael Andretti – Newman Haas Racing 1989 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Patrick Racing1988 – Danny Sullivan – Team Penske Chevrolet poles at Portland International Raceway: 8 2025 – Christian Lundgaard – Arrow McLaren2024 – Santino Ferrucci – A.J. Foyt Racing2022 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2018 – Will Power – Team Penske1992 – Emerson Fittipaldi – Team Penske1991 – Emerson Fittipaldi Team Penske1990 – Danny Sullivan – Team Penske1988 – Danny Sullivan – Team Penske Chevrolet podiums at Portland International Raceway: 22 Chevrolet podiums at Portland International Raceway by driver: Emerson Fittipaldi (5), Will Power (4), Michael Andretti (2),  Al Unser Jr. (2), Mario Andretti (1), Christian Lundgaard (1), Scott McLaughlin (1), Rick Mears (1), Josef Newgarden (1), Bob Rahal (1), Felix Rosenqvist (1), Danny Sullivan (1) and Paul Tracy (1) Chevrolet podiums at Portland International Raceway by team: Team Penske (12), Galles Racing (3), Newman Haas Racing (3), Patrick Racing (2), Arrow McLaren (2) Chevrolet laps led at Portland International Raceway: 854 Chevrolet laps led at Portland International Raceway by driver: Will Power (233), Michael Andretti (203), Emerson Fittipaldi (182), , Scott McLaughlin (109), Danny Sullivan (46), Pato O’Ward (45), Rick Mears (25), Mario Andretti (3), Josef Newgarden (3), Felix Rosenqvist (3), Al Unser Jr. (3), Callum Ilott (1) Chevrolet laps led at Portland International Raceway by team: Team Penske (488), Newman Haas Racing (206), Patrick Racing (110), Arrow McLaren (46), Galles Racing (3), and Juncos Hollinger Racing (1) Manufacturer History at Portland International Raceway Wins (with competition): 9 – Chevrolet (2025, 2024, 2022, 2019, 1993, 1991, 1990, 1989, 1988)7 – Honda (2023, 2021, 2018, 2000, 1999, 1998, 19964 – Cosworth (1987, 1986, 1985, 1984)2 – Ford (2001, 1992)2 – Mercedes (1997, 1995)1 – Toyota (20021 – Ilmor (1994 Poles (with competition): 8 – Chevrolet (2025, 2024, 2022, 2018, 1992, 1991, 1990, 1988)6 – Honda (2023, 2021, 2019, 2000, 1999, 1996)5 – Ford (2001, 1998, 1997, 1995, 19934 – Cosworth (1987, 1986, 1985, 1984)1 – Toyota (20021 – Ilmor (1995)1 – Porsche (1989)

At Knoxville Dragway in late June, with lights ablaze, the rain began to fall along with the light upon the Southeast Gassers Association RAM Clutches Nationals. That moment pushed SEGA drag racing into its summer break, awaiting its completion at the Bowl4Life Foundation Rock Revival at Rockingham Dragway in North Carolina. By the end of the two-race weekend, fans and the track were thrilled by the heads-up, clutch dumping, wheel lifting, and gear jamming action.

Friday action at a Southeast Gassers Association event is usually reserved for test and tune. But at Rockingham Dragway on July 31^st, the first hit at the track in over a decade for SEGA was for a win light as the remaining eliminations for the RAM Clutches Nationals were to be completed. The action in B/Gas round one, which fired up the Friday evening action, along with A/Gas round one, looked like the first hits off the trailer of the backside no-prep action of the great Rockingham series Dig Or Die. By round two, the SEGA competitors got a grip of The Rock and the passes were some of the best of the season thus far. 

Competitive highlights for the RAM Clutches Nationals showcased new finalists and winners along with championship implications. The Super Stockers, number one and two in points, paired up in one half of the semi-final matchups. Jerry Dean, the multi-time defending champion and points leader, faced Rob Walden, the number two competitor who won the last SEGA event, defeating Dean. After starting line negotiations involving illuminating staging bulbs, it was Dean advancing to the final. That final would have Tony Nowasadski in his 56’ Chevy Public Enemy Super Stocker waiting for a shot to defeat Dean as only the third driver to appear in a SEGA Super Stock final in 2026. In the Chevy versus Chevy battle, it was Jerry Dean back to winning ways while extending his points lead. 

In C/Gas it has been a story of former champions battling it out between the 2024 champ, Todd Oden, and the 2025 champ, Jerren Perdue. They both would win their way to the semi-finals, with the expectation to see them both in the final once again. Jerren Perdue dispatched Randy Kiefer in his Pontiac wagon. Todd Oden dispatched himself by a red light that gave Tony Tatgenhorst the win-light. Tony, in only his second career SEGA final, would have to defeat the defending champ to earn his first career victory. Again in a Chevy versus Chevy battle between wagon and two-door Chevy II varieties, it was Tony Tatgenhorst earning his first SEGA event championship in his Wasted Wages gasser powered by its Ross Racing Engines powerplant.

For B/Gas competitors, the top competition would set the final between two Tennessee natives for the RAM Clutches Nationals that began at Knoxville Dragway. Michael Oden, an Alabamian, did try to stop Ted McKee in the semi-finals, but Ted and the Rocky Top Missile were on target, turning on the win light. The number two qualifier, Charlie Lee, in his Mustang gasser known as Tennessee Charlie, had a bye into the final due to the ladder. In a rematch of the Bama Brawl final at Holiday Raceway, where Charlie Lee won his first outing of the season. This time it was Ted McKee besting Charlie Lee for his third win of the season, starting a streak with back-to-back wins.

The quickest and fastest cars in SEGA are the A/Gas cars, and they have all been chasing Ben Christopher in his Happy Daze Chevy II gasser. In the semi-finals, those doing the chasing were Leslie Horne up against Ken Rainwater and then Greg Stelse in The Joker head-to-head with Ben. Ken Rainwater, the 2025 B/Gas champion, is gaining performance with his A/Gas combination each race, but it wasn’t enough to best multi-time A/Gas champion Leslie Horne. In the Greg and Ben pairing, certainly The Joker is no joke, but it was Ben outdriving Greg to make his fourth straight final of 2026. In another rematch from Holiday Raceway, this time Leslie didn’t red-light, but he still didn’t complete the circuits for the win-light in his lane against Ben, who earned his third straight victory.

Friday night’s test and tune session along with the completion of the RAM Clutches Nationals was just the beginning for SEGA and Rockingham Dragway. On Saturday, August 1^st, the premier gasser organization contested the originally scheduled standalone race in Richmond County, North Carolina, the Bowl4Life Foundation Rock Revival.

Super Stock had three rounds of eliminations on Saturday race day to complete to crown an event champion. Dominator Dean continued his number one qualifying streak that dates back seasons at this point. Jerry marched through the field with a first-round bye, then put Tony Nowasadski on the trailer for the second time for the weekend. In the final, it would be Rob Walden in his Strych 09 Chevy Impala back in the ultimate round, creating the familiar match-up for Super Stock. The familiar theme that has been in Super Stock continued on as Jerry Dean in his Last Rebel II Chevy II won over Rob Walden, who was in the 6.70s while Jerry was able to stop the clocks with a win-light and a 6.38 elapsed time. It is Jerry’s fourth win in 2026.

The C/Gas category saw an upset to the Perdure-Oden stranglehold on the category with Tony Tatgenhorst earning that first SEGA win. The category would continue to see upsets with one side of those dueling former champions. Todd Oden had his woes in qualifying, damaging rear-end components. In his first-round matchup against Heath Adams in the Rusty Bullitt gasser, Todd would have more attrition matters arise with a broken transmission causing him to lose round one. That blew open the door for Jerren Perdue to take a clear points lead in race five, and he capitalized on it to the point of advancing to the final round. The number one qualifier for the category was the winner on Friday, Tony Tatgenhorst. He won his round one match-up against Allen Lovelady, then took his bye run in round two. His semi-final round pitted him and Heath Adams in a rematch of the 2025 Championship Finals final round at Shadyside Dragway, where Heath earned his first SEGA win over Tony. Again, it would be Heath firing true for the win over Tony. In the final, you had Jerren Perdue, the number two qualifier, up against Heath Adam, the number five qualifier. Jerren Perdue, in his Ghost Of Fulton’s Past Chevy II station wagon, continued to haunt the C/Gas competition, defeating Heath with a 6.08ET to a 6.24ET. Jerren has appeared in every final thus far in 2026 and earned his second win to this point in the season at The Rock.

Top competitors in B/Gas are easy to see with Charlie Lee and especially Ted McKee. The top performance continued for Ted McKee, qualifying number one, earning the round one bye, and then rocking on all the way to the final round in dominant fashion. Charlie Lee had noticed the loss of steam with each pass made on the weekend. The second-round matchup he had against Brad Wimberly in the Southern Sizzler would be his last of the weekend and possibly for the entire season, noting significant internal engine damage. Brad would lose in the semi-final round to Daniel Haynes in The Patriot Ford Falcon gasser, making an appearance in his select race capacity. Ford versus Chevy in the final with Ted up against Daniel, the 2024 category champion who is a threat each time he is behind the wheel, no matter the category or car. The former champion launched everything he had at the current points leader, but it wasn’t enough as Daniel drove to a 5.70ET to Ted’s 5.65ET. Ted in the Rocky Top Missile with his Freeman power has the points lead, has stretched it, and looks nearly unbeatable at the moment.

This SEGA fifth race of 2026 may have showcased a turning point in A/Gas drag racing. Ben Christopher certainly has been showcasing immense performance, making every final and having three straight wins. He continued that performance, qualifying number one with a 5.17ET in comparison to second-place qualifier Barry Adler in the Iron Eagle, clocked at a 5.24ET. Ben motored his Happy Daze gasser with Jason Line power through his first-round bye earned by qualifying number one and then past Greg Stelse in round two. His fifth straight final round appearance was in reach, but Ken Rainwater, who took out Greg Porter and Leslie Horne, proceeded to stop the Ben Christopher daze over A/Gas with a hole shot win. Set to face Ken Rainwater in his first A/Gas final was a competitor that is no stranger to A/Gas finals, Kenneth Phillips. He had advanced past Dean Jonas, Quian Stott with a new Falcon gasser dubbed Executioner III, and number two qualifier Barry Adler. This race day showcased that Ben can be stopped outside of the finals, familiar competitors with a new competitive ride, a competitor poised to win with a new combination, and a winning familiar face. Kenneth Phillips in his Corvette gasser, the Silver Streak II, defeated Ken Rainwater in the Instigator Chevy II.

By the end of the double‑feature weekend, fans were treated to drag racing in its purest form—real cars with four-on-the-floor manuals, naturally aspirated engines, and drivers relying on skill rather than electronic aids. That competition and that show is Southeast Gassers Association drag racing, which produced fans wanting more. For SEGA’s first time back to Rockingham Dragway and Richmond County, North Carolina, for the first time in over a decade and the first time earning points as a championship series, it was truly a rocking time for the Bowl4Life Foundation Rock Revival. Expect more for SEGA and Rockingham in 2027.

THE SOUTHEAST GASSERS ASSOCIATION REMAINING 2026 SCHEDULE

8/22 Farmington Dragway – Mocksville, NC.

9/12 Greer Dragway – Greer, SC.

10/9, 10 Gulfport Dragway – Gulfport, MS. (Double Feature)

10/31 Shadyside Dragway – Shelby, NC.

ABOUT SOUTHEAST GASSERS ASSOCIATION DRAG RACING                                                                                                                                        

The ROCK Revival Rejuvenates Southeast Gassers Association 2026 Season

At Knoxville Dragway in late June, with lights ablaze, the rain began to fall along with the light upon the Southeast Gassers Association RAM Clutches Nationals. That moment pushed SEGA drag racing into its summer break, awaiting its completion at the Bowl4Life Foundation Rock Revival at Rockingham Dragway in North Carolina. By the end of the two-race weekend, fans and the track were thrilled by the heads-up, clutch dumping, wheel lifting, and gear jamming action.

Friday action at a Southeast Gassers Association event is usually reserved for test and tune. But at Rockingham Dragway on July 31^st, the first hit at the track in over a decade for SEGA was for a win light as the remaining eliminations for the RAM Clutches Nationals were to be completed. The action in B/Gas round one, which fired up the Friday evening action, along with A/Gas round one, looked like the first hits off the trailer of the backside no-prep action of the great Rockingham series Dig Or Die. By round two, the SEGA competitors got a grip of The Rock and the passes were some of the best of the season thus far. 

Competitive highlights for the RAM Clutches Nationals showcased new finalists and winners along with championship implications. The Super Stockers, number one and two in points, paired up in one half of the semi-final matchups. Jerry Dean, the multi-time defending champion and points leader, faced Rob Walden, the number two competitor who won the last SEGA event, defeating Dean. After starting line negotiations involving illuminating staging bulbs, it was Dean advancing to the final. That final would have Tony Nowasadski in his 56’ Chevy Public Enemy Super Stocker waiting for a shot to defeat Dean as only the third driver to appear in a SEGA Super Stock final in 2026. In the Chevy versus Chevy battle, it was Jerry Dean back to winning ways while extending his points lead. 

In C/Gas it has been a story of former champions battling it out between the 2024 champ, Todd Oden, and the 2025 champ, Jerren Perdue. They both would win their way to the semi-finals, with the expectation to see them both in the final once again. Jerren Perdue dispatched Randy Kiefer in his Pontiac wagon. Todd Oden dispatched himself by a red light that gave Tony Tatgenhorst the win-light. Tony, in only his second career SEGA final, would have to defeat the defending champ to earn his first career victory. Again in a Chevy versus Chevy battle between wagon and two-door Chevy II varieties, it was Tony Tatgenhorst earning his first SEGA event championship in his Wasted Wages gasser powered by its Ross Racing Engines powerplant.

For B/Gas competitors, the top competition would set the final between two Tennessee natives for the RAM Clutches Nationals that began at Knoxville Dragway. Michael Oden, an Alabamian, did try to stop Ted McKee in the semi-finals, but Ted and the Rocky Top Missile were on target, turning on the win light. The number two qualifier, Charlie Lee, in his Mustang gasser known as Tennessee Charlie, had a bye into the final due to the ladder. In a rematch of the Bama Brawl final at Holiday Raceway, where Charlie Lee won his first outing of the season. This time it was Ted McKee besting Charlie Lee for his third win of the season, starting a streak with back-to-back wins.

The quickest and fastest cars in SEGA are the A/Gas cars, and they have all been chasing Ben Christopher in his Happy Daze Chevy II gasser. In the semi-finals, those doing the chasing were Leslie Horne up against Ken Rainwater and then Greg Stelse in The Joker head-to-head with Ben. Ken Rainwater, the 2025 B/Gas champion, is gaining performance with his A/Gas combination each race, but it wasn’t enough to best multi-time A/Gas champion Leslie Horne. In the Greg and Ben pairing, certainly The Joker is no joke, but it was Ben outdriving Greg to make his fourth straight final of 2026. In another rematch from Holiday Raceway, this time Leslie didn’t red-light, but he still didn’t complete the circuits for the win-light in his lane against Ben, who earned his third straight victory.

Friday night’s test and tune session along with the completion of the RAM Clutches Nationals was just the beginning for SEGA and Rockingham Dragway. On Saturday, August 1^st, the premier gasser organization contested the originally scheduled standalone race in Richmond County, North Carolina, the Bowl4Life Foundation Rock Revival.

Super Stock had three rounds of eliminations on Saturday race day to complete to crown an event champion. Dominator Dean continued his number one qualifying streak that dates back seasons at this point. Jerry marched through the field with a first-round bye, then put Tony Nowasadski on the trailer for the second time for the weekend. In the final, it would be Rob Walden in his Strych 09 Chevy Impala back in the ultimate round, creating the familiar match-up for Super Stock. The familiar theme that has been in Super Stock continued on as Jerry Dean in his Last Rebel II Chevy II won over Rob Walden, who was in the 6.70s while Jerry was able to stop the clocks with a win-light and a 6.38 elapsed time. It is Jerry’s fourth win in 2026.

The C/Gas category saw an upset to the Perdure-Oden stranglehold on the category with Tony Tatgenhorst earning that first SEGA win. The category would continue to see upsets with one side of those dueling former champions. Todd Oden had his woes in qualifying, damaging rear-end components. In his first-round matchup against Heath Adams in the Rusty Bullitt gasser, Todd would have more attrition matters arise with a broken transmission causing him to lose round one. That blew open the door for Jerren Perdue to take a clear points lead in race five, and he capitalized on it to the point of advancing to the final round. The number one qualifier for the category was the winner on Friday, Tony Tatgenhorst. He won his round one match-up against Allen Lovelady, then took his bye run in round two. His semi-final round pitted him and Heath Adams in a rematch of the 2025 Championship Finals final round at Shadyside Dragway, where Heath earned his first SEGA win over Tony. Again, it would be Heath firing true for the win over Tony. In the final, you had Jerren Perdue, the number two qualifier, up against Heath Adam, the number five qualifier. Jerren Perdue, in his Ghost Of Fulton’s Past Chevy II station wagon, continued to haunt the C/Gas competition, defeating Heath with a 6.08ET to a 6.24ET. Jerren has appeared in every final thus far in 2026 and earned his second win to this point in the season at The Rock.

Top competitors in B/Gas are easy to see with Charlie Lee and especially Ted McKee. The top performance continued for Ted McKee, qualifying number one, earning the round one bye, and then rocking on all the way to the final round in dominant fashion. Charlie Lee had noticed the loss of steam with each pass made on the weekend. The second-round matchup he had against Brad Wimberly in the Southern Sizzler would be his last of the weekend and possibly for the entire season, noting significant internal engine damage. Brad would lose in the semi-final round to Daniel Haynes in The Patriot Ford Falcon gasser, making an appearance in his select race capacity. Ford versus Chevy in the final with Ted up against Daniel, the 2024 category champion who is a threat each time he is behind the wheel, no matter the category or car. The former champion launched everything he had at the current points leader, but it wasn’t enough as Daniel drove to a 5.70ET to Ted’s 5.65ET. Ted in the Rocky Top Missile with his Freeman power has the points lead, has stretched it, and looks nearly unbeatable at the moment.

This SEGA fifth race of 2026 may have showcased a turning point in A/Gas drag racing. Ben Christopher certainly has been showcasing immense performance, making every final and having three straight wins. He continued that performance, qualifying number one with a 5.17ET in comparison to second-place qualifier Barry Adler in the Iron Eagle, clocked at a 5.24ET. Ben motored his Happy Daze gasser with Jason Line power through his first-round bye earned by qualifying number one and then past Greg Stelse in round two. His fifth straight final round appearance was in reach, but Ken Rainwater, who took out Greg Porter and Leslie Horne, proceeded to stop the Ben Christopher daze over A/Gas with a hole shot win. Set to face Ken Rainwater in his first A/Gas final was a competitor that is no stranger to A/Gas finals, Kenneth Phillips. He had advanced past Dean Jonas, Quian Stott with a new Falcon gasser dubbed Executioner III, and number two qualifier Barry Adler. This race day showcased that Ben can be stopped outside of the finals, familiar competitors with a new competitive ride, a competitor poised to win with a new combination, and a winning familiar face. Kenneth Phillips in his Corvette gasser, the Silver Streak II, defeated Ken Rainwater in the Instigator Chevy II.

By the end of the double‑feature weekend, fans were treated to drag racing in its purest form—real cars with four-on-the-floor manuals, naturally aspirated engines, and drivers relying on skill rather than electronic aids. That competition and that show is Southeast Gassers Association drag racing, which produced fans wanting more. For SEGA’s first time back to Rockingham Dragway and Richmond County, North Carolina, for the first time in over a decade and the first time earning points as a championship series, it was truly a rocking time for the Bowl4Life Foundation Rock Revival. Expect more for SEGA and Rockingham in 2027.

THE SOUTHEAST GASSERS ASSOCIATION REMAINING 2026 SCHEDULE

8/22 Farmington Dragway – Mocksville, NC.

9/12 Greer Dragway – Greer, SC.

10/9, 10 Gulfport Dragway – Gulfport, MS. (Double Feature)

10/31 Shadyside Dragway – Shelby, NC.

ABOUT SOUTHEAST GASSERS ASSOCIATION DRAG RACING                                                                                                                                        

Our mission is to bring back the authentic drag racing from the 1960’s and to put on a show the whole family will love. The 1960’s produced some of the most exciting times in drag racing history and we are doing our best to preserve that time at the track. Our cars represent the gassers of that era as closely as possible. This means exciting wheels up launches, drivers banging gears with their four speeds, as well as the car’s appearance while sitting in the pits. Follow the Southeast Gassers Association on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.

SELF-MADE: How Tanner English Conquered Summer Nationals with Home-Built Team

CONCORD, NC (Aug. 7, 2026) — With one car, one engine and nothing but his own willpower pushing him out into the summer heat, Tanner English has conquered the DIRTcar Summer Nationals.

And the best part? He did it all on his own accord. His talents. His people. His operation.

The 33-year-old from Benton, KY, hoisted the first edition of the Hell Tour’s pitchfork trophy as champion of dirt Late Model racing’s most grueling challenge, becoming the first driver from the “Bluegrass State” to win the Series’ points championship. In 23 Feature starts, English tallied four wins, 19 top fives and 21 top-10 finishes enroute to the overall points title and three weekly championships.

The two-time Midwest Auto Racing Series (MARS) Late Model champion was never an unfamiliar face to the Summer Nationals since making his debut in 2008. English took on the entire schedule for his first time in 2021 driving the Riggs Motorsports No. 81E and went on to compete in the national Late Model ranks for two other teams in the years following.

But after a sudden notice of his release from Coltman Farms Racing last December, English was left without a ride or a plan for 2026. So, he stepped up and rebuilt his own team in his own race shop, set his sights on the Hell Tour and walked away with one of the brightest accomplishments of his career.

“It’s pretty cool to be able to do it and put my name on that trophy,” he said. “That’s something we can always look back on and say we did. At the time, nobody was better than us. Maybe from race to race, they won the battle, some of them. But we won the war.”

After a successful sophomore season as part of the Coltman Farms Racing stable in 2025, which produced four Feature wins and the team’s first-ever World of Outlaws Late Model Series victory at Highland Speedway in August, English was preparing for a third campaign with the Georgia-based operation when he received word of his release following the annual Gateway Dirt Nationals event in December.

“It was all a surprise to me,” English said. “So, I had no plans whatsoever.”

There he stood, in his newly built race shop at his residence in Benton, IL, with no ride and no plan. With the start of the new season only a handful of weeks away, the typical year-end ride swaps and team changes were mostly complete, and English was left on the outside looking in.

“I kinda waited and tried not to make any moves or invest any money right off the bat because I thought the phone would ring,” English said. “But it didn’t.”

So, he picked up the phone himself and began putting pieces together. With only his personal connections and the limited resources he had in his shop, English began considering taking the path ahead solo.

“I got pretty discouraged there for a little bit. And then I thought, ‘If I’m going to do it, I might as well do it myself,’” English said. “I can’t fire myself. I mean, I guess I could… but you’ve got a lot more job security when you’re doing it yourself and can decide more things and be more hands-on on the decision making and do what you think needs to be done, and where money is best spent.

“I just figured if there’s a time to do it, I might as well do it now.”

While the national circuit competition raged on in Florida, English spent January and February working at home, preparing an older car to get back on track with.

“I did have this 2016 Rocket (Chassis) that was my dad’s, and we busted it out at Duck River (Raceway Park) in March and won our first race out,” English said. “That kinda kicked me into gear, and I went all-in right there. I started doing a lot more things, started getting more serious and trying to get the ball rolling on everything.

“I was no-doubt working hard up to that point, but I knew I had to win that to even have a shot at making this work.”

The $6,000 victory check had helped to revitalize his operation and set the tone for the rest of his spring schedule. His second-quarter slate included mostly regional and some national-circuit races, producing several top-five and top-10 finishes. Soon, English was loading up the trailer with a brand-new race car and a new plan, at least for a few weeks.

“We started with a new AK Racecar this year,” English said. “I think I had only raced 15 or 20 times before Summer Nationals started, so I really hadn’t gotten a lot of races in. I needed to consistently race just to figure out what these cars needed and what I needed to do to get better. I figured what better way to do it than race every night.”

He decided on a tentative plan for the first week of Summer Nationals, and saw success from the start, posting five consecutive podium finishes and claiming the Week 1 points championship.

“Even though we had a pretty good start to the year, I was still in the negatives, and I just thought, ‘What better way to do it? This is a good way to make some money in a short amount of time and also get better,’” English said. “After those first two races, my head was a little bit above water and I could breathe a little bit and just start racing, get serious and free up some decisions and stuff like that.”

On the heels of good results to start, English decided to stay on the trail. Eleven races in, he had amassed 10 top-five finishes, but no wins yet. A silent frustration built with every missed opportunity.

But finally, after leading all 30 laps at Farmington Empire Speedway on July 1, he broke through for his first Summer Nationals win of the season and seventh of his career.

“I knew it was coming; you can’t run second and third so many times and not win,” English said. “We just tried to just not change what we were doing and not make big swings, and we knew it would come eventually.”

English went to Victory Lane three more times before the summer was out and remained a model of consistency, accruing 17 podium finishes and only two results outside the top 10, both of which were DNFs. Though the typical grind of the Hell Tour can wear down and deplete equipment, English remained resourceful and stuck to his strategy to make it to the end.

“It’s a low-cost deal, which is what a lot of people don’t realize — 30-lap races, so we’re going through… like, there were some times we’d run our right-rear tires three nights in a row,” English said. “That’s what a lot of people don’t understand. It’s not that big of a deal on that level. You can make it big — you can spend a lot of money if you want to, but you don’t have to.”

In the end, English was proud of his accomplishment — not only for his own operation, but for his family as well. Especially his father — the 2002 DIRTcar Late Model national points champion, Terry English.

“[Terry’s] proud, you can tell,” English said. “This has a lot to do with him, too. He put in a lot of work, a lot of time, and sacrificed a lot this summer just to go out there and do that with me. I can’t thank him enough. He and I were the only ones with perfect attendance. We had a lot of people come in and do a week here or there — my brother did two full weeks and my nephew did three. But my dad was there for the whole time.”

Though the sun has set on the Summer Nationals’ 40th anniversary tour, English’s 2026 campaign is far from complete. He’s got plans to go after the yearlong DIRTcar Late Model championship — a feat that would be the proverbial cherry atop the DIY sundae he devoured this year.

“[Terry’s] won the national (DIRTcar Late Model) championship, and I’d like to do that, too,” English said. “We’re gonna give it a shot anyways, at the end of the year here, just to say we tried and try to catch (Jason) Feger. But it’s going to be tough — he’s got a lot of good wins.

“I’d like to get on the list with dad, and my father-in-law also — Rodney Melvin. He’s won a few also, so I’d like to be on that list with them and have some kind of a dynasty deal there. That would be cool.”

The trophy shines bright, the wins are memorable, and the career rejuvenation he went through this summer was an experience he’ll never forget. But above all else, English’s Summer Nationals championship will be remembered for what it said about a self-run operation.

It’s his own. And he likes it that way.

“I felt like I’ve built three operations from the ground up, and it always ended with me having nothing,” English said. “I’d really like to stick this out and see what we can do. It may last another year, you never know — you can have a terrible year right after a good year.

“But this has been a statement that anything’s possible, and if you put your mind to it and work hard enough, you can do it.”

SELF-MADE: How Tanner English Conquered Summer Nationals with Home-Built Team

CONCORD, NC (Aug. 7, 2026) — With one car, one engine and nothing but his own willpower pushing him out into the summer heat, Tanner English has conquered the DIRTcar Summer Nationals.

And the best part? He did it all on his own accord. His talents. His people. His operation.

The 33-year-old from Benton, KY, hoisted the first edition of the Hell Tour’s pitchfork trophy as champion of dirt Late Model racing’s most grueling challenge, becoming the first driver from the “Bluegrass State” to win the Series’ points championship. In 23 Feature starts, English tallied four wins, 19 top fives and 21 top-10 finishes enroute to the overall points title and three weekly championships.

The two-time Midwest Auto Racing Series (MARS) Late Model champion was never an unfamiliar face to the Summer Nationals since making his debut in 2008. English took on the entire schedule for his first time in 2021 driving the Riggs Motorsports No. 81E and went on to compete in the national Late Model ranks for two other teams in the years following.

But after a sudden notice of his release from Coltman Farms Racing last December, English was left without a ride or a plan for 2026. So, he stepped up and rebuilt his own team in his own race shop, set his sights on the Hell Tour and walked away with one of the brightest accomplishments of his career.

“It’s pretty cool to be able to do it and put my name on that trophy,” he said. “That’s something we can always look back on and say we did. At the time, nobody was better than us. Maybe from race to race, they won the battle, some of them. But we won the war.”

After a successful sophomore season as part of the Coltman Farms Racing stable in 2025, which produced four Feature wins and the team’s first-ever World of Outlaws Late Model Series victory at Highland Speedway in August, English was preparing for a third campaign with the Georgia-based operation when he received word of his release following the annual Gateway Dirt Nationals event in December.

“It was all a surprise to me,” English said. “So, I had no plans whatsoever.”

There he stood, in his newly built race shop at his residence in Benton, IL, with no ride and no plan. With the start of the new season only a handful of weeks away, the typical year-end ride swaps and team changes were mostly complete, and English was left on the outside looking in.

“I kinda waited and tried not to make any moves or invest any money right off the bat because I thought the phone would ring,” English said. “But it didn’t.”

So, he picked up the phone himself and began putting pieces together. With only his personal connections and the limited resources he had in his shop, English began considering taking the path ahead solo.

“I got pretty discouraged there for a little bit. And then I thought, ‘If I’m going to do it, I might as well do it myself,’” English said. “I can’t fire myself. I mean, I guess I could… but you’ve got a lot more job security when you’re doing it yourself and can decide more things and be more hands-on on the decision making and do what you think needs to be done, and where money is best spent.

“I just figured if there’s a time to do it, I might as well do it now.”

While the national circuit competition raged on in Florida, English spent January and February working at home, preparing an older car to get back on track with.

“I did have this 2016 Rocket (Chassis) that was my dad’s, and we busted it out at Duck River (Raceway Park) in March and won our first race out,” English said. “That kinda kicked me into gear, and I went all-in right there. I started doing a lot more things, started getting more serious and trying to get the ball rolling on everything.

“I was no-doubt working hard up to that point, but I knew I had to win that to even have a shot at making this work.”

The $6,000 victory check had helped to revitalize his operation and set the tone for the rest of his spring schedule. His second-quarter slate included mostly regional and some national-circuit races, producing several top-five and top-10 finishes. Soon, English was loading up the trailer with a brand-new race car and a new plan, at least for a few weeks.

“We started with a new AK Racecar this year,” English said. “I think I had only raced 15 or 20 times before Summer Nationals started, so I really hadn’t gotten a lot of races in. I needed to consistently race just to figure out what these cars needed and what I needed to do to get better. I figured what better way to do it than race every night.”

He decided on a tentative plan for the first week of Summer Nationals, and saw success from the start, posting five consecutive podium finishes and claiming the Week 1 points championship.

“Even though we had a pretty good start to the year, I was still in the negatives, and I just thought, ‘What better way to do it? This is a good way to make some money in a short amount of time and also get better,’” English said. “After those first two races, my head was a little bit above water and I could breathe a little bit and just start racing, get serious and free up some decisions and stuff like that.”

On the heels of good results to start, English decided to stay on the trail. Eleven races in, he had amassed 10 top-five finishes, but no wins yet. A silent frustration built with every missed opportunity.

But finally, after leading all 30 laps at Farmington Empire Speedway on July 1, he broke through for his first Summer Nationals win of the season and seventh of his career.

“I knew it was coming; you can’t run second and third so many times and not win,” English said. “We just tried to just not change what we were doing and not make big swings, and we knew it would come eventually.”

English went to Victory Lane three more times before the summer was out and remained a model of consistency, accruing 17 podium finishes and only two results outside the top 10, both of which were DNFs. Though the typical grind of the Hell Tour can wear down and deplete equipment, English remained resourceful and stuck to his strategy to make it to the end.

“It’s a low-cost deal, which is what a lot of people don’t realize — 30-lap races, so we’re going through… like, there were some times we’d run our right-rear tires three nights in a row,” English said. “That’s what a lot of people don’t understand. It’s not that big of a deal on that level. You can make it big — you can spend a lot of money if you want to, but you don’t have to.”

In the end, English was proud of his accomplishment — not only for his own operation, but for his family as well. Especially his father — the 2002 DIRTcar Late Model national points champion, Terry English.

“[Terry’s] proud, you can tell,” English said. “This has a lot to do with him, too. He put in a lot of work, a lot of time, and sacrificed a lot this summer just to go out there and do that with me. I can’t thank him enough. He and I were the only ones with perfect attendance. We had a lot of people come in and do a week here or there — my brother did two full weeks and my nephew did three. But my dad was there for the whole time.”

Though the sun has set on the Summer Nationals’ 40th anniversary tour, English’s 2026 campaign is far from complete. He’s got plans to go after the yearlong DIRTcar Late Model championship — a feat that would be the proverbial cherry atop the DIY sundae he devoured this year.

“[Terry’s] won the national (DIRTcar Late Model) championship, and I’d like to do that, too,” English said. “We’re gonna give it a shot anyways, at the end of the year here, just to say we tried and try to catch (Jason) Feger. But it’s going to be tough — he’s got a lot of good wins.

“I’d like to get on the list with dad, and my father-in-law also — Rodney Melvin. He’s won a few also, so I’d like to be on that list with them and have some kind of a dynasty deal there. That would be cool.”

The trophy shines bright, the wins are memorable, and the career rejuvenation he went through this summer was an experience he’ll never forget. But above all else, English’s Summer Nationals championship will be remembered for what it said about a self-run operation.

It’s his own. And he likes it that way.

“I felt like I’ve built three operations from the ground up, and it always ended with me having nothing,” English said. “I’d really like to stick this out and see what we can do. It may last another year, you never know — you can have a terrible year right after a good year.

“But this has been a statement that anything’s possible, and if you put your mind to it and work hard enough, you can do it.”

ARTICLE: https://dirtcarsummernationals.com/news/self-made-how-tanner-english-conquered-summer-nationals-with-home-built-team/

Trevor Brunner (No. 21) practices at Senoia Raceway in 2026. He went on to win the Atlanta Short Track. [Photo: Tim Lester for AMA Pro Racing] Download high-resolution photo from AMA Pro’s Digital Asset Management system

Posted on behalf of JMC Motorsport / Fairway Ford DAYTONA BEACH, FL (August 7, 2026) – JMC Motorsport / Fairway Ford –  Trevor Brunner is excited to announce that he will be joining JMC Motorsport / Fairway Ford for the remainder of the Progressive American Flat Track season, competing aboard the team’s KTM 450 SX-F machines in the KICKER AFT Singles class.  “I’m excited to join JMC Motorsport / Fairway Ford for the remainder of the American Flat Track season,” Brunner said. “The team and I have worked well together from the start, and our test sessions have given me confidence in the program and the KTM 450 SX-F. We share the same drive to compete at the highest level, and I’m ready to go racing and make the most of this opportunity.” Brunner and JMC Motorsport / Fairway Ford now turn their attention toward the remaining rounds of the championship, ready to bring their combined experience, preparation, and determination to the racetrack.

Next Up Progressive American Flat Track heads to the historic Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in Sturgis, South Dakota, for two nights of racing during the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The doubleheader opens with the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT on Saturday, August 8, followed by the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track on Monday, August 10. Get tickets to the Progressive American Flat Track events during the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally:

Trevor Brunner Joins JMC Motorsport / Fairway Ford for Remainder of the Progressive American Flat Track Season

Trevor Brunner (No. 21) practices at Senoia Raceway in 2026. He went on to win the Atlanta Short Track. [Photo: Tim Lester for AMA Pro Racing] Download high-resolution photo from AMA Pro’s Digital Asset Management system

Posted on behalf of JMC Motorsport / Fairway Ford DAYTONA BEACH, FL (August 7, 2026) – JMC Motorsport / Fairway Ford –  Trevor Brunner is excited to announce that he will be joining JMC Motorsport / Fairway Ford for the remainder of the Progressive American Flat Track season, competing aboard the team’s KTM 450 SX-F machines in the KICKER AFT Singles class.  “I’m excited to join JMC Motorsport / Fairway Ford for the remainder of the American Flat Track season,” Brunner said. “The team and I have worked well together from the start, and our test sessions have given me confidence in the program and the KTM 450 SX-F. We share the same drive to compete at the highest level, and I’m ready to go racing and make the most of this opportunity.” Brunner and JMC Motorsport / Fairway Ford now turn their attention toward the remaining rounds of the championship, ready to bring their combined experience, preparation, and determination to the racetrack.

Next Up Progressive American Flat Track heads to the historic Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in Sturgis, South Dakota, for two nights of racing during the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. The doubleheader opens with the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT on Saturday, August 8, followed by the Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track on Monday, August 10. Get tickets to the Progressive American Flat Track events during the 86th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally:

Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Super TT:https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-jackpine-gypsies-super-tt-191302Caterpillar Jackpine Gypsies Short Track: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-jackpine-gypsies-short-track-194954

Sheppard and Marlar Take Thursday Night Florence Prelims

Sheppard and Marlar Take Thursday Night Florence Prelims

Sheppard and Marlar Take Thursday Night Florence Prelims

WALTON, KY (August 6, 2026) – Brandon Sheppard and Mike Marlar took top honors in Thursday night’s dual 25-lap features for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series at Florence Speedway to kick off the 44th Annual Sunoco Race Fuels North-South Weekend. In the first $6,000-to-win main event, Sheppard took the lead from Chris Ferguson on lap 13 and then pulled away for his ninth series win of the season. Garrett Alberson, who passed Ferguson for second on lap 14, then held off a charging Josh Rice for second over the final 10 laps of the race. Rice, the current O’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Year points leader, was debuting a new Rocket Chassis as he rounded out the Big River Steel Podium in third. Donald McIntosh, last year’s O’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Year, was fourth, with Ferguson rounding out the top five. In Wieland Victory Lane for the 44th time in his career, the current championship points leader finally picked up his first win at Florence as he eyes the $75,000 top prize in Saturday night’s 44th Annual Sunoco Race Fuels North-South 100. “I am pretty sure this is my first Florence win. We have been really good in the big race on Saturday a few times. In 2016, I was there at the end and got a flat tire. It’s been one of them places where things haven’t went my way. I felt like we had a pretty decent car in the spring when we were here, so I was excited to come back, especially with as good as we have been running. My confidence is at an all-time high with this race car.” Alberson fought off Rice in a great battle to snag the runner-up spot. “I knew once Josh (Rice) got to third, I was like, alright, we are going to have us a fight right there, you know, because I was a little too tight to really run that top the way I needed to. I kind of had to back it in there, but hats off to Josh. We had a good little race right there. It was a lot of fun, and Sheppy, his car was really good. It’s super balanced right now.” Rice, who entered the weekend having won 13 times at Florence since 2021, rounded out the Big River Steel Podium in third in front of his home-track fans. “That was fun racing with Garrett. I wanted to get to second for Mark (Richards). He worked a lot on my race car this week, and I can’t thank him enough for that. It was just like home. It was typical Florence on the cushion. I was probably a little too tight for the cushion. I probably didn’t have much for Shep, but congrats to those guys.” The winner’s Mark Richards Racing, Rocket Chassis is powered by a Durham Racing Engine and sponsored by Valvoline, Seubert Calf Ranches, Ace Metal Works, Performance Grading, Franklin Enterprises, Sunoco Race Fuels, Gunter’s Honey, Stiles Marine and Maintenance, Fox Shocks, and Collins Brothers Towing. Completing the top 10 in the first feature were Devin Moran, Clay Harris, Trevor Landrum, Bobby Pierce, and Shannon Babb.In the second $6,000-to-win main event, Marlar took the lead from Brandon Overton on lap 20 and held on the rest of the way for his first LOLMDS win of the year. Marlar, who started eighth, led Overton, Hudson O’Neal, Kyle Bronson, and Jonathan Davenport across the finish line for his 24th Lucas Oil win, tying him with Hall of Famer Billy Moyer. Ricky Thornton Jr. led the first eight laps of the 25-lap nightcap until he relinquished the lead to Overton on lap nine. Two laps later, Thornton brushed the wall in turn four, resulting in a right-rear flat tire as he slowed to bring out a caution flag. Overton, who was looking for his first series win since Circle City last year, was in front until Marlar got by him on lap 20 to take over the lead. Marlar then beat Overton to the finish line by 1.244 seconds in a highly competitive race. Marlar, like Sheppard, is looking for his first career Sunoco Race Fuels North-South 100 victory on Saturday night. “I tried to be a little bit of everywhere. The track was just racy, you know. When you’ve got a great track like that, that’s how you’ve got to be. There was a lot of thinking going on in that race and strategies on restarts and stuff like that. It was fun to race with the top guys up here and have a good time and get a win. My car was really good, so I was on offense. When you’re on defense, you don’t want to see those cautions, but when you are on offense, every caution is an opportunity. I want to really thank Mark Richards for his help on the car today. I kind of told him what I was looking for, and he helped me a little bit.” Overton, who led the most laps (11) in the second feature, came home in second. “The other cars had me moving all over the racetrack, and I was kind of holding them off. They said Mikey had a 3 on, so I don’t know if the softer tires, you know, played into it at the end on them restarts. I didn’t feel bad. Honestly, I felt pretty good at the beginning. I know Ricky had a softer tire on earlier. He was doing what he does out front, and he got into the fence, and I don’t know whether that cut his tire down or what. On those restarts, it was hard getting back into a rhythm, and it is what it is. We’re alright.” O’Neal, who started ninth, rounded out the Big River Steel Podium in third. “We worked, and I think we worked in the right direction, and we’ll see tomorrow when we unload. We just found ourselves in really bad positions on those restarts. I felt like my race car was okay. I just jumped the cushion one time and made one mistake and let two or three cars get by me, and then I had to drive back through there to get to third.” The winner’s Ronnie Delk-owned, Rocket Chassis is powered by a Cornett Racing Engine and sponsored by Delk Equipment, Langenfelder Mechanical Contractors, Mesilla Valley Transportation, Petroff Towing, Certain Teed, Can Am Auto Salvage, Fox Shocks, and Spirit Fuel Racing. Completing the top 10 in the second feature were Drake Troutman, Carson Ferguson, Tyler Erb, Ricky Thornton Jr., and Zack Dohm. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Race Summary 44th Annual Sunoco North/South 100 Presented by Lucas Oil | Night 1Thursday, August 6, 2026Florence Speedway | Union, KY Allstar Performance Time TrialsFast Time Group A-1: | Frank Heckenast | 16.008 secondsFast Time Group A-2: | Brandon Sheppard | 15.929 seconds Group A Results: Penske Shocks Heat Race #A1-1 Finish (8 Laps, Top 5 Transfer): 1. 22F-Chris Ferguson[3]; 2. 99JR-Frank Heckenast Jr[1]; 3. 18L-Trevor Landrum[4]; 4. 60-Dan Ebert[5]; 5. 32-Bobby Pierce[8]; 6. 16-Justin Rattliff[7]; 7. 18-Shannon Babb[2]; 8. 17SR-Brody Smith[6] Summit Racing Products Heat Race #A1-2 Finish (8 Laps, Top 5 Transfer): 1. 58-Garrett Alberson[1]; 2. 11-Josh Rice[5]; 3. 79-Donald McIntosh[6]; 4. 93L-Cory Lawler[4]; 5. 49M-Luke Morey[2]; 6. 93-Devin Gilpin[7]; 7. 111-Max Blair[3] Cool-It Thermo-Tec Heat Race #A2-3 Finish (8 Laps, Top 5 Transfer): 1. 1-Brandon Sheppard[1]; 2. 99-Devin Moran[2]; 3. 5N-Dustin Nobbe[3]; 4. 4G-Kody Evans[5]; 5. 22-Daniel Hilsabeck[4]; 6. 49G-Billy Green[6]; 7. H22-Brandon Hardgrove[7] Simpson Race Products Heat Race #A2-4 Finish (8 Laps, Top 5 Transfer): 1. 13-Dallon Murty[1]; 2. 81F-Jadon Frame[2]; 3. 6-Clay Harris[3]; 4. 20O-Jimmy Owens[4]; 5. 7S-Justin Smith[5]; 6. 6C-Calvin Carlton[6]; 7. 20-Glenn Hounshell[7] 44th Annual Sunoco North/South 100 Presented by Lucas Oil Group A – Feature Finish (25 Laps):Pos – Start – Car # – Competitor – Hometown – Earnings1 – 2 – 1 – Brandon Sheppard – New Berlin, IL – $6,0002 – 3 – 58 – Garrett Alberson – Las Cruces, NM – $3,0003 – 7 – 11 – Josh Rice – Crittenden, KY – $2,0004 – 11 – 79 – Donald McIntosh – Dawsonville, GA – $1,2505 – 1 – 22F – Chris Ferguson – Mt. Holly, NC – $1,0006 – 6 – 99 – Devin Moran – Dresden, OH – $9007 – 12 – 6 – Clay Harris – Jupiter, FL – $8508 – 9 – 18L – Trevor Landrum – Florence, KY – $8009 – 17 – 32 – Bobby Pierce – Oakwood, IL – $75010 – 21 – 18 – Shannon Babb – Moweaqua, IL – $70011 – 5 – 99JR – Frank Heckenast Jr – Frankfort, IL – $65012 – 18 – 22 – Daniel Hilsabeck – Earlham, IA – $60013 – 8 – 81F – Jadon Frame – Winchester, TN – $55014 – 24 – 93 – Devin Gilpin – Columbus, IN – $50015 – 16 – 20O – Jimmy Owens – Newport, TN – $50016 – 15 – 93L – Cory Lawler – Hanover, PA – $50017 – 19 – 49M – Luke Morey – Zeeland, MI – $50018 – 13 – 60 – Dan Ebert – Lake Shore, MN – $50019 – 20 – 7S – Justin Smith – Barbourville, KY – $50020 – 4 – 13 – Dallon Murty – Chelsea, IA – $50021 – 14 – 4G – Kody Evans – Camden, OH – $50022 – 10 – 5N – Dustin Nobbe – Batesville, IN – $50023 – 22 – 16 – Justin Rattliff – Campbellsville, KY – $50024 – 23 – 111 – Max Blair – Centerville, PA – $500 Group A Race Statistics  Entrants: 59Bilstein Shocks Pole Sitter: Chris FergusonMD3 Lap Leaders: Chris Ferguson (Laps 1-12); Brandon Sheppard (Laps 13-25)Hellraizer Jacks Halfway Leader: Brandon SheppardWieland Feature Winner: Brandon SheppardMargin of Victory: 3.116 secondsHellraizer Jacks Cautions: Justin Rattliff (Lap 13); Dan Ebert (Lap 18)MyRacePass Series Provisional: n/aFast Time Provisional: n/aEmergency Provisionals: n/aTrack Provisional: n/aBig River Steel Podium Top 3: Brandon Sheppard, Garrett Alberson, Josh RicePenske Shocks Top 5: Brandon Sheppard, Garrett Alberson, Josh Rice, Donald McIntosh, Chris FergusonBehrent’s One-Lap-to-Go Top 3: Brandon Sheppard, Garrett Alberson, Josh RicePEM 4th Place Feature: Donald McIntoshDiversified Machine 5th Place Feature: Chris FergusonWilwood Brakes 7th Place Feature: Clay HarrisWehrs Machine 11th Place Feature: Frank Heckenast, Jr.Velocity Manufacturing 13th Place Feature: Jadon FrameXS Power Batteries 15th Place Feature: Jimmy OwensHoker Trucking Hard Charger of the Race: Shannon Babb (Advanced 11 positions)MD3 Most Laps Led: Brandon Sheppard (13 Laps)Sunoco Race Fuels Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Brandon SheppardMidwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Brandon SheppardO’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Race: n/aPro Fabrication Headers Fastest Lap of the Race: Brandon Sheppard| Lap 1 | 16.329 secondsFK Rod Ends Hard Luck Award: Max BlairVictory Fuel Power Move of the Race: Garrett AlbersonOuterwears Crew Chief of the Race: Danny WhiteARP Engine Builder of the Race: Durham Race EnginesMiller Welders Chassis Builder of the Race: Rocket ChassisDirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps: Brandon Sheppard | 16.120 secondsTime of Race: 15 minutes 36 seconds Allstar Performance Time TrialsFast Time Group B-1: | Ricky Thornton, Jr. | 15.996 secondsFast Time Group B-2: | Tyler Erb | 15.917 seconds (Overall) Group B Results: Penske Shocks Heat Race #B1-1 Finish (8 Laps, Top 5 Transfer): 1. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[1]; 2. 5-Drake Troutman[2]; 3. 71-Hudson O’Neal[5]; 4. 12J-Jason Jameson[3]; 5. 17SS-Brenden Smith[4]; 6. 11M-Michael Chilton[6]; 7. T8-Steve Banal[7]; 8. (DNS) 96-Josh Vineyard Summit Racing Products Heat Race #B1-2 Finish (8 Laps, Top 5 Transfer): 1. 76-Brandon Overton[4]; 2. 49-Jonathan Davenport[1]; 3. 0-Jake O’Neil[3]; 4. 40B-Kyle Bronson[5]; 5. 317-Blake Creech[6]; 6. 31-Tyler Millwood[2]; 7. 18S-Quade Schoonover[7] Cool-It Thermo-Tec Heat Race #B2-3 Finish (8 Laps, Top 5 Transfer): 1. 1T-Tyler Erb[1]; 2. C7-Adam Stricker[2]; 3. 09-Michael Leach[3]; 4. 3S-Brian Shirley[4]; 5. 126-Kaede Loudy[5]; 6. 17D-Zack Dohm[7]; 7. 15-Brad Rickels[8]; 8. 8-Dillon McCowan[6] Simpson Race Products Heat Race #B2-4 Finish (8 Laps, Top 5 Transfer): 1. 93F-Carson Ferguson[1]; 2. 157-Mike Marlar[2]; 3. 12M-Ryan Montgomery[4]; 4. T1-Todd Morrow[3]; 5. D48-Derek Groomer[6]; 6. 21-Kirk Phillips[7]; 7. 9-Josh Dietz[5] 44th Annual Sunoco North/South 100 Presented by Lucas Oil Group B – Feature Finish (25 Laps):Pos – Start – Car # – Competitor – Hometown – Earnings1 – 8 – 157 – Mike Marlar – Winfield, TN – $6,0002 – 3 – 76 – Brandon Overton – Evans, GA – $3,0003 – 9 – 71 – Hudson O’Neal – Martinsville, IN – $2,0004 – 15 – 40B – Kyle Bronson – Brandon, FL – $1,2505 – 7 – 49 – Jonathan Davenport – Blairsville, GA – $1,0006 – 5 – 5 – Drake Troutman – Hyndman, PA – $9007 – 4 – 93F – Carson Ferguson – Lincolnton, NC – $8508 – 2 – 1T – Tyler Erb – New Waverly, TX – $8009 – 1 – 20RT – Ricky Thornton, Jr. – Chandler, AZ – $75010 – 21 – 17D – Zack Dohm – Cross Lanes, WV – $70011 – 13 – 12J – Jason Jameson – Lawrenceburg, IN – $65012 – 24 – 8 – Dillon McCowan – Urbana, MO – $60013 – 14 – 3s – Brian Shirley – Chatham, IL – $55014 – 6 – C7 – Adam Stricker – Batavia, OH – $50015 – 12 – 12M – Ryan Montgomery – Fairmont, WV – $50016 – 20 – D48 – Derek Groomer – Bloomington, IN – $50017 – 10 – O9 – Michael Leach – Sun River, MT – $50018 – 22 – 11M – Michael Chilton – Salvisa, KY – $50019 – 16 – T1 – Todd Morrow – Penton, AL – $50020 – 23 – 31 – Tyler Millwood – Kingston, GA – $50021 – 19 – 317 – Blake Creech – Richmond, IN – $50022 – 11 – 0 – Jake O’Neil – Tucson, AZ – $50023 – 17 – 17SS – Brenden Smith – Dade City, FL – $50024 – 18 – 126 – Kaede Loudy – Rogersville, TN – $500 Group B Race Statistics  Entrants: 59Bilstein Shocks Pole Sitter: Ricky Thornton, Jr.MD3 Lap Leaders: Ricky Thornton, Jr. (Lap 1-8); Brandon Overton (Laps 9-19); Mike Marlar (Laps 20-25)Hellraizer Jacks Halfway Leader: Brandon OvertonWieland Feature Winner: Mike MarlarMargin of Victory: 1.244 secondsHellraizer Jacks Cautions: Kaede Loudy (Lap 5); Ricky Thornton, Jr. (Lap 10); Brenden Smith (Lap 12); Jake O’Neil (Lap 16); Todd Morrow, Michael Chilton (Lap 17)MyRacePass Series Provisional: n/aFast Time Provisional: n/aEmergency Provisionals: n/aTrack Provisional: n/aBig River Steel Podium Top 3: Mike Marlar, Brandon Overton, Hudson O’NealPenske Shocks Top 5: Mike Marlar, Brandon Overton, Hudson O’Neal, Kyle Bronson, Jonathan DavenportBehrent’s One-Lap-to-Go Top 3: Mike Marlar, Brandon Overton, Hudson O’NealPEM 4th Place Feature: Kyle BronsonDiversified Machine 5th Place Feature: Jonathan DavenportWilwood Brakes 7th Place Feature: Carson FergusonWehrs Machine 11th Place Feature: Jason JamesonVelocity Manufacturing 13th Place Feature: Brian ShirleyXS Power Batteries 15th Place Feature: Ryan MontgomeryHoker Trucking Hard Charger of the Race: Dillon McCowan (Advanced 12 positions)MD3 Most Laps Led: Brandon Overton (11 Laps)Sunoco Race Fuels Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Hudson O’NealMidwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Brandon SheppardO’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Race: n/aPro Fabrication Headers Fastest Lap of the Race: Ricky Thornton, Jr. | Lap 1 | 16.564 secondsFK Rod Ends Hard Luck Award: Dillon McCowanVictory Fuel Power Move of the Race: Mike MarlarOuterwears Crew Chief of the Race: Josh DavisARP Engine Builder of the Race: Cornett Race EnginesMiller Welders Chassis Builder of the Race: Rocket ChassisDirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps: Ricky Thornton, Jr. | 15.9031 secondsTime of Race: 20 minutes 53 seconds

Gio Scelzi Opens 360 Knoxville Nationals with Dominant Triumph for Spire Motorsports KNOXVILLE, IA (August 6, 2026) — Gio Scelzi knows how to bring the heat to Knoxville Raceway.

The pilot of the Spire Motorsports No. 77 drove a perfect 20 laps in Thursday’s Xtream powered by Mediacom 360 Knoxville Nationals pres. by Great Southern Bank opener in his hunt for a second career event title with the American Sprint Car Series.

Scelzi and Ryan Leavitt set the front row for the Feature with Chase Randall and Kyle Larson behind the top two starters. The Fresno, CA native jumped to the lead at the drop of the green flag as Randall and Larson overtook Leavitt for the podium positions on the opening lap.

As Scelzi used the bottom lane to establish a pace, Larson followed in tow as Randall attempted to use the high line. Larson’s No. 57 overpowered Randall as he took over the runner-up spot while “Hot Sauce” grew the gap over the field to 1.3 seconds.

When lapped traffic arrived at the halfway point, Larson shaved down the lead by one second as Scelzi struggled in the pack until the sole caution of the Feature flew on Lap 12.

On the ensuing restart, Scelzi scurried away as Randall retook second place from Larson. On Lap 15, Larson came back for the position, then Aaron Reutzel joined the mix by taking third place on Lap 16.

As Larson and Reutzel waged battle for second, Scelzi capitalized by growing the lead to 2.4 seconds as he drove away to his fourth career win in a 360 Sprint Car at the “Sprint Car Capital of the World” and a $3,000 prize.

“The middle got really dirty there midway through the race,” Scelzi said. “I didn’t realize the bottom would come in that fast. I saw Chris (Martin) running it in the B-Main and looked like he was pretty stuck down there. I hit the first corner wide open and I was like ‘Wow, I hope it’s that way in (Turns) 3 and 4.’ Man, this was cool. We had to win to be anywhere decent in points on Saturday, so great job to my guys.”

Reutzel bested Larson on the final lap to solidify Thursday’s podium positions. Randall finished fourth, and 2019 360 Nationals champion James McFadden rounded out the night’s top five.

Recap Notes:

Quick Time Award: Aaron Reutzel (16.267 sec.)

Heat Race Winners: Justin Peck, John Carney II, Tanner Holmes, Austin McCarl, Matt Juhl

C-Main Winner: Jesse Pate

Last Chance Showdown Winner: Chris Martin

Hard Charger Award: Riley Goodno (+11)

UP NEXT: The 36th Xtream powered by Mediacom 360 Knoxville Nationals pres. by Great Southern Bank continues with the second night of preliminary racing for the American Sprint Car Series on Friday, Aug. 7.

KNOXVILLE INFO

Where can you watch every lap of the American Sprint Car Series? Live on DIRTVision.

RESULTS: Feature (20 Laps): 1. 77-Giovanni Scelzi[1]; 2. 87-Aaron Reutzel[8]; 3. 57-Kyle Larson[4]; 4. 9-Chase Randall[3]; 5. 21T-James McFadden[6]; 6. 14-Corey Day[10]; 7. 26-Justin Peck[12]; 8. 11-Justin Henderson[7]; 9. 17GP-Brock Zearfoss[11]; 10. 4J-Ryan Leavitt[2]; 11. 22X-Riley Goodno[22]; 12. 9P-Daison Pursley[5]; 13. 88W-Austin McCarl[15]; 14. 13-Tanner Holmes[14]; 15. 44-Chris Martin[21]; 16. 01-Carson McCarl[18]; 17. 09-Matt Juhl[16]; 18. 71B-Brady Baker[20]; 19. 8C-John Carney II[17]; 20. 64-Kaleb Johnson[24]; 21. 4C-Cale Thomas[9]; 22. 8M-Kade Morton[19]; 23. 86-Timothy Smith[13]; 24. G2-Tony Rost[23]

Gio Scelzi Opens 360 Knoxville Nationals with Dominant Triumph for Spire Motorsports KNOXVILLE, IA (August 6, 2026) — Gio Scelzi knows how to bring the heat to Knoxville Raceway.

The pilot of the Spire Motorsports No. 77 drove a perfect 20 laps in Thursday’s Xtream powered by Mediacom 360 Knoxville Nationals pres. by Great Southern Bank opener in his hunt for a second career event title with the American Sprint Car Series.

Scelzi and Ryan Leavitt set the front row for the Feature with Chase Randall and Kyle Larson behind the top two starters. The Fresno, CA native jumped to the lead at the drop of the green flag as Randall and Larson overtook Leavitt for the podium positions on the opening lap.

As Scelzi used the bottom lane to establish a pace, Larson followed in tow as Randall attempted to use the high line. Larson’s No. 57 overpowered Randall as he took over the runner-up spot while “Hot Sauce” grew the gap over the field to 1.3 seconds.

When lapped traffic arrived at the halfway point, Larson shaved down the lead by one second as Scelzi struggled in the pack until the sole caution of the Feature flew on Lap 12.

On the ensuing restart, Scelzi scurried away as Randall retook second place from Larson. On Lap 15, Larson came back for the position, then Aaron Reutzel joined the mix by taking third place on Lap 16.

As Larson and Reutzel waged battle for second, Scelzi capitalized by growing the lead to 2.4 seconds as he drove away to his fourth career win in a 360 Sprint Car at the “Sprint Car Capital of the World” and a $3,000 prize.

“The middle got really dirty there midway through the race,” Scelzi said. “I didn’t realize the bottom would come in that fast. I saw Chris (Martin) running it in the B-Main and looked like he was pretty stuck down there. I hit the first corner wide open and I was like ‘Wow, I hope it’s that way in (Turns) 3 and 4.’ Man, this was cool. We had to win to be anywhere decent in points on Saturday, so great job to my guys.”

Reutzel bested Larson on the final lap to solidify Thursday’s podium positions. Randall finished fourth, and 2019 360 Nationals champion James McFadden rounded out the night’s top five.

Recap Notes:

Quick Time Award: Aaron Reutzel (16.267 sec.)

Heat Race Winners: Justin Peck, John Carney II, Tanner Holmes, Austin McCarl, Matt Juhl

C-Main Winner: Jesse Pate

Last Chance Showdown Winner: Chris Martin

Hard Charger Award: Riley Goodno (+11)

UP NEXT: The 36th Xtream powered by Mediacom 360 Knoxville Nationals pres. by Great Southern Bank continues with the second night of preliminary racing for the American Sprint Car Series on Friday, Aug. 7.

KNOXVILLE INFO

Where can you watch every lap of the American Sprint Car Series? Live on DIRTVision.

RESULTS: Feature (20 Laps): 1. 77-Giovanni Scelzi[1]; 2. 87-Aaron Reutzel[8]; 3. 57-Kyle Larson[4]; 4. 9-Chase Randall[3]; 5. 21T-James McFadden[6]; 6. 14-Corey Day[10]; 7. 26-Justin Peck[12]; 8. 11-Justin Henderson[7]; 9. 17GP-Brock Zearfoss[11]; 10. 4J-Ryan Leavitt[2]; 11. 22X-Riley Goodno[22]; 12. 9P-Daison Pursley[5]; 13. 88W-Austin McCarl[15]; 14. 13-Tanner Holmes[14]; 15. 44-Chris Martin[21]; 16. 01-Carson McCarl[18]; 17. 09-Matt Juhl[16]; 18. 71B-Brady Baker[20]; 19. 8C-John Carney II[17]; 20. 64-Kaleb Johnson[24]; 21. 4C-Cale Thomas[9]; 22. 8M-Kade Morton[19]; 23. 86-Timothy Smith[13]; 24. G2-Tony Rost[23]

ARTICLE:https://ascsracing.com/recap/gio-scelzi-opens-360-knoxville-nationals-with-dominant-triumph-for-spire-motorsports/