March 3, 2021

With a mostly disappointing month of February behind them, Matt DiBenedetto and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team are anxious to move into the month of March, beginning with this weekend’s Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

“Even before the season started I was looking forward to March,” DiBenedetto said. “This is the start of a good stretch of tracks for us.”

The 1.5-mile Las Vegas track has been particularly good for DiBenedetto and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team in recent seasons. Last year, he was runner-up in both races at Vegas, and in the six races before he joined the No. 21 team, the Wood Brothers posted four top-10s and no finishes outside the top 15.

“We had a shot to win both races at Las Vegas last year and we still had room for improvement,” DiBenedetto said. “I can’t wait to get there and see how we stack up against the competition. We were strong there last year, and I’m hoping we have the same speed this year.”

But he cautioned that past results are no guarantee of future performance.

“There are a lot of tough teams out there right now,” he said. “A lot of folks are running good.”

DiBenedetto and the No. 21 Mustang will be starting 30^th on Sunday. With no qualifying scheduled, the line-up will be set based on recent performances, which have been disappointing for his team. And that’s a big disadvantage, he said.

“It hurts,” he said. “It really does. It messes up your early-race strategy as far as going for Stage points.

“Sometimes it’s well into the second or even the third Stage before you can work your way to the front.

“The [line-up] system puts you behind the Eight Ball, so you just have to go to work and overcome it.”
 
The 267-lap Pennzoil 400, which will have Stage breaks at Laps 80 and 160, is set to get the green flag just after 12:30 p.m. on Sunday (3:30 p.m. Eastern Time). FOX will carry the TV broadcast.

 

Batavia, OH (March 3, 2021) – The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will return to action Friday, March 19th and Saturday, March 20th, as teams make their annual trek to Atomic Speedway in Chillicothe, Ohio and Brownstown Speedway in Brownstown, Indiana.
Both events are expected to attract a powerful field of entries as drivers battle in a complete program of: Allstar Performance Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, and a 50-lap main event for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series.
Friday’s event at Atomic Speedway, the 7th Annual Buckeye Spring 50, will pay $12,000-to-win and include an $800-to-win event for the Sport Modifieds. The pit gates will close and re-open at 2:00pm ET, followed by general admission gates at 4:00pm ET. Hot laps will begin at 6:00pm, followed by action-packed racing. 

Tickets for this event are also available on the Atomic Speedway website. Each pre-sale ticket purchaser will get one hour early entrance before the gates open on race day and can choose seats anywhere there isn’t a season reserved seat tag. For more information and pre-sale tickets, visit: www.atomicspeedway.net.
Brownstown Speedway, located on the Jackson County Fairgrounds, will kick off its 2021 racing season on Saturday, March 20. In addition to the pulse-pounding action of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series, the 24th Annual Indiana Icebreaker paying $15,000-to-win, the event will also include Modifieds and Pure Stocks.
Both the pit gate and general admission gates at Brownstown Speedway will open at noon. On-track action will begin at 6:00pm ET. To purchase advance tickets or find more information, visit: www.brownstownspeedway.com.

The 7th Annual Buckeye 50 from Atomic Speedway and the 24th Annual Indiana Icebreaker at Brownstown Speedway will also be streamed live on MAVTVPlus.com starting at 6pm ET for monthly and yearly subscribers.  
The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series resumes competition, following a spectacular Speedweeks, averaging nearly 67 super late models per night during the nine completed nights of racing. Eight different drivers have graced Victory Lane thus far, in 2021. Tyler Erb is the only repeat winner thus far, while Kyle Larson, Hudson O’Neal, Josh Richards, Stormy Scott, Brandon Overton, Ricky Thornton Jr., and Shane Clanton each have one win.
Overton leads the current standings by 65-points over O’Neal. Devin Moran, while having five top-five finishes but no wins yet, is third, followed by Tim McCreadie, and Brandon Sheppard.  Lucas Oil Championship Standings:

Pos	Car #	Competitor	Hometown	Points	Pay
1	76	Brandon Overton	Evans, GA	1155	$28,700
2	71	Hudson O’Neal	Martinsville, IN	1090	$17,125
3	9	Devin Moran	Dresden, OH	1065	$20,925
4	39	Tim McCreadie	Watertown, NY	1050	$17,675
5	1s	Brandon Sheppard	New Berlin, IL	1045	$15,050
6	40B	Kyle Bronson	Brandon, FL	1015	$15,050
7	20RT	Ricky Thornton Jr	Adel, IA	1005	$16,300
8	157	Mike Marlar	Winfield, TN	1000	$14,500
9	14	Josh Richards	Shinnston, WV	990	$17,475
10	3s	Brian Shirley	Chatham, IL	985	$9,725
11	81E	Tanner English	Benton, KY	980	$13,800
12	25	Shane Clanton	Zebulon, GA	960	$19,300
13	1T	Tyler Erb	New Waverly, TX	955	$29,050
14	49	Jonathan Davenport	Blairsville, GA	925	$16,400
15	20	Jimmy Owens	Newport, TN	920	$13,875
16	99JR	Frank Heckenast Jr	Frankfort, IL	870	$6,500
17	1	Earl Pearson Jr	Jacksonville, FL	865	$9,275
18	16	Tyler Bruening	Decorah, IA	860	$9,775
19	56JR	Tony Jackson Jr	Lebanon, MO	820	$4,675
20	21	Billy Moyer Jr	Batesville, AR	795	$8,325

Atomic SpeedwayPhone Number: 740-703-9749Location: 2535 Blain Hwy, Waverly, OH 45690Website: www.atomicspeedway.net
Tire Rule:Left Rear/Fronts – Hoosier Rib (28.5) 1300Right Rear – Hoosier (29.0) 1300 NRM, (29.0) 1300 NRMW, (29.0) 1425 NRM, (29.0) 1425 NRMW*Must use the same set of 4 tires for Time Trials, Heat Races, and B-Mains.*For the A-Main, competitors may use 2 new rear tires.*Flat tire must be replaced with a used tire of the same compound and construction to retain starting position.
Purse: $12,000-to-win- 1. $12,000, 2. $6,000, 3. $3,500, 4. $2,800, 5. $2,500, 6. $2,300, 7. $2,200, 8. $2,100, 9. $2,050, 10. $2,000, 11. $1,600, 12. $1,400, 13. $1,200, 14. $1,100, 15. $1,050, 16. $1,000, 17. $1,000, 18. $1,000, 19. $1,000, 20. $1,000, 21. $1,000, 22. $1,000, 23. $1,000, 24. $1,000.

Brownstown SpeedwayPhone Number: 812-358-5332Location: 476 East CR 100, Brownstown, IN 47220Website: www.brownstownspeedway.com
Tire Rule:Left Rear/Fronts – Hoosier Rib (28.5) 1350Right Rear – Hoosier (29.0) 1350 NRM, (29.0) 1350 NRMW, (92) LM40*Must use the same set of 4 tires for Time Trials, Heat Races, and B-Mains.*For the A-Main, competitors may use 2 new rear tires.*Flat tire must be replaced with a used tire of the same compound and construction to retain starting position.

Purse: $15,000-to-win – 1. $15,000, 2. $6,500, 3. $3,500, 4. $3,000, 5. $2,500, 6. $2,400, 7. $2,300, 8. $2,200, 9. $2,100, 10. $2,000, 11. $1,600, 12. $1,400, 13. $1,300, 14. $1,200, 15. $1,050, 16. $1,000, 17. $1,000, 18. $1,000, 19. $1,000, 20. $1,000, 21. $1,000, 22. $1,000, 23. $1,000, 24. $1,000. 

ORLANDO, Fla. (March 2) — Troy Coughlin Jr.’s first duty as the primary driver of the JEGS.com Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro is defending the title of the second annual CTech Manufacturing World Doorslammer Nationals presented by JEGS, which takes place this weekend at Orlando Speed World Raceway.  At last year’s inaugural event, Coughlin’s uncle Jeg Coughlin Jr. emerged victorious from a stacked field of Pro Stock superstars to claim the trophy. But Jeg Jr. has since retired, handing the steering wheel of the headline-grabbing JEGS.com hot rod to his talented nephew. “It’s an absolute honor to take Uncle Jeg’s place in this car and as the defending champs of this really cool event,” Troy Jr. said. “He’s a legend in this sport and one of my all-time heroes and he left us in great shape to contend for round wins and race wins right out of the trailer. “There’s a huge excitement level for this race. It’s the very best of the NHRA going up against all the top door-slammer drivers from across the country. Whenever you have a race where the winner takes home $75,000, you’re gonna bring out all the big hitters. It feels like a huge bracket race with a healthy dose of the outlaw culture. It’s a different kind of spark, and I’m enjoying it.” Troy Jr. and team will be making several test runs Wednesday and Thursday to dial-in the tune-up. Official qualifying for the event begins with one round of action Friday evening followed by two more sessions Saturday. The elimination bracket will be set by a random draw just before Sunday’s opening round of racing. “We hope to make as many runs as possible to gain as much data as we can,” Troy Jr. said. “These will be our first runs of the year so it’ll feel great to let out the clutch, knock that rust off, and take this JEGS Chevy through the gears. The car’s basically the same as when Uncle Jeg got out of it last year. We just inserted my seat and clutch pedal. “I have a real desire to start off strong with this group. The best way to show my appreciation for all the hard work they put in is to win that big paycheck on Sunday so we can spread the love around. I’m so excited to get started.” This is the second year the World Doorslammer Nationals will be presented by JEGS, the mail-order high-performance parts giant that has supported the sport of drag racing since its inception 60-plus years ago. Fans wishing to watch the action can do so via the live streaming on FloRacing.com.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: Kyle Strickler, Brandon Sheppard, Scott Bloomquist and more aim for $12K payday in TennesseeMARYVILLE, TN – March 2, 2021 – Tennessee will welcome the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Models for the first time in 2021 on Saturday, March 6, at the 4/10-mile Smoky Mountain Speedway.The Series spent the last two months playing with gators in Florida but will now keep the season rolling through the South and Midwest, starting with this weekend’s $12,000-to-win Tennessee Tipoff.There have been four different winners in the first five races, so far, and Smoky Mountain may see another new winner. The track has produced six different winners in its last six World of Outlaws events and has had eight different winners in the Series’ nine events there.If you’re unable to make it to the track can watch all of the action live on DIRTVision with the annual Platinum FAST PASS subscription for $299/year or the monthly FAST PASS subscription for $39/month.Here are the top stories to follow this weekend:ROOKIE LEADER: Rookie of the Year contender Kyle Strickler, of Sinking Spring, PA, enters Smoky Mountain with the current Series points lead – 68 points ahead of Kyle Bronson. He had an exceptional start to the season in Florida, leading him to join the World of Outlaws full-time in 2021. Strickler claimed his first two career wins in the first five races of the year and has yet to finish outside the top-10 – the only driver with that feat.He’s yet to run with the World of Outlaws at Smoky Mountain but has made a handful of starts at the 4/10-mile track in his short Late Model career. His best finish there, so far, is eighth.LOOKING TO TAKE OFF: The spark is lit and the Rocket1 Racing team with three-time defending Series champion Brandon Sheppard, of New Berlin, IL, will be poised to take off at Smoky Mountain Speedway. They were unable to claim a top-five finish during the first five races of the season at Volusia Speedway Park. And while Sheppard has yet to earn a Series win at Smoky Mounty, he’s had success at the track.He won with the Southern All Star Dirt Racing Series in 2017 and hasn’t finished worse than fourth in the last three World of Outlaws events at the track. A win this weekend would also be his 70th career World of Outlaws win.BOSS LEVEL: The first five races of the World of Outlaws season didn’t go as well as Ross “The Boss” Bailes, of Clover, SC, would’ve liked. But since then, he went on a run of one win and two second-place finishes with the Drydene Xtreme DIRTcar Series. He’s hoping to carry that momentum into the Smoky Mountain event, as he’s also racing for the Rookie of the Year honors against the likes of Kyle Strickler.He’s made trips to the Tennessee track before but has yet to make that trip with the World of Outlaws. So far, this season, Bailes has claimed one top-10 finish and currently sits 10th in Series points.THREE, TWO, ONE?: In Ricky Weiss’s last two visits to Smoky Mountain with the World of Outlaws he finished third and second, respectively. Could a win be on tap this year? If so, it would be his first behind the wheel of his own Sniper Chassis. In its first four races at Volusia, the new chassis helped Weiss earn three top-10 finishes – his one top-five finish came in a Team Zero car after he wrecked his Sniper.Aside from his World of Outlaws success at Smoky Mountain, Weiss, of Headingly, MB, has earned two victories at the track in 2019 with the All Star Dirt Racing Series.TENNESSEE SUNSHINE: In the World of Outlaws’ nine previous visits to Smoky Mountain, only one driver has visited Victory Lane multiple times – Tennessee’s Scott Bloomquist. Black Sunshine won two consecutive events at the track in 2015 and 2016. A win in his home state this weekend, behind the wheel of his Drydene machine, would be his 34th career World of Outlaws victory. He finished 16th at the track last year.Bloomquist earned a second-place finish during the second race of the season but was unable to crack the top-10 during the DIRTcar Nationals.THIS WEEK AT A GLANCE: WHEN & WHERE Saturday, March 6, at Smoky Mountain Speedway for the Tennessee Tipoff | EVENT INFOABOUT THE TRACK Smoky Mountain Speedway is a high-banked 4/10-mile track Online – SmokyMountainSpeedway.com Track Record – 14.860 sec. set by Billy Ogle, Jr. in November 2013SMOKY MOUNTAIN SPEEDWAY PREVIOUS WINNERS 2020 – Mike Marlar on March 7 2019 – Jimmy Owens on March 23 2018 – Chris Madden on Apr. 27; Dale McDowell on Apr. 28 2017 – Brandon Overton on May 16 2016 – Scott Bloomquist on May 7 2015 – Scott Bloomquist on May 9 2013 – Shane Clanton on April 26 2004 – Rick Eckert on April 3ON THE INTERNET World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Models Series Twitter – Twitter.com/WoOLateModels – @WoOLateModels Instagram – Instagram.com/WoOLateModels – @woolatemodels Facebook – Facebook.com/WorldofOutlawsLateModelSeries YouTube – Youtube.com/WorldofOutlaws DIRTVision – DIRTVision.com – Platinum annual FAST PASS for $299 or monthly FAST PASS for $39/monthAROUND THE TURN: The World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Models on Friday and Saturday, March 26-27, will return to Cherokee Speedway in Gaffney, SC. Click HERE for event info.2021 STATS There has been five World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Features this year.FEATURE WINNERS (4 drivers) Rank – Driver, Hometown – Wins 1 – Kyle Strickler, Sinking Spring, PA – 2 2 – Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL – 1 – Devin Moran, Dresden, OH – 1 – Brandon Overton, Evans, GA – 1DRYDENE HEAT WINNERS (16 drivers) Rank – Driver, Hometown – Wins 1 – Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL – 3 2 – Kyle Strickler, Sinking Spring, PA – 2 – Tim McCreadie, Watertown, NY – 2 – Devin Moran, Dresden, OH – 2 – Tyler Bruening, Decorah, IA – 2 – Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL – 2 3 – Dale McDowell, Chickamauga, GA – 1 – Darrell Lanigan, Union, KY – 1 – Scott Bloomquist, Moorseburg, TN – 1 – Parker Martin, Milledgeville, GA – 1 – Ross Bailes, Clover, SC – 1 – Chris Madden, Gray Court, SC – 1 – Cade Dillard, Robeline, LA – 1 – Dale McDowell, Chickamauga, GA – 1 – Brandon Overton, Evans, GA ­­­– 1 – Brent Larson, Lake Elmo, MN – 1LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINNERS (6 drivers) Rank – Driver, Hometown – Wins 1 – Ricky Weiss, Headingly, MB – 2 2 – Ross Robinson, Clover, SC – 1 – Boom Briggs, Bear Lake, PA – 1 – Dale McDowell, Chickamauga, GA – 1 – Brent Larson, Lake Elmo, MN – 1 – Scott Bloomquist, Moorseburg, TN – 1 – Chase Junghans, Manhattan, KS – 1 – Brandon Overton, Evans, GA – 1 – Dennis Erb, Jr., Carpentersville, IL – 1 – Mike Norris, Sarver, PA – 1 PODIUM FINISHES (11 drivers) Rank – Driver, Hometown – Podiums 1 – Kyle Strickler, Sinking Spring, PA – 3 2 – Devin Moran, Dresden, OH – 2 – Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL – 2 3 – Cade Dillard, Robeline, LA – 1 – Scott Bloomquist, Moorseburg, TN – 1 – Darrell Lanigan, Union, KY – 1 – Hudson O’Neal, Martinsville, IN – 1 – Ricky Thornton, Jr., Chandler, AZ – 1 – Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL – 1 – Dale McDowell, Chickamauga, GA – 1 – Brandon Overton, Evans, GA – 1HARD CHARGER AWARD (4 drivers) Rank – Driver, Hometown – H.C. Awards 1 – Ricky Weiss, Headingly, MB – 2 2 – Boom Briggs, Bear Lake, PA – 1 – Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin, IL – 1 – Chase Junghans, Manhattan, KS – 1SLICK WOODY’S QUICK TIME Award (5 drivers) Rank – Driver, Hometown – QTs 1 – Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL – 1 – Kyle Strickler, Sinking Spring, PA – 1 – Brandon Overton, Evans, GA – 1 – Devin Moran, Dresden, OH – 1 – Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL – 12021 World of Outlaws Late Model Schedule & Winners No./ Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner (Total Wins) 1. Thursday, Jan. 14 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Kyle Bronson (1) 2. Saturday, Jan. 16 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Kyle Strickler (1) 3. Wednesday, Feb. 10 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Kyle Strickler (2) 4. Thursday, Feb. 11 / Voluisa Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Devin Moran (1) 5. Friday, Feb. 12 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Brandon Overton (1)

The World of Outlaws Morton Buildings® Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Drydene (Official Motor Oil), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), Morton Buildings (Official Building), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider) VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors, including: Arizona Sport Shirts/Gotta Race, ARP (Automotive Racing Products), Cometic Gasket, COMP Cams, MSD, Penske Racing Shocks, Quarter Master, Slick Woody’s (Quick Time Award), and Wrisco (Exclusive Racing Aluminum); along with manufacturer sponsors, including: Capital Race Cars, FireAde, Integra Shocks, Intercomp, K1 Race Gear, Racing Electronics, Reliable Painting, and Rocket Chassis.Founded in 1978, the World of Outlaws®, based in Concord, NC, is the premier national touring series for dirt track racing in North America, featuring the most powerful cars on dirt, the World of Outlaws NOS® Energy Drink Sprint Car Series and the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings® Late Model Series. Annually, the two series race nearly 140 times at tracks across the United States and Canada. CBS Sports Network is the official broadcast partner of the World of Outlaws. DIRTVision® also broadcasts World of Outlaws events over the Internet to fans around the world. Learn more about the World of Outlaws.

INDIANAPOLIS (March 2, 2021)- The PMH Powering Diversity movement is kicking off Women’s History Month with the announcement of its final Formula 4 United States Championship Powered by Honda scholarship recipient- Chloe Chambers.

Chambers will make F4 U.S. history as the inaugural PMH Powering Diversity Scholarship winner for F4 U.S. The New York native will embark on an immersive year of learning as she transitions from karts to cars with a full season campaign in the F4 U.S. Championship 2021 season.

As part of the scholarship program, Chambers will have an all-star lineup of coaches and advisors backing the 16-year-old’s single-seater debut. Two-time Indianapolis 500 winner Al Unser Jr., and SFHR Development co-owner and former IndyCar driver Sarah Fisher will oversee Chambers’ development.

“We were really excited to meet Chloe (Chambers) and hear her story,” said Parella Motorsports Holdings President and CEO Tony Parella. “She is doing great things for the sport on and off the race track, making her a great candidate for the PMH Powering Diversity Scholarship. We are looking forward to having her race with us in F4 U.S. this season.”

Chambers will pilot the red, white and blue No. 8 JS Ligier F4 for the newly formed Future Star Racing team. Launched by Mark and Alora McAlister, the same investors who supported Fisher through her open-wheel career, Future Star Racing supports drivers who have the talent to compete but are lacking budget to move forward in their racing careers. Already gaining momentum for the season, Chambers has logged laps, testing with the team to prepare for her season debut March 26-28 in Atlanta.

“What an incredible opportunity the McAlisters are creating through FSR,” said Fisher, who was the first female driver to win pole position in a major American open-wheel race and has the most Indianapolis 500 starts of any other female competitor in history of the race. “And for these drivers to work with Al [Unser, Jr.] is a great addition to their program. He and his dad helped me immensely with driving techniques in IndyCar, so our team’s alliance with FSR is coming full circle. Al is an expert on road courses which Chloe will benefit greatly from him as her coach.”

Racing since she was eight years old, Chambers has garnered numerous wins and championships at every level of her karting career- most notably her performance at the SKUSA Super Nationals in Las Vegas, where she placed third out of 80 of the world’s best drivers.  In 2020, she finished on the podium at the Florida Winter Tour, and moved up to the top class in karting. She won her first national race in the senior class, making her the WKA Grand National Champion in ROK Senior

In the same year, the Asian-American female driver made waves in the racing community after going viral when she set the Guinness World Record for fastest vehicle slalom. The record-breaking run saw Chambers take a Porsche 718 Spyder through the 50-cone course in just 47.45 seconds, beating the former record set in China in 2018.

Chambers’ off-track activities are just as impressive as what she is accomplishing on track. Chambers acts as an ambassador for the Gift of Adoption Fund, a foundation very close to the Chambers family, as Chloe and both her siblings were adopted.

Chambers is also the youngest Shift Up Now ambassador. Co-founded by IndyCar driver Pippa Mann, Shift Up Now is a collective group of female racers using motorsports to inspire confidence and courage.

“I am super excited to race in the F4 U.S. Championship with Future Star Racing,” Chambers said. “I am incredibly grateful to Mark and Alora McAlister for this opportunity, along with Tony Parella for awarding me the PMH Powering Diversity Scholarship. It is an honor to represent Gift of Adoption Fund – a cause that is so dear to my family.”

The scholarship program, initiated by Parella Motorsports Holdings with the goal to create a more diverse field of formula drivers at the grassroots level, includes entry fees to all series test days and 18 championship races from PMH, a season-long fuel stipend from Sunoco Race Fuels and a parts voucher from Ligier Automotive North America.

Chambers is the final PMH Powering Diversity Scholarship winner to be announced for the 2021 season. She joins Ernie Francis Jr. (FR Americas Championship Presented by Honda) and Emily Linscott (F4 U.S. Championship) for the inaugural scholarship lineup. 

The 2021 F4 U.S. season kicks off at Michelin Raceway Road Atlanta as part of the Atlanta SpeedTour March 26-28.

YORBA LINDA, Calif. (March 02, 2021) – To begin the 2021 NHRA Camping World Series season, BlueDEF PLATINUM™ will be emblazoned on the side of 16-time Funny Car world champion John Force’s Chevrolet Camaro SS Funny Car. In coordination with Old World Industries, the parent company of the PEAK and BlueDEF brands that have been the title sponsor on the legend’s car since 2015, Force will be in slightly different colors when he makes his Camping World Series debut in Gainesville. Swapping the lime green for dark blue and black featuring OWI’s newest product, BlueDEF PLATINUM, Force’s Chevy Camaro will match the promotional materials used by Chevy and BlueDEF’s collaborative BlueDEF Chevy Silverado Diesel sweepstakes from 2020. “I’ve been looking forward to getting back to the racetrack and to be doing it with BlueDEF PLATINUM and PEAK Performance makes it even better. BlueDEF worked with Chevy and gave away a Silverado last year and now I finally get to the race the car that goes with it.” said Force, winner of 151 national event titles, the most in NHRA history. “They’ve stuck with me while we worked promotions away from the track, now it’s time to bring this car out and get back to business. My car may look just a little different and this season out at the track may look a little different but it’s the same old John Force with PEAK / BlueDEF and Old World Industries supporting me.” “I think I speak for everyone at Old World Industries when I say that we are excited to have the John Force Racing team back in 2021. Last year we partnered with Chevrolet for the BlueDEF Chevy Silverado Diesel sweepstakes and we’ll start the season with John running that paint scheme to match,” said Brian Bohlander, Director of Marketing – Sports and Partnership. “It’ll be great to finally see John and his team on track in this BlueDEF PLATINUM car which was originally scheduled to debut last year at the Gainesville event.” BlueDEF PLATINUM features new ADVANCED SYSTEM SHIELD™ TECHNOLOGY, which significantly reduces harmful deposits that commonly build up in modern diesel exhaust systems with SCR. With regular use, these harmful deposits are significantly reduced, providing optimum fuel economy, saving money on costly repairs, and sustaining the life of the system. BlueDEF PLATINUM is manufactured under ISO 22241 guidelines to ensure the highest product quality and is API registered, meeting or exceeding OEM specifications for diesel exhaust fluid. To learn more about this exciting innovation, go to www.BlueDEFPlatinum.com.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR: World of Outlaws Get Back on Track at Volusia & East Bay80+ Race Season Resumes on Friday & Saturday in Sunshine StateBARBERVILLE, FL – March 1, 2021 – After almost a month on the sidelines, The Greatest Show on Dirt is set to roar back to life this weekend.A heap of cancellations due to weather, COVID-19 restrictions, and even State of Emergencies marred the February slate, but a new revised schedule has been released and we’re re-kicking off the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car season with a Florida doubleheader.It all begins this Friday, March 5 with another race at Volusia Speedway Park, followed by a return to East Bay Raceway Park for the first time since 1983 on Saturday, March 6.VOLUSIA TICKETS / / / EAST BAY TICKETSLet’s catch up on some of the storylines entering this weekend:SCHATZ STILL CHASING 300: We haven’t hit the track since February 7, the night that an ignition box failure devastatingly ripped Donny Schatz’s 300th career World of Outlaws win away from him with only two laps remaining. Heading into this weekend, the Tony Stewart Racing #15 driver has two solid shots to finally nail down that elusive milestone mark. The ten-time World of Outlaws champion is the winningest driver in Series history at Volusia (13 wins), and he just won at East Bay last month in All Star Circuit of Champions action. Is this the weekend for win #300?CONSISTENCY IS KEY: With 80+ races on the schedule, it takes a whole lot of consistency to stay at the top of the standings with the World of Outlaws. Through the opening two races at Volusia, three drivers scored a top five finish both nights and six drivers earned a top ten in each show. Leading the charge in that group is the current top three in points of Shark Racing’s Logan Schuchart (2nd, 1st), Kasey Kahne Racing’s Brad Sweet (1st, 5th) and Big Game Motorsports’ David Gravel (4th, 4th).Earning top ten efforts each night at Volusia was Carson Macedo of Lemoore, CA (5th, 6th), Jacob Allen of Hanover, PA (7th, 8th), and Aaron Reutzel of Clute, TX (6th, 10th).BACK & FORTH: Sweet then Schuchart then Sweet then Schuchart. That’s just the way it goes at Volusia Speedway Park of late. Over the last four races at The World’s Fastest Half-Mile, those two championship contenders have traded victories Mano a Mano. Sweet, who is vying for his third consecutive World of Outlaws championship this year, owns eight total career wins at Volusia with six in Outlaws competition including the 2021 season opener.Schuchart, last year’s championship runner-up, has turned a corner at Volusia and suddenly became one of the track’s most successful stars of late. From 2013-20, Schuchart admittedly struggled at the half-mile with a bleak average finish of 14.1 in 20 starts. Then, with the flip of a switch, he became almost unstoppable. In his last seven starts at Volusia, Schuchart has finished 2nd-5th-1st-1st-2nd-2nd-1st.FLORIDA IN… MARCH: Dating back to 1981, the World of Outlaws have contested 46 events at Volusia Speedway Park with all 46 happening in February. So, this Friday’s show at the Barberville, FL half-mile will mark the first occurrence in Series history of a March race at Volusia. With high’s in the upper 70’s and lows only down to the 50’s, fans and drivers alike can expect beautiful weather at Volusia. Being a non-DIRTcar Nationals event, the dynamic of the track changes without 100 modifieds as the support division like in February. It’s also only a one-night show, whereas drivers are used to a five-day program at DIRTcar Nationals with a practice night. This Friday, though, it’s just Hot Laps, Slick Woody’s Qualifying, Drydene Heat Races, Last Chance Showdown, and a $10,000/Win NOS Energy Drink Feature.LONG TIME, NO SEE: It’s been 38 long years since the World of Outlaws last raced at East Bay Raceway Park. To be exact, Saturday marks 13,900 days since Steve Kinser won the most recent show on February 15, 1983. Since then, an entirely new generation of Outlaws have taken control of carrying the torch. Of the current 15 full-time drivers, only three of them (Johnson born in ’71, Sides born in ’73, Schatz born in ’77) were even alive when that last race happened. However, East Bay’s iconic beachside location and unique track surface has kept the Tampa, FL 1/3rd-mile more than relevant in sprint car circles over the last four decades. Donny Schatz happily noted “Everyone has wondered why the Outlaws don’t go there when we come to Florida, and now we don’t have to answer that question because we’re going.”FRESH START: For seven Outlaws, the 50th DIRTcar Nationals last month didn’t exactly offer the dream start to the season that they imagined. The likes of Sheldon Haudenschild (13th in PTS), Brock Zearfoss (16th), Jason Sides (17th), Kraig Kinser (20th), Wayne Johnson (22nd), Parker Price-Miller (23rd), and Mason Daniel (24th) left Florida in February without a top ten result. They’ll all return this weekend with their sights set on a fresh start to get their season heading in the right direction.Anyone unable to make it to the track can watch all of the action live on DIRTVision with the annual Platinum FAST PASS subscription for $299/year or the monthly FAST PASS subscription for $39/month.

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink® Sprint Car Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Drydene (Official Motor Oil), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), Morton Buildings (Official Building), NOS Energy (Official Energy Product), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider) and VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel); contingency sponsors include ARP (Automotive Racing Products), Cometic Gasket, COMP Cams, KSE Racing Products (Hard Charger Award), MSD and Slick Woody’s (Quick Time Award); manufacturer sponsors include FireAde, Intercomp, K1 Race Gear, and Racing Electronics.Founded in 1978, the World of Outlaws®, based in Concord, NC, is the premier national touring series for dirt track racing in North America, featuring the most powerful cars on dirt, the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series and the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series. Annually, the two series race nearly 140 times at tracks across the United States and Canada. CBS Sports Network is the official broadcast partner of the World of Outlaws. DIRTVision® also broadcasts all World of Outlaws events over the Internet to fans around the world. Learn more about the World of Outlaws.

Inside Line Promotions – FRESNO, Calif. (March 1, 2021) – Dominic Scelzi is gearing up for a two-day 360ci winged sprint car event at Kern County Raceway Park this weekend.

The dirt oval in Bakersfield, Calif., had been slated to host the Lucas Oil ASCS National Tour this Friday and Saturday. Series officials recently pulled out from the weekend in concern over the pandemic. Meanwhile track officials said the show will go on.

“I think it’s going to be a good deal,” Scelzi said. “I feel like I made 1,000 calls yesterday talking to who was going to be there.

“I love the race track. It’s the perfect size and shape to create exciting events. We don’t get to race there very much, but it’s been exciting every single time we’ve raced there. I’m excited for them to do their first winged 360 event.”

Scelzi has visited the track four times – all with the King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Series. He placed third during his inaugural race in 2018 before ending seventh later that season. Scelzi swept two trips to the track in 2019.

“The first time we went there we were solid and fought to possibly win the race,” he said. “The second time we went there I wasn’t going to win it, but we were pretty good and a second-place car. I got together with a guy and ended up not finishing. We were super, super good. Then we swept the season there in 2019. I feel like the worst I should have finished was third so I feel really good going back there.

“It’s been different almost every time I’ve been there. Sometimes the track is slick and they rework it. Sometimes it’s wet to start with and gets slick and wide. Hopefully it will be slick, wide and racy. I feel confident no matter what the surface is like.”

SEASON STATS –

4 races, 0 wins, 2 top fives, 4 top 10s, 4 top 15s, 4 top 20s

UP NEXT –

Friday and Saturday at Kern County Raceway Park in Bakersfield, Calif., with the King of the Thunder Series

MEDIA LINKS –

Website: http://www.GaryScelziMotorsports.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DominicScelzi41

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

Fans are invited to the Pennzoil Virtual Proving Grounds to engage in track weekend activities

Houston, TX – March 1, 2021. Pennzoil^® is back at Las Vegas Motor Speedway to host the fourth annual Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube as part of the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) race season. Continuing this season’s heart-pounding racing, the Pennzoil 400 will once again headline an action-packed, triple-header motorsports weekend, with a virtual experience for fans and on-track excitement. The green flag will wave at the Pennzoil 400 on Sunday, March 7^th at 12:30 PM PST and will be broadcast live on FOX. 

“We at Shell-Pennzoil are eager to see what the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series race season has in store for both the fans and motorsport’s most entertaining drivers,” said Machteld de Haan, CEO, Pennzoil Quaker State Company and Vice President, Shell Lubricants Americas. “The Pennzoil 400 presented by Jiffy Lube has been held at Las Vegas Motor Speedway since 2018 and is always one of the most anticipated, premiere races to drivers. Our team is proud to be a part of such winning history with Team Penske and its drivers at this event, and we hope to continue to make history at this year’s race as well. In lieu of physical attendance at the track, we are hosting fans from far and wide to join us virtually through the Pennzoil Virtual Proving Grounds and experience the track like never before. While our virtual experience will be unforgettable, we are certain that the on-track action will be another race to remember.”

The Pennzoil Virtual Proving Grounds allows fans to experience the Pennzoil 400 and Las Vegas Motor Speedway in ways not possible before, with more than a dozen virtual ‘hotspots’ available for race fans around the world to experience from the comfort of their homes. Fans can access the Pennzoil Virtual Proving Grounds through the link below, also located on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway website in their Virtual Fan Zone and on Pennzoil.com. It is recommended to access the Pennzoil Virtual Proving Grounds via a desktop computer using Chrome as the web browser. 

Pennzoil Virtual Proving Grounds: pennzoil400.pixelhublive.com

2021 Pennzoil Virtual Proving Grounds Hotspot Highlights:

• Virtual Las Vegas Show: Fans can tune in to watch a previously-recorded live show with many familiar Las Vegas faces! The variety show will include a performance from Shin Lim, a two-time America’s Got Talent champion and star of his own show at The Mirage in Las Vegas! Also headlining is Max Major, named Washington D.C.’s Best Performance Artist four years in a row and much more. Fans can view the show within the Pennzoil Virtual Proving Grounds on Friday, March 5^th.

• NASCAR Cup Series Car Walkaround with Larry McReynolds: America’s Crew Chief takes fans on a virtual walkaround of Joey Logano’s NASCAR Cup Series car, demonstrating the important components of a car and its team.

• Shell Racing App: Fans can race incredible cars including the Shell Motorsports Collection on a variety of custom tracks! Users can race against one another or try and beat Joey’s game time. The app is available for download now in the App Store and Play Store and is free to users.
• Create Your Own Track: Fans can design their own Pennzoil-branded racetrack inside the Shell Racing app. Customization includes the choice to build an extreme ‘Arcade’ track or speedy and smooth ‘Motorsport’ track. After designing, fans can then race around their newly created track!

• Planet Fitness^® Workout: Fans can experience the desert heat and work up a sweat by participating in a Joey Logano-led Planet Fitness workout. Tune in to the live workout on Tuesday, March 2^nd at 7:00 PM EST. The workout will be available to access for fans at its designated hotspot after the workout concludes on Tuesday.

• Hauler Experience: Larry McReynolds will take fans on a virtual tour inside a Team Penske hauler to see how teams can bring their garage with them to every racetrack. Fans can see where the racecars are stored, the various storage for spare parts, the mobile office for the crews, even the kitchen for meals on the road!

• Pennzoil National Promotion: Within the Pennzoil Virtual Proving Grounds, fans can choose to participate in the brand’s national promotion, where purchasers of Pennzoil Platinum^® Full Synthetic motor oil are eligible to receive a $22 Shell Gift Card. The offer is valid through March 14, 2021 at participating locations. For more details on the promotion, please visit www.Pennzoil.com/oilchangeoffer.

Team Penske driver and current back-to-back Pennzoil 400 champion, Joey Logano, will return to Las Vegas Motor Speedway in his No. 22 Pennzoil Ford Mustang sporting a Pennzoil primary paint scheme while attempting to capture his third straight Pennzoil 400 victory. Meanwhile, teammate Ryan Blaney will pilot his No. 12 Ford Mustang Pennzoil/Menards co-primary paint scheme as the two look to punch their ticket to the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs. Team Penske drivers will have the cutting-edge technology of Pennzoil, the first synthetic motor oil made from natural gas, under their hood for unbeatable engine protection^[1] as the green flag waves for a 267-lap sprint to the finish line in the Nevada desert. Pennzoil engineers continuously work on the motor oil that goes into the race cars on the track. The Pennzoil 400 is just one example of how Pennzoil is able to innovate and support winning teams and drivers like Joey Logano and Team Penske. The on track performance and data serve as a laboratory for the motor oil Pennzoil introduces for passenger cars, helping make sure that drivers get the most out of their vehicle.

“Jiffy Lube is proud to continue its presenting sponsorship of the Pennzoil 400,” said Edward Hymes, President, Jiffy Lube International, Inc. “While the race and its surrounding events will look different this year, the virtual nature of the weekend allows us to significantly extend our reach and connect with our audience in a new and interactive way.  We are able to engage with race fans on their own terms, whether they are streaming content on their digital device or watching the action live on FOX. There truly will be something for everyone.”

The relationship with Speedway Motorsports Incorporated (SMI), owner and operator of the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, provides Pennzoil a stage to cultivate relationships with fans, partners and customers and put the spotlight on a shared appreciation for motorsports.

“We are excited for the Pennzoil 400 to be the first race on the west coast in the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series,” said Las Vegas Motor Speedway President, Chris Powell. “Shell and Pennzoil strive to be the standard in motorsports and we are thrilled to help set that standard by helping Pennzoil host one of the most exciting races of the season at our world-class facility.”

For more information about technical relationships between Pennzoil and motorsports teams, visitwww.Pennzoil.com/en_us/performance. To stay up-to-date on the latest activities, be sure to ‘like’ the official Pennzoil Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/Pennzoil) and follow @Pennzoil on Twitter (www.twitter.com/Pennzoil) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/Pennzoil) using #Pennzoil400.

Batavia, OH (March 1, 2021) – Officials of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series are proud to announce that Brandon Ford, World’s Largest Volume Ford Dealer, is the new sponsor of the TV Race Challenge. The Brandon Ford TV Race Challenge will award points to drivers at the 33 televised events broadcasted on Network TV within the series schedule. The winner of the Brandon Ford TV Race Challenge points category will receive a $10,000 bonus, while second and third will receive $3,000 and $2,000 respectively at the year-end awards banquet. The talent of the nation’s top dirt late model drivers will be put on display along the way, not only at each facility during the live streams, but also during the 33 broadcasted events on the MAVTV Motorsports Network, 15 events on CBS Sports Network, 5 events on CBS, and 13 events on NBC Sports Network. “Having Brandon Ford sponsor this category adds to the excitement of our TV package in 2021. The drivers always want to perform at their best when the TV cameras are on, but also have added cash incentives to compete for during TV races. We want to thank Wayne Hammond and everyone at Brandon Ford for all their support of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series,” stated Wayne Castleberry, Corporate Motorsports Sales and Marketing for Lucas Oil Products. After nine TV events completed during Speedweeks, Brandon Overton leads Hudson O’Neal, Devin Moran, Brandon Sheppard and Kyle Bronson in the Brandon Ford TV Points category. Brandon Ford, located in Tampa, FL, has won Ford’s prestigious President’s Award 17 years in a row, saluting the top-performing Ford and Lincoln dealerships that pursue excellence in the highest levels of customer satisfaction in both sales and service. Brandon Ford has one of the largest inventories of new and pre-owned vehicles in the nation. Brandon Ford is centrally located just minutes away from the Crosstown, I-75 and I-4. They are located at the corners of State Roads 301 and 60, with entrances at both sides. Their hours are posted on their website for your convenience, as well as contact phone numbers for each of their departments.  To learn more about Brandon Ford or if you are interested in purchasing a vehicle, visit: www.brandonford.com. Brandon Ford TV Race Challenge Points (as of 2/2/21)  PosCar #CompetitorHometownPoints176Brandon OvertonEvans, GA1825271Hudson O’NealMartinsville, IN171539Devin MoranDresden, OH168541sBrandon SheppardNew Berlin, IL1645540BKyle BronsonBrandon, FL1580639Tim McCreadieWatertown, NY1575781ETanner EnglishBenton, KY155081TTyler ErbNew Waverly, TX1540914Josh RichardsShinnston, WV152510157Mike MarlarWinfield, TN1505113sBrian ShirleyChatham, IL14751249Jonathan DavenportBlairsville, GA14301320Jimmy OwensNewport, TN1410141Earl Pearson JrJacksonville, FL13851525Shane ClantonZebulon, GA13251620RTRicky Thornton JrAdel, IA12951721Billy Moyer JrBatesville, AR12951899JRFrank Heckenast JrFrankfort, IL12451916Tyler BrueningDecorah, IA111020385Mark WhitenerMiddleburg, FL1030  2021 Brandon Ford TV Race Challenge Events  DateTrackEventLocationTo WinLaps23-JanAll-Tech RacewayGeneral Tire Winter Nationals Presented By LINE-XLake City, FL$15,0005025-JanEast Bay Raceway Park45th Annual Wrisco Winternationals Presented By Lucas OilTampa, FL$5,0003026-JanEast Bay Raceway Park45th Annual Wrisco Winternationals Presented By Lucas OilTampa, FL$5,0003027-JanEast Bay Raceway Park45th Annual Wrisco Winternationals Presented By Lucas OilTampa, FL$7,0004028-JanEast Bay Raceway Park45th Annual Wrisco Winternationals Presented By Lucas OilTampa, FL$7,0004029-JanEast Bay Raceway Park45th Annual Wrisco Winternationals Presented By Lucas OilTampa, FL$12,0005030-JanEast Bay Raceway Park45th Annual Wrisco Winternationals Presented By Lucas OilTampa, FL$15,000501-FebBubba Raceway ParkK&N Filters Winter Nationals Presented By OPTIMA BatteriesOcala, FL$10,000402-FebBubba Raceway ParkK&N Filters Winter Nationals Presented By OPTIMA BatteriesOcala, FL$10,0004023-AprTri-City SpeedwayBullet Race Engines 50Granite City, IL$12,0005024-AprMacon SpeedwayMacon, IL$15,00010027-MayLucas Oil Speedway8th Annual Cowboy Classic Wheatland, MO$6,0004528-MayLucas Oil SpeedwayThe Tribute to Don and Billie Gibson Wheatland, MO$6,0004029-MayLucas Oil Speedway29th Annual Lucas Oil Show-Me 100 Wheatland, MO$30,00010017-JunMagnolia Motor SpeedwayClash at the Mag presented by Big River SteelColumbus, MS$5,0002518-JunMagnolia Motor SpeedwayClash at the Mag presented by Big River SteelColumbus, MS$5,0002519-JunMagnolia Motor SpeedwayClash at the Mag presented by Big River SteelColumbus, MS$15,0006016-JulTri-City SpeedwayNAPA Know How 50Granite City, IL$12,0005017-JulLucas Oil Speedway15th Annual Diamond NationalsWheatland, MO$15,0005022-JulI-80 SpeedwayDirt Track Bank Go 50Greenwood, NE$12,0005024-JulI-80 SpeedwayImperial Tile Silver Dollar NationalsGreenwood, NE$53,0008012-AugFlorence SpeedwaySunoco North/South ShootoutUnion, KY$10,0005014-AugFlorence Speedway39th Annual Sunoco North/South 100Union, KY$50,00010019-AugBatesville Motor Speedway29th Annual COMP Cams Topless 100 Presented by Nutrien Ag SolutionsBatesville, AR$5,0003020-AugBatesville Motor Speedway29th Annual COMP Cams Topless 100 Presented by Nutrien Ag SolutionsBatesville, AR$5,0003021-AugBatesville Motor Speedway29th Annual COMP Cams Topless 100 Presented by Nutrien Ag SolutionsBatesville, AR$40,00010026-AugPort Royal SpeedwayThe Rumble by the River #1Port Royal, PA$10,0003027-AugPort Royal SpeedwayThe Rumble by the River #2 Port Royal, PA$12,0004028-AugPort Royal SpeedwayThe Rumble by the River #3Port Royal, PA$30,0005016-SepKnoxville RacewayLucas Oil Late Model NationalsKnoxville, IA$7,0002517-SepKnoxville RacewayLucas Oil Late Model NationalsKnoxville, IA$7,0002518-SepKnoxville RacewayLucas Oil Late Model NationalsKnoxville, IA$40,00010016-OctPortsmouth Raceway Park41st Annual Dirt Track World ChampionshipPortsmouth, OH$100,000100 ####

About Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series

Founded in 2005, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series showcases the talents of the top dirt late model drivers from across the country.  In 2021, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series will sanction 59 events across 18 states, including some of the biggest marquee events in the industry, providing dirt slinging, sideways, door-to-door racing action lap after lap.  The series receives national exposure through a television package filmed, produced and edited by Lucas Oil Production Studios.  Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series events will broadcast on four networks including CBS, NBC Sports, CBS Sports Network and the MAVTV Motorsports Network.    The in your face excitement of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series is second to none in motorsports. For more information, including the latest news, tour schedule, driver information, and more, visit the official website at: www.LucasDirt.com.

l eventLEWISBURG, TN – March 1, 2021 – With saturated grounds at Duck River Raceway Park and more rainstorms projected throughout the week, World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model and track officials have been forced to cancel the Friday, March 5, event at the raceway.The Saturday, March 6, Tennessee Tipoff event at Smoky Mountain Speedway is still on as scheduled with $12,000 to win on the line.For Duck River Raceway Park ticket information contact the track at 931-685-1009.For tickets to more upcoming World of Outlaws Late Model events, CLICK HERE.If you’re unable to make it to the track can watch all of the action live on DIRTVision with the annual Platinum FAST PASS subscription for $299/year or the monthly FAST PASS subscription for $39/month.

The World of Outlaws Morton Buildings® Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Drydene (Official Motor Oil), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), Morton Buildings (Official Building), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider) VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors, including: Arizona Sport Shirts/Gotta Race, ARP (Automotive Racing Products), Cometic Gasket, COMP Cams, MSD, Penske Racing Shocks, Quarter Master, Slick Woody’s (Quick Time Award), and Wrisco (Exclusive Racing Aluminum); along with manufacturer sponsors, including: Capital Race Cars, FireAde, Integra Shocks, Intercomp, K1 Race Gear, Racing Electronics, Reliable Painting, and Rocket Chassis.Founded in 1978, the World of Outlaws®, based in Concord, NC, is the premier national touring series for dirt track racing in North America, featuring the most powerful cars on dirt, the World of Outlaws NOS® Energy Drink Sprint Car Series and the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings® Late Model Series. Annually, the two series race nearly 140 times at tracks across the United States and Canada. CBS Sports Network is the official broadcast partner of the World of Outlaws. DIRTVision® also broadcasts World of Outlaws events over the Internet to fans around the world. Learn more about the World of Outlaws.

February 28, 2021

A frustrating start to the 2021 season for Matt DiBenedetto and the No. 21 Menards/Moen team continued on Sunday with a 28^th-place finish in the Dixie Vodka 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Poor finishes in the first two races of the season – both at Daytona International Speedway – relegated DiBenedetto to a starting position of 37^th on Sunday, as the field was set based on results of the first two races.

For a time early in the race, it appeared that DiBenedetto and the Menards/Moen team were on their way to putting the disappointments of February behind them. After just five laps, he had driven into the top 20, gaining a few of those spots when drivers scheduled to start ahead of him had to drop to the rear and motoring by the rest.

By Lap 16 of 167 he broke into the top 15 but lost three spots by the time the Competition Caution flew at Lap 25.

DiBenedetto finished the first 80-lap Stage in 14^th place. Stage Two was more of a challenge. Although crew chief Greg Erwin and the Menards/Moen crew made adjustments intended to improve the handling of the car, the changes didn’t produce the intended results, and the No. 21 Mustang was outside the top 20 at the end of the second Stage.

The third and final segment of the race saw DiBenedetto and the team continue their search for speed, and while he was able to gain spots just after restarts, as the runs went on he fell back.

An incident with the No. 42 of Ross Chastain left the Menards/Moen Mustang with what appeared to be minor damage, but when the team made repairs on a subsequent pit stop, DiBenedetto reported the repairs made his car drive better.
 
As the laps wound down, DiBenedetto was poised to finish just outside the top 20 but a tire problem with six laps remaining led to an unscheduled pit stop, a lost lap and a drop to 28^th place at the finish.
 
“We were just off all night,” DiBenedetto said. “Then we got damage in the nose from the 42, and that set us back more.
 
“We have some work to do.”
 
Eddie Wood said his team did its best to make the most of a difficult situation.
 
“The car was too tight for much of the race,” he said. “The crew made adjustments, but the changes made the car worse instead of better, which meant they had to go back the other way on the next stop just to get back to where they were to start with.  
 
“That was frustrating.”
 
Wood said that while the Menards/Moen team is off to a rough start to the season, he’s not overly concerned at this point.
 
“I’ve been through stretches like this many times in my years in racing,” he said. “You just have to keep working hard, and eventually things will turn around.
 
“And your competitors who have had things going good for them will have their fortunes go the other way.
 
“It’s racing.”
 
The No. 21 team will be looking for that change of fortune next Sunday in the Pennzoil 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where DiBenedetto and the team scored runner-up finishes in both Cup Series races hosted by the track in 2020.
 

Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops / TRACKER Off Road Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE Team Show Speed at Homstead-Miami Speedway

12th   22nd 11th

“All-in-all not a bad night for the Bass Pro Shops / TRACKER Off Road Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 1LE. We really had a strong car early. We drove to the front and we were going to finish fifth in Stage 2 but the caution came out. We restarted on the bottom and just made the wrong move going into Turn 1 and lost a bunch of spots. We lost some Stage Points there, so that was disappointing. We were able to get a Stage Point at the end of Stage 1. I thought we were going to be pretty good. We just never got going again like we needed to. We kind of got jumbled on some restarts. Man, Homestead-Miami Speedway is such a fun track. I got a little too tight in and loose off at the end. We just missed it when it got darker outside. We were really good early. We were doing a good job of keeping up with the track, but it changed drastically. It was really cool to see Tyler Reddick drive up to second and show us what we’ve got. It’s on to Las Vegas Motor Speedway for us.” -Austin Dillon

Tyler Reddick and the No. 8 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Team Impress With Second-Place Finish at Homestead-Miami Speedway

2nd   35th 23rd

“Well, finishing second is a good night considering how the first two weekends of the season have gone, but I hate that I didn’t get this Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevy into Victory Lane because if I would have then I would have gotten a lot of people in America free chicken tenders on Monday night. Once I really saw how fast we were in clean air at the end of the race, and I saw how fast we were catching everybody it became beyond frustrating because I know just two or three different decisions on a restart would have put me miles ahead. I knew that we were going to have to have a well-executed restart. We didn’t do that, and it takes time to get around all of those cars who pass you on a restart because they are all really good drivers. That’s the difference. I thought we would be better in the day and everyone would catch up at night, but it was the opposite of that. We tried to work on our Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevy throughout the night. We learned a lot. You have to win these races by being very consistent and making the right calls as a driver and as a team. I’m proud of how fast we were at the end of the race.” -Tyler Reddick

NARC NEWSLINE – MARCH 1, 2021, By Jim Allen … Wouldn’t you know it?  The more things change, the more they remain the same.  Everybody opened their 2021 sprint car calendar with promise and hope, desperate to sit in the main grandstands and watch some dirt track racing in California.  Next thing you know, the World of Outlaws drop the Golden State portion of their schedule faster than a prom date with a STD, and the ASCS national events slip away faster than our tax dollars in California.  Not exactly the start we were looking for but it will get better.  Just remember that promise and hope thing you had back in January … because … I promise things will get better, so do not give up on the second thing.

In the meantime, let’s take the opportunity to clear up a few things about the upcoming season.  In some cases, statements are being made, and questions are being asked, that seemingly make no sense.  Let’s take a few minutes and let me verify and clarify a few of them for you:

“What do you mean the main grandstands are the pits?” … Okay race fans, this one has been confusing for some people, so get out your decoder ring and I’ll help you understand the big picture.  Every time we post on social media about an event, the first five responses almost always are … “Are the main grandstands open?” or “are tickets being sold?”

Until you see the 49ers, Kings, Lakers, Rams, Warriors and Clippers sell “tickets” to their events, the California baseline has been set.  But look at this way (in code):  Most dirt track pit areas have less than desirable seating and sight lines for the loyal teams, sponsors, fans, and crew members who drive and power the sport.  To provide a solution, promoters statewide have done us a huge favor.  As a customer service feature, they have graciously opened their main grandstands as an extension of the pit area to enhance the open wheel experience.  Extra seating?  Problem solved!  Improved sightlines?  Mission accomplished!  So, if you want to watch sprint car racing in person – something we highly encourage you to do – buy a pit pass and mosey over to the grandstands to enhance your entertainment pleasure.

“Do I get a hot pass or a cold pass?”  Think of it this way, the hot pass represents the pits working around hot race cars.  The cold pass represents a cold beer in the grandstands.  Enough said.

“Did the world fall off its axis?  Are you telling me that the Vermeil is in Chico?  The next thing you are going to say is the Bradway is in Placerville?”  Yes, that is exactly what we are saying and that is good news.  With Calistoga Speedway overall ownership/lease situation stumbling around like a bad scene from some zombie flick, promoter Tommy Hunt made a smart business decision to move the Louie Vermeil Classic to another venue.  He knew that his great two-day event would lose some serious momentum or collapse entirely if it went dark two years in a row.  Dick Vermeil and several other key event supporters agreed with this fact and now the open wheel battles of the NARC King of the West and USAC/CRA sprint cars will be fought on the quarter-miler at Chico, rather than the half-mile at Calistoga.  Considering that the Dave Bradway Jr race moved after 29-years at Silver Dollar to Placerville Speedway, it was a great way to get the NARC sprint cars back to Chico.  And while we will lose the “flat out HammerDown” aspect of Calistoga, the wheel-to-wheel battles at Silver Dollar are typically epic.

By the way, camping spots at the Silver Dollar Fairgrounds are going fast, so don’t delay in getting yours. This show promises to have an old-school Gold Cup Race of Champions feel to it. There will be six racing events over an eight-day span at the track.   I think we will call that … “Dreamweek.”

And I almost forgot this one, “the Peter Murphy Classis is now at Tulare AND Hanford?”  Yes!  It will be a great weekend.

Are our tracks under attack?  While that question may sound like something reserved for a video game, the answer is YES!  We all know about Calistoga and Petaluma, but now we should probably throw Santa Maria Raceway into the mix.  A housing development and homeowner association is creeping up on the backside of the track and has engaged lawyers in an attempt to shut the place down. They are claiming that SMR must have an EPA study performed in order to grade any dirt on the property; something that has happened every year since 1964.  It reminds me of the people who buy a home next to an airport and then complain about the noise after they move in.  If that isn’t the biggest pile of lawyer spew you’ve ever seen, nothing is!  With that move they passed politicians as the most hated profession.

San Luis Obispo County is also doing little to help the Santa Maria Raceway operate with super restrictive COVID-19 rules, making it more likely they will score a million-dollar lottery ticket than be able to hold a practice day at the facility.  Yes, we are being attacked.

The Outlaws aren’t coming … again?  You got it!  Hopefully in the Fall.  Next question!

How do you defend a 2019 title in 2021 when the series crowns a champion every year?  As you are aware, we only ran 120 feature event laps in 2020 (four events). It has been established that the series stage a minimum of 10-races to legitimately crown a champion.  In reality, even that is not even fair.  Anything less diminishes the accomplishments of hardworking NARC champions of the past, who had to grind their way through extensive racing campaigns to log their spot in the history books.  As it sits, DJ Netto has been able to bask in the glory of being the defending King of the West champ for an extra 12-months or so.  Nothing wrong with that – he earned it.

Will (favorite driver name here) be running for 2021 points and the NARC King of the West championship?  The answer is more than likely.  There are a ton of drivers and teams who have expressed their support to the NARC King of the West series and have their equipment dialed in and ready to go.  However, if California continues to stay in super lock down mode and the Outlaws, All Stars and other states continue to flaunt their full-house racing events on PPV, expect several CA teams to hit the road.  That traveling shortlist would probably include the likes of Justin Sanders, Austin McCarl, DJ Netto, Shane Golobic, Tim Kaeding and Dominic Scelzi.  These boys just want to race!

There you go!  Hopefully, I have managed to clear up a few things for you!

NARC NOTES:  2021 Membership forms can be downloaded at NARC410.com.  There are no changes to the 2020 rulebook. That can also be downloaded off the club website.  … Chase Johnson is looking for a full-time 410-winged ride! … Kyle Offill and Blake Carrick would be the early frontrunners for rookie-of-the-year. …  Something tells me that Iowa driver Austin McCarl will be a tough man to beat with Paul Baines turning the wrenches in the Tarlton Motorsports KPC. … News from Kalib Henry’s camp is that he plans to be a frequent NARC competitor this season. … All of our events will be available on FloRacing.com. … Keep in mind that the 2021 schedule is heavily “backloaded” with 15 of our 20-events taking place after July 1^st.  Some things are worth waiting for! …

… Sunnyvalley Bacon is back to sponsor the only trophy dash in the nation that is “Powered by Bacon.” … It’s been fun to see the transformation of the track and pit area at Peter Murphy’s Keller Auto Speedway in Hanford.  Mr. Murphy is on a mission and has a vision that he is chasing hard. …  Look for the NARC King of the West sprint cars to invade the Pacific Northwest in 2022. … Predictions for 2021 include Blake Carrick, Kyle Offill and Austin McCarl winning their first NARC-KWS race; Sean Watts picking off his second; DJ Netto winning at least three features, including his first since June 2017; and 2005 series champ Sean Becker hitting a dozen for his KWS career.  The Kaeding’s will win a handful. … Can you believe it has already been 11-years since Kyle Larson won the 2010 King of the West title? …

… Our condolences go out to the friends and family of “Mr. Excitement” Anthony Simone and the “Flying Frenchman” Bill Deschamps.  Both were classic old school racers who had no fear behind the wheel of a race car.  Simone seemed invincible with some of his exploits on and off the track, many which earned him “legend” status.  Deschamps had more of a workmanlike effort in his winning approach and was a friend to all.  Deschamps also contributed his time as a NARC Board Member for 13-years, including President for four. More importantly, once both drivers hung up their helmets, they helped future generations cut their teeth in their race cars. They will be missed.

It’s hard not to notice that the racing family is losing way too many people these days.

THE 2021 SEASON OPENER:  The good news is NARC King of the West Fujitsu Sprint Car season is so close you can almost smell the racing fuel in the air.  The bad news is … if you cannot smell it, you might want to get tested for COVID-19.  But seriously, the March 20^th Stockton Dirt Track will take place, barring a hurricane-force rain out or major earthquake centered in the San Joaquin Valley.  This event salutes the one and only Northern Auto Racing Club driving legend LeRoy Van Conett.  We will see you in the pit area around hot race cars or in the grandstands with a cold beer.  Either way, you should be there because promoter Tony Noceti is excited to get the 410’s back on his reconfigured racetrack.

Coming to you live from Auburn, CA.  See ya!

Myatt Snider and the No. 2 TaxSlayer Chevrolet Team Slay It with Thrilling Victory at Homestead-Miami Speedway

1st   10th 2nd

“Wow! What a win! I guess I learned my lesson on that first restart. I spun the wheels, and then I saw Tyler Reddick spin the wheels on the second restart and I knew I might have a chance. One thing I’ve always noticed about myself is that I’m always better when I have a rabbit to chase. I knew that if I could just get as much power as I could and lay out ahead of everyone else I would have a pretty good chance, and with Tyler restarting the race he had a better chance of spinning the tires himself. Tyler is tough to beat because he has a lot of experience as a NASCAR Cup Series driver. But luckily, we did it. We slayed it! I have to thank all of these RCR guys, TaxSlayer and everyone who has helped me my entire career. It’s been a rough journey but we’re leaving here with a win and I can’t complain. The first thing I am going to do is celebrate with my team. These guys have such experience and they have guided me so much. This win puts us in a really good position for the rest of the year.” -Myatt Snider

Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship Keeps Expanded $45,000 PurseTop-20 drivers in all four DIRTcar Northeast divisions paid out for their top sixteen finishes, VP Fuels adds special bonuses WEEDSPORT, NY – DIRTcar Racing and Hoosier Tire will retain the expanded overall $45,000 purse for 2021 and beyond.With the $8,000 overall purse increase last year across the four DIRTcar Northeast divisions — Big Blocks, 358 Modifieds, Sportsman Modifieds and Pro Stocks — the top-20 drivers in each division will continue to be recognized and awarded in November during the banquet.“When we knew last year that there weren’t going to be Series events and Series point funds, we shifted our focus to the Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly to help out the tracks that did open up during the pandemic,” said DIRTcar Northeast Director Dean Reynolds. “Then it was decided to expand the number of competitors that will receive a cash payout.The Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship points cover all four DIRTcar Northeast divisions: DIRTcar Big Block Modifieds, 358 Modifieds, Sportsman Modifieds, and Pro Stocks. Each drivers’ top-16 finishes in DIRTcar sanctioned Feature are calculated for points. Stewart Friesen received $5,000 for being on top of the points for Big Blocks while Mat Williamson visited every track he could in Canada to come out on top of the DIRTcar 358 Modified points to take home $3,000. Kevin Root just nipped Andrew Buff to receive his $1,000 while “Cousin” Luke Horning was king in the Pro Stocks to receive his $1,000.VP Fuels also has many special bonuses for the top point-getters in the weekly point championship, last year they handed out more than $7,500 in fuel certificates to more than 30 different drivers to make it more lucrative.  While DIRTcar sanctioned weekly racing is the main focus of the championship, it is notable that all Series races in all divisions also count towards drivers’ top-16 finishes as well. This creates an inviting environment for drivers to race for track championships but also travel to other DIRTcar events when possible. Despite COVID-19 restrictions throughout the Northeast and Canada, there was still an impressive number of sanctioned races in all four divisions. In 2020, there were 69 DIRTcar Big Block, 66 358 Modified, 177 Sportsman Modified, and 83 Pro Stock Features completed in 2020 which raced for the first time under the top-20 pay structure. With a robust weekly championship points fund in place and a common rule set spanning most of the Northeast, DIRTcar Racing is primed for another successful year of premier dirt track racing.  Keep up with the Hoosier Racing Tire Weekly Championship points standings and the latest news on Facebook, Twitter, DIRTcar.com, and via the newsletter which can be signed up for on the website.PHOTO: Brent Smith

DIRTcar Racing is brought to fans by many important sponsors and partners, including: DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider), VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel), Chevy Performance Parts, iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), Arizona Sport Shirts/Gotta Race, and NAPA Auto Parts (SDS). Contingency sponsors include: ARP (Automotive Racing Products), ASI Race Wear (SDS), Bassett, Bicknell Racing Products, Billy Whittaker Cars & Trux (SDS), Cometic Gasket (SDS), COMP Cams, Drydene, Fast Shafts, Fox Factory (SDS), Arizona Sport Shirts/Gotta Race, Jerovetz Motorsports Shock Service, KSE Racing Products, MSD, Quarter Master, Schoenfeld Headers, Summit Racing Equipment, and Wrisco (Exclusive Racing Aluminum) (SDS); along with manufacturer sponsors, including: Beyea Headers, FireAde, Intercomp, K1 Race Gear, Racing Electronics and Velocita USA.

Madden leads by 25 points in chase for $15,000 championship MODOC, SC – Feb. 26, 2021 – It’s been a great start to Kyle Strickler’s second full-time season in a Late Model. After signing on to the full-time roster with the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series, earning his first two Outlaw Feature wins and topping the points standings after the first five races, The Highside Tickler now finds himself in the hunt of his first Drydene Xtreme DIRTcar Series championship with only one race left. The battle will be settled in the season finale this Saturday night, Feb. 27, at Modoc Raceway. Twenty-five points is all that separates the two in the standings, leaving plenty room for Strickler to make up the gap and go for the $15,000 top prize. All he has to do is finish enough spots ahead of current points leader Chris Madden – the South Carolina racing veteran, four-time Xtreme DIRTcar Feature winner and defending Series champion. That task is easier said than done, but Strickler’s up for the challenge. “We’re gonna go for the win. It still pays $8,000 for second in points. So, we’ll go [to Modoc] and try to win the race. The points will take care of themselves,” Strickler said. Strickler beat Madden by one spot last Saturday at Lake View Motor Speedway, bringing him to within 15 points of the points lead. But his third-place run Sunday at Cherokee Speedway brought the deficit back to 25 after Madden scored his second victory of the season by leading every lap of the Feature. “Chris – he’s been doing this and coming to Cherokee for so long, that if you put him on the front row, he’s gonna be really hard to beat,” Strickler said. Strickler will need a Feature win with Madden finishing seventh or worse to overtake him in the standings and clinch his first Xtreme DIRTcar championship. If he doesn’t win, Madden will need to finish even further down the running order for Strickler to make up the difference in points. Strickler’s maintained a solid gap in points over third-place Daulton Wilson throughout the Series, one which widened to 35 after Wilson placed 17th at Cherokee after blowing a tire while running third. Like many other drivers, Strickler prefers to focus on his driving rather than points-watching, but it’s still in the back of his mind. “[At Lake View and Cherokee], I was kinda playing the points game some. Especially with the racing conditions and the track conditions, you had to put yourself in a good position,” he said. A longtime driver of Longhorn Chassis in the DIRTcar UMP Modified ranks, Strickler credits a lot of his success with the Late Model as of late to the switch he and the PCC Motorsports team recently made to a Longhorn. “The car switch was huge for me, confidence-wise and for my team,” he said. “We know what we’re doing when it comes to the Longhorn cars. I just have so much confidence to drive them and I can make moves on the racetrack that I wouldn’t think about making in the Rocket [Chassis], just because I didn’t feel comfortable in it.” To be contending for a championship so early on in the year goes to show just how well Strickler and his new team have meshed in the opening races of the racing season. The big Drydene oil barrel champion’s trophy would just be icing on the cake. “The car’s fast, and that’s the important thing. When we have a fast racecar and the guys are doing their job, nothing’s falling off of it, I’m happy at the end of the day,” Strickler said. Catch the epic season finale for the Drydene Xtreme DIRTcar Series from Modoc Raceway this Saturday night at the track or LIVE on DIRTVision!

The Drydene Xtreme DIRTcar Series is brought to fans by many important sponsors and partners, including: Drydene Performance Products (Official Motor Oil), ARP [Automotive Racing Products], Chevy Performance Parts, COMP Cams, DART, DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), FireAde, Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), Intercomp, iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), MSD, Racing Electronics, SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider) and VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel).

Past champions and rookies top the bill as prime contenders for the two-day event in South CarolinaGAFFNEY, SC – Feb. 26, 2021 – The World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series will visit Cherokee Speedway for a doubleheader weekend Friday and Saturday, March 26-27.It’ll be the Series’ fifth straight year of visiting the 3/8-mile track, which will mark the Series’ first visit to South Carolina this year.Brandon Overton, who picked up his 14th career World of Outlaws victory at Volusia Speedway Park, became the first repeat winner with the Series at Cherokee last year. He bested three-time defending champion Brandon Sheppard to claim the victory.A win at Cherokee for Sheppard would be his first at the track and put him on the path to try and secure a couple of historic milestones. He’s currently one win away from 70 career World of Outlaws wins, which would put him only seven victories away from tying Josh Richards’s all-time win record of 77 career wins. He’s also looking to tie Richards for the most championships in Series history this year, too. Richards has four. Sheppard is currently at three.There will be a hoard of competitive drivers for him to try and contend with, though. Two of them may even be a pair of Rookie of the Year contenders. South Carolina-native Ross Bailes earned his first career World of Outlaws victory at Cherokee in 2019. And Kyle Strickler picked up two wins in the first five races of the season. He’s also currently atop the championship points.Chris Madden, the 28-time World of Outlaws winner, of Gray Court, SC, has yet to pick up a Series win at Cherokee but has 26 victories at the track – most recently with the Drydene Xtreme DIRTcar Series – and finished third against the Outlaws there last year.The only other two drivers to have picked up a win with the World of Outlaws at Cherokee are 2018 Series champion Mike Marlar – in 2018 – and 2015 Series champion Shane Clanton – in 2017. Clanton has rejoined the tour full-time in 2021 and will be on the hunt for his first Series win since 2019.With the best Late Model drivers in the world set to gather at Cherokee for the two-day event, The Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet are poised to give fans two more thrilling events in South Carolina.The doubleheader will also give a good preview for the Friday, Oct.1, Mike Duvall Memorial at Cherokee Speedway. For tickets to the Cherokee events, go to WorldofOutlaws.com/tix.If you’re unable to make it to the track can watch all of the action live on DIRTVision with the annual Platinum FAST PASS subscription for $299/year or the monthly FAST PASS subscription for $39/month.

The World of Outlaws Morton Buildings® Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Drydene (Official Motor Oil), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), Morton Buildings (Official Building), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider) VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel); in addition to contingency sponsors, including: Arizona Sport Shirts/Gotta Race, ARP (Automotive Racing Products), Cometic Gasket, COMP Cams, MSD, Penske Racing Shocks, Quarter Master, Slick Woody’s (Quick Time Award), and Wrisco (Exclusive Racing Aluminum); along with manufacturer sponsors, including: Capital Race Cars, FireAde, Integra Shocks, Intercomp, K1 Race Gear, Racing Electronics, Reliable Painting, and Rocket Chassis.Founded in 1978, the World of Outlaws®, based in Concord, NC, is the premier national touring series for dirt track racing in North America, featuring the most powerful cars on dirt, the World of Outlaws NOS® Energy Drink Sprint Car Series and the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings® Late Model Series. Annually, the two series race nearly 140 times at tracks across the United States and Canada. CBS Sports Network is the official broadcast partner of the World of Outlaws. DIRTVision® also broadcasts World of Outlaws events over the Internet to fans around the world. Learn more about the World of Outlaws.

THEN & NOW: Shuman and Schatz Compare East Bay Ahead of Outlaws Return on March 6 TAMPA, FL – Feb. 25, 2021 – It’s been 38 years since the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series last ran on “The Clay By The Bay.”On March 6, the long-awaited and highly-anticipated return finally happens.The conclusion to a Florida doubleheader established by a revised spring schedule, The Greatest Show on Dirt will roll into Tampa’s East Bay Raceway Park on Saturday, March 6 following another go at Barberville’s Volusia Speedway Park on Friday, March 5.BUY EAST BAY TICKETS HEREIn four plus decades of World of Outlaws history, this 38-year period from February 15, 1983 to March 6, 2020 is the single-longest gap between events for any track in Series history. Over that span, the sport has changed drastically. One thing that has stayed the same, though, is East Bay’s uniqueness.We talked to Ron Shuman – a 24-time World of Outlaws winner and East Bay victor in 1979 – and Donny Schatz – a 10-time World of Outlaws champion and East Bay winner in February – to get their perspective on the Tampa, FL 1/3rd-mile.”Everybody has heard about East Bay Raceway Park,” Schatz said. “They’ve seen the videos and they’ve wondered why the Outlaws don’t go there when we come to Florida, and now we don’t have to answer that question because we’re going.”Heard about East Bay they had. Although only three of the current 15 full-time drivers had been born before 1983, almost all of them have raced at the track at some point, be it 360 sprint cars or with the All Stars Circuit of Champions. In fact, East Bay is where Schatz met fellow Outlaw and longtime friend Jason Sides back in the 1990’s.Shuman, of Tempe, AZ, and his gang of original Outlaws were accustomed to East Bay as a mainstay on the calendar each year. From 1979 to 1983, they ran 17 events at the track with multi-day programs each time. While modern day runners get their taste of Florida fun at Volusia, Shuman and his friends Kinser, Swindell, Wolfgang, and others soaked up the sun in Tampa.”The biggest difference for us back then was we ran without wings,” Shuman noted. “Being in ’79, we were still running wings at some tracks and without at others, and East Bay was a non-wing place. We raced at that place a lot back in the day too, I mean four days a time with qualifying and prelims before the main event. Each year, we loaded up and went to Florida in February. I drove for Kalb there, Stanton, the Ofixco Special, Weikert’s Livestock, lots of owners at East Bay. We always drew good car counts there too.”The uniqueness of East Bay’s location in Tampa is what has helped make it so special.”It’s in this tight little area around that industrial park and the bay is basically right there,” Schatz mentioned. “The track has a lot of character, and the surface itself is so unique. You think there’s grip here, but there’s not; then you come around the next lap and you’ve got it. It changes literally lap-by-lap being near the ocean. It’s a unique shape, unique surface and unique facility with a lot of history and heritage.””It was definitely funky at times being that close to the water,” Shuman agreed. “I remember some nights, maybe the night I won, it was freezing ass cold, but the next you’d have perfect weather. That stuff really changed the track up. We didn’t really do as much changing with the cars back then, so it was just about getting in and figuring it out behind the wheel.”A special place specifically for Shuman, his February 9, 1979 victory at East Bay marked the first of his World of Outlaws career. Driving the Mecom Kalb, Firestone #721, The Flyin’ Shu topped Steve Kinser, Johnny Anderson, Lee James and Bob East for the victory. The 2003 National Sprint Car Hall of Fame inductee eventually ended up with 24 Outlaw wins, currently tied with Logan Schuchart for 24th on the all-time wins list.”That was the year I started driving for [Gary] Stanton on the Outlaw tour, but we weren’t ready to leave that early in the year.” Shuman recalled. “Mecom Kalb had a new Stanton car and I remember we actually missed the show the first night at Volusia and then won that next Sunday at East Bay. From hero-to-zero.”For Schatz, who was an 18-month old baby when the Outlaws debuted at East Bay in ’79, his first Tampa triumph came just last month in All Stars action aboard the Tony Stewart Racing #15.”I don’t know that there’s anything specific we can take away,” Schatz noted on learning from last month. “It’s 2021. Everyone has phones, computers, and you can watch the races and see what’s going on. To me, you can have all those things but it doesn’t do you any good until you get on the track and see how your car reacts to the environment. It was a great opportunity to go out and see how the new Ford Performance motor stacked up on the short track. It went well obviously, and now we’ve had some extra time to work on it and hopefully make it that much better for next weekend.”Schatz will have his opportunity on next Saturday, March 6 to join an elite list of East Bay Outlaw winners which includes Doug Wolfgang (7), Sammy Swindell (3), Danny Smith (2), Rick Ferkel (1), Steve Kinser (1), Johnny Anderson (1), Keith Kauffman (1) and Ron Shuman (1).A winless night at Volusia could send the Fargo, ND native into the East Bay return with a chance to nail down his historic 300th career World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series victory at the Tampa, FL facility.Anyone unable to make it to the track can watch all of the action live on DIRTVision with the annual Platinum FAST PASS subscription for $299/year or the monthly FAST PASS subscription for $39/month.

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink® Sprint Car Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Drydene (Official Motor Oil), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), Morton Buildings (Official Building), NOS Energy (Official Energy Product), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider) and VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel); contingency sponsors include ARP (Automotive Racing Products), Cometic Gasket, COMP Cams, KSE Racing Products (Hard Charger Award), MSD and Slick Woody’s (Quick Time Award); manufacturer sponsors include FireAde, Intercomp, K1 Race Gear, and Racing Electronics.Founded in 1978, the World of Outlaws®, based in Concord, NC, is the premier national touring series for dirt track racing in North America, featuring the most powerful cars on dirt, the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series and the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series. Annually, the two series race nearly 140 times at tracks across the United States and Canada. CBS Sports Network is the official broadcast partner of the World of Outlaws. DIRTVision® also broadcasts all World of Outlaws events over the Internet to fans around the world. Learn more about the World of Outlaws.

-Toyota Camry Funny Car team will be backed by ROKiT and Bandero Premium Tequila-

AUSTIN, TX (February 23, 2021) — NHRA Funny Car driver Alexis DeJoria is ready to begin her quest for her first NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series world championship as the season gets underway in less than a month. The accomplished driver will once again get behind the wheel of her new-look black and white Toyota Camry Funny Car with familiar sponsor ROKiT as well as a new sponsor Bandero Premium Tequila, as the 70^th NHRA season gets underway officially at the 52^nd annual NHRA Gatornationals in Gainesville, Florida, March 12-14.

“I can’t wait to start this season with my ROKiT Toyota Camry and new sponsor Bandero Premium Tequila,” said DeJoria, a five-time Funny Car national event winner. “We finished last season with some strong performances and we are looking forward to picking up where we left on the performance side. (Crew Chiefs) Del (Worsham) and Nicky (Boninfante) will have this Camry Funny Car flying and I am ready to turn on some win lights this season.”

This season DeJoria is proud to represent ROKiT and Bandero Premium Tequila, two companies she has a vested interest in seeing succeed. This will be the second season for ROKiT to utilize NHRA as a marketing platform to promote the company’s phones, electric bikes and WiFi services. New to the team is Bandero, a smooth sipping tequila, handmade in small batches in Jalisco, Mexico, from the finest locally sourced, Blue Weber Agave.

“Being able to use a 330 mph race car to promote ROKiT products across the U.S. and having the best tequila on the market, Bandero, fuel this passion, is a match made in heaven,” said ROKiT co-founder, Jonathan Kendrick. “I know these race cars are incredibly powerful and the experience of seeing them in person or on TV makes incredible memories. We are excited to see Alexis chase her championship dreams.”

 DeJoria added, “Both of these brands represent my passion and dedication to perfection, innovation and being true to yourself. The diversity of the ROKiT brands is massive and we are continuing to find ways to integrate into the NHRA. I am especially excited about introducing Bandero to my NHRA fans because the meticulousness that goes into making this tequila gives it an amazing flavor.”

DeJoria’s success last season picked up after the historic U.S. Nationals Labor Day weekend, a race she won in 2014, and continued over the final five races of the season. She qualified in the top five each of the last five races and advanced to three semifinals in the last four races. Her first-year DC Motorsports team and ROKiT Funny Car earned the fourth-highest point total over the last half of the season. For the admittedly highly-competitive DeJoria those results only fueled her passion.

“We had a new team last year and it took some time to get squared away, but when we came together we were a very tough team,” added DeJoria, who will be looking to add to her 109 round win total in 2021. “This sport is about passion and pushing it to the limit. It is the perfect sport for me as well as my sponsors, ROKiT and Bandero Premium Tequila. When I get behind the wheel of this 330 mph Camry Funny Car I have to be totally committed and ready for anything. I have an amazing team behind me and I can’t imagine doing anything else. I have a feeling this is going to be a great year for us.”

The 2021 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season will be DeJoria’s eight season of full-time professional racing. Prior to advancing to the highest level in drag racing DeJoria owned, managed and competed with her own Top Alcohol Funny Car team, winning the 2011 NHRA Northwest Nationals. DeJoria is the first woman to compete in 100 Funny Car national events and was the first female to break the four-second elapsed time barrier, 3.998 seconds, at Brainerd International Raceway in 2014.