Category Archives: Uncategorized

Whelen Engineering continues as primary sponsor

No. 31 Cadillac V-LMDh will feature longtime Action Express Racing partner
DETROIT (Dec. 15, 2022) — Cadillac and Whelen Engineering have agreed to a sponsorship extension that will see the company’s familiar logo prominently displayed on the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac V-LMDh race car campaigned by Action Express Racing in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Since 1952, the Whelen Engineering Company has been a global leader in the design and manufacturing of reliable and powerful warning lights, white illumination lighting, sirens, controllers and high-powered warning systems for automotive, aviation and mass notification industries.“Whelen has been racing a Cadillac DPi in the IMSA’s top prototype class since 2017. The combination of Action Express Racing and Cadillac Racing has proven to be a very successful alliance for us as evidenced by our winning the Team and Driver Championships in 2018 and 2021,” said Sonny Whelen, Executive Vice President. “Today we couldn’t be more proud to continue along with Action Express Racing to join Cadillac Racing’s effort to develop and campaign their new groundbreaking hybrid racing platform that we will compete with in the IMSA GTP class. This exciting new program will demonstrate cutting-edge development and execution as the cars hit the track for the first time at the January 2023 Rolex 24 in Daytona. Many thanks to Cadillac and AXR for the opportunity to be involved in this exceptional project.”In the IMSA Daytona Prototype international (DPi) era from 2017-2022, the New England-based company was the primary sponsor of Action Express Racing’s No. 31 Cadillac DPi-V.R that recorded eight victories and Team and Driver championships in 2018 and 2021. Partnering with Action Express Racing in 2015, the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Chevrolet Corvette DP won Team and Driver championships in 2016.
“Cadillac is proud of the on-track success we’ve accomplished since collaborating with Whelen Engineering in 2017,” said Global Cadillac Vice President Rory Harvey. “We look forward to continuing this incredible working relationship as we begin the 2023 season in the Cadillac V-LMDh.”
Cadillac Racing, which amassed three Manufacturer Championships and a manufacturer-best 27 wins in DPi competition, will compete in IMSA’s Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2023 with the Cadillac V-LMDh.
Codeveloped by Cadillac Design, Cadillac Racing and chassis manufacturer Dallara, the Cadillac V-LMDh features an all-new Cadillac 5.5-liter DOHC V-8 engine developed by GM’s Performance and Racing propulsion team based in Pontiac, Michigan, which will generate more than 670 horsepower from the combined output of its engine and hybrid powertrain. The V-LMDh will serve as Cadillac’s first hybrid prototype race car.
Pipo Derani, the 2021 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship DPi Driver champion with Action Express Racing and Cadillac, and Alexander Sims will drive the No. 31 Whelen Engineering Cadillac V-LMDh in the nine GTP races. 
Both drivers have logged significant miles on a variety of U.S. racetracks and provided critical feedback as Cadillac Racing continues development of the hybrid race car for competition. They will be joined by versatile driver Jack Aitken for the four IMSA Michelin Endurance Cup races in 2023, starting with the season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 28-29 at Daytona International Speedway.
Action Express Racing has an unrivaled record in IMSA competition, claiming 2014, 2015, 2016, 2018 and 2021 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship Team and Driver championships, as well as securing the 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 North American Endurance Championships titles.

2022 Rookie of the Year Camrie Caruso Thoughts on First Year Campaign

Camrie Caruso is a seasoned competitor but racing Pro Stock for the first time during the 2022 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series was a whole new experience for the third generation drag racer. Over the course of the season Caruso experienced the usual highs and lows and she looks back and also forward to an even better 2023 season.

Looking ahead to next season how confident are you?

“I know what to expect now. And I’m not going to be as nervous. And we’re gonna go testing and build on what we already have. This season I learned something at every track and next year I will have a comfort level I didn’t have this year.”

<2246-10209.JPG>

Camrie Caruso, 2022 NHRA Rookie of the Year, photo by Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery

Next year there will be a new facility with the return of Chicago. How do you feel about that?

“I’m excited. I’ve never raced Chicago before. I love going to new tracks. Chicago is a great market for our fans and our marketing partners. I am looking forward to racing there.”

There are a lot of young competitors in Pro Stock and in 2023 there could be some more new faces. How excited are you about the health of the category?

‘I think it makes it more special. And there’s more cars and people fighting for qualifying spots. You have to work for it, so it means more. I know that we’re going to have a race every round of qualifying. I take a lot of pride in the fact we qualified for every race this season with our Chevrolet Camaro Pro Stock car. I know it was great for our sponsors like Tequila Comisario, Powerbuilt Tools and Sand Haulers of America.”

Was there a moment that surprised you or that you didn’t expect to happen?

“I think if I had to pick a top three, it was qualifying number one in Houston, the final at Houston against Erica and qualifying at every race. I always thought that we could do it, but it’s a lot harder said than done. I look at the Houston race as a highlight but also something we want to do more of. I know we will have a team that can run at the top and win rounds.”

<2217-11952.JPG>

Houston 2022 final round, Caruso vs. Enders, photo by Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery

What was your favorite first-time racetrack this year?

“I liked Sonoma. You had the boardwalk in San Francisco. That was really cool and that facility was really nice.”

How did you like the Western Swing?

“It was surprising. I rode in the rig for the Western Swing. And I was like, ‘Oh, this is really far out there.’ Seeing that part of the country was cool and also spending time with my crew guys. I think stretches of races like the Western Swing make our sport really interesting.”

Can you compare your two races at Pomona?

“It was crazy. It was like two different seasons. The Winternationals was just a blur and then at the end of the season at the Auto Club Finals I couldn’t believe the season was over. I was way more comfortable at the last race of the season. It was also really neat to be presented with the Rookie of the Year trophy on Saturday.”

Cadillac Racing: Laura Wontrop Klauser Zoom transcript

DETROIT (Dec. 14, 2022) — GM sports car racing program manager Laura Wontrop Klauser participated in a Zoom media conference hosted by IMSA with the three other manufacturer LMDh project leads.
After nearly two years of preparation, including five months of on-track development encompassing more than 20,000 kilometers, the Cadillac V-LMDh will make its competition debut Jan. 28-29 in the Rolex 24 At Daytona. Three Cadillac V-LMDh race cars will attempt to secure the pole Jan. 22 for the 61st edition of the race.
Transcript of Laura Wontrop Klauser Q&A:
YOU’VE BROUGHT THE CHIP GANASSI RACING AND ACTION EXPRESS RACING TEAMS UNDER ONE UMBRELLA AS CADILLAC RACING. CAN YOU TALK ABOUT HOW THAT PROCESS HAS GONE?“This program in general has really rallied all of us to work together – even across the OEs. We had such compressed timelines. We have a brand-new hybrid spec system in the car. The chassis are all new for all of us, so we had to pull resources together to get to the point where we had running cars at Daytona last week and as we prepare for the Rolex. So, it’s the same approach for the teams. If we try to be off on different islands, we would be unable to compete once we got to the Rolex. We had to work together. We had to swap parts back and forth to make sure cars were running. We had to share learnings and, I think, necessity can be the best tool that you can have in your toolbox because there really was no other option to get this program done than to collaborate. That has driven the message, and what I think has been great is seeing the results of the collaboration, seeing the ability to get the test program more done by having the two teams helping us and running two cars instead of running one car. The benefits are coming in. We still have a huge mountain to climb and constantly pushing that rock up the hill. Thankfully, we’re all rallying behind the rock together – depending on which rock we’re pushing that day. So, it’s nice to have people standing next to your right and left while you’re trying to do something incredible.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK THE PRINCIPAL CHALLENGE IS AHEAD OF THE ROLEX 24?“Parts management has been a struggle; to get enough parts and to make sure that the quality is what we need. Especially with fielding three cars, we want to make sure we have everything for primaries, we have spares and then, God forbid something happens in the Roar, we have backups for backups. Some of it we’re probably going to get just before and some we might not have backups for backups. Really, just having enough parts to field the cars successfully and working with the supply chain. Of course, Christmas makes things a little tricky, too. Trying to get things this time of year is a challenge, but we have a full team on it and working through it.”
HAVE THERE BEEN ANY UNIQUE CHALLENGES OR SURPRISES TO GET EVERYTHING TO WORK SEAMLESSLY?“The sheer amount of code and software that has been written to run this car is daunting. We cannot have enough software engineers working right now because everything on the car is connected. Things that we never had to worry about influencing each other in the past with the DPi or other race programs, now if one thing is slightly off it’s not going to run or turn or brake or whatever it needs to do. The importance of making sure that all the calibrations are correct and then the safety critical component of that to make sure that everything is correct is huge. Working through all of that has probably been the biggest mountain once we had all the parts on the car to test. This whole program has been a challenge.”
HOW DID YOU GET TO THIS POINT WITH YOUR ENGINE PACKAGE?“Like everyone, we did not have much time to make a decision and move on for with what we wanted to do with this car. A lot of it is leaning on the experience that we’ve had for decades racing at GM – both Chevrolet and Cadillac – especially with the DPi and the eight cylinder. As quickly as we could, we did some engine packaging studies for multiple engines, and after we reviewed what we were trying to do, the criteria and the performance requirements for this platform, for us and our experience it made sense to carry forward with the V8 architecture. This is a new engine for this car, but leaning heavily on experience and architecture of V8 engines that we have across the portfolio. No regrets, especially as we look to our trip overseas to run in the WEC. I think we’re bringing America pretty loud and strong with our Cadillac and we’re proud of that.”
HOW DO YOU SEE THE EQUIVALENCE BETWEEN THE HYPERCAR AND THE LMHD CAR FOR THE WEC?“In terms of the two platforms racing against each other, there’s been so much work that has gone into that, countless technical working groups meetings, discussions, lots of decisions that were made to try to bring parity between the two platforms. The effort has been put forward to make it happen correctly. Did we miss something? Maybe. There’s always that one thing that once you worry about all the bigger things then the little things become big things. I really applaud the effort from the two sanctioning bodies as well as the manufacturers. This is definitely a team sport to figure out how to get all these cars together so they can race in parity.”
HAS IT BEEN MORE OF A CHALLENGE FOR YOUR BRAND THAN YOU THOUGHT IT WOULD BE GOING IN?“I still have a lot of growing and experiences ahead in my career. I can’t wait to compare whatever the next challenge is to this one, because this one has been incredible. And it’s been incredible what we’ve done in a short period of time with all of the economic factors in the world that have influenced how everyone is running their businesses these days. Labor shortages, supply chain. They are real and they impact us every day. We have brought on some incredible young people to our program that are just blowing us away with what they are able to do. If you say, ‘Hey, we have this problem to solve. Figure it out,’ and then give them the freedom and the ability to do what they think is right, it’s been awesome. It really is the future. It’s seeing how we can mesh people with 20-plus years of experience in racing with new people who have more experience in this new software and everything we’re bringing onboard. You can see the mature and the up and coming working together and how they are learning from each other. It’s given us a great opportunity to just grow what our motorsports family is in terms of everyone who is working one the cars and the types of people being part of this.”   

Gordy Gundaker Prepares for Second Season with World of Outlaws Late Models

The St. Charles, MO driver looks forward to the fun and benefits that will come with racing with his close-friend and fellow Longhorn driver Nick Hoffman in 2023

CONCORD, NC – December 14, 2022 – Gordy Gundaker faced many ups and downs during his rookie season with the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series. However, his final upswing of the 2022 season led to a confidence boost that has him eyeing more success as he prepares for his second season on tour.

The St. Charles, MO driver, finished seventh in the Series standings, scoring four top-fives and 10 top-10s—three of them coming in the final six races of 2022 during the October Kansas-Missouri swing.

While he hoped he’d have better finishes throughout the season, Gundaker said he knew there would be a learning curve with running on a national tour.

“It’s kind of how I was hoping our whole year would go,” Gundaker said. “But that’s part of learning and being out on the road with those guys. It wasn’t always going to go as planned, so it was nice to end the year on a high note and know we’re competitive and can always be upfront with all those guys.”

The next time Gundaker hits the track in his #11 car is the 2023 Series opener during Sunshine Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park on Jan. 19-21. 

He’s hoping that momentum from the end of the season will lead to a successful 2023 start at The World’s Fastest Half-mile.

“I think it’s going to be a big confidence booster going into Volusia,” Gundaker said. “Obviously, the first few weekends there and in March, knowing we’ve got good race cars, and the right equipment and everything we need to succeed, we just need to go out there and perform.

“By the end of the year, we really worked on our stuff. We worked with Jason Durham, (Stormy Scott’s new Crew Chief),and him coming back to Penske’s (shocks) is big for me, our team, and Longhorn (Chassis) in general.”

Gundaker won’t be the only Longhorn on tour in 2023, as both Nick Hoffman and Payton Freeman released their plans to run with the World of Outlaws CASE Late Models next season, along with a returning Tanner English.

READ MORE: A NEW CHALLENGE: Nick Hoffman Joins World of Outlaws Late Models with Tye Twarog Racing

Hoffman and Gundaker already have a close bond as the two have been friends for years. Their friendship will be a key benefit for Gundaker, having someone to share information with during the 11-month season grind.

“Nick is one of my best friends, and we’ve been best friends for a really long time,” Gundaker said. “It’s going to be a lot of fun just going up and down the road and hanging out, but obviously, it’ll be beneficial for both of us.

“We’re going to be in Longhorn cars and be able to share information and work off each other and feed off each other.”

That information will only help the 30-year-old driver, who admits he’s still learning the ropes of the different types of tracks the Series races on—especially on half-miles.

Before last season, Gundaker’s experience on those tracks was minimal. But he said he’s starting to get a better grip on how to be successful. 

“I think the track time is going to be massive, and also a bunch of the half-miles I got to go to that I haven’t really raced on,” Gundaker said. “I only really raced on half-miles five or 10 times throughout my career before last year, so now I doubled that. By the time I got to Charlotte, I understood a lot more about the air and how you need to race those places aggressive at times, and others not so aggressive. 

“The more I get on those, the better I get. I think by the time we get to Volusia and Sunshine Nationals; we’re going to open some eyes.”

Gundaker hopes his knowledge and experience will continue him on a forward path, no matter the ups and downs he’ll face during the 53-race schedule.

The World of Outlaws CASE Late Models kick off their 2023 season at Volusia Speedway Park for a Late Model Palooza during Sunshine Nationals on Jan. 19-21, also featuring 602 Late Models and DIRTcar Pro Late Models. 

Santa Pod releases 2023 calendar

Santa Pod Raceway is pleased to announce its calendar of events for 2023. Please find a copy of the schedule attached.   The full schedule runs from January to December, with public spectator attractions taking place from March.   The Championship Drag Racing season – featuring national and international competition for cars and motorcycles – begins with Easter weekend’s Festival of Power. The opening and closing rounds of the FIA and FIM European Championships take place over May’s Spring Bank Holiday weekend (The Main Event, 26-29 May) and the second weekend in September (European Finals, 7-10 September).   Other key drag races include the big-money shootout known as The Doorslammers (19-21 May) and Europe’s premier historic event, Dragstalgia (7-9 July).   A range of festivals, modified car shows, specialist and family events includes the giant Volkswagen festival, Bug Jam 36 (21-23 July), and the USC weekend (Ultimate Street Car, 4-6 August). Several weekends host two and even three events concurrently, taking full advantage of Santa Pod’s extensive acreage and vast, paved paddock area.  

GOING OUT ON TOP? CROFT MULLING FUTURE AFTER CAREER-BEST NARC CAMPAIGN

(12/10/2022 – Alex Nieten) Sacramento, CA… Heading into 2022, Willie Croft planned for this to be his last year as a full-time competitor to cap an excellent career, but after a personal-best finish of second in NARC 410 Sprint Car points, he isn’t quite sure if he’s ready to hang up the helmet.

Long before he became one of the most familiar names in California, Croft’s passion for sprint car racing began as a young fan in the stands.

“When I grew up, my uncle took us to the sprint car races, his kids and myself,” Croft said. “Once they moved out of town, I would spend my summers down there, and he would take me to Baylands and some San Jose stuff. Before he moved out of the Sacramento area we would go to Placerville on a weekly basis. That’s kind of how I got involved in racing. I knew from the very beginning this is what I wanted to do.”

As he aged into his later teenage years, Croft slightly faded away from the sport as he discovered other interests as many high schoolers do. However, a chance encounter at one of his friend’s garages reignited his fire for racing.

“One of my friends, one day we were at his house, and I was walking by the garage that was open and there was a sprint car in there,” Croft reflected. “I was like, ‘Where’d this come from?’ My buddy Jason was like, ‘My dad is helping this guy, Rick Hirst.’ It wasn’t my father-in-law, Rick Hirst. There’s actually another Rick Hirst who raced.

“So, one thing led to another and I met this guy, Rick,” Croft continued. “I found myself, whenever went over to Jason’s, working on this car rather than hanging out. We were really heavy into skateboarding at that time, so instead of doing any type of skateboarding or going downtown to skate for the weekend, I was helping Rick with his car and then eventually going to the races with them.”

After his introduction to the hands-on, mechanical side of the sport, Croft would go on to meet a handful of personal influences as he navigated the early parts of his career as a crew member and, eventually, the beginning of his time behind the wheel.

“I met Mike Wasina from there and was helping Wasina when Rick wasn’t racing,” Croft said. “I ended up actually buying my first racecar from Mike Wasina and an engine and open trailer. I met Roger Crockett and Brian Crockett, who let me actually keep my car at their house and helped mentor me, how to maintenance a car and what not.

“Meeting Rod Tiner, I learned a lot more from Rod and going racing with him and his brother, Randy Tiner, at certain races,” Croft continued. “I was learning and talking to Rod on the way home, asking, ‘Why’d you do this or why’d you do that?’

‘One of my best friends is Paul Silva,” Croft added. “Once Paul started, I helped him quite a bit in the very beginning. I still do when I don’t race, whether it’s Knoxville Nationals or whatever it may be. Learning from Paul I learned how to be organized, how to be clean, how to have everything sorted. He does everything 100%, in my mind, correct. It kind of taught me a lot, opened my eyes up and helped me with my own program on how to be 100% ready.”

Croft has maintained that mindset of being fully prepared through the duration of his more than two decades racing sprint cars. The approach has helped him remain one of the steadiest forces of the California circuit year in and year out and construct quite the resumé.

In 2004 Croft scored his first NARC victory, topping the prestigious Mini Gold Cup at Silver Dollar Speedway. Among his dozens of overall sprint car wins are also a Faria Memorial (2016), Dave Bradway Jr. Memorial (2018), and three Trophy Cup features. Croft added his name to the list of Trophy Cup champions in 2014.

Throughout his career, Croft primarily wheeled his familiar, personally owned No. 29, but his talents also landed him opportunities driving for famed car owners such as Clyde Lamar and Kevin Rudeen.

Croft entered 2022 aiming to make one last run at a NARC title aboard the No. 29 after posting a best effort of third on two occasions in 2007 and 2013. Early on, Croft appeared poised to battle eventual champion, Dominic Scelzi, down to the final race. He posted seven top-fives in the first 10 races including a victory at Willamette Speedway in Oregon. Bad luck plagued the second half of his season, but he still held on to the runner-up spot in the final standings.

A challenge Croft battled throughout the year is a rotation of crew members. Croft serves as his own crew chief and maintains his car throughout the week, but during the year he didn’t have a set team traveling with him to each race. While the lack of a consistent crew created some difficulties in race day routine, Croft found himself feeling appreciative of the fact that a variety of capable hands were willing to help when needed. The experience reminded him of his own path.

“It’s pretty rewarding,” Croft said. “I always think back to myself as a crew guy when I first came around the sport. I ate and breathed it. Sprint car racing is all I wanted to be around. I wanted to learn anything and everything I could learn, and I had really good people to learn from, the likes of Mike Wasina, Rod Tiner, and Brian Crockett.

“That was me looking up to them, and, you know, it’s so weird, I don’t look at some of these younger people looking up to me in that way but maybe they do,” Croft continued. “It’s pretty gratifying to have guys that want to come help me, that want to go win races and work in my tough environment that I try to keep. I try to keep a standard of having everything organized and clean. It’s that part of me that I can’t do anything without knowing I’m 100 percent prepared.”

Croft’s efforts as a crew chief adjusting to a different team through the season didn’t go unnoticed. At the NARC Championship Awards Banquet, Croft was presented the Billy Albini Mechanic of the Year. The recognition filled Croft with emotion and provided one of the top moments of his career.

“I still think about it every day,” Croft said. “I think about that moment and how much that trophy really means to me. Billy Albini was one of the best. I feel fortunate to have been able to talk to him even just in passing… I was really caught off guard. I still get a little emotional thinking about it. It’s just a really, really cool award to have. The trophy goes back, but I still have the ring. I still have the memory of being on it that’s going to stick with me for a lifetime.”

Now, Croft sits in somewhat of a limbo as 2023 looms. A variety of factors are in play that he must consider before deciding on what, if any, racing plans he’ll make.

Croft owns a business, Amerikote Powdercoating, which occupies much of his time. This year he sadly lost one of his longtime supporters when Dave Wasney with Holey Smokes BBQ passed away. Croft also continues to have a major role in his son, Cole’s, blossoming racing career in karts. Cole has the same passion for the sport his father showed at a young age, and Willie puts plenty of time into working with him as he makes his own way towards sprint cars.

“It’s a little hectic at times. I’m not going to lie,” Croft said of balancing his son’s racing. “I’m putting myself in a position where I’m trying to do anything and everything I can do to give him the best equipment, the best car and setup that I can give him, but I don’t know anything about them (the karts). They’re not like a sprint car. They’re opposite of how you set a sprint car up.”

Though Croft remains uncertain of his racing future, he is confident in one area. If he does decide to continue competing, the 50-year-old plans to race often with the NARC 410 Sprint Cars and potentially try to challenge for a championship.

“I wish I could just say I’m going to run the NARC schedule again because I had a lot of fun, and there’s a lot of good people in the sport that run that series,” Croft explained. “There’s a lot of camaraderie, and that’s what I want to do. If I’m going to race, I want to race with the people I like racing with and the people that look out for us as a series with Jim (Allen) and Brent (Kaeding). I feel like that’s where my heart is. If I can make it happen, that’s awesome but I just don’t know.”

It won’t be long before the NARC season opener in March is around the corner and Croft is faced with making his decision. Everyone who has watched sprint cars in California over the past two decades knows this local legend has nothing more to prove, but how does the man himself feel about his career? Will he be satisfied? Overall, he’s conflicted. Like any racer, there is always one more event he’d like to check off the bucket list. However, if he does choose retirement, Croft feels complete and happy with the career he’s put together and the invaluable relationships he’s formed along the way.

“Thinking back to when I was asked, ‘If you race sprint cars, what level do you want to compete at?’” Croft recalled. “I said, ‘I just want to win a Golden State Challenge (NARC) race.’ So, to have done that, winning Trophy Cup, Mini Gold Cup, some of the other races, it’s pretty satisfying. But, then I think about it and I want to win an Outlaw race. I think that’s a top prize in sprint car racing is winning an Outlaw show.

“I don’t know. I really don’t know,” Croft added on if he’s content with his career. “I guess I’ll know 10 years from now or something like that when I sit back and think about. It’s tough. Are you ever satisfied? I’m probably not. I probably would want to win some of these other races before I was completely satisfied.

“You know what, though? It is what it is,” Croft continued. “I’ve had a lot of fun. I’ve met a lot of good people. I still want to be around it. I will be around once my son does get into it. So, am I satisfied? Yes, in that aspect. I am satisfied to be able to live my dream and meet great people, meet my wife, but you always want to do better and you always want to win more, and you always want to win the bigger races.”

A NEW CHALLENGE: Nick Hoffman Joins World of Outlaws Late Models with Tye Twarog Racing

The Mooresville, NC driver will join the Series as part of the 2023 Rookie Class

CONCORD, NC – December 9, 2022 – Nick Hoffman has done it all behind the wheel of a DIRTcar Modified. However, in 2023, a new challenge awaits the Mooresville, NC driver.

Hoffman will join the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series next season, aiming for Rookie of the Year honors behind the wheel of the Tye Twarog-owned Late Model—a ride recently vacated by Devin Moran.

The five-time DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals champion said he’s enthusiastic about taking the next step after his accomplishments in a Modified.

“I’ve gotten to the point in my modified career that I’ve won everything I’ve wanted to win,” Hoffman said. “This is the next step for me to further my racing career.

“I feel like it’s a long time coming. I’ve had a lot of great opportunities in the past. But never anything like this to go full-time tour racing. Being able to run 60 races will for sure further my Late Model career as far as you only get better with as many nights as you run. So, there’s no better way than to sign on to the tour.”

Hoffman’s enthusiasm also extends to working with Twarog, who visited Victory Lane five times with Moran over the last two seasons. 

One of the perks of this new partnership is the car will be in Hoffman’s North Carolinashop, allowing him to have a hands-on approach.

“I’m just grateful for the opportunity, and I’m excited to work with (Twarog),” Hoffman said. “It’s also the first opportunity that I’ve had to bring the car to North Carolina. For me, I feel like it’s a huge benefit to be able to work on it myself because I’m hands-on, obviously, with all of my cars. It’s just a really good opportunity.”

While Hoffman is excited about his new challenge in a Late Model, he’s not done racing a Modified. He still plans on driving his Elite Chassis sporadically, including at DIRTcar Nationals in February, Feb. 6-18.

“I’m a hundred percent focused on the Late Model ride,” Hoffman said. “I plan on doing maybe 20 races at most with the Modified. The Late Model schedule is kind of open that week of Volusia, so I plan on being there with my Modified. 

“From there on out, just run the Late Model, and if there’s a weekend we’re off, and we can pop in and run a decent paying ‘Mod’ race, I’ll obviously do that. We’ll see as the time goes on.”

The 2023 World of Outlaws CASE Late Models season opens at Volusia Speedway Park where Hoffman has already reached Victory Lane 21 times in a Modified.

However, he realizes his challenges when the season starts in January.

“That place races quite a bit different for the Modified versus the Late Model,” Hoffman said. “I’ve been able to race a couple of Late Model races there, so we’ll see. It does make it easier as far as a place that you’re familiar with. Laps on any racetrack is something I feel that will help, and I got a million laps there in my Modified.

“I’m super pumped up to get started there. We’ll for sure test before we go to Volusia. I’ve never drove a Longhorn car. So, just trying to get acclimated with that and working with the guys from Bilstein (Shocks), Longhorn, and everything. They’re just new faces to work with. We’ll try and get everything worked out a little bit before we just take off on our first race.”

Hoffman’s first run with the World of Outlaws CASE Late Models begins on Jan. 19-21 at Volusia Speedway Park when the Series opens its season at Sunshine Nationals.

JOHN FORCE RACING AND CHEVROLET EXTEND STORIED PARTNERSHIP

YORBA LINDA, Calif. (Dec. 09, 2022) – John Force Racing announced today a multi-year extension with Chevrolet that will see the iconic Bowtie prominently displayed on the National Hot Rod Association’s championship-winning team’s Top Fuel dragsters and Funny Cars.
“We’re excited to be extending our partnership with Chevrolet and General Motors,” team owner and CEO John Force said. “We have a long history with Chevy, a long successful history and we look forward to continuing that tradition into the future. The support we receive from Chevrolet goes beyond the racetrack. They are part of the John Force Racing family; they help keep us doing what we love and we want to keep winning for them.”
The legendary drag racing team and General Motors have had a storied history together. John Force has recorded 77 of his 155 NHRA Funny Car victories in a GM product, including 24 in a Chevrolet (14 Camaro, 10 Lumina). His first NHRA start (1977, Pomona), final round (1979), No. 1 qualifier (1986) were all in a Chevrolet and for his first NHRA victory in 1987 at Montreal, the 16-time champion drove an Oldsmobile. Force’s first win in a Chevrolet came in 1994 on the way to his fourth Funny Car title with 10 wins in 11 finals rounds.
After a long hiatus, John Force Racing returned to the Chevrolet fold in 2015. The renewed partnership has produced championships by Brittany Force (Top Fuel) in 2022 and 2017 and Robert Hight (Funny Car) in 2019 and 2017 and a total of 65 victories.
“We are proud to continue to partner with John Force Racing,” U.S. Vice President, Performance and Motorsports, Jim Campbell said. “John, Brittany Force, Robert Hight and Austin Prock and their teams are consistently focused on improving performance, delivering wins and vying for championships. We are thrilled to continue to race together in NHRA’s top classes.”
This past season, all four John Force Racing drivers visited the winner’s circle. Brittany Force won five races en route to becoming the fourth female multi-time champion in NHRA professional classes and Austin Prock won two Top Fuel races in their Chevrolet dragsters. Prock, the 2019 NHRA Rookie of the Year, finished third in the standings.
Hight registered a career-high eight victories, and at St. Louis recorded the team’s 300th win and Chevrolet’s 155th Funny Car victory. John Force, who has made 242 career race day appearances in a Chevrolet race car, won the four-wide event at Charlotte.
Points produced by John Force Racing drivers in 22 Funny Car races this season helped Chevrolet secure its record-extending 27th NHRA Manufacturers Cup and sixth in a row.
The 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season begins March 10-12 at Gainesville Raceway in Florida. Hight was the No. 1 Funny Car qualifier for the event this past March.

More Than $1.7 Million Available in 2023 Between Bonus Program, Points Fund

CONCORD, NC (Dec. 9, 2022) – The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series is set to increase its benefits for full-time teams in 2023 with an increased points fund and available year-end bonus program, and further enhanced with limited flexibility to participate in non-World of Outlaws events without compromising full time benefits.

The Series will introduce the Exclusivity Bonus program in 2023 – administered like a second points fund, in addition to the $1 million championship points fund – to every contracted full-time driver and team owner, based off their points standing, and contract status, at the end of the season (full breakdown below). The Exclusivity Bonus program replaces the 2022 monthly bonus program.

So now, along with the $200,000 points fund for winning the championship, an additional $150,000 is available to the champion through the bonus program – split between the driver and owner – meaning the championship winning team could earn $350,000 in 2023.

“It’s our goal every year to provide drivers and teams with the best possible payouts in Sprint Car racing, so I’m excited to introduce our enhanced bonus program which would allow them to earn one of the biggest payouts in Sprint Car history at the end of the season,” said World of Outlaws CEO Brian Carter. “We want to make sure we’re providing the teams that support us with the best opportunities to stay healthy and grow in the sport.”

In addition to the available bonus program, contracted full-time World of Outlaws drivers or teams will now be able to race four non-World of Outlaws nights without restrictions as long as they are outside of 48 hours or a 100-mile radius on either side of a scheduled event.

If a driver or team runs five to eight non-World of Outlaws nights, they will lose their eligibility for the Exclusivity Bonus program but will still be able to contend for the championship and receive the points fund at the end of the year.

If a driver or team runs nine or more non-World of Outlaws shows, they will lose all benefits including the points fund and bonus.

“We listened to the drivers and team owners and put together a lucrative program for 2023 we believe will benefit them greatly,” said World of Outlaws Series Director Carlton Reimers. “It is important to us to make sure we support the teams that help us put on The Greatest Show on Dirt every week.”

There was also $25,000 added to the $1 million championship points fund with second-place increasing to $120,000 and third increasing to $80,000.

Championship Points Fund (Split between driver & team)Exclusivity Bonus
(Split between driver & team)
Combined Total
(Split between driver & team)
1.     $200,0001. $150,0001. $350,000
2.     $120,0002. $90,0002. $210,000
3.     $80,0003. $60,0003. $140,000
4.     $70,0004. $52,5004. $122,500
5.     $65,0005. $48,7505. $113,750
6.     $62,5006. $46,8756. $109,375
7.     $60,0007. $45,0007. $105,000
8.     $57,5008. $43,1258. $100,625
9.     $55,0009. $41,2509. $96,250
10.  $50,00010. $37,50010. $87,500
11.  $40,00011. $30,00011. $70,000
12.  $30,00012. $22,50012. $52,500
13.  $25,00013. $18,75013. $43,750
14.  $20,00014. $15,00014. $35,000
15.  $18,00015. $13,50015. $31,500
16.  $16,00016. $12,00016. $28,000
17.  $14,00017. $10,50017. $24,500
18.  $14,00018. $10,50018. $24,500
19.  $14,00019. $10,50019. $24,500
20.  $14,00020. $10,50020. $24,500
TOTAL: $1,025,000TOTAL: $768,750TOTAL: $1,793,750

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars will commence their 2023 season at Volusia Speedway Park during DIRTcar Nationals, Feb. 9-11, with Saturday’s Feature paying a special $20,000-to-win. For tickets CLICK HERE.

READ MORE: 2023 SCHEDULE: 87-Race Slate Features Spring PA Swing, New Tracks, Multiple High-Dollar Crown Jewels

If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch every lap live on DIRTVision – either at DIRTVision.com or by downloading the DIRTVision App.

A SMOKEY RETURN: Chris Madden Aims for 2023 World of Outlaws Late Models Championship

CONCORD, NC – December 8, 2022– Chris Madden has earned multiple accolades throughout his dirt Late Model career. But there are a few feats he’s yet to accomplish. 

He’ll have a chance to earn one of those accomplishments in 2023 as the Gray Court, SC driver returns to the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series in search of his first championship.

One of the things that enticed him to come back to the Series next season is the schedule.

“They’ve worked on the schedule and got the number of races down and got it to where it interests me to come back on board,” Madden said. “We can hit up multiple money races, and it doesn’t interfere with each other.”

After a 2022 season where he earned 15 victories, including a win at DIRTcar Nationals and four triumphs worth $50,000, he stated he feels it’s his best chance yet to win the Series championship.

“I’ve always been a fan of the outlaw racing, and I want to get a championship before I decide to hang it up, so we’re going to try to make it happen this year,” Madden said. “I feel like we’ve been on top of our game for the past few years, so hopefully, we can just be consistent and get wins and get us a points championship.” 

Madden begins his fight for a World of Outlaws CASE Late Models championship when the season commences on Jan. 19-21 at Volusia Speedway Park during Sunshine Nationals.

TICKETS: bit.ly/3t4XdJZ

If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch all the ac

METHANOL MOONSHINE GETS A NEW “BUDDY”!

Official Release: Methanol Moonshine / Methanol Moonshine U.S.A.

December 9, 2022 

MILDURA, AUSTRALIA / INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA (December 8, 2022) – Methanol Moonshine, an Aussie take on an American icon, has a new “Buddy.”

Today, at the Performance Racing Industry (PRI) trade show, Methanol Moonshine and NHRA Top Fuel driver Buddy Hull, along with the Buddy Hull Racing team announced that they have entered into a new partnership agreement heading into the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season.

The barrel-chested Texan with a penchant for anything and everything fast was dubbed by Methanol Moonshine founder, Wade Aunger, as “the Tony Robbins of Top Fuel” when they first met at ‘the Big Go’ this past September during the NHRA U.S. Nationals.

“I was so impressed with Buddy when Chris Bishop, Methanol Moonshine U.S.A Strategic Partner and the Racing Pro Media founder, introduced us in Indy,” said Aunger. “I knew from the second we sat down with Buddy that Chris had introduced us and brought us together for a reason. Buddy is perpetual motion. He didn’t have his top fuel dragster on track for the event but I could see he was running three-second passes in his mind during our whole conversation. He has a mind like a steel trap and he doesn’t stop thinking about ways to improve his racing program and widen his sphere of influence.”

In many ways Buddy Hull Racing and Methanol Moonshine are kindred spirits (pun intended). Both are bold new players in their respective industries and both have much to gain from merging their ambitions, working together, combining their unique audiences and achieving growth together.

“The excitement and sheer power of NHRA Top Fuel drag racing is beyond comparison on many levels,” added Aunger, “but when you throw a dynamic and committed individual like Buddy Hull into the mix you have a cocktail for something completely left of center and completely wide open. The more I think about this partnership, the more I think it’s divine intervention. Between Buddy, Chris, Methanol Moonshine and I, we all feel we have something very explosive here…….Hull Yeah.” 

As a Methanol Moonshine partner and as a ‘am-a-bad-ass-ador’ for the 2023 NHRA Top Fuel season, Buddy will launch the Moonshine and Motorsports brand into the high-speed & high-performance world of drag racing using his Top Fuel dragster, his image and of course his chiseled chest as platforms to promote the brand and his team.

“After working with Wade (Aunger) over the past few years and getting more familiar with Buddy over that same time frame, I knew that this was a partnership that needed to happen for both parties and would be mutually beneficial for all involved,” said Bishop.  “Buddy has charisma and a level of fan engagement that is second to none and the excitement for Methanol Moonshine is infectious.”

Buddy Hull Racing and Methanol Moonshine will collaborate on a uniquely themed brand of merchandise available exclusively through Buddy’s website and other merchandise avenues.

“I’m super excited to work with Wade, Chris, and everyone at Methanol Moonshine.  Since we started talking back at Indy, we all just hit it off and did everything possible to work together,” says Hull. “It’s an absolute perfect fit with our team and the look of the car is something special. I can’t wait to launch this partnership into a new gear through our racing program and hopefully make that trip ‘down under’ to race in a dragster there as well”  

For more information, visit https://methanolmoonshine.com.au/ and https://www.buddyhullracing.com/

About Methanol Moonshine:

Methanol Moonshine is an Australian inspired, made in the U.S.A. Moonshine distilled in the heart of the Midwest within the corn fields of Spencer, Iowa.  Initially launched in Australia during the pandemic of 2020, then in the U.S.A. in July 2021, it is a motorsport themed corn whiskey with a tag line that sums up the way you drink it and the way you make life choices – ‘smooth and subtle or a whole lotta trouble!’.

Along with the quickly growing Methanol Moonshine liquor, motorsports fans have quickly adopted the associated apparel brand “Methanol Moonshine Merch” which is also available in both the U.S.A. & Australia.

Learn more about Methanol Moonshine & Methanol Moonshine Merchandise on the following social platforms including Facebook (@methanolmoonshine & @methanolmoonshinemerch), Instagram (@methanolmoonshine) & TikTok (@methanolmoonshine).

About Buddy Hull Racing:

Buddy Hull Racing is based out of Dallas, Texas and was founded at the amateur level in 2008.  Buddy Hull Racing moved to the professional level in 2022 after purchasing the Top Fuel operation from Tim Wilkerson Racing.

Hull’s drag racing roots run deep. His family has been involved in the sport since the late 1950s and has a proud history which Buddy looks to continue.  

Buddy Hull Racings plans for 2023 are rather diverse after adding a nitro Funny Car and a nostalgia TF car into the mix alongside his NHRA Top Fuel dragster. Hull has not announced specific plans for either of the time of this release.  

Learn more about Buddy Hull & Buddy Hull Racing on the following social platforms including Facebook (@buddyhullracing), Instagram (@buddyhull323tf) & TikTok (@buddyhull323tf).  #HullYeah

HEADING TO THE NATIONAL STAGE: Payton Freeman to Battle for World of Outlaws Late Models Rookie of the Year in 2023

CONCORD, NC – December 8, 2022 – After a learning curve with the DIRTcar Summer Nationals, Payton Freeman is taking a step forward in 2023. 

The Commerce, GA driver will join the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series next season with one goal—winning Rookie of the Year honors.

Despite his aspirations, he said he knows to expect ups and downs throughout the 11-month season.

“I guess the obvious goal would be to win the Rookie of the Year deal,” Freeman said. “If we can do that, the regular points will shake out where they do. With the Rookie deal there’s going to be ups and downs for sure. So, we just have to try to make the downs the best they can be and capitalize on the opportunities for the ups.” 

Freeman will begin his World of Outlaws CASE Late Models career in the G.R. Smith-owned #22 car, one he’s already familiar with.

In that ride, he competed at the World of Outlaws World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte and scored a $22,000 win in the Southern Showcase at Deep South Speedway last month.

Between those races and his second-place finish with the DIRTcar Summer Nationals in 2022, Freeman said he’s excited for what’s to come.

“I’m super excited,” Freeman said. Hopefully, I’ll be able to take the experience that I gained out west with the DIRTcar Summer Nationals this year and apply that along with GR’s (Smith’s) experience and the team’s experience. Hopefully, we’ll be able to get a strong start at Speedweeks and see where it goes from there.”

Freeman’s chase for World of Outlaws CASE Late Models Rookie of the Year begins at Sunshine Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park on Jan. 19-21. 

HEADING TO THE NATIONAL STAGE: Payton Freeman to Battle for World of Outlaws Late Models Rookie of the Year in 2023

CONCORD, NC – December 8, 2022 – After a learning curve with the DIRTcar Summer Nationals, Payton Freeman is taking a step forward in 2023. 

The Commerce, GA driver will join the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series next season with one goal—winning Rookie of the Year honors.

Despite his aspirations, he said he knows to expect ups and downs throughout the 11-month season.

“I guess the obvious goal would be to win the Rookie of the Year deal,” Freeman said. “If we can do that, the regular points will shake out where they do. With the Rookie deal there’s going to be ups and downs for sure. So, we just have to try to make the downs the best they can be and capitalize on the opportunities for the ups.” 

Freeman will begin his World of Outlaws CASE Late Models career in the G.R. Smith-owned #22 car, one he’s already familiar with.

In that ride, he competed at the World of Outlaws World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte and scored a $22,000 win in the Southern Showcase at Deep South Speedway last month.

Between those races and his second-place finish with the DIRTcar Summer Nationals in 2022, Freeman said he’s excited for what’s to come.

“I’m super excited,” Freeman said. Hopefully, I’ll be able to take the experience that I gained out west with the DIRTcar Summer Nationals this year and apply that along with GR’s (Smith’s) experience and the team’s experience. Hopefully, we’ll be able to get a strong start at Speedweeks and see where it goes from there.”

Freeman’s chase for World of Outlaws CASE Late Models Rookie of the Year begins at Sunshine Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park on Jan. 19-21. 

Lucas Oil Late Models Reveal Chase Format and $1 Million Point Fund for 2023

BATAVIA, Ohio (December 8, 2022) – Keeping the momentum, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series championship format is undergoing a major overhaul in 2023.
The new model will be an elimination style format designed to reward the worthiest, battle-tested driver at the end of the season. In addition to the revitalized championship format, more than $470,000 has been added to the championship point fund, bringing the grand total for the Big River Steel Chase for the Championship presented by ARP to just over $1,000,000.
Under the new model, the field will be whittled down to a final four drivers through four rounds of eliminations. The remaining four drivers will go into the season finale at Eldora Speedway with an equal chance to win the championship. 
After the first round of eliminations, there will be 15 drivers. After the second round, the field will drop to twelve, and following the third round eight drivers will remain. The final round of eliminations will leave only four drivers in championship contention.
The four rounds of eliminations are:Round of 15: Sunoco Road to Wheatland: May 27 at Lucas Oil Speedway; 31st Annual Show-Me 100Round of 12: Summit Racing Equipment Super Twelve: July 15 at Lucas Oil Speedway; 17th Annual Diamond NationalsRound of 8: UNOH Great Eight: August 26 at Port Royal Speedway; The Rumble by the RiverRound of 4: Big River Steel Big Four: September 30 at Pittsburgh’s PA Motor Speedway; 35th Annual Pittsburgher
Following each round of eliminations, the teams advancing to the next round will be awarded the following cash bonuses:Sunoco Road to Wheatland: 1. $2,500, 2. $1,500, 3. $1,500, 4. $1,500, 5. $1,500, 6. $1,000, 7. $1,000, 8. $1,000, 9. $1,000, 10. $1,000, 11. $500, 12. $500, 13. $500, 14. $500, 15. $500 = $16,000Summit Racing Equipment Super Twelve: 1. $5,000, 2. $1,000, 3. $1,000, 4. $1,000, 5. $1,000, 6. $1,000, 7. $1,000, 8. $1,000, 9. $1,000, 10. $1,000, 11. $1,000, 12. $1,000 = $16,000UNOH Great Eight: 1. $7,500, 2. $1,500, 3. $1,500, 4. $1,500, 5. $1,500, 6. $1,500, 7. $1,500, 8. $1,500 = $18,000Big River Steel Big Four: 1. $10,000, 2. $2,000, 3. $2,000, 4. $2,000 = $16,000
Drivers will continue to earn points at every event throughout the season based on the traditional championship point structure. At the season finale, points for the Big River Steel Big Four drivers will be consolidated. The first of the four drivers to cross the finish line in the 43rd Annual Dirt Track World Championship will be crowned the 2023 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Champion. 
2023 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Point Fund:1. $200,0002. $150,0003. $125,0004. $100,0005. $75,0006. $60,0007. $50,0008. $45,0009. $40,00010. $35,00011. $30,00012. $25,000Chase Bonuses: $66,000Point Fund: $935,000Total: $1,001,000
“The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series has seen tremendous growth throughout its history,’ said Rick Schwallie, Series Director. “We look forward to crowning our 18th National Champion, Tim McCreadie, on Friday night. As we look ahead to our 19th season, we’re ready for an action-packed season that will culminate in our first ever visit to the historic Eldora Speedway. Only twice in our Series history has the championship been contested at the season finale. The Dirt Track World Championship is an event that is worthy of crowning a Champion. Not only will the crown jewel pay $100,000 to win, but now, the race inside the race is worthy of the persona that is the Dirt Track World Championship. For us to be proud of this program, there were two key factors. First, the event needed to be contested at the speedway that dirt late model racing calls home, Eldora. Second, the four finalists contending for a national title needed to be well compensated for their efforts all season. The unwavering dedication of Lucas Oil, our exclusive broadcast partner FloRacing, and our great marketing partners allow us to strive as the elite dirt late model tour.”
“We are passionately committed to our involvement in motorsports and the continued growth of the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series. We are incredibly excited about the new million-dollar point fund and elimination-style championship format for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series – it elevates the drama, the action, the stories, and the passion that fans like us have for these drivers and teams,” said Morgan Lucas, president of Lucas Oil. “Motorsports, and the Late Models series specifically, is in our DNA. Ratcheting up the fan experience and excitement for the sport while celebrating and supporting these tremendous athletes is a win-win. I can’t wait to see how this season shakes out.”
The Big River Steel Chase for the Championship presented by ARP kicks off at Golden Isles Speedway with the Super Bowl of Racing on January 25-28. From there, the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series is back at Bubba Raceway Park for two nights on January 29-30 before heading to All-Tech Raceway, February 2-4. The 47th Annual Wieland Winternationals will close out Speedweeks, February 5-11, at East Bay Raceway Park.
For a complete Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series schedule, please visit www.lucasdirt.com

SPORTSMAN DRIVER JERRY TUCKER TO JOIN ELITE PRO STOCK STABLE

Tucker Prepares To Join The Largest Professional Team In NHRA For 2023 Season
WYNNEWOOD, Okla. (December 8, 2022) – Having built a reputation for racing anything with wheels, Jerry Tucker is throwing his hat into the Pro Stock ring this year as he joins the largest professional drag racing team in the NHRA, Elite Motorsports. Tucker will pilot the eighth Pro Stock machine to join the Elite Motorsports fleet as they continue to strive for excellence in the competitive and complex category.
For more than 30 years, Tucker, a lifelong resident of Lindsay, Okla., has raced everything from Sprint cars to midgets and has been a constant in the world of competitive drag racing. This will be his first foray into Pro Stock, a venture he’s ready to take on with his childhood friend, Richard Freeman, the owner of Elite Motorsports.
“Pro Stock is my favorite category, hands down,” said Tucker. “I’ve always wanted to drive one and Elite Motorsports is the best team in the class, so I’m pumped to be joining them. The shift setup – taking off with a clutch on a pro tree – will be challenging but I’m up for it and excited to get started.”
Tucker will work on earning his Pro Stock license in January so he’s ready to start the 2023 NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series season with the rest of his fellow Pro Stock competitors in March when the series kicks off in Gainesville, Fla. 
“The really cool thing with Jerry is that we grew up together,” said Freeman. “We’ve been family friends our whole lives and he’s drag raced in several different classes. It’s going to be cool to see him have this opportunity to work with our team and learn from them. We are glad to have him.”
As Elite Motorsports grows its substantial imprint on the fiercely competitive Pro Stock category, Tucker will join some of the best drivers in the sport today – five-time world champion Erica Enders, Aaron Stanfield, Troy Coughlin Jr., and 2017 Pro Stock world champion Bo Butner, as well as The Cuadra Boys – Fernando Cuadra Sr. and his sons, Fernando Cuadra Jr. and Cristian Cuadra. 
The 2023 season of the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series kicks off in Gainesville at the Amalie Motor Oil NHRA Gatornationals, March 9-12, 2023.

2023 SCHEDULE: Midgets Slated for 34 Races, $80,000 Points Fund in Second National Season

CONCORD, NC (Dec. 8, 2022) – After a successful inaugural season, the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota is scheduled for an even bigger campaign in 2023 with 34 races from March-October and a big pay increase for championship chasers.A total of $80,000 is up for grabs in the new championship points fund – an increase of over $42,000 from the 2022 points fund – with $25,000 going to the 2023 Series champion. Additionally, a new tow money program will be implemented.The 34-race grind stretches from March-October, visiting 21 different tracks in 10 different states along the way. It all starts with the Series’ indoor debut at the Southern Illinois Center in Du Quoin, IL, on Friday-Saturday, March 10-11, before returning to Oklahoma to cap the season with a three-day weekend at Port City Raceway (Oct. 13) and I-44 Riverside Speedway (Oct. 14-15), where a Series champion will be crowned.VIEW FULL MIDGET SCHEDULEWhile the Xtreme Outlaws’ first campaign on the national level was a success in 2022, newly appointed Series Director Tyler Bachman has put his vision together for the Series’ sophomore season, crafting a schedule that’ll give drivers in more regions the chance to showcase their skills on a national stage in 2023.“Dirt Midget racing is a growing entity in American motorsports, and the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota is proud to drive further into the growth of the division with both a diverse and lucrative schedule for 2023,” Bachman said. “From the kickoff at our first indoor event, to each of the new tracks we’re set to visit next year, it’s a lineup we know both our teams and fans will enjoy.”If you can’t be at the track to see the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota in 2023, you can stream every lap live at DIRTVision.com or on the DIRTVision App with a FAST PASS subscription.EVENT HIGHLIGHTSFederated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 (Pevely, MO) – The Xtreme Outlaw Midgets were first paired with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series at I-55 in August, and will do so again in 2023 not once, but twice. The two Series will first converge on the 1/3-mile oval for a two-day event, Friday-Saturday, April 14-15, also serving as a tune-up before meeting again during the marquee Ironman 55 weekend, Friday-Saturday, Aug. 4-5.In both events, Friday night’s Feature will pay $4,000 to win, while Saturday night’s Feature will pay $5,000 to win.Midget Speedweek (Tue-Sat, Aug. 8-12) – Five races. Five tracks. Five days. For the first time in Series history, a speedweek-style group of races will follow the Ironman 55 weekend in a five-day chase through Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Clyde Martin Memorial Speedway will lead-off on Tuesday, Aug. 8, followed by visits to Action Track USA (Aug. 9), Linda’s Speedway (Aug. 10), and Bridgeport Motorsports Park on Aug. 12. A track to fill the Friday, Aug. 11 slot will be announced at a later time, as will a separate championship purse for the entire week.Late Model + Midget Duos – The Midgets will also tag-team with the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series on two occasions in 2023, starting with the 15th annual Illini 100 at Farmer City Raceway in Farmer City, IL, March 30-April 1. A practice day will commence the weekend on Thursday night, followed by two $4,000-to-win shows on Friday and Saturday.The two Series will meet again on the 1/4-mile oval of Davenport Speedway, Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 24-26, as part of the marquee Quad Cities 150 event in Davenport, IA. A pair of $4,000 checks awaits the Midget Feature winners on both nights as the field aims to top the exciting action seen there in 2022.POWRi Co-Sanctioned Events – The Xtreme Outlaws developed a great working relationship with the POWRi National Midget League in its inaugural season and will expand on that partnership in 2023. A total of 13 events will be co-sanctioned by both organizations, including marquee weekends like the Illini 100 at Farmer City, Ironman 55 at I-55, Quad Cities 150 at Davenport, and the championship weekend in Oklahoma.2023 SCHEDULE – * Denotes POWRi co-sanction
Friday, March 10 | Southern Illinois Center | Du Quoin, IL | $4,000-to-win
Saturday, March 11 | Southern Illinois Center | Du Quoin, IL | $5,000-to-win
Thursday, March 30 | Farmer City Raceway | Farmer City, IL | Practice
Friday, March 31 | Farmer City Raceway | Farmer City, IL | $4,000-to-win*
Saturday, April 1 | Farmer City Raceway | Farmer City, IL | $4,000-to-win*
Friday, April 14 | Federated AP Raceway at I-55 | Pevely, MO | $4,000-to-win*
Saturday, April 15 | Federated AP Raceway at I-55 | Pevely, MO | $5,000-to-win*
Friday, May 5 | Humboldt Speedway | Humboldt, KS | $4,000-to-win
Saturday, May 6 | 81 Speedway | Park City, KS | $4,000-to-win
Tuesday, May 23 | Millbridge Speedway | Salisbury, NC | $4,000-to-win
Wednesday, May 24 | Millbridge Speedway | Salisbury, NC | $5,000-to-win
Thursday, June 1 | Tri-City Speedway | Pontoon Beach, IL | $4,000-to-win
Friday, June 2 | Wayne County Speedway | Wayne City, IL | $4,000-to-win
Saturday, June 3 | Wayne County Speedway | Wayne City, IL | $4,000-to-win
Friday, July 21 | TBA | $4,000-to-win*
Saturday, July 22 | Southern Illinois Raceway | Marion, IL | $4,000-to-win*
Friday, July 28 | TBA | $4,000-to-win
Saturday, July 29 | Atomic Speedway | Chillicothe, OH | $4,000-to-win
Sunday, July 30 | Brushcreek Mtrsprts Complex | Peebles, OH | $4,000-to-win
Friday, August 4 | Federated AP Raceway at I-55 | Pevely, MO | $4,000-to-win*
Sat, August 5 | Federated AP Raceway at I-55 | Pevely, MO | $5,000-to-win*
Tuesday, August 8 | Clyde Martin Memorial Speedway | Newmanstown, PA | $4,000-to-win
Wednesday, August 9 | Action Track USA | Kutztown, PA | $4,000-to-win
Thursday, August 10 | Linda’s Speedway | Jonestown, PA | $4,000-to-win
Friday, August 11 | TBA | $4,000-to-win
Saturday, August 12 | Bridgeport Mtrsprts Park | Swedesboro, NJ | $4,000-to-win
Thursday, August 24 | Davenport Speedway | Davenport, IA | Practice
Friday, August 25 | Davenport Speedway | Davenport, IA | $4,000-to-win*
Saturday, August 26 | Davenport Speedway | Davenport, IA | $4,000-to-win*
Friday, September 1 | Paragon Speedway | Paragon, IN | $4,000-to-win
Saturday, September 2 | Paragon Speedway | Paragon, IN | $5,000-to-win
Friday, September 15 | Jacksonville Speedway | Jacksonville, IL | $4,000-to-win
Saturday, September 16 | Red Hill Raceway | Sumner, IL | $4,000-to-win
Friday, October 13 | Port City Raceway | Tulsa, OK | $5,000-to-win*
Saturday, October 14 | I-44 Riverside Speedway | Oklahoma City, OK | $4,000-to-win*
Sunday, October 15 | I-44 Riverside Speedway | Oklahoma City, OK | $5,000-to-win*

2023 SCHEDULE: Summer Nationals Returns to Five-Week Format with Marquee Events, New Race Places

Progressive points fund, weekly bonuses and tow money for championship chasers included for 38th season

CONCORD, NC – Dec. 8, 2022 – For its 38th consecutive campaign, the DIRTcar Summer Nationals returns to its familiar five-week format, spread out over a one-month period in June-July 2023.

The Late Models will contest 29 races over 33 days, while the DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals are slated for 25 races over the same timeframe – concluding the season with the final two races in the 33rd annual Prairie Dirt Classic at Fairbury Speedway, July 28-29.

It’s a schedule arrangement not seen since 2019 – one Series Director Sam Driggers has tailored himself with both drivers and fans’ interest in mind as DIRTcar Racing prepares to celebrate its 40th year in operation.

“The DIRTcar Summer Nationals has grown into one of the most iconic spectacles in motorsports over the past four decades, and what better way to ring in 40 years of the best weekly dirt track racing in the country than with five-straight weeks of non-stop Late Model and Modified action,” Driggers said. “It’s a layout that recalls the traditional Hell Tour format our fans are used to seeing, and one that our teams will be pleased to race again.”

VIEW FULL SCHEDULE

MARQUEE EVENTS

• Kickoff at Peoria – For the second time in tour history, both tours kick off the 2023 season at the quarter-mile bullring of Peoria Speedway on Wednesday, June 14. Standing as one of DIRTcar’s longest-running weekly venues, the Late Models will tackle Peoria’s high-banked corners for the 23rd time after its debut on the Hell Tour in 2000.

• Herald & Review 100 – Standing as one of the most prestigious events in Midwest motorsports history, Macon Speedway hosts the Late Models and Summit Modifieds in the 43rd running of the Herald & Review 100 on Thursday, July 6. Twenty-two Dirt Late Models will rip around the high-banked, 1/5-mile oval 100 times, battling for one of the most historic titles in Dirt Late Model racing.

• Birthday Race – Both tours will light the candles at Oakshade Raceway on Saturday, July 15, celebrating the silver anniversary of the prestigious Birthday Race. The event, having been run nearly every year since the first in 1999, is another of the most prestigious events on the Summer Nationals schedule. Ohio driver Devin Moran scored his first win in the event last year after his father Donnie did it in the inaugural running, becoming just the second father-son duo in event history to win.

• Modified Prairie Dirt Classic – The Summit Modifieds will take to the Fairbury Speedway on Friday-Saturday, July 28-29, for their annual marquee event in the 33rd running of the Prairie Dirt Classic. Racing adjacent to the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models, a $5,000 check awaits the winner of this special, invite-only event, one which former track champion Mike McKinney captured for the first time in his career this past July.

NEW RACE PLACES

• Randolph County Raceway (Moberly, MO) – With its high banks, long straightaways and sweeping corners, this fast, half-mile oval hosted both tours in 2020. Racing veteran Reid Millard has since taken over ownership of the venue and will host both the Late Models and Summit Modifieds in their second-ever trip on Tuesday, June 20.

• Benton Speedway (Benton, MO) – The 1/4-mile oval took on new management in 2022 and will host the Late Models for the fourth time in tour history on Thursday, June 29. The Modifieds will make their debut while the Late Models make their first appearance since 1997.

• Lake Cumberland Speedway (Burnside, KY) – The second and final date in Kentucky comes on Sunday, July 2, when the tours debut at Lake Cumberland. The 3/8-mile, red clay oval is poised to be a great cap to the third week of racing on tour.

• Hartford Motor Speedway (Hartford, MI) – For the fifth time in tour history, the Late Models will take on this 3/8-mile oval on Friday, July 14, in a $10,000-to-win event, alongside the Modifieds. Billy Moyer Jr. and Nick Hoffman took home the checkered flags there in 2017 – the last time both tours appeared at Hartford on the same date.

• Wayne County Speedway (Orrville, OH) – In the final Late Model event on the schedule, Wayne County will make its schedule debut on Sunday, July 16. The race helps to set the stage for the Summit Modified championship before the tour heads back to Illinois to cap-off the season.

PURSES, PAYOUTS, BONUSES

The progressive points fund scale, seen in the past two seasons, again outlines the payout for Late Model championship chasers at season’s end. Starting with a $25,000-to-win minimum, every race completed after 25th race will tack an additional $2,000 onto the champion’s check, creating a possible $33,000 payout to accompany the 2023 tour crown. A $5,000 champion’s check is on the line for the Summit Modified champion, taking each driver’s best 12 finishes into account for the points standings.

Friday and Saturday Late Model events will feature the traditional $10,000-to-win purses with $5,000-to-win races during the week, while the Summit Modifieds will battle for a $1,500 check most nights. One exception to this pattern comes on Wednesday, July 12, when both tours return to the 1/4-mile oval of Shadyhill Speedway in Indiana to take part in a $10,000-to-win Late Model and $3,000-to-win Modified midweek special.

Cash bonuses for the top-10 in Late Model points will also be distributed at the end of each week, as well as a tow money bonus for drivers with perfect attendance through every 500 miles traveled from track-to-track.

Don’t miss a moment of the action this summer – buy a ticket at the gate of a track near you or watch every lap of every race live with a FAST PASS subscription to DIRTVision.

COMBINED 2023 TOUR SCHEDULES

Date           Day                    Track                                  City, State                   To-Win (LM/Mod)

June 14      Wednesday        Peoria Speedway                Peoria, IL                     $5,000/$1,500

June 15      Thursday            Kankakee Co. Speedway      Kankakee, IL                $5,000/$1,500

June 16      Friday                Tri-City Speedway               Pontoon Beach, IL        $10,000/$1,500

June 17      Saturday            Fairbury Speedway              Fairbury, IL                  $10,000/$2,000

June 18      Sunday               Sycamore Speedway           Maple Park, IL              $5,000 (LM only)

June 19      Monday             OFF

June 20      Tuesday             Randolph County Raceway  Moberly, MO               $5,000 (LM only)

June 21      Wednesday        Davenport Speedway          Davenport, IA              $5,000 (LM only)

June 22      Thursday            Spoon River Speedway        Canton, IL                    $5,000/$1,500

June 23      Friday                Fayette Co. Speedway         Brownstown, IL            $10,000/$1,500

June 24      Saturday            I-55 Raceway                      Pevely, MO                  $10,000/$1,500

June 25      Sunday               Lincoln Speedway               Lincoln, IL                    $5,000/$1,500

June 26      Monday             OFF

June 27      Tuesday             Adams Co. (IL) Speedway     Quincy, IL                    $5,000/$1,500

June 28      Wednesday        TBA

June 29      Thursday            Benton Speedway               Benton, MO                $5,000/$1,500

June 30      Friday                Paducah Int’l Raceway         Paducah, KY                $10,000/$1,500

July 1         Saturday            Clarksville Speedway           Clarksville, TN              $10,000/$1,500

July 2         Sunday               Lake Cumberland Spdwy     Burnside, KY                $5,000/$1,500  

July 3         Monday             OFF

July 4         Tuesday             TBA

July 5         Wednesday        Red Hill Raceway                 Sumner, IL                   $5,000/$1,500

July 6         Thursday            Macon Speedway                Macon, IL                    $5,000/$1,500

July 7         Friday                Farmer City Raceway           Farmer City, IL             $10,000/$1,500

July 8         Saturday            Highland Speedway             Highland, IL                 $10,000/$1,500

July 9         Sunday               Tri-State Speedway             Haubstadt, IN              $5,000/$1,500

July 10        Monday             OFF

July 11        Tuesday             TBA

July 12        Wednesday        Shadyhill Speedway            Medaryville, IN            $10,000/$3,000

July 13        Thursday            Butler Motor Speedway      Quincy, MI                  $5,000/$1,500  

July 14        Friday                Hartford Motor Speedway   Hartford, MI                $10,000/$1,500

July 15        Saturday            Oakshade Raceway             Wauseon, OH              $10,000/$1,500

July 16        Sunday               Wayne Co. Speedway          Orrville, OH                 $5,000/$1,500

July 28        Friday                Fairbury Speedway              Fairbury, IL                  $500 (Mods only)

July 29        Saturday            Fairbury Speedway              Fairbury, IL                  $5,000 (Mods only)

Richard Childress Racing and Kyle Busch Usher in New Era with both Change and Familiarity 

Legendary NASCAR Race Team Introduces revamped stylized No. 8 and Announces Key Partners Heading into 2023 Season: MERCH AVAILABLE NOW! 
 WELCOME, N.C. (December 8, 2022) – French writer Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr famously wrote “plus ca change, plus c’est la même chose”. Roughly translated to “The more things change, the more they stay the same”, the Frenchman’s words in 1849 have a lot of merit for Richard Childress Racing and Kyle Busch heading into their inaugural season together in 2023. RCR introduced today the stylized No. 8 that will adorn the two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion’s Chevrolets in 2023. The revamped stylized No. 8 was personally designed by Busch and his team with input from Richard Childress and RCR. Fans can prepare for the 2023 season by gearing up with newly-released merchandise, which is available now at https://store.rcrracing.com/ and kylebusch.com. The revised number honors the past while embracing the future and the new era that Busch’s presence brings to the 54-year-old organization, essentially merging one of the NASCAR industry’s most storied teams with one of the sports’ most successful modern era drivers. Although the driver and number will look much different beginning in 2023, much of RCR’s No. 8 program will look very much the same in true “the more things change, the more they stay the same” form. Key members of the team, including crew chief Randall Burnett and spotter Derek Kneeland, return to their roles with the organization. What’s more, the team’s sponsor lineup will be very similar to what RCR fans have recognized on track in years’ past. Familiar brands such as Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, 3CHI, Alsco, Lenovo and BetMGM will return to the No. 8 team in 2023, comprising a multi-sponsor lineup of corporate partners who will continue to build on the business successes they have captured in prior seasons with RCR. “Our business relationships are paramount to our organization and we’re proud to confirm that our primary partners on the No. 8 team will be returning to RCR in 2023,” said Torrey Galida, president of RCR. “Their commitment to our organization is a testament to our team’s collaborative approach and the value it has delivered to so many great brands.” Both Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and Alsco Uniforms are teasing their 2023 program by unveiling their paint schemes today. Additional paint schemes will be released in the coming weeks. For more information and all that is going on at RCR, visit rcrracing.com.

Cadillac Racing preps for new prototype era

Cadillac V-LMDh logs miles at racetrack hosting IMSA’s first race of GTP class
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (Dec. 8, 2022) — The 2023 IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season-opening event is in January, but perceptively deceiving because it’s only six weeks away.
The swiftly approaching Roar Before the Rolex 24 on Jan. 20-22 – prologue to the 61st Rolex 24 At Daytona — will mark the competition debut of the three Cadillac V-LMDh entries in the new Grand Touring Prototype (GTP) class of the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
During a Dec. 6-7 IMSA-sanctioned test at Daytona International Speedway, excitement for the dawn of a new era of prototype racing intermixed with a business-as-usual approach as Cadillac Racing, technical partners and team personnel continued to work through on-track development objectives and periodically addressed acute issues inherent in the technical complexities of the new hybrid race car.
All three Cadillac V-LMDh race cars turned laps at the same test for the first time during six day/night sessions totaling 18 hours on the 3.56-mile, 12-turn road course.
“We’ll be racing a 24-hour race in a few short weeks, and I’d say we’ll never feel 100 percent ready but we’re ready to tackle the race and we race to win,” GM sports car racing program manager Laura Wontrop Klauser said. “Development of the Cadillac V-LMDh has been an intense process, but an extremely rewarding one.”
The Cadillac V-LMDh has logged more than 20,000 kilometers (more than 12,500 miles) since on-track development began in early July at U.S. racetracks on the 2023 IMSA schedule.

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen to Sponsor Kyle Busch and Richard Childress Racing’s No. 8 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series

Multi-Race, Multi-Year Agreement with Richard Childress Racing Includes Strategic Content and Marketing Elements Designed to Increase Brand Awareness and Preference
 WELCOME, N.C. (December 8, 2022) – Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen, the casual dining restaurant known for homemade American classics at affordable prices, will sponsor Kyle Busch and the No. 8 team beginning in 2023, Richard Childress Racing announced today. As part of the multi-race, multi-year agreement, RCR will provide strategic content, marketing and communications plans around their primary partnership on Kyle Busch’s No. 8 Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen Chevrolet Camaro ZL1.  “We’ve loved partnering with RCR and the No. 8 race team since our debut into the sport three years ago, and we’re just getting started,” said John Felton, Senior Director of Marketing for Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen. “We’re excited to welcome Kyle Busch and Rowdy Nation to the Cheddar’s family, and we look forward to celebrating many wins to come.” With more than 180 restaurants across 28 states, Cheddar’s serves American classics and homestyle comfort food in a feel-at-home atmosphere. Guests get a lot, for not a lot with homemade entrees like hand-breaded Chicken Tenders, homemade Chicken Pot Pie and slow-smoked Baby Back Ribs so big, they almost fall off the plate. To kick off a memorable meal, every guest is welcomed with a warm Honey Butter Croissant on the house.  “Both Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and Richard Childress Racing share a natural theme of scratch-made items, whether it be a casual, homestyle meal or components for high-performance race cars,” said Torrey Galida, president of Richard Childress Racing. “Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen has been particularly successful at leveraging their race team partnership to increase brand affinity and purchase consideration, and our entire team is looking forward to building on the already strong strategic content, marketing and communications programs we have partnered together on.” Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen’s multi-year program with RCR will also include an off-track element with a variety of activations at restaurant locations across the country, including a continuation of their successful show car program. For more information and all that is going on at RCR, visit rcrracing.com.
About Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen:Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen is the homestyle casual dining restaurant where guests always Get a lot. For not a lot™. The restaurant offers a variety of scratch-made meals and generous portions served up in a warm, welcoming atmosphere – all at an unbelievable price. After being welcomed with a signature Honey Butter Croissant on the house, guests can enjoy signature entrées like hand-breaded Chicken Tenders, homemade Chicken Pot Pie and Fall-off-the-Plate Baby Back Ribs. Cheddar’s operates more than 170 restaurants in 28 states and employs more than 15,000 friendly and passionate team members. For more information or to locate the nearest restaurant, visit Cheddars.com. Fans can like or follow Cheddar’s on FacebookTwitter and Instagram.
About Richard Childress Racing:Richard Childress Racing (www.rcrracing.com) is a renowned, performance-driven racing, marketing and manufacturing organization. Incorporated in 1969, RCR has celebrated over 50 years of racing and earned more than 200 victories and 16 championships, including six in the NASCAR Cup Series with the legendary Dale Earnhardt. RCR was the first organization to win championships in the NASCAR Cup Series, NASCAR Xfinity Series and NASCAR Truck Series and is a three-time winner of the Daytona 500 (1998, 2007, 2018). Its 2023 NASCAR Cup Series lineup includes two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch (No. 8 Chevrolet) and 2017 Coca-Cola 600 winner and 2018 Daytona 500 champion Austin Dillon (No. 3 Chevrolet). RCR fields a full-time NASCAR Xfinity Series program with Sheldon Creed (No. 2 Chevrolet) and Austin Hill (No. 21 Chevrolet).

World of Outlaws Late Models raise stakes with increased championship points fund, monthly payouts


The World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model champion could walk away with $175,000 between the 2023 championship payout and monthly Winner Circle program

CONCORD, NC (Dec. 7, 2022) – The World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series is raising the stakes for full-time drivers with an increased points fund and introduction of a new Winner Circle monthly program.

In 2023, the Series will see a more than $780,000 overall championship purse – over a quarter of a million-dollar increase from the 2022 points fund – and more than $1 million available between the overall points fund and monthly Winner Circle bonus.

The Winner Circle program pays $2,500 a month to each of the top-12 full-time drivers (from February to November) – meaning if a contracted driver runs the entire season and maintains a top-12 points position, they will earn an extra $25,000 by the end of the season.

So, now the 2023 champion will earn $175,000 – $150,000 from the points fund (a $25,000 increase from 2022) and an additional $25,000 from the Winner Circle monthly program. And looking through the field, this new program means the driver that finishes seventh in points could earn $75,000 (between the championship purse and Winner Circle program) and the driver that finishes 12th in points could still walk away with $60,000 (between the championship purse and Winners Circle program).

“Along with presenting race fans the best shows with the best drivers, it’s our continued commitment to present the best points fund and payouts to the drivers who commit and support the World of Outlaws throughout the year,” said World of Outlaws CEO Brian Carter. “I’m excited to present an increased championship purse and the new Winner Circle program, offering our drivers the biggest payouts in Series history.”

On top of the points fund increase and Winner Circle program, drivers will contend for an overall purse in excess of $3 million spread through the 53-race schedule in 2023, including six events with a weekend purse worth more than $200,000 – two boasting more than $250,000.

“Between the championship purse, Winner Circle program and increased purses throughout the field, we’ve worked hard to make sure we’re presenting an overall program that benefits the drivers from the first race to the end of the season,” said World of Outlaws CASE Late Model Series Director Steve Francis. “These are the biggest purses in Series history that are sure to make 2023 one of the biggest seasons in the history of the World of Outlaws Late Models.”

The 2023 World of Outlaws CASE Late Model season will commence with the Sunshine Nationals, Jan. 18-21, at Volusia Speedway Park – with a $160,000 overall purse for the event. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

If you can’t make it to the event, you can watch every lap live on DIRTVision – either at DIRTVision.com or by downloading the DIRTVision App.

FULL 2023 CHAMPIONSHIP PURSE
1 – $150,000
2 – $100,000
3 – $85,000
4 – $75,000
5 – $65,000
6 – $55,000
7 – $50,000
8 – $47,000
9 – $43,000
10 – $40,000
11 – $37,000
12 – $35,000