CONCORD, NC (January 9, 2026) – One year ago, Bobby Pierce famously dubbed his 2025 campaign that would eventually lead him to his second World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision championship the “Vengeance Tour.”

Now that the “Smooth Operator” is set to begin his quest for title number three in less than two weeks at DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 22-24), does 2026 have a theme yet?

“It’s always a vengeance tour, really,” Pierce said. “Super competitive as always, so hopefully we go and get that third championship.”

Since the No. 32 team’s debut season with the World of Outlaws in 2023, they have reached double-digit Series wins each year, won more than 100 races overall in the past three seasons and have been widely regarded as one of the best Late Model teams in the nation across that span.

For any other team in the pits, it’s easy to use Pierce’s operation as an example to strive toward. But when you’re already at the top of the mountain, staying motivated to continue finding new ways to improve can be a challenge for some. Nevertheless, Pierce keeps on winning and shows no signs of slowing down.

“It’s kind of like a drug. When you win a race, you just want to keep winning more of them,” Pierce said. “That’s for me anyways, and I think my dad too and most of my team. It’s just a really good feeling when you can accomplish your goals, and really, the last couple years, we’ve kind of gone past our goals.

“It’s tough when you race so much through the year, it is a grind and you have to stay motivated. Even if you have a bad night, you want to then go and perform well the next day to redeem yourself. And then if you win, it’s a good feeling, and you just want to get that feeling again. Either way, I feel like it’s pretty easy to stay motivated.”

Should Pierce ever need a refresh amid the never-ending grind of national Late Model racing, one look at the Series record books makes the end goals crystal clear. Less than five years removed from his first World of Outlaws win in 2021, Pierce has already made 42 trips to Victory Lane, placing him in a tie with Billy Moyer for fifth all-time. His next target isn’t far off, as he needs six more to catch Shane Clanton in fourth.

“I was just on the phone with Ruben [Mireles] yesterday, updating something for my profile,” Pierce said. “I was like, ‘Hey, how many wins do I have?’ And he was like, ‘Oh, you’re fifth, tied with [Billy] Moyer. And I’m like, ‘Dang, that’s pretty cool.’ As far as setting records and stuff, that’s definitely somewhat in the back of your mind.

“When you look at the list of guys that I’m starting to catch, it’s kind of getting into another tier of drivers. Like Billy Moyer, he’s the GOAT, so to be tied with him is pretty impressive. It makes me feel very accomplished, it’s a good feeling, and hopefully we can just keep going. Maybe someday, you never know, catch Brandon [Sheppard] and Josh [Richards]. That’ll be a long time from now, but we’ll just keep digging.”

Pierce will travel to plenty of tracks he’s never been to as an Outlaw in 2026, with eight hosting their first Series race and eight more returning to the schedule after a hiatus. One of the most notable additions is the revived Mansfield Speedway for the $57,000-to-win, $5,700-to-start 57 Special on May 29-30. But the largest purse of the season isn’t the only reason that weekend is circled on the calendar – it’s the chance to avenge his near miss at the track in 2018.

“That Mansfield race, that’s interesting because the last time I was there, it was the Dirt Million,” Pierce said. “I was leading that race and a caution came out toward the very end. I got passed by Earl Pearson Jr. and I ran second, so that would have been one of my biggest wins. I’m excited to go back to that place, I know they’ve done a lot to it.”

While the site of the season opener at Volusia Speedway Park isn’t new, the surface at the “World’s Fastest Half Mile” will still throw teams a curveball in comparison to recent years. Last spring, a layer of dark gumbo clay was laid down in an effort to bring back the wide, slick racing of Volusia’s past, and the track’s weekly racing program in 2025 delivered exactly that.

Given Pierce’s sluggish start last season with only one top five in five World of Outlaws starts at Volusia between Sunshine Nationals and Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals, he welcomes the change as a chance to reset and begin his title defense in peak form.

“That dirt that they used to have, as long as its shaped right and stuff, I feel like that track was really fun,” Pierce said. “That dirt that they had on recently, with how the track was graded, it kind of felt like the middle was always fast for such a long time. The track didn’t necessarily widen out really good every night. I feel like it’s going to help really get a bottom and a top going like it used to. I’m looking forward to it.”

Pierce will begin his 2026 season with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision at Volusia Speedway Park during DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 22-24) and Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 12-14), followed by the Swamp Cabbage 100 at Hendry County Motorsports Park (Friday-Saturday, Feb. 20-21). Get tickets and more information for all three events by clicking here.

Pierce Starting Chase for Third World of Outlaws Championship at Sunshine Nationals

CONCORD, NC (January 9, 2026) – One year ago, Bobby Pierce famously dubbed his 2025 campaign that would eventually lead him to his second World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision championship the “Vengeance Tour.”

Now that the “Smooth Operator” is set to begin his quest for title number three in less than two weeks at DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 22-24), does 2026 have a theme yet?

“It’s always a vengeance tour, really,” Pierce said. “Super competitive as always, so hopefully we go and get that third championship.”

Since the No. 32 team’s debut season with the World of Outlaws in 2023, they have reached double-digit Series wins each year, won more than 100 races overall in the past three seasons and have been widely regarded as one of the best Late Model teams in the nation across that span.

For any other team in the pits, it’s easy to use Pierce’s operation as an example to strive toward. But when you’re already at the top of the mountain, staying motivated to continue finding new ways to improve can be a challenge for some. Nevertheless, Pierce keeps on winning and shows no signs of slowing down.

“It’s kind of like a drug. When you win a race, you just want to keep winning more of them,” Pierce said. “That’s for me anyways, and I think my dad too and most of my team. It’s just a really good feeling when you can accomplish your goals, and really, the last couple years, we’ve kind of gone past our goals.

“It’s tough when you race so much through the year, it is a grind and you have to stay motivated. Even if you have a bad night, you want to then go and perform well the next day to redeem yourself. And then if you win, it’s a good feeling, and you just want to get that feeling again. Either way, I feel like it’s pretty easy to stay motivated.”

Should Pierce ever need a refresh amid the never-ending grind of national Late Model racing, one look at the Series record books makes the end goals crystal clear. Less than five years removed from his first World of Outlaws win in 2021, Pierce has already made 42 trips to Victory Lane, placing him in a tie with Billy Moyer for fifth all-time. His next target isn’t far off, as he needs six more to catch Shane Clanton in fourth.

“I was just on the phone with Ruben [Mireles] yesterday, updating something for my profile,” Pierce said. “I was like, ‘Hey, how many wins do I have?’ And he was like, ‘Oh, you’re fifth, tied with [Billy] Moyer. And I’m like, ‘Dang, that’s pretty cool.’ As far as setting records and stuff, that’s definitely somewhat in the back of your mind.

“When you look at the list of guys that I’m starting to catch, it’s kind of getting into another tier of drivers. Like Billy Moyer, he’s the GOAT, so to be tied with him is pretty impressive. It makes me feel very accomplished, it’s a good feeling, and hopefully we can just keep going. Maybe someday, you never know, catch Brandon [Sheppard] and Josh [Richards]. That’ll be a long time from now, but we’ll just keep digging.”

Pierce will travel to plenty of tracks he’s never been to as an Outlaw in 2026, with eight hosting their first Series race and eight more returning to the schedule after a hiatus. One of the most notable additions is the revived Mansfield Speedway for the $57,000-to-win, $5,700-to-start 57 Special on May 29-30. But the largest purse of the season isn’t the only reason that weekend is circled on the calendar – it’s the chance to avenge his near miss at the track in 2018.

“That Mansfield race, that’s interesting because the last time I was there, it was the Dirt Million,” Pierce said. “I was leading that race and a caution came out toward the very end. I got passed by Earl Pearson Jr. and I ran second, so that would have been one of my biggest wins. I’m excited to go back to that place, I know they’ve done a lot to it.”

While the site of the season opener at Volusia Speedway Park isn’t new, the surface at the “World’s Fastest Half Mile” will still throw teams a curveball in comparison to recent years. Last spring, a layer of dark gumbo clay was laid down in an effort to bring back the wide, slick racing of Volusia’s past, and the track’s weekly racing program in 2025 delivered exactly that.

Given Pierce’s sluggish start last season with only one top five in five World of Outlaws starts at Volusia between Sunshine Nationals and Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals, he welcomes the change as a chance to reset and begin his title defense in peak form.

“That dirt that they used to have, as long as its shaped right and stuff, I feel like that track was really fun,” Pierce said. “That dirt that they had on recently, with how the track was graded, it kind of felt like the middle was always fast for such a long time. The track didn’t necessarily widen out really good every night. I feel like it’s going to help really get a bottom and a top going like it used to. I’m looking forward to it.”

Pierce will begin his 2026 season with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision at Volusia Speedway Park during DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 22-24) and Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 12-14), followed by the Swamp Cabbage 100 at Hendry County Motorsports Park (Friday-Saturday, Feb. 20-21). Get tickets and more information for all three events by clicking here.

If you can’t make it to the track, stream every lap live on DIRTVision. 

CONCORD, NC (January 8, 2026) – Garet Williamson is back for more in 2026 with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series after his Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year campaign with Fischer Motorsports.

The Columbia, MO native cemented his name in the history books in 2025 by standing atop a stout crop of seven rookies. Williamson’s debut campaign yielded seven top fives, 26 top 10s, a pair of Quick Times, six Heat wins, and a dozen Dash appearances.

With 2025 behind him, the upcoming season is the continuation of a dream for Williamson. He looked up to World of Outlaws drivers throughout his childhood. He wanted to be one more than anything. Now, he’s here. He’s at the highest level of the sport. He’s a World of Outlaws driver that kids see at the racetrack and tell themselves they want to be where he is one day. It’s a position he’s not taking for granted.

“It’s been my dream and goal since I was a kid,” Williamson said. “So, now I’m just trying to make sure I’m doing my job good enough to keep having a good ride and keep doing it. I’m just super grateful for the partners I have and owners I have that let us go up and down the road and believe in us to keep growing.”

The only missing piece from Williamson’s Rookie of the Year campaign was a win. The closest he came in 2025 was third at Huset’s Speedway, his second career World of Outlaws podium. The 25-year-old knows making a trip to Victory Lane is easier said than done. It requires beating the best of the best. It requires no mistakes. Of the thousands that have tried, only 155 competitors can call themselves a winner with The Greatest Show on Dirt.

“The biggest thing is a win,” Williamson said. “I feel like that’s kind of what I lack right now is a win, but it’s not easy. It’s super hard to beat those guys. I think that’s one of the big ones, and being more consistent. I think that’s how wins come. Your top 10s, top fives, and podiums, they’ll turn into wins eventually. I want to be a threat to be there for big races. As a team, I want to keep proving we belong.”

Progress is also on Williamson’s mind as the season nears. The Rookie of the Year box was checked last year, and now he’s ready to climb toward the veterans above him in the standings. Consistently compete up front with the ones that have been on tour for years as he labors to reach his ultimate goal of becoming a World of Outlaws champion.

“I think it starts with bad nights being top 10s, not 22nd or anywhere back there,” Williamson explained. “You can’t be running back there. If you’re having a bad night, you’ve got to make up for it. You’ve got to salvage more than some of the bad nights we had.”

Williamson and the Fischer Motorsports crew kick off the 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car season on Feb. 4-7 at Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals in Barberville, FL. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

Williamson plans to get a few extra Volusia laps during DIRTcar Nationals by competing with the American Sprint Car Series, Jan. 29-31, aboard a Dennis Gainey entry.

For the complete 2026 schedule, CLICK HERE.

Garet Williamson Locked In for Sophomore World of Outlaws Season with Fischer Motorsports

CONCORD, NC (January 8, 2026) – Garet Williamson is back for more in 2026 with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series after his Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year campaign with Fischer Motorsports.

The Columbia, MO native cemented his name in the history books in 2025 by standing atop a stout crop of seven rookies. Williamson’s debut campaign yielded seven top fives, 26 top 10s, a pair of Quick Times, six Heat wins, and a dozen Dash appearances.

With 2025 behind him, the upcoming season is the continuation of a dream for Williamson. He looked up to World of Outlaws drivers throughout his childhood. He wanted to be one more than anything. Now, he’s here. He’s at the highest level of the sport. He’s a World of Outlaws driver that kids see at the racetrack and tell themselves they want to be where he is one day. It’s a position he’s not taking for granted.

“It’s been my dream and goal since I was a kid,” Williamson said. “So, now I’m just trying to make sure I’m doing my job good enough to keep having a good ride and keep doing it. I’m just super grateful for the partners I have and owners I have that let us go up and down the road and believe in us to keep growing.”

The only missing piece from Williamson’s Rookie of the Year campaign was a win. The closest he came in 2025 was third at Huset’s Speedway, his second career World of Outlaws podium. The 25-year-old knows making a trip to Victory Lane is easier said than done. It requires beating the best of the best. It requires no mistakes. Of the thousands that have tried, only 155 competitors can call themselves a winner with The Greatest Show on Dirt.

“The biggest thing is a win,” Williamson said. “I feel like that’s kind of what I lack right now is a win, but it’s not easy. It’s super hard to beat those guys. I think that’s one of the big ones, and being more consistent. I think that’s how wins come. Your top 10s, top fives, and podiums, they’ll turn into wins eventually. I want to be a threat to be there for big races. As a team, I want to keep proving we belong.”

Progress is also on Williamson’s mind as the season nears. The Rookie of the Year box was checked last year, and now he’s ready to climb toward the veterans above him in the standings. Consistently compete up front with the ones that have been on tour for years as he labors to reach his ultimate goal of becoming a World of Outlaws champion.

“I think it starts with bad nights being top 10s, not 22nd or anywhere back there,” Williamson explained. “You can’t be running back there. If you’re having a bad night, you’ve got to make up for it. You’ve got to salvage more than some of the bad nights we had.”

Williamson and the Fischer Motorsports crew kick off the 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car season on Feb. 4-7 at Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals in Barberville, FL. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

Williamson plans to get a few extra Volusia laps during DIRTcar Nationals by competing with the American Sprint Car Series, Jan. 29-31, aboard a Dennis Gainey entry.

For the complete 2026 schedule, CLICK HERE.

If you can’t make it to the track, CLICK HERE to learn how to watch every race live on DIRTVision.

CONCORD, NC (Jan. 8, 2026) — Sam Hafertepe Jr. made history in 2025, winning his sixth American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) championship. In 2026, he’ll go for a seventh national title with new crew help and renewed competitive drive.

Hafertepe, 40, of Sunnyvale, TX, will embark on a 10th full-time season with the national 360 Sprint Car circuit this year as the defending champion for the first time since 2020. In clinching his sixth ASCS national championship — most of any driver — he also ascended into second place on the all-time Feature wins list with 11 main event victories in 2025, now holding a total of 88 national Series wins.

He and the Ontario-based Hill’s Racing Team will begin their ninth consecutive year together in the season opener at Volusia Speedway Park — Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 29–31 — as part of the 55th annual Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. Hafertepe drove the familiar Townline Variety, Fisher Racing Engines-powered Triple X Chassis No. 15H to two top-10 finishes, including a podium on opening night, at the historic Florida 1/2-mile oval one year ago.

These strong runs against a deep field of over 50 cars gave him the early advantage in the points standings he needed in the chase for the points title. He’s already working overtime to ensure even better results in 2026.

“The preparation’s a little more than usual just because we really have to be fully prepared once we get down there because the points season does start so early,” Hafertepe said.

To aid in his preparation, Hafertepe’s hired some new crew help in 16-year-old Brody Brown. The former Micro Sprint racer from Lawton, OK, spent last year racing in the 305 and 360 Sprint Car ranks and will assume the role of car chief on the No. 15H in 2026.

As Hafertepe begins his 31st season as a driver in the motorsports world and commemorates a decade of national 360 Sprint Car racing, he now stares down only one man in the ASCS record books — his hero, Gary Wright.

Wright, a four-time ASCS national champion from 2004–2007, amassed a total of 128 Feature wins in his career — an ASCS record — and was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall-of-Fame in 2011.

Hafertepe now stands 40 Feature wins away from tying Wright’s mark. It will take a great deal of skill, longevity and patience to reach that height, but Hafertepe is optimistic about his career and its future with ASCS. 

“We hope to get excited about the future of ASCS and where World Racing Group can take it,” Hafertepe said. “It may be small strides or little-by-little, but that’s the kind of stuff that I do get excited to see out of ASCS, and hopefully it can continue to grow through the years.”

Sam Hafertepe Jr. to Defend American Sprint Car Series Championship in 2026

CONCORD, NC (Jan. 8, 2026) — Sam Hafertepe Jr. made history in 2025, winning his sixth American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) championship. In 2026, he’ll go for a seventh national title with new crew help and renewed competitive drive.

Hafertepe, 40, of Sunnyvale, TX, will embark on a 10th full-time season with the national 360 Sprint Car circuit this year as the defending champion for the first time since 2020. In clinching his sixth ASCS national championship — most of any driver — he also ascended into second place on the all-time Feature wins list with 11 main event victories in 2025, now holding a total of 88 national Series wins.

He and the Ontario-based Hill’s Racing Team will begin their ninth consecutive year together in the season opener at Volusia Speedway Park — Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 29–31 — as part of the 55th annual Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. Hafertepe drove the familiar Townline Variety, Fisher Racing Engines-powered Triple X Chassis No. 15H to two top-10 finishes, including a podium on opening night, at the historic Florida 1/2-mile oval one year ago.

These strong runs against a deep field of over 50 cars gave him the early advantage in the points standings he needed in the chase for the points title. He’s already working overtime to ensure even better results in 2026.

“The preparation’s a little more than usual just because we really have to be fully prepared once we get down there because the points season does start so early,” Hafertepe said.

To aid in his preparation, Hafertepe’s hired some new crew help in 16-year-old Brody Brown. The former Micro Sprint racer from Lawton, OK, spent last year racing in the 305 and 360 Sprint Car ranks and will assume the role of car chief on the No. 15H in 2026.

As Hafertepe begins his 31st season as a driver in the motorsports world and commemorates a decade of national 360 Sprint Car racing, he now stares down only one man in the ASCS record books — his hero, Gary Wright.

Wright, a four-time ASCS national champion from 2004–2007, amassed a total of 128 Feature wins in his career — an ASCS record — and was inducted into the National Sprint Car Hall-of-Fame in 2011.

Hafertepe now stands 40 Feature wins away from tying Wright’s mark. It will take a great deal of skill, longevity and patience to reach that height, but Hafertepe is optimistic about his career and its future with ASCS. 

“We hope to get excited about the future of ASCS and where World Racing Group can take it,” Hafertepe said. “It may be small strides or little-by-little, but that’s the kind of stuff that I do get excited to see out of ASCS, and hopefully it can continue to grow through the years.”

Tickets for the 2026 American Sprint Car Series season opener at Volusia Speedway Park are on sale now: click here to save in advance. If you can’t be there in person, stream every lap live on DIRTVision.

CONCORD, NC (January 8, 2026) – The man they call “Terbo” has a new title: “Outlaw.”

Tyler Erb is gearing up to run the full World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision tour for the first time since 2018, with his sights set on clinching a championship at World of Outlaws World Finals in November.

“The last two years, I’ve just picked and chose,” Erb said. “It’s been really good and I’m glad we did. The way the money is now, the money keeps going up and up for the major series. It was just time for us to give it another go this year and hopefully try to win the points. That’s the whole goal behind it.”

Despite not chasing season-long points, the New Waverly, TX native hasn’t been lacking in the win column in recent seasons. He’s won 33 times in the past two years, including major scores like his World of Outlaws win at Mississippi Thunder Speedway last May and the last two National 100s at East Alabama Motor Speedway.

The way Erb sees it, the quantity of his wins and the variety of tracks they’ve come at proves that his Best Performance Motorsports team is returning to the tour with everything they need to contend for a title.

“It’s just a good time for us to do it,” Erb said. “I feel like we have all our ducks in a row, our equipment’s the best it’s ever been. My owner Eric [Brock], all of my sponsors are super excited to try and do it again, and it just seems like the perfect time to do it. And on top of that, we’re running good. The last two years, we’ve gotten a good grasp on what’s going on, so it’s just time to make the most of it. Winning a championship would be the ultimate deal here.”

Many of Erb’s biggest moments as of late have come while following the DIRTcar Summer Nationals full-time in 2024 and 2025. He earned a combined 17 wins across those two campaigns and scored his first Hell Tour title in 2024, all while learning firsthand what it takes to race for a championship.

“We won it the first year, and last year we came up a little bit short,” Erb said. “It wasn’t from a lack of speed or effort, it’s just a tough deal. You’re not going to win every single thing you go to, but we were obviously very consistent both years doing it. It’s been good, just because we can kind of say, ‘OK, we ran 30 races and this is what it took, this is how we did it.’ So, to spread that out over a year, it just really puts it into perspective what you need to do to have a chance to win the Outlaw points.”

Erb is set to join a clash of titans all season long, with the likes of reigning champion Bobby Pierce, Nick Hoffman, Tim McCreadie, Ryan Gustin and more committed to the full tour. By the end of the season, Erb wants to be known as more than the driver with the goofy firesuits and quirky line of merchandise. He wants to go down as one of the best in this generation of Late Model superstars.

“It’s just a testament to our team, we can unload anywhere,” Erb said. “We’ve won all the way from Arizona to Florida, New York, Wisconsin, anything and anywhere in between. We obviously don’t shy away from going to races. Really, for the last five or six years, I’ve gone to basically every major event. I feel like I’ve got good notes and a good idea, and just trying to put it all into fruition this year.”

Tyler Erb Returning to Full-Time World of Outlaws Competition in 2026

CONCORD, NC (January 8, 2026) – The man they call “Terbo” has a new title: “Outlaw.”

Tyler Erb is gearing up to run the full World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision tour for the first time since 2018, with his sights set on clinching a championship at World of Outlaws World Finals in November.

“The last two years, I’ve just picked and chose,” Erb said. “It’s been really good and I’m glad we did. The way the money is now, the money keeps going up and up for the major series. It was just time for us to give it another go this year and hopefully try to win the points. That’s the whole goal behind it.”

Despite not chasing season-long points, the New Waverly, TX native hasn’t been lacking in the win column in recent seasons. He’s won 33 times in the past two years, including major scores like his World of Outlaws win at Mississippi Thunder Speedway last May and the last two National 100s at East Alabama Motor Speedway.

The way Erb sees it, the quantity of his wins and the variety of tracks they’ve come at proves that his Best Performance Motorsports team is returning to the tour with everything they need to contend for a title.

“It’s just a good time for us to do it,” Erb said. “I feel like we have all our ducks in a row, our equipment’s the best it’s ever been. My owner Eric [Brock], all of my sponsors are super excited to try and do it again, and it just seems like the perfect time to do it. And on top of that, we’re running good. The last two years, we’ve gotten a good grasp on what’s going on, so it’s just time to make the most of it. Winning a championship would be the ultimate deal here.”

Many of Erb’s biggest moments as of late have come while following the DIRTcar Summer Nationals full-time in 2024 and 2025. He earned a combined 17 wins across those two campaigns and scored his first Hell Tour title in 2024, all while learning firsthand what it takes to race for a championship.

“We won it the first year, and last year we came up a little bit short,” Erb said. “It wasn’t from a lack of speed or effort, it’s just a tough deal. You’re not going to win every single thing you go to, but we were obviously very consistent both years doing it. It’s been good, just because we can kind of say, ‘OK, we ran 30 races and this is what it took, this is how we did it.’ So, to spread that out over a year, it just really puts it into perspective what you need to do to have a chance to win the Outlaw points.”

Erb is set to join a clash of titans all season long, with the likes of reigning champion Bobby Pierce, Nick Hoffman, Tim McCreadie, Ryan Gustin and more committed to the full tour. By the end of the season, Erb wants to be known as more than the driver with the goofy firesuits and quirky line of merchandise. He wants to go down as one of the best in this generation of Late Model superstars.

“It’s just a testament to our team, we can unload anywhere,” Erb said. “We’ve won all the way from Arizona to Florida, New York, Wisconsin, anything and anywhere in between. We obviously don’t shy away from going to races. Really, for the last five or six years, I’ve gone to basically every major event. I feel like I’ve got good notes and a good idea, and just trying to put it all into fruition this year.”

Erb will begin his 2026 season with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision at Volusia Speedway Park during DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 22-24) and Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 12-14), followed by the Swamp Cabbage 100 at Hendry County Motorsports Park (Friday-Saturday, Feb. 20-21). Get tickets and more information for all three events by clicking here.

CONCORD, NC (January 6, 2026) – For Eli Johnson, there’s no better time than now to turn a dream into reality.

The driver of the Clyde Johnson Contracting & Roofing No. 55 has signed up for his first full season of national Late Model racing, joining Trey Mills and Logan Zarin as this year’s third MD3 Rookie of the Year contender with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision.

The 31-year-old Clewiston, FL native spent a half-decade racing locally at a variety of “Sunshine State” tracks leading into 2025, when Johnson dove headfirst into the Super Late Model world. The team put more miles on the hauler than ever, traveling to major events including the Dirt Late Model Dream, World 100, and World of Outlaws World Finals. In between, Johnson teamed up with his fellow Floridians Brenden and Brody Smith to take on the majority of the DIRTcar Summer Nationals schedule.

All that effort was put in with one goal in mind – learn as much as possible in advance of his debut World of Outlaws season in 2026.

“Some sponsors wanted to step in and basically see if we could hang and get involved,” Johnson said. “Honestly, if it wasn’t for Summer Nationals, the Smith guys, if I didn’t have the opportunity to do that, I wouldn’t be doing it at all right now. I mean, I’m super thankful for those guys.”

Johnson proved on multiple occasions last year that he could run up front, collecting a pair of Hell Tour top fives at Shadyhill Speedway and Oakshade Raceway, plus one more with the Southern All Stars at Wartburg Speedway. Matching those numbers at the pinnacle of the sport will be no easy feat, which is why he’s enlisted the help of those who know national Late Model racing inside and out.

“I mean, I feel pretty prepared,” Johnson said. “There’s a lot that we don’t know. I’ve got Boom Briggs, he’s helping me a lot. Kind of letting me know what’s going to happen and how I need to move forward in the program. I feel like we’ll be OK, mainly because we’ve got a lot of help from him also.”

nazsxcvbOne circumstance that could play into Johnson’s favor is the fact that the first three weeks of the season will take place in his home state. Following two trips to Volusia Speedway Park for DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 22-24) and Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 12-14), the tour will head south to Johnson’s home track, Hendry County Motorsports Park.

The Swamp Cabbage 100 (Friday-Saturday, Feb. 20-21) will be the first national Late Model race in the track’s history, giving Johnson his lone opportunity in 2026 to have the upper hand in experience over the rest of the World of Outlaws field.

“I’m really excited for that one, mainly because I’ve got so many laps around that place,” Johnson said. “It’s going to be really exciting, I hope it’s a really good race. I think a lot of the guys will like the place. It’s going to be fun for sure, having all those guys down here.”

Once the calendar turns to spring, Johnson will begin venturing out to plenty of uncharted territory throughout his first season on tour. He knows he’s in for the tallest task of his career and nothing will be handed to him, but he wouldn’t want it any other way.

“I’d like to get quite a few top 10s and some top fives,” Johnson said. “Obviously, if I was to get a win this year, that would be amazing. The biggest thing is to just be consistent.”

Johnson will begin his 2026 season at Volusia Speedway Park during DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 22-24) and Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 12-14), followed by the Swamp Cabbage 100 at Hendry County Motorsports Park (Friday-Saturday, Feb. 20-21). Get tickets and more information for all three events by clicking here.

If you can’t make it to the track, stream every lap live on DIRTVision.

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/latemodels/eli-johnson-plans-2026-rookie-of-the-year-run-with-world-of-outlaws/

Eli Johnson Plans 2026 Rookie of the Year Run with World of Outlaws

CONCORD, NC (January 6, 2026) – For Eli Johnson, there’s no better time than now to turn a dream into reality.

The driver of the Clyde Johnson Contracting & Roofing No. 55 has signed up for his first full season of national Late Model racing, joining Trey Mills and Logan Zarin as this year’s third MD3 Rookie of the Year contender with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision.

The 31-year-old Clewiston, FL native spent a half-decade racing locally at a variety of “Sunshine State” tracks leading into 2025, when Johnson dove headfirst into the Super Late Model world. The team put more miles on the hauler than ever, traveling to major events including the Dirt Late Model Dream, World 100, and World of Outlaws World Finals. In between, Johnson teamed up with his fellow Floridians Brenden and Brody Smith to take on the majority of the DIRTcar Summer Nationals schedule.

All that effort was put in with one goal in mind – learn as much as possible in advance of his debut World of Outlaws season in 2026.

“Some sponsors wanted to step in and basically see if we could hang and get involved,” Johnson said. “Honestly, if it wasn’t for Summer Nationals, the Smith guys, if I didn’t have the opportunity to do that, I wouldn’t be doing it at all right now. I mean, I’m super thankful for those guys.”

Johnson proved on multiple occasions last year that he could run up front, collecting a pair of Hell Tour top fives at Shadyhill Speedway and Oakshade Raceway, plus one more with the Southern All Stars at Wartburg Speedway. Matching those numbers at the pinnacle of the sport will be no easy feat, which is why he’s enlisted the help of those who know national Late Model racing inside and out.

“I mean, I feel pretty prepared,” Johnson said. “There’s a lot that we don’t know. I’ve got Boom Briggs, he’s helping me a lot. Kind of letting me know what’s going to happen and how I need to move forward in the program. I feel like we’ll be OK, mainly because we’ve got a lot of help from him also.”

One circumstance that could play into Johnson’s favor is the fact that the first three weeks of the season will take place in his home state. Following two trips to Volusia Speedway Park for DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 22-24) and Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 12-14), the tour will head south to Johnson’s home track, Hendry County Motorsports Park.

The Swamp Cabbage 100 (Friday-Saturday, Feb. 20-21) will be the first national Late Model race in the track’s history, giving Johnson his lone opportunity in 2026 to have the upper hand in experience over the rest of the World of Outlaws field.

“I’m really excited for that one, mainly because I’ve got so many laps around that place,” Johnson said. “It’s going to be really exciting, I hope it’s a really good race. I think a lot of the guys will like the place. It’s going to be fun for sure, having all those guys down here.”

Once the calendar turns to spring, Johnson will begin venturing out to plenty of uncharted territory throughout his first season on tour. He knows he’s in for the tallest task of his career and nothing will be handed to him, but he wouldn’t want it any other way.

“I’d like to get quite a few top 10s and some top fives,” Johnson said. “Obviously, if I was to get a win this year, that would be amazing. The biggest thing is to just be consistent.”

Johnson will begin his 2026 season at Volusia Speedway Park during DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 22-24) and Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 12-14), followed by the Swamp Cabbage 100 at Hendry County Motorsports Park (Friday-Saturday, Feb. 20-21). Get tickets and more information for all three events by clicking here.

If you can’t make it to the track, stream every lap live on DIRTVision.

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/latemodels/eli-johnson-plans-2026-rookie-of-the-year-run-with-world-of-outlaws/

FAN 101: https://about.worldofoutlaws.com/

CONCORD, NC (January 5, 2025) – Only a month remains before the 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series season is unleashed.

An 87-day off-season will conclude on Feb. 4-7 in Barberville, FL when Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals brings the campaign to life. The Greatest Show on Dirt’s 49th year of showcasing the best Sprint Car drivers in the world is set to begin with four consecutive nights of racing at the “Sunshine State” 1/2 mile, culminating in a $20,000-to-win finale and the crowning of a Big Gator champion.

Volusia has served as the season-opening site since 2005. The Florida oval annually welcomes a healthy field of entries as teams shake off the winter rust, and expect 2026 to be no different. More than 50 Sprint Cars rolled into the pit area for last year’s DIRTcar Nationals.

“The World’s Fastest Half Mile” is home to 67 previous World of Outlaws races, making Volusia the 11th most visited track in Series history. Assuming weather cooperates, it’ll crack the top 10 next month. Nobody comes close to Donny Schatz’s mark of 15 wins as he’s topped 22-percent of those 67 Features. David Gravel and Brad Sweet are tied behind Schatz with seven victories apiece.

Kyle Larson is the reigning Big Gator champion. “Yung Money” took the Silva Motorsports No. 57 to Victory Lane on each of the last two nights in 2025 en route to the title. Carson Macedo and Christopher Bell also won Features last year. David Gravel and Daryn Pittman are tied for the most Big Gators since the award was introduced in 2012. Both own three.

David Gravel’s quest for a three-peat will begin at Volusia. He and Big Game Motorsports have claimed the last two World of Outlaws titles. Only Steve Kinser, Donny Schatz, and Brad Sweet have won three championships in a row through the Series’ first 48 seasons. While Gravel may enter as the favorite, he’ll have a hungry group ready to dethrone him.

One of the most prominent storylines to follow in Florida will be familiar faces in new places. The most noteworthy is Donny Schatz making his first appearance in the CJB Motorsports No. 15 as he opens his 30th consecutive tour. Spencer Bayston returns to the World of Outlaws teamed with Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing. Sheldon Haudenschild’s departure opened the SJMR seat for Bayston. Haudenschild hasn’t announced his 2026 plans, but he’s expected to begin a new chapter this year at Volusia.

The trip south will also signal the start of the Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year battle. Three competitors are already signed on with possibly more to come. Ashton Torgerson (Shark Racing), Scotty Thiel (Greg Wheeler Motorsports), and Scott Bogucki (Three Stooges Racing) are the current contestants.

BUY DIRTCAR NATIONALS TICKETS HERE
WATCH EVERY LAP LIVE ON DIRTVision

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Wednesday, Feb. 4
3:00pm – Pit Gates open
4:00pm – Front Gates open
5:30pm – Hot Laps

Thursday, Feb. 5
3:00pm – Pit Gates open
4:00pm – Front Gates open
5:30pm – Hot Laps

Friday, Feb. 6
3:00pm – Pit Gates open
4:00pm – Front Gates open
5:30pm – Hot Laps

Saturday, Feb. 7
3:00pm – Pit Gates open
4:00pm – Front Gates open
5:30pm – Hot Laps

World of Outlaws Sprint Car DIRTcar Nationals Big Gator Champions
2025 — Kyle Larson
2024 — David Gravel
2023 — Logan Schuchart
2022 — David Gravel
2021 — Logan Schuchart
2020 — Brad Sweet
2019 — Daryn Pittman
2018 — Donny Schatz
2017 — David Gravel
2016 — Brad Sweet
2015 — Daryn Pittman
2014 — Paul McMahan
2013 — Daryn Pittman
2012 — Sammy Swindell

1 MONTH ALERT: Volusia’s DIRTcar Nationals Ignite 2026 World of Outlaws Campaign

CONCORD, NC (January 5, 2025) – Only a month remains before the 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series season is unleashed.

An 87-day off-season will conclude on Feb. 4-7 in Barberville, FL when Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals brings the campaign to life. The Greatest Show on Dirt’s 49th year of showcasing the best Sprint Car drivers in the world is set to begin with four consecutive nights of racing at the “Sunshine State” 1/2 mile, culminating in a $20,000-to-win finale and the crowning of a Big Gator champion.

Volusia has served as the season-opening site since 2005. The Florida oval annually welcomes a healthy field of entries as teams shake off the winter rust, and expect 2026 to be no different. More than 50 Sprint Cars rolled into the pit area for last year’s DIRTcar Nationals.

“The World’s Fastest Half Mile” is home to 67 previous World of Outlaws races, making Volusia the 11th most visited track in Series history. Assuming weather cooperates, it’ll crack the top 10 next month. Nobody comes close to Donny Schatz’s mark of 15 wins as he’s topped 22-percent of those 67 Features. David Gravel and Brad Sweet are tied behind Schatz with seven victories apiece.

Kyle Larson is the reigning Big Gator champion. “Yung Money” took the Silva Motorsports No. 57 to Victory Lane on each of the last two nights in 2025 en route to the title. Carson Macedo and Christopher Bell also won Features last year. David Gravel and Daryn Pittman are tied for the most Big Gators since the award was introduced in 2012. Both own three.

David Gravel’s quest for a three-peat will begin at Volusia. He and Big Game Motorsports have claimed the last two World of Outlaws titles. Only Steve Kinser, Donny Schatz, and Brad Sweet have won three championships in a row through the Series’ first 48 seasons. While Gravel may enter as the favorite, he’ll have a hungry group ready to dethrone him.

One of the most prominent storylines to follow in Florida will be familiar faces in new places. The most noteworthy is Donny Schatz making his first appearance in the CJB Motorsports No. 15 as he opens his 30th consecutive tour. Spencer Bayston returns to the World of Outlaws teamed with Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing. Sheldon Haudenschild’s departure opened the SJMR seat for Bayston. Haudenschild hasn’t announced his 2026 plans, but he’s expected to begin a new chapter this year at Volusia.

The trip south will also signal the start of the Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year battle. Three competitors are already signed on with possibly more to come. Ashton Torgerson (Shark Racing), Scotty Thiel (Greg Wheeler Motorsports), and Scott Bogucki (Three Stooges Racing) are the current contestants.

BUY DIRTCAR NATIONALS TICKETS HERE
WATCH EVERY LAP LIVE ON DIRTVision

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Wednesday, Feb. 4
3:00pm – Pit Gates open
4:00pm – Front Gates open
5:30pm – Hot Laps

Thursday, Feb. 5
3:00pm – Pit Gates open
4:00pm – Front Gates open
5:30pm – Hot Laps

Friday, Feb. 6
3:00pm – Pit Gates open
4:00pm – Front Gates open
5:30pm – Hot Laps

Saturday, Feb. 7
3:00pm – Pit Gates open
4:00pm – Front Gates open
5:30pm – Hot Laps

World of Outlaws Sprint Car DIRTcar Nationals Big Gator Champions
2025 — Kyle Larson
2024 — David Gravel
2023 — Logan Schuchart
2022 — David Gravel
2021 — Logan Schuchart
2020 — Brad Sweet
2019 — Daryn Pittman
2018 — Donny Schatz
2017 — David Gravel
2016 — Brad Sweet
2015 — Daryn Pittman
2014 — Paul McMahan
2013 — Daryn Pittman
2012 — Sammy Swindell

World of Outlaws Sprint Car DIRTcar Nationals Feature Winners
February 8th, 2025 — Kyle Larson
February 7th, 2025 — Kyle Larson
February 6th, 2025 — Christopher Bell
February 5th, 2025 — Carson Macedo
February 10th, 2024 — Sheldon Haudenschild
February 9th, 2024 — Tyler Courtney
February 8th, 2024 — David Gravel
February 7th, 2024 — Brad Sweet
March 5th, 2023 — James McFadden*
February 10th, 2023 — David Gravel
February 9th, 2023 — David Gravel
February 12th, 2022 — David Gravel
February 11th, 2022 — Sheldon Haudenschild
February 10th, 2022 — Donny Schatz
February 6th, 2021 — Logan Schuchart
February 5th, 2021 — Brad Sweet
February 9th, 2020 — Logan Schuchart
February 8th, 2020 — Brad Sweet
February 7th, 2020 — Donny Schatz
February 9th, 2019 — Daryn Pittman
February 8th, 2019 — Daryn Pittman
February 11th, 2018 — Donny Schatz
February 10th, 2018 — Donny Schatz
February 9th, 2018 — Sheldon Haudenschild
February 19th, 2017 — Donny Schatz
February 19th, 2017 — Donny Schatz
February 17th, 2017 — Jason Johnson
February 14th, 2016 — Brad Sweet
February 13th, 2016 — Donny Schatz
February 12th, 2016 — Brad Sweet
February 15th, 2015 — Brad Sweet
February 14th, 2015 — Donny Schatz
February 13th, 2015 — Daryn Pittman
February 16th, 2014 — Steve Kinser
February 15th, 2014 — Donny Schatz
February 14th, 2014 — Brad Sweet
February 17th, 2013 — Danny Lasoski
February 16th, 2013 — Terry McCarl
February 15th, 2013 — Daryn Pittman
February 19th, 2012 — Donny Schatz
February 19th, 2012 — Craig Dollansky
February 18th, 2012 — Danny Lasoski
February 13th, 2011 — Jason Sides
February 12th, 2011 — Steve Kinser
February 11th, 2011 — Steve Kinser
February 7th, 2010 — Steve Kinser
February 6th, 2010 — Donny Schatz
February 8th, 2009 — Donny Schatz
February 7th, 2009 — Joey Saldana
February 6th, 2009 — Donny Schatz
February 10th, 2008 — Danny Lasoski
February 9th, 2008 — Jason Meyers
February 8th, 2008 — Craig Dollansky
February 11, 2007 — Daryn Pittman
February 10th, 2007 — Kerry Madsen
February 9th, 2007 — Donny Schatz
February 10th, 2006 — Joey Saldana
February 9th, 2006 — Chad Kemenah
February 13th, 2005 — Steve Kinser
February 11th, 2005 — Jeff Shepard 

CONCORD, NC (January 2, 2026) – Donny Schatz stepped on stage feeling bad for Johnny Gibson.

The suited men sat in front of hundreds at the 2025 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series Awards Banquet. Thousands more watched at home on DIRTVision. So many eyes fixed on them. Gibson’s job? To find the good in every competitor’s campaign as an avenue of introduction.

“How could he possibly spin this positively,” Schatz wondered. The 48-year-old had been in this position several times before when Gibson needed no creative optimism. Schatz’s résumé boasts so many successful seasons with The Greatest Show on Dirt that have occurred right alongside Gibson’s tenure.

Schatz knew 2025 was not among them. He went winless for the first time since his rookie year in 1997. Headlines showed his name, but not in the fashion he’s accustomed to. The Sprint Car world was rocked when Schatz and Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing parted ways in August, ending a run that began in 2008. The Fargo, ND native then split time driving four different cars to finish the season. No way Gibson could find a sliver of sunlight in an entirely overcast sky, right?

But the longtime Series announcer proved Schatz wrong. All it took was a little math.

“Like five minutes before I went up to go on stage, I actually said to myself, ‘I’m not sure what Johnny Gibson, and he’s the best at his job, could possibly talk about with me in front of the crowd here that has a silver lining,’ and I said that to him when I got up there,” Schatz said. “And he said, ‘It’s 30 years next year.’ And I said, ‘No, Johnny, it’s not 30 years. It’s 29.’ And he said, ‘No, it’s 30.’ I guess you just lose track of anything past the first couple. It’s crazy to think about.”

Since that realization washed over Schatz, more reasons to be hopeful have entered his life. Along with reaching a major milestone by contesting his 30th season in 2026, he’ll open a new chapter.

The 10-time Series champion recently inked a deal with Chad Clemens’ CJB Motorsports for the upcoming season. The move pairs Schatz with one of the sport’s most legendary mechanics, Barry Jackson. After enduring one of the most trying years of his career, the move rejuvenated the 48-year-old as he prepares for his World of Outlaws career to span three full decades.

“I wasn’t to my full potential to finish out the season probably mentally,” Schatz admitted. “When things happen, it’s like a snowball effect. When bad things happen, they just keep going. I had a lot of people stick their neck out for me, and I felt like I did the best I could to get to the end and we got there. But the off-season has been a big reset. It’s been a mental reset. It’s been a physical reset. For me to start over and recharge the batteries and refresh the attitude and all the things it takes. I’m super pumped. I’m ready to get back racing.”

It’s also a dream come true for Clemens as the team owner. He’s had plenty of the sport’s best drive for him in the past. Sammy Swindell, David Gravel, and Paul McMahan are just a few who’ve piloted CJB machines. Now, he gets to add one of Sprint Car racing’s most accomplished wheelmen ever to the list.

“This is a dream of a lifetime,” Clemens said of having Schatz drive for him. “Not only is he a hell of a driver and has a lot left in him yet, but he’s also a good friend too. It’s not like I just know him as a race car driver. I know him as a friend. It’s more than just a race car driver. He’s just a really down-to-earth, good person. His family is awesome. I always talked to his father at the races. I’ve always talked to his mom. I’ve talked to his sister. It’s going to be a dream come true.”

Hiring Schatz meant expanding to a two-car team as CJB continues to field the No. 5 for Brenham Crouch. Assembling a crew and the many resources for a second top-tier Sprint Car operation is no small task. But when the opportunity with Schatz arose, Clemens and Jackson didn’t wonder if it was possible. It was merely a question of how they could make it work.

“When this whole thing came to possibly happening, my first comment to Barry was, ‘I know we can’t let this not happen. We have to make this happen somehow,’” Clemens said. “I asked him, ‘Are we able with our current situation and equipment, and are you willing to go back to the Outlaws?’ And the answers were, ‘Yes and yes.’”

Teaming up is far from the first connection between Schatz and Jackson. Their relationship dates back several years as Jackson’s path crossed with Schatz’s longtime crew chief, Ricky Warner.  

“Barry is a Carlisle, Pennsylvania native, and he grew up with Rick Warner,” Schatz said. “Obviously, me and Rick have a good history together. Rick was someone that always confided in Barry for a lot of things. There was a time when Barry was building his own race cars, and I think we tried one a time or two at Oskaloosa and I think on the west coast. So, Barry is someone that’s been close back when I raced with Rick Warner. Ultimately, we respected each other. Barry is a very passionate, fiery person. You know what’s on his mind. I’m kind of the same way. I respect that.”

Roughly a month remains before the 2026 campaign begins. Luckily for the CJB crew, it ignites at a track that’s been kind to Schatz over the years. Barberville, FL’s Volusia Speedway Park is the destination in early February, and Schatz has won 24 times in 99 Sprint Car races at the 1/2 mile. With Schatz’s laps and Jackson’s extensive notebook, Schatz is optimistic they can come out of the gate swinging.

“It’s not going to take us six months to get going or get a win,” Schatz said. “I feel like we can get going right away because of Barry’s experience and my experience and obviously a fresh start. Those guys have been open to anything. They’ve asked me a lot, what it is I want to do here and there.”

Clemens shares his driver’s confidence.

“I think they’re going to start meshing right off the bat,” Clemens said. “Barry has a mindset that he wants to win and he’s driven and he’s dedicated, and Donny has the same mindset. When you have two guys that have the same mindset, I’m not going to put a projection on what I think we’re going to do, but I think it’s going to be a very positive year. I think it’s going to be a good year, and I have trust in both of them.”

Schatz’s plans are set. The season is nearing. Season number 30. A milestone that means so much to the kid from North Dakota that committed his life to Sprint Car racing. A number that’s put things in perspective and brightened his outlook as he readies for what’s ahead. He knows there’s plenty left in the tank. Schatz intends to contend in 2026.

“When it all comes together and we get to the first race, I think that’s when everybody is going to swallow hard and say, ‘Man, it took a lot to get to this point, but this is very rewarding and let’s go out and get some gators in Florida and get ourselves in a good position to race for a championship,” Schatz said.

Schatz and the CJB Motorsports No. 15 team will begin the 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car season at Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals on Feb. 4-7. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

For the complete 2026 schedule, CLICK HERE.

SEASON 30: Schatz Feeling Revitalized, Grateful for Opportunity with CJB Motorsports

CONCORD, NC (January 2, 2026) – Donny Schatz stepped on stage feeling bad for Johnny Gibson.

The suited men sat in front of hundreds at the 2025 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series Awards Banquet. Thousands more watched at home on DIRTVision. So many eyes fixed on them. Gibson’s job? To find the good in every competitor’s campaign as an avenue of introduction.

“How could he possibly spin this positively,” Schatz wondered. The 48-year-old had been in this position several times before when Gibson needed no creative optimism. Schatz’s résumé boasts so many successful seasons with The Greatest Show on Dirt that have occurred right alongside Gibson’s tenure.

Schatz knew 2025 was not among them. He went winless for the first time since his rookie year in 1997. Headlines showed his name, but not in the fashion he’s accustomed to. The Sprint Car world was rocked when Schatz and Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing parted ways in August, ending a run that began in 2008. The Fargo, ND native then split time driving four different cars to finish the season. No way Gibson could find a sliver of sunlight in an entirely overcast sky, right?

But the longtime Series announcer proved Schatz wrong. All it took was a little math.

“Like five minutes before I went up to go on stage, I actually said to myself, ‘I’m not sure what Johnny Gibson, and he’s the best at his job, could possibly talk about with me in front of the crowd here that has a silver lining,’ and I said that to him when I got up there,” Schatz said. “And he said, ‘It’s 30 years next year.’ And I said, ‘No, Johnny, it’s not 30 years. It’s 29.’ And he said, ‘No, it’s 30.’ I guess you just lose track of anything past the first couple. It’s crazy to think about.”

Since that realization washed over Schatz, more reasons to be hopeful have entered his life. Along with reaching a major milestone by contesting his 30th season in 2026, he’ll open a new chapter.

The 10-time Series champion recently inked a deal with Chad Clemens’ CJB Motorsports for the upcoming season. The move pairs Schatz with one of the sport’s most legendary mechanics, Barry Jackson. After enduring one of the most trying years of his career, the move rejuvenated the 48-year-old as he prepares for his World of Outlaws career to span three full decades.

“I wasn’t to my full potential to finish out the season probably mentally,” Schatz admitted. “When things happen, it’s like a snowball effect. When bad things happen, they just keep going. I had a lot of people stick their neck out for me, and I felt like I did the best I could to get to the end and we got there. But the off-season has been a big reset. It’s been a mental reset. It’s been a physical reset. For me to start over and recharge the batteries and refresh the attitude and all the things it takes. I’m super pumped. I’m ready to get back racing.”

It’s also a dream come true for Clemens as the team owner. He’s had plenty of the sport’s best drive for him in the past. Sammy Swindell, David Gravel, and Paul McMahan are just a few who’ve piloted CJB machines. Now, he gets to add one of Sprint Car racing’s most accomplished wheelmen ever to the list.

“This is a dream of a lifetime,” Clemens said of having Schatz drive for him. “Not only is he a hell of a driver and has a lot left in him yet, but he’s also a good friend too. It’s not like I just know him as a race car driver. I know him as a friend. It’s more than just a race car driver. He’s just a really down-to-earth, good person. His family is awesome. I always talked to his father at the races. I’ve always talked to his mom. I’ve talked to his sister. It’s going to be a dream come true.”

Hiring Schatz meant expanding to a two-car team as CJB continues to field the No. 5 for Brenham Crouch. Assembling a crew and the many resources for a second top-tier Sprint Car operation is no small task. But when the opportunity with Schatz arose, Clemens and Jackson didn’t wonder if it was possible. It was merely a question of how they could make it work.

“When this whole thing came to possibly happening, my first comment to Barry was, ‘I know we can’t let this not happen. We have to make this happen somehow,’” Clemens said. “I asked him, ‘Are we able with our current situation and equipment, and are you willing to go back to the Outlaws?’ And the answers were, ‘Yes and yes.’”

Teaming up is far from the first connection between Schatz and Jackson. Their relationship dates back several years as Jackson’s path crossed with Schatz’s longtime crew chief, Ricky Warner.  

“Barry is a Carlisle, Pennsylvania native, and he grew up with Rick Warner,” Schatz said. “Obviously, me and Rick have a good history together. Rick was someone that always confided in Barry for a lot of things. There was a time when Barry was building his own race cars, and I think we tried one a time or two at Oskaloosa and I think on the west coast. So, Barry is someone that’s been close back when I raced with Rick Warner. Ultimately, we respected each other. Barry is a very passionate, fiery person. You know what’s on his mind. I’m kind of the same way. I respect that.”

Roughly a month remains before the 2026 campaign begins. Luckily for the CJB crew, it ignites at a track that’s been kind to Schatz over the years. Barberville, FL’s Volusia Speedway Park is the destination in early February, and Schatz has won 24 times in 99 Sprint Car races at the 1/2 mile. With Schatz’s laps and Jackson’s extensive notebook, Schatz is optimistic they can come out of the gate swinging.

“It’s not going to take us six months to get going or get a win,” Schatz said. “I feel like we can get going right away because of Barry’s experience and my experience and obviously a fresh start. Those guys have been open to anything. They’ve asked me a lot, what it is I want to do here and there.”

Clemens shares his driver’s confidence.

“I think they’re going to start meshing right off the bat,” Clemens said. “Barry has a mindset that he wants to win and he’s driven and he’s dedicated, and Donny has the same mindset. When you have two guys that have the same mindset, I’m not going to put a projection on what I think we’re going to do, but I think it’s going to be a very positive year. I think it’s going to be a good year, and I have trust in both of them.”

Schatz’s plans are set. The season is nearing. Season number 30. A milestone that means so much to the kid from North Dakota that committed his life to Sprint Car racing. A number that’s put things in perspective and brightened his outlook as he readies for what’s ahead. He knows there’s plenty left in the tank. Schatz intends to contend in 2026.

“When it all comes together and we get to the first race, I think that’s when everybody is going to swallow hard and say, ‘Man, it took a lot to get to this point, but this is very rewarding and let’s go out and get some gators in Florida and get ourselves in a good position to race for a championship,” Schatz said.

Schatz and the CJB Motorsports No. 15 team will begin the 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car season at Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals on Feb. 4-7. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

For the complete 2026 schedule, CLICK HERE.

If you can’t make it to the track, catch every lap live on DIRTVision.

CONCORD, NC (January 2, 2026) – The newest member of The Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet has arrived.

Logan Zarin is set to make the jump to the national level with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision in 2026, joining Trey Mills as the second freshman to officially join the upcoming class of MD3 Rookie of the Year contenders.

The 22-year-old Hookstown, PA driver has spent the past eight years competing regionally in and around western Pennsylvania, beginning in RUSH Late Model competition at his home track of Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway. Zarin turned his full focus to the Super Late Model division in 2022, scoring one win and a third-place points finish in weekly action at Lernerville Speedway that year.

His last three seasons have been spent on the United Late Model Series (ULMS) trail, where he’s finished top five in the standings each year against some of the top Late Model competition in the northeast. But the ultimate goal has always been to race against and beat the best in the nation, and the team decided the time was right to chase that dream in 2026.

Zarin knows that the 61-race World of Outlaws tour will require an entirely different level of preparation than what he’s done previously, and his main objective last year was to ensure his operation is ready for what lies ahead. That meant acquiring a new truck and trailer, as well as a fleet of fresh Longhorn Chassis and Durham Racing Engines.

“I think we are prepared enough,” Zarin said. “Just kind of going through everything, making sure we’ve got everything. So, I think we’re about as prepared as we’re going to be, we’ve just got to see what the tour brings us.”

The majority of the tracks Zarin will visit in season one with the World of Outlaws will be new to him, but the first stop at Volusia Speedway Park isn’t one of them. He made the trip south for Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals in 2024, and while he failed to start a full-field Feature, he picked up plenty of notes that will serve him well when he returns for DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 22-24).

“Our results really weren’t what we expected,” Zarin said of his first Volusia outing. “It’s just big, it’s extremely big and fast. It’s just kind of different, and then the dirt down there is a little bit different, too. You’ve just got to kind of adapt to it a little bit. But I think we’ve got a little bit of a notebook built up with [Longhorn Chassis consultant] Vinny Guliani, so I think we should be good.”

In his scattered World of Outlaws appearances over the past five years, Zarin has proven he’s capable of mixing it up with the sport’s best, racing his way into 10 Features and picking up a pair of top 15s at Sharon Speedway in 2021 and 2025. That’s a total Zarin plans on adding to at tracks across the country on his way to one simple goal.

“Win the Rookie of the Year,” Zarin said.

The 2026 World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision season is set to begin at Volusia Speedway Park during DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 22-24) and Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 12-14), followed by the Swamp Cabbage 100 at Hendry County Motorsports Park (Friday-Saturday, Feb. 20-21). Get tickets and more information for all three events by clicking here.

Logan Zarin Gearing Up for World of Outlaws Rookie of the Year Bid in 2026

CONCORD, NC (January 2, 2026) – The newest member of The Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet has arrived.

Logan Zarin is set to make the jump to the national level with the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision in 2026, joining Trey Mills as the second freshman to officially join the upcoming class of MD3 Rookie of the Year contenders.

The 22-year-old Hookstown, PA driver has spent the past eight years competing regionally in and around western Pennsylvania, beginning in RUSH Late Model competition at his home track of Pittsburgh’s Pennsylvania Motor Speedway. Zarin turned his full focus to the Super Late Model division in 2022, scoring one win and a third-place points finish in weekly action at Lernerville Speedway that year.

His last three seasons have been spent on the United Late Model Series (ULMS) trail, where he’s finished top five in the standings each year against some of the top Late Model competition in the northeast. But the ultimate goal has always been to race against and beat the best in the nation, and the team decided the time was right to chase that dream in 2026.

Zarin knows that the 61-race World of Outlaws tour will require an entirely different level of preparation than what he’s done previously, and his main objective last year was to ensure his operation is ready for what lies ahead. That meant acquiring a new truck and trailer, as well as a fleet of fresh Longhorn Chassis and Durham Racing Engines.

“I think we are prepared enough,” Zarin said. “Just kind of going through everything, making sure we’ve got everything. So, I think we’re about as prepared as we’re going to be, we’ve just got to see what the tour brings us.”

The majority of the tracks Zarin will visit in season one with the World of Outlaws will be new to him, but the first stop at Volusia Speedway Park isn’t one of them. He made the trip south for Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals in 2024, and while he failed to start a full-field Feature, he picked up plenty of notes that will serve him well when he returns for DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 22-24).

“Our results really weren’t what we expected,” Zarin said of his first Volusia outing. “It’s just big, it’s extremely big and fast. It’s just kind of different, and then the dirt down there is a little bit different, too. You’ve just got to kind of adapt to it a little bit. But I think we’ve got a little bit of a notebook built up with [Longhorn Chassis consultant] Vinny Guliani, so I think we should be good.”

In his scattered World of Outlaws appearances over the past five years, Zarin has proven he’s capable of mixing it up with the sport’s best, racing his way into 10 Features and picking up a pair of top 15s at Sharon Speedway in 2021 and 2025. That’s a total Zarin plans on adding to at tracks across the country on his way to one simple goal.

“Win the Rookie of the Year,” Zarin said.

The 2026 World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision season is set to begin at Volusia Speedway Park during DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 22-24) and Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 12-14), followed by the Swamp Cabbage 100 at Hendry County Motorsports Park (Friday-Saturday, Feb. 20-21). Get tickets and more information for all three events by clicking here.

If you can’t make it to the track, stream every lap live on DIRTVision.

Traditional Championship Format Returns with Addition of $275,000 Bonus Program

BATAVIA, Ohio (December 30, 2025) – After three seasons using a playoff-style points system, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing is returning to a traditional season-long points system for 2026, while adding more than a quarter-million dollar lucrative late-season bonus program. Teams will once again compete for dirt late model racing’s highest points fund of $1.2 million that will be divvied up after the 2026 champion is crowned at the season-ending Dirt Track World Championship at West Virginia Motor Speedway in Mineral Wells, W.Va. With the unwavering dedication of Big River Steel and ARP, the national tour will also put up an additional $275,000 for the Big River Steel Bonus Program presented by ARP, awarding drivers following Aug. 29’s Rumble by the River finale at Port Royal (Pa.) Speedway in a separate miniseries encompassing the season’s final five Saturdays. “Over the past three years, we’ve elevated our program to be the most lucrative in dirt late model racing,” series director Rick Schwallie said. “FloSports remains dedicated to upholding the stature of our series and continues to grow with the support of our valued marketing partners. We are excited to revert to a traditional points structure, which will be complemented by the late-season bonus program to sustain the end of the year excitement.” In the Big River Steel Bonus Program presented by ARP, the top 15 drivers in the championship standings will compete in a miniseries following Aug. 29’s Rumble by the River finale at Port Royal (Pa.) Speedway, encompassing the final five crown jewel events of the season. The highest finishing driver of the top 15 in championship standings in each of those final five crown jewel events of the season will receive an additional $5,000. The top five drivers in the championship standings will compete in a miniseries, earning points in those final five crown jewel events of the season. The highest points earner of the five drivers will take home an additional $100,000. Second through fifth will be awarded $40,000, $30,000, $20,000, and $10,000, respectively For drivers 6th through 15th, a separate bonus program encompassing those same five crown jewel events of the season will pay $25,000 to the top point earner, $15,000 to second, and $10,000 to third. While a dozen series races are scheduled after Port Royal, only the five consecutive scheduled Saturday events at Knoxville (Iowa) Raceway ($75,000-to-win on Sept. 19), Brownstown (Ind.) Speedway ($50,000-to-win on Sept. 26), Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Motor Speedway in Imperial, Pa. ($50,000-to-win on Oct. 3), Eldora Speedway in Rossburg, Ohio ($50,000-to-win on Oct. 10), and WVMS will award points in the Big River Steel Bonus Program presented by ARP, which pays out $275,000 in all. For the latest news, results, championship standings, and more about the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing, please visit www.lucasdirt.com. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing Season Points Fund:1. $250,0002. $200,0003. $150,0004. $125,0005. $100,0006. $80,0007. $60,0008. $55,0009. $50,00010. $45,00011. $40,00012. $35,00013. $30,00014. $25,00015. $20,000$1,265,000 Total Bonus Rounds: Highest Finishing Driver● Eligible drivers: 1st – 15th in Championship standings after Aug. 29 at Port Royal Speedway.● Round 1 – Big River Steel – Saturday, September 19 – Knoxville Late Model Nationals (Knoxville Raceway)O $5,000 to the highest finishing driver.● Round 2 – UNOH – Saturday, September 26 – Jackson 100 (Brownstown Speedway)O $5,000 to the highest finishing driver.● Round 3 – Sunoco Race Fuels – Saturday, October 3 – Pittsburgher (Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Motor Speedway)O $5,000 to the highest finishing driver.● Round 4 – ARP – Saturday, October 10 – Eldora SpeedwayO $5,000 to the highest finishing driver o.● Round 5 – Summit Racing Equipment – Saturday, October 17 – Dirt Track World Championship (West Virginia Motor Speedway)O $5,000 to the highest finishing driver.● Program Total: $25,000 Big River Steel Championship Top 5 Bonus Program-presented by ARP● Eligible drivers: 1st – 5th in Championship standings after Aug. 29 at Port Royal Speedway.● Final Five Events (Saturday Finale Only)O Saturday, September 19 – Knoxville Raceway ($75,000 to win)O Saturday, September 26 – Brownstown Speedway ($50,000 to win)O Saturday, October 3 – Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Motor Speedway ($50,000 to win)O Saturday, October 10 – Eldora Speedway ($50,000 to win)O Saturday, October 17 – West Virginia Motor Speedway ($100,000 to win)● Points tallied at these five events are separate from season-long points standings.O Season long points standings will be in a traditional format.● Program Points Fund:O $100,000O $40,000O $30,000O $20,000O $10,000● Program Total: $200,000 Big River Steel Championship Bonus Program-presented by ARP for 6th – 15th● Eligible drivers: 6th – 15th in Championship standings after Aug. 29 at Port Royal Speedway.● Final Five Events (Saturday Finale Only)O Saturday, September 19 – Knoxville Raceway ($75,000 to win)O Saturday, September 26 – Brownstown Speedway ($50,000 to win)O Saturday, October 3 – Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Motor Speedway ($50,000 to win)O Saturday, October 10 – Eldora Speedway ($50,000 to win)O Saturday, October 17 – West Virginia Motor Speedway ($100,000 to win)● Points tallied at these five events are separate from season-long points standings.O Season long points standings will be in a traditional format.● Program Points Fund:O $25,000O $15,000O $10,000● Program Total: $50,000

Remixed event format awards points on Thursday–Friday programs to line up Dash, Heats on Saturday

BARBERVILLE, FL (Dec. 29, 2025) — The 35th consecutive season of American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) racing begins in one month, Thursday–Saturday, Jan. 29–31, with more money and a new format on tap to open the 55th annual Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park.

For the second-straight year, 360 Sprint Car drivers from around the country will converge on the historic 1/2-mile oval in Barberville, Florida — approximately 30 minutes west from the famed Daytona International Speedway. Series regulars are projected to meet a host of national and regional 410 Sprint Car talent in the multi-day affair as the invaders prepare for competition with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series the following week.

2026 will bring a new challenge to the ASCS portion of the program with a new cash bonus for top performers. Both Thursday and Friday programs will be contested under the normal ASCS format and award event points to each driver for their finishes in Qualifying, Heat Races and the 25-lap, $3,000-to-win Feature.

At the conclusion of Friday’s Feature, the top eight drivers in event points standings will be locked into the Honest Abe Roofing Dash on Saturday, while all other drivers will be lined up by event points in one of four Heat Races. The finish of the Dash will set starting positions 1–8 for the main event, while the Heat Races will take the top three finishers to the main event. Non-transfers will be seeded into the Smith Titanium Last Chance Showdown or a C-Main, if necessary.

Saturday’s main event will go 30 laps and award $12,000 to the winner. In addition to the main event purse, the top three finishers in the week-long Big Gator Championship points will receive a cash bonus — $2,000 to the champion, $1,000 to the runner-up and $500 to third place. The iconic DIRTcar Nationals Big Gator trophy will also be awarded to the points champion.

Points toward the overall American Sprint Car Series championship standings will be awarded to each driver based on rank in the final DIRTcar Nationals points standings. All three races will count as a single event toward the standings, meaning the Big Gator champion will earn 150 points, runner-up will earn 142 points, third place receives 135 points and so on, according to the ASCS Feature points scale.

Unlike 2025, the 2026 ASCS season will not include a “drop” race, meaning Volusia results (or lack thereof) will be reflected in each driver’s points total, regardless of full-time status.

In the Series debut last January, Indiana-native Justin Peck scored big, sweeping all three Features, pocketing $18,000 in first-place money and hoisting the Big Gator trophy for the first time in his career. In doing so, Peck became only the third driver in Series history to win the first three races of the season.

Tickets for all three days of ASCS action at DIRTcar Nationals are on sale now; click here to purchase. If you can’t be at the track, stream every lap live on DIRTVision.

IMPORTANT TIMES:

Thursday–Saturday, Jan. 29–31

Pit Gates Open — 1 p.m.

Grandstands Open — 4 p.m.

2026 ASCS Season Opens with DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park

Remixed event format awards points on Thursday–Friday programs to line up Dash, Heats on Saturday

BARBERVILLE, FL (Dec. 29, 2025) — The 35th consecutive season of American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) racing begins in one month, Thursday–Saturday, Jan. 29–31, with more money and a new format on tap to open the 55th annual Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park.

For the second-straight year, 360 Sprint Car drivers from around the country will converge on the historic 1/2-mile oval in Barberville, Florida — approximately 30 minutes west from the famed Daytona International Speedway. Series regulars are projected to meet a host of national and regional 410 Sprint Car talent in the multi-day affair as the invaders prepare for competition with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series the following week.

2026 will bring a new challenge to the ASCS portion of the program with a new cash bonus for top performers. Both Thursday and Friday programs will be contested under the normal ASCS format and award event points to each driver for their finishes in Qualifying, Heat Races and the 25-lap, $3,000-to-win Feature.

At the conclusion of Friday’s Feature, the top eight drivers in event points standings will be locked into the Honest Abe Roofing Dash on Saturday, while all other drivers will be lined up by event points in one of four Heat Races. The finish of the Dash will set starting positions 1–8 for the main event, while the Heat Races will take the top three finishers to the main event. Non-transfers will be seeded into the Smith Titanium Last Chance Showdown or a C-Main, if necessary.

Saturday’s main event will go 30 laps and award $12,000 to the winner. In addition to the main event purse, the top three finishers in the week-long Big Gator Championship points will receive a cash bonus — $2,000 to the champion, $1,000 to the runner-up and $500 to third place. The iconic DIRTcar Nationals Big Gator trophy will also be awarded to the points champion.

Points toward the overall American Sprint Car Series championship standings will be awarded to each driver based on rank in the final DIRTcar Nationals points standings. All three races will count as a single event toward the standings, meaning the Big Gator champion will earn 150 points, runner-up will earn 142 points, third place receives 135 points and so on, according to the ASCS Feature points scale.

Unlike 2025, the 2026 ASCS season will not include a “drop” race, meaning Volusia results (or lack thereof) will be reflected in each driver’s points total, regardless of full-time status.

In the Series debut last January, Indiana-native Justin Peck scored big, sweeping all three Features, pocketing $18,000 in first-place money and hoisting the Big Gator trophy for the first time in his career. In doing so, Peck became only the third driver in Series history to win the first three races of the season.

Tickets for all three days of ASCS action at DIRTcar Nationals are on sale now; click here to purchase. If you can’t be at the track, stream every lap live on DIRTVision.

IMPORTANT TIMES:

Thursday–Saturday, Jan. 29–31

Pit Gates Open — 1 p.m.

Grandstands Open — 4 p.m.

Hot Laps — 5:30 p.m.

CONCORD, NC (December 16, 2025) – Add another competitor to the hunt for the 2026 Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year.

Scott Bogucki is set for his first season with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series. The McLaren Vale, SA, Australia native will pilot the Three Stooges Racing No. 51 full-time with The Greatest Show on Dirt next year. He joins Ashton Torgerson and Scotty Thiel as the third confirmed rookie for the tour’s 49th season of racing.

“It’s unbelievable. It’s been my dream since I was 15 years old,” Bogucki said. “It’s the reason I left home, left my family and everything behind, was to come here and chase that dream. For me, it’s always been to be an Outlaw. Honestly, I don’t even really have words. It’s something I had kind of thought was never going to happen, and mentally realized that and became okay with it. It was always going to be disappointing, but I’d given it my best shot. So, when you think that’s happening and then all of a sudden you get with a new team and get together, and they’re like, ‘Hey, let’s do this,’ it doesn’t even really feel real to be honest.”

Three Stooges Racing added 410 Winged Sprint Cars to their stable in 2025. Joel Myers Jr. ran a handful of races for the Jeff and Noah West-owned operation in the summer before Bogucki came aboard in August. Bogucki competed in 10 races with the team before the year concluded, highlighted by a pair of All Star Circuit of Champions (ASCoC) top 10s, a fourth at Lee County Speedway with POWRi, and a respectable 12th at Lincoln Park Speedway in their only appearance together with the World of Outlaws.

“I’d spoken to Noah on and off with some other deals he’d been working on about racing with him,” Bogucki explained. “Timing had never played out in our favor. Jeff and I had created a relationship quite some time ago and became good friends. I think all the moving pieces just finally fell into place.

“I had, shortly before (Knoxville) Nationals, ended up parting ways with my previous deal. Around the same time, they (Three Stooges Racing) had with their people, and we got together right away and talked and were like, ‘Let’s run to the end of the year, go racing, have some fun, and see how we go, see how everything gels.’ I think we got three or four races in, and Noah and Jeff approached me and were like, ‘What do you think about this?’ And I was like, ‘Well, I’ve wanted to do it since I was 15 years old. You don’t have to ask me twice. That’s my dream right there.’”

Traveling tour experience is on Bogucki’s résumé. He’s a former full-timer with the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) and owns eight wins with the country’s top 360 Sprint Car talent. Other highlights from his career so far include a top 10 run at the 2024 Knoxville Nationals and a top five outing with the World of Outlaws at Knoxville the same season.

Now, Bogucki is ready to take his career to the highest level by joining the World of Outlaws and taking on the nearly 90-race, coast-to-coast tour.

“Just going to the new places, the competition every night,” Bogucki said of what he’s most looking forward to. “If you want to be the best, you’ve got to race with the best, and it’s time to finally do that.”

Bogucki and Three Stooges Racing begin the 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car season at Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals on Feb. 4-7 in Barberville, FL. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

Scott Bogucki Signed on for World of Outlaws Rookie Campaign with Three Stooges Racing in 2026

CONCORD, NC (December 16, 2025) – Add another competitor to the hunt for the 2026 Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year.

Scott Bogucki is set for his first season with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series. The McLaren Vale, SA, Australia native will pilot the Three Stooges Racing No. 51 full-time with The Greatest Show on Dirt next year. He joins Ashton Torgerson and Scotty Thiel as the third confirmed rookie for the tour’s 49th season of racing.

“It’s unbelievable. It’s been my dream since I was 15 years old,” Bogucki said. “It’s the reason I left home, left my family and everything behind, was to come here and chase that dream. For me, it’s always been to be an Outlaw. Honestly, I don’t even really have words. It’s something I had kind of thought was never going to happen, and mentally realized that and became okay with it. It was always going to be disappointing, but I’d given it my best shot. So, when you think that’s happening and then all of a sudden you get with a new team and get together, and they’re like, ‘Hey, let’s do this,’ it doesn’t even really feel real to be honest.”

Three Stooges Racing added 410 Winged Sprint Cars to their stable in 2025. Joel Myers Jr. ran a handful of races for the Jeff and Noah West-owned operation in the summer before Bogucki came aboard in August. Bogucki competed in 10 races with the team before the year concluded, highlighted by a pair of All Star Circuit of Champions (ASCoC) top 10s, a fourth at Lee County Speedway with POWRi, and a respectable 12th at Lincoln Park Speedway in their only appearance together with the World of Outlaws.

“I’d spoken to Noah on and off with some other deals he’d been working on about racing with him,” Bogucki explained. “Timing had never played out in our favor. Jeff and I had created a relationship quite some time ago and became good friends. I think all the moving pieces just finally fell into place.

“I had, shortly before (Knoxville) Nationals, ended up parting ways with my previous deal. Around the same time, they (Three Stooges Racing) had with their people, and we got together right away and talked and were like, ‘Let’s run to the end of the year, go racing, have some fun, and see how we go, see how everything gels.’ I think we got three or four races in, and Noah and Jeff approached me and were like, ‘What do you think about this?’ And I was like, ‘Well, I’ve wanted to do it since I was 15 years old. You don’t have to ask me twice. That’s my dream right there.’”

Traveling tour experience is on Bogucki’s résumé. He’s a former full-timer with the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) and owns eight wins with the country’s top 360 Sprint Car talent. Other highlights from his career so far include a top 10 run at the 2024 Knoxville Nationals and a top five outing with the World of Outlaws at Knoxville the same season.

Now, Bogucki is ready to take his career to the highest level by joining the World of Outlaws and taking on the nearly 90-race, coast-to-coast tour.

“Just going to the new places, the competition every night,” Bogucki said of what he’s most looking forward to. “If you want to be the best, you’ve got to race with the best, and it’s time to finally do that.”

Bogucki and Three Stooges Racing begin the 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car season at Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals on Feb. 4-7 in Barberville, FL. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

For the complete 2026 schedule, CLICK HERE.

CONCORD, NC (Dec. 15, 2025) — Regional racing has long been a part of the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) brand, featuring the best-of-the-best in multiple areas across the Midwest, Southwest and Great Plains.

Five champions of their respective regions were crowned in 2025. Three of which are returning champions — Adam Trimble, Kelly Miller, Sean McClelland — and two clinched their first crowns — Bryan Gossel, Jake Brashier.

From March to November, these weekend warriors ruled the local dirt tracks and earned their own piece of ASCS history.

Here are the 2025 American Sprint Car Series regional champions:

Western Plains Region — Bryan Gossel

For the first time in his career, Bryan Gossel is an ASCS regional champion.

The 49-year-old from Windsor, CO, made his Sprint Car debut in 1999 and has since split time racing on both dirt and asphalt. He’s been a competitor in multiple ASCS events every year, and in 2025 decided to chase the ASCS Western Plains Region schedule.

But that was never the plan at first.

“It was awesome. Kind of surreal, in a way,” Gossel said. “I didn’t really even know I was points racing until the promoter called me and asked, ‘Are you coming to the next race?’ and I said, ‘Ah, I don’t know.’ He said I was leading the points, and I was like, ‘I am?’ I didn’t even know.

“I was like, well shoot, we better give it a whirl. And we did.”

Gossel, father of national Series regular Austyn Gossel, ended his season with two Feature wins — one of which came at nearby El Paso County Raceway in Calhan, CO. The 1/4-mile oval was the site of one of the most special wins in his career on May 3, where Bryan scored the win, Austyn ran third, and runner-up was Sprint Car Hall-of-Famer Sammy Swindell, piloting a third Gossel Racing entry.

“I would have never even dreamed that. It was so cool,” Gossel said. “The promoter had been after us to have Sammy run our cars for quite a while, and we just never had enough equipment at the same time to do it. I had gotten to know him a little bit better the last couple years racing with him.

“We were like, ‘Yup, we can do it.’ It was awesome. Sammy is such an incredible person and so nice.”

Northern Plains Region — Adam Trimble

After securing his first ASCS championship with the Western Plains Region last year, Adam Trimble has now topped regional action two years in-a-row as king of the Northern Plains Region in 2025.

The 37-year-old from Pueblo, CO, dominated the region this year, winning three of the nine races and posted top-five finishes in five of them. A big bright spot for he and Matejka-Heffner Racing came in a sweep of Northern Plains action at Wyoming’s Sweetwater Speedway in June, winning both Friday and Saturday’s main events.

While he admits their season was not perfect, Trimble and the team forged their way through mechanical issues mid-season and brought home another 360 Sprint Car points title.

“There were just some odd things that seemed to happen this year that, collectively, between the three of us, haven’t happened in any of our careers,” Trimble said. “So, it felt like a struggle, but looking back at it, we’re like, ‘Man, this was still actually a really successful season.’ We felt like we worked hard at it and just kept things going.”

Trimble has now spent two seasons racing under car owners Mark Matejka and Jeff Heffner. The Denver-based team also went to Victory Lane in Midget competition at El Paso County Raceway in September and are already looking forward to another year of partnership in 2026.

“It doesn’t matter if we’re winning or if we’re losing, DNF-ing, whatever the case is — they are working as hard as they possibly can to make the cars as fast as we can get,” Trimble said. “It’s hard to even think that we had DNFs with as hard as those guys work, really. But DNFs, wins, it doesn’t matter. They keep their heads down, and they keep going. It paid off for us.”

Hurricane Area Super Sprints — Jake Brashier

The second new regional champion to ASCS in 2025 is Jake Brashier — king of the ASCS Hurricane Area Super Sprints.

The 39-year-old from Denham Springs, LA, scored five top-fives and 11 top-10s in 12 starts to top all drivers in both categories.

“It was great for us. My goal was to make as many top-fives as I could, and I did a lot better than I had done previously,” Brashier said. “I learned a lot of stuff and made progress.”

Looking ahead to 2026, Brashier will take on a more integral role in the operations of the Hurricane Area Super Sprints as co-owner of the organization with former Series champion Lane Whittington. The two broke the news they had purchased the group in November, marking the start of a new era in southern Sprint Car racing.

The two racers are eager to get to work next year in their new managerial roles and already have plans in place to ensure the prosperity of the Series while they continue their own careers on the track.

“I couldn’t do it by myself, and I didn’t want to see it go away, which is what it looked like it was about to do,” Brashier said. “So, I talked to Lane and told him if we get the money to purchase it, he (said) he’d be willing to help do everything.

“Hopefully, we can get more Sprint Car racing in this area, more places to race at, and make it better for the racers and fans and tracks. We like racing, number one. There’s no politics or anything like that. No ulterior motives, we just want to race.”

Frontier Region — Kelly Miller

For the second consecutive year, the ASCS Frontier Region championship lands north of the border into the shop of Kelly Miller.

The 34-year-old from Lethbridge, AB, Canada, dominated the circuit in 2025, topping the region with eight Feature wins, 14 top fives and 16 top 10s in 18 Feature starts. No other driver had more than two wins in Frontier Region action.

Four of his eight Frontier wins came in back-to-back fashion, starting with the sweep of a two-day event at Big Sky Speedway in May and a second weekend sweep at fellow Montana oval Gallatin Speedway and Big Sky in September.

In the end, Miller held a gap of 301 points in the standings over runner-up Trever Kirkland to seal his third ASCS regional championship in two years after topping both the Frontier and Northern Plains Regions in 2024.

“This year, we definitely had some pretty good numbers to show for it,” Miller said. “Overall, we did continue to improve from last year and the year before that as well. Outside of the Frontier Region, we did manage to pick up some speed at Knoxville and through our little West Coast Speedweek as well. Everything is all building in the right direction, for sure.”

Considering the six wins he put together in Northern Plains Region action last year, Miller’s last two seasons have been among the most successful of his career.

“I think it’s just a matter of just repeating on a good notebook from the year before and building off speed that we currently have,” Miller said. “Not trying to reinvent the wheel, but just trying to make our program better in the long run when it comes to DNFs and being a smart driver. It all comes with time and experience. It’s all coming together now, I think it just took a few years.”

Sooner Region — Sean McClelland

With the clinching of his sixth points title, Sean McClelland adds some cushion to the record he holds for most ASCS Sooner Region championships all-time.

The 51-year-old from Tulsa, OK, debuted with the region in 2002 and won his first Sooner championship in 2005. Since then, he’s collected 24 Feature wins — most of any driver — and subsequent championships in 2010, 2019, 2020, and 2022.

McClelland’s 2025 championship came on the back of one win, four top fives and six top 10s in nine Feature starts. His lone victory came at Creek County Speedway in September, continuing the strong partnership he’s forged with his crew and car owner Robert McLain.

WE THE KINGS: Five ASCS Regional Champions Crowned After 2025 Season

CONCORD, NC (Dec. 15, 2025) — Regional racing has long been a part of the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) brand, featuring the best-of-the-best in multiple areas across the Midwest, Southwest and Great Plains.

Five champions of their respective regions were crowned in 2025. Three of which are returning champions — Adam Trimble, Kelly Miller, Sean McClelland — and two clinched their first crowns — Bryan Gossel, Jake Brashier.

From March to November, these weekend warriors ruled the local dirt tracks and earned their own piece of ASCS history.

Here are the 2025 American Sprint Car Series regional champions:

Western Plains Region — Bryan Gossel

For the first time in his career, Bryan Gossel is an ASCS regional champion.

The 49-year-old from Windsor, CO, made his Sprint Car debut in 1999 and has since split time racing on both dirt and asphalt. He’s been a competitor in multiple ASCS events every year, and in 2025 decided to chase the ASCS Western Plains Region schedule.

But that was never the plan at first.

“It was awesome. Kind of surreal, in a way,” Gossel said. “I didn’t really even know I was points racing until the promoter called me and asked, ‘Are you coming to the next race?’ and I said, ‘Ah, I don’t know.’ He said I was leading the points, and I was like, ‘I am?’ I didn’t even know.

“I was like, well shoot, we better give it a whirl. And we did.”

Gossel, father of national Series regular Austyn Gossel, ended his season with two Feature wins — one of which came at nearby El Paso County Raceway in Calhan, CO. The 1/4-mile oval was the site of one of the most special wins in his career on May 3, where Bryan scored the win, Austyn ran third, and runner-up was Sprint Car Hall-of-Famer Sammy Swindell, piloting a third Gossel Racing entry.

“I would have never even dreamed that. It was so cool,” Gossel said. “The promoter had been after us to have Sammy run our cars for quite a while, and we just never had enough equipment at the same time to do it. I had gotten to know him a little bit better the last couple years racing with him.

“We were like, ‘Yup, we can do it.’ It was awesome. Sammy is such an incredible person and so nice.”

Northern Plains Region — Adam Trimble

After securing his first ASCS championship with the Western Plains Region last year, Adam Trimble has now topped regional action two years in-a-row as king of the Northern Plains Region in 2025.

The 37-year-old from Pueblo, CO, dominated the region this year, winning three of the nine races and posted top-five finishes in five of them. A big bright spot for he and Matejka-Heffner Racing came in a sweep of Northern Plains action at Wyoming’s Sweetwater Speedway in June, winning both Friday and Saturday’s main events.

While he admits their season was not perfect, Trimble and the team forged their way through mechanical issues mid-season and brought home another 360 Sprint Car points title.

“There were just some odd things that seemed to happen this year that, collectively, between the three of us, haven’t happened in any of our careers,” Trimble said. “So, it felt like a struggle, but looking back at it, we’re like, ‘Man, this was still actually a really successful season.’ We felt like we worked hard at it and just kept things going.”

Trimble has now spent two seasons racing under car owners Mark Matejka and Jeff Heffner. The Denver-based team also went to Victory Lane in Midget competition at El Paso County Raceway in September and are already looking forward to another year of partnership in 2026.

“It doesn’t matter if we’re winning or if we’re losing, DNF-ing, whatever the case is — they are working as hard as they possibly can to make the cars as fast as we can get,” Trimble said. “It’s hard to even think that we had DNFs with as hard as those guys work, really. But DNFs, wins, it doesn’t matter. They keep their heads down, and they keep going. It paid off for us.”

Hurricane Area Super Sprints — Jake Brashier

The second new regional champion to ASCS in 2025 is Jake Brashier — king of the ASCS Hurricane Area Super Sprints.

The 39-year-old from Denham Springs, LA, scored five top-fives and 11 top-10s in 12 starts to top all drivers in both categories.

“It was great for us. My goal was to make as many top-fives as I could, and I did a lot better than I had done previously,” Brashier said. “I learned a lot of stuff and made progress.”

Looking ahead to 2026, Brashier will take on a more integral role in the operations of the Hurricane Area Super Sprints as co-owner of the organization with former Series champion Lane Whittington. The two broke the news they had purchased the group in November, marking the start of a new era in southern Sprint Car racing.

The two racers are eager to get to work next year in their new managerial roles and already have plans in place to ensure the prosperity of the Series while they continue their own careers on the track.

“I couldn’t do it by myself, and I didn’t want to see it go away, which is what it looked like it was about to do,” Brashier said. “So, I talked to Lane and told him if we get the money to purchase it, he (said) he’d be willing to help do everything.

“Hopefully, we can get more Sprint Car racing in this area, more places to race at, and make it better for the racers and fans and tracks. We like racing, number one. There’s no politics or anything like that. No ulterior motives, we just want to race.”

Frontier Region — Kelly Miller

For the second consecutive year, the ASCS Frontier Region championship lands north of the border into the shop of Kelly Miller.

The 34-year-old from Lethbridge, AB, Canada, dominated the circuit in 2025, topping the region with eight Feature wins, 14 top fives and 16 top 10s in 18 Feature starts. No other driver had more than two wins in Frontier Region action.

Four of his eight Frontier wins came in back-to-back fashion, starting with the sweep of a two-day event at Big Sky Speedway in May and a second weekend sweep at fellow Montana oval Gallatin Speedway and Big Sky in September.

In the end, Miller held a gap of 301 points in the standings over runner-up Trever Kirkland to seal his third ASCS regional championship in two years after topping both the Frontier and Northern Plains Regions in 2024.

“This year, we definitely had some pretty good numbers to show for it,” Miller said. “Overall, we did continue to improve from last year and the year before that as well. Outside of the Frontier Region, we did manage to pick up some speed at Knoxville and through our little West Coast Speedweek as well. Everything is all building in the right direction, for sure.”

Considering the six wins he put together in Northern Plains Region action last year, Miller’s last two seasons have been among the most successful of his career.

“I think it’s just a matter of just repeating on a good notebook from the year before and building off speed that we currently have,” Miller said. “Not trying to reinvent the wheel, but just trying to make our program better in the long run when it comes to DNFs and being a smart driver. It all comes with time and experience. It’s all coming together now, I think it just took a few years.”

Sooner Region — Sean McClelland

With the clinching of his sixth points title, Sean McClelland adds some cushion to the record he holds for most ASCS Sooner Region championships all-time.

The 51-year-old from Tulsa, OK, debuted with the region in 2002 and won his first Sooner championship in 2005. Since then, he’s collected 24 Feature wins — most of any driver — and subsequent championships in 2010, 2019, 2020, and 2022.

McClelland’s 2025 championship came on the back of one win, four top fives and six top 10s in nine Feature starts. His lone victory came at Creek County Speedway in September, continuing the strong partnership he’s forged with his crew and car owner Robert McLain.

“It’s good for Robert, Gage, Gavin, and Darren — they’ve supported me all year,” McClelland said. “It’s good to win a championship for them. It’s all about them, and it’s all for them. I’ve won them before, but they haven’t, and it’s good for them. I can’t thank them enough for allowing me to drive this race car.”

CONCORD, NC (December 12, 2025) – Of the thousands of drivers across the nation who competed in DIRTcar Midwest’s 42nd season, nine have earned the title of division champion. 

They include Jason Feger (Super Late Models), Cole Falloway (DIRTcar UMP Modifieds), Dakota Ewing (Pro Late Models), Deece Schwartz (Pro Modifieds), Lee Hobbs (UMP Sportsman), Nick Seplak (Stock Cars), Blake Hull (Factory Stocks), Matt Mackey (Sport Compacts), and Kaden Breymeier (Kid Modifieds). 

Each will be honored for their work during the DIRTcar Racing Awards Banquet, along with special award winners, on Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Springfield Crowne Plaza located in Springfield, IL. 

Late Model and UMP Modified drivers finishing inside the top-70 of national points, plus any driver in the top-25 of all other divisions, are eligible to receive their points fund check and trophies at the banquet. The top-10 of each division’s region are also eligible for recognition during the ceremony, in addition to the top-10 finishers in the overall DIRTcar Summer Nationals championship standings. 

Congratulations to each DIRTcar national champion from the 2025 season: 

Super Late Models – Jason Feger (Bloomington, IL) 

Continuing a three-year streak of winning DIRTcar’s biggest events and championships, Jason Feger again proved why he is considered one of the best in the division. 

The driver of the Longhorn Chassis No. 25 celebrated a plethora of achievements this year, including a national DIRTcar championship, his second championship with the DIRTcar Summer Nationals Late Models – his first since 2010 – and a third consecutive title in the MARS Racing Series Late Models. 

“That was probably my most successful year to date,” Feger said. “We won five $10,000-to-win races, and 18 overall, so it was just a great year. Being MARS champion, Summer Nationals champion, and national champion, plus two region championships, so it was pretty amazing. 

“I’m fortunate to live where I do and have a lot of great tracks that it works out for us. We have really good regional drivers, and the competition was as tough as ever. It makes it really hard to make money, but we’re fortunate to keep running good.” 

At the heart of his success, the “High Side Hustler” has built a foundation with his two crew members, crew chief Jason Palubicki (Red Beard) and tire specialist David Karban. Since 2023, the three-man operation has led to the three-peat of championships in MARS and national standings. The Hell Tour title in 2025 was Karban’s first and Palubicki’s second. 

“It’s Jason’s fourth year and David’s third year with me,” Feger said. “Jason came here when I made the switch to Longhorn Chassis, David came a year after, and we’ve been able to like everything with the Longhorn program. During the summer, Craig and Richard from New Zealand got an extended visa, so they came over from the (Dirt Late Model) Dream to the World (100). Red Beard can focus on what he does, David focuses on what he’s good at, and same thing with me. So, we have a lot of big help from people close to us to help run a three-man team.” 

DIRTcar UMP Modifieds – Cole Falloway (Owensboro, KY) 

Cole Falloway has made it clear that he is here to stay in a DIRTcar UMP Modified. 

The 23-year-old driver from Owensboro, KY, was the shining star of the division in 2025, tackling a season of new tracks and building a resumé through his first career championship with the MARS Racing Series. 

Falloway started the season with his first visit to Volusia Speedway Park, winning five Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar NationalsGolden Gator trophies en route to a runner-up result in both the Big Gator and Florida Speedweeks points standings. 

“Our cars and stuff with Nick (Hoffman) and Tyler (Nicely) have been good down there for years,” Falloway said. “The way the racetrack was, it fits how we all drive the Modified anyway. After that first night, we had to drive back up the field and won. After that, we just got on a roll from there.” 

Through 61 total races in UMP Modified points competition, “Payday” earned 56 top-10s, 49 top fives, and 20 wins to clinch his first national Modified championship by 54 points over Pontiac, IL’s Michael Ledford. Falloway is the second “Blue Grass State” driver in three seasons to score the national title since his friend and mentor, Tyler Nicely, won in 2023. 

“It’s cool for sure,” Falloway said. “It was a lot there at the end of the year. Ledford was running really good at the end, and I knew I had to go out and keep winning races or else he was gonna catch me. It helps, and it hurts because me and him race together a lot. I mean, I knew that a lot of them races, I needed to outrun him to get the national title.” 

Pro Late Models – Dakota Ewing (Warrensburg, IL) 

Dakota Ewing has found a championship rhythm. 

Capturing his first career DIRTcar Pro Late Model championship in 2024, the 26-year-old “Land of Lincoln” driver backed up his performance in 2025 with his second consecutive Pro Late Model title. 

Through 26 starts across the midwestern dirt tracks, Ewing amassed 18 wins, 21 top fives, and 23 top-10s to best Denny Woodworth by 45 markers in the final points tally of the year. 

Pro Modifieds – Deece Schwartz (Ashmore, IL) 

Deece Schwartz is not finished with etching new records in the Pro Modifieds history books. 

The 22-year-old grandson of 2006 UMP Modified national champion, Denny Schwartz, has been unmatched in the category since he won his first title in 2022. While he’s begun the transition of moving up the ladder to a UMP Modified, his knowledge behind the Pro Modified helped him secure a fourth straight national championship in the category. 

“It’s great being able to go out there and still be competitive,” Schwartz said. “The Pro Mod guys are getting faster and faster, and it’s harder and harder to keep up in the work that me, Mark Bush, and all my other guys that I have helped over this past season to make a really good program.” 

To win the title this year, Schwartz had to go head-to-head with his 17-year-old brother, Drew. While Drew was able to top his older brother through three Feature wins, Deece scored 15 wins aboard the Mark Bush Race Cars No. 121 to clinch the title by 190 points over his younger sibling. 

“He’s beat me a couple times, and they think I definitely gave it to him, but it was not the case,” Schwartz said. “He has grown exponentially every single season. He’s become a really, really fierce competitor in the Pro Mod scene. 

“Being able to run the last 20 or so nights with him was definitely a good moment in my heart. My little brother has always told me, ‘I want to win my first Feature, but like, I really want to beat you.’ Just seeing that he is not afraid of anything, and that he is here to win, it makes me feel happy. I’ve been able to help him and be with him along for the journey because that’s kind of our brotherly bonding thing to do.” 

UMP Sportsman – Lee Hobbs (Mitchell, IN) 

With a racing career spanning four decades, Lee Hobbs earned a new honor to add to his accomplishments: DIRTcar UMP Sportsman national champion. 

After one of his sponsors floated the idea of chasing the title, the Indiana native turned the statement into a primary goal for the 2025 season. 

“We used to do some UMP Modified stuff, and this was actually the first year we’ve ever actually sit down to try to do the Sportsman,” Hobbs said. “It felt pretty good to get it. One of my sponsors wanted me to concentrate on that this year, and, since we’d never done it before, he said, ‘Let’s go try to go for it this year.’ I mean, it was pretty special for us to get it for him.” 

Competing in 32 DIRTcar Sportsman events through the year, Hobbs captured a division-high 14 Feature wins, along with 25 top fives and 30 top-10s to best Zach Sasser by 40 points for the crown at season’s end. 

“We couldn’t have asked for a better year, I don’t think,” Hobbs said. “I mean, we ended up with the Bloomington track championship, Putnamville, and Lincoln Park championships also. It seemed like the first part of the year, I was about ready to give up. I had a few problems breaking stuff, and I ended up talking to my sponsor. He told me, ‘Oh, you remember last year? You didn’t really start doing real good until about May or so.’ Once we started getting everything together, we pretty much ended every night with a top two or top three car most of the time.” 

Stock Cars – Nick Seplak (Coal City, IL) 

Building his equipment from scratch, Nick Seplak holds an extra sense of gratitude towards his biggest career milestone. 

In his sophomore season behind the wheel of a DIRTcar Stock Car, the Illinois native claimed his first career national championship behind the wheel of a machine that was all built inside his race shop. 

“It means a lot to me,” Seplak said. “Me, my parents, and this car, we built it from the frame up by just me and my dad. The motor was built by us, all our shocks, suspension parts, we built all of it for this car. So, it means a lot when you put a lot of work. Being in Victory Lane damn near every weekend, I’m pretty proud to be able to do that from a shop-built car.” 

Seplak previously competed in the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds before making the switch to a Stock Car prior to the 2024 season. The Coal City, IL native took his second season to dominate the division for the title. Through 28 races, he earned 18 wins, 26 top fives and 27 top-10s in racing around the “Land of Lincoln.” 

“Last year was our first year in that car,” Seplak said. “Over the winter, we did a bunch of changes in the car. The attitude of the car, and honestly, more experience behind the wheel got me more confident every race with what we need to do.  

“The adjustments, for example, whenever we went to Fairbury, we felt dialed in when it came to Feature time. There’s 100,000 different things that can go wrong, 100,000 adjustments that we can do, and I feel like we had a car pretty much the best it could be all year long. That goes back to all the time my dad and I worked in the shop trying to get the car perfect.” 

Factory Stocks – Blake Hull (Butlerville, IN) 

Dominating across the Indiana dirt tracks, Blake Hull satisfied a dream in 2025 by claiming his first career DIRTcar Factory Stock championship. 

Before he began racing around Indiana dirt tracks in 2019, Hull had no prior knowledge of DIRTcar or UMP. After attending his first DIRTcar banquet in 2023, he set a goal to return to the event as a national champion. 

“Truthfully, it’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was young,” Hull said. “I started when I was 15 in 2019, and I actually didn’t know about DIRTcar, nothing about UMP. My dad raced his whole lifetime and drove Stocks back in the day with real four cylinders.  

When I moved up to Street Stocks, we finished eighth or ninth in the nation, and after seeing them checks at the banquet, I said ‘Man, next time I come back, my name’s gonna be all over them.’ So, we went back home, got busy, and built a new car before the start of last season. We put our hands together, and the rest is history, I reckon.”  

Hull depicted the season as one where he had to “find a way” to the front. The 22-year-old driver dominated the year at Brownstown Speedway, scoring 14 wins around the “Hoosier State” facility to leave the year possessing his first career track championship and national title. 

“We built that new car and our goal was to have fun,” Hull said. “We started at Brownstown for the Icebreaker, and we hit on something right out of the box. It matched my style, and it was what I was looking for. My style is forward drive, I gotta be able to go in a straight line. Brownstown’s usually slick and slow come Feature time, so you got to find a place to make speed where other guys ain’t.  

“We raced against 30 cars most nights, and that’s a lot of the ticket to how we won the title. We barely made the 20-night cut, but we just found a way to make speed and stay patient. I knew in the back of my mind once we started winning, the national title was what we set out to do. That was kind of my motto for the year; find a way.” 

Sport Compact – Matt Mackey (Delavan, IL) 

After scoring his second career DIRTcar Sport Compact national championship in 2025, Matt Mackey is taking the time to soak in the honors while building a racing future for his family. 

The 37-year-old Illinois native took the year to compete across the state to own eight Feature triumphs in DIRTcar-sanctioned competition. While racing against the best in the “Land of Lincoln,” Mackey also had to be one step above his two children in the division, Haylee Mackey and Matthew Mackey Jr. 

“It’s a great accomplishment,” Mackey said. “Fortunately, it meant a lot more to me this year getting to go racing with the kids. It made it more of a family thing. Definitely a bonus with being able to share the track with my kids. To experience that all year long was a good time for sure.” 

Mackey’s season of winning eight Features, 24 top fives and 29 top-10s helped him secure the season’s national championship. Mackey Jr kept pressure on his father in the points race as 24 points separated the 15-year-old from besting Matt in the final standings. 

“It’s definitely a little complicated racing them,” Mackey said. “You want them to do well, but also, you gotta beat some of the best to be the best. That makes it much better that I get to race them, and I think that helped both kids out a lot. 

“Throughout the year racing with me, I think it gave them more inspiration to want to do better, to wanna beat dad. I want them to do better against me. I think their goal was to go out there and beat me weekly so they could rub it in my face all week long.” 

Kid Modifieds – Kaden Breymeier (Pekin, IL) 

At 14 years old, Kaden Breymeier can call himself a DIRTcar National champion. 

In the first year of Kid Modifieds sanction on the national DIRTcar level, the Pekin, IL driver was the dominant force to topple in the division, earning top 10s in each of his 21 starts. He also bagged seven wins and 19 top fives to claim the title by 11 points over Weston Hicks. 

“It feels so amazing,” Breymeier said. “Just getting to be the first one, that’s history to me. That’s something big to both me and my dad because we worked hard for it. So, I believe that it’s good to have something like that.” 

As Breymeier begins to make a career through racing Modifieds in the American Heartland, 2025 gave him the chance to learn and succeed at tracks he’s never driven around. On top of scoring the national honors, the pilot of the No. 25K Modified also secured his first career Peoria Speedway track title. 

2025 NATIONAL CHAMPS: DIRTcar Points Champions To Be Honored in January Awards Banquet 

CONCORD, NC (December 12, 2025) – Of the thousands of drivers across the nation who competed in DIRTcar Midwest’s 42nd season, nine have earned the title of division champion. 

They include Jason Feger (Super Late Models), Cole Falloway (DIRTcar UMP Modifieds), Dakota Ewing (Pro Late Models), Deece Schwartz (Pro Modifieds), Lee Hobbs (UMP Sportsman), Nick Seplak (Stock Cars), Blake Hull (Factory Stocks), Matt Mackey (Sport Compacts), and Kaden Breymeier (Kid Modifieds). 

Each will be honored for their work during the DIRTcar Racing Awards Banquet, along with special award winners, on Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Springfield Crowne Plaza located in Springfield, IL. 

Late Model and UMP Modified drivers finishing inside the top-70 of national points, plus any driver in the top-25 of all other divisions, are eligible to receive their points fund check and trophies at the banquet. The top-10 of each division’s region are also eligible for recognition during the ceremony, in addition to the top-10 finishers in the overall DIRTcar Summer Nationals championship standings. 

Congratulations to each DIRTcar national champion from the 2025 season: 

Super Late Models – Jason Feger (Bloomington, IL) 

Continuing a three-year streak of winning DIRTcar’s biggest events and championships, Jason Feger again proved why he is considered one of the best in the division. 

The driver of the Longhorn Chassis No. 25 celebrated a plethora of achievements this year, including a national DIRTcar championship, his second championship with the DIRTcar Summer Nationals Late Models – his first since 2010 – and a third consecutive title in the MARS Racing Series Late Models. 

“That was probably my most successful year to date,” Feger said. “We won five $10,000-to-win races, and 18 overall, so it was just a great year. Being MARS champion, Summer Nationals champion, and national champion, plus two region championships, so it was pretty amazing. 

“I’m fortunate to live where I do and have a lot of great tracks that it works out for us. We have really good regional drivers, and the competition was as tough as ever. It makes it really hard to make money, but we’re fortunate to keep running good.” 

At the heart of his success, the “High Side Hustler” has built a foundation with his two crew members, crew chief Jason Palubicki (Red Beard) and tire specialist David Karban. Since 2023, the three-man operation has led to the three-peat of championships in MARS and national standings. The Hell Tour title in 2025 was Karban’s first and Palubicki’s second. 

“It’s Jason’s fourth year and David’s third year with me,” Feger said. “Jason came here when I made the switch to Longhorn Chassis, David came a year after, and we’ve been able to like everything with the Longhorn program. During the summer, Craig and Richard from New Zealand got an extended visa, so they came over from the (Dirt Late Model) Dream to the World (100). Red Beard can focus on what he does, David focuses on what he’s good at, and same thing with me. So, we have a lot of big help from people close to us to help run a three-man team.” 

DIRTcar UMP Modifieds – Cole Falloway (Owensboro, KY) 

Cole Falloway has made it clear that he is here to stay in a DIRTcar UMP Modified. 

The 23-year-old driver from Owensboro, KY, was the shining star of the division in 2025, tackling a season of new tracks and building a resumé through his first career championship with the MARS Racing Series. 

Falloway started the season with his first visit to Volusia Speedway Park, winning five Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar NationalsGolden Gator trophies en route to a runner-up result in both the Big Gator and Florida Speedweeks points standings. 

“Our cars and stuff with Nick (Hoffman) and Tyler (Nicely) have been good down there for years,” Falloway said. “The way the racetrack was, it fits how we all drive the Modified anyway. After that first night, we had to drive back up the field and won. After that, we just got on a roll from there.” 

Through 61 total races in UMP Modified points competition, “Payday” earned 56 top-10s, 49 top fives, and 20 wins to clinch his first national Modified championship by 54 points over Pontiac, IL’s Michael Ledford. Falloway is the second “Blue Grass State” driver in three seasons to score the national title since his friend and mentor, Tyler Nicely, won in 2023. 

“It’s cool for sure,” Falloway said. “It was a lot there at the end of the year. Ledford was running really good at the end, and I knew I had to go out and keep winning races or else he was gonna catch me. It helps, and it hurts because me and him race together a lot. I mean, I knew that a lot of them races, I needed to outrun him to get the national title.” 

Pro Late Models – Dakota Ewing (Warrensburg, IL) 

Dakota Ewing has found a championship rhythm. 

Capturing his first career DIRTcar Pro Late Model championship in 2024, the 26-year-old “Land of Lincoln” driver backed up his performance in 2025 with his second consecutive Pro Late Model title. 

Through 26 starts across the midwestern dirt tracks, Ewing amassed 18 wins, 21 top fives, and 23 top-10s to best Denny Woodworth by 45 markers in the final points tally of the year. 

Pro Modifieds – Deece Schwartz (Ashmore, IL) 

Deece Schwartz is not finished with etching new records in the Pro Modifieds history books. 

The 22-year-old grandson of 2006 UMP Modified national champion, Denny Schwartz, has been unmatched in the category since he won his first title in 2022. While he’s begun the transition of moving up the ladder to a UMP Modified, his knowledge behind the Pro Modified helped him secure a fourth straight national championship in the category. 

“It’s great being able to go out there and still be competitive,” Schwartz said. “The Pro Mod guys are getting faster and faster, and it’s harder and harder to keep up in the work that me, Mark Bush, and all my other guys that I have helped over this past season to make a really good program.” 

To win the title this year, Schwartz had to go head-to-head with his 17-year-old brother, Drew. While Drew was able to top his older brother through three Feature wins, Deece scored 15 wins aboard the Mark Bush Race Cars No. 121 to clinch the title by 190 points over his younger sibling. 

“He’s beat me a couple times, and they think I definitely gave it to him, but it was not the case,” Schwartz said. “He has grown exponentially every single season. He’s become a really, really fierce competitor in the Pro Mod scene. 

“Being able to run the last 20 or so nights with him was definitely a good moment in my heart. My little brother has always told me, ‘I want to win my first Feature, but like, I really want to beat you.’ Just seeing that he is not afraid of anything, and that he is here to win, it makes me feel happy. I’ve been able to help him and be with him along for the journey because that’s kind of our brotherly bonding thing to do.” 

UMP Sportsman – Lee Hobbs (Mitchell, IN) 

With a racing career spanning four decades, Lee Hobbs earned a new honor to add to his accomplishments: DIRTcar UMP Sportsman national champion. 

After one of his sponsors floated the idea of chasing the title, the Indiana native turned the statement into a primary goal for the 2025 season. 

“We used to do some UMP Modified stuff, and this was actually the first year we’ve ever actually sit down to try to do the Sportsman,” Hobbs said. “It felt pretty good to get it. One of my sponsors wanted me to concentrate on that this year, and, since we’d never done it before, he said, ‘Let’s go try to go for it this year.’ I mean, it was pretty special for us to get it for him.” 

Competing in 32 DIRTcar Sportsman events through the year, Hobbs captured a division-high 14 Feature wins, along with 25 top fives and 30 top-10s to best Zach Sasser by 40 points for the crown at season’s end. 

“We couldn’t have asked for a better year, I don’t think,” Hobbs said. “I mean, we ended up with the Bloomington track championship, Putnamville, and Lincoln Park championships also. It seemed like the first part of the year, I was about ready to give up. I had a few problems breaking stuff, and I ended up talking to my sponsor. He told me, ‘Oh, you remember last year? You didn’t really start doing real good until about May or so.’ Once we started getting everything together, we pretty much ended every night with a top two or top three car most of the time.” 

Stock Cars – Nick Seplak (Coal City, IL) 

Building his equipment from scratch, Nick Seplak holds an extra sense of gratitude towards his biggest career milestone. 

In his sophomore season behind the wheel of a DIRTcar Stock Car, the Illinois native claimed his first career national championship behind the wheel of a machine that was all built inside his race shop. 

“It means a lot to me,” Seplak said. “Me, my parents, and this car, we built it from the frame up by just me and my dad. The motor was built by us, all our shocks, suspension parts, we built all of it for this car. So, it means a lot when you put a lot of work. Being in Victory Lane damn near every weekend, I’m pretty proud to be able to do that from a shop-built car.” 

Seplak previously competed in the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds before making the switch to a Stock Car prior to the 2024 season. The Coal City, IL native took his second season to dominate the division for the title. Through 28 races, he earned 18 wins, 26 top fives and 27 top-10s in racing around the “Land of Lincoln.” 

“Last year was our first year in that car,” Seplak said. “Over the winter, we did a bunch of changes in the car. The attitude of the car, and honestly, more experience behind the wheel got me more confident every race with what we need to do.  

“The adjustments, for example, whenever we went to Fairbury, we felt dialed in when it came to Feature time. There’s 100,000 different things that can go wrong, 100,000 adjustments that we can do, and I feel like we had a car pretty much the best it could be all year long. That goes back to all the time my dad and I worked in the shop trying to get the car perfect.” 

Factory Stocks – Blake Hull (Butlerville, IN) 

Dominating across the Indiana dirt tracks, Blake Hull satisfied a dream in 2025 by claiming his first career DIRTcar Factory Stock championship. 

Before he began racing around Indiana dirt tracks in 2019, Hull had no prior knowledge of DIRTcar or UMP. After attending his first DIRTcar banquet in 2023, he set a goal to return to the event as a national champion. 

“Truthfully, it’s something I’ve dreamed of since I was young,” Hull said. “I started when I was 15 in 2019, and I actually didn’t know about DIRTcar, nothing about UMP. My dad raced his whole lifetime and drove Stocks back in the day with real four cylinders.  

When I moved up to Street Stocks, we finished eighth or ninth in the nation, and after seeing them checks at the banquet, I said ‘Man, next time I come back, my name’s gonna be all over them.’ So, we went back home, got busy, and built a new car before the start of last season. We put our hands together, and the rest is history, I reckon.”  

Hull depicted the season as one where he had to “find a way” to the front. The 22-year-old driver dominated the year at Brownstown Speedway, scoring 14 wins around the “Hoosier State” facility to leave the year possessing his first career track championship and national title. 

“We built that new car and our goal was to have fun,” Hull said. “We started at Brownstown for the Icebreaker, and we hit on something right out of the box. It matched my style, and it was what I was looking for. My style is forward drive, I gotta be able to go in a straight line. Brownstown’s usually slick and slow come Feature time, so you got to find a place to make speed where other guys ain’t.  

“We raced against 30 cars most nights, and that’s a lot of the ticket to how we won the title. We barely made the 20-night cut, but we just found a way to make speed and stay patient. I knew in the back of my mind once we started winning, the national title was what we set out to do. That was kind of my motto for the year; find a way.” 

Sport Compact – Matt Mackey (Delavan, IL) 

After scoring his second career DIRTcar Sport Compact national championship in 2025, Matt Mackey is taking the time to soak in the honors while building a racing future for his family. 

The 37-year-old Illinois native took the year to compete across the state to own eight Feature triumphs in DIRTcar-sanctioned competition. While racing against the best in the “Land of Lincoln,” Mackey also had to be one step above his two children in the division, Haylee Mackey and Matthew Mackey Jr. 

“It’s a great accomplishment,” Mackey said. “Fortunately, it meant a lot more to me this year getting to go racing with the kids. It made it more of a family thing. Definitely a bonus with being able to share the track with my kids. To experience that all year long was a good time for sure.” 

Mackey’s season of winning eight Features, 24 top fives and 29 top-10s helped him secure the season’s national championship. Mackey Jr kept pressure on his father in the points race as 24 points separated the 15-year-old from besting Matt in the final standings. 

“It’s definitely a little complicated racing them,” Mackey said. “You want them to do well, but also, you gotta beat some of the best to be the best. That makes it much better that I get to race them, and I think that helped both kids out a lot. 

“Throughout the year racing with me, I think it gave them more inspiration to want to do better, to wanna beat dad. I want them to do better against me. I think their goal was to go out there and beat me weekly so they could rub it in my face all week long.” 

Kid Modifieds – Kaden Breymeier (Pekin, IL) 

At 14 years old, Kaden Breymeier can call himself a DIRTcar National champion. 

In the first year of Kid Modifieds sanction on the national DIRTcar level, the Pekin, IL driver was the dominant force to topple in the division, earning top 10s in each of his 21 starts. He also bagged seven wins and 19 top fives to claim the title by 11 points over Weston Hicks. 

“It feels so amazing,” Breymeier said. “Just getting to be the first one, that’s history to me. That’s something big to both me and my dad because we worked hard for it. So, I believe that it’s good to have something like that.” 

As Breymeier begins to make a career through racing Modifieds in the American Heartland, 2025 gave him the chance to learn and succeed at tracks he’s never driven around. On top of scoring the national honors, the pilot of the No. 25K Modified also secured his first career Peoria Speedway track title. 

“Getting my first win and championship at Peoria was pretty awesome,” Breymeier said. “We got seven wins this year, and the most exciting thing for me was winning at Spoon (River Speedway). That’s a track I always wanted to win at. All these wins, and my sponsor, D&N Autobody, help us out a lot. I’d also say moments like getting to win with my little brother, my dad, and all of my family just make me excited about what we did this year.” 

Veteran JFR crew chief Chris Cunningham will call the shots

JOHN FORCE RACING NAMES JORDAN VANDERGRIFFDRIVER OF THE CORNWELL TOOLS FUNNY CARVeteran JFR crew chief Chris Cunningham will call the shots

BROWNSBURG, Ind. (Dec. 12, 2025) – Drag racing rising star Jordan Vandergriff has been named as the driver of John Force Racing’s Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car for the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series season. The announcement was made Friday at the NHRA booth during Day 2 of the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) Trade Show at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. “This is a dream come true to have the opportunity not only with John Force Racing, the premier team in NHRA Drag Racing, but to drive the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet Funny Car for the greatest Funny Car driver of all time,” said Vandergriff. “As a kid growing up in the sport, you look at John and you see the greatness he’s portrayed, so the fact that I get to drive a Funny Car for him is amazing.” The California native had two NHRA starts in 2025, driving in relief of injured Top Fuel driver Shawn Reed at Brainerd and Indianapolis. In the 11 Top Fuel races of his rookie season in 2019, Vandergriff earned a runner-up finish at Dallas and two other semi-final showings. He has served as an NHRA on FOX reporter the past two seasons. “I think the transition to Funny Car is going to be fine. I’ve proven that I can drive the Top Fuel car well and the Funny Car presents a new fun challenge. It’s a shorter wheelbase and a lot more violent but I did some test hits in 2024 in John’s car and, ever since, I’ve had to itch to drive these cars.” Cornwell Quality Tools began its partnership with John Force Racing in 2019 and has steadily expanded its presence. They have been the primary sponsor of the Funny Car program the past two seasons and held the primary position on Brittany Force’s Top Fuel dragster team at the 2025 U.S. Nationals when she set the national speed record of 343.51 mph. Cornwell Quality Tools is also the Official Professional Tools of NHRA. “We are incredibly excited about today’s announcement from John Force Racing and to welcome Jordan Vandergriff to the Cornwell Tools Funny Car program,” said Cornwell Quality Tools CEO Bob Studenic. “Jordan is a dynamic talent with the skill, professionalism, and competitive fire that align perfectly with Cornwell’s values and our commitment to excellence. “With more than 810 hardworking, USA-based Cornwell dealers representing our brand coast to coast, this partnership is bigger than racing—it’s a celebration of the drive, integrity, and craftsmanship that define who we are. Our dealers, employees, and customers have helped build Cornwell Tools into a championship-caliber organization, and we look forward to standing beside Jordan and the entire JFR team as we chase even greater success in the year ahead. “This is an exciting moment for Cornwell Tools. We’re proud to continue our longstanding relationship with John Force Racing, and we can’t wait for our dealers to experience another season of world-class competition with the Cornwell Tools Funny Car.” “I have a great relationship with Cornwell Quality Tools and I’m super happy they decided to pick me,” said Vandergriff. “They’re such a quality brand and they’ve done so much in the world of NHRA Drag Racing. I’m excited that I get to help their dealers sell tools and celebrate race wins together!” John Force Racing’s full 2026 lineup will include 2012 Funny Car Champion Jack Beckman, Alexis DeJoria and Vandergriff in Funny Car and Josh Hart in Top Fuel. “We’re proud to announce Jordan Vandergriff as the driver of the Cornwell Quality Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car for John Force Racing,” John Force said. “We worked closely with the folks at Cornwell Tools to make sure we had the right fit for their program. Jordan did a great job when he tested with us a couple of years ago but we didn’t have a place for him at the time. Now that we have all of our drivers in place, we can focus 100 percent on preparing our cars and teams for the 2026 season.” Veteran crew chief Chris Cunningham will move to the Cornwell Tools team from John Force Racing’s Peak Antifreeze and Coolant Funny Car with 2012 Funny Car Champion Jack Beckman. Cunningham has been a key part of John Force Racing in various positions since 2016. “This is the opportunity I’ve been working towards. I’ve always wanted to run a full season and compete for a championship,” said Vandergriff. “I want the chance to run with the best and prove that I can be one of the best. This car has won two championships in a row, and Cunningham has so much experience. I have great respect for what he’s done in the sport, and I’m honored that I get to work with him.” Further announcements from John Force Racing will be made in the coming weeks.

CONCORD, NC (December 11, 2025) – Bryant Paver’s phone lit up with yet another suggestion from his employee Garet Williamson in late 2019.

The Micro-Sprint racer out of Columbia, MO was hungry. He spent chunks of free time searching online for racing equipment and sending options to Paver hoping he’d take the bait. Williamson craved just one shot behind the wheel of a Sprint Car. A foot in the door. It’s what he’d always wanted to do in life.

Finally, Paver bit.

A Facebook post advertised a 360 Sprint Car ready for the track. Car. Engine. Spare parts. Trailer. Everything needed to go racing. So, that’s what they did. Paver purchased the operation. Williamson mounted his seat. The next weekend Williamson debuted with the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) at Lake Ozark Speedway.

“I’d always pestered him about getting a Sprint Car,” Williamson recalled. “Luckily enough, he did. Our first race was an ASCS National show at Lake Ozark, my first time running a Sprint Car. We went out and won the Heat Race. I think we were running eighth in the A (main), and the rear-end blew apart, I think. We bought it off Facebook Marketplace. It was a race-ready operation.

“We had no idea what we were doing. I was like, ‘Yeah, I don’t know, I think you’re supposed to run the valves and stuff on these the next day.’ Nobody had any idea what to do. No idea about shocks, nothing. We had not a clue what we were doing and were really good the first night. I have no idea how.”

Fast forward six years, and Williamson is fresh off cementing himself as the 2025 Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.

The same fire that carried Williamson to finding his way into a Sprint Car never left. Fueled by dreams of joining The Greatest Show on Dirt, Williamson made a name for himself in the Midwest as Paver built up a team.

Eventually, longtime supporters of the sport, Curt and Devin Fischer, decided to construct a new Sprint Car team with the intent to compete at the sport’s highest level. They hired Williamson to drive the Fischer Motorsports No. 23 for a pick-and-choose schedule in 2024. Then, Williamson’s dream came true this year as they hit the road with the World of Outlaws.

“He (Williamson) took off for Australia last winter and told Dennis Moore Jr., ‘I want to go to the World of Outlaws, and I know there’s no chance of Curt taking me there at this point in time, but sooner or later I’m going to make the Outlaws,’” Curt Fischer recalled. “I called him up one night and said, ‘I hope you’re ready because you’re going to the Outlaws.’”

The Fischers were rewarded with a standout season from Williamson. Seven rookies joined the tour in 2025, and Williamson bested them all. He collected seven top fives, 26 top 10s, and qualified for a dozen Dashes en route to standing atop one of the most competitive rookie classes ever assembled.

It’s a testament to Williamson’s unrelenting work ethic. Family finances didn’t afford endless opportunities growing up. Youthful success in Micros proved he possessed talent. He got his shot in Sprint Car racing, and he continues to make the most of it every day.

“It’s crazy,” Williamson said. “If you would’ve told me six years ago or even two years ago that I’d be racing with the World of Outlaws and be Rookie of the Year for 2025, I would’ve told you that you were crazy. But my girlfriend has been with me basically since the start. I’ve always told her, and she’s kind of always known that this is what I want to do. She’s one of the people who’s really known how much I’ve really wanted this, to be an Outlaw driver. There’s really been no other choice.

“So, yeah, it’s cool. I try not to think about it and get caught up in it because it’s easy to do. I’m just really thankful for the opportunities I’ve had and the people I’ve been presented in my life. Each person has played a huge role in my life no matter if they’re still part of my career or not. It’s crazy to think six years ago is kind of when I started. We’ve come a long way.”

Curt Fischer admits he was nervous at times throughout the campaign. Winning the Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year is no easy task, even during a normal season, let alone when an unparalleled number of worthy competitors sign up to battle for it. Williamson trailed Chris Windom through the early part of the summer but grabbed the top spot in August and never looked back.

“Garet came to me one night, and he said, ‘You said you’d take me to the Outlaws. I promise you I’m going to win the Rookie of the Year,’” Fischer said. “And then, all of a sudden, three or four or five more guys jumped on the boat, and I’m like, ‘Uh oh.’ But he was just bound and determined before the season got started that one way or another, he was going to win that thing.

“The crew chief, Chad Cypert, he kept saying, ‘Curt, just quit talking about points until after the (Knoxville) Nationals.’ And it’s just like after the Nationals, this kid came alive. The whole team came alive and just went like a house on fire. We were just so impressed with what they did.”

The record books will forever display Williamson’s name under one of the sport’s most coveted awards. Winning a championship may be the more difficult task, but you only get one shot at Rookie of the Year. Come up short, and that’s it. No trying again next year.

That box is checked, but Williamson isn’t spending much time celebrating. He’s already focused on getting better. A title is his ultimate goal, and focusing on what’s already accomplished won’t lead him to the top. The race-ready operation on Facebook opened the door to Sprint Car racing, and he’s not leaving anytime soon.

“I want to dedicate the rest of these years to grinding it out. I want to be a World of Outlaws champion,” Williamson said. “You see the guys like David (Gravel). They dedicate their time and their life into this sport to hopefully get a championship or be successful or be remembered as one of the good guys in the sport. That’s my goal with racing. I want to be remembered as someone that put in the effort, got better, and maybe one day be a champion.”

The 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car campaign begins on Feb. 4-7 at Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals in Barberville, FL. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

For the complete 2026 schedule, CLICK HERE.

If you can’t make it to the track, catch every lap live on DIRTVision.

GRINDING IT OUT: Williamson’s Dedication Leads to Rookie of the Year

CONCORD, NC (December 11, 2025) – Bryant Paver’s phone lit up with yet another suggestion from his employee Garet Williamson in late 2019.

The Micro-Sprint racer out of Columbia, MO was hungry. He spent chunks of free time searching online for racing equipment and sending options to Paver hoping he’d take the bait. Williamson craved just one shot behind the wheel of a Sprint Car. A foot in the door. It’s what he’d always wanted to do in life.

Finally, Paver bit.

A Facebook post advertised a 360 Sprint Car ready for the track. Car. Engine. Spare parts. Trailer. Everything needed to go racing. So, that’s what they did. Paver purchased the operation. Williamson mounted his seat. The next weekend Williamson debuted with the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) at Lake Ozark Speedway.

“I’d always pestered him about getting a Sprint Car,” Williamson recalled. “Luckily enough, he did. Our first race was an ASCS National show at Lake Ozark, my first time running a Sprint Car. We went out and won the Heat Race. I think we were running eighth in the A (main), and the rear-end blew apart, I think. We bought it off Facebook Marketplace. It was a race-ready operation.

“We had no idea what we were doing. I was like, ‘Yeah, I don’t know, I think you’re supposed to run the valves and stuff on these the next day.’ Nobody had any idea what to do. No idea about shocks, nothing. We had not a clue what we were doing and were really good the first night. I have no idea how.”

Fast forward six years, and Williamson is fresh off cementing himself as the 2025 Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.

The same fire that carried Williamson to finding his way into a Sprint Car never left. Fueled by dreams of joining The Greatest Show on Dirt, Williamson made a name for himself in the Midwest as Paver built up a team.

Eventually, longtime supporters of the sport, Curt and Devin Fischer, decided to construct a new Sprint Car team with the intent to compete at the sport’s highest level. They hired Williamson to drive the Fischer Motorsports No. 23 for a pick-and-choose schedule in 2024. Then, Williamson’s dream came true this year as they hit the road with the World of Outlaws.

“He (Williamson) took off for Australia last winter and told Dennis Moore Jr., ‘I want to go to the World of Outlaws, and I know there’s no chance of Curt taking me there at this point in time, but sooner or later I’m going to make the Outlaws,’” Curt Fischer recalled. “I called him up one night and said, ‘I hope you’re ready because you’re going to the Outlaws.’”

The Fischers were rewarded with a standout season from Williamson. Seven rookies joined the tour in 2025, and Williamson bested them all. He collected seven top fives, 26 top 10s, and qualified for a dozen Dashes en route to standing atop one of the most competitive rookie classes ever assembled.

It’s a testament to Williamson’s unrelenting work ethic. Family finances didn’t afford endless opportunities growing up. Youthful success in Micros proved he possessed talent. He got his shot in Sprint Car racing, and he continues to make the most of it every day.

“It’s crazy,” Williamson said. “If you would’ve told me six years ago or even two years ago that I’d be racing with the World of Outlaws and be Rookie of the Year for 2025, I would’ve told you that you were crazy. But my girlfriend has been with me basically since the start. I’ve always told her, and she’s kind of always known that this is what I want to do. She’s one of the people who’s really known how much I’ve really wanted this, to be an Outlaw driver. There’s really been no other choice.

“So, yeah, it’s cool. I try not to think about it and get caught up in it because it’s easy to do. I’m just really thankful for the opportunities I’ve had and the people I’ve been presented in my life. Each person has played a huge role in my life no matter if they’re still part of my career or not. It’s crazy to think six years ago is kind of when I started. We’ve come a long way.”

Curt Fischer admits he was nervous at times throughout the campaign. Winning the Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year is no easy task, even during a normal season, let alone when an unparalleled number of worthy competitors sign up to battle for it. Williamson trailed Chris Windom through the early part of the summer but grabbed the top spot in August and never looked back.

“Garet came to me one night, and he said, ‘You said you’d take me to the Outlaws. I promise you I’m going to win the Rookie of the Year,’” Fischer said. “And then, all of a sudden, three or four or five more guys jumped on the boat, and I’m like, ‘Uh oh.’ But he was just bound and determined before the season got started that one way or another, he was going to win that thing.

“The crew chief, Chad Cypert, he kept saying, ‘Curt, just quit talking about points until after the (Knoxville) Nationals.’ And it’s just like after the Nationals, this kid came alive. The whole team came alive and just went like a house on fire. We were just so impressed with what they did.”

The record books will forever display Williamson’s name under one of the sport’s most coveted awards. Winning a championship may be the more difficult task, but you only get one shot at Rookie of the Year. Come up short, and that’s it. No trying again next year.

That box is checked, but Williamson isn’t spending much time celebrating. He’s already focused on getting better. A title is his ultimate goal, and focusing on what’s already accomplished won’t lead him to the top. The race-ready operation on Facebook opened the door to Sprint Car racing, and he’s not leaving anytime soon.

“I want to dedicate the rest of these years to grinding it out. I want to be a World of Outlaws champion,” Williamson said. “You see the guys like David (Gravel). They dedicate their time and their life into this sport to hopefully get a championship or be successful or be remembered as one of the good guys in the sport. That’s my goal with racing. I want to be remembered as someone that put in the effort, got better, and maybe one day be a champion.”

The 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car campaign begins on Feb. 4-7 at Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals in Barberville, FL. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

For the complete 2026 schedule, CLICK HERE.

If you can’t make it to the track, catch every lap live on DIRTVision.

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars/grinding-it-out-williamsons-dedication-leads-to-rookie-of-the-year/

2026 Season Kicks Off at DIRTcar Nationals with New ASCS Big Gator Points Fund

CONCORD, NC (Dec. 11, 2025) — With less than two months remaining before the start of the 2026 American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) campaign, the stars of the national 360 Sprint Car tour are looking forward to the big events and bigger paydays before the start of the new race season.

Six major events have announced their dates on the 2026 ASCS national lineup — each with a special purse and/or points fund for drivers — starting with the 55th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park, Jan. 29-31.

While the full 2026 ASCS national calendar is forthcoming — set to be unveiled at a later date — several other standard points-paying races have been confirmed. See the preliminary list of confirmed race dates below.

55th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Jan. 29–31)

The 55th edition of Florida’s biggest dirt track racing extravaganza will feature the stars of the American Sprint Car Series against several national 410 Sprint Car invaders for the second consecutive year in a three-day 360 Sprint Car showdown at Volusia Speedway Park. The historic, 1/2-mile oval will host two, $3,000-to-win programs on Thursday and Friday before the $12,000-to-win finale on Saturday.

New for 2026 will be an event points fund. Each night, drivers will earn points toward the Big Gator Championship standings. The driver with the most points after all three races will be crowned the DIRTcar Nationals Big Gator champion, hoist the iconic golden gator trophy, and pocket a $2,000 bonus check. The runner-up will take home $1,000 and $500 will go to third place.

Rudeen Racing driver Justin Peck swept all three races of DIRTcar Nationals in the Series debut at Volusia in January and took home the first Big Gator trophy in ASCS history.

After ASCS, the multi-week event continues with more of the top racing series in the country, including the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, World of Outlaws Late Model Series, Super DIRTcar Series, DIRTcar UMP Modifieds, DIRTcar Late Models, and USAC Non-Wing Sprint Cars.

To get your tickets for the event, which runs through Feb. 14, click the link below.

DIRTcar NATIONALS TICKETS

Sonoran Clash (Feb. 21–22, Feb. 28–March 1)

For the first time in Series history, Central Arizona Raceway will host the national 360 Sprint Car stars for two separate weekends of action at the 3/8-mile oval in the inaugural running of the Sonoran Clash – Feb. 21-22 and Feb. 29-March 1.

Drivers will compete for a $4,000 payday on both Saturdays, and then a $6,000 check on both Sundays.

Over the four-race stretch, drivers will earn points toward a special miniseries championship chase, which pays $3,000 to the winner, $2,000 to the runner-up and $1,000 to third place.

The Big One (June 26–27)

In July, the Series made its triumphant return to Belleville High Banks for the first time in 11 years. Next June, the historic, 1/2-mile oval welcomes the national 360 Sprint Car stars back in the second running of The Big One.

Friday’s preliminary program will pay $4,000-to-win before drivers compete in the $10,000-to-win, $700-to-start finale on Saturday.

Five-time Series champion Sam Hafertepe Jr. swept the inaugural event in July, beating Kansas native and fellow Series champion Jason Martin in a thrilling, high-speed battle through traffic on Friday before giving a dominant, flag-to-flag performance for the win on Saturday.

360 Knoxville Nationals (Aug. 6–8)

The biggest 360 Sprint Car race in the world goes green at Knoxville Raceway next August in the 36th annual Xtream Powered by Mediacom 360 Knoxville Nationals presented by Great Southern Bank.

Two preliminary nights of action kick things off Thursday and Friday at the historic 1/2-mile oval, setting the stage for the $20,000-to-win finale Saturday night. An additional $15,000 are up for grabs in lap money, making for a possible $35,000 winner’s share.

In August, fans were treated to a thrilling battle for the lead in the closing laps between Rico Abreu and Kyle Larson. Abreu retook the lead in the end and pocketed $34,000 total in his first career 360 Knoxville Nationals title.

Harvey Ostermiller Memorial (Aug. 28–29)

Big Sky Speedway hosts the ninth edition of the Harvey Ostermiller Memorial next August with big money on the line in Big Sky Country.

The 3/8-mile oval, located in Billings, MT, hosts the Series for the 10th time in track history with a two-night program featuring a special purse. The event pays tribute to the late Montana resident and Sprint Car supporter, who helped to build the track before its opening in 2003.

2025 Knoxville Nationals winner Ryan Timms swept the weekend last year in a dominant showing over the 360 Sprint Car regulars, two weeks after his triumph on dirt track racing’s biggest stage.

Fuzzy’s Fall Fling (Nov. 13–14)

The American Sprint Car Series champion will once again be crowned at its homeland in 2026.

Creek County Speedway hosts the 11th edition of Fuzzy’s Fall Fling, paying tribute to one of the Series’ most honorable figures — Fuzzy Hahn — the late wife of track and Series founder, Emmett Hahn. A $4,000 winner’s share is up for grabs on Friday night before a $10,000-to-win finale on Saturday.

Following the checkered flag on Saturday comes a special championship celebration, complete with the presentation of the Emmett Hahn Trophy.

Confirmed 2026 Race Dates (more to come)

Thursday–Saturday, Jan. 29–31 | Volusia Speedway Park | Barberville, FL

Saturday–Sunday, Feb. 21–22 | Central Arizona Speedway | Casa Grande, AZ
Saturday–Sunday, Feb. 28–March 1 | Central Arizona Speedway | Casa Grande, AZ

Saturday, April 11 | Salina Highbanks Speedway | Salina, OK

Friday, May 8 | Benton Speedway | Benton, MO

Saturday, May 9 | Paducah International Raceway | Paducah, KY

Saturday, May 30 | Salt City Speedway | Hutchinson, KS

Friday, June 5 | Creek County Speedway | Sapulpa, OK

Saturday, June 6 | 81 Speedway | Park City, KS

Saturday, June 13 | Batesville Motor Speedway | Batesville, AR

Friday–Saturday, June 26–27 | Belleville High Banks | Belleville, KS

Friday, July 25 | Dodge City Raceway Park | Dodge City, KS

Saturday, July 26 | Dawson County Raceway | Lexington, NE

Friday, July 31 | Worthington Speedway | Worthington, MN

Saturday, Aug. 1 | Viking Speedway | Alexandria, MN

Thursday–Saturday, Aug. 6–8 | Knoxville Raceway | Knoxville, IA

Saturday, Aug. 22 | El Paso County Raceway | Calhan, CO

Friday–Saturday, Aug. 28–29 | Big Sky Speedway | Billings, MT

Friday–Saturday, Sept. 5–6 | Electric City Speedway | Great Falls, MT

Sunday, Sept. 13 | Eagle Raceway | Eagle, NE

Saturday, Oct. 10 | RPM Speedway | Crandall, TX

Friday–Saturday, Nov. 13–14 | Creek County Speedway | Sapulpa, OK

BIG ONES: Six Confirmed Marquee Events Highlight New ASCS Season

2026 Season Kicks Off at DIRTcar Nationals with New ASCS Big Gator Points Fund

CONCORD, NC (Dec. 11, 2025) — With less than two months remaining before the start of the 2026 American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) campaign, the stars of the national 360 Sprint Car tour are looking forward to the big events and bigger paydays before the start of the new race season.

Six major events have announced their dates on the 2026 ASCS national lineup — each with a special purse and/or points fund for drivers — starting with the 55th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park, Jan. 29-31.

While the full 2026 ASCS national calendar is forthcoming — set to be unveiled at a later date — several other standard points-paying races have been confirmed. See the preliminary list of confirmed race dates below.

55th Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Jan. 29–31)

The 55th edition of Florida’s biggest dirt track racing extravaganza will feature the stars of the American Sprint Car Series against several national 410 Sprint Car invaders for the second consecutive year in a three-day 360 Sprint Car showdown at Volusia Speedway Park. The historic, 1/2-mile oval will host two, $3,000-to-win programs on Thursday and Friday before the $12,000-to-win finale on Saturday.

New for 2026 will be an event points fund. Each night, drivers will earn points toward the Big Gator Championship standings. The driver with the most points after all three races will be crowned the DIRTcar Nationals Big Gator champion, hoist the iconic golden gator trophy, and pocket a $2,000 bonus check. The runner-up will take home $1,000 and $500 will go to third place.

Rudeen Racing driver Justin Peck swept all three races of DIRTcar Nationals in the Series debut at Volusia in January and took home the first Big Gator trophy in ASCS history.

After ASCS, the multi-week event continues with more of the top racing series in the country, including the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, World of Outlaws Late Model Series, Super DIRTcar Series, DIRTcar UMP Modifieds, DIRTcar Late Models, and USAC Non-Wing Sprint Cars.

To get your tickets for the event, which runs through Feb. 14, click the link below.

DIRTcar NATIONALS TICKETS

Sonoran Clash (Feb. 21–22, Feb. 28–March 1)

For the first time in Series history, Central Arizona Raceway will host the national 360 Sprint Car stars for two separate weekends of action at the 3/8-mile oval in the inaugural running of the Sonoran Clash – Feb. 21-22 and Feb. 29-March 1.

Drivers will compete for a $4,000 payday on both Saturdays, and then a $6,000 check on both Sundays.

Over the four-race stretch, drivers will earn points toward a special miniseries championship chase, which pays $3,000 to the winner, $2,000 to the runner-up and $1,000 to third place.

The Big One (June 26–27)

In July, the Series made its triumphant return to Belleville High Banks for the first time in 11 years. Next June, the historic, 1/2-mile oval welcomes the national 360 Sprint Car stars back in the second running of The Big One.

Friday’s preliminary program will pay $4,000-to-win before drivers compete in the $10,000-to-win, $700-to-start finale on Saturday.

Five-time Series champion Sam Hafertepe Jr. swept the inaugural event in July, beating Kansas native and fellow Series champion Jason Martin in a thrilling, high-speed battle through traffic on Friday before giving a dominant, flag-to-flag performance for the win on Saturday.

360 Knoxville Nationals (Aug. 6–8)

The biggest 360 Sprint Car race in the world goes green at Knoxville Raceway next August in the 36th annual Xtream Powered by Mediacom 360 Knoxville Nationals presented by Great Southern Bank.

Two preliminary nights of action kick things off Thursday and Friday at the historic 1/2-mile oval, setting the stage for the $20,000-to-win finale Saturday night. An additional $15,000 are up for grabs in lap money, making for a possible $35,000 winner’s share.

In August, fans were treated to a thrilling battle for the lead in the closing laps between Rico Abreu and Kyle Larson. Abreu retook the lead in the end and pocketed $34,000 total in his first career 360 Knoxville Nationals title.

Harvey Ostermiller Memorial (Aug. 28–29)

Big Sky Speedway hosts the ninth edition of the Harvey Ostermiller Memorial next August with big money on the line in Big Sky Country.

The 3/8-mile oval, located in Billings, MT, hosts the Series for the 10th time in track history with a two-night program featuring a special purse. The event pays tribute to the late Montana resident and Sprint Car supporter, who helped to build the track before its opening in 2003.

2025 Knoxville Nationals winner Ryan Timms swept the weekend last year in a dominant showing over the 360 Sprint Car regulars, two weeks after his triumph on dirt track racing’s biggest stage.

Fuzzy’s Fall Fling (Nov. 13–14)

The American Sprint Car Series champion will once again be crowned at its homeland in 2026.

Creek County Speedway hosts the 11th edition of Fuzzy’s Fall Fling, paying tribute to one of the Series’ most honorable figures — Fuzzy Hahn — the late wife of track and Series founder, Emmett Hahn. A $4,000 winner’s share is up for grabs on Friday night before a $10,000-to-win finale on Saturday.

Following the checkered flag on Saturday comes a special championship celebration, complete with the presentation of the Emmett Hahn Trophy.

Confirmed 2026 Race Dates (more to come)

Thursday–Saturday, Jan. 29–31 | Volusia Speedway Park | Barberville, FL

Saturday–Sunday, Feb. 21–22 | Central Arizona Speedway | Casa Grande, AZ
Saturday–Sunday, Feb. 28–March 1 | Central Arizona Speedway | Casa Grande, AZ

Saturday, April 11 | Salina Highbanks Speedway | Salina, OK

Friday, May 8 | Benton Speedway | Benton, MO

Saturday, May 9 | Paducah International Raceway | Paducah, KY

Saturday, May 30 | Salt City Speedway | Hutchinson, KS

Friday, June 5 | Creek County Speedway | Sapulpa, OK

Saturday, June 6 | 81 Speedway | Park City, KS

Saturday, June 13 | Batesville Motor Speedway | Batesville, AR

Friday–Saturday, June 26–27 | Belleville High Banks | Belleville, KS

Friday, July 25 | Dodge City Raceway Park | Dodge City, KS

Saturday, July 26 | Dawson County Raceway | Lexington, NE

Friday, July 31 | Worthington Speedway | Worthington, MN

Saturday, Aug. 1 | Viking Speedway | Alexandria, MN

Thursday–Saturday, Aug. 6–8 | Knoxville Raceway | Knoxville, IA

Saturday, Aug. 22 | El Paso County Raceway | Calhan, CO

Friday–Saturday, Aug. 28–29 | Big Sky Speedway | Billings, MT

Friday–Saturday, Sept. 5–6 | Electric City Speedway | Great Falls, MT

Sunday, Sept. 13 | Eagle Raceway | Eagle, NE

Saturday, Oct. 10 | RPM Speedway | Crandall, TX

Friday–Saturday, Nov. 13–14 | Creek County Speedway | Sapulpa, OK

For more schedule updates, keep an eye on the ASCS social channels and website.

Ambitious collaboration ahead of the 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season will pave the road to the Grand National Championship for future stars of the sport

2025 Horizon Award Winner Bodie Paige (65) races at the O to the H Nationals in Harpster, OH this past season. 📸 Cory Texter Promotions

Progressive American Flat Track and Cory Texter Race Promotions Join Forces to Pave the Road to Grand National Championship

Ambitious collaboration ahead of the 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season will pave the road to the Grand National Championship for future stars of the sport

2025 Horizon Award Winner Bodie Paige (65) races at the O to the H Nationals in Harpster, OH this past season. 📸 Cory Texter Promotions

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (December 11, 2025) – AMA Pro Racing and Cory Texter Race Promotions are thrilled to detail an ambitious collaboration ahead of the 2026 Progressive American Flat Track season which will pave the road to the Grand National Championship for the future stars of the sport.  As part of this initiative, each of the first seven stops on the ‘26 Progressive AFT calendar will be preceded by an AMA-sanctioned Mission Foods CTR Showcase Event to be held at the same venue on the day before the subsequent American Flat Track National.  And it goes much deeper than merely introducing aspiring young amateur racers to the Progressive AFT paddock and providing them with an opportunity to showcase their skills in front of the key stakeholders of the sport.  Each Mission Foods CTR Showcase Event will feature the 450 Road to AFT class, which will utilize the same technical rules as the all-new AFT 450 ProSport class. The top 12 finishers in the Road to AFT Main Events will automatically qualify for an AFT 450 ProSport license and will be granted entry for the following day’s National event. Additionally, points from the Road to AFT class can be applied toward earning an AMA Pro Expert license for the 2027 season.  This direct pipeline connects the amateur and pro ranks of motorcycle dirt track racing like never before, helping ensure that the most promising talents are identified and provided with the maximum opportunity to both build their individual careers and strengthen the sport as a whole.  By its very design, AFT 450 ProSport plays a critical role in that masterplan. This stepping-stone class is built around stock 450cc single-cylinder motorcycles featuring minimal modifications. As such, AFT 450 ProSport reduces financial barriers while creating a level playing field that showcases rider talent more so than equipment to encourage broad participation from grassroots racers.   With lowered operating and bike preparation costs, amateurs, privateers, small teams, and regional aces alike will be provided a shared arena in which they can demonstrate their ability before a national audience.  Cory Texter, two-time AFT Production Twins Champion and founder of Cory Texter Race Promotions, said, “I’m extremely excited about our plans for next year. It’s been a long time coming, and we’ve been working tirelessly to make this happen. It’s a great opportunity for amateur riders to compete at the same venues as the professional series, racing in front of professional teams and partners. We will be at different venues all around the country, which was important so that we could provide this opportunity to riders from as wide a geographic area as possible. For as long as I can remember, my passion has been growing the sport, and I am excited to take this important step toward that goal.”  In addition to the 450 Road to AFT class, the AMA-sanctioned Mission Foods CTR Showcase events will feature amateur classes for all ages and motorcycle sizes, providing riders the opportunity to compete at professional-level facilities in front of the Progressive American Flat Track fans attending the weekend’s races.  Mission Foods CTR Showcase Event Schedule  March 4, 2026 – Royal Enfield Short Track at DAYTONA I, Daytona International Speedway, Daytona Beach, FL (Progressive AFT Nationals on March 5-6) March 20, 2026 – Atlanta Short Track, Senoia Raceway, Senoia, GA (Progressive AFT National on March 21) April 24, 2026 – Ventura Short Track, Ventura Raceway, Ventura, CA (Progressive AFT National on April 25) May 1, 2026 – Silver Dollar Short Track, Silver Dollar Speedway, Chico, CA (Progressive AFT National on May 2) May 15, 2026 – ThrottleFest, Budds Creek Motocross Park, Mechanicsville, MD (Progressive AFT National on May 16) May 22, 2026 – Williams Grove Half-Mile, Williams Grove, Mechanicsburg, PA (Progressive AFT National on May 23) June 5, 2026 – Nashville Short Track, Tennessee National Raceway, Hohenwald, TN (Progressive AFT National on June 6)  For more information on Progressive American Flat Track visit https://www.americanflattrack.com.

CONCORD, NC (December 10, 2025) – “The Big Wheel” is rolling to The Greatest Show on Dirt.

Scotty Thiel has teamed with Greg Wheeler Motorsports for a rookie run with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series in 2026. The Sheboygan, WI native joins Ashton Torgerson as the second driver committed to chasing Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year honors.

The move completes a lifelong goal for Thiel. He’s carved out a successful path for himself in the sport that includes the 2024 Interstate Racing Association (IRA) championship, and now he’s ready to make the final step to competing with the nation’s best Sprint Car drivers every week.

“At the end of this year, I started talking with Greg,” Thiel explained. “He didn’t really have any plans set for this coming season but mentioned doing a lot of races and maybe picking and choosing. I’m at the point in my life where I don’t really want to do that, just race to race. I want to race with a purpose and achieve a goal of racing full-time with the World of Outlaws.

“He was building up equipment over the years it seemed like, and the way that he laid it out to me, how we could run this thing kind of allowed me to build a package that I’m comfortable with.”

Thiel enters his maiden voyage with the World of Outlaws on the heels of a strong 2025. He topped seven main events in 40 nights of action, including four with IRA. A trio of his wins were at tracks on the 2026 World of Outlaws calendar: Plymouth Dirt Track, Angell Park Speedway, and Eldora Speedway.

Greg Wheeler Motorsports (GWM) had its own solid year in 2025 with Max Guilford behind the wheel of the No. 16C. They won three races together with IRA and finished fifth in points.

Now, Thiel and GWM are ready to join forces and see what they can do with The Greatest Show on Dirt. Thiel has worked hard to get to this point, and he intends to make the most of it.

“I didn’t think I’d ever be in this position with a program that is really able to go do this,” Thiel said. “I’m very grateful and excited for that. It’s going to be a stretch to get everything put together here, but we only have four races we have to worry about right away, and then we have a little break again, so we’ll be okay. I’m just really looking forward to the opportunity and just being able to use this leverage to build the program even more and racing with the best.”

Thiel and the Greg Wheeler Motorsports team kick off the 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car season at Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals on Feb. 4-7 in Barberville, FL. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

For the complete 2026 schedule, CLICK HERE.

Scotty Thiel, Greg Wheeler Motorsports Partner for Rookie World of Outlaws Tour in 2026

CONCORD, NC (December 10, 2025) – “The Big Wheel” is rolling to The Greatest Show on Dirt.

Scotty Thiel has teamed with Greg Wheeler Motorsports for a rookie run with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series in 2026. The Sheboygan, WI native joins Ashton Torgerson as the second driver committed to chasing Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year honors.

The move completes a lifelong goal for Thiel. He’s carved out a successful path for himself in the sport that includes the 2024 Interstate Racing Association (IRA) championship, and now he’s ready to make the final step to competing with the nation’s best Sprint Car drivers every week.

“At the end of this year, I started talking with Greg,” Thiel explained. “He didn’t really have any plans set for this coming season but mentioned doing a lot of races and maybe picking and choosing. I’m at the point in my life where I don’t really want to do that, just race to race. I want to race with a purpose and achieve a goal of racing full-time with the World of Outlaws.

“He was building up equipment over the years it seemed like, and the way that he laid it out to me, how we could run this thing kind of allowed me to build a package that I’m comfortable with.”

Thiel enters his maiden voyage with the World of Outlaws on the heels of a strong 2025. He topped seven main events in 40 nights of action, including four with IRA. A trio of his wins were at tracks on the 2026 World of Outlaws calendar: Plymouth Dirt Track, Angell Park Speedway, and Eldora Speedway.

Greg Wheeler Motorsports (GWM) had its own solid year in 2025 with Max Guilford behind the wheel of the No. 16C. They won three races together with IRA and finished fifth in points.

Now, Thiel and GWM are ready to join forces and see what they can do with The Greatest Show on Dirt. Thiel has worked hard to get to this point, and he intends to make the most of it.

“I didn’t think I’d ever be in this position with a program that is really able to go do this,” Thiel said. “I’m very grateful and excited for that. It’s going to be a stretch to get everything put together here, but we only have four races we have to worry about right away, and then we have a little break again, so we’ll be okay. I’m just really looking forward to the opportunity and just being able to use this leverage to build the program even more and racing with the best.”

Thiel and the Greg Wheeler Motorsports team kick off the 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car season at Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals on Feb. 4-7 in Barberville, FL. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

For the complete 2026 schedule, CLICK HERE.

If you can’t make it to the track, catch every lap of the campaign live on DIRTVision.

CONCORD, NC (December 10, 2026) – Since the revival of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series in 2004, the opening weeks of every season have included a stint in Florida.

Whether for a few nights or multiple weeks of racing, the warm weather, salty air and sandy coasts have served as a destination for racers and fans looking to escape the cold and usher in a new season.

The past 22 seasons of World of Outlaws racing in the “Sunshine State” have been split between two iconic facilities, with a third set to join the list in 2026 by hosting The Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet for the first time.

Here’s a look at the events that have shaped Florida’s Late Model legacy:

DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals: Starting in 2020, fans no longer had to wait until February to see Late Models ripping around Volusia Speedway Park.

The inaugural edition of DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals featured several divisions of Crate Late Models kicking off the season in mid-January. Florida’s own Kyle Bronson dominated the weekend, going three-for-three in the 604 Late Models.

It was then decided that no “Late Model Palooza” could be complete without the Super Late Models, and the World of Outlaws were brought in to open the season at the event beginning in 2021. Bronson’s Sunshine Nationals speed carried over into the open motor division, as he won the first January World of Outlaws race at Volusia before Kyle Strickler collected his first Series victory to close out the weekend.

In the five Sunshine Nationals featuring the World of Outlaws, Devin Moran tops the win column with three victories in the event, while Dale McDowell, Hudson O’Neal, Ryan Gustin and Garrett Alberson have also hoisted trophies.

Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals: Since the inception of Volusia’s signature event in the 1970s, Late Models have been one of the premiere divisions entertaining fans each February.

The early years of DIRTcar Nationals saw names like Wayne Shugart, Morgan Shepherd and Larry Moore lead the way around the “World’s Fastest Half Mile.” Racing in the 1980s and 1990s fell under the banner of several of the premiere touring series of the era, including the Hav-A-Tampa Dirt Racing Series and the STARS Late Model Series.

In the leadup to the 2004 season, a new era of national Late Model racing dawned with the revival of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, and the first stop was set for Barberville, FL. A star-studded field of drivers converged on Volusia for the week, with Steve Francis taking the checkers on opening night to become the first fendered World of Outlaws winner in 15 years.

Francis was the first of four different winners in four races contested that week, as Bart Hartman, Shannon Babb and Scott Bloomquist also added their names to the list of Volusia winners.

The new February tradition quickly grew into one of the premiere weeks of racing on the Late Model calendar as more teams and fans began making the annual pilgrimage to Volusia. But every marquee event needs a signature prize, and DIRTcar Nationals got one in 2012 with the introduction of the “Big Gator” trophy.

The award went to the top points earner over the course of the week, and Dennis Erb Jr.’s one win and three top fives were enough to become the first Late Model Big Gator champion. In total, nine different drivers have earned the award in the 14 years since its debut. Brandon Sheppard tops them all with three (2019, 2020 and 2024).

Gator 100: For two seasons in the mid-2000s, World of Outlaws racing in Florida wasn’t confined to the winter. Eight months after the season began at Volusia, the Series returned in October to finish the year in the same spot with the Gator 100.

The inaugural running in 2005 was led wire-to-wire by Bloomquist, but the real excitement was behind him. On the final lap, Billy Moyer got around Francis for second to earn his third World of Outlaws championship in a tiebreaker over the “Kentucky Colonel.”

One year later, Chris Madden took command from Rick Eckert to score the 2006 victory. That marked the end of Volusia’s tenure as the season finale, as the final race moved to its current home at The Dirt Track at Charlotte as part of World of Outlaws World Finals in 2007.

Winter Nationals: The only other Florida track with a history of hosting the World of Outlaws lies an hour west of Volusia. The egg-shaped Ocala Speedway can be one of the most difficult tracks in the sport to master, with the fast and sweeping Turns 1 and 2 requiring a vastly different approach than the hairpin at the opposite end in Turns 3 and 4.

Ocala’s initial slot on the calendar was in March, with Darrell Lanigan winning the first two stops in 2010 and 2011. Beginning in 2012, the track was added to the Speedweeks slate, and the tour began visiting the 3/8-mile oval prior to DIRTcar Nationals for the track’s Winter Nationals event.

The date change didn’t bother Lanigan, as he won four more times at Ocala between 2012 and 2014 to bring his total to six World of Outlaws wins at the track. Josh Richards was the only other Outlaw to win at Ocala more than once, picking up three wins before the track left the schedule after 2015.

Swamp Cabbage 100: A new marquee Late Model event is set to join the calendar in 2026, as the World of Outlaws will venture the furthest south they’ve even been in Florida for the inaugural World of Outlaws Swamp Cabbage 100 at Hendry County Motorsports Park on Friday-Saturday, Feb. 20-21.

The race, held in conjunction with the Swamp Cabbage Festival in nearby LaBelle, FL, has been held since 2023 with a 100-lap Factory Stock Feature as the main attraction. However, the festivities are set to take on a new look, as one week after the 2026 DIRTcar Nationals, the World of Outlaws will head to the southernmost dirt track in the United States for two full programs.

Between a bass fishing tournament prior to the event on Wednesday, Feb. 18, and an all-inclusive ticket policy which grants grandstand ticket holders access to the pit area throughout the night, fans have plenty of reasons to extend their stay in Florida and be part of the first chapter of the state’s newest early-season tradition.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series kicks off 2026 at Volusia Speedway Park during DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 22-24) and Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 12-14), followed by the Swamp Cabbage 100 at Hendry County Motorsports Park (Friday-Saturday, Feb. 20-21). Get tickets and more information for all three events by clicking here.

Revisiting Two Decades of World of Outlaws Sunshine State History

CONCORD, NC (December 10, 2026) – Since the revival of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series in 2004, the opening weeks of every season have included a stint in Florida.

Whether for a few nights or multiple weeks of racing, the warm weather, salty air and sandy coasts have served as a destination for racers and fans looking to escape the cold and usher in a new season.

The past 22 seasons of World of Outlaws racing in the “Sunshine State” have been split between two iconic facilities, with a third set to join the list in 2026 by hosting The Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet for the first time.

Here’s a look at the events that have shaped Florida’s Late Model legacy:

DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals: Starting in 2020, fans no longer had to wait until February to see Late Models ripping around Volusia Speedway Park.

The inaugural edition of DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals featured several divisions of Crate Late Models kicking off the season in mid-January. Florida’s own Kyle Bronson dominated the weekend, going three-for-three in the 604 Late Models.

It was then decided that no “Late Model Palooza” could be complete without the Super Late Models, and the World of Outlaws were brought in to open the season at the event beginning in 2021. Bronson’s Sunshine Nationals speed carried over into the open motor division, as he won the first January World of Outlaws race at Volusia before Kyle Strickler collected his first Series victory to close out the weekend.

In the five Sunshine Nationals featuring the World of Outlaws, Devin Moran tops the win column with three victories in the event, while Dale McDowell, Hudson O’Neal, Ryan Gustin and Garrett Alberson have also hoisted trophies.

Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals: Since the inception of Volusia’s signature event in the 1970s, Late Models have been one of the premiere divisions entertaining fans each February.

The early years of DIRTcar Nationals saw names like Wayne Shugart, Morgan Shepherd and Larry Moore lead the way around the “World’s Fastest Half Mile.” Racing in the 1980s and 1990s fell under the banner of several of the premiere touring series of the era, including the Hav-A-Tampa Dirt Racing Series and the STARS Late Model Series.

In the leadup to the 2004 season, a new era of national Late Model racing dawned with the revival of the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, and the first stop was set for Barberville, FL. A star-studded field of drivers converged on Volusia for the week, with Steve Francis taking the checkers on opening night to become the first fendered World of Outlaws winner in 15 years.

Francis was the first of four different winners in four races contested that week, as Bart Hartman, Shannon Babb and Scott Bloomquist also added their names to the list of Volusia winners.

The new February tradition quickly grew into one of the premiere weeks of racing on the Late Model calendar as more teams and fans began making the annual pilgrimage to Volusia. But every marquee event needs a signature prize, and DIRTcar Nationals got one in 2012 with the introduction of the “Big Gator” trophy.

The award went to the top points earner over the course of the week, and Dennis Erb Jr.’s one win and three top fives were enough to become the first Late Model Big Gator champion. In total, nine different drivers have earned the award in the 14 years since its debut. Brandon Sheppard tops them all with three (2019, 2020 and 2024).

Gator 100: For two seasons in the mid-2000s, World of Outlaws racing in Florida wasn’t confined to the winter. Eight months after the season began at Volusia, the Series returned in October to finish the year in the same spot with the Gator 100.

The inaugural running in 2005 was led wire-to-wire by Bloomquist, but the real excitement was behind him. On the final lap, Billy Moyer got around Francis for second to earn his third World of Outlaws championship in a tiebreaker over the “Kentucky Colonel.”

One year later, Chris Madden took command from Rick Eckert to score the 2006 victory. That marked the end of Volusia’s tenure as the season finale, as the final race moved to its current home at The Dirt Track at Charlotte as part of World of Outlaws World Finals in 2007.

Winter Nationals: The only other Florida track with a history of hosting the World of Outlaws lies an hour west of Volusia. The egg-shaped Ocala Speedway can be one of the most difficult tracks in the sport to master, with the fast and sweeping Turns 1 and 2 requiring a vastly different approach than the hairpin at the opposite end in Turns 3 and 4.

Ocala’s initial slot on the calendar was in March, with Darrell Lanigan winning the first two stops in 2010 and 2011. Beginning in 2012, the track was added to the Speedweeks slate, and the tour began visiting the 3/8-mile oval prior to DIRTcar Nationals for the track’s Winter Nationals event.

The date change didn’t bother Lanigan, as he won four more times at Ocala between 2012 and 2014 to bring his total to six World of Outlaws wins at the track. Josh Richards was the only other Outlaw to win at Ocala more than once, picking up three wins before the track left the schedule after 2015.

Swamp Cabbage 100: A new marquee Late Model event is set to join the calendar in 2026, as the World of Outlaws will venture the furthest south they’ve even been in Florida for the inaugural World of Outlaws Swamp Cabbage 100 at Hendry County Motorsports Park on Friday-Saturday, Feb. 20-21.

The race, held in conjunction with the Swamp Cabbage Festival in nearby LaBelle, FL, has been held since 2023 with a 100-lap Factory Stock Feature as the main attraction. However, the festivities are set to take on a new look, as one week after the 2026 DIRTcar Nationals, the World of Outlaws will head to the southernmost dirt track in the United States for two full programs.

Between a bass fishing tournament prior to the event on Wednesday, Feb. 18, and an all-inclusive ticket policy which grants grandstand ticket holders access to the pit area throughout the night, fans have plenty of reasons to extend their stay in Florida and be part of the first chapter of the state’s newest early-season tradition.

The World of Outlaws Late Model Series kicks off 2026 at Volusia Speedway Park during DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 22-24) and Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Thursday-Saturday, Feb. 12-14), followed by the Swamp Cabbage 100 at Hendry County Motorsports Park (Friday-Saturday, Feb. 20-21). Get tickets and more information for all three events by clicking here.

If you can’t make it to the track, stream every lap live on DIRTVision.

CONCORD, NC (December 9, 2025) – One of the best stories in Sprint Car Racing is set to add another chapter in 2026. Logan Schuchart and Shark Racing have announced their return to the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series for their 13th consecutive campaign.

The Hanover, PA native is fresh off securing a fourth-place result in the 2025 standings with The Greatest Show on Dirt, his fifth time finishing within the top five against the nation’s top talent. He tallied a pair of victories, 13 podiums, 32 top fives, 53 top 10s, 13 Heat wins, and 31 Dash appearances this year.

Schuchart and the team owned by his grandfather, Bobby Allen, hit the road with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series in 2014. Many expected a lack of resources and experience to end their campaign early. But the calendar kept turning, and the Shark No. 1S kept pulling into dirt tracks across the country.

Determination and an unwavering willingness to finish what they started powered them to completing that first season.

Fast forward 11 years, and the pages of this feel-good story are still being written with no final chapter in sight.

The 32-year-old’s career résumé includes 44 victories (20th all-time) at 24 tracks, 151 podiums, 274 top fives, and 515 top 10s. He also won the highest-paying race in the sport’s history in 2023 at Eldora Speedway’s Eldora Million.

Schuchart and the Shark Racing team begin the 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car campaign at Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals on Feb. 4-7. For tickets, CLICK HERE. Schuchart will compete in a Federated Auto Parts-backed ride at the season opening event before the DuraMAX No. 1S debuts at Volusia’s Bike Week Jamboree on March 1-2.

For the complete 2026 schedule, CLICK HERE.

Logan Schuchart Set for 13th World of Outlaws Season with Shark Racing

CONCORD, NC (December 9, 2025) – One of the best stories in Sprint Car Racing is set to add another chapter in 2026. Logan Schuchart and Shark Racing have announced their return to the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series for their 13th consecutive campaign.

The Hanover, PA native is fresh off securing a fourth-place result in the 2025 standings with The Greatest Show on Dirt, his fifth time finishing within the top five against the nation’s top talent. He tallied a pair of victories, 13 podiums, 32 top fives, 53 top 10s, 13 Heat wins, and 31 Dash appearances this year.

Schuchart and the team owned by his grandfather, Bobby Allen, hit the road with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series in 2014. Many expected a lack of resources and experience to end their campaign early. But the calendar kept turning, and the Shark No. 1S kept pulling into dirt tracks across the country.

Determination and an unwavering willingness to finish what they started powered them to completing that first season.

Fast forward 11 years, and the pages of this feel-good story are still being written with no final chapter in sight.

The 32-year-old’s career résumé includes 44 victories (20th all-time) at 24 tracks, 151 podiums, 274 top fives, and 515 top 10s. He also won the highest-paying race in the sport’s history in 2023 at Eldora Speedway’s Eldora Million.

Schuchart and the Shark Racing team begin the 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car campaign at Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals on Feb. 4-7. For tickets, CLICK HERE. Schuchart will compete in a Federated Auto Parts-backed ride at the season opening event before the DuraMAX No. 1S debuts at Volusia’s Bike Week Jamboree on March 1-2.

For the complete 2026 schedule, CLICK HERE.

If you can’t make it to the track, catch every lap live on DIRTVision.