NASCAR CUP SERIES DAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAY DAYTONA 500 MEDIA DAY TEAM CHEVY DRIVER QUOTES FEBRUARY 11, 2026

Shane van Gisbergen, driver of the No. 97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet – 2026 DAYTONA 500 Media Day Quotes:

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

How exactly do you prepare for a season? What kind of training stuff do you do? “Not much, just as much preparation as I can. So going through all our notes from last year and then setup stuff and just trying to keep evolving really. I think we did evolve a lot in the second half of the year. So yeah, just trying to be as prepared as we can each week.” Do you come in much more optimistic about your oval prospects this year than you did a year ago?“I don’t know. I don’t really think like that. I feel like it’s just a work in progress. I feel like I’m just getting better and better. So hopefully it keeps getting better. I still feel like I learn a lot every weekend. When that stops, that’s when it gets harder, I guess.” Can you make gains on ovals on the sim, or does that all have to come at the racetrack?“It’s all on the racetrack. You can do some sim stuff, but I don’t feel it really helps me.” I think your best oval finish was Kansas. Any particular reason you did better there than other places?“I guess it was later in the year. We were just getting better and better. I think we had some races where we had better speed than that, but I didn’t get it right or we got crashed out or something. I felt like we were getting toward the top-10 more often than not at the end, which was really cool.” NASCAR has sort of taken away the good stuff for you with the ‘win-and-you’re-in’ and took one (road course) race away at Charlotte. Do you feel like you got to work harder?“Yeah, but I didn’t join this series to do road courses, but obviously it’s a bonus. I’d love more road courses and not less, but that is what it is. Thankfully, we’re getting better at the ovals so that’s good.” Do you enjoy racing at the big tracks like Daytona and Talladega? “Yes and no. When it’s fuel saving, it’s pretty boring. But when it’s flat-out racing and you’re jockeying for position and pushing a lot, it’s pretty full-on. When it’s actual racing it’s really cool.” How do you feel about the points format overall? “I think it’s good. I think if you’re a front-running guy consistently, I think it’s really good and more of a pure racing championship. Then I think it still keeps the balance of excitement or closing everyone up for those last 10 races. So yeah, I think it’s pretty cool. I feel like you lose the desperation a bit of people winning races to try and turn their season around. But if I was a top guy every week, I’d be all for this.” What’s Conor Zillich shown you so far just in terms of his approach?“I got to know him the last couple of years. He’s a brilliant young guy. He’s been pretty focused and done a lot of racing over the offseason as well. It’s gonna be interesting to see how he goes and how he fits in after a few rounds. Looking forward to working together. Hopefully we like similar setups and we can make the cars better all together.” You talked about the setup and all that different stuff heading into the season. How different is it when you have that year in the Cup Series under your belt?“You just learn what you want and need from a car. My driving style was very different to most, I guess. The way I make the car work or want it to work is very different to others. We noticed a lot of trends which took a while to get everyone to adjust to. I adjusted a bit but now we’re sort of coming my way a bit, which has kind of helped me. It’s interesting. The cars are set up so different to what I’m used to, and I’m still trying to understand what I need or want from the car.” What’s your biggest focus this weekend? Your concentration on it? What are you trying not to do or to do?“Just score as many points as possible. That’s the way we’re going to get into The Chase. So it’s my mindset straight away … just accumulate as many points as we can every week. That’s the focus now.” When you think about racing a road course versus Daytona, how is your focus different? Do you focus differently here? And how much harder is it than say on a road course, even though you are really good at road courses?“It’s just different here like with the qualifying and stuff. You don’t really have an influence on it. You just drive as fast as you can, close to the line as you can. But the preparation is very different. On road courses I’m more involved in setup with what I want. On the ovals I’m just kind of learning and trying to build a notebook. In these races it’s about trying to understand the flow of the race, how to work with people. It’s a completely different style of racing. That’s for sure.” Is the drafting hard for you now? Or do you feel like you kind of got that down?“No, I’m still learning and trying to make friends, I guess. People leave you for no reason, or you do something wrong and lose the trust of people. It takes a while to understand how to put your car in the right place.”  Now that we’re in The Chase format, do you start to view races like this one as opportunities to gain stage points and have a good points day, maybe more than last year?“Yeah, like I said earlier, that’s our goal – to just accumulate points now. You have to try and achieve as many points as you can every weekend. It probably changes the way you take risks if you’re probably going to be like us, a guy trying to point our way in. I probably will approach it a bit different, I think.”

NASCAR CUP SERIESDAYTONA INTERNATIONAL SPEEDWAYDAYTONA 500 MEDIA DAYTEAM CHEVY DRIVER QUOTESFEBRUARY 11, 2026

Shane van Gisbergen, driver of the No. 97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet – 2026 DAYTONA 500 Media Day Quotes:

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

How exactly do you prepare for a season? What kind of training stuff do you do? “Not much, just as much preparation as I can. So going through all our notes from last year and then setup stuff and just trying to keep evolving really. I think we did evolve a lot in the second half of the year. So yeah, just trying to be as prepared as we can each week.” Do you come in much more optimistic about your oval prospects this year than you did a year ago?“I don’t know. I don’t really think like that. I feel like it’s just a work in progress. I feel like I’m just getting better and better. So hopefully it keeps getting better. I still feel like I learn a lot every weekend. When that stops, that’s when it gets harder, I guess.” Can you make gains on ovals on the sim, or does that all have to come at the racetrack?“It’s all on the racetrack. You can do some sim stuff, but I don’t feel it really helps me.” I think your best oval finish was Kansas. Any particular reason you did better there than other places?“I guess it was later in the year. We were just getting better and better. I think we had some races where we had better speed than that, but I didn’t get it right or we got crashed out or something. I felt like we were getting toward the top-10 more often than not at the end, which was really cool.” NASCAR has sort of taken away the good stuff for you with the ‘win-and-you’re-in’ and took one (road course) race away at Charlotte. Do you feel like you got to work harder?“Yeah, but I didn’t join this series to do road courses, but obviously it’s a bonus. I’d love more road courses and not less, but that is what it is. Thankfully, we’re getting better at the ovals so that’s good.” Do you enjoy racing at the big tracks like Daytona and Talladega? “Yes and no. When it’s fuel saving, it’s pretty boring. But when it’s flat-out racing and you’re jockeying for position and pushing a lot, it’s pretty full-on. When it’s actual racing it’s really cool.” How do you feel about the points format overall? “I think it’s good. I think if you’re a front-running guy consistently, I think it’s really good and more of a pure racing championship. Then I think it still keeps the balance of excitement or closing everyone up for those last 10 races. So yeah, I think it’s pretty cool. I feel like you lose the desperation a bit of people winning races to try and turn their season around. But if I was a top guy every week, I’d be all for this.” What’s Conor Zillich shown you so far just in terms of his approach?“I got to know him the last couple of years. He’s a brilliant young guy. He’s been pretty focused and done a lot of racing over the offseason as well. It’s gonna be interesting to see how he goes and how he fits in after a few rounds. Looking forward to working together. Hopefully we like similar setups and we can make the cars better all together.” You talked about the setup and all that different stuff heading into the season. How different is it when you have that year in the Cup Series under your belt?“You just learn what you want and need from a car. My driving style was very different to most, I guess. The way I make the car work or want it to work is very different to others. We noticed a lot of trends which took a while to get everyone to adjust to. I adjusted a bit but now we’re sort of coming my way a bit, which has kind of helped me. It’s interesting. The cars are set up so different to what I’m used to, and I’m still trying to understand what I need or want from the car.” What’s your biggest focus this weekend? Your concentration on it? What are you trying not to do or to do?“Just score as many points as possible. That’s the way we’re going to get into The Chase. So it’s my mindset straight away … just accumulate as many points as we can every week. That’s the focus now.” When you think about racing a road course versus Daytona, how is your focus different? Do you focus differently here? And how much harder is it than say on a road course, even though you are really good at road courses?“It’s just different here like with the qualifying and stuff. You don’t really have an influence on it. You just drive as fast as you can, close to the line as you can. But the preparation is very different. On road courses I’m more involved in setup with what I want. On the ovals I’m just kind of learning and trying to build a notebook. In these races it’s about trying to understand the flow of the race, how to work with people. It’s a completely different style of racing. That’s for sure.” Is the drafting hard for you now? Or do you feel like you kind of got that down?“No, I’m still learning and trying to make friends, I guess. People leave you for no reason, or you do something wrong and lose the trust of people. It takes a while to understand how to put your car in the right place.”  Now that we’re in The Chase format, do you start to view races like this one as opportunities to gain stage points and have a good points day, maybe more than last year?“Yeah, like I said earlier, that’s our goal – to just accumulate points now. You have to try and achieve as many points as you can every weekend. It probably changes the way you take risks if you’re probably going to be like us, a guy trying to point our way in. I probably will approach it a bit different, I think.”

BARBERVILLE, FL – It doesn’t matter what car he’s driving – when Hudson O’Neal rolls onto the track at Volusia Speedway Park, he’s going to be in contention.

Three weeks after wheeling the K&L Rumley Enterprises No. 6 to Victory Lane in the Friday portion of DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals, O’Neal returned to Volusia in February in his primary ride, the SSI Motorsports No. 71. Following a sixth-place run on Monday, the “New Deal” led all 25 laps of Tuesday’s DIRTcar Late Model Feature to become the second winner of the week at Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals.

“It’s so awesome to be able to get back in the 71 car, to come down to a fresh start to Speedweeks and be able to get us a win on the second night is pretty awesome,” O’Neal said. “We knew that it was going to be a little bit of a tire game. We were lucky to be able to get out to the lead there early. It started to lane up down in [Turns] 1 and 2 especially, and we were just lucky to have good track position.”

The Martinsville, IN driver became the first repeat winner of 2026 at the “World’s Fastest Half Mile” in the fifth Super Late Model race hosted at the track this year. Not only is O’Neal now a five-time Volusia winner dating back to his first triumph in 2023, he has now won at the track with three different teams in Rocket1 Racing, Rumley and SSI.

When combined with his pair of victories in January at the Wild West Shootout, O’Neal’s four wins in 2026 have him tied with Monday winner Brandon Overton as the winningest Late Model driver in the nation in the young 2026 season.

O’Neal sits second in the Big Gator standings with two nights in the books, 15 points shy of Cody Overton, who finished runner-up for the second night in a row. Ryan Gustin filled the last spot on the podium in third, while Brandon Sheppard and Tim McCreadie rounded out the top five.

UP NEXT: The DIRTcar Late Model portion of Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals concludes on Wednesday, Feb. 11, with three split-field, $5,000-to-win Features. Get your tickets in advance by clicking here.

Want to watch live? Stream every night of DIRTcar Nationals on DIRTVision.

O’Neal Leads Wire-to-Wire for Tuesday Victory at Volusia

BARBERVILLE, FL – It doesn’t matter what car he’s driving – when Hudson O’Neal rolls onto the track at Volusia Speedway Park, he’s going to be in contention.

Three weeks after wheeling the K&L Rumley Enterprises No. 6 to Victory Lane in the Friday portion of DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals, O’Neal returned to Volusia in February in his primary ride, the SSI Motorsports No. 71. Following a sixth-place run on Monday, the “New Deal” led all 25 laps of Tuesday’s DIRTcar Late Model Feature to become the second winner of the week at Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals.

“It’s so awesome to be able to get back in the 71 car, to come down to a fresh start to Speedweeks and be able to get us a win on the second night is pretty awesome,” O’Neal said. “We knew that it was going to be a little bit of a tire game. We were lucky to be able to get out to the lead there early. It started to lane up down in [Turns] 1 and 2 especially, and we were just lucky to have good track position.”

The Martinsville, IN driver became the first repeat winner of 2026 at the “World’s Fastest Half Mile” in the fifth Super Late Model race hosted at the track this year. Not only is O’Neal now a five-time Volusia winner dating back to his first triumph in 2023, he has now won at the track with three different teams in Rocket1 Racing, Rumley and SSI.

When combined with his pair of victories in January at the Wild West Shootout, O’Neal’s four wins in 2026 have him tied with Monday winner Brandon Overton as the winningest Late Model driver in the nation in the young 2026 season.

O’Neal sits second in the Big Gator standings with two nights in the books, 15 points shy of Cody Overton, who finished runner-up for the second night in a row. Ryan Gustin filled the last spot on the podium in third, while Brandon Sheppard and Tim McCreadie rounded out the top five.

UP NEXT: The DIRTcar Late Model portion of Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals concludes on Wednesday, Feb. 11, with three split-field, $5,000-to-win Features. Get your tickets in advance by clicking here.

Want to watch live? Stream every night of DIRTcar Nationals on DIRTVision.

Feature (25 Laps): 1. 71-Hudson O’Neal[1]; 2. 97-Cody Overton[5]; 3. 19R-Ryan Gustin[3]; 4. 1S-Brandon Sheppard[7]; 5. 9M-Tim McCreadie[9]; 6. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[4]; 7. 9-Nick Hoffman[6]; 8. 99-Devin Moran[12]; 9. 44-Chris Madden[11]; 10. 32-Bobby Pierce[17]; 11. 58V-Daulton Wilson[8]; 12. 40B-Kyle Bronson[10]; 13. 76N-Blair Nothdurft[2]; 14. 22*-Drake Troutman[19]; 15. 93-Carson Ferguson[14]; 16. 1-Tyler Erb[21]; 17. 76-Brandon Overton[18]; 18. 16-Tyler Bruening[22]; 19. 111-Max Blair[24]; 20. 24-Tyler Wyant[13]; 21. 1Z-Logan Zarin[23]; 22. 99JR-Frank Heckenast Jr[15]; 23. 13-Dallon Murty[20]; 24. 74X-Ethan Dotson[16]

Swanson puts on a clinic for second Volusia checkered flag while Seavey hauls in another Big Gator

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 10, 2025) – Jake Swanson had no plans of waiting long for his first USAC National Sprint Car win of 2026.

Last year, the Anaheim, CA native brought his own team out on the road for the first time as the Daming Swanson Motorsports No. 5T competed full-time with USAC. With a few previous campaigns under his belt, Swanson was no stranger to the tour before last year’s venture, but he battled through some bumps as he shaped his organization.

It wasn’t until the 47th of 49 races that Swanson made a visit to Victory Lane in 2025 when he topped a trip to Amarillo, TX’s Route 66 Motor Speedway. This year, it took Swanson only two nights to come out on top.

The 32-year-old absolutely dominated Tuesday’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals Feature at Volusia Speedway Park. He took the lead on the sixth circuit and never looked back. Swanson’s lead ballooned as large as over seven seconds as he sliced through traffic. He simply checked out on his way to a validating victory as he continues to grow his team into a true contender.

“I’ve put my life into this race team, this program, building this stuff,” an emotional Swanson said. “There’s a lot of good people I’m doing it with. I’m confident. I know I can do it. I know I can build a race car that can do it. I’m just glad that it’s paying off. It’s finally here. I’m doing what I set out to do, and I couldn’t be happier to do it with the group I’m doing it with.”

Swanson’s efforts earned him a stout $12,000 payday. It marked his second win at the “World Fastest Half Mile” to go along with a 2023 triumph.

Behind Swanson, the runner-up spot belonged to Logan Seavey. That coupled with Monday’s win was enough to earn Seavey the DIRTcar Nationals title with USAC. The Sutter, CA driver also captured the 2024 Big Gator, making him the first driver to earn two of the trophies with USAC. Seavey has finished first or second in five of his six Volusia starts since teaming with Abacus Racing.

“Overall, it was a great few days here at Volusia,” Seavey said. “I love coming here. It’s a place that’s treated me well.”

Kevin Thomas Jr. completed the podium while Justin Grant and Briggs Danner rounded out the top five.

UP NEXT: The Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals continue Wednesday, Feb. 11 when the Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds come to town to race alongside the DIRTcar Late Models. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

For the complete 2026 Volusia Speedway Park schedule, CLICK HERE.

Where can you watch every Volusia Speedway Park race? Live on DIRTVision.

FEATURE RESULTS:

Jake Swanson Dominates Tuesday’s USAC Feature, Logan Seavey Snags Second Big Gator

Swanson puts on a clinic for second Volusia checkered flag while Seavey hauls in another Big Gator

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 10, 2025) – Jake Swanson had no plans of waiting long for his first USAC National Sprint Car win of 2026.

Last year, the Anaheim, CA native brought his own team out on the road for the first time as the Daming Swanson Motorsports No. 5T competed full-time with USAC. With a few previous campaigns under his belt, Swanson was no stranger to the tour before last year’s venture, but he battled through some bumps as he shaped his organization.

It wasn’t until the 47th of 49 races that Swanson made a visit to Victory Lane in 2025 when he topped a trip to Amarillo, TX’s Route 66 Motor Speedway. This year, it took Swanson only two nights to come out on top.

The 32-year-old absolutely dominated Tuesday’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals Feature at Volusia Speedway Park. He took the lead on the sixth circuit and never looked back. Swanson’s lead ballooned as large as over seven seconds as he sliced through traffic. He simply checked out on his way to a validating victory as he continues to grow his team into a true contender.

“I’ve put my life into this race team, this program, building this stuff,” an emotional Swanson said. “There’s a lot of good people I’m doing it with. I’m confident. I know I can do it. I know I can build a race car that can do it. I’m just glad that it’s paying off. It’s finally here. I’m doing what I set out to do, and I couldn’t be happier to do it with the group I’m doing it with.”

Swanson’s efforts earned him a stout $12,000 payday. It marked his second win at the “World Fastest Half Mile” to go along with a 2023 triumph.

Behind Swanson, the runner-up spot belonged to Logan Seavey. That coupled with Monday’s win was enough to earn Seavey the DIRTcar Nationals title with USAC. The Sutter, CA driver also captured the 2024 Big Gator, making him the first driver to earn two of the trophies with USAC. Seavey has finished first or second in five of his six Volusia starts since teaming with Abacus Racing.

“Overall, it was a great few days here at Volusia,” Seavey said. “I love coming here. It’s a place that’s treated me well.”

Kevin Thomas Jr. completed the podium while Justin Grant and Briggs Danner rounded out the top five.

UP NEXT: The Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals continue Wednesday, Feb. 11 when the Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds come to town to race alongside the DIRTcar Late Models. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

For the complete 2026 Volusia Speedway Park schedule, CLICK HERE.

Where can you watch every Volusia Speedway Park race? Live on DIRTVision.

FEATURE RESULTS:

Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals Race Feature (30 Laps): 1. 5T-Jake Swanson[3]; 2. 57-Logan Seavey[4]; 3. 3R-Kevin Thomas Jr[6]; 4. 4-Justin Grant[7]; 5. 39-Briggs Danner[2]; 6. 20-Brady Bacon[18]; 7. 30-CJ Leary[1]; 8. 92-Chase Stockon[10]; 9. 12-Robert Ballou[14]; 10. 3P-Kyle Cummins[13]; 11. 19AZ-Mitchel Moles[9]; 12. 6T-Trey Osborne[5]; 13. 19-Hayden Reinbold[15]; 14. 14-Jadon Rogers[11]; 15. 13-Chase Howard[22]; 16. 84-Tom Harris[23]; 17. 16-Harley Burns[12]; 18. 63-Cale Coons[20]; 19. 5G-Gunnar Setser[21]; 20. 41-Ricky Lewis[8]; 21. 6-Logan Calderwood[19]; 22. 21K-Kobe Simpson[24]; 23. 2B-Chelby Hinton[16]; 24. 98-Saban Bibent[17]

Teenage Oklahoma native is boosted with confidence following top-10 run at Volusia

CONCORD, NC (Feb. 10, 2026) — On the heels of a best-career performance in the season opener at Volusia Speedway Park, Ryder Laplante has made his commitment to a second season following the American Sprint Car Series schedule.

The 19-year-old from Calera, OK, opened the 2026 season by qualifying for all three main events during Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. A mechanical issue forced a DNS on Thursday before posting a 17th-place finish on Friday and a 16th-to-eighth charge in the finale on Monday.

The performance marked a vast improvement from his Volusia debut the year before, where Laplante qualified for only one of the three Features run over the weekend.

“We thought it was awesome,” Laplante said. “Compared to last year where we only made one A-Main. This year, we made all three. Especially the performance we put in on Monday, going up against those big teams like that. At one point, I was up to fifth before a caution.

“For our little team to go out there and race side-by-side with the best in the world was pretty awesome.”

In 2025, Laplante built a solid base of 360 Sprint Car laps on which he’s looking to build in 2026. He said his rookie season taught him a lot and filled a few pages of his notebook at several new tracks, but this year will be all about staying competitive regularly as he aims to improve his position at season’s end.

“Just get some consistency,” Laplante said. “Last year, we were really up-and-down. Hopefully have better luck too; that was our main issue. I’d really love to get a top three in points. I know that’s gonna be really hard, but it’s doable. That’s my main goal.”

Looking forward, Laplante turns his attention to the rest of the national 360 Sprint Car schedule, which will take him to 21 other tracks across 11 states through the month of October. The grind continues in less than two weeks’ time at Central Arizona Raceway in back-to-back weekends of racing — Feb. 21–22, Feb. 28–March 1 — in the inaugural Sonoran Clash.

Ryder Laplante Commits to Second American Sprint Car Series Campaign

Teenage Oklahoma native is boosted with confidence following top-10 run at Volusia

CONCORD, NC (Feb. 10, 2026) — On the heels of a best-career performance in the season opener at Volusia Speedway Park, Ryder Laplante has made his commitment to a second season following the American Sprint Car Series schedule.

The 19-year-old from Calera, OK, opened the 2026 season by qualifying for all three main events during Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. A mechanical issue forced a DNS on Thursday before posting a 17th-place finish on Friday and a 16th-to-eighth charge in the finale on Monday.

The performance marked a vast improvement from his Volusia debut the year before, where Laplante qualified for only one of the three Features run over the weekend.

“We thought it was awesome,” Laplante said. “Compared to last year where we only made one A-Main. This year, we made all three. Especially the performance we put in on Monday, going up against those big teams like that. At one point, I was up to fifth before a caution.

“For our little team to go out there and race side-by-side with the best in the world was pretty awesome.”

In 2025, Laplante built a solid base of 360 Sprint Car laps on which he’s looking to build in 2026. He said his rookie season taught him a lot and filled a few pages of his notebook at several new tracks, but this year will be all about staying competitive regularly as he aims to improve his position at season’s end.

“Just get some consistency,” Laplante said. “Last year, we were really up-and-down. Hopefully have better luck too; that was our main issue. I’d really love to get a top three in points. I know that’s gonna be really hard, but it’s doable. That’s my main goal.”

Looking forward, Laplante turns his attention to the rest of the national 360 Sprint Car schedule, which will take him to 21 other tracks across 11 states through the month of October. The grind continues in less than two weeks’ time at Central Arizona Raceway in back-to-back weekends of racing — Feb. 21–22, Feb. 28–March 1 — in the inaugural Sonoran Clash.

Tickets for the inaugural Sonoran Clash at Central Arizona Raceway will be sold at the track on race day. Can’t be at the track? Stream every lap live on DIRTVision.

CONCORD, NC (Feb. 10, 2026) – Being in the top three on the white flag lap at every World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision and Super DIRTcar Series will come with a benefit this year.

Behrent’s Performance Warehouse is bringing the One-to-Go Championship to both series in 2026, awarding points to drivers who are in the top three on the white flag lap of every Heat Race, Last Chance Showdown, and Feature – three points to the leader, two points for second, and one point for third.

At the end of the season, the top three in points of the One-to-Go Championship will be rewarded with a Behrent’s gift card – $1,000 to the champion, $500 to the runner-up, and $250 to the third-place finisher.

“We’re excited to continue and expand our partnership with World Racing Group, the World of Outlaws, and Super DIRTcar Series,” said Jeff Behrent, vice president of Behrent’s Performance Warehouse. “The One-to-Go Championship is a unique program that gives drivers and fans another fun battle to follow throughout the year and provides an extra incentive to be leading when it counts… one lap to go.”

The One-to-Go Championship kicks off for the Super DIRTcar Series during Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park, Feb. 11-14, and continues for the World of Outlaws Late Models at Volusia this week, Feb. 12-14 – with points already collected during DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals.

To learn more about Behrent’s Performance Warehouse, visit behrents.com.

Click the links to see the full World of Outlaws Late Models Series schedule and Super DIRTcar Series schedule.

Behrent’s Performance Bringing One-to-Go Championship to World of Outlaws Late Models

CONCORD, NC (Feb. 10, 2026) – Being in the top three on the white flag lap at every World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision and Super DIRTcar Series will come with a benefit this year.

Behrent’s Performance Warehouse is bringing the One-to-Go Championship to both series in 2026, awarding points to drivers who are in the top three on the white flag lap of every Heat Race, Last Chance Showdown, and Feature – three points to the leader, two points for second, and one point for third.

At the end of the season, the top three in points of the One-to-Go Championship will be rewarded with a Behrent’s gift card – $1,000 to the champion, $500 to the runner-up, and $250 to the third-place finisher.

“We’re excited to continue and expand our partnership with World Racing Group, the World of Outlaws, and Super DIRTcar Series,” said Jeff Behrent, vice president of Behrent’s Performance Warehouse. “The One-to-Go Championship is a unique program that gives drivers and fans another fun battle to follow throughout the year and provides an extra incentive to be leading when it counts… one lap to go.”

The One-to-Go Championship kicks off for the Super DIRTcar Series during Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park, Feb. 11-14, and continues for the World of Outlaws Late Models at Volusia this week, Feb. 12-14 – with points already collected during DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals.

To learn more about Behrent’s Performance Warehouse, visit behrents.com.

Click the links to see the full World of Outlaws Late Models Series schedule and Super DIRTcar Series schedule.

Where can you watch the World of Outlaws Late Models and Super DIRTcar Series all year? Live on DIRTVision.

Event: DAYTONA 500Date/Time: Sunday, February 15, 2026, 2:30 p.m. ETLocation: Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FloridaLayout: 2.5-Mile OvalTV/Radio: FOX, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR RadioNASCAR racing has produced its share of dramatic moments, but few can compare to the finish of the 1976 DAYTONA 500.That race delivered a late-race showdown between the sport’s two most accomplished drivers, each competing for one of NASCAR’s dominant teams. When the dust settled, David Pearson emerged victorious in the Wood Brothers Mercury over Richard Petty in his Petty Enterprises Dodge, even as both drivers wrecked coming to the finish line in a moment that has become etched into NASCAR history.This year, Josh Berry and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team will pay tribute to that iconic victory with a paint scheme honoring Pearson’s win with the Wood Brothers. Sunday’s DAYTONA 500 will be contested 50 years to the day from the 1976 race, a milestone tied to what many still consider one of the greatest finishes the sport has ever seen.Pearson’s win came down to instinct and experience. As the two leaders tangled in the closing moments, Pearson had the presence of mind to clutch the engine, allowing his battered car to continue rolling forward. He limped across the finish line to secure one of the Wood Brothers’ five DAYTONA 500 trophies. Of the NASCAR-record 63 races in which Pearson and Petty finished first and second to each other, the 1976 DAYTONA 500 remains the most remembered. Pearson won 33 of those head-to-head battles.Pearson’s son Ricky was 20 years old at the time and watched the race from the Wood Brothers pit area. His view of the track was obstructed, and unlike today, there were no televisions in the pits to follow the action. Still, the final lap left an impression that has lasted a lifetime.“We saw some smoke, and from the way the crowd was reacting we knew something was happening,” Pearson said. “We saw Richard come into sight, then when Daddy got moving the hollering got even louder.”After taking the checkered flag, David Pearson completed his lap and drove down pit road, stopping near Petty’s pit stall.“Richard stuck his head in the window, but I never knew what he said,” Ricky Pearson said. “We all climbed on the car and went to victory lane. Then when it was all over we got in the plane and flew home.”Pearson said his father never really discussed what the win meant, but from Ricky’s perspective, few moments carried more weight.“I was there as the child of the greatest driver who ever lived,” he said. “It was very emotional, right at the top as far as emotions.“Hearing the reaction of the fans and all that went on make it a day I’ll never forget.”That history is not lost on Berry and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team. Still, once the green flag drops Feb. 15, their focus will turn to the present as they pursue a sixth Harley J. Earl Trophy for the Wood Brothers.“Obviously, they’ve had a great history there, and it’s a race that we all as drivers put pressure on ourselves to go out and perform well and hopefully compete for the win,” Berry said. “It’s the biggest race of the year, and obviously being a part of the Wood Brothers and Team Penske, their cars have always been really strong at those races and being able to capitalize on that is something that’s obviously really important to us.“So hopefully we can go do that and avoid all the trouble to be there at the end and give ourselves a shot at it.”Berry and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane team, led by crew chief Miles Stanley, begin their second season together with much of the group intact from 2025, a continuity Berry believes will help build momentum.“I think it helps put us in a better spot,” Berry said. “Obviously, the last couple of years in the Cup Series have been with two different organizations, and now going back to this and having the same group, the same crew chief, the same engineers, really the same everybody, so it just kind of builds more fluidity.“It doesn’t feel like you’re starting over and learning each other as much. It’s made the offseason maybe go a little bit longer, maybe a little bit more refreshing because you’re not doing as much random things that you have to check off in the offseason.“I’m excited for it. I feel like Miles and I have had a really good relationship, and now Miles is going into his second year as a crew chief as well, so I know he’s only going to keep getting better.“I feel like we’re poised to have a really strong year.”Thursday, February 12Eddie and Len Wood will participate in a Q&A session at the Ford Display in the Daytona International Speedway Fan Zone at 3:30 p.m. Eddie and Len Wood will participate in the SiriusXM Live Show in the Daytona International Speedway Infield Fan Zone at 5:30 p.m.Friday, February 13Josh Berry will make an appearance at the Ford Display in the Daytona International Speedway Fan Zone at 3:15 p.m. for a Q&A session. Josh Berry will sign autographs at the Team Penske/Wood Brothers Racing merchandise unit beginning at 3:30 p.m. 100 wristbands will be distributed on a first come, first-served basis. Josh BerryAge: 35 (Oct. 22, 1990)Hometown: Hendersonville, TennesseeCrew Chief: Miles StanleyIG: @joshberry88X: @joshberry

Vance & Hines exhaust on Brandon Robinson’s (No. 44) Harley-Davidson XG750R. [Photo: Kristen Lassen for AMA Pro Racing]Download high-resolution photo from AMA Pro’s Digital Asset Management system BROWNSBURG, IN (February 10, 2026) — Vance & Hines Motorsports is proud to announce its 2026 Progressive American Flat Track Contingency Program, offering nearly $20,000 in payouts across both KICKER AFT Singles and Mission AFT SuperTwins classes.  This comprehensive program rewards top performance while reinforcing Vance & Hines Motorsports’ commitment to the sport and its riders.  PROGRAM DETAILS (16 RACES):  KICKER AFT Singles: $550 Per-Event Payout(Using One Qualifying Product / PowerPak OR VHM Exhaust)  1st $150  2nd $100  3rd $75  4th $50  5th $25  Championship Bonus $1,000  KICKER AFT Singles Double-Up BONUS (* Paid in addition to the single-product payout noted above) (Using Both Qualifying Products / PowerPak AND VHM Exhaust) 1st +$50 2nd +$50 3rd +$50 Championship Bonus +$1,000  Mission AFT SuperTwins: $400 Per-Event Payout(Using One Qualifying Product / VHM Exhaust) 1st $150 2nd $100 3rd $75 4th $50 5th $25 Championship Bonus $1,500

Vance & Hines Motorsports Announces 2026 Progressive AFT Contingency ProgramVance & Hines exhaust on Brandon Robinson’s (No. 44) Harley-Davidson XG750R. [Photo: Kristen Lassen for AMA Pro Racing]Download high-resolution photo from AMA Pro’s Digital Asset Management system BROWNSBURG, IN (February 10, 2026) — Vance & Hines Motorsports is proud to announce its 2026 Progressive American Flat Track Contingency Program, offering nearly $20,000 in payouts across both KICKER AFT Singles and Mission AFT SuperTwins classes.  This comprehensive program rewards top performance while reinforcing Vance & Hines Motorsports’ commitment to the sport and its riders.  PROGRAM DETAILS (16 RACES):  KICKER AFT Singles: $550 Per-Event Payout(Using One Qualifying Product / PowerPak OR VHM Exhaust)  1st $150  2nd $100  3rd $75  4th $50  5th $25  Championship Bonus $1,000  KICKER AFT Singles Double-Up BONUS (* Paid in addition to the single-product payout noted above) (Using Both Qualifying Products / PowerPak AND VHM Exhaust) 1st +$50 2nd +$50 3rd +$50 Championship Bonus +$1,000  Mission AFT SuperTwins: $400 Per-Event Payout(Using One Qualifying Product / VHM Exhaust) 1st $150 2nd $100 3rd $75 4th $50 5th $25 Championship Bonus $1,500

Vance & Hines exhaust on Dan Bromley’s (No. 62) Suzuki GSX-8S. [Photo: Tim Lester for AMA Pro Racing]

SHELL INTRODUCES “RACE DAY REWARDS” PROGRAM FOR 

2026 RACE SEASON

Shell ^® Fuel Rewards^® members will save 22¢ per gallon when filling up on every race day this season

HOUSTON, Texas (February 10) – Today, Shell announced a new and rewarding program for fans and all consumers tied to the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series race season. Starting with this Sunday’s race in Daytona, Shell ^® Fuel Rewards^® members can save 22¢ per gallon on all grades of Shell gasoline when opting in to the offer and filling up on race day. 

Fans and consumers who are not Shell ^® Fuel Rewards^® members can simply download the Shell App to join Fuel Rewards and opt in to the offer to redeem the season-long benefit that runs the entire 10-month season from February to November*. Then, on every Cup Series scheduled race day, when fans and consumers go to their desired participating Shell station to fill up, the price will roll back 22¢ per gallon on all grades of Shell gasoline – including Shell V-Power^®  NiTRO+ Premium Gasoline. 

“We are so thrilled to be bringing this offer not only to motor racing fans, who are some of the most loyal fans in all of sports, but also to consumers as an introduction to the sport,” said Zoë Baldwin, General Manager of Mobility Marketing North America for Shell. “The Race Day Rewards program is unique in that it rewards all fans and general consumers alike, is simple to opt in to, and provides 37 opportunities to save at the pump all season long.”

Consumers can join the Shell ^® Fuel Rewards^® program via this link or via the Shell app:www.fuelrewards.com/racedayrewards. 

Download the Shell App:

‎Shell: Fuel, Charge & More App – App Store

Shell: Fuel, Charge & More – Apps on Google Play

For questions regarding the Shell ^® Fuel Rewards^® program, please email support@fuelrewards.com. 

SHELL INTRODUCES “RACE DAY REWARDS” PROGRAM FOR 

2026 RACE SEASON

Shell ^® Fuel Rewards^® members will save 22¢ per gallon when filling up on every race day this season

HOUSTON, Texas (February 10) – Today, Shell announced a new and rewarding program for fans and all consumers tied to the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series race season. Starting with this Sunday’s race in Daytona, Shell ^® Fuel Rewards^® members can save 22¢ per gallon on all grades of Shell gasoline when opting in to the offer and filling up on race day. 

Fans and consumers who are not Shell ^® Fuel Rewards^® members can simply download the Shell App to join Fuel Rewards and opt in to the offer to redeem the season-long benefit that runs the entire 10-month season from February to November*. Then, on every Cup Series scheduled race day, when fans and consumers go to their desired participating Shell station to fill up, the price will roll back 22¢ per gallon on all grades of Shell gasoline – including Shell V-Power^®  NiTRO+ Premium Gasoline. 

“We are so thrilled to be bringing this offer not only to motor racing fans, who are some of the most loyal fans in all of sports, but also to consumers as an introduction to the sport,” said Zoë Baldwin, General Manager of Mobility Marketing North America for Shell. “The Race Day Rewards program is unique in that it rewards all fans and general consumers alike, is simple to opt in to, and provides 37 opportunities to save at the pump all season long.”

Consumers can join the Shell ^® Fuel Rewards^® program via this link or via the Shell app:www.fuelrewards.com/racedayrewards. 

Download the Shell App:

‎Shell: Fuel, Charge & More App – App Store

Shell: Fuel, Charge & More – Apps on Google Play

For questions regarding the Shell ^® Fuel Rewards^® program, please email support@fuelrewards.com. 

“I believe that Shell provides many of the highest quality fuels and lubricants in the business,” said Joey Logano, driver of the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Mustang Darkhorse for Team Penske. “Now, with this amazing program, everyone has 37 opportunities, all season, to save 22 cents off per gallon on the scheduled race day!  Sundays, and sometimes Saturdays, are special to me because I get to do what I love, but now fans can feel good about heading to the pump on race day!”

BARBERVILLE, FL – The 2026 dirt Late Model season may only be a few weeks old, but Brandon Overton has already matched his win total from the entirety of 2025.

He got the ball rolling with a Hunt the Front Super Dirt Series victory at Needmore Speedway on Jan. 30. The Evans, GA native then went to his home track of Screven Motor Speedway for the Southern All Stars-sanctioned Winter Freeze and swept the weekend. But winning in regional action in your home state is one thing – beating the best in the business at Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals is another.

Nevertheless, Overton remained in top form on Monday night at Volusia Speedway Park, dominating the first DIRTcar Late Model Feature of the week. It was the Evans, GA driver’s first national-level triumph in over nine months and his fifth DIRTcar Nationals win in the past six years.

“I’m so glad I won, because I’m so sick and tired of hearing this s**t about how I don’t race against nobody,” Overton said. “There’s no slouches anymore. If you race a Super Late Model, no matter where we go in the country, there is somebody there that’s fast. You couldn’t have scripted it any better. The only bad thing about winning is losing. You get a little taste and you want to win, and when you lose, damn it sucks.”

Overton’s Heat Race win put him on the pole of the main event, and after fending off a challenge from Cade Dillard in the opening laps, he went to work on building a gap. After Dillard slotted into second, he came under attack from Nick Hoffman, who took away the runner-up spot prior to the first caution of the race 13 laps in for a flat tire on Chris Madden’s machine.

Hoffman tried to make a move on the restart, but he couldn’t clear the No. 76 and instead lost second to Cody Overton. Another yellow for a slowing No. 97 of Dillard reracked the field once more, but Brandon Overton pulled away once more and drove home to the checkers. Behind him, the younger Overton came out on top of a battle with Devin Moran to secure the Overton 1-2, signifying a much-needed turnaround from his last trip to Volusia for DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals when a pair of blown engines nearly ruined his season before it began.

“I gambled on the tires, I put a three on. [Brandon] said he was putting a two on, so I said I’m going to be different, maybe I can beat him that way,” Cody Overton said. “I’m just glad nothing fell off, nothing’s broke, still looking for a transmission. Shoutout to [Brandon’s] guys, soon as I got done with my Heat, they were actually at my trailer, trying to help me figure out what I need to do for tomorrow. I don’t mind running second to him, I guess.”

Moran finished third for the final spot on the podium, while Max Blair and Hoffman completed the top five.

UP NEXT: The chase for the Big Gator trophy continues on Tuesday, Feb. 10, with another $7,000-to-win DIRTcar Late Model Feature at Volusia Speedway Park. To get your tickets in advance, click here.

Want to watch live? Stream every lap of DIRTcar Nationals on DIRTVision.

Brandon Overton Earns Fourth-Straight Late Model Win in DIRTcar Nationals Opener

BARBERVILLE, FL – The 2026 dirt Late Model season may only be a few weeks old, but Brandon Overton has already matched his win total from the entirety of 2025.

He got the ball rolling with a Hunt the Front Super Dirt Series victory at Needmore Speedway on Jan. 30. The Evans, GA native then went to his home track of Screven Motor Speedway for the Southern All Stars-sanctioned Winter Freeze and swept the weekend. But winning in regional action in your home state is one thing – beating the best in the business at Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals is another.

Nevertheless, Overton remained in top form on Monday night at Volusia Speedway Park, dominating the first DIRTcar Late Model Feature of the week. It was the Evans, GA driver’s first national-level triumph in over nine months and his fifth DIRTcar Nationals win in the past six years.

“I’m so glad I won, because I’m so sick and tired of hearing this s**t about how I don’t race against nobody,” Overton said. “There’s no slouches anymore. If you race a Super Late Model, no matter where we go in the country, there is somebody there that’s fast. You couldn’t have scripted it any better. The only bad thing about winning is losing. You get a little taste and you want to win, and when you lose, damn it sucks.”

Overton’s Heat Race win put him on the pole of the main event, and after fending off a challenge from Cade Dillard in the opening laps, he went to work on building a gap. After Dillard slotted into second, he came under attack from Nick Hoffman, who took away the runner-up spot prior to the first caution of the race 13 laps in for a flat tire on Chris Madden’s machine.

Hoffman tried to make a move on the restart, but he couldn’t clear the No. 76 and instead lost second to Cody Overton. Another yellow for a slowing No. 97 of Dillard reracked the field once more, but Brandon Overton pulled away once more and drove home to the checkers. Behind him, the younger Overton came out on top of a battle with Devin Moran to secure the Overton 1-2, signifying a much-needed turnaround from his last trip to Volusia for DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals when a pair of blown engines nearly ruined his season before it began.

“I gambled on the tires, I put a three on. [Brandon] said he was putting a two on, so I said I’m going to be different, maybe I can beat him that way,” Cody Overton said. “I’m just glad nothing fell off, nothing’s broke, still looking for a transmission. Shoutout to [Brandon’s] guys, soon as I got done with my Heat, they were actually at my trailer, trying to help me figure out what I need to do for tomorrow. I don’t mind running second to him, I guess.”

Moran finished third for the final spot on the podium, while Max Blair and Hoffman completed the top five.

UP NEXT: The chase for the Big Gator trophy continues on Tuesday, Feb. 10, with another $7,000-to-win DIRTcar Late Model Feature at Volusia Speedway Park. To get your tickets in advance, click here.

Want to watch live? Stream every lap of DIRTcar Nationals on DIRTVision.

Feature (25 Laps): 1. 76-Brandon Overton[1]; 2. 97-Cody Overton[3]; 3. 99-Devin Moran[12]; 4. 111-Max Blair[7]; 5. 9-Nick Hoffman[4]; 6. 71-Hudson O’Neal[17]; 7. 32-Bobby Pierce[9]; 8. 16-Tyler Bruening[8]; 9. 1-Tyler Erb[5]; 10. 9M-Tim McCreadie[18]; 11. 28-Dennis Erb Jr[10]; 12. 19R-Ryan Gustin[13]; 13. 22*-Drake Troutman[6]; 14. 5-Mark Whitener[19]; 15. 1S-Brandon Sheppard[16]; 16. 44-Chris Madden[11]; 17. 14-Trey Mills[22]; 18. 18-Chase Junghans[21]; 19. 388-Jackson Hise[23]; 20. 58V-Daulton Wilson[24]; 21. 16S-Sam Seawright[20]; 22. 13-Dallon Murty[14]; 23. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[15]; 24. 97D-Cade Dillard[2]

Two of the best in the sport swap the lead on the final lap as Seavey comes out on top

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 9, 2026) – Sprint Cars at Volusia Speedway Park continue to deliver.

The American Sprint Car Series got the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals party started with a trio of fantastic Features on the final weekend of January. Then the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series backed that up the following week with three great races of their own.

Monday fired off week three and brought the USAC National Sprint Cars to Barberville, FL to start their 2026 campaign, and they didn’t miss a beat. Brady Bacon and Logan Seavey gave the fans an absolute barnburner that came down to the last lap.

The two former champions threw everything they had at each other. Bacon led early after taking the top spot on the opening lap from outside the front row. Bacon sped away, but a patient Seavey began to cut into the “Macho Man’s” advantage as lapped cars became a factor. The gap vanished in traffic, and Seavey pulled the trigger on the 20th circuit to wrestle away the lead.

Bacon built one last run at the Sutter, CA native as they came to the white flag. The two entered Turn 1, and Bacon fired a slider that cleared but Seavey didn’t flinch. He turned down the hill to get a run down the back straightaway and snatch the spot right back and hold on through the final set of corners.

“What a racetrack again for Volusia. This place has been lights out all year,” Seavey said. “I just kind of stalked him, and then he kind of slowly slid across the track with a lapped car. I knew I had to get down and cut across. I kind of squeezed in there. I’m not sure how close it was, but I kind of jammed it in there. Then I started struggling those last four or five laps to get down the front stretch and couldn’t get off (Turn) 4 as good as I wanted to. I could just kind of hear and feel that he was close. Then I kind of did the same thing and slowly slid across (Turns) 3 and 4, and he blew back by me coming to the white. I felt OK about getting slid in (Turns) 1 and 2 because I was already turning down off of (Turn) 2. There was just enough grip on the bottom and a lapped car in his way, so it was just kind of set up perfect for me there.”

The win gave the 2024 USAC Sprint Car champion his fourth little gator in the last five tries at the “World’s Fastest Half Mile” with all of them coming aboard the Abacus Racing No. 57. It also sets him up in prime position to become the first two-time Big Gator winner with USAC with the Series set to decide their DIRTcar Nationals title on Tuesday, Feb. 10.

Brady Bacon and Justin Grant completed the podium.

Chase Stockon wheeled from 17th to ninth to earn Hard Charger honors.

UP NEXT: The USAC National Sprint Cars and DIRTcar Late Models both battle at Volusia Speedway Park again on Tuesday, Feb. 10. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

For the complete 2026 Volusia Speedway Park schedule, CLICK HERE.

Where can you watch every Volusia Speedway Park race? Live on DIRTVision.

FEATURE RESULTS:

C-V STRIKES FIRST: Logan Seavey Bests Brady Bacon in USAC Season Opener

Two of the best in the sport swap the lead on the final lap as Seavey comes out on top

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 9, 2026) – Sprint Cars at Volusia Speedway Park continue to deliver.

The American Sprint Car Series got the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals party started with a trio of fantastic Features on the final weekend of January. Then the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series backed that up the following week with three great races of their own.

Monday fired off week three and brought the USAC National Sprint Cars to Barberville, FL to start their 2026 campaign, and they didn’t miss a beat. Brady Bacon and Logan Seavey gave the fans an absolute barnburner that came down to the last lap.

The two former champions threw everything they had at each other. Bacon led early after taking the top spot on the opening lap from outside the front row. Bacon sped away, but a patient Seavey began to cut into the “Macho Man’s” advantage as lapped cars became a factor. The gap vanished in traffic, and Seavey pulled the trigger on the 20th circuit to wrestle away the lead.

Bacon built one last run at the Sutter, CA native as they came to the white flag. The two entered Turn 1, and Bacon fired a slider that cleared but Seavey didn’t flinch. He turned down the hill to get a run down the back straightaway and snatch the spot right back and hold on through the final set of corners.

“What a racetrack again for Volusia. This place has been lights out all year,” Seavey said. “I just kind of stalked him, and then he kind of slowly slid across the track with a lapped car. I knew I had to get down and cut across. I kind of squeezed in there. I’m not sure how close it was, but I kind of jammed it in there. Then I started struggling those last four or five laps to get down the front stretch and couldn’t get off (Turn) 4 as good as I wanted to. I could just kind of hear and feel that he was close. Then I kind of did the same thing and slowly slid across (Turns) 3 and 4, and he blew back by me coming to the white. I felt OK about getting slid in (Turns) 1 and 2 because I was already turning down off of (Turn) 2. There was just enough grip on the bottom and a lapped car in his way, so it was just kind of set up perfect for me there.”

The win gave the 2024 USAC Sprint Car champion his fourth little gator in the last five tries at the “World’s Fastest Half Mile” with all of them coming aboard the Abacus Racing No. 57. It also sets him up in prime position to become the first two-time Big Gator winner with USAC with the Series set to decide their DIRTcar Nationals title on Tuesday, Feb. 10.

Brady Bacon and Justin Grant completed the podium.

Chase Stockon wheeled from 17th to ninth to earn Hard Charger honors.

UP NEXT: The USAC National Sprint Cars and DIRTcar Late Models both battle at Volusia Speedway Park again on Tuesday, Feb. 10. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

For the complete 2026 Volusia Speedway Park schedule, CLICK HERE.

Where can you watch every Volusia Speedway Park race? Live on DIRTVision.

FEATURE RESULTS:

Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals Race Feature (25 Laps): 1. 57-Logan Seavey[1]; 2. 20-Brady Bacon[2]; 3. 4-Justin Grant[3]; 4. 30-CJ Leary[4]; 5. 39-Briggs Danner[8]; 6. 5T-Jake Swanson[6]; 7. 3R-Kevin Thomas Jr[7]; 8. 92-Chase Stockon[17]; 9. 19AZ-Mitchel Moles[11]; 10. 63-Cale Coons[10]; 11. 3P-Kyle Cummins[9]; 12. 5G-Gunnar Setser[12]; 13. 19-Hayden Reinbold[13]; 14. 6T-Trey Osborne[5]; 15. 14-Jadon Rogers[21]; 16. 41-Ricky Lewis[19]; 17. 12-Robert Ballou[18]; 18. 2B-Chelby Hinton[20]; 19. 98-Saban Bibent[24]; 20. 6-Logan Calderwood[14]; 21. 21K-Kobe Simpson[15]; 22. 97UK-Ryan Harrison[16]; 23. 16-Harley Burns[22]; 24. 84-Tom Harris[23]

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE Daytona International Speedway February 11-15, 2026

NASCAR will step onto its biggest stage at the “World Center of Racing”, Daytona International Speedway, this week to officially wave the green flag on the 2026 season.

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

The infamous Daytona Speedweek will once again feature five days of on-track action for NASCAR’s three national touring series – kicking off Wednesday evening under the lights with the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) qualifying session as 21 Team Chevy drivers compete for the coveted pole position of the 68th running of the DAYTONA 500, followed by Thursday’s pair of Duels to complete the lineup for Sunday’s crown jewel event.  Friday marks the first of three days of points-paying racing action at the 2.5-mile Florida superspeedway, starting with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) season opener – a race that will also feature a handful of Team Chevy NCS regulars including past DAYTONA 500 champions, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Michael McDowell, and one of the sport’s rising stars, Carson Hocevar. Chevrolet will then begin its journey towards a title-defending season in NASCAR’s top-two divisions with the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS) taking its turn on Saturday and NASCAR’s premier series culminating the weekend with the “Great American Race” where Team Chevy will have its sights set on a fourth-straight Harley J. Earl trophy.

Decorated Daytona HistoryWith a nickname of the “World Center of Racing”, the prestige of Daytona International Speedway speaks for itself. Chevrolet’s legacy at the 2.5-mile Florida superspeedway dates back to NASCAR’s first-ever appearance at the track (Feb. 1959) with a trip to victory lane courtesy of Bob Welborn. Now, over 67 years later, the Bowtie brand has accumulated 105 all-time NASCAR wins at Daytona International Speedway with 52 NCS wins, 48 NOAPS wins and four NCTS wins – a combined record that continues to raise the bar for its manufacturer competitors at the sport’s iconic venue.

Chevrolet has already set the mark for the most consecutive DAYTONA 500 victories with five-straight (2003-2007), but the manufacturer is closing in on that record with an active streak of three victories in the crown jewel event. The three-peat kicked off with Hyak Motorsports’ Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s title in 2023, then followed by Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron making back-to-back trips to victory lane to bring the Bowtie brand to 27 all-time wins in the “Great American Race”.

Chevrolet is the only manufacturer to sweep wins across all three series in NASCAR’s season-opening weekend at Daytona International Speedway more than once (2018, 2024). In the NOAPS, Richard Childress Racing has earned the past four victories in the season-opening event – most recently by the series’ reigning champion, Jesse Love, to kickstart a sophomore campaign that turned into a title-earning season. Chevrolet’s most recent trip to victory lane at Daytona International Speedway in the NCTS came in Feb. 2024 when Nick Sanchez and the No. 2 Rev Racing Chevrolet team earned the Bowtie brand its milestone 100th all-time points-paying NASCAR win at the “World Center of Racing”.

BYRON ON THE BRINK OF HISTORYA trip to Daytona International Speedway in Aug. 2020 made a lasting mark in William Byron’s racing career with the Charlotte, North Carolina, native becoming a first-time winner in NASCAR’s top division. Fast forward to today, the 28-year-old Team Chevy driver will return to the “World Center of Racing” with the opportunity to make history as the first driver in NASCAR history to earn three-straight DAYTONA 500 titles.  One year ago, Byron found himself in the ninth position on the final lap and what would seem like an unfavorable position for a shot at another DAYTONA 500 victory. But in true Daytona fashion, a last-lap wreck ensued, allowing Byron to navigate his No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet through the chaos to the top of the leaderboard to take home the Harley J. Earl trophy for the second-straight season – further etching his name into the record books as just the fifth driver in history to win consecutive DAYTONA 500 titles.

JRM, ALLGAIER READY TO RUN IT BACK After making a monstrous splash in their NCS debut one year ago, JR Motorsports is back for their second attempt at securing a starting position for the DAYTONA 500 – fielding the No. 40 Chevrolet with Team Chevy veteran driver Justin Allgaier. In the organization’s one and only start at NASCAR’s highest level, the 39-year-old Riverton, Illinois, native not only raced his way into the “Great American Race”, but took the checkered flag in NASCAR’s biggest race with a ninth-place finish. JR Motorsports’ return to the series comes after a record season in the NOAPS that saw the organization earn its milestone 100th all-time victory (Indianapolis Motor Speedway) and 17 wins. Allgaier, JR Motorsports’ winningest driver, powered his No. 7 Chevrolet to three wins in 2025 to earn the ninth position on the series’ all-time wins list.

BUILDING OFF A RECORD SEASON One year ago at the “World Center of Racing”, Richard Childress Racing’s Jesse Love took Chevrolet to victory lane to kickstart what culminated into a record-breaking season for the Bowtie brand in the NOAPS. Chevrolet made 26 trips to victory lane throughout the series’ 33-race schedule, making it the winningest season by a single manufacturer in series history. Throughout the already monumental season, two of Chevrolet’s long-time team partners, Richard Childress Racing and JR Motorsports, earned their milestone 100th all-time win; Connor Zilisch turned in a history-making rookie campaign with 10 wins; Chevrolet swept the Championship Four for the second time in history; and Love became a first-time champion in the NASCAR national ranks. With the bar already set high, Chevrolet is setting up to have yet another strong campaign in the division with a stout driver lineup that includes both veterans and some of the sport’s rising stars.

Climbing the RanksA pair of Rev Racing graduates have inked their first full-time contracts in the NOAPS this season. Two-time NCTS Most Popular Driver, Rajah Caruth, is slated to step up into the NOAPS for his rookie campaign – competing in a unique split schedule between the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet and the No. 32 Jordan Anderson Racing Chevrolet. The 23-year-old Atlanta, Georgia, native is coming off his third full-time season in the NCTS – a stint that saw the Team Chevy driver make the playoffs for back-to-back seasons. Caruth has made a handful of NOAPS starts throughout his young career with a pair of best finishes of 12th – both coming at Martinsville Speedway.

Following suit is Lavar Scott, who is set to compete in his first full-time season in the NASCAR national ranks – piloting the No. 45 Alpha Prime Racing Chevrolet for the NOAPS ‘Rookie of the Year’ honors. The 22-year-old Carney’s Point, New Jersey, native has spent the past two seasons competing full-time in the ARCA Menards Series with Rev Racing – both of which saw the Team Chevy driver finish in the runner-up position in the championship standings. Scott has just a pair of NOAPS starts under his belt – each coming behind the wheel of his now full-time ride with Alpha Prime Racing.

Dirt-racing phenom, Corey Day, is stepping up into the big leagues for his first full-time season in NASCAR – taking over the driving duties of the No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet for his rookie campaign. The transition to full-time competition comes after the 19-year-old Clovis, California, native made select starts in both the NOAPS and NCTS over the past two seasons. In just 11 NOAPS appearances, Day has already earned two top-10 finishes, with his career-best finish of fourth coming at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Oct. 2025.

MILESTONE IN THE MAKING Back with yet another strong full-time roster, Chevrolet is gearing up to make a run at a milestone-making season in the NCTS. The Bowtie brand will head to Daytona International Speedway just six wins away from hitting its milestone 300th all-time win in the division. Chevrolet’s success came right out of the gate in the series’ debut season in 1995 – earning the win in the series’ first-ever race (Phoenix Raceway); tallied wins in 16 of the 20 races; and swept the driver and manufacturer titles.

Eckes Back for Redemption After a one-year stint in the NOAPS, Christian Eckes will return to familiar territory at McAnally-Hilgemann Racing as the pairing has their sights set on their first NCTS championship. In their sophomore campaign together in 2024, the 25-year-old Middletown, New York, native proved to be a title contender all season long – earning an impressive 21-straight top-10s, including 12 podium finishes.

Doing the Daytona DoubleA trio of Team Chevy NCS regulars will also hit the high banks of Daytona International Speedway behind the wheel of a Silverado RST this weekend, including Spire Motorsports teammates, Carson Hocevar and Michael McDowell, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.  Prior to making the jump into NASCAR’s premier series, Carson Hocevar spent three full-time seasons in the NCTS with Niece Motorsports. The 23-year-old Portage, Michigan, native is a five-time winner in the division, with his most recent coming just last season at Kansas Speedway in a Spire Motorsports entry. Hocevar’s start in Friday’s season-opener will mark his first of eight appearances behind the wheel of the No. 77 Silverado RST this season as the driver will play a pivotal role in the team’s run at the owner’s championship title. Earning his first career NCS win on the sport’s biggest stage, the 2021 DAYTONA 500 champion, Michael McDowell, will complete the two-truck lineup for Spire Motorsports – marking just his fifth career start in the division.  While a veteran of the sport, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is on the horizon of a ‘first’ this weekend as the 38-year-old Olive Branch, Mississippi, native is set to make his first career NCTS start. There’s no better place for Stenhouse Jr. to make his series’ debut than the “World Center of Racing”. The Team Chevy driver is a two-time Daytona winner at NASCAR’s highest level, including the 2023 DAYTONA 500.

BOWTIE BULLETS:·        One of the most iconic trophies in motorsports’ history, the Harley J. Earl trophy features a replica of the Firebird 1 – the jet age inspired, turbine-powered, single seater designed by the first head of GM Design Harley Earl. Bill France Sr., NASCAR founder and close friend of Earl, honored his contributions to the advancement of the automobile by naming the trophy for NASCAR’s most prestigious event after him. ·        Active Chevrolet drivers with a NASCAR Cup Series win at Daytona International Speedway: William Byron – three wins (Aug. 2020, Feb. 2024 & Feb. 2025)Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – two wins (July 2017 & Feb. 2023) Austin Dillon – two wins (Feb. 2018 & Aug. 2022)Michael McDowell – one win (Feb. 2021)Kyle Busch – one win (July 2008) ·        Active Chevrolet drivers with a DAYTONA 500 victory: William Byron – two wins (2024-2025)Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – one win (2023)Michael McDowell – one win (2021)Austin Dillon – one win (2018) ·        In 157 NASCAR Cup Series races at Daytona International Speedway, Chevrolet has recorded a series-leading 52 wins, with 27 of those triumphs coming in the “Great American Race”.  ·        Chevrolet has earned 105 points-paying wins at Daytona International Speedway across all three NASCAR national series, making Chevrolet the winningest manufacturer in NASCAR history at the “World Center of Racing”.  ·        Chevrolet has captured the DAYTONA 500 pole a manufacturer-leading 31 times, including a series-best streak of 11-straight (most recent: Hendrick Motorsports’ Alex Bowman – 2023).  ·        Chevrolet has swept the DAYTONA 500 front-row 21 times in the event’s history, including 11 of the past 15 years (most recent: Hendrick Motorsports’ Alex Bowman and Kyle Larson – 2023).  ·        In 144 points-paying races in the NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen era, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 67 victories – a winning percentage of 46.5%. ·        Chevrolet is coming off its 29th all-time sweep of the NASCAR Cup Series championship titles – capturing its 34th driver championship and 44th, and fifth consecutive, manufacturer championship in 2025.  ·        With its 44 NASCAR Cup Series manufacturer championships, 34 NASCAR Cup Series driver championships, and 881 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title as the winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history.

FOR THE FANS:·        Fans can visit the Team Chevy Racing Display in the Fan Midway, Chevrolet Injector and Chevrolet Experience Center at Daytona International Speedway. ·        Fans can check out an assortment of Chevrolet vehicles at each display location including: Chevrolet Racing Display in Fan Midway: Traverse Z71, Colorado Trail Boss, Bolt, Tahoe Z71, Silverado EV, Equinox ACTIV, Trailblazer, Silverado ZR2, and the 250th Anniversary Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500 and Corvette.  Chevrolet Injector: Corvette Stingray Pace Car, Silverado ZR2, Corvette Stingray, Corvette Z06, Equinox EV, Traverse Z71, 250th anniversary Colorado, Suburban HC, Trax ACTIV, Corvette E-Ray, Blazer EV SS, Tahoe Z71, 250th anniversary Silverado EV, Silverado HD ZR2, Silverado EV, Tahoe Z71, Traverse Z71, Colorado ZR2.  Chevrolet Experience Center: Firebird 1, Corvette Z06, Corvette Z06 GT3.R, Chevrolet INDYCAR show car, Corvette Stingray Pace Car.  ·        Fans can also view Kyle Larson’s No. 5 Chevrolet show car at the Fan Midway Display and the 2026 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Cup car at the Chevrolet Experience Center.  Team Chevy Driver/Special Guest Appearances at the Display:Thursday, February 12Justin Allgaier: 4:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday, February 13Christian Eckes & Tyler Ankrum: 12:45 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.Grant Enfinger: 1:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.Daniel Hemric & Kris Wright: 1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.Dawson Sutton: 1:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.Travis Pastrana: 1:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.Andres Perez de Lara & Landen Lewis: 2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Toni Breidinger: 4:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday, February 14Carson Kvapil & Rajah Caruth: 9:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.Ricky Stenhouse Jr: 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.Cole Custer: 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.Sam Mayer & Sheldon Creed: 12:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.Austin Hill: 12:45 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.Sammy Smith: 1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.Jesse Love: 1:40 p.m. – 1:55 p.m. Corey Day: 2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Sunday, February 15Austin Dillon: 9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.Carson Hocevar: 10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.Michael McDowell: 10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.Kyle Larson & Chase Elliott: 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Connor Zilisch & Shane van Gisbergen: 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. William Byron & Alex Bowman: 11:05 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.Kyle Busch: 11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Dustin Lynch: 11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Chevrolet Display Hours of Operation: Thursday, February 12: 3 – 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 13: 11 a.m. – 7:45 p.m. Saturday, February 14: 8 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. Sunday, February 15: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

TUNE-IN:NASCAR Cup Series68th running of the DAYTONA 500Sunday, February 15, 2:30 p.m. ETFOX, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts SeriesUnited Rentals 300Saturday, February 14, 5 p.m. ET CW, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fresh From Florida 250Friday, February 13, 7:30 p.m. ET FS1, NASCAR Racing Network, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90

QUOTABLE QUOTES:Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletWhat would it mean to you to be able to get that crown jewel of the Daytona 500?“Yeah, it’d be beyond words that I can really put out right now. And I can usually ramble about anything, but I don’t know what that would feel like. I mean, until I do it, and what I’ve learned through winning a couple of races now in the Cup Series is that first one was worth it. It was worth all of the sacrifice. If I never raced again, it was an accomplishment that I never thought I would get to, but that I had worked a long time to achieve. To win the Daytona 500 and the Harley J. Earl trophy, and having learned about the history, knowing what the France family has built over several generations, coming from the beach and building a superspeedway a couple miles from the coast it would be incredible. All of the greats that have competed at Daytona. Some of them have won, a lot of them have lost, and they’ve all lost a lot more than they’ve won. So I don’t know what it’ll feel like, but I’m excited to find out one day, and I’ll work a long time to try to make that happen.” For somebody that’s never been behind the wheel of a Cup car, the superspeedways are such a different animal than any other racetrack. What is the mentality that you have to have to battle for multiple hours at 200 miles per hour, inches away from each other, knowing that there is going to be a big crash and you just have to do your best to not be there when it happens?“Daytona and superspeedways, are the easiest tracks to drive by myself. Qualifying is not challenging. I hold it wide open. I can hold it wide open until I run out of gas. They can come put gas in my car and I can go back out and do it again on the same tires and be fine. You put all the competitors out there and it is challenging. The draft that we have, the car that qualifies on the pole could be in last on the first lap, just the way the draft works. If they go to the very top, they’ll get passed by everybody. So it definitely is challenging when everybody’s out there. And then, like you said, trying to navigate the wrecks. I’ve finished 40th in this race twice. I don’t want to do that again.” Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletHow excited are you to get to Daytona and to try and win another Daytona 500?“I can’t wait to get to Daytona. Daytona always presents different opportunities, and the most important one is the opportunity to become a Daytona 500 Champion. I’d love to become a two-time champion of the race. It’s so much fun driving through the tunnel and knowing the history behind the track as you arrive, and to know you have an opportunity to put your name on the Harley J. Earl Trophy.” You’re the 2018 Daytona 500 Champion. Talk about Daytona International Speedway. RCR is always a force there. Talk about your chemistry with your teammate, Kyle Busch, at Daytona.“I remember our first race together in the No. 3 and the No. 8. We won the Daytona 500, but we didn’t win the Daytona 501 or 502 or whatever the race ended up being once it went into overtime. We were first coming to the white flag, so that would have been an epic start to Kyle’s career at RCR if we could have won the Daytona 500 for RCR. Still, he won three races that year. We’ve done a good job at RCR having fast racecars at Daytona International Speedway. I guess we’re pretty good at drafting, and that’s what you can attribute our success to. I’m looking forward to the new style body on our Chevrolets. I think that could be even better for us this year. I think the Fords have had an advantage at speedway racing for a while. Now, I’m hoping that when we show up to Daytona, we’re able to push harder and lead with a bit more ease. Nothing is easy in this sport. When it comes to competition, everybody is constantly getting better and figuring things out, so we’ve just got to do a good job of what we’ve done in the past, and I think that’s just putting ourselves in good positions. When we put ourselves in good positions, along with that ECR horsepower, it tends to show up.” How has this generation of car impacted speedway racing?“I think the biggest impact has been the fuel tank. Trying to work around fuel mileage has been a struggle, but our boss has made it pretty clear to us he does not like that type of racing and wants us to be towards the front or working our way towards the front, not saving fuel. That can be a challenge when the bossman is saying something and the engineers are communicating another way to do it. I think the biggest thing I’ve learned about speedway racing is that you’ve got to pick a direction that you’re going to go so that it doesn’t confuse the driver and go to work on that. I wish we could either change the number of laps, or we just raced all out the whole time. That’s one thing that makes it a struggle at Daytona and Talladega.” As we head into 2026, what would make it a good year for you?“I want to win multiple races. I’ve won races throughout my career, but I’ve never won two in the same year. I think that would put us into the Chase, and then from there try to go as far as possible. It would be a huge year if both the No. 3 and No. 8 teams won multiple races this year and made the postseason. That’s a championship year for an organization in my mind.” What excites you the most about the No. 3 team heading into 2026?“I think the continuity on our team. We have the same group of guys coming back together and going out there to fight every race. Also, the new Chevrolet body that we will be racing this year. I can’t wait to get out there in it and see how it performs. I think it’s going to be better, consistently, then the car we had last year.” Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletWhat would it take to be a Daytona 500 winner? And what would it mean to you?“I wouldn’t know what it takes to be a Daytona 500 winner; I have never done it before. I’ve been oh so close, so many times. I’ve finished second, third, fourth, whatever, you name it, I have probably finished there. I remember in 2023, I think it was, myself and Austin Dillon, teammates at RCR, we were 1-2 coming down to the final laps, and of course coming out of turn four, I can see the flagman with the white flag in his hand. And as I get closer to the start finish line to take the white flag, he switches hands and throws the yellow as someone behind us spun out. Had to go into overtime, and I just wasn’t able to make it happen through overtime. But I have been right there. I have led the Daytona 500; it just turned into the Daytona 515 or whatever. It would be huge. I’ve been trying for so long to win that race, it’s the one race I haven’t checked off the box. I’ve been oh so close, many, many times. I’ve finished second, third, fourth. I’ve about accomplished every single finishing position in that race and so it would be nice to check off the number one spot.” Do you think it’s finally time to win the Daytona 500, one that you’ve been missing?“Yeah, I would hope so. I would like to think that in my 21st year now of trying for the Daytona 500, we can bring it home and make it happen so we can stop talking about it. It’s a tough race to win, it’s not like what it used to be, it’s less about fast cars and having all of that stuff that you need to have like we saw in the ‘80s and the ‘90s and the early 2000s, you know now its everybody on top everybody, fuel milage race, chess match where can you be, where can you put yourself and make the right moves at the right times. And so being able to do all that and then miss the wreck you know, there seems to always be a wreck on the final lap or the final two laps or whatever it might be and restarts that happen towards the end of the race. I think William Byron won it the last two years and both years there was a wreck on the backstretch and he was running 7th and 11th coming off of turn 2 and he ends up winning. So, do you want to be leading or do you want to be 2nd, hell do you want to be 11th? I don’t know.” What would make a Daytona 500 win emotional for you?“I don’t know. I remember winning at Las Vegas, my home track in 2009, and it just being such a big moment for me being my home track. Wanting to win there so hard, it felt really, really cool to do that. So I can’t imagine what a Daytona 500 win would feel like. Maybe being old nowadays and having a family, you might see a tear. Who knows.” How hungry are you for a Daytona 500 win, or are you treating it like any other race so it’s not so much of a mountain to climb?“If you were eating, and you haven’t eaten in 22 years, you would be pretty hungry. So that is certainly a race I want to chow down on, and win and check the box for. It’s been a long time, and we’ve been oh so close there a few times, more so since being at RCR I’ve had some really good chances at winning that race. But it’s been fun, and I’m looking forward to getting back there with our Chevrolet and doing it again.” Do you still get hyped for the Daytona 500 having been there 20+ times?“For me, it’s any other race. You try to treat it as any other race. You don’t want to get yourself too hyped up for any reason and put yourself in a bad spot, or overtry or get over zealous or anxious or whatever. For me, you try to have the mental state of it’s any other race and don’t worry about it, but I can’t say the same for all the other drivers. They may not feel the same way, and they get all amped up, and that’s why you see so many crashes and so many things happen there towards the end of the race where everyone is pushing so hard to win that race because it’s a legacy, it’s a career defining moment and everybody wants to have that. AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet“The Daytona 500 is the biggest race of the year, and it’s so unique. I know we all say that a lot, but there’s so much that builds up to it with all the hard work the team puts in during the off-season. Driving into Daytona International Speedway still gives me chills. All the pre-race ceremonies and standing by the car—to this day—it’s emotional. It’s truly an honor and a privilege to be part of the Daytona 500. We know we’ll always have fast cars at the superspeedways, and we know we’ll be competitive. The race is tough, and there’s a lot of luck that plays into it, but if we do the right things, we know we’ll have a shot at winning. It’s just special to be part of it all—the Duels, qualifying, practice, everything. It’s a massive build-up to Sunday. It’s one of the biggest events in the world when it comes to motorsports, and I’m very fortunate to still be a part of it. We’re happy CELSIUS is back. It’s been an honor to see how CELSIUS has grown over the years. It’s cool for me because I’ve been able to see their growth firsthand. I remember walking into the Kaulig Racing shop back in 2019 and just seeing CELSIUS coolers. To be quite honest, I’d never seen it before. Now, they’re not just a North American product, but a global product. They went from supplying us with product to being on the race car. We’ve been very lucky to win with them on the car and be able to celebrate together. More than anything, they are great people, and to be able to keep building that partnership is pretty special. I have a lot of fun with them. Hopefully, for many years to come, we can keep growing the brand and being a part of it on and off the racetrack. It’s been great, and I would love to go to Daytona, put on a show, and celebrate with them again in Victory Lane.” Cole Custer, No. 41 Haas Factory Team Chevrolet“I am definitely excited about Daytona, and honestly all of the superspeedways were really strong points races for our team last year and we had some really good runs, close to a few wins! It’s exciting to get our first race at Daytona underway, and with it being a Crown Jewel race, everyone wants to try and get the Harley J. Earl trophy in their trophy case.” Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet“Daytona is always special, and kicking off the season at the Daytona 500 never gets old. Having Chef Boyardee on board makes it even better — it’s a brand everyone knows, and it fits the energy and excitement of this race. Superspeedway racing is all about patience, teamwork, and putting yourself in position at the end, and our team has been working hard to do exactly that. We’re ready to go after it and hopefully get the win.” Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet“There’s a lot of excitement around Daytona; we’ve had a lot of good runs there the last couple of years. Being a Crown Jewel event, the one that kicks off our season, it’s a big deal. At the same time, it is just another race and having a solid run would be a great way to kick off the season. We have a lot of new faces on the 48 team, most of them have worked together in the past and I’m excited to get to work with everyone.” Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing ChevroletYou’ve had the Clash, but Daytona is where the season begins. Talk about what’s going through your mind when you first drive through that tunnel when you get into Daytona on Tuesday afternoon?“It’s just fun. The atmosphere down there, getting to go down to typically sunny and warm Florida for the most part, even in February. It’s nice to be down there in shorts and a T-shirt when you unload from the plane, just to get to go into that infield tunnel to see the vast expanse of what feels like a mini city in the infield between all the RVs, the camping, the makeshift bars that are getting set up by all the race fans coming in for the weekend. So it’s always fun. There’s always just an air of optimism and hopefulness for the season going into Daytona. And again, going to the track where we know that we have a shot to run up front and make some magic happen is always exciting.” Anthony Alfredo, No. 62 Beard Motorsports ChevroletYou’re back at Daytona for your third consecutive Speedweek with Beard Motorsports, and you’ll be looking to make your sixth Cup Series start with the team. What’s your mindset and that of the team as you head to track this week?“We are as focused as ever on making the Daytona 500 this year. Honestly, I have a lot of confidence because, back in 2024, not only did we time our way into race in qualifying, we were the fastest open car overall. Everybody at Beard Motorsports has been putting in the effort they always do and, honestly, missing the Daytona 500 last year was obviously a huge disappointment, but I think it motivated us to excel at the two Talladega races we did, where we led a lot of laps, making our rocket ship a lot faster and giving us something to build on as we go back to Daytona this year.” There’s a new Chevrolet body introduced for this season. Knowing that Daytona and the other superspeedway races are all about aerodynamics, do you have an idea what it will be like, where it can be an improvement, based on your experience in the simulator?“I think the Chevrolet body is going to be better everywhere. It seems like we’re still honing in the details and correlations since it obviously hasn’t been on the real track a whole bunch. We’ve have limited data to go off of from the few tests they’ve had to correlate and ultimately make it better. But I think as we progress through the year, it’ll just get more and more realistic. On paper, it should certainly be a lot better everywhere. I’m really looking forward to seeing that for myself.”  Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports ChevroletIt’s been five years since your first win at Daytona. How can you pick up your second win in the Daytona 500?“Five years is a long time. There’s nothing cooler than winning the Daytona 500, except for maybe winning it twice. I don’t know, but that’s the goal. The goal is to have a shot, put ourselves in position to be there on the last lap, but nothing has really changed. Everybody goes down to Daytona with the same goal: it is not to score points, and it’s not to run good. It’s to try to win the Daytona 500. I felt like we had great speed last year on superspeedway tracks. We sat on the pole at Talladega in the fall, and we are going to bring the same car back for Daytona. So, hopeful with this new Chevy body, we can put it on the front row for the Daytona 500 and make for an exciting weekend.” You’ve been vocal about your goal to win in all three series. What do you need to do to make that happen on Friday? “The truck race is going to be fun. I was super nervous going into last year, not racing a truck on a superspeedway, and I had not been in a truck for over 10 years. I feel much more confident now, just knowing the shift points, getting through the gears, how the trucks race, and how they draft. We weren’t able to get where we wanted to last year, but we were in that front pack when we all crashed.  I am excited to have Tibbetts Lumber on the truck for the first time. They helped me with a home project, building a new shop onto my house last year, so I am excited to have them on the truck and continue to work with them. Daytona is just another opportunity to try to win in all 3 series, which is a goal of mine, but it’s tough to win in any series; any 3 of the national series is tough, but my goal is to check that box for a win in all three series.” Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports ChevroletDescribe your change in your mindset between last year’s Daytona 500 and Atlanta the very next week.“Well we had a fuel pump issue in the 500 last year, and never really got to race. So when we got to Atlanta, I didn’t want to ride around for another 267 laps just to have something go wrong. So we went full offense at the rest of the superspeedways, and didn’t finish outside the top 10 in any of them. I think it’s worked out pretty well so far, and we are prepped and ready for the Daytona 500.” Talk about the Spectrum partnership and how it is a full-circle moment for you and your family.“I think my dad is somehow even more excited for it than I am! He feels he is a part of it. He did a trade deal with the with Charter to get the coin and jewelry store some commercials, and in turn they got to be on my quarter midget and eventually my Late Model. With Spectrum, it is almost like him putting his own logo on the car for the Daytona 500. I just think the coolest thing is seeing how excited he is and to get to be there to watch it.” Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet Last year was your first DAYTONA 500, what did you take away from the experience?“I enjoyed it last year. The race buildup is epic, like how much everyone is in to it, seeing the stands full, it’s an amazing racetrack. The race didn’t go very well for us last year; we got crashed early and limped around the rest of the race. So, hopefullywe can have a bit of a better result this year. As an event, it’s different to open the season with the biggest race of the year but it’s a pretty cool way to start as well! I’m looking forward to it.” What is it like racing on a big stage like the DAYTONA 500?“I’ve done a few big races, like a Bathurst 1000 and Le Man 24, I’ve been lucky enough to do those races. You get that vibe and buzz on the pre-race grid; all the drivers and teams are nervous but then the crowd is super excited. It’s a real mixof energy, it’s so cool to soak in these moments and to have the privilege of being a part of something so big like the DAYTONA 500. There is nothing like it.” How much confidence does last year give you heading into the 2026 season?“It gives me a bit – just got to keep building. I felt like we ended last year really strongly, we had a really good upward trajectory on the ovals – our road courses were really strong. We just have to keep that momentum going. We have great continuity onthe team, everyone on the 97 team are the same guys from the 88 team last year, I think we are in a really good spot to keep building up.” Are you still enjoying the challenge of NASCAR?“It’s been so fun! It’s been good to have a fresh challenge, but also every week is something different, still learning something new. It’s been a lot of fun and a good change for me. The group of guys and girls I have on my car are really fun people to goto the racetrack with every weekend. I’m really enjoying it and looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish this season. I’m excited!” Austin Hill, No. 21 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletWhat is your mindset heading into Daytona International Speedway? “I’m in a really good spot mentally for this season. The No. 21 team has spent a lot of time together preparing and figuring out what we need to be a little bit better. We have some good ideas on things to touch up on. It doesn’t need a full rebuild, it doesn’t need to be anything special. It’s simply being a little better in certain areas and if we do that, this team can win the championship this year. I have all the confidence in Chad (Haney, crew chief) and my entire group of guys. I think 2026 will be a good one for us. We know RCR can win championships – that was proven again last year with Jesse (Love) and the No. 2 team – and it would be special to bring Richard (Childress) and all the men and women in Welcome a title two years in a row.” How will the new Chase format change the overall outlook for the 2026 season?“This year is going to be different that’s for sure. You will have to be consistent each and every week. You can’t have a bad week and run 20th or worse. The goal has to be a top-five finish each race. Wins still matter, with the points increasing, but it’s a different mindset than win and you’re in. You still want to go win races and earn stage points; those will add up and matter. I think you can go run second, third, fourth, or fifth during the Chase and have a shot at winning the championship. You need to get the best position for any given day and maximize what the car has to offer. If it’s a third, take your third-place finish and move on to the next week. It’s better than ending up on the hook and finishing 30th or worse. I could be wrong saying this, but I think this format and the way that you have to be consistent each week fits into the No. 21 team’s wheelhouse. I feel really strong about our chances going into this season.” Your record at Daytona International Speedway speaks for itself. What does it mean to have the target on your back when you go to one of the biggest races of the year?“I actually have a lot of fun with it. Everyone talks about pressure and questions if the pressure is going to get to you. But for me, I just go into Daytona weekends with the same mindset that I always do. We try to run up front, do our thing, stay out of wrecks, and hope that it’s enough at the end. Our Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet has been fortunate year after year in the season openers, so hopefully we can do it again this year. Everyone at RCR and ECR Engines works extremely hard to bring fast racecars and strong motors to every race, but especially at drafting tracks. Our cars are always fast and up front in qualifying which lets the rest of the competition know that you have a car capable of winning. Once the race starts and drafting begins though, anyone in the field can win at a place like Daytona. Where the No. 2 and No. 21 teams shine is making the moves at the right time.” Talk about your relationship with spotter, Derek Kneeland.“My spotter, Derek Kneeland, and I have built a great relationship over the years. This will be our fifth season working together. I know when he keys up on the radio, I need to move left, right, or there is a run coming. I know it a split-second sooner than he starts speaking, so I start moving immediately. Every second, every hundred of a second matters, especially when you are talking about a place like Daytona or Talladega. That’s one of the reasons why we are so good, because we are one step ahead of the competition. I trust him fully and don’t second guess anything he says. Not sure I could have won 10 races at drafting tracks without him.”

Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics Manufacturer Championships:Total (1949-2025): 44First title for Chevrolet: 1958Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15)Most recent: 2025 Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 Driver Championships:Total (1949-2025): 34First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)Most recent: Kyle Larson (2025)Driver and Manufacturer Championship Sweeps: 29 Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2025 Event Victories:Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007)                CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:Total Chevrolet race wins: 881 (1949 to date)Poles won to date: 766Laps led to date: 256,734Top-fives to date: 4,436Top-10s to date: 9,151                                                                                                          Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date:                    General Motors: 1,215           Chevrolet: 881           Pontiac: 154           Oldsmobile: 115           Buick: 65            Ford: 847                                                                                          Ford: 747           Mercury: 96           Lincoln: 4            Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467           Dodge: 217           Plymouth: 191           Chrysler: 59            Toyota: 203

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCEDaytona International SpeedwayFebruary 11-15, 2026

NASCAR will step onto its biggest stage at the “World Center of Racing”, Daytona International Speedway, this week to officially wave the green flag on the 2026 season.

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

The infamous Daytona Speedweek will once again feature five days of on-track action for NASCAR’s three national touring series – kicking off Wednesday evening under the lights with the NASCAR Cup Series (NCS) qualifying session as 21 Team Chevy drivers compete for the coveted pole position of the 68th running of the DAYTONA 500, followed by Thursday’s pair of Duels to complete the lineup for Sunday’s crown jewel event.  Friday marks the first of three days of points-paying racing action at the 2.5-mile Florida superspeedway, starting with the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series (NCTS) season opener – a race that will also feature a handful of Team Chevy NCS regulars including past DAYTONA 500 champions, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and Michael McDowell, and one of the sport’s rising stars, Carson Hocevar. Chevrolet will then begin its journey towards a title-defending season in NASCAR’s top-two divisions with the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series (NOAPS) taking its turn on Saturday and NASCAR’s premier series culminating the weekend with the “Great American Race” where Team Chevy will have its sights set on a fourth-straight Harley J. Earl trophy.

Decorated Daytona HistoryWith a nickname of the “World Center of Racing”, the prestige of Daytona International Speedway speaks for itself. Chevrolet’s legacy at the 2.5-mile Florida superspeedway dates back to NASCAR’s first-ever appearance at the track (Feb. 1959) with a trip to victory lane courtesy of Bob Welborn. Now, over 67 years later, the Bowtie brand has accumulated 105 all-time NASCAR wins at Daytona International Speedway with 52 NCS wins, 48 NOAPS wins and four NCTS wins – a combined record that continues to raise the bar for its manufacturer competitors at the sport’s iconic venue.

Chevrolet has already set the mark for the most consecutive DAYTONA 500 victories with five-straight (2003-2007), but the manufacturer is closing in on that record with an active streak of three victories in the crown jewel event. The three-peat kicked off with Hyak Motorsports’ Ricky Stenhouse Jr.’s title in 2023, then followed by Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron making back-to-back trips to victory lane to bring the Bowtie brand to 27 all-time wins in the “Great American Race”.

Chevrolet is the only manufacturer to sweep wins across all three series in NASCAR’s season-opening weekend at Daytona International Speedway more than once (2018, 2024). In the NOAPS, Richard Childress Racing has earned the past four victories in the season-opening event – most recently by the series’ reigning champion, Jesse Love, to kickstart a sophomore campaign that turned into a title-earning season. Chevrolet’s most recent trip to victory lane at Daytona International Speedway in the NCTS came in Feb. 2024 when Nick Sanchez and the No. 2 Rev Racing Chevrolet team earned the Bowtie brand its milestone 100th all-time points-paying NASCAR win at the “World Center of Racing”.

BYRON ON THE BRINK OF HISTORYA trip to Daytona International Speedway in Aug. 2020 made a lasting mark in William Byron’s racing career with the Charlotte, North Carolina, native becoming a first-time winner in NASCAR’s top division. Fast forward to today, the 28-year-old Team Chevy driver will return to the “World Center of Racing” with the opportunity to make history as the first driver in NASCAR history to earn three-straight DAYTONA 500 titles.  One year ago, Byron found himself in the ninth position on the final lap and what would seem like an unfavorable position for a shot at another DAYTONA 500 victory. But in true Daytona fashion, a last-lap wreck ensued, allowing Byron to navigate his No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet through the chaos to the top of the leaderboard to take home the Harley J. Earl trophy for the second-straight season – further etching his name into the record books as just the fifth driver in history to win consecutive DAYTONA 500 titles.

JRM, ALLGAIER READY TO RUN IT BACK After making a monstrous splash in their NCS debut one year ago, JR Motorsports is back for their second attempt at securing a starting position for the DAYTONA 500 – fielding the No. 40 Chevrolet with Team Chevy veteran driver Justin Allgaier. In the organization’s one and only start at NASCAR’s highest level, the 39-year-old Riverton, Illinois, native not only raced his way into the “Great American Race”, but took the checkered flag in NASCAR’s biggest race with a ninth-place finish. JR Motorsports’ return to the series comes after a record season in the NOAPS that saw the organization earn its milestone 100th all-time victory (Indianapolis Motor Speedway) and 17 wins. Allgaier, JR Motorsports’ winningest driver, powered his No. 7 Chevrolet to three wins in 2025 to earn the ninth position on the series’ all-time wins list.

BUILDING OFF A RECORD SEASON One year ago at the “World Center of Racing”, Richard Childress Racing’s Jesse Love took Chevrolet to victory lane to kickstart what culminated into a record-breaking season for the Bowtie brand in the NOAPS. Chevrolet made 26 trips to victory lane throughout the series’ 33-race schedule, making it the winningest season by a single manufacturer in series history. Throughout the already monumental season, two of Chevrolet’s long-time team partners, Richard Childress Racing and JR Motorsports, earned their milestone 100th all-time win; Connor Zilisch turned in a history-making rookie campaign with 10 wins; Chevrolet swept the Championship Four for the second time in history; and Love became a first-time champion in the NASCAR national ranks. With the bar already set high, Chevrolet is setting up to have yet another strong campaign in the division with a stout driver lineup that includes both veterans and some of the sport’s rising stars.

Climbing the RanksA pair of Rev Racing graduates have inked their first full-time contracts in the NOAPS this season. Two-time NCTS Most Popular Driver, Rajah Caruth, is slated to step up into the NOAPS for his rookie campaign – competing in a unique split schedule between the No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet and the No. 32 Jordan Anderson Racing Chevrolet. The 23-year-old Atlanta, Georgia, native is coming off his third full-time season in the NCTS – a stint that saw the Team Chevy driver make the playoffs for back-to-back seasons. Caruth has made a handful of NOAPS starts throughout his young career with a pair of best finishes of 12th – both coming at Martinsville Speedway.

Following suit is Lavar Scott, who is set to compete in his first full-time season in the NASCAR national ranks – piloting the No. 45 Alpha Prime Racing Chevrolet for the NOAPS ‘Rookie of the Year’ honors. The 22-year-old Carney’s Point, New Jersey, native has spent the past two seasons competing full-time in the ARCA Menards Series with Rev Racing – both of which saw the Team Chevy driver finish in the runner-up position in the championship standings. Scott has just a pair of NOAPS starts under his belt – each coming behind the wheel of his now full-time ride with Alpha Prime Racing.

Dirt-racing phenom, Corey Day, is stepping up into the big leagues for his first full-time season in NASCAR – taking over the driving duties of the No. 17 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet for his rookie campaign. The transition to full-time competition comes after the 19-year-old Clovis, California, native made select starts in both the NOAPS and NCTS over the past two seasons. In just 11 NOAPS appearances, Day has already earned two top-10 finishes, with his career-best finish of fourth coming at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in Oct. 2025.

MILESTONE IN THE MAKING Back with yet another strong full-time roster, Chevrolet is gearing up to make a run at a milestone-making season in the NCTS. The Bowtie brand will head to Daytona International Speedway just six wins away from hitting its milestone 300th all-time win in the division. Chevrolet’s success came right out of the gate in the series’ debut season in 1995 – earning the win in the series’ first-ever race (Phoenix Raceway); tallied wins in 16 of the 20 races; and swept the driver and manufacturer titles.

Eckes Back for Redemption After a one-year stint in the NOAPS, Christian Eckes will return to familiar territory at McAnally-Hilgemann Racing as the pairing has their sights set on their first NCTS championship. In their sophomore campaign together in 2024, the 25-year-old Middletown, New York, native proved to be a title contender all season long – earning an impressive 21-straight top-10s, including 12 podium finishes.

Doing the Daytona DoubleA trio of Team Chevy NCS regulars will also hit the high banks of Daytona International Speedway behind the wheel of a Silverado RST this weekend, including Spire Motorsports teammates, Carson Hocevar and Michael McDowell, and Ricky Stenhouse Jr.  Prior to making the jump into NASCAR’s premier series, Carson Hocevar spent three full-time seasons in the NCTS with Niece Motorsports. The 23-year-old Portage, Michigan, native is a five-time winner in the division, with his most recent coming just last season at Kansas Speedway in a Spire Motorsports entry. Hocevar’s start in Friday’s season-opener will mark his first of eight appearances behind the wheel of the No. 77 Silverado RST this season as the driver will play a pivotal role in the team’s run at the owner’s championship title. Earning his first career NCS win on the sport’s biggest stage, the 2021 DAYTONA 500 champion, Michael McDowell, will complete the two-truck lineup for Spire Motorsports – marking just his fifth career start in the division.  While a veteran of the sport, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. is on the horizon of a ‘first’ this weekend as the 38-year-old Olive Branch, Mississippi, native is set to make his first career NCTS start. There’s no better place for Stenhouse Jr. to make his series’ debut than the “World Center of Racing”. The Team Chevy driver is a two-time Daytona winner at NASCAR’s highest level, including the 2023 DAYTONA 500.

BOWTIE BULLETS:·        One of the most iconic trophies in motorsports’ history, the Harley J. Earl trophy features a replica of the Firebird 1 – the jet age inspired, turbine-powered, single seater designed by the first head of GM Design Harley Earl. Bill France Sr., NASCAR founder and close friend of Earl, honored his contributions to the advancement of the automobile by naming the trophy for NASCAR’s most prestigious event after him. ·        Active Chevrolet drivers with a NASCAR Cup Series win at Daytona International Speedway: William Byron – three wins (Aug. 2020, Feb. 2024 & Feb. 2025)Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – two wins (July 2017 & Feb. 2023) Austin Dillon – two wins (Feb. 2018 & Aug. 2022)Michael McDowell – one win (Feb. 2021)Kyle Busch – one win (July 2008) ·        Active Chevrolet drivers with a DAYTONA 500 victory: William Byron – two wins (2024-2025)Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – one win (2023)Michael McDowell – one win (2021)Austin Dillon – one win (2018) ·        In 157 NASCAR Cup Series races at Daytona International Speedway, Chevrolet has recorded a series-leading 52 wins, with 27 of those triumphs coming in the “Great American Race”.  ·        Chevrolet has earned 105 points-paying wins at Daytona International Speedway across all three NASCAR national series, making Chevrolet the winningest manufacturer in NASCAR history at the “World Center of Racing”.  ·        Chevrolet has captured the DAYTONA 500 pole a manufacturer-leading 31 times, including a series-best streak of 11-straight (most recent: Hendrick Motorsports’ Alex Bowman – 2023).  ·        Chevrolet has swept the DAYTONA 500 front-row 21 times in the event’s history, including 11 of the past 15 years (most recent: Hendrick Motorsports’ Alex Bowman and Kyle Larson – 2023).  ·        In 144 points-paying races in the NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen era, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 67 victories – a winning percentage of 46.5%. ·        Chevrolet is coming off its 29th all-time sweep of the NASCAR Cup Series championship titles – capturing its 34th driver championship and 44th, and fifth consecutive, manufacturer championship in 2025.  ·        With its 44 NASCAR Cup Series manufacturer championships, 34 NASCAR Cup Series driver championships, and 881 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title as the winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history.

FOR THE FANS:·        Fans can visit the Team Chevy Racing Display in the Fan Midway, Chevrolet Injector and Chevrolet Experience Center at Daytona International Speedway. ·        Fans can check out an assortment of Chevrolet vehicles at each display location including: Chevrolet Racing Display in Fan Midway: Traverse Z71, Colorado Trail Boss, Bolt, Tahoe Z71, Silverado EV, Equinox ACTIV, Trailblazer, Silverado ZR2, and the 250th Anniversary Silverado 1500, Silverado 2500 and Corvette.  Chevrolet Injector: Corvette Stingray Pace Car, Silverado ZR2, Corvette Stingray, Corvette Z06, Equinox EV, Traverse Z71, 250th anniversary Colorado, Suburban HC, Trax ACTIV, Corvette E-Ray, Blazer EV SS, Tahoe Z71, 250th anniversary Silverado EV, Silverado HD ZR2, Silverado EV, Tahoe Z71, Traverse Z71, Colorado ZR2.  Chevrolet Experience Center: Firebird 1, Corvette Z06, Corvette Z06 GT3.R, Chevrolet INDYCAR show car, Corvette Stingray Pace Car.  ·        Fans can also view Kyle Larson’s No. 5 Chevrolet show car at the Fan Midway Display and the 2026 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 Cup car at the Chevrolet Experience Center.  Team Chevy Driver/Special Guest Appearances at the Display:Thursday, February 12Justin Allgaier: 4:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Friday, February 13Christian Eckes & Tyler Ankrum: 12:45 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.Grant Enfinger: 1:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m.Daniel Hemric & Kris Wright: 1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.Dawson Sutton: 1:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.Travis Pastrana: 1:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.Andres Perez de Lara & Landen Lewis: 2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Toni Breidinger: 4:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday, February 14Carson Kvapil & Rajah Caruth: 9:15 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.Ricky Stenhouse Jr: 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.Cole Custer: 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.Sam Mayer & Sheldon Creed: 12:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.Austin Hill: 12:45 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.Sammy Smith: 1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.Jesse Love: 1:40 p.m. – 1:55 p.m. Corey Day: 2:00 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Sunday, February 15Austin Dillon: 9:45 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.Carson Hocevar: 10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m.Michael McDowell: 10:15 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.Kyle Larson & Chase Elliott: 10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. Connor Zilisch & Shane van Gisbergen: 10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. William Byron & Alex Bowman: 11:05 a.m. – 11:20 a.m.Kyle Busch: 11:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Dustin Lynch: 11:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Chevrolet Display Hours of Operation: Thursday, February 12: 3 – 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 13: 11 a.m. – 7:45 p.m. Saturday, February 14: 8 a.m. – 5:15 p.m. Sunday, February 15: 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.

TUNE-IN:NASCAR Cup Series68th running of the DAYTONA 500Sunday, February 15, 2:30 p.m. ETFOX, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts SeriesUnited Rentals 300Saturday, February 14, 5 p.m. ET CW, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Fresh From Florida 250Friday, February 13, 7:30 p.m. ET FS1, NASCAR Racing Network, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90

QUOTABLE QUOTES:Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletWhat would it mean to you to be able to get that crown jewel of the Daytona 500?“Yeah, it’d be beyond words that I can really put out right now. And I can usually ramble about anything, but I don’t know what that would feel like. I mean, until I do it, and what I’ve learned through winning a couple of races now in the Cup Series is that first one was worth it. It was worth all of the sacrifice. If I never raced again, it was an accomplishment that I never thought I would get to, but that I had worked a long time to achieve. To win the Daytona 500 and the Harley J. Earl trophy, and having learned about the history, knowing what the France family has built over several generations, coming from the beach and building a superspeedway a couple miles from the coast it would be incredible. All of the greats that have competed at Daytona. Some of them have won, a lot of them have lost, and they’ve all lost a lot more than they’ve won. So I don’t know what it’ll feel like, but I’m excited to find out one day, and I’ll work a long time to try to make that happen.” For somebody that’s never been behind the wheel of a Cup car, the superspeedways are such a different animal than any other racetrack. What is the mentality that you have to have to battle for multiple hours at 200 miles per hour, inches away from each other, knowing that there is going to be a big crash and you just have to do your best to not be there when it happens?“Daytona and superspeedways, are the easiest tracks to drive by myself. Qualifying is not challenging. I hold it wide open. I can hold it wide open until I run out of gas. They can come put gas in my car and I can go back out and do it again on the same tires and be fine. You put all the competitors out there and it is challenging. The draft that we have, the car that qualifies on the pole could be in last on the first lap, just the way the draft works. If they go to the very top, they’ll get passed by everybody. So it definitely is challenging when everybody’s out there. And then, like you said, trying to navigate the wrecks. I’ve finished 40th in this race twice. I don’t want to do that again.” Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletHow excited are you to get to Daytona and to try and win another Daytona 500?“I can’t wait to get to Daytona. Daytona always presents different opportunities, and the most important one is the opportunity to become a Daytona 500 Champion. I’d love to become a two-time champion of the race. It’s so much fun driving through the tunnel and knowing the history behind the track as you arrive, and to know you have an opportunity to put your name on the Harley J. Earl Trophy.” You’re the 2018 Daytona 500 Champion. Talk about Daytona International Speedway. RCR is always a force there. Talk about your chemistry with your teammate, Kyle Busch, at Daytona.“I remember our first race together in the No. 3 and the No. 8. We won the Daytona 500, but we didn’t win the Daytona 501 or 502 or whatever the race ended up being once it went into overtime. We were first coming to the white flag, so that would have been an epic start to Kyle’s career at RCR if we could have won the Daytona 500 for RCR. Still, he won three races that year. We’ve done a good job at RCR having fast racecars at Daytona International Speedway. I guess we’re pretty good at drafting, and that’s what you can attribute our success to. I’m looking forward to the new style body on our Chevrolets. I think that could be even better for us this year. I think the Fords have had an advantage at speedway racing for a while. Now, I’m hoping that when we show up to Daytona, we’re able to push harder and lead with a bit more ease. Nothing is easy in this sport. When it comes to competition, everybody is constantly getting better and figuring things out, so we’ve just got to do a good job of what we’ve done in the past, and I think that’s just putting ourselves in good positions. When we put ourselves in good positions, along with that ECR horsepower, it tends to show up.” How has this generation of car impacted speedway racing?“I think the biggest impact has been the fuel tank. Trying to work around fuel mileage has been a struggle, but our boss has made it pretty clear to us he does not like that type of racing and wants us to be towards the front or working our way towards the front, not saving fuel. That can be a challenge when the bossman is saying something and the engineers are communicating another way to do it. I think the biggest thing I’ve learned about speedway racing is that you’ve got to pick a direction that you’re going to go so that it doesn’t confuse the driver and go to work on that. I wish we could either change the number of laps, or we just raced all out the whole time. That’s one thing that makes it a struggle at Daytona and Talladega.” As we head into 2026, what would make it a good year for you?“I want to win multiple races. I’ve won races throughout my career, but I’ve never won two in the same year. I think that would put us into the Chase, and then from there try to go as far as possible. It would be a huge year if both the No. 3 and No. 8 teams won multiple races this year and made the postseason. That’s a championship year for an organization in my mind.” What excites you the most about the No. 3 team heading into 2026?“I think the continuity on our team. We have the same group of guys coming back together and going out there to fight every race. Also, the new Chevrolet body that we will be racing this year. I can’t wait to get out there in it and see how it performs. I think it’s going to be better, consistently, then the car we had last year.” Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletWhat would it take to be a Daytona 500 winner? And what would it mean to you?“I wouldn’t know what it takes to be a Daytona 500 winner; I have never done it before. I’ve been oh so close, so many times. I’ve finished second, third, fourth, whatever, you name it, I have probably finished there. I remember in 2023, I think it was, myself and Austin Dillon, teammates at RCR, we were 1-2 coming down to the final laps, and of course coming out of turn four, I can see the flagman with the white flag in his hand. And as I get closer to the start finish line to take the white flag, he switches hands and throws the yellow as someone behind us spun out. Had to go into overtime, and I just wasn’t able to make it happen through overtime. But I have been right there. I have led the Daytona 500; it just turned into the Daytona 515 or whatever. It would be huge. I’ve been trying for so long to win that race, it’s the one race I haven’t checked off the box. I’ve been oh so close, many, many times. I’ve finished second, third, fourth. I’ve about accomplished every single finishing position in that race and so it would be nice to check off the number one spot.” Do you think it’s finally time to win the Daytona 500, one that you’ve been missing?“Yeah, I would hope so. I would like to think that in my 21st year now of trying for the Daytona 500, we can bring it home and make it happen so we can stop talking about it. It’s a tough race to win, it’s not like what it used to be, it’s less about fast cars and having all of that stuff that you need to have like we saw in the ‘80s and the ‘90s and the early 2000s, you know now its everybody on top everybody, fuel milage race, chess match where can you be, where can you put yourself and make the right moves at the right times. And so being able to do all that and then miss the wreck you know, there seems to always be a wreck on the final lap or the final two laps or whatever it might be and restarts that happen towards the end of the race. I think William Byron won it the last two years and both years there was a wreck on the backstretch and he was running 7th and 11th coming off of turn 2 and he ends up winning. So, do you want to be leading or do you want to be 2nd, hell do you want to be 11th? I don’t know.” What would make a Daytona 500 win emotional for you?“I don’t know. I remember winning at Las Vegas, my home track in 2009, and it just being such a big moment for me being my home track. Wanting to win there so hard, it felt really, really cool to do that. So I can’t imagine what a Daytona 500 win would feel like. Maybe being old nowadays and having a family, you might see a tear. Who knows.” How hungry are you for a Daytona 500 win, or are you treating it like any other race so it’s not so much of a mountain to climb?“If you were eating, and you haven’t eaten in 22 years, you would be pretty hungry. So that is certainly a race I want to chow down on, and win and check the box for. It’s been a long time, and we’ve been oh so close there a few times, more so since being at RCR I’ve had some really good chances at winning that race. But it’s been fun, and I’m looking forward to getting back there with our Chevrolet and doing it again.” Do you still get hyped for the Daytona 500 having been there 20+ times?“For me, it’s any other race. You try to treat it as any other race. You don’t want to get yourself too hyped up for any reason and put yourself in a bad spot, or overtry or get over zealous or anxious or whatever. For me, you try to have the mental state of it’s any other race and don’t worry about it, but I can’t say the same for all the other drivers. They may not feel the same way, and they get all amped up, and that’s why you see so many crashes and so many things happen there towards the end of the race where everyone is pushing so hard to win that race because it’s a legacy, it’s a career defining moment and everybody wants to have that. AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet“The Daytona 500 is the biggest race of the year, and it’s so unique. I know we all say that a lot, but there’s so much that builds up to it with all the hard work the team puts in during the off-season. Driving into Daytona International Speedway still gives me chills. All the pre-race ceremonies and standing by the car—to this day—it’s emotional. It’s truly an honor and a privilege to be part of the Daytona 500. We know we’ll always have fast cars at the superspeedways, and we know we’ll be competitive. The race is tough, and there’s a lot of luck that plays into it, but if we do the right things, we know we’ll have a shot at winning. It’s just special to be part of it all—the Duels, qualifying, practice, everything. It’s a massive build-up to Sunday. It’s one of the biggest events in the world when it comes to motorsports, and I’m very fortunate to still be a part of it. We’re happy CELSIUS is back. It’s been an honor to see how CELSIUS has grown over the years. It’s cool for me because I’ve been able to see their growth firsthand. I remember walking into the Kaulig Racing shop back in 2019 and just seeing CELSIUS coolers. To be quite honest, I’d never seen it before. Now, they’re not just a North American product, but a global product. They went from supplying us with product to being on the race car. We’ve been very lucky to win with them on the car and be able to celebrate together. More than anything, they are great people, and to be able to keep building that partnership is pretty special. I have a lot of fun with them. Hopefully, for many years to come, we can keep growing the brand and being a part of it on and off the racetrack. It’s been great, and I would love to go to Daytona, put on a show, and celebrate with them again in Victory Lane.” Cole Custer, No. 41 Haas Factory Team Chevrolet“I am definitely excited about Daytona, and honestly all of the superspeedways were really strong points races for our team last year and we had some really good runs, close to a few wins! It’s exciting to get our first race at Daytona underway, and with it being a Crown Jewel race, everyone wants to try and get the Harley J. Earl trophy in their trophy case.” Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet“Daytona is always special, and kicking off the season at the Daytona 500 never gets old. Having Chef Boyardee on board makes it even better — it’s a brand everyone knows, and it fits the energy and excitement of this race. Superspeedway racing is all about patience, teamwork, and putting yourself in position at the end, and our team has been working hard to do exactly that. We’re ready to go after it and hopefully get the win.” Alex Bowman, No. 48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet“There’s a lot of excitement around Daytona; we’ve had a lot of good runs there the last couple of years. Being a Crown Jewel event, the one that kicks off our season, it’s a big deal. At the same time, it is just another race and having a solid run would be a great way to kick off the season. We have a lot of new faces on the 48 team, most of them have worked together in the past and I’m excited to get to work with everyone.” Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing ChevroletYou’ve had the Clash, but Daytona is where the season begins. Talk about what’s going through your mind when you first drive through that tunnel when you get into Daytona on Tuesday afternoon?“It’s just fun. The atmosphere down there, getting to go down to typically sunny and warm Florida for the most part, even in February. It’s nice to be down there in shorts and a T-shirt when you unload from the plane, just to get to go into that infield tunnel to see the vast expanse of what feels like a mini city in the infield between all the RVs, the camping, the makeshift bars that are getting set up by all the race fans coming in for the weekend. So it’s always fun. There’s always just an air of optimism and hopefulness for the season going into Daytona. And again, going to the track where we know that we have a shot to run up front and make some magic happen is always exciting.” Anthony Alfredo, No. 62 Beard Motorsports ChevroletYou’re back at Daytona for your third consecutive Speedweek with Beard Motorsports, and you’ll be looking to make your sixth Cup Series start with the team. What’s your mindset and that of the team as you head to track this week?“We are as focused as ever on making the Daytona 500 this year. Honestly, I have a lot of confidence because, back in 2024, not only did we time our way into race in qualifying, we were the fastest open car overall. Everybody at Beard Motorsports has been putting in the effort they always do and, honestly, missing the Daytona 500 last year was obviously a huge disappointment, but I think it motivated us to excel at the two Talladega races we did, where we led a lot of laps, making our rocket ship a lot faster and giving us something to build on as we go back to Daytona this year.” There’s a new Chevrolet body introduced for this season. Knowing that Daytona and the other superspeedway races are all about aerodynamics, do you have an idea what it will be like, where it can be an improvement, based on your experience in the simulator?“I think the Chevrolet body is going to be better everywhere. It seems like we’re still honing in the details and correlations since it obviously hasn’t been on the real track a whole bunch. We’ve have limited data to go off of from the few tests they’ve had to correlate and ultimately make it better. But I think as we progress through the year, it’ll just get more and more realistic. On paper, it should certainly be a lot better everywhere. I’m really looking forward to seeing that for myself.”  Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports ChevroletIt’s been five years since your first win at Daytona. How can you pick up your second win in the Daytona 500?“Five years is a long time. There’s nothing cooler than winning the Daytona 500, except for maybe winning it twice. I don’t know, but that’s the goal. The goal is to have a shot, put ourselves in position to be there on the last lap, but nothing has really changed. Everybody goes down to Daytona with the same goal: it is not to score points, and it’s not to run good. It’s to try to win the Daytona 500. I felt like we had great speed last year on superspeedway tracks. We sat on the pole at Talladega in the fall, and we are going to bring the same car back for Daytona. So, hopeful with this new Chevy body, we can put it on the front row for the Daytona 500 and make for an exciting weekend.” You’ve been vocal about your goal to win in all three series. What do you need to do to make that happen on Friday? “The truck race is going to be fun. I was super nervous going into last year, not racing a truck on a superspeedway, and I had not been in a truck for over 10 years. I feel much more confident now, just knowing the shift points, getting through the gears, how the trucks race, and how they draft. We weren’t able to get where we wanted to last year, but we were in that front pack when we all crashed.  I am excited to have Tibbetts Lumber on the truck for the first time. They helped me with a home project, building a new shop onto my house last year, so I am excited to have them on the truck and continue to work with them. Daytona is just another opportunity to try to win in all 3 series, which is a goal of mine, but it’s tough to win in any series; any 3 of the national series is tough, but my goal is to check that box for a win in all three series.” Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports ChevroletDescribe your change in your mindset between last year’s Daytona 500 and Atlanta the very next week.“Well we had a fuel pump issue in the 500 last year, and never really got to race. So when we got to Atlanta, I didn’t want to ride around for another 267 laps just to have something go wrong. So we went full offense at the rest of the superspeedways, and didn’t finish outside the top 10 in any of them. I think it’s worked out pretty well so far, and we are prepped and ready for the Daytona 500.” Talk about the Spectrum partnership and how it is a full-circle moment for you and your family.“I think my dad is somehow even more excited for it than I am! He feels he is a part of it. He did a trade deal with the with Charter to get the coin and jewelry store some commercials, and in turn they got to be on my quarter midget and eventually my Late Model. With Spectrum, it is almost like him putting his own logo on the car for the Daytona 500. I just think the coolest thing is seeing how excited he is and to get to be there to watch it.” Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet Last year was your first DAYTONA 500, what did you take away from the experience?“I enjoyed it last year. The race buildup is epic, like how much everyone is in to it, seeing the stands full, it’s an amazing racetrack. The race didn’t go very well for us last year; we got crashed early and limped around the rest of the race. So, hopefullywe can have a bit of a better result this year. As an event, it’s different to open the season with the biggest race of the year but it’s a pretty cool way to start as well! I’m looking forward to it.” What is it like racing on a big stage like the DAYTONA 500?“I’ve done a few big races, like a Bathurst 1000 and Le Man 24, I’ve been lucky enough to do those races. You get that vibe and buzz on the pre-race grid; all the drivers and teams are nervous but then the crowd is super excited. It’s a real mixof energy, it’s so cool to soak in these moments and to have the privilege of being a part of something so big like the DAYTONA 500. There is nothing like it.” How much confidence does last year give you heading into the 2026 season?“It gives me a bit – just got to keep building. I felt like we ended last year really strongly, we had a really good upward trajectory on the ovals – our road courses were really strong. We just have to keep that momentum going. We have great continuity onthe team, everyone on the 97 team are the same guys from the 88 team last year, I think we are in a really good spot to keep building up.” Are you still enjoying the challenge of NASCAR?“It’s been so fun! It’s been good to have a fresh challenge, but also every week is something different, still learning something new. It’s been a lot of fun and a good change for me. The group of guys and girls I have on my car are really fun people to goto the racetrack with every weekend. I’m really enjoying it and looking forward to seeing what we can accomplish this season. I’m excited!” Austin Hill, No. 21 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletWhat is your mindset heading into Daytona International Speedway? “I’m in a really good spot mentally for this season. The No. 21 team has spent a lot of time together preparing and figuring out what we need to be a little bit better. We have some good ideas on things to touch up on. It doesn’t need a full rebuild, it doesn’t need to be anything special. It’s simply being a little better in certain areas and if we do that, this team can win the championship this year. I have all the confidence in Chad (Haney, crew chief) and my entire group of guys. I think 2026 will be a good one for us. We know RCR can win championships – that was proven again last year with Jesse (Love) and the No. 2 team – and it would be special to bring Richard (Childress) and all the men and women in Welcome a title two years in a row.” How will the new Chase format change the overall outlook for the 2026 season?“This year is going to be different that’s for sure. You will have to be consistent each and every week. You can’t have a bad week and run 20th or worse. The goal has to be a top-five finish each race. Wins still matter, with the points increasing, but it’s a different mindset than win and you’re in. You still want to go win races and earn stage points; those will add up and matter. I think you can go run second, third, fourth, or fifth during the Chase and have a shot at winning the championship. You need to get the best position for any given day and maximize what the car has to offer. If it’s a third, take your third-place finish and move on to the next week. It’s better than ending up on the hook and finishing 30th or worse. I could be wrong saying this, but I think this format and the way that you have to be consistent each week fits into the No. 21 team’s wheelhouse. I feel really strong about our chances going into this season.” Your record at Daytona International Speedway speaks for itself. What does it mean to have the target on your back when you go to one of the biggest races of the year?“I actually have a lot of fun with it. Everyone talks about pressure and questions if the pressure is going to get to you. But for me, I just go into Daytona weekends with the same mindset that I always do. We try to run up front, do our thing, stay out of wrecks, and hope that it’s enough at the end. Our Bennett Transportation & Logistics Chevrolet has been fortunate year after year in the season openers, so hopefully we can do it again this year. Everyone at RCR and ECR Engines works extremely hard to bring fast racecars and strong motors to every race, but especially at drafting tracks. Our cars are always fast and up front in qualifying which lets the rest of the competition know that you have a car capable of winning. Once the race starts and drafting begins though, anyone in the field can win at a place like Daytona. Where the No. 2 and No. 21 teams shine is making the moves at the right time.” Talk about your relationship with spotter, Derek Kneeland.“My spotter, Derek Kneeland, and I have built a great relationship over the years. This will be our fifth season working together. I know when he keys up on the radio, I need to move left, right, or there is a run coming. I know it a split-second sooner than he starts speaking, so I start moving immediately. Every second, every hundred of a second matters, especially when you are talking about a place like Daytona or Talladega. That’s one of the reasons why we are so good, because we are one step ahead of the competition. I trust him fully and don’t second guess anything he says. Not sure I could have won 10 races at drafting tracks without him.”

Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics Manufacturer Championships:Total (1949-2025): 44First title for Chevrolet: 1958Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15)Most recent: 2025 Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 Driver Championships:Total (1949-2025): 34First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)Most recent: Kyle Larson (2025)Driver and Manufacturer Championship Sweeps: 29 Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2025 Event Victories:Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007)                CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:Total Chevrolet race wins: 881 (1949 to date)Poles won to date: 766Laps led to date: 256,734Top-fives to date: 4,436Top-10s to date: 9,151                                                                                                          Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date:                    General Motors: 1,215           Chevrolet: 881           Pontiac: 154           Oldsmobile: 115           Buick: 65            Ford: 847                                                                                          Ford: 747           Mercury: 96           Lincoln: 4            Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467           Dodge: 217           Plymouth: 191           Chrysler: 59            Toyota: 203

Dallas Daniels (No. 32) releases the clutch during a heat race at Senoia Raceway in 2025. [Photo: Kristen Lassen for AMA Pro Racing]

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Tickets on Sale Now for the Yamaha Atlanta Short Track

Dallas Daniels (No. 32) releases the clutch during a heat race at Senoia Raceway in 2025. [Photo: Kristen Lassen for AMA Pro Racing]

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DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (February 9, 2026) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, announced today that tickets are officially on sale for the Yamaha Atlanta Short Track. Scheduled for Saturday, March 21, the event marks Round 3 of the 2026 season and the series’ anticipated return to the red clay of Senoia Raceway. The Georgia venue has quickly cemented its reputation as a pivotal stop on the circuit. For the past three seasons, the high-banked, 3/8-mile oval has served as a springboard for championship battles that lasted until the final checkered flag of the season. Last season, Briar Bauman brought home the Harley-Davidson XG750R’s maiden Mission AFT SuperTwins win, setting the stage for a months-long duel with Dallas Daniels, who ultimately prevailed to secure the 2025 Mission AFT SuperTwins Championship. The 2026 edition of the Yamaha Atlanta Short Track promises an expanded slate of action featuring four distinct classes: Mission AFT SuperTwins, KICKER AFT Singles, AFT AdventureTrackers and the emerging AFT ProSport 450. It will mark the first time both the AFT AdventureTrackers and AFT ProSport 450 take to the red clay of Senoia Raceway. Originally built in 1969 by Hence Pollard, the facility has undergone a modern resurgence under the leadership of the Pollard family and short-track standout Bubba Pollard. Beyond the on-track competition, fans can enjoy a festival-style atmosphere that includes live music, a premier fireworks display, an interactive Fan Zone and Kids Zone, multi-day camping opportunities and a variety of local food vendors. A wide range of ticketing options and premium experiences are available for fans of all ages. General admission tickets are priced at $50 for adults, while students can attend for $30 with valid student identification presented at the event. Children ages 12 and under are admitted free with the purchase of a paid adult ticket. Reserved Grandstand seating is available for all ages, with Row 1 priced at $70 and Rows 2 and above available for $60. Fans looking to get closer to the action can enhance their race day with the Trackside Fan Experience. Opening Ceremonies access includes infield viewing of the opening ceremonies and one segment of racing action, priced at $135 for all ages or available as a $95 add-on to an existing ticket. Practice Viewing offers infield access for one segment of on-track action during practice sessions and is available for $110 for all ages or $70 as an add-on. Pit access is also available, with Pit Passes priced at $50 for adults and $30 for children ages 12 and under. A Trackside Entry Ticket, available for all ages, is offered at $85. Reserved Trackside Parking can be purchased for $100 per vehicle, while Multi-Day Camping Passes are available for $75. To purchase Yamaha Atlanta Short Track tickets, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack/events/2026-atlanta-short-track-165280 Don’t miss the start of the 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season. The series kicks off the season with the Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I & II at Daytona International Speedway on Thursday, March 5 and Friday, March 6. To purchase Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I & II tickets, visit: https://www.tixr.com/groups/americanflattrack. Watch every race live on https://www.floracing.com.

First event at famed Mount Panorama for Corvette Z06 GT3.R DETROIT (February 9, 2026) – In almost 30 years of competition, Corvette Racing has taken on and won at the greatest tracks in the world: Le Mans, Sebring, Daytona, Spa, Watkins Glen… just to name a few. Maybe the biggest one missing from that list gets crossed off this weekend with the program taking on iconic Mount Panorama at the Bathurst 12 Hour.

Two Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs from Johor Motorsports Racing (JMR) are set to race up and down the 3.86-mile, 23-turn circuit that winds its way up, over and down Mount Panorama. It’s a mix of public road and permanent racetrack that will test a field of 35 cars – the largest grid in the race since 2020. Bathurst also serves as the opening round of this year’s Intercontinental GT Challenge – SRO Motorsports’ all-GT3 global championship. For the first time, Chevrolet is a participating manufacturer in the five-race championship.

Corvette Racing Media Resources Documents | Statistics | Photos | Factory Driver Bios | Chevrolet Newsroom

JMR’s No. 2 Corvette is one of 15 entries in a stacked Pro class. Full-time Corvette Racing factory drivers Alexander Sims – a JMR regular – and Nicky Catsburg will team with Cadillac factory ace and New Zealander Earl Bamber in his first race in a Corvette since 2024. Bathurst will be the second Pro-class race for JMR and the No. 2 Corvette. The team finished third overall last fall in the Suzuka 1000K with Sims and Catsburg teaming with Scott McLaughlin in a thrilling race. Bamber is a two-time class winner in the Bathurst 12 Hour as a driver and won the 2019 race as a team owner, but he’s seeking his first overall win in the event behind the wheel. Catsburg has made three starts in the race, and Sims is making his debut at Mount Panorama.

CORVETTE RACING AT BATHURST: At Long Last!First event at famed Mount Panorama for Corvette Z06 GT3.R DETROIT (February 9, 2026) – In almost 30 years of competition, Corvette Racing has taken on and won at the greatest tracks in the world: Le Mans, Sebring, Daytona, Spa, Watkins Glen… just to name a few. Maybe the biggest one missing from that list gets crossed off this weekend with the program taking on iconic Mount Panorama at the Bathurst 12 Hour.

Two Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs from Johor Motorsports Racing (JMR) are set to race up and down the 3.86-mile, 23-turn circuit that winds its way up, over and down Mount Panorama. It’s a mix of public road and permanent racetrack that will test a field of 35 cars – the largest grid in the race since 2020. Bathurst also serves as the opening round of this year’s Intercontinental GT Challenge – SRO Motorsports’ all-GT3 global championship. For the first time, Chevrolet is a participating manufacturer in the five-race championship.

Corvette Racing Media Resources Documents | Statistics | Photos | Factory Driver Bios | Chevrolet Newsroom

JMR’s No. 2 Corvette is one of 15 entries in a stacked Pro class. Full-time Corvette Racing factory drivers Alexander Sims – a JMR regular – and Nicky Catsburg will team with Cadillac factory ace and New Zealander Earl Bamber in his first race in a Corvette since 2024. Bathurst will be the second Pro-class race for JMR and the No. 2 Corvette. The team finished third overall last fall in the Suzuka 1000K with Sims and Catsburg teaming with Scott McLaughlin in a thrilling race. Bamber is a two-time class winner in the Bathurst 12 Hour as a driver and won the 2019 race as a team owner, but he’s seeking his first overall win in the event behind the wheel. Catsburg has made three starts in the race, and Sims is making his debut at Mount Panorama.

In addition to the No. 2 Pro entry, JMR is fielding its No. 99 Corvette in the Pro-Am class for the lineup of Ben Green, Australian Jordan Love, Prince Jefri Ibrahim and Prince Abu Bakar Ibrahim. The pair of Malaysian princes were part of a third-place effort in Pro-Am at Suzuka, and all four will arrive at Bathurst after contesting the six-round Asian Le Mans Series with JMR. The Bathurst 12 Hours is scheduled for 5:45 a.m. Eastern Australian Time on Sunday / 1:45 p.m. ET on Saturday. The race will stream live on SRO Motorsports’ YouTube channel. CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R DRIVER QUOTESALEXANDER SIMS, NO. 2 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I’ve been fortunate to race at some of the best tracks in the world in my career, and I’m thrilled to finally be able to add Bathurst to that list. This is something that I’ve been looking forward to for quite awhile and have spent a good deal of time preparing for in the DiL (Driver-in-the-Loop simulator) and in talking with some of the Corvette Racing engineering team, as well as JMR. It’s really exciting to be part of finally taking Corvette to The Mountain in the Pro class and to kick off the IGTC. The team has the experience of last year at Suzuka to fall back on, so that plus the pre-event work should hopefully have us in a decent spot to start this week. It’s been a very busy and positive start to my season but I can’t think of a better way to close out this run by tackling Bathurst.” NICKY CATSBURG, NO. 2 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “Bathurst this year will be extra-special for me. First, I get to team with my good friends Alex and Earl in what looks like an extremely competitive race. Just as important to me is being part of a Pro-class effort with Corvette. This is another big milestone race for the Z06 GT3.R, going back to our podium finish last year at Suzuka. We will have a few things to work on in practice to get us in a competitive window. But I’m confident that we will be in a good spot by the time qualifying and the race come around.” EARL BAMBER, NO. 2 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “Bathurst is a special place to me for a lot of reasons. It’s a race I’ve basically grown up watching and racing in – both as a driver and a team owner. Being part of Corvette’s first race there in the Pro class with JMR is something that means a lot and that I’m very thankful to do. I’ve driven the Corvette around the track in the DiL and think we should arrive in a pretty good window to make progress through the first couple of practices to get into the window for qualifying and the race. An overall victory as a driver at Bathurst is one of the few things missing from my CV, so I’m excited to see how we progress and how the Corvette feels around this iconic track.” BEN GREEN, NO. 99 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “I’m very excited to be making my debut at Mount Panorama, Bathurst, and to do it with Johor Motorsports Racing and Corvette is a fantastic opportunity. It’s great to be joining Corvette for the program’s debut at the track, too, and to kick start the impressive IGTC calendar. It’s safe to say I can’t wait to get started!” HH PRINCE JEFRI IBRAHIM, NO. 99 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “Bathurst has always been a very special place for me and one of my favorite tracks in the world. The history, fans, atmosphere and racing are incredible, and it’s also where I first raced in Australia. I’ve raced the 12 Hour three times, and since starting JMR it has been one of my main goals to return with our own team. To return next month with two cars makes it even more meaningful, especially racing alongside my brother and two great teammates, Jordan Love and Ben Green. Watching Bathurst last year was a huge motivation for us, and now to return with a new manufacturer in GM Corvette makes it even more exciting. We’ve been working towards this moment for a long time, and I’m incredibly proud to see JMR lining up with a Pro car at such an iconic event. We’re ready for the challenge and looking forward to an exciting year ahead.” HH PRINCE ABU BAKAR IBRAHIM, NO. 99 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “Competing in the Bathurst 12 Hour represents a significant milestone in my career. Having been fortunate enough to attend the event in person on several occasions, the opportunity to now race at Mt Panorama is incredibly meaningful. The Bathurst 12 Hour is one of the world’s most iconic endurance races, and I’m fully committed to giving my best effort to help the team achieve the strongest possible result.” JORDAN LOVE, NO. 99 CHEVROLET CORVETTE Z06 GT3.R: “The Bathurst 12 Hour is without a doubt one of the most exciting events of the year, and one everyone wants to be part of. Driving a GT around my favorite track is something special and requires commitment and precision. It’s extremely exciting to see Corvette at the mountain and to be a part of it is very special! I’ve now done a full year in the car, and I absolutely love it and feel extremely comfortable. We have a clear goal to walk away with a trophy and hopefully the tallest one. It’s a big race, and a challenging one at that, but we’re fully prepared and ready to tackle the mountain.”

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 7, 2026) – Entering the 55th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals, Jordan Koehler’s goal was to leave Volusia Speedway Park with a trip.

Leaving Saturday night’s Gator Championship Feature, the Mt. Airy, NC, racer completed the task with the $5,000 winner’s check, the Big Gator points title, and a week that saw three little gators collected.

Koehler rolled from Pole Position as multi-time Big Gator champ Kyle Strickler started to his outside. On the initial green flag, Strickler took the lead as Koehler moved his car to the cushion. 

In the middle of Turn 3, Koehler spun across the track and stopped at the Turn 4 pit entrance without a scratch. Though the first caution was thrown, Koehler retained his position for the restart, as the lap was not officially completed, resetting the field to its original positions.

Multiple cautions affected multiple contenders in the Big Gator title, including Trevor Neville spinning on Lap 2 and a multi-car pileup involving Will Krup, David Stremme, and Ray Kable. At the front, the 24-year-old driver held the lead over Strickler while third-place Ricky Thornton Jr mounted a charge toward the leaders.

Thornton passed Strickler on Lap 11 by using the top side of the half-mile while Strickler was using the bottom. When the yellow flag waved for the final time on Lap 16, Koehler drove through the middle lane as Thornton took to the bottom and reached Koehler’s door. However, Koehler’s Turn 2 exit helped him speed away from the No. 20RT.

The Chandler, AZ native did not relent in his pressure towards his Koehler Motorsports teammate as he shifted to arcing his car to the bottom and reaching the cushion by the corner exit. While it kept him within a one-second gap of the lead, Koehler widened the distance to 2.5 seconds with four laps remaining.

As Koehler crossed the twin checkered flags to claim his first career Gator Championship victory and Big Gator championship, he capped a dominant nine days for the team that included triumphs from Koehler, Thornton, and little brother Evan Koehler.

“Probably, just me getting in my own head,” Koehler said regarding the Lap 1 accident. “Ricky slid me, and it was so slimy at the top that I just got into it. It happens, probably getting into my own head more than anything, that’s about it. Luckily, it worked out for us, and I’m tickled, man. I probably won’t even be able to go to bed tonight.”

RESULTS: Gator Championship (30 Laps): 1. 114-Jordan Koehler[1]; 2. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[4]; 3. 72H-Tristan Chamberlain[23]; 4. 99K-Ray Kable[25]; 5. 5CS-Curt Spalding[26]; 6. 7D-Brad DeYoung[16]; 7. 8S-Kyle Strickler[2]; 8. 71-Pierce McCarter[28]; 9. 45H-Kyle Hammer[21]; 10. 7J-Justin Allgaier[20]; 11. 17-Chris Wilson[13]; 12. 36-Kenny Wallace[19]; 13. 01-Aidan Hinds[24]; 14. 66F-Cole Falloway[10]; 15. 24-Zeke McKenzie[11]; 16. 77B-Ray Bollinger[30]; 17. 15X-Justin Stone[15]; 18. 1H-Ben Harmon[22]; 19. 10Y-Trent Young[18]; 20. 97-Mitch Thomas[6]; 21. 25-Tyler Nicely[9]; 22. 21CZ-Cole Czarneski[8]; 23. 13-Charlie Mefford[7]; 24. 09-Michael Ledford[27]; 25. 777-Trevor Neville[5]; 26. K9-Will Krup[3]; 27. 35-David Stremme[14]; 28. 96M-Mike McKinney[12]; 29. 1TS-Tyler Spalding[17]; 30. 27-Jason Garver[29]

Up Next: DIRTcar Racing keeps the racing activity into the final week of Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals with the DIRTcar Late Models tackling the Barberville, FL track from Monday-Wednesday, Feb. 9-11.

DIRTCAR NATIONALS INFO

How can you watch every lap of racing at Volusia Speedway Park? Live on DIRTVision.

KOEHLER’S BIG CATCH: Jordan Koehler Earns First Career DIRTcar Nationals Big Gator Titles in UMP Modifieds at Volusia

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 7, 2026) – Entering the 55th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals, Jordan Koehler’s goal was to leave Volusia Speedway Park with a trip.

Leaving Saturday night’s Gator Championship Feature, the Mt. Airy, NC, racer completed the task with the $5,000 winner’s check, the Big Gator points title, and a week that saw three little gators collected.

Koehler rolled from Pole Position as multi-time Big Gator champ Kyle Strickler started to his outside. On the initial green flag, Strickler took the lead as Koehler moved his car to the cushion. 

In the middle of Turn 3, Koehler spun across the track and stopped at the Turn 4 pit entrance without a scratch. Though the first caution was thrown, Koehler retained his position for the restart, as the lap was not officially completed, resetting the field to its original positions.

Multiple cautions affected multiple contenders in the Big Gator title, including Trevor Neville spinning on Lap 2 and a multi-car pileup involving Will Krup, David Stremme, and Ray Kable. At the front, the 24-year-old driver held the lead over Strickler while third-place Ricky Thornton Jr mounted a charge toward the leaders.

Thornton passed Strickler on Lap 11 by using the top side of the half-mile while Strickler was using the bottom. When the yellow flag waved for the final time on Lap 16, Koehler drove through the middle lane as Thornton took to the bottom and reached Koehler’s door. However, Koehler’s Turn 2 exit helped him speed away from the No. 20RT.

The Chandler, AZ native did not relent in his pressure towards his Koehler Motorsports teammate as he shifted to arcing his car to the bottom and reaching the cushion by the corner exit. While it kept him within a one-second gap of the lead, Koehler widened the distance to 2.5 seconds with four laps remaining.

As Koehler crossed the twin checkered flags to claim his first career Gator Championship victory and Big Gator championship, he capped a dominant nine days for the team that included triumphs from Koehler, Thornton, and little brother Evan Koehler.

“Probably, just me getting in my own head,” Koehler said regarding the Lap 1 accident. “Ricky slid me, and it was so slimy at the top that I just got into it. It happens, probably getting into my own head more than anything, that’s about it. Luckily, it worked out for us, and I’m tickled, man. I probably won’t even be able to go to bed tonight.”

RESULTS: Gator Championship (30 Laps): 1. 114-Jordan Koehler[1]; 2. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[4]; 3. 72H-Tristan Chamberlain[23]; 4. 99K-Ray Kable[25]; 5. 5CS-Curt Spalding[26]; 6. 7D-Brad DeYoung[16]; 7. 8S-Kyle Strickler[2]; 8. 71-Pierce McCarter[28]; 9. 45H-Kyle Hammer[21]; 10. 7J-Justin Allgaier[20]; 11. 17-Chris Wilson[13]; 12. 36-Kenny Wallace[19]; 13. 01-Aidan Hinds[24]; 14. 66F-Cole Falloway[10]; 15. 24-Zeke McKenzie[11]; 16. 77B-Ray Bollinger[30]; 17. 15X-Justin Stone[15]; 18. 1H-Ben Harmon[22]; 19. 10Y-Trent Young[18]; 20. 97-Mitch Thomas[6]; 21. 25-Tyler Nicely[9]; 22. 21CZ-Cole Czarneski[8]; 23. 13-Charlie Mefford[7]; 24. 09-Michael Ledford[27]; 25. 777-Trevor Neville[5]; 26. K9-Will Krup[3]; 27. 35-David Stremme[14]; 28. 96M-Mike McKinney[12]; 29. 1TS-Tyler Spalding[17]; 30. 27-Jason Garver[29]

Up Next: DIRTcar Racing keeps the racing activity into the final week of Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals with the DIRTcar Late Models tackling the Barberville, FL track from Monday-Wednesday, Feb. 9-11.

DIRTCAR NATIONALS INFO

How can you watch every lap of racing at Volusia Speedway Park? Live on DIRTVision.

ARTICLE: https://dirtcar.com/dirtcar-ump/jordan-koehler-earns-first-career-dirtcar-nationals-big-gator-titles-in-ump-modifieds-at-volusia/

Macri and Gravel swap the top spot multiple times on the final circuit before Macri prevails at Volusia

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 7, 2026) – The Pennsylvania Posse travels well these days thanks in large part to Anthony Macri.

The “Concrete King’s” latest conquering? The state of Florida with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.

The Dillsburg, PA native and his Macri Motorsports crew made the trip south to the “Sunshine State” for Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. Macri opened the three nights of racing with strong finishes of third and fourth, but he saved his best for last.

Saturday brought the finale with $20,000 and Big Gator bragging rights on the line. Macri lined up fourth for the main event, putting him in the best position for the reptilian trophy as the two competitors ahead of him in points entering the night started 21st (Buddy Kofoid) and 12th (Carson Macedo).

But Macri wasn’t banking on them staying behind. He got to work right away and blasted around Brian Brown for the lead on the seventh circuit. That looked as if it may be all she wrote as Macri quickly built a lead, but defending Series champion David Gravel wasn’t about to make things easy.

Gravel muscled his way into second and trimmed away at Macri’s advantage, and the opening arrived as the white flag waved. Macri struggled to clear a lapper down the front straightaway, and Gravel took advantage by throwing a slide job in Turn 1. But Macri refused to flinch as he got the car squared up for a diamond line to build momentum down the back straightaway under both Gravel and the traffic. He found the run he needed, and it was enough to squeeze ahead into Turn 3 and hold off the Big Game Motorsports No. 2 to bank the $20,000 and bag the Big Gator.

“I just saw how those guys were able to diamond the corner off late in the race and make a lot of speed,” Macri said. “Once I almost got into Chase (Dietz) there, I knew he was breathing down my neck, and I knew he was going to make a move to win the race. I just pulled that one out of my butt. I was able to diamond the corner off and get a really good run down the backstretch, and I was either putting it between Chase and the inside wall, or I was trashing this thing trying.

“This is badass. I’m in a little bit of a predicament because I told these guys if I won the Big Gator this week, I was calling it a season already,” Macri added with a smile.

The eighth World of Outlaws victory of Macri’s career equals him with Jimmy Sills and fellow Pennsylvanian Cody Darrah on the all-time win list. It’s his second triumph off the Pennsylvania porch with The Greatest Show on Dirt with the first being last year’s Kings Royal at Eldora Speedway. He became the ninth different winner of the Big Gator.

David Gravel, Carson Macedo, Buddy Kofoid, and Brian Brown completed the top five.

RACE NOTES:

Logan Schuchart clocked the Race Ready Hottest Lap of the Night.

Schuchart kept the speed in Honest Abe Roofing Qualifying by laying down his 40th career Simpson Race Products Quick Time.

Heat Races belonged to David Gravel (NOS Energy Drink Heat One), Chase Dietz (DIRTVision Heat Two), Logan Schuchart (WIX Filters Heat Three), and Anthony Macri (TheGreatestStoreonDirt.com Heat Four).

The SPA Technique #1 Redraw went to Brian Brown.

Brown also topped the Toyota Dash.

Buddy Kofoid won the Micro-Lite Last Chance Showdown.

Kofoid also wheeled from 21st to fourth to earn the KSE Racing Products Hard Charger.

The Tub O’ Towels Seventh Place Finisher was Logan Schuchart.

Anthony Macri ripped a 13.574 to also claim the ACME Trading Company Fastest Lap.

A ninth-place result was enough to give Kasey Jedrzejek the Five Star Bodies Rookie of the Race.

The Smith Titanium Brake Systems Break of the Race went to Emerson Axsom.

UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars take a few weeks off before returning to Barberville, FL’s Volusia Speedway Park on Sunday-Monday, March 1-2 for the Bike Week Jamboree. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

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

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

FEATURE RESULTS:

NOS Energy Drink Feature (25 Laps): 1. 39M-Anthony Macri[4]; 2. 2-David Gravel[3]; 3. 41-Carson Macedo[12]; 4. 83-Michael Kofoid[21]; 5. 21-Brian Brown[1]; 6. 23-Garet Williamson[9]; 7. 1S-Logan Schuchart[7]; 8. 19-Brent Marks[2]; 9. 6-Kasey Jedrzejek[5]; 10. 15-Donny Schatz[19]; 11. 18-Sheldon Haudenschild[6]; 12. 71-Parker Price Miller[20]; 13. 9-Daison Pursley[14]; 14. 17-Spencer Bayston[25]; 15. 7S-Chris Windom[26]; 16. 2C-Cole Macedo[27]; 17. 7BC-Tyler Courtney[22]; 18. 17B-Bill Balog[11]; 19. 13-Tanner Holmes[10]; 20. 1A-Ashton Torgerson[28]; 21. 16C-Scotty Thiel[24]; 22. 23D-Chase Dietz[8]; 23. 28M-Conner Morrell[16]; 24. (DNF) 88-Austin McCarl[23]; 25. (DNF) 17GP-Hank Davis[18]; 26. (DNF) 27-Emerson Axsom[13]; 27. (DNF) 3Z-Brock Zearfoss[17]; 28. (DNF) 5-Brenham Crouch[15]

For complete results, CLICK HERE.

TRAVELING WELL: Macri Bags Big Gator for PA Posse After Last Lap Duel with Gravel

Macri and Gravel swap the top spot multiple times on the final circuit before Macri prevails at Volusia

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 7, 2026) – The Pennsylvania Posse travels well these days thanks in large part to Anthony Macri.

The “Concrete King’s” latest conquering? The state of Florida with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.

The Dillsburg, PA native and his Macri Motorsports crew made the trip south to the “Sunshine State” for Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. Macri opened the three nights of racing with strong finishes of third and fourth, but he saved his best for last.

Saturday brought the finale with $20,000 and Big Gator bragging rights on the line. Macri lined up fourth for the main event, putting him in the best position for the reptilian trophy as the two competitors ahead of him in points entering the night started 21st (Buddy Kofoid) and 12th (Carson Macedo).

But Macri wasn’t banking on them staying behind. He got to work right away and blasted around Brian Brown for the lead on the seventh circuit. That looked as if it may be all she wrote as Macri quickly built a lead, but defending Series champion David Gravel wasn’t about to make things easy.

Gravel muscled his way into second and trimmed away at Macri’s advantage, and the opening arrived as the white flag waved. Macri struggled to clear a lapper down the front straightaway, and Gravel took advantage by throwing a slide job in Turn 1. But Macri refused to flinch as he got the car squared up for a diamond line to build momentum down the back straightaway under both Gravel and the traffic. He found the run he needed, and it was enough to squeeze ahead into Turn 3 and hold off the Big Game Motorsports No. 2 to bank the $20,000 and bag the Big Gator.

“I just saw how those guys were able to diamond the corner off late in the race and make a lot of speed,” Macri said. “Once I almost got into Chase (Dietz) there, I knew he was breathing down my neck, and I knew he was going to make a move to win the race. I just pulled that one out of my butt. I was able to diamond the corner off and get a really good run down the backstretch, and I was either putting it between Chase and the inside wall, or I was trashing this thing trying.

“This is badass. I’m in a little bit of a predicament because I told these guys if I won the Big Gator this week, I was calling it a season already,” Macri added with a smile.

The eighth World of Outlaws victory of Macri’s career equals him with Jimmy Sills and fellow Pennsylvanian Cody Darrah on the all-time win list. It’s his second triumph off the Pennsylvania porch with The Greatest Show on Dirt with the first being last year’s Kings Royal at Eldora Speedway. He became the ninth different winner of the Big Gator.

David Gravel, Carson Macedo, Buddy Kofoid, and Brian Brown completed the top five.

RACE NOTES:

Logan Schuchart clocked the Race Ready Hottest Lap of the Night.

Schuchart kept the speed in Honest Abe Roofing Qualifying by laying down his 40th career Simpson Race Products Quick Time.

Heat Races belonged to David Gravel (NOS Energy Drink Heat One), Chase Dietz (DIRTVision Heat Two), Logan Schuchart (WIX Filters Heat Three), and Anthony Macri (TheGreatestStoreonDirt.com Heat Four).

The SPA Technique #1 Redraw went to Brian Brown.

Brown also topped the Toyota Dash.

Buddy Kofoid won the Micro-Lite Last Chance Showdown.

Kofoid also wheeled from 21st to fourth to earn the KSE Racing Products Hard Charger.

The Tub O’ Towels Seventh Place Finisher was Logan Schuchart.

Anthony Macri ripped a 13.574 to also claim the ACME Trading Company Fastest Lap.

A ninth-place result was enough to give Kasey Jedrzejek the Five Star Bodies Rookie of the Race.

The Smith Titanium Brake Systems Break of the Race went to Emerson Axsom.

UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars take a few weeks off before returning to Barberville, FL’s Volusia Speedway Park on Sunday-Monday, March 1-2 for the Bike Week Jamboree. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

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

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

FEATURE RESULTS:

NOS Energy Drink Feature (25 Laps): 1. 39M-Anthony Macri[4]; 2. 2-David Gravel[3]; 3. 41-Carson Macedo[12]; 4. 83-Michael Kofoid[21]; 5. 21-Brian Brown[1]; 6. 23-Garet Williamson[9]; 7. 1S-Logan Schuchart[7]; 8. 19-Brent Marks[2]; 9. 6-Kasey Jedrzejek[5]; 10. 15-Donny Schatz[19]; 11. 18-Sheldon Haudenschild[6]; 12. 71-Parker Price Miller[20]; 13. 9-Daison Pursley[14]; 14. 17-Spencer Bayston[25]; 15. 7S-Chris Windom[26]; 16. 2C-Cole Macedo[27]; 17. 7BC-Tyler Courtney[22]; 18. 17B-Bill Balog[11]; 19. 13-Tanner Holmes[10]; 20. 1A-Ashton Torgerson[28]; 21. 16C-Scotty Thiel[24]; 22. 23D-Chase Dietz[8]; 23. 28M-Conner Morrell[16]; 24. (DNF) 88-Austin McCarl[23]; 25. (DNF) 17GP-Hank Davis[18]; 26. (DNF) 27-Emerson Axsom[13]; 27. (DNF) 3Z-Brock Zearfoss[17]; 28. (DNF) 5-Brenham Crouch[15]

For complete results, CLICK HERE.

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars/traveling-well-macri-bags-big-gator-for-pa-posse-after-last-lap-duel-with-gravel/

*Survival Guide* We are excited to announce an interactive concierge event communication community for MuscleCars At The Strip. March 27-29, 2026. If you have a local favorite spot or have experienced exceptional service or value in Las Vegas, please share that information with the Community Concierge in the comments. Rather than have just one Host Hotel, we will post Preferred Lodging references, and you can decide where your group would like to stay. We will post links, specials, etc. Our staff will also post some of our local favorites, such as where to dine and what entertainment is available, so you can experience more of Las Vegas and make a mini-vacation with friends and family while visiting Las Vegas and MuscleCars At The Strip. HOTELS WE RECOMMENDED: South Point Hotel & CasinoWeek Day Rate: $79Weekend Rate: $125Resort Fee: $22Group Code: MUS0327 (must give group code to get rate)Phone: 702-797-7111 The South Point is located in the southern part of Las Vegas, approximately 25 miles from LVMS. Here is why it is worth the drive. 1. A local’s favorite, if the locals like it, you will too.2. Consistent World Class Hospitality that made Las Vegas Famous.3. Full of entertainment options. Restaurants, Bowling Alley, Movie Theatre, Live Gaming.4. Friday Night, all you can eat Seafood Buffet.5. One of a few Buffets in operation.6. Free self-parking.7. Clean 8. Privately owned.9. Huge supporters of all forms of racing.10. Original Old School Management Style, Friendly professional staff that want you to have a great time as their guest.WPlaza Hotel & CasinoWeek Day Rate: $45Weekend Rate: $105NO RESORT FEEGroup Code: SMUSCAR (must give group code to get rate)Phone: 1-800-634-6575Reservation Link-Click Here Centrally located in Historic Fremont Street District. 1. Updated Rooms, Optional suites with direct patio access.2. Privately owned.3. Oscars Steak House. (Must Experience)4. HASH HOUSE “Twisted Farm Food”5. PINK BOX Donuts.6. Hogs & Heifers Outpost Saloon.7. Full Food Court8. Clean 9. Guest Free self-parking.10. NEW roof top Pickleball Courts & So Much More.YSPECIAL GUEST – LOU SANTIAGO TV Host and Automotive Enthusiast Extraordinaire SPECIAL GUEST – PETER BROCK Legendary automotive designer Peter Brock, under the direction of GM Styling Director Bill Mitchell, drew the sketch that became the original 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Split Window Coupe You’ve been asking for it, so here you Go! Mopars vs The World has been expanded for the March 27-29, 2026 event to American Muscle Vs The World.What does this mean?If you own an exotic such as a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi, Maserati etc and you would like to Quarter Mile Drag Race. This is for you.Dial Class.Must pass NHRA tech requirements.2 test hits both Friday & Saturday Guaranteed.Elimination rounds Sunday with Awards & Payouts.*Get registered today at www.matslv.com.*Welcome to the Wildest MuscleCar Party in the West Presented by ARP.American Muscle vs Exotic Muscle.ou’ve been asking for it, so here you Go! Mopars vs The World has been expanded for the March 27-29, 2026 event to American Muscle Vs The World.What does this mean?If you own an exotic such as a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Audi, Maserati etc and you would like to Quarter Mile Drag Race. This is for you.Dial Class.Must pass NHRA tech requirements.2 test hits both Friday & Saturday Guaranteed.Elimination rounds Sunday with Awards & Payouts.*Get registered today at www.matslv.com.*Welcome to the Wildest MuscleCar Party in the West Presented by ARP.American Muscle vs Exotic Muscle.r Golf Car RentalsClick Here for LinkA MERICAN

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 6, 2026) – Of the 100 DIRTcar UMP Modifieds that set a lap time at Volusia Speedway Park during the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals, 18 drivers have locked up a chance to fight for the title.

Friday night at the “World’s Fastest Half Mile” saw the final set of six Features run for the division, with the top three finishers from each race earning a position in Saturday’s 30-lap, $5,000-to-win Gator Championship Feature and the overall Big Gator points crown.

Appearing in the 2026 finale includes Will Krup, Tyler Nicely, Chris Wilson, Mitch Thomas, Zeke McKenzie, David Stremme, Kyle Strickler, Charlie Mefford, Justin Stone, Jordan Koehler, Cole Czarneski, Brad DeYoung, Trevor Neville, Mike McKinney, Tyler Spalding, Ricky Thornton Jr, Cole Falloway, and Trent Young.

Here’s how each Feature played out:

Feature #1 

Will Krup entered the penultimate night of Modified racing during Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals as the Big Gator Championship points leader and DIRTcar UMP Modified Florida Speedweeks points leader. After, he padded that lead in both categories. 

The Mount Carmel, IL native led the field to the green in the first 15-lap Feature of the night and never looked back. 

He never had to either. Krup had a more than two-second lead over second-place Chris Wilson by the halfway point of the race. 

While the blue No. K9 drove away Wilson found himself under fire from third-place Tyler Nicely in the closing laps of the race. Nicely used the high side to his advantage and snuck by Wilson for the runner-up spot on the final lap. 

Krup beat them both to the line by nearly four seconds – his eighth DIRTcar Nationals victory and fourth podium this week. 

“We found some things there, but definitely a hard way to find them, but, yeah, the car’s been pretty good,” Krup said. “Just tweaking here and there, and, you know, with the limited time that we get to be on the racetrack, you gotta really try to make your adjustments matter, and you know, these guys are very good, so you have to be on your game all the time.” 

RESULTS: Feature 1 (15 Laps): 1. K9-Will Krup[1]; 2. 25-Tyler Nicely[3]; 3. 17-Chris Wilson[2]; 4. J82-Treb Jacoby[4]; 5. 35H-Michael Altobelli[6]; 6. 72H-Tristan Chamberlain[5]; 7. 5T-Jonathan Taylor[7]; 8. X-Wyatt Scott[8]; 9. 8-Jimmy Lennex Jr[12]; 10. 114B-Clayton Bryant[11]; 11. 31G-Stephen Pedulla[10]; 12. 2K-Taylor Kuehl[14]; 13. 0-Glenn Styres[9]; 14. T23-Keith Tincher[17]; 15. (DNS) 155-Peyton Harlow; 16. (DNS) 78-Rich Pratt; 17. (DNS) 72-Todd Neiheiser 

Feature #2 

Mitch Thomas earned his fourth Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals little gator trophy Friday night but had to fight for it. 

Zeke McKenzie led the field at the start with Thomas in tow. Then, on Lap 3, Thomas got out of shape and slid up the track in Turn 1, allowing Pierce McCarter and David Stremme to get by him. 

Now in fourth, he had work to do. And he pulled his gloves tight and got to it. 

He got by Stremme for third on Lap 5 and then passed McCarter for second two laps later. 

A caution on Lap 8 brought him back to McKenzie’s rear bumper, and he didn’t let the opportunity to pounce slip away on the restart. When the green flag flew again, Thomas about drove through McKenzie’s right rear quarter panel to get to his outside before entering Turn 1. 

The two dueled side by side through the corner with Thomas winning the battle for traction off the corner, pulling ahead and taking the lead into Turn 3. 

Once out front, he went unchallenged for the remainder of the race, picking up another DIRTcar Nationals win. 

“I really thought I gave it away there on like lap four, or five. I went way up there,” Thomas said. “I was going up there to the concession stand to get a hot dog, or something, but we got things back together, and I knew if I got that caution, I felt like we really had a good shot at winning that race.” 

RESULTS: Feature 2 (15 Laps): 1. 97-Mitch Thomas[3]; 2. 24-Zeke McKenzie[1]; 3. 35-David Stremme[4]; 4. 45H-Kyle Hammer[5]; 5. 71-Pierce McCarter[2]; 6. 99K-Ray Kable[7]; 7. 99H-Justin Haley[6]; 8. 46-Matt Crafton[11]; 9. 11-Dylan Drake[13]; 10. 9-Ken Schrader[9]; 11. 11N-Gene Nicholas[16]; 12. 1-Eric Kinney II[12]; 13. 28-Mason Lobb[8]; 14. 25B-Greg Belyea[15]; 15. 99W-Wade Olmsted[10]; 16. (DNS) 43J-Jacob Hall; 17. (DNS) 77-Jim Shipman 

Feature #3

Kyle Strickler’s mastery of Volusia Speedway Park continued Friday night with another display of domination for his 19th career UMP Modified DIRTcar Nationals Feature win. 

The 42-year-old from Mooresville, NC, led all 15 laps in the third main event of the evening, fending off the challenge from runner-up Charlie Mefford to collect his second gator trophy of the week. With the win, he’s now only four DIRTcar Nationals wins away from tying seven-time Big Gator champion Nick Hoffman for most wins all-time. 

With the win, Strickler has locked himself into the redraw for Saturday’s $5,000-to-win Gator Championship Feature, which he has won a record four times in his career. 

“I think we’ll have a really good car,” Strickler said. “We were working on some things and kinda went back to more of a standard package that we had. The car felt a lot better than it had in previous days.”

RESULTS: Feature 3 (15 Laps): 1. 8S-Kyle Strickler[1]; 2. 13-Charlie Mefford[2]; 3. 15X-Justin Stone[7]; 4. 7J-Justin Allgaier[5]; 5. 51-Dalton Lanich[6]; 6. 01-Aidan Hinds[3]; 7. 90-Jason Beaulieu[9]; 8. 21B-Hunter Breland[8]; 9. 21C-Drew Charlson[12]; 10. 54-Zachary Hawk[10]; 11. 60F-Shannon Fisk[11]; 12. 55-Blaze Melton[14]; 13. 11Z-Zane Oedewaldt[15]; 14. 10X-Billy Uptegraff[16]; 15. 77D-George Dixon[4]; 16. 0K-Damian Kiefer[13]; 17. (DNS) 21J-Clay Harris

Feature #4

Coming into the week, Jordan Koehler had never seen Victory Lane at Volusia. After Friday’s wire-to-wire performance, he’s now visited three nights in-a-row. 

The 24-year-old from Mt. Airy, NC, got his first gator trophy on Tuesday, backed it up with another on Wednesday, and led all 15 laps of the fourth Feature on Friday for his third career DIRTcar Nationals triumph. 

Not once did he let any of his competition get close enough to seriously challenge for the lead, beating Cole Czarneski to the checkered flag by 1.3 seconds to secure the win and lock himself into Saturday’s redraw, which guarantees him a top-12 starting spot in the Gator Championship Feature. 

“This just shows what kind of team we’ve got,” Koehler said. “We’ve done a really good here, and they’ve got us so good, I’ll I’ve got to do is halfway do my job here driving.”

RESULTS: Feature 4 (15 Laps): 1. 114-Jordan Koehler[1]; 2. 21CZ-Cole Czarneski[3]; 3. 7D-Brad DeYoung[2]; 4. 1H-Ben Harmon[11]; 5. 05-Dave Wietholder[4]; 6. 12L-Lucas Lee[6]; 7. 77B-Ray Bollinger[7]; 8. 70B-Ty Norder[10]; 9. 57-Charlie Sandercock[9]; 10. 7-Evan Taylor[8]; 11. 29C-Joey Cotterman[13]; 12. 00B-Buzzie Reutimann[15]; 13. 3G-Bryce Graber[14]; 14. 60-Jim Manka[12]; 15. 66K-Joshua Kunstbeck[17]; 16. 114K-Evan Koehler[5]; 17. (DNS) 81K-Kyle Cole

Feature #5

Trevor Neville wants to keep the winning times rolling.

The Mackinaw, IL native began the Feature from Pole Position as fellow “Land of Lincoln” driver Mike McKinney started to his outside. While McKinney attempted to get a jump on Neville through the cushion of Turns 1-2, Neville withstood the challenge from the bottom lane and gained clearance through Turns 3-4 with the top spot.

While Neville stayed at the front, McKinney did not make his lead comfortable. The former Summit Modified Nationals champion kept within a one-second gap of Neville by driving across the bottom lane while the No. 777 Lethal Chassis opted for the cushion.

When Neville navigated through lap traffic that appeared with two laps remaining, he created a bubble that McKinney was unable to break in the final seconds as Neville secured his fifth career little gator trophy and fourth consecutive appearance in the Gator Championship.

“Me and Mike go up and down the road all the time,” Neville said. “Actually, last night after the races, I went over, seen him and his dad, and we talked a little crap back and forth, of course. But he beats me, I beat him every now and then. It was a little aero racing there, a little traction, and a little hope, honestly.”

RESULTS: Feature 5 (15 Laps): 1. 777-Trevor Neville[1]; 2. 96M-Mike McKinney[2]; 3. 1TS-Tyler Spalding[4]; 4. 36-Kenny Wallace[3]; 5. 17W-Mikey Wilson[7]; 6. 49-Brian Ruhlman[5]; 7. 14-Dalton Lane[9]; 8. 56-Chris Wilson[8]; 9. 5B-Bobby Bagley[12]; 10. 43A-Mark Anderson[11]; 11. 17T-Tyler Evans[10]; 12. 3S-Josh Sanford[6]; 13. 17C-Coleman Evans[13]; 14. 81C-Christopher Cole[15]; 15. 88-Cody Thornhill[14]; 16. (DNS) 712-Drake Troutman

Feature #6

Ricky Thornton Jr is one night away from etching new Volusia Speedway Park history.

Adding a fourth Golden Gator to his tenure with Koehler Motorsports in a UMP Modified on Friday, the Chandler, AZ, racer punched his ticket to a first Gator Championship appearance in a flag-to-flag triumph around the half-mile track.

While Thornton kept a one-second gap over Trent Young through the first half, third-place running Cole Falloway used the middle lane to forge a duel against Young for the runner-up position.

As Falloway and Young battled for position, Thornton faced his own obstacle with lap traffic on Lap 10. Cruising around the slower cars with ease on the bottom lane, his No. 20RT Elite Chassis built a 2.9-second gap to cap the Friday program with a seventh career Golden Gator trophy between the UMP Modified and Late Model divisions.

“I feel like our whole team is one big family,” Thornton said. “I don’t know if I consider (Jordan and Evan Koehler) my brothers or my kids because they’re a bit younger than me. But, anytime we can go race together, I feel like our heads get together, and we joke around, have a good time.

“Whenever I’m serious at the racetrack, usually that’s where there’s something wrong. Just to be able to have this opportunity with Koehler Motorsports has been phenomenal. From the get-go, it’s been everything I’ve dreamt of, so hopefully we can keep it going.”

RESULTS: Feature 6 (15 Laps): 1. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[1]; 2. 66F-Cole Falloway[3]; 3. 10Y-Trent Young[2]; 4. 09-Michael Ledford[5]; 5. 17X-Richard Michael Jr[7]; 6. 27-Jason Garver[4]; 7. 5CS-Curt Spalding[16]; 8. 99-Cole Hilton[10]; 9. 66-Adam Wright[8]; 10. 11D-Brian Diveley[9]; 11. 43J-Jacob Hall[17]; 12. 52-Mikey Kopka[15]; 13. 26-Adam Ogle[11]; 14. 3F-Rob Fuqua[13]; 15. T9-Zack Tate[14]; 16. 84-Ryan Toole[12]; 17. (DNS) 28B-Jason Brookover

Up Next: The final night of DIRTcar UMP Modifieds in the 55th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals begins with Last Chance Showdowns, leading up to the 30-lap, $5,000-to-win Gator Championship Feature to conclude the division’s portion at Volusia Speedway Park. Grandstand gates will open at 4 p.m and on-track activity starts at 5:30 p.m.

DIRTCAR NATIONALS INFO

How can you watch every lap of racing at Volusia Speedway Park? Live on DIRTVision.

FRIDAY GATORS: 18 Drivers Clinch Gator Championship Spot Through Friday Features at DIRTcar Nationals

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 6, 2026) – Of the 100 DIRTcar UMP Modifieds that set a lap time at Volusia Speedway Park during the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals, 18 drivers have locked up a chance to fight for the title.

Friday night at the “World’s Fastest Half Mile” saw the final set of six Features run for the division, with the top three finishers from each race earning a position in Saturday’s 30-lap, $5,000-to-win Gator Championship Feature and the overall Big Gator points crown.

Appearing in the 2026 finale includes Will Krup, Tyler Nicely, Chris Wilson, Mitch Thomas, Zeke McKenzie, David Stremme, Kyle Strickler, Charlie Mefford, Justin Stone, Jordan Koehler, Cole Czarneski, Brad DeYoung, Trevor Neville, Mike McKinney, Tyler Spalding, Ricky Thornton Jr, Cole Falloway, and Trent Young.

Here’s how each Feature played out:

Feature #1 

Will Krup entered the penultimate night of Modified racing during Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals as the Big Gator Championship points leader and DIRTcar UMP Modified Florida Speedweeks points leader. After, he padded that lead in both categories. 

The Mount Carmel, IL native led the field to the green in the first 15-lap Feature of the night and never looked back. 

He never had to either. Krup had a more than two-second lead over second-place Chris Wilson by the halfway point of the race. 

While the blue No. K9 drove away Wilson found himself under fire from third-place Tyler Nicely in the closing laps of the race. Nicely used the high side to his advantage and snuck by Wilson for the runner-up spot on the final lap. 

Krup beat them both to the line by nearly four seconds – his eighth DIRTcar Nationals victory and fourth podium this week. 

“We found some things there, but definitely a hard way to find them, but, yeah, the car’s been pretty good,” Krup said. “Just tweaking here and there, and, you know, with the limited time that we get to be on the racetrack, you gotta really try to make your adjustments matter, and you know, these guys are very good, so you have to be on your game all the time.” 

RESULTS: Feature 1 (15 Laps): 1. K9-Will Krup[1]; 2. 25-Tyler Nicely[3]; 3. 17-Chris Wilson[2]; 4. J82-Treb Jacoby[4]; 5. 35H-Michael Altobelli[6]; 6. 72H-Tristan Chamberlain[5]; 7. 5T-Jonathan Taylor[7]; 8. X-Wyatt Scott[8]; 9. 8-Jimmy Lennex Jr[12]; 10. 114B-Clayton Bryant[11]; 11. 31G-Stephen Pedulla[10]; 12. 2K-Taylor Kuehl[14]; 13. 0-Glenn Styres[9]; 14. T23-Keith Tincher[17]; 15. (DNS) 155-Peyton Harlow; 16. (DNS) 78-Rich Pratt; 17. (DNS) 72-Todd Neiheiser 

Feature #2 

Mitch Thomas earned his fourth Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals little gator trophy Friday night but had to fight for it. 

Zeke McKenzie led the field at the start with Thomas in tow. Then, on Lap 3, Thomas got out of shape and slid up the track in Turn 1, allowing Pierce McCarter and David Stremme to get by him. 

Now in fourth, he had work to do. And he pulled his gloves tight and got to it. 

He got by Stremme for third on Lap 5 and then passed McCarter for second two laps later. 

A caution on Lap 8 brought him back to McKenzie’s rear bumper, and he didn’t let the opportunity to pounce slip away on the restart. When the green flag flew again, Thomas about drove through McKenzie’s right rear quarter panel to get to his outside before entering Turn 1. 

The two dueled side by side through the corner with Thomas winning the battle for traction off the corner, pulling ahead and taking the lead into Turn 3. 

Once out front, he went unchallenged for the remainder of the race, picking up another DIRTcar Nationals win. 

“I really thought I gave it away there on like lap four, or five. I went way up there,” Thomas said. “I was going up there to the concession stand to get a hot dog, or something, but we got things back together, and I knew if I got that caution, I felt like we really had a good shot at winning that race.” 

RESULTS: Feature 2 (15 Laps): 1. 97-Mitch Thomas[3]; 2. 24-Zeke McKenzie[1]; 3. 35-David Stremme[4]; 4. 45H-Kyle Hammer[5]; 5. 71-Pierce McCarter[2]; 6. 99K-Ray Kable[7]; 7. 99H-Justin Haley[6]; 8. 46-Matt Crafton[11]; 9. 11-Dylan Drake[13]; 10. 9-Ken Schrader[9]; 11. 11N-Gene Nicholas[16]; 12. 1-Eric Kinney II[12]; 13. 28-Mason Lobb[8]; 14. 25B-Greg Belyea[15]; 15. 99W-Wade Olmsted[10]; 16. (DNS) 43J-Jacob Hall; 17. (DNS) 77-Jim Shipman 

Feature #3

Kyle Strickler’s mastery of Volusia Speedway Park continued Friday night with another display of domination for his 19th career UMP Modified DIRTcar Nationals Feature win. 

The 42-year-old from Mooresville, NC, led all 15 laps in the third main event of the evening, fending off the challenge from runner-up Charlie Mefford to collect his second gator trophy of the week. With the win, he’s now only four DIRTcar Nationals wins away from tying seven-time Big Gator champion Nick Hoffman for most wins all-time. 

With the win, Strickler has locked himself into the redraw for Saturday’s $5,000-to-win Gator Championship Feature, which he has won a record four times in his career. 

“I think we’ll have a really good car,” Strickler said. “We were working on some things and kinda went back to more of a standard package that we had. The car felt a lot better than it had in previous days.”

RESULTS: Feature 3 (15 Laps): 1. 8S-Kyle Strickler[1]; 2. 13-Charlie Mefford[2]; 3. 15X-Justin Stone[7]; 4. 7J-Justin Allgaier[5]; 5. 51-Dalton Lanich[6]; 6. 01-Aidan Hinds[3]; 7. 90-Jason Beaulieu[9]; 8. 21B-Hunter Breland[8]; 9. 21C-Drew Charlson[12]; 10. 54-Zachary Hawk[10]; 11. 60F-Shannon Fisk[11]; 12. 55-Blaze Melton[14]; 13. 11Z-Zane Oedewaldt[15]; 14. 10X-Billy Uptegraff[16]; 15. 77D-George Dixon[4]; 16. 0K-Damian Kiefer[13]; 17. (DNS) 21J-Clay Harris

Feature #4

Coming into the week, Jordan Koehler had never seen Victory Lane at Volusia. After Friday’s wire-to-wire performance, he’s now visited three nights in-a-row. 

The 24-year-old from Mt. Airy, NC, got his first gator trophy on Tuesday, backed it up with another on Wednesday, and led all 15 laps of the fourth Feature on Friday for his third career DIRTcar Nationals triumph. 

Not once did he let any of his competition get close enough to seriously challenge for the lead, beating Cole Czarneski to the checkered flag by 1.3 seconds to secure the win and lock himself into Saturday’s redraw, which guarantees him a top-12 starting spot in the Gator Championship Feature. 

“This just shows what kind of team we’ve got,” Koehler said. “We’ve done a really good here, and they’ve got us so good, I’ll I’ve got to do is halfway do my job here driving.”

RESULTS: Feature 4 (15 Laps): 1. 114-Jordan Koehler[1]; 2. 21CZ-Cole Czarneski[3]; 3. 7D-Brad DeYoung[2]; 4. 1H-Ben Harmon[11]; 5. 05-Dave Wietholder[4]; 6. 12L-Lucas Lee[6]; 7. 77B-Ray Bollinger[7]; 8. 70B-Ty Norder[10]; 9. 57-Charlie Sandercock[9]; 10. 7-Evan Taylor[8]; 11. 29C-Joey Cotterman[13]; 12. 00B-Buzzie Reutimann[15]; 13. 3G-Bryce Graber[14]; 14. 60-Jim Manka[12]; 15. 66K-Joshua Kunstbeck[17]; 16. 114K-Evan Koehler[5]; 17. (DNS) 81K-Kyle Cole

Feature #5

Trevor Neville wants to keep the winning times rolling.

The Mackinaw, IL native began the Feature from Pole Position as fellow “Land of Lincoln” driver Mike McKinney started to his outside. While McKinney attempted to get a jump on Neville through the cushion of Turns 1-2, Neville withstood the challenge from the bottom lane and gained clearance through Turns 3-4 with the top spot.

While Neville stayed at the front, McKinney did not make his lead comfortable. The former Summit Modified Nationals champion kept within a one-second gap of Neville by driving across the bottom lane while the No. 777 Lethal Chassis opted for the cushion.

When Neville navigated through lap traffic that appeared with two laps remaining, he created a bubble that McKinney was unable to break in the final seconds as Neville secured his fifth career little gator trophy and fourth consecutive appearance in the Gator Championship.

“Me and Mike go up and down the road all the time,” Neville said. “Actually, last night after the races, I went over, seen him and his dad, and we talked a little crap back and forth, of course. But he beats me, I beat him every now and then. It was a little aero racing there, a little traction, and a little hope, honestly.”

RESULTS: Feature 5 (15 Laps): 1. 777-Trevor Neville[1]; 2. 96M-Mike McKinney[2]; 3. 1TS-Tyler Spalding[4]; 4. 36-Kenny Wallace[3]; 5. 17W-Mikey Wilson[7]; 6. 49-Brian Ruhlman[5]; 7. 14-Dalton Lane[9]; 8. 56-Chris Wilson[8]; 9. 5B-Bobby Bagley[12]; 10. 43A-Mark Anderson[11]; 11. 17T-Tyler Evans[10]; 12. 3S-Josh Sanford[6]; 13. 17C-Coleman Evans[13]; 14. 81C-Christopher Cole[15]; 15. 88-Cody Thornhill[14]; 16. (DNS) 712-Drake Troutman

Feature #6

Ricky Thornton Jr is one night away from etching new Volusia Speedway Park history.

Adding a fourth Golden Gator to his tenure with Koehler Motorsports in a UMP Modified on Friday, the Chandler, AZ, racer punched his ticket to a first Gator Championship appearance in a flag-to-flag triumph around the half-mile track.

While Thornton kept a one-second gap over Trent Young through the first half, third-place running Cole Falloway used the middle lane to forge a duel against Young for the runner-up position.

As Falloway and Young battled for position, Thornton faced his own obstacle with lap traffic on Lap 10. Cruising around the slower cars with ease on the bottom lane, his No. 20RT Elite Chassis built a 2.9-second gap to cap the Friday program with a seventh career Golden Gator trophy between the UMP Modified and Late Model divisions.

“I feel like our whole team is one big family,” Thornton said. “I don’t know if I consider (Jordan and Evan Koehler) my brothers or my kids because they’re a bit younger than me. But, anytime we can go race together, I feel like our heads get together, and we joke around, have a good time.

“Whenever I’m serious at the racetrack, usually that’s where there’s something wrong. Just to be able to have this opportunity with Koehler Motorsports has been phenomenal. From the get-go, it’s been everything I’ve dreamt of, so hopefully we can keep it going.”

RESULTS: Feature 6 (15 Laps): 1. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[1]; 2. 66F-Cole Falloway[3]; 3. 10Y-Trent Young[2]; 4. 09-Michael Ledford[5]; 5. 17X-Richard Michael Jr[7]; 6. 27-Jason Garver[4]; 7. 5CS-Curt Spalding[16]; 8. 99-Cole Hilton[10]; 9. 66-Adam Wright[8]; 10. 11D-Brian Diveley[9]; 11. 43J-Jacob Hall[17]; 12. 52-Mikey Kopka[15]; 13. 26-Adam Ogle[11]; 14. 3F-Rob Fuqua[13]; 15. T9-Zack Tate[14]; 16. 84-Ryan Toole[12]; 17. (DNS) 28B-Jason Brookover

Up Next: The final night of DIRTcar UMP Modifieds in the 55th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals begins with Last Chance Showdowns, leading up to the 30-lap, $5,000-to-win Gator Championship Feature to conclude the division’s portion at Volusia Speedway Park. Grandstand gates will open at 4 p.m and on-track activity starts at 5:30 p.m.

DIRTCAR NATIONALS INFO

How can you watch every lap of racing at Volusia Speedway Park? Live on DIRTVision.

ARTICLE:https://dirtcar.com/dirtcar-ump/friday-gators-18-drivers-clinch-gator-championship-spot-through-friday-features-at-dirtcar-nationals/ 

BAKERSFIELD, CA (February 6, 2026) — When Famoso Dragstrip opened in 1954 the converted POSO airstrip was a place for hot rodders to flex their tuning skills and for racers to establish bragging rights. No one knew five years later that the track nicknamed “The Patch” would start one of the of most storied races in drag racing and motorsports history. In 1959 the first Smokers March Meet was contested and over the next nearly 70 years every significant racer or crew chief in drag racing history etched their name into the history books at Famoso Dragstrip. The track has held true to ¼ mile drag racing and burning nitro. When the use of nitro was banned in 1957 due to safety concerns regarding extreme engine explosions and high speeds, Famoso Dragstrip continued to push the envelope of speed and performance ignoring the ban which ended in 1964.   In 1962 at 20 years old Don “The Snake” Prudhomme won the March Meet launching his career as one of the most significant drag racers of all-time. The multi-time Funny Car world champion built a Hall of Fame career over the next four decades but the early days at Famoso Dragstrip were pivotal to the success of his career.   “The first time I was there, it was in 1959 and then in 1962 I was driving a fuel car for Zeuschel and Fuller and won the race,” said Prudhomme. “That was a big deal and people got to know me. You have to remember NHRA was not running nitro back then, so everybody wanted to run Nitro and you had to go to Bakersfield.”   “It was at a different time, and the sport was a whole different deal than what it is today, you know. Bakersfield really put us on the map. That was great race to win,” added Prudhomme. “It’s great for people that have an interest in drag racing to go there and see what really happened in the early days. Cars are so much different now. Front engine dragsters and stuff that’s really the backbone of drag racing and you can see that at the March Meet.”   NHRA Funny Car world champion and drag racing historian Jack Beckman has a lifetime of memories at Famoso Dragstrip. As a lifelong Californian Beckman’s roots at the March Meet include his uncle working on teams and spectating once he became a professional driver. The impact of the March Meet on spectators and racers cannot truly be quantified.   “For as long as I have known, the March Meet was a big deal. It was a big deal in 1959, when one of my idols (and friend), Art Chrisman, outran another legend and friend, Tony Waters, to win the inaugural race,” said Beckman. “It was a big deal when Bob Muravez came out of a 20-year driving retirement to win Nostalgia Top Fuel, and it was a big deal the first time I participated. A lot has changed in the past 67 years, but a victory at Bakersfield today, holding that March Meet trophy in the Winner’s Circle is still a big deal!”   Ron Capps, Funny Car world champion and March Meet champion, has a lifetime of experiences at Famoso Dragstrip. His family raced and watched the famed event his whole life. His passion for drag racing began before he was born.  Ron Capps in March Meet winner’s circle, photo courtesy of Ron Capps Motorsports“I was in my mom’s belly at the March Meet,” said Capps. “It means everything. And as a fan, it’s so many great memories, from my brother and I and our family. Going up to that track later, and competing there, and not only competing there, competing in a Fuel Altered. Which was another legendary moment in drag racing, and so to go back there and compete and then win the event and have one of the March Meet trophies. It is right in the middle of all my trophies. It went right in the middle of all 77 of them. It means the world to me.”   “I still tell people, if you’re going to pick one race to go to, one race period, you’ve got to attend the March Meet,” said Capps. “It is as close as you can get to old school racing. Also, Famoso Dragstrip is as good as any racetrack that we go down in our cars today, and you can see the vast history of the sport all in one shot. It’s got gassers, front engine dragsters, and nostalgia funny cars. It’s got it all. It’s everything to me.”   The four-day event will highlight qualifying and then the qualified field will race for one of the most historic trophies in drag racing on Sunday, March 8. On Thursday, gates will open at 8 a.m. with a full morning of qualifying runs starting at 9 a.m. capped by Nitro competitors making their first test runs at 2 p.m. Friday will be another day of high-speed excitement with Nitro qualifying at 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. The final day of qualifying on Saturday will see gates opening at 8 a.m. with one more Nitro Funny Car qualifier and the continuation of qualifying for Top Fuel and Fuel Altered at 12:30 p.m.  The first round of Funny Car eliminations commences at 3:30 p.m. with the final round of qualifying for Top Fuel and Fuel Altered. The day will be capped by jet dragster exhibition passes.   The final day of the Good Vibrations March Meet is jam-packed with elimination rounds in Funny Car, Top Fuel, Fuel Altered, and all the Nostalgia classes. Gates will open at 8 a.m. and the cars will start flying down the track at 9 a.m. A special opening ceremony will set the tone for the day at 11 a.m. with the car show, swap meet and vendor row running all day for fans from across the country.   Fans can buy single and multi-day tickets here. For additional information on racing or participating in the car show visit www.marchmeet.com or call 800-759-8679. Fans can also email marchmeet@famosodragstrip.com for all event information

WINSTON-SALEM, NC – February 5, 2026 – RFK Racing’s Ryan Preece won Wednesday’s Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, claiming his first win at the NASCAR Cup Series level. This win also marks Ford’s 11th victory in the Clash.

“Congratulations to Jack, Brad, Derrick, Ryan, and everyone at RFK Racing on the Clash win at Bowman Gray,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “Starting the year with a win gives us great momentum as we head into the 2026 season, and it’s a proud moment for everyone at Roush Yates Engines and Ford Racing.”

“I don’t even know what to say. It’s been a long road. And it’s the Clash but man, it’s just been years and years of grinding. Just super thankful for Brad Keselowski, all our partners, Jack Roush. Two years ago, I didn’t think I was going to have a job. I thought I was going back to Connecticut. Man, I’m just super, super, super emotional. We had a really good car, and I felt like we were fighting adversity all day. Trying to come from the back, we got a lot of good spots. When we were putting rain tires on, man, this is as much of a mental game as anything, and I felt pretty beat up. We had a couple of restarts go our way, and before you know it, you’re in the front two rows. Then the claws just come out. I’m speechless. I’ve got to thank Ford, Ford Racing and everybody there with all the support they give us. As far as emotions go, when you work as hard as I have, I hate talking about it because I hate getting emotional about it, but it’s not just the Clash – winning means everything to me. I’ve put a lot into it,” commented Preece.

Originally scheduled for Sunday, winter weather pushed the Clash to Wednesday, where it marked the unofficial start of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season at historic Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. With heat races canceled due to weather, qualifying set the first 20 positions in the field, one provisional spot was awarded based on last season’s points standings, and the final two transfer positions were determined by the Last Chance Qualifier, rounding out the 23-car field.

RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece along with Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano earned their spots through qualifying while Wood Brothers Racing’s Josh Berry and Team Penske’s Austin Cindric raced their way into the field by finishing first and second, respectively, in the Last Chance Qualifier. Just past the halfway mark at Lap 102, the race was briefly halted due to inclement weather. During the red flag, teams were allowed to switch to wet-weather tires. All cars were also allowed to take fuel on lap 166, however, while on pit road, teams were restricted from any other adjustments, including changing tires. With 35 laps remaining, Preece powered his No. 60 RFK Racing Ford to the front. Preece went on to lead a total 46 of the race’s 200 laps that featured a Clash-record 17 cautions.

Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney finished in P3 and RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher finished in P8.  The NASCAR Cup Series travels to Daytona, Florida next week for the official start of the 2026 season at Daytona International Speedway.

RYAN PREECE WINS THE CLASH AT BOWMAN GRAY STADIUMWINSTON-SALEM, NC – February 5, 2026 – RFK Racing’s Ryan Preece won Wednesday’s Cook Out Clash at Bowman Gray Stadium, claiming his first win at the NASCAR Cup Series level. This win also marks Ford’s 11th victory in the Clash.

“Congratulations to Jack, Brad, Derrick, Ryan, and everyone at RFK Racing on the Clash win at Bowman Gray,” said Doug Yates, President and CEO of Roush Yates Engines. “Starting the year with a win gives us great momentum as we head into the 2026 season, and it’s a proud moment for everyone at Roush Yates Engines and Ford Racing.”

“I don’t even know what to say. It’s been a long road. And it’s the Clash but man, it’s just been years and years of grinding. Just super thankful for Brad Keselowski, all our partners, Jack Roush. Two years ago, I didn’t think I was going to have a job. I thought I was going back to Connecticut. Man, I’m just super, super, super emotional. We had a really good car, and I felt like we were fighting adversity all day. Trying to come from the back, we got a lot of good spots. When we were putting rain tires on, man, this is as much of a mental game as anything, and I felt pretty beat up. We had a couple of restarts go our way, and before you know it, you’re in the front two rows. Then the claws just come out. I’m speechless. I’ve got to thank Ford, Ford Racing and everybody there with all the support they give us. As far as emotions go, when you work as hard as I have, I hate talking about it because I hate getting emotional about it, but it’s not just the Clash – winning means everything to me. I’ve put a lot into it,” commented Preece.

Originally scheduled for Sunday, winter weather pushed the Clash to Wednesday, where it marked the unofficial start of the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season at historic Bowman Gray Stadium in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. With heat races canceled due to weather, qualifying set the first 20 positions in the field, one provisional spot was awarded based on last season’s points standings, and the final two transfer positions were determined by the Last Chance Qualifier, rounding out the 23-car field.

RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher and Ryan Preece along with Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney and Joey Logano earned their spots through qualifying while Wood Brothers Racing’s Josh Berry and Team Penske’s Austin Cindric raced their way into the field by finishing first and second, respectively, in the Last Chance Qualifier. Just past the halfway mark at Lap 102, the race was briefly halted due to inclement weather. During the red flag, teams were allowed to switch to wet-weather tires. All cars were also allowed to take fuel on lap 166, however, while on pit road, teams were restricted from any other adjustments, including changing tires. With 35 laps remaining, Preece powered his No. 60 RFK Racing Ford to the front. Preece went on to lead a total 46 of the race’s 200 laps that featured a Clash-record 17 cautions.

Team Penske’s Ryan Blaney finished in P3 and RFK Racing’s Chris Buescher finished in P8.  The NASCAR Cup Series travels to Daytona, Florida next week for the official start of the 2026 season at Daytona International Speedway.

42 CHAMPIONSHIPS – 485 WINS – 449 POLES

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 5, 2026) – Less than two weeks have passed since the opening week of the 2026 World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision season at DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals, and another round of action at the “World’s Fastest Half Mile” is already on the horizon.

As has become tradition over the past two decades, Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals will conclude with six-straight nights of Late Model racing at Volusia Speedway Park. The week begins with three full programs under the DIRTcar Late Model banner, with a pair of $7,000-to-win shows on Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 9-10, before a split-field night on Wednesday, Feb. 11, including three Features paying $5,000-to-win each.

Points-paying World of Outlaws competition begins with two $12,000-to-win main events on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 12-13, before DIRTcar Nationalsconcludes with a $20,000-to-win finale on Saturday, Feb. 14, followed by the presentation of the Big Gator trophy to the weeklong champion.

The Late Models will be joined by two more fan-favorite divisions throughout the week, as the AMSOIL USAC Sprint Car National Championship will be on hand on Monday and Tuesday before the Super DIRTcar Series rolls into Volusia for four nights on Wednesday-Saturday.

GET TICKETS

WATCH LIVE ON DIRTVISION

Here are this week’s top storylines:

GATOR HUNTING: Ask anyone who’s won one, and they’ll tell you about how the Big Gator is one of the most unique and prized trophies in their collection.

The golden reptile was first awarded to Dennis Erb Jr. in 2012, and since then, eight more drivers have hoisted it on stage on Saturday night. Last year, the title went to Ricky Thornton Jr. after he won twice, stood on the podium four times and never finished worse than sixth in six races.

That achievement placed Thornton’s name alongside Erb, Josh Richards, Scott Bloomquist, Shane Clanton, Chris Madden, Brandon Sheppard, Devin Moran and Tim McCreadie as drivers who can call themselves Late Model Big Gator champions. However, none of them have won it more than Sheppard, who has earned top honors on three occasions in 2019, 2020 and 2024.

Thornton, Erb, Madden, Sheppard, Moran and McCreadie will all be in attendance looking to add another one to the trophy cabinet, while the pits will be filled with plenty of other contenders looking to stop them and collect their first Big Gator.

SO FAR SO GOOD: Thanks to his finishes of second, fifth and ninth at Sunshine Nationals, Nick Hoffman trails only the event champion Sheppard as the de facto World of Outlaws points leader entering DIRTcar Nationals.

Hoffman’s speed at Volusia should come as no surprise considering he has an entire corner of his race shop dedicated to displaying the dozens of Gators he’s collected over the past 15 years. But he would gladly trade all of them for a World of Outlaws championship trophy to put in that spot at the end of the year, and the road to a potential title is off to the right start.

On the other hand, two-time and defending champion Bobby Pierce didn’t get off to the start he dreamed of with runs of ninth, 10th and sixth at Sunshine Nationals. That leaves him fifth in the standings, 18 points behind Hoffman.

Given the points format which only counts a driver’s five finishes across the eight scheduled races at Volusia and Hendry County Motorsports Park, they won’t have a clear picture of where they stand until the Florida slate is complete. But every ounce of momentum helps in the championship chase, and “The Thrill From Mooresville” has it on his side at the moment.

STILL GOT IT: Hoffman wasn’t the only driver with a No. 9 on his door that started 2026 on the right foot, as Tim McCreadie became the first World of Outlaws full-timer in the win column with his Saturday triumph at Sunshine Nationals.

The contrast to the start of his 2025 campaign couldn’t be more apparent. Last year, McCreadie finished in the top 10 only once in the first seven races of the season while adjusting to his new Briggs Transport team and wheeling a chassis he never felt entirely comfortable in. This time around, he’s back in his tried-and-true Longhorn Chassis fresh off a six-win campaign last year.

If he can maintain his current level of speed and consistency long-term, McCreadie will have every reason to believe that a second World of Outlaws championship – 20 years after his first – is within the realm of possibility.

DUST YOURSELF OFF: While plenty of drivers are going back to Volusia looking for more of the same, just as many are aiming to rebound from a rough outing at Sunshine Nationals.

Daulton Wilson may have had the best week of the five MD3 Rookie of the Year candidates, but he knows there’s more in the tank than the best finish of 12th they laid down last month. “Big Perm” has finished in the top five four times at DIRTcar Nationals since 2023, and Volusia is a home game for his Big Frog/Viper Motorsports team, with owner William “Augie” Burttram residing an hour away in Ocala, FL.

Much like Wilson, Trey Mills is also looking to turn up the wick at DIRTcar Nationals after failing to crack the top 20 in the first three nights of his rookie season. The St. Augustine, FL native has grown up racing at Volusia and is a former winner in the Crate Late Model ranks, and is set to continue searching for a taste of Super Late Model success at the track.

ANYONE’S GAME: If the first month of the 2026 dirt Late Model season proved anything, it’s that picking the winner each night has never been tougher.

Twelve Super Late Model races have been contested so far this year across the national and regional levels, and 10 different drivers have reached Victory Lane. The only team to do so more than once doesn’t even compete full-time, as the K&L Rumley Enterprises No. 6 won twice at the Wild West Shootout and once at Sunshine Nationals with Hudson O’Neal behind the wheel.

The “New Deal” will be back at Volusia for DIRTcar Nationals looking to add to that total, but he’ll do so with his full-time team at SSI Motorsports for the first time in 2026. If O’Neal’s fourth win of the year comes next week, it would make SSI the third different team he’s won with at Volusia in four years following Rocket1 Racing in 2023 and 2024 and Rumley Enterprises last month.

This year’s list of winners is still missing plenty of the sport’s top names, including Ryan Gustin, Tyler Erb, Drake Troutman, Devin Moran, Brian Shirley and more, but they’re all ready to head south to Volusia with the goal of eliminating the goose egg.

WHEN AND WHERE:
Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 12-14, at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, FL

CURRENT POINT STANDINGS:
1. Brandon Sheppard (432 points)
2. Nick Hoffman (-13)
3. Tim McCreadie (-16)
4. Dennis Erb Jr. (-24)
5. Bobby Pierce (-31)
6. Tyler Erb (-33)
7. Ryan Gustin (-41)
8. Brandon Overton (-46)
9. Chris Madden (-49)
10. Hudson O’Neal (-51)

FEATURE WINNERS (3):
Chris Madden – 1
Tim McCreadie – 1
Hudson O’Neal – 1

FEATURE TOP FIVES (10):
Brandon Sheppard – 3
Tim McCreadie – 2
Nick Hoffman – 2
Dennis Erb Jr. – 2
Hudson O’Neal – 1
Chris Madden – 1
Drake Troutman – 1
Ryan Gustin – 1
Tyler Erb – 1
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 1

FEATURE LAPS LED (4):
Chris Madden – 36
Hudson O’Neal – 35
Tim McCreadie – 28
Ryan Gustin – 22

BILSTEIN POLE AWARDS (3):
Nick Hoffman – 1
Brandon Overton – 1
Ryan Gustin – 1

SIMPSON QUICK TIME AWARDS (2):
Chris Madden – 2
Brandon Overton – 1

HEAT RACE WINS (8):
Chris Madden – 3
Brandon Overton – 2
Nick Hoffman – 1
Tyler Erb – 1
Ryan Gustin – 1
Dustin Sorensen – 1
Bobby Pierce – 1
Donald McIntosh – 1

LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (6):
Tim McCreadie – 1
Dennis Erb Jr. – 1
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 1
Josh Rice – 1
Cody Overton – 1
Ethan Dotson – 1

2026 WORLD OF OUTLAWS LATE MODEL SERIES PRESENTED BY DIRTVISION SCHEDULE
Wednesday, Jan. 21 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL (Practice)
Thursday, Jan. 22 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Chris Madden (1)
Friday, Jan. 23 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Hudson O’Neal (1)
Saturday, Jan. 24 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Tim McCreadie (1)
Thursday, Feb. 12 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL
Friday, Feb. 13 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL
Saturday, Feb. 14 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL
Thursday, Feb. 19 / Hendry County Motorsports Park / Clewiston, FL (Practice)
Friday, Feb. 20 / Hendry County Motorsports Park / Clewiston, FL
Saturday, Feb. 21 / Hendry County Motorsports Park / Clewiston, FL
Friday, March 13 / Volunteer Speedway / Bulls Gap, TN
Saturday, March 14 / Smoky Mountain Speedway / Maryville, TN
Friday, March 20 / Magnolia Motor Speedway / Columbus, MS
Saturday, March 21 / Magnolia Motor Speedway / Columbus, MS
Friday, March 27 / East Alabama Motor Speedway / Phenix City, AL
Saturday, March 28 / Senoia Raceway / Senoia, GA
Thursday, April 9 / Farmer City Raceway / Farmer City, IL (Practice)
Friday, April 10 / Farmer City Raceway / Farmer City, IL
Saturday, April 11 / Farmer City Raceway / Farmer City, IL
Friday, April 24 / Talladega Short Track / Eastaboga, AL
Saturday, April 25 / Talladega Short Track / Eastaboga, AL
Tuesday, April 28 / Independence Motor Speedway / Independence, IA
Thursday, April 30 / Mississippi Thunder Speedway / Fountain City, WI
Friday, May 1 / Mississippi Thunder Speedway / Fountain City, WI
Saturday, May 2 / Mississippi Thunder Speedway / Fountain City, WI
Wednesday, May 13 / Georgetown Speedway / Georgetown, DE
Thursday, May 14 / Selinsgrove Speedway / Selinsgrove, PA
Friday, May 15 / Marion Center Raceway / Marion Center, PA
Saturday, May 16 / Marion Center Raceway / Marion Center, PA
Sunday, May 17 / Bedford Speedway / Bedford, PA
Thursday, May 28 / Wayne County Speedway / Orrville, OH
Friday, May 29 / Mansfield Speedway / Mansfield, OH
Saturday, May 30 / Mansfield Speedway / Mansfield, OH
Friday, June 12 / West Virginia Motor Speedway / Mineral Wells, WV
Saturday, June 13 / West Virginia Motor Speedway / Mineral Wells, WV
Friday, June 19 / 141 Speedway / Maribel, WI
Saturday, June 20 / 141 Speedway / Maribel, WI
Monday, June 22 / Ogilvie Raceway / Ogilvie, MN
Wednesday, June 24 / I-94 emr Speedway / Fergus Falls, MN
Friday, June 26 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND
Sunday, June 28 / Nodak Speedway / Minot, ND
Tuesday, June 30 / Norman County Raceway / Ada, MN
Thursday, July 2 / Deer Creek Speedway / Spring Valley, MN
Friday, July 3 / Deer Creek Speedway / Spring Valley, MN
Saturday, July 4 / Deer Creek Speedway / Spring Valley, MN
Wednesday, July 8 / Stateline Speedway / Busti, NY
Friday, July 10 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH
Saturday, July 11 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH
Friday, July 24 / Fairbury Speedway / Fairbury, IL
Saturday, July 25 / Fairbury Speedway / Fairbury, IL
Thursday, July 30 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI
Friday, July 31 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI
Saturday, Aug. 1 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI
Thursday, Aug. 20 / Maquoketa Speedway / Maquoketa, IA (Practice)
Friday, Aug. 21 / Maquoketa Speedway / Maquoketa, IA
Saturday, Aug. 22 / Maquoketa Speedway / Maquoketa, IA
Wednesday, Aug. 26 / Southern Iowa Speedway / Oskaloosa, IA
Friday, Aug, 28 / Adams County Speedway / Corning, IA
Saturday, Aug. 29 / Shelby County Speedway / Harlan, IA
Friday, Sept. 25 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Saturday, Sept. 26 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Friday, Oct. 2 / Boothill Speedway / Greenwood, LA
Saturday, Oct. 3 / Boothill Speedway / Greenwood, LA
Friday, Oct. 23 / Modoc Speedway / Modoc, SC
Saturday, Oct. 24 / Modoc Speedway / Modoc, SC
Wednesday, Nov. 4 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Thursday, Nov. 5 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Friday, Nov. 6 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Saturday, Nov. 7 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC

TOP FIVE STORYLINES: World of Outlaws Returning to Volusia to Wrap Up DIRTcar Nationals

BARBERVILLE, FL (February 5, 2026) – Less than two weeks have passed since the opening week of the 2026 World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision season at DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals, and another round of action at the “World’s Fastest Half Mile” is already on the horizon.

As has become tradition over the past two decades, Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals will conclude with six-straight nights of Late Model racing at Volusia Speedway Park. The week begins with three full programs under the DIRTcar Late Model banner, with a pair of $7,000-to-win shows on Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 9-10, before a split-field night on Wednesday, Feb. 11, including three Features paying $5,000-to-win each.

Points-paying World of Outlaws competition begins with two $12,000-to-win main events on Thursday and Friday, Feb. 12-13, before DIRTcar Nationalsconcludes with a $20,000-to-win finale on Saturday, Feb. 14, followed by the presentation of the Big Gator trophy to the weeklong champion.

The Late Models will be joined by two more fan-favorite divisions throughout the week, as the AMSOIL USAC Sprint Car National Championship will be on hand on Monday and Tuesday before the Super DIRTcar Series rolls into Volusia for four nights on Wednesday-Saturday.

GET TICKETS

WATCH LIVE ON DIRTVISION

Here are this week’s top storylines:

GATOR HUNTING: Ask anyone who’s won one, and they’ll tell you about how the Big Gator is one of the most unique and prized trophies in their collection.

The golden reptile was first awarded to Dennis Erb Jr. in 2012, and since then, eight more drivers have hoisted it on stage on Saturday night. Last year, the title went to Ricky Thornton Jr. after he won twice, stood on the podium four times and never finished worse than sixth in six races.

That achievement placed Thornton’s name alongside Erb, Josh Richards, Scott Bloomquist, Shane Clanton, Chris Madden, Brandon Sheppard, Devin Moran and Tim McCreadie as drivers who can call themselves Late Model Big Gator champions. However, none of them have won it more than Sheppard, who has earned top honors on three occasions in 2019, 2020 and 2024.

Thornton, Erb, Madden, Sheppard, Moran and McCreadie will all be in attendance looking to add another one to the trophy cabinet, while the pits will be filled with plenty of other contenders looking to stop them and collect their first Big Gator.

SO FAR SO GOOD: Thanks to his finishes of second, fifth and ninth at Sunshine Nationals, Nick Hoffman trails only the event champion Sheppard as the de facto World of Outlaws points leader entering DIRTcar Nationals.

Hoffman’s speed at Volusia should come as no surprise considering he has an entire corner of his race shop dedicated to displaying the dozens of Gators he’s collected over the past 15 years. But he would gladly trade all of them for a World of Outlaws championship trophy to put in that spot at the end of the year, and the road to a potential title is off to the right start.

On the other hand, two-time and defending champion Bobby Pierce didn’t get off to the start he dreamed of with runs of ninth, 10th and sixth at Sunshine Nationals. That leaves him fifth in the standings, 18 points behind Hoffman.

Given the points format which only counts a driver’s five finishes across the eight scheduled races at Volusia and Hendry County Motorsports Park, they won’t have a clear picture of where they stand until the Florida slate is complete. But every ounce of momentum helps in the championship chase, and “The Thrill From Mooresville” has it on his side at the moment.

STILL GOT IT: Hoffman wasn’t the only driver with a No. 9 on his door that started 2026 on the right foot, as Tim McCreadie became the first World of Outlaws full-timer in the win column with his Saturday triumph at Sunshine Nationals.

The contrast to the start of his 2025 campaign couldn’t be more apparent. Last year, McCreadie finished in the top 10 only once in the first seven races of the season while adjusting to his new Briggs Transport team and wheeling a chassis he never felt entirely comfortable in. This time around, he’s back in his tried-and-true Longhorn Chassis fresh off a six-win campaign last year.

If he can maintain his current level of speed and consistency long-term, McCreadie will have every reason to believe that a second World of Outlaws championship – 20 years after his first – is within the realm of possibility.

DUST YOURSELF OFF: While plenty of drivers are going back to Volusia looking for more of the same, just as many are aiming to rebound from a rough outing at Sunshine Nationals.

Daulton Wilson may have had the best week of the five MD3 Rookie of the Year candidates, but he knows there’s more in the tank than the best finish of 12th they laid down last month. “Big Perm” has finished in the top five four times at DIRTcar Nationals since 2023, and Volusia is a home game for his Big Frog/Viper Motorsports team, with owner William “Augie” Burttram residing an hour away in Ocala, FL.

Much like Wilson, Trey Mills is also looking to turn up the wick at DIRTcar Nationals after failing to crack the top 20 in the first three nights of his rookie season. The St. Augustine, FL native has grown up racing at Volusia and is a former winner in the Crate Late Model ranks, and is set to continue searching for a taste of Super Late Model success at the track.

ANYONE’S GAME: If the first month of the 2026 dirt Late Model season proved anything, it’s that picking the winner each night has never been tougher.

Twelve Super Late Model races have been contested so far this year across the national and regional levels, and 10 different drivers have reached Victory Lane. The only team to do so more than once doesn’t even compete full-time, as the K&L Rumley Enterprises No. 6 won twice at the Wild West Shootout and once at Sunshine Nationals with Hudson O’Neal behind the wheel.

The “New Deal” will be back at Volusia for DIRTcar Nationals looking to add to that total, but he’ll do so with his full-time team at SSI Motorsports for the first time in 2026. If O’Neal’s fourth win of the year comes next week, it would make SSI the third different team he’s won with at Volusia in four years following Rocket1 Racing in 2023 and 2024 and Rumley Enterprises last month.

This year’s list of winners is still missing plenty of the sport’s top names, including Ryan Gustin, Tyler Erb, Drake Troutman, Devin Moran, Brian Shirley and more, but they’re all ready to head south to Volusia with the goal of eliminating the goose egg.

WHEN AND WHERE:
Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 12-14, at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, FL

CURRENT POINT STANDINGS:
1. Brandon Sheppard (432 points)
2. Nick Hoffman (-13)
3. Tim McCreadie (-16)
4. Dennis Erb Jr. (-24)
5. Bobby Pierce (-31)
6. Tyler Erb (-33)
7. Ryan Gustin (-41)
8. Brandon Overton (-46)
9. Chris Madden (-49)
10. Hudson O’Neal (-51)

FEATURE WINNERS (3):
Chris Madden – 1
Tim McCreadie – 1
Hudson O’Neal – 1

FEATURE TOP FIVES (10):
Brandon Sheppard – 3
Tim McCreadie – 2
Nick Hoffman – 2
Dennis Erb Jr. – 2
Hudson O’Neal – 1
Chris Madden – 1
Drake Troutman – 1
Ryan Gustin – 1
Tyler Erb – 1
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 1

FEATURE LAPS LED (4):
Chris Madden – 36
Hudson O’Neal – 35
Tim McCreadie – 28
Ryan Gustin – 22

BILSTEIN POLE AWARDS (3):
Nick Hoffman – 1
Brandon Overton – 1
Ryan Gustin – 1

SIMPSON QUICK TIME AWARDS (2):
Chris Madden – 2
Brandon Overton – 1

HEAT RACE WINS (8):
Chris Madden – 3
Brandon Overton – 2
Nick Hoffman – 1
Tyler Erb – 1
Ryan Gustin – 1
Dustin Sorensen – 1
Bobby Pierce – 1
Donald McIntosh – 1

LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (6):
Tim McCreadie – 1
Dennis Erb Jr. – 1
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 1
Josh Rice – 1
Cody Overton – 1
Ethan Dotson – 1

2026 WORLD OF OUTLAWS LATE MODEL SERIES PRESENTED BY DIRTVISION SCHEDULE
Wednesday, Jan. 21 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL (Practice)
Thursday, Jan. 22 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Chris Madden (1)
Friday, Jan. 23 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Hudson O’Neal (1)
Saturday, Jan. 24 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Tim McCreadie (1)
Thursday, Feb. 12 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL
Friday, Feb. 13 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL
Saturday, Feb. 14 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL
Thursday, Feb. 19 / Hendry County Motorsports Park / Clewiston, FL (Practice)
Friday, Feb. 20 / Hendry County Motorsports Park / Clewiston, FL
Saturday, Feb. 21 / Hendry County Motorsports Park / Clewiston, FL
Friday, March 13 / Volunteer Speedway / Bulls Gap, TN
Saturday, March 14 / Smoky Mountain Speedway / Maryville, TN
Friday, March 20 / Magnolia Motor Speedway / Columbus, MS
Saturday, March 21 / Magnolia Motor Speedway / Columbus, MS
Friday, March 27 / East Alabama Motor Speedway / Phenix City, AL
Saturday, March 28 / Senoia Raceway / Senoia, GA
Thursday, April 9 / Farmer City Raceway / Farmer City, IL (Practice)
Friday, April 10 / Farmer City Raceway / Farmer City, IL
Saturday, April 11 / Farmer City Raceway / Farmer City, IL
Friday, April 24 / Talladega Short Track / Eastaboga, AL
Saturday, April 25 / Talladega Short Track / Eastaboga, AL
Tuesday, April 28 / Independence Motor Speedway / Independence, IA
Thursday, April 30 / Mississippi Thunder Speedway / Fountain City, WI
Friday, May 1 / Mississippi Thunder Speedway / Fountain City, WI
Saturday, May 2 / Mississippi Thunder Speedway / Fountain City, WI
Wednesday, May 13 / Georgetown Speedway / Georgetown, DE
Thursday, May 14 / Selinsgrove Speedway / Selinsgrove, PA
Friday, May 15 / Marion Center Raceway / Marion Center, PA
Saturday, May 16 / Marion Center Raceway / Marion Center, PA
Sunday, May 17 / Bedford Speedway / Bedford, PA
Thursday, May 28 / Wayne County Speedway / Orrville, OH
Friday, May 29 / Mansfield Speedway / Mansfield, OH
Saturday, May 30 / Mansfield Speedway / Mansfield, OH
Friday, June 12 / West Virginia Motor Speedway / Mineral Wells, WV
Saturday, June 13 / West Virginia Motor Speedway / Mineral Wells, WV
Friday, June 19 / 141 Speedway / Maribel, WI
Saturday, June 20 / 141 Speedway / Maribel, WI
Monday, June 22 / Ogilvie Raceway / Ogilvie, MN
Wednesday, June 24 / I-94 emr Speedway / Fergus Falls, MN
Friday, June 26 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND
Sunday, June 28 / Nodak Speedway / Minot, ND
Tuesday, June 30 / Norman County Raceway / Ada, MN
Thursday, July 2 / Deer Creek Speedway / Spring Valley, MN
Friday, July 3 / Deer Creek Speedway / Spring Valley, MN
Saturday, July 4 / Deer Creek Speedway / Spring Valley, MN
Wednesday, July 8 / Stateline Speedway / Busti, NY
Friday, July 10 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH
Saturday, July 11 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH
Friday, July 24 / Fairbury Speedway / Fairbury, IL
Saturday, July 25 / Fairbury Speedway / Fairbury, IL
Thursday, July 30 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI
Friday, July 31 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI
Saturday, Aug. 1 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI
Thursday, Aug. 20 / Maquoketa Speedway / Maquoketa, IA (Practice)
Friday, Aug. 21 / Maquoketa Speedway / Maquoketa, IA
Saturday, Aug. 22 / Maquoketa Speedway / Maquoketa, IA
Wednesday, Aug. 26 / Southern Iowa Speedway / Oskaloosa, IA
Friday, Aug, 28 / Adams County Speedway / Corning, IA
Saturday, Aug. 29 / Shelby County Speedway / Harlan, IA
Friday, Sept. 25 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Saturday, Sept. 26 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO
Friday, Oct. 2 / Boothill Speedway / Greenwood, LA
Saturday, Oct. 3 / Boothill Speedway / Greenwood, LA
Friday, Oct. 23 / Modoc Speedway / Modoc, SC
Saturday, Oct. 24 / Modoc Speedway / Modoc, SC
Wednesday, Nov. 4 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Thursday, Nov. 5 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Friday, Nov. 6 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC
Saturday, Nov. 7 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/latemodels/top-five-storylines-world-of-outlaws-traveling-back-to-volusia-to-wrap-up-dirtcar-nationals/