NASCAR CUP SERIES MARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAY TEAM CHEVY DRIVER QUOTES MARCH 28, 2026

William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, met with the media in advance of the NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying session at Martinsville Speedway. The Charlotte, North Carolina, native is a three-time Martinsville winner in NASCAR’s top division, including the series’ most recent appearance at the track in October 2025.

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

Media Availability Quotes:  William, you’ve won three times here at Martinsville, including a clean sweep last October. How are you feeling going in tomorrow?“Yeah, I feel good. I feel like not a lot has changed, so you know for us, it’s just really trying to build on what we did here last fall and what we did at Bowman Gray. The tire is the same, but the horsepower is different, so just try to understand that in practice of how much that’s going to feel different. But yeah, I love coming here. It’s always a battle with these two tracks back-to-back, Darlington and Martinsville, I was thinking on the way up here. Just tough places, so just got to be ready and do a good job.”   How do you evaluate where the team is so far overall? Obviously, for you guys on the 24 team, you have three-straight top 10s and you guys have shown speed, but team still being winless so far this season. Where do you feel like the 24 team and Hendrick Motorsports stand? “Yeah, I think we’re executing well on race days. I feel like our pit stops have been pretty solid, but could be quicker on pit road. I feel like our starting balance on Saturday’s has been off and I think that’s been throwing us for a curveball, particularly at Phoenix and Darlington, with the short-track package. So I feel like that was an adjustment. I feel like Las Vegas went pretty much according to plan and we had a lot of strength there. You saw three of our cars be in the top-five for most of the race and we had a shot to win that race. Still just a touch off of the 11 car (Denny Hamjlin) there. But then, you have the superspeedway’s. The road course was kind of similar to Phoenix in that sense, that we were a little bit off on balance. So I think we need to do a better job on balance on Saturday’s so that we’re not guessing so much for Sunday’s. Some of that could be obviously the new body, but also just tire changes and things of that nature. We need to do a better job of utilizing our tools and getting closer to unload so that we’re not guessing so much. Yeah, that’s kind of how I see it. You know, if we have smoother Saturday’s, we qualify better and we don’t have so many question marks going in Sunday, we’ll probably have a better weekend.”   You have been good both here in the spring and the fall, but there is some kind of a difference between two races, in terms of who is strong and who is good. Why the difference?“Yeah, I mean it’s similar at every racetrack really, but I feel like it’s probably noticeable here with the short-track and just tire wear. But I feel like the balance of the track is different, and because of that, you have some tendencies in your driving style that are unique. I think this place probably changes the least, but it just seems like the amount of time that goes by between this race and the fall race is just so big that there’s probably a lot of time for development and that’s probably why you see different guys be good by the fall. You know, sometimes if you’re good here in the spring, you kind of rest on that and try to bring it back, but you’re not as good. We’ve lived that. I feel like it’s better to live the song and dance of like – hey, you’re pretty good in the spring and then you come back here in the fall and you put it all together.”   Do you have to change your driving style for the two races? Some tracks, you don’t have to, but here, do you have to modify?“There are some little differences. I feel like the fall race, the fall-off is typically a little higher, so there’s a little bit more tire wear. So there’s some little differences, but I feel most of it is in car setup and just kind of what your approach is. So yeah, for some reason the track is just a little bit different here in the spring versus the fall.”   Earlier this week, NASCAR said they’re kind of looking at considering using the 750-horsepower package at intermediate tracks possibly next year. I’m just curious, what do you think the overall effect on the racing would be if they went in that direction?  “I don’t know. I think our intermediate package is pretty good right now. I feel like it puts on a pretty good race. I mean, at Las Vegas, I just think about how we were three-wide for the lead for multiple laps and that’s hard to recreate. So I feel like the intermediate package is good the way it is. I’ll be honest, I thought last week had less grip. I thought it was a good thing in that sense of tire fall off, but it was not easier to pass. If anything, the wake behind other cars was worse. I think there’s still work to do on that, so with that being said, I don’t think the power is a bad thing, but I don’t necessarily think the wake behind the cars last week with the short-track aero was any better.”    I know obviously it’s early in the season, but we’re six going on seven races in. Do you notice people racing any differently because of the change in the championship format? “Yeah, that’s a great question. I think I do. I notice guys are just a little more protective of their finish, which I feel like in the past, you have maybe some more issues in stage three where guys have issues and they don’t finish as well. So I think there’s more emphasis on finishing well, but goes with that is stage points because like you know last year, we had a really good start to the season. We scored a lot of stage points. This year, we’re not scoring as many stage points and we’re not as high up in the points. So I think there’s more of an emphasis on finishing the race strong, but I still think with stage points, you can’t overcome not having a good couple stages, and so the guys scoring a lot of points might still not finish as well, but they’re just scoring throughout the weekend on the stages.” What are your thoughts about racing at Bristol and what stands out about racing at Bristol?“It’s not really been my favorite place. I feel like it just hasn’t been great, result-wise. I think it’s just really fast paced. The way you kind of load up into the banking with the concrete is very unique and just really hurts the tires if you’re a little bit off. So I think just finding a good rhythm there, where you can make speed but not damage your tires. It really depends on the weather on how much tire wear we’re going to have. So if it’s 70 degrees and sunny, it’s no big deal…  you’re going to be able to run the top of the racetrack. If it’s 60 degrees or below and cloudy, it’s probably going to be a high tire wear race.”   How much stock should we put into what we see tomorrow, as far as trying to see who has what on the on a short-track considering that there is the higher horsepower in play?“Yeah, I would say a lot of stock. I mean, if you’re good here tomorrow, you’re probably going to be good at the other short-tracks. Bristol is different, so I don’t think it really is an indicator for there. But the other places — North Wilkesboro and Richmond comes to mind. If you’re good here, you’ll probably be pretty good at those other places. I’d say the majority of our tracks are going to be the mile-and-a-halves, so you need to be good here because it’s an important time of the year, but there’s really not many of these until you know middle of the summer to late fall.”   What do you remember from your first trip here 10 years ago? I think it was your first track you’d ever gone to as a NASCAR fan…“Yeah, it was actually like 22 years ago… I’m getting old (laughs). I’m 28 now, but I think I came here when I was six. But yeah, I just remember playing with the slot cars out in the parking lot. Where they have the parking lot now, it used to be the fan zone. But I just remember playing with the slot cars and just getting in the stands. We were probably about 20 rows up. I just remember the engines firing up and just as soon as that happened, I just had this energy and I was like – man, I love this. I’d already watched a lot of races on TV, so I kind of knew what I was looking for. But for some reason, I just remember the launch off turn two. You could see — I think it was Tony Stewart and Jamie (McMurray) were running well that day and Tony ended up winning the race. But the way they got off turn two was just really important, at least for my seat, so just remember that. I came back for many races. I remember Dale Jr. and Kevin Harvick going at it the one year. I thought Dale had been on kind of a winless streak and so the fans were really pulling for him, and then Kevin passed him with like six laps to go and that was not a super popular win.  But yeah, I remember those two races. And then, I came here with Stefan Parsons, my good buddy, and sat on the pit box with him and Phil and watched their car go around here. And then, I think that was the year that Jeff Gordon won, not his last race, but like the 2013 race, I think it was. The cars had a lot of power back then, so you could see him kind of light up the tires on exit of the corner. So yeah, a lot of cool races here. It’s close to home, so here and Darlington, they’re kind of my favorite tracks.”    Do you have anything planned for the off-weekend? “No, not yet. I’m not a planner, so I need to figure that out. My friends have been bugging me about it and trying to figure something out, but I just need to get through the weekend and see where I’m at.”   You mentioned pit stop performance… is that something you’re reviewing on a regular basis? Are you contributing or are you asking for changes? How does that work… is that just a coach’s thing? “No, I think we have a really we have a really strong team, so I think it’s just looking at some of your stats and looking at just the general performance; how it can get in the pit stall, how it can be more effective on our rolling time. It’s a whole equation; it’s not just the pit stop. I think it’s pit stall selection. We haven’t qualified as well, so we haven’t had the best like top-five or six pit stalls, so we need to do better there to have cleaner ins and outs. But you know, try to just continue to get a couple tenths here and there on the pit stop itself. I think trying to be as quick as we can be, especially when we have track position, we have an opportunity to capitalize and gain a spot inside the top-five because I feel like those spots are a lot harder to come by on-track, as well.”

NASCAR CUP SERIESMARTINSVILLE SPEEDWAYTEAM CHEVY DRIVER QUOTESMARCH 28, 2026

William Byron, driver of the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet, met with the media in advance of the NASCAR Cup Series practice and qualifying session at Martinsville Speedway. The Charlotte, North Carolina, native is a three-time Martinsville winner in NASCAR’s top division, including the series’ most recent appearance at the track in October 2025.

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

Media Availability Quotes:  William, you’ve won three times here at Martinsville, including a clean sweep last October. How are you feeling going in tomorrow?“Yeah, I feel good. I feel like not a lot has changed, so you know for us, it’s just really trying to build on what we did here last fall and what we did at Bowman Gray. The tire is the same, but the horsepower is different, so just try to understand that in practice of how much that’s going to feel different. But yeah, I love coming here. It’s always a battle with these two tracks back-to-back, Darlington and Martinsville, I was thinking on the way up here. Just tough places, so just got to be ready and do a good job.”   How do you evaluate where the team is so far overall? Obviously, for you guys on the 24 team, you have three-straight top 10s and you guys have shown speed, but team still being winless so far this season. Where do you feel like the 24 team and Hendrick Motorsports stand? “Yeah, I think we’re executing well on race days. I feel like our pit stops have been pretty solid, but could be quicker on pit road. I feel like our starting balance on Saturday’s has been off and I think that’s been throwing us for a curveball, particularly at Phoenix and Darlington, with the short-track package. So I feel like that was an adjustment. I feel like Las Vegas went pretty much according to plan and we had a lot of strength there. You saw three of our cars be in the top-five for most of the race and we had a shot to win that race. Still just a touch off of the 11 car (Denny Hamjlin) there. But then, you have the superspeedway’s. The road course was kind of similar to Phoenix in that sense, that we were a little bit off on balance. So I think we need to do a better job on balance on Saturday’s so that we’re not guessing so much for Sunday’s. Some of that could be obviously the new body, but also just tire changes and things of that nature. We need to do a better job of utilizing our tools and getting closer to unload so that we’re not guessing so much. Yeah, that’s kind of how I see it. You know, if we have smoother Saturday’s, we qualify better and we don’t have so many question marks going in Sunday, we’ll probably have a better weekend.”   You have been good both here in the spring and the fall, but there is some kind of a difference between two races, in terms of who is strong and who is good. Why the difference?“Yeah, I mean it’s similar at every racetrack really, but I feel like it’s probably noticeable here with the short-track and just tire wear. But I feel like the balance of the track is different, and because of that, you have some tendencies in your driving style that are unique. I think this place probably changes the least, but it just seems like the amount of time that goes by between this race and the fall race is just so big that there’s probably a lot of time for development and that’s probably why you see different guys be good by the fall. You know, sometimes if you’re good here in the spring, you kind of rest on that and try to bring it back, but you’re not as good. We’ve lived that. I feel like it’s better to live the song and dance of like – hey, you’re pretty good in the spring and then you come back here in the fall and you put it all together.”   Do you have to change your driving style for the two races? Some tracks, you don’t have to, but here, do you have to modify?“There are some little differences. I feel like the fall race, the fall-off is typically a little higher, so there’s a little bit more tire wear. So there’s some little differences, but I feel most of it is in car setup and just kind of what your approach is. So yeah, for some reason the track is just a little bit different here in the spring versus the fall.”   Earlier this week, NASCAR said they’re kind of looking at considering using the 750-horsepower package at intermediate tracks possibly next year. I’m just curious, what do you think the overall effect on the racing would be if they went in that direction?  “I don’t know. I think our intermediate package is pretty good right now. I feel like it puts on a pretty good race. I mean, at Las Vegas, I just think about how we were three-wide for the lead for multiple laps and that’s hard to recreate. So I feel like the intermediate package is good the way it is. I’ll be honest, I thought last week had less grip. I thought it was a good thing in that sense of tire fall off, but it was not easier to pass. If anything, the wake behind other cars was worse. I think there’s still work to do on that, so with that being said, I don’t think the power is a bad thing, but I don’t necessarily think the wake behind the cars last week with the short-track aero was any better.”    I know obviously it’s early in the season, but we’re six going on seven races in. Do you notice people racing any differently because of the change in the championship format? “Yeah, that’s a great question. I think I do. I notice guys are just a little more protective of their finish, which I feel like in the past, you have maybe some more issues in stage three where guys have issues and they don’t finish as well. So I think there’s more emphasis on finishing well, but goes with that is stage points because like you know last year, we had a really good start to the season. We scored a lot of stage points. This year, we’re not scoring as many stage points and we’re not as high up in the points. So I think there’s more of an emphasis on finishing the race strong, but I still think with stage points, you can’t overcome not having a good couple stages, and so the guys scoring a lot of points might still not finish as well, but they’re just scoring throughout the weekend on the stages.” What are your thoughts about racing at Bristol and what stands out about racing at Bristol?“It’s not really been my favorite place. I feel like it just hasn’t been great, result-wise. I think it’s just really fast paced. The way you kind of load up into the banking with the concrete is very unique and just really hurts the tires if you’re a little bit off. So I think just finding a good rhythm there, where you can make speed but not damage your tires. It really depends on the weather on how much tire wear we’re going to have. So if it’s 70 degrees and sunny, it’s no big deal…  you’re going to be able to run the top of the racetrack. If it’s 60 degrees or below and cloudy, it’s probably going to be a high tire wear race.”   How much stock should we put into what we see tomorrow, as far as trying to see who has what on the on a short-track considering that there is the higher horsepower in play?“Yeah, I would say a lot of stock. I mean, if you’re good here tomorrow, you’re probably going to be good at the other short-tracks. Bristol is different, so I don’t think it really is an indicator for there. But the other places — North Wilkesboro and Richmond comes to mind. If you’re good here, you’ll probably be pretty good at those other places. I’d say the majority of our tracks are going to be the mile-and-a-halves, so you need to be good here because it’s an important time of the year, but there’s really not many of these until you know middle of the summer to late fall.”   What do you remember from your first trip here 10 years ago? I think it was your first track you’d ever gone to as a NASCAR fan…“Yeah, it was actually like 22 years ago… I’m getting old (laughs). I’m 28 now, but I think I came here when I was six. But yeah, I just remember playing with the slot cars out in the parking lot. Where they have the parking lot now, it used to be the fan zone. But I just remember playing with the slot cars and just getting in the stands. We were probably about 20 rows up. I just remember the engines firing up and just as soon as that happened, I just had this energy and I was like – man, I love this. I’d already watched a lot of races on TV, so I kind of knew what I was looking for. But for some reason, I just remember the launch off turn two. You could see — I think it was Tony Stewart and Jamie (McMurray) were running well that day and Tony ended up winning the race. But the way they got off turn two was just really important, at least for my seat, so just remember that. I came back for many races. I remember Dale Jr. and Kevin Harvick going at it the one year. I thought Dale had been on kind of a winless streak and so the fans were really pulling for him, and then Kevin passed him with like six laps to go and that was not a super popular win.  But yeah, I remember those two races. And then, I came here with Stefan Parsons, my good buddy, and sat on the pit box with him and Phil and watched their car go around here. And then, I think that was the year that Jeff Gordon won, not his last race, but like the 2013 race, I think it was. The cars had a lot of power back then, so you could see him kind of light up the tires on exit of the corner. So yeah, a lot of cool races here. It’s close to home, so here and Darlington, they’re kind of my favorite tracks.”    Do you have anything planned for the off-weekend? “No, not yet. I’m not a planner, so I need to figure that out. My friends have been bugging me about it and trying to figure something out, but I just need to get through the weekend and see where I’m at.”   You mentioned pit stop performance… is that something you’re reviewing on a regular basis? Are you contributing or are you asking for changes? How does that work… is that just a coach’s thing? “No, I think we have a really we have a really strong team, so I think it’s just looking at some of your stats and looking at just the general performance; how it can get in the pit stall, how it can be more effective on our rolling time. It’s a whole equation; it’s not just the pit stop. I think it’s pit stall selection. We haven’t qualified as well, so we haven’t had the best like top-five or six pit stalls, so we need to do better there to have cleaner ins and outs. But you know, try to just continue to get a couple tenths here and there on the pit stop itself. I think trying to be as quick as we can be, especially when we have track position, we have an opportunity to capitalize and gain a spot inside the top-five because I feel like those spots are a lot harder to come by on-track, as well.”

The return to US 36 doesn’t disappoint as a pair of Californians battle it out in traffic to the checkered

OSBORN, MO (March 28, 2026) – Midwestern race fans rejoiced when US 36 Raceway returned to the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car calendar, and Friday night showed why.

The Osborn, MO oval earned a reputation for offering some of the most thrilling Sprint Car racing you can find. A high banked bullring that puts leaders in traffic in just a few laps. It doesn’t get much better than that.

US 36 didn’t let us down as The Greatest Show on Dirt made its way to the “Show-Me State” for Friday’s KC Classic. After a year away, the country’s best Sprint Car drivers made their way back to the Missouri track.

A Macedo brothers front row set the stage for a wild opening segment as Cole and Carson fought it out like siblings. Carson stalked his younger brother early and even made contact with his right-rear tire in a moment that surely had their parents holding their breath. Both maintained control, and Carson slid ahead a couple circuits later to take command.

But the race was far from over as a late caution set up a thrilling duel to the checkered between Carson Macedo and Michael “Buddy” Kofoid. The two stayed close together as Macedo neared traffic, and Kofoid narrowed the gap as lapped cars got thicker. With only two laps remaining, Kofoid pulled next to Macedo, and the two raced wheel-to-wheel for an entire rotation. Macedo managed to muscle the Jason Johnson Racing No. 41 ahead as the white flag waved, and that was the space he needed. He paced the final circuit to score his first win of the year even while being down on power.

“I was in big trouble there,” Macedo admitted. “I looked over with about five to go, and I was down a cylinder. It sounded like a tractor. I was like, ‘Man, I don’t know what we’re going to do.’ I felt really down on power with the way the track was. That was not in my favor at all. I could see Buddy, and I was getting worse and worse. I was just trying to block all I could.”

The first triumph of 2026 was the 59th of Macedo’s career, elevating the Lemoore, CA native above Jason Meyers to take sole possession of 16h all-time. It gave Jason Johnson Racing a home state win as the Missouri-based operation secured its 83rd overall World of Outlaws checkered flag. Macedo also trimmed a little out of David Gravel’s championship lead as the distance between the two now sits at 52 markers.

Kofoid held on for second aboard the Roth Motorsports No. 83 for his second straight runner-up result and moved ahead of Logan Schuchart for fifth in points.

David Gravel rounded out the top three, notching his eighth podium in 10 races this season with the Big Game Motorsports crew.

Sheldon Haudenschild and Emerson Axsom completed the top five.

NIGHTLY NOTES

Buddy Kofoid clocked his second Race//Ready Hottest Lap of the Night in 2026.

David Gravel claimed his fourth Simpson Performance Products Quick Time of the season in Honest Abe Roofing Qualifying.

Heat Races belonged to David Gravel (NOS Energy Drink Heat One), Buddy Kofoid (DIRTVision Heat Two), and Cole Macedo (WIX Filters Heat Three).

The SPA Technique #1 Redraw went to Carson Macedo.

Cole Macedo topped the Toyota Dash.

Bill Balog won the Micro-Lite Last Chance Showdown.

Spencer Bayston took the Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing No. 17 from 25th to 13th to earn the KSE Racing Products Hard Charger.

Emerson Axsom’s fifth-place finish gave him the Five Star Bodies Rookie of the Race.

Cole Macedo put down the ACME Trading Company Fast Lap with an 11.635.

Donny Schatz was the Tub O’ Towels Seventh Place Finisher.

The Smith Titanium Brake Systems Break of the Race went to Scotty Thiel.

UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series finalizes the weekend at Park City KS’ 81 Speedway on Saturday, March 28. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

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

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

FEATURE RESULTS:

NOS Energy Drink Feature (30 Laps): 1. 41-Carson Macedo[2]; 2. 83-Michael Kofoid[3]; 3. 2-David Gravel[5]; 4. 18-Sheldon Haudenschild[4]; 5. 27-Emerson Axsom[6]; 6. 2C-Cole Macedo[1]; 7. 15-Donny Schatz[9]; 8. 51-Scott Bogucki[7]; 9. 1S-Logan Schuchart[10]; 10. 45X-Rees Moran[12]; 11. 1A-Ashton Torgerson[14]; 12. 23-Garet Williamson[8]; 13. 17-Spencer Bayston[25]; 14. 7S-Chris Windom[13]; 15. 17B-Bill Balog[19]; 16. 6-Kasey Jedrzejek[16]; 17. 74-Xavier Doney[15]; 18. 85J-Logan Julien[17]; 19. 12X-Landon Crawley[18]; 20. 10-Ryan Timms[20]; 21. 95-Matt Covington[21]; 22. 31-Koby Werkmeister[24]; 23. (DNF) 28M-Conner Morrell[11]; 24. (DNF) 32-Bryce Lucius[22]; 25. (DNF) 16C-Scotty Thiel[23]

For complete results, CLICK HERE.

SHOW-ME STATE SHOWDOWN: Macedo Survives Kofoid’s Late Charge for First Win of 2026

The return to US 36 doesn’t disappoint as a pair of Californians battle it out in traffic to the checkered

OSBORN, MO (March 28, 2026) – Midwestern race fans rejoiced when US 36 Raceway returned to the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car calendar, and Friday night showed why.

The Osborn, MO oval earned a reputation for offering some of the most thrilling Sprint Car racing you can find. A high banked bullring that puts leaders in traffic in just a few laps. It doesn’t get much better than that.

US 36 didn’t let us down as The Greatest Show on Dirt made its way to the “Show-Me State” for Friday’s KC Classic. After a year away, the country’s best Sprint Car drivers made their way back to the Missouri track.

A Macedo brothers front row set the stage for a wild opening segment as Cole and Carson fought it out like siblings. Carson stalked his younger brother early and even made contact with his right-rear tire in a moment that surely had their parents holding their breath. Both maintained control, and Carson slid ahead a couple circuits later to take command.

But the race was far from over as a late caution set up a thrilling duel to the checkered between Carson Macedo and Michael “Buddy” Kofoid. The two stayed close together as Macedo neared traffic, and Kofoid narrowed the gap as lapped cars got thicker. With only two laps remaining, Kofoid pulled next to Macedo, and the two raced wheel-to-wheel for an entire rotation. Macedo managed to muscle the Jason Johnson Racing No. 41 ahead as the white flag waved, and that was the space he needed. He paced the final circuit to score his first win of the year even while being down on power.

“I was in big trouble there,” Macedo admitted. “I looked over with about five to go, and I was down a cylinder. It sounded like a tractor. I was like, ‘Man, I don’t know what we’re going to do.’ I felt really down on power with the way the track was. That was not in my favor at all. I could see Buddy, and I was getting worse and worse. I was just trying to block all I could.”

The first triumph of 2026 was the 59th of Macedo’s career, elevating the Lemoore, CA native above Jason Meyers to take sole possession of 16h all-time. It gave Jason Johnson Racing a home state win as the Missouri-based operation secured its 83rd overall World of Outlaws checkered flag. Macedo also trimmed a little out of David Gravel’s championship lead as the distance between the two now sits at 52 markers.

Kofoid held on for second aboard the Roth Motorsports No. 83 for his second straight runner-up result and moved ahead of Logan Schuchart for fifth in points.

David Gravel rounded out the top three, notching his eighth podium in 10 races this season with the Big Game Motorsports crew.

Sheldon Haudenschild and Emerson Axsom completed the top five.

NIGHTLY NOTES

Buddy Kofoid clocked his second Race//Ready Hottest Lap of the Night in 2026.

David Gravel claimed his fourth Simpson Performance Products Quick Time of the season in Honest Abe Roofing Qualifying.

Heat Races belonged to David Gravel (NOS Energy Drink Heat One), Buddy Kofoid (DIRTVision Heat Two), and Cole Macedo (WIX Filters Heat Three).

The SPA Technique #1 Redraw went to Carson Macedo.

Cole Macedo topped the Toyota Dash.

Bill Balog won the Micro-Lite Last Chance Showdown.

Spencer Bayston took the Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing No. 17 from 25th to 13th to earn the KSE Racing Products Hard Charger.

Emerson Axsom’s fifth-place finish gave him the Five Star Bodies Rookie of the Race.

Cole Macedo put down the ACME Trading Company Fast Lap with an 11.635.

Donny Schatz was the Tub O’ Towels Seventh Place Finisher.

The Smith Titanium Brake Systems Break of the Race went to Scotty Thiel.

UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series finalizes the weekend at Park City KS’ 81 Speedway on Saturday, March 28. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

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

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

FEATURE RESULTS:

NOS Energy Drink Feature (30 Laps): 1. 41-Carson Macedo[2]; 2. 83-Michael Kofoid[3]; 3. 2-David Gravel[5]; 4. 18-Sheldon Haudenschild[4]; 5. 27-Emerson Axsom[6]; 6. 2C-Cole Macedo[1]; 7. 15-Donny Schatz[9]; 8. 51-Scott Bogucki[7]; 9. 1S-Logan Schuchart[10]; 10. 45X-Rees Moran[12]; 11. 1A-Ashton Torgerson[14]; 12. 23-Garet Williamson[8]; 13. 17-Spencer Bayston[25]; 14. 7S-Chris Windom[13]; 15. 17B-Bill Balog[19]; 16. 6-Kasey Jedrzejek[16]; 17. 74-Xavier Doney[15]; 18. 85J-Logan Julien[17]; 19. 12X-Landon Crawley[18]; 20. 10-Ryan Timms[20]; 21. 95-Matt Covington[21]; 22. 31-Koby Werkmeister[24]; 23. (DNF) 28M-Conner Morrell[11]; 24. (DNF) 32-Bryce Lucius[22]; 25. (DNF) 16C-Scotty Thiel[23]

For complete results, CLICK HERE.

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars/show-me-state-showdown-macedo-survives-kofoids-late-charge-for-first-win-of-2026/

PHENIX CITY, AL (March 27, 2026) – In his first visit to East Alabama Motor Speedway, Nick Hoffman wasted no time making Phenix City, AL feel like home.

With Friday’s Chattahoochee Clash being the track’s first World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision race in 20 years, Hoffman was one of several drivers turning their first laps around the “Playground of Power.” But the Mooresville, NC driver looked like anything but an East Alabama rookie as he wrestled the lead away from Daulton Wilson with three laps remaining to win his fourth World of Outlaws race of 2026.

“For me, I’ve raced at so many new racetracks across the country, I don’t know what to expect as far as perfect,” Hoffman said. “Here, you just kind of go back to your notebook, look at places that are similar and try and circle those. They did a great job, can’t believe I’ve never been here before. It’s only five and a half hours from the house for me, just never been here.”

For most of the 40-lap contest, it looked like Wilson was on his way to the first World of Outlaws win of his career and his first triumph behind the wheel of the Big Frog/Viper Motorsports No. 58V. Hoffman challenged him down low going into Turn 1 lap after lap, but Wilson held strong on the top each time. Between lap traffic, restarts, and anything else East Alabama threw at him, it appeared nothing could keep Wilson out of the lead.

But Hoffman’s presence behind him never wavered, and that meant he was ready to pounce when the opportunity came. Coming to the two-to-go signal, Wilson jumped the cushion in Turns 3 and 4, leaving enough room for Hoffman to slip by on the bottom. Wilson got back in his rhythm in the final two laps, but it was too late, as he could only watch Hoffman drive home to the 15th World of Outlaws win of his career.

“There late in the race, after that last restart, I got him to where he committed to that top,” Hoffman said. “I just kept bombing it in there just to show him my nose in [Turns] 1 and 2 thinking maybe he would peel off that top a little bit in [Turns] 3 and 4 and he never did. I just pressured him enough to have him make a mistake there. I knew he would be pretty good here, this track is pretty similar to Fayetteville [Motor Speedway], which is what he grew up on.”

Wilson knew he had one hand around the trophy in the closing laps until ultimately falling short. However, his second-place finish continued his recent hot streak that now stands at five-straight top 10s, and Wilson remains confident that the his first Series win is on the way.

“I was leading going down the back straightaway and all my warning lights came on,” Wilson said. “I just lifted and went down there and missed the racetrack. We’ve got to figure out what’s going on there, that kind of sucks.”

Friday’s race signaled a big step in the right direction for Tim McCreadie, who finished third for his first podium since the first World of Outlaws night of Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. Behind him, Jonathan Davenport and Chris Madden completed the top five.

UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision heads to Georgia for the Billy Clanton Classic at Senoia Raceway on Saturday, March 28. Tickets will be available at the gate.

Want to watch the World of Outlaws? Stream every race live on DIRTVision.

RACE NOTES:

Sam Seawright set the Dirt King Simulators Fastest Hot Lap.

Jonathan Davenport won the Simpson Quick Time Award.

Jonathan Davenport won Heat 1.

Nick Hoffman won STAKT Products Heat 2.

Daulton Wilson won Keyser Manufacturing Heat 3.

Tim McCreadie won Jarrett Rifles Heat 4.

Dalton Cook won the Last Chance Showdown.

Daulton Wilson won the Bilstein Pole Award.

Bobby Pierce won the FOX Factory Hard Charger Award.

Daulton Wilson won the MD3 Rookie of the Race Award.

Daulton Wilson was the WELD Racing Second-Place Finisher.

Tim McCreadie was the WIX Filters Third-Place Finisher.

Jonathan Davenport was the ARP Fourth-Place Finisher.

Chris Madden was the MSD Fifth-Place Finisher.

Drake Troutman was the Swift Springs Sixth-Place Finisher.

Ashton Winger was the Penske Racing Shocks Seventh-Place Finisher.

Bobby Pierce was VP Racing Fuels Eighth-Place Finisher.

Sam Seawright was the Lifeline Ninth-Place Finisher.

Ethan Dotson was the COMP Cams 10th-Place Finisher.

Ryan Gustin was the Quarter Master 11th-Place Finisher.

Trey Mills was the Cometic Gaskets 12th-Place Finisher.

Tyler Erb was the Quarter Master 13th-Place Finisher.

Luke Morey was the ARP 14th-Place Finisher.

Dustin Sorensen was the Arizona Sport Shirts 18th-Place Finisher.

Feature (40 Laps): 1. 9-Nick Hoffman[3]; 2. 58V-Daulton Wilson[1]; 3. 9M-Tim McCreadie[2]; 4. 49-Jonathan Davenport[4]; 5. 44-Chris Madden[5]; 6. 22*-Drake Troutman[9]; 7. 12-Ashton Winger[6]; 8. 32-Bobby Pierce[13]; 9. 16-Sam Seawright[8]; 10. 74X-Ethan Dotson[12]; 11. 19R-Ryan Gustin[20]; 12. 14-Trey Mills[7]; 13. 1-Tyler Erb[18]; 14. 49M-Luke Morey[19]; 15. 28-Dennis Erb Jr[16]; 16. 20TC-Tristan Chamberlain[15]; 17. 1Z-Logan Zarin[11]; 18. 19-Dustin Sorensen[14]; 19. T1-Todd Morrow[21]; 20. B1-Brent Larson[23]; 21. 7-Tyler Thomason[22]; 22. 55E-Eli Johnson[24]; 23. 44D-Dalton Cook[17]; 24. 22-Chris Ferguson[10]

Hoffman Denies Wilson to Win World of Outlaws Return to East Alabama

PHENIX CITY, AL (March 27, 2026) – In his first visit to East Alabama Motor Speedway, Nick Hoffman wasted no time making Phenix City, AL feel like home.

With Friday’s Chattahoochee Clash being the track’s first World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision race in 20 years, Hoffman was one of several drivers turning their first laps around the “Playground of Power.” But the Mooresville, NC driver looked like anything but an East Alabama rookie as he wrestled the lead away from Daulton Wilson with three laps remaining to win his fourth World of Outlaws race of 2026.

“For me, I’ve raced at so many new racetracks across the country, I don’t know what to expect as far as perfect,” Hoffman said. “Here, you just kind of go back to your notebook, look at places that are similar and try and circle those. They did a great job, can’t believe I’ve never been here before. It’s only five and a half hours from the house for me, just never been here.”

For most of the 40-lap contest, it looked like Wilson was on his way to the first World of Outlaws win of his career and his first triumph behind the wheel of the Big Frog/Viper Motorsports No. 58V. Hoffman challenged him down low going into Turn 1 lap after lap, but Wilson held strong on the top each time. Between lap traffic, restarts, and anything else East Alabama threw at him, it appeared nothing could keep Wilson out of the lead.

But Hoffman’s presence behind him never wavered, and that meant he was ready to pounce when the opportunity came. Coming to the two-to-go signal, Wilson jumped the cushion in Turns 3 and 4, leaving enough room for Hoffman to slip by on the bottom. Wilson got back in his rhythm in the final two laps, but it was too late, as he could only watch Hoffman drive home to the 15th World of Outlaws win of his career.

“There late in the race, after that last restart, I got him to where he committed to that top,” Hoffman said. “I just kept bombing it in there just to show him my nose in [Turns] 1 and 2 thinking maybe he would peel off that top a little bit in [Turns] 3 and 4 and he never did. I just pressured him enough to have him make a mistake there. I knew he would be pretty good here, this track is pretty similar to Fayetteville [Motor Speedway], which is what he grew up on.”

Wilson knew he had one hand around the trophy in the closing laps until ultimately falling short. However, his second-place finish continued his recent hot streak that now stands at five-straight top 10s, and Wilson remains confident that the his first Series win is on the way.

“I was leading going down the back straightaway and all my warning lights came on,” Wilson said. “I just lifted and went down there and missed the racetrack. We’ve got to figure out what’s going on there, that kind of sucks.”

Friday’s race signaled a big step in the right direction for Tim McCreadie, who finished third for his first podium since the first World of Outlaws night of Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. Behind him, Jonathan Davenport and Chris Madden completed the top five.

UP NEXT: The World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision heads to Georgia for the Billy Clanton Classic at Senoia Raceway on Saturday, March 28. Tickets will be available at the gate.

Want to watch the World of Outlaws? Stream every race live on DIRTVision.

RACE NOTES:

Sam Seawright set the Dirt King Simulators Fastest Hot Lap.

Jonathan Davenport won the Simpson Quick Time Award.

Jonathan Davenport won Heat 1.

Nick Hoffman won STAKT Products Heat 2.

Daulton Wilson won Keyser Manufacturing Heat 3.

Tim McCreadie won Jarrett Rifles Heat 4.

Dalton Cook won the Last Chance Showdown.

Daulton Wilson won the Bilstein Pole Award.

Bobby Pierce won the FOX Factory Hard Charger Award.

Daulton Wilson won the MD3 Rookie of the Race Award.

Daulton Wilson was the WELD Racing Second-Place Finisher.

Tim McCreadie was the WIX Filters Third-Place Finisher.

Jonathan Davenport was the ARP Fourth-Place Finisher.

Chris Madden was the MSD Fifth-Place Finisher.

Drake Troutman was the Swift Springs Sixth-Place Finisher.

Ashton Winger was the Penske Racing Shocks Seventh-Place Finisher.

Bobby Pierce was VP Racing Fuels Eighth-Place Finisher.

Sam Seawright was the Lifeline Ninth-Place Finisher.

Ethan Dotson was the COMP Cams 10th-Place Finisher.

Ryan Gustin was the Quarter Master 11th-Place Finisher.

Trey Mills was the Cometic Gaskets 12th-Place Finisher.

Tyler Erb was the Quarter Master 13th-Place Finisher.

Luke Morey was the ARP 14th-Place Finisher.

Dustin Sorensen was the Arizona Sport Shirts 18th-Place Finisher.

Feature (40 Laps): 1. 9-Nick Hoffman[3]; 2. 58V-Daulton Wilson[1]; 3. 9M-Tim McCreadie[2]; 4. 49-Jonathan Davenport[4]; 5. 44-Chris Madden[5]; 6. 22*-Drake Troutman[9]; 7. 12-Ashton Winger[6]; 8. 32-Bobby Pierce[13]; 9. 16-Sam Seawright[8]; 10. 74X-Ethan Dotson[12]; 11. 19R-Ryan Gustin[20]; 12. 14-Trey Mills[7]; 13. 1-Tyler Erb[18]; 14. 49M-Luke Morey[19]; 15. 28-Dennis Erb Jr[16]; 16. 20TC-Tristan Chamberlain[15]; 17. 1Z-Logan Zarin[11]; 18. 19-Dustin Sorensen[14]; 19. T1-Todd Morrow[21]; 20. B1-Brent Larson[23]; 21. 7-Tyler Thomason[22]; 22. 55E-Eli Johnson[24]; 23. 44D-Dalton Cook[17]; 24. 22-Chris Ferguson[10]

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/latemodels/hoffman-denies-wilson-to-win-world-of-outlaws-return-to-east-alabama/

CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIESChildren’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix2.3-mile, 17-turn Barber Motorsports Park natural terrain road courseBirmingham, AlabamaFriday Practice ReportMarch 27, 2026 BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (March 27, 2026) – Scott McLaughlin, this weekend in the No. 3 Odyssey Battery Team Penske Chevrolet, led the third straight opening practice on a road or street course to start the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The Kiwi’s best lap of 67.3840 seconds (122.878 mph) on the Alternate Firestone Firehawk racing tires (Red) was the quickest of six Team Chevy drivers among the eight quickest drivers. Pato O’Ward in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, Christian Lundgaard in the No. 7 VELO Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, David Malukas in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet, Josef Newgarden in the No. 2 PPG Team Penske Chevrolet and Rinus VeeKay in the No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Chevrolet. joined McLaughin.  “Pretty good start for us on the Odyssey Battery Chevy,” said McLaughlin after practice. “We were all strong, which is a good sign for the team. We’ve done a lot of hard work in the off-season to figure out where we can be better. We’ve still got a lot to learn and be better at and stronger. Overall a pretty good start for us. Bring on tomorrow.” McLaughlin, a two-time winner on the 2.3-mile, 17-turn natural terrain road course in 2023 and 2024, was also the quickest at 68.0903 seconds (121.603mph) on the Primary Firstone Firehawk racing tires (Black) during the first 40 minutes of the first practice, with all 25 drivers on track. Malukas, O’Ward, Newgarden and Lundgaard were the Chevrolet-powered drivers on the Blacks.  Lundgaard, with a lap of Barber Motorsports Park at 67.4379 seconds (122.780mph), led the first 12-minute session on the Reds, with Malukas the second quickest. “I’ve always liked this place since the first time I came here in (20)22. Technically in (20)21 this is the place I did my first INDYCAR test. I’ve always liked the place. I felt like that wasn’t in the bag today. On the primaries, we didn’t really have pace. I think the track is very different to what it was last year. With the new alternates, we’re trying to figure it out, and we got it right. Which is nice from here. Hopefully we can get the No. 7 VELO Arrow McLaren Chevrolet in victory lane on Sunday.” Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix Friday Practice Results:NTT INDYCAR SERIES News ConferenceFriday, March 27, 2026Christian LundgaardPress Conference THE MODERATOR: Good afternoon. Wrapping up practice ahead of Sunday’s race, Christian Lundgaard finished second here last year. P1 in Group A today.Something about this track you like, Christian? CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: I mean, I’ve always loved this place. This was my first-ever INDYCAR test back in ’21. I’ve had some good results. Also had some less good ones.I think it’s trending in the right direction looking at the last couple years. It’s nice to obviously start the weekend kind of good off the trucks. I didn’t really think that pace was in the car throughout our entire primary run. Pretty positively surprised, I would say. THE MODERATOR: Looked like Pato was pretty good out there. Maybe the start of a good weekend for Arrow McLaren? CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yeah, we were pretty competitive last year. The 10 car had some race pace on the field. The 3 car has always been strong here in the past. He was dominating in I guess that was ’23 or ’24. Obviously that’s the pace that we’re trying to find. Again, I didn’t really think we had it in the beginning of practice. It looks like the alternates are a little stronger than I anticipated those being.THE MODERATOR: Open it up for questions. Q.  To go a little bit more into the fact you were surprised, why did you not think you had the pace? Was there a sector that you expected to be better in?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: I mean, we were only fast on the alternates. We weren’t fast on the primaries. Obviously Pato was a lot faster than we were. That’s really where the surprise was, the shift from alternates to primaries on the 7 car. Every time I’d come into the box, I’d be like I don’t know where I’m going to find half a second. Put on the alternates and there it was. Q.  Obviously the team is falling upon something that works pretty good. What do you do to nail it down tomorrow in qualifications?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yeah, I mean, I think the one focus on the 7 car for this weekend is just execution. I don’t think we need to try to find a lot of pace. I think we just need to go out there and execute. Qualifying has been a struggle for us this year. We’ve been good on Sundays. I think for us it’s see if we can get into the Firestone Fast Six. We weren’t last year. Nolan was in last year. I think that’s really where we need to gain some ground to be able to fight for the win. Q.  You said you were good on the alternates. Last year it seemed like it was an alternate race. Do you anticipate the same? Shouldn’t you be fine if you’re good on the alternates?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yeah, we still have to do a stint on the primes. That’s where the 10 car has always been strong. I think we’ve seen multiple occasions where the 10 car chooses primes over alternates. I think that was more in reference to today. I didn’t feel good on the primes. Balance was decent. Definitely some stuff to work on. I didn’t really see where I was going to find half a second or 7/10ths that we were missing at the time. I think we nailed balance for the alternates. Obviously we’re in Group 1. Group 2 went a little faster. On outright pace we’re right there on the alternates. I think that’s definitely a positive. I think we need to find a little bit for the race. Q.  It will be cooler for the race. Do you have to be cautious about how you analyze today?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yes and no. I think you always have to take it with a grain of salt. I think that’s what’s tough, but also why I enjoy INDYCAR in general, is the different conditions you have throughout a weekend from practice one to warm-up to the race. Warm-up is never the same as the race. You always have to adapt on the fly.I think that’s just a great challenge for all of us. More often I think we’ve hit it right. There’s definitely also cases where we haven’t hit it. I think it’s because it changes throughout the weekend where you have at least some references. Q.  We’ve heard Pato a couple times this year talk about holding that consistency, not have almost a disastrous race. Even though he hasn’t won or been on the podium, he’s consistently been fourth or fifth. Do you take that similar mindset, someone who doesn’t want to be near the bottom half of the field, to give yourself a chance long-term in the championship race?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yeah, I can promise you right now we’re not aiming at finishing fourth or fifth, right? Those are good points, but we’re trying to win every single race. Q.  Can you explain the impact and the influence that Ryan Hunter-Reay has had?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: I mean, having him around, obviously he comes with a lot of credibility coming into the team. Obviously for him I think it’s more learn how we operate versus bring some stuff to the table. Of course, he has for the ovals. I think we’re all excited for the open test to see how he’s going to get on and what we can learn from him.Yes, I mean, it’s great. He’s a great guy. Q.  Second last year. Did well in practice today. How different is your setup this year?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Pretty much the exact same (smiling). I mean, obviously we’re trying things in session. There’s things that we’re adapting on the fly. I mean, us on the 7, we strongly believe don’t change what’s working. Again, we do know we need to find some time to the 10 car, at least from last year. I do feel like it’s nice to see he wasn’t as competitive as he has been in the past right out the gate. I think this race last year was one of his absolute strongest weekends. I’m not going to sit here and say he’s on the back foot. At least seeing the result of P1, it gives us a little bit of hope, I think. Q.  With three races back to back to back, week off, this race, is it difficult to compartmentalize each race so you’re not doing multiple things at the same time?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Absolutely. But I think that’s life, really. You always get stuff thrown at you. I think we’ve done well in some areas trying to figure those things out.But it’s also difficult to really focus. If you’re really good in the race, what do you really need to focus on throughout a weekend. We’ve struggled in qualifying, so that’s where we’ve been putting our focus on. It’s easy to lose track of some of the other areas, which is nice to have a weekend off, obviously regroup, refresh. Obviously come back to Barber where we’ve been strong in the past. Q.  You spoke that there are some things that you have going right, such as the balance. With the speed that McLaren also showed in practice, how confident are you feeling that by Saturday and qualifying you can get everything sorted out to maximize what you can do this weekend?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: I mean, just judging how we executed the alternate run in practice, I think we’re right about there. Obviously we’re still going to improve. But so is every other car on the grid. Some cars are going to hit it. Some cars are going to miss it. I think that’s just the nature of the game. As a team, I think we have three good foundations on all three cars. We’re going to take the best of ’em and put ’em on for qualifying for all three of us. THE MODERATOR: Christian, thanks for coming up. Good start to the weekend.CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Thank you.Tune-In Guide SaturdayNTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #2 – 11am (ET)/10am (CT)/9am (MT)/8am (PT) –FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying – 2:30pm (ET)/1:30pm (CT)/12:30pm (MT)/11:30am (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218 SundayNTT INDYCAR SERIES Warm Up – 10am (ET)/9am (CT)/8am (MT)/7am (PT) –FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix (90 laps) – 1pm (ET)/noon (CT)/11am (MT)/10am (PT) – FOX/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIESChildren’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix2.3-mile, 17-turn Barber Motorsports Park natural terrain road courseBirmingham, AlabamaFriday Practice ReportMarch 27, 2026 BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (March 27, 2026) – Scott McLaughlin, this weekend in the No. 3 Odyssey Battery Team Penske Chevrolet, led the third straight opening practice on a road or street course to start the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES. The Kiwi’s best lap of 67.3840 seconds (122.878 mph) on the Alternate Firestone Firehawk racing tires (Red) was the quickest of six Team Chevy drivers among the eight quickest drivers. Pato O’Ward in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, Christian Lundgaard in the No. 7 VELO Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, David Malukas in the No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet, Josef Newgarden in the No. 2 PPG Team Penske Chevrolet and Rinus VeeKay in the No. 76 Juncos Hollinger Chevrolet. joined McLaughin.  “Pretty good start for us on the Odyssey Battery Chevy,” said McLaughlin after practice. “We were all strong, which is a good sign for the team. We’ve done a lot of hard work in the off-season to figure out where we can be better. We’ve still got a lot to learn and be better at and stronger. Overall a pretty good start for us. Bring on tomorrow.” McLaughlin, a two-time winner on the 2.3-mile, 17-turn natural terrain road course in 2023 and 2024, was also the quickest at 68.0903 seconds (121.603mph) on the Primary Firstone Firehawk racing tires (Black) during the first 40 minutes of the first practice, with all 25 drivers on track. Malukas, O’Ward, Newgarden and Lundgaard were the Chevrolet-powered drivers on the Blacks.  Lundgaard, with a lap of Barber Motorsports Park at 67.4379 seconds (122.780mph), led the first 12-minute session on the Reds, with Malukas the second quickest. “I’ve always liked this place since the first time I came here in (20)22. Technically in (20)21 this is the place I did my first INDYCAR test. I’ve always liked the place. I felt like that wasn’t in the bag today. On the primaries, we didn’t really have pace. I think the track is very different to what it was last year. With the new alternates, we’re trying to figure it out, and we got it right. Which is nice from here. Hopefully we can get the No. 7 VELO Arrow McLaren Chevrolet in victory lane on Sunday.” Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix Friday Practice Results:NTT INDYCAR SERIES News ConferenceFriday, March 27, 2026Christian LundgaardPress Conference THE MODERATOR: Good afternoon. Wrapping up practice ahead of Sunday’s race, Christian Lundgaard finished second here last year. P1 in Group A today.Something about this track you like, Christian? CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: I mean, I’ve always loved this place. This was my first-ever INDYCAR test back in ’21. I’ve had some good results. Also had some less good ones.I think it’s trending in the right direction looking at the last couple years. It’s nice to obviously start the weekend kind of good off the trucks. I didn’t really think that pace was in the car throughout our entire primary run. Pretty positively surprised, I would say. THE MODERATOR: Looked like Pato was pretty good out there. Maybe the start of a good weekend for Arrow McLaren? CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yeah, we were pretty competitive last year. The 10 car had some race pace on the field. The 3 car has always been strong here in the past. He was dominating in I guess that was ’23 or ’24. Obviously that’s the pace that we’re trying to find. Again, I didn’t really think we had it in the beginning of practice. It looks like the alternates are a little stronger than I anticipated those being.THE MODERATOR: Open it up for questions. Q.  To go a little bit more into the fact you were surprised, why did you not think you had the pace? Was there a sector that you expected to be better in?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: I mean, we were only fast on the alternates. We weren’t fast on the primaries. Obviously Pato was a lot faster than we were. That’s really where the surprise was, the shift from alternates to primaries on the 7 car. Every time I’d come into the box, I’d be like I don’t know where I’m going to find half a second. Put on the alternates and there it was. Q.  Obviously the team is falling upon something that works pretty good. What do you do to nail it down tomorrow in qualifications?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yeah, I mean, I think the one focus on the 7 car for this weekend is just execution. I don’t think we need to try to find a lot of pace. I think we just need to go out there and execute. Qualifying has been a struggle for us this year. We’ve been good on Sundays. I think for us it’s see if we can get into the Firestone Fast Six. We weren’t last year. Nolan was in last year. I think that’s really where we need to gain some ground to be able to fight for the win. Q.  You said you were good on the alternates. Last year it seemed like it was an alternate race. Do you anticipate the same? Shouldn’t you be fine if you’re good on the alternates?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yeah, we still have to do a stint on the primes. That’s where the 10 car has always been strong. I think we’ve seen multiple occasions where the 10 car chooses primes over alternates. I think that was more in reference to today. I didn’t feel good on the primes. Balance was decent. Definitely some stuff to work on. I didn’t really see where I was going to find half a second or 7/10ths that we were missing at the time. I think we nailed balance for the alternates. Obviously we’re in Group 1. Group 2 went a little faster. On outright pace we’re right there on the alternates. I think that’s definitely a positive. I think we need to find a little bit for the race. Q.  It will be cooler for the race. Do you have to be cautious about how you analyze today?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yes and no. I think you always have to take it with a grain of salt. I think that’s what’s tough, but also why I enjoy INDYCAR in general, is the different conditions you have throughout a weekend from practice one to warm-up to the race. Warm-up is never the same as the race. You always have to adapt on the fly.I think that’s just a great challenge for all of us. More often I think we’ve hit it right. There’s definitely also cases where we haven’t hit it. I think it’s because it changes throughout the weekend where you have at least some references. Q.  We’ve heard Pato a couple times this year talk about holding that consistency, not have almost a disastrous race. Even though he hasn’t won or been on the podium, he’s consistently been fourth or fifth. Do you take that similar mindset, someone who doesn’t want to be near the bottom half of the field, to give yourself a chance long-term in the championship race?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Yeah, I can promise you right now we’re not aiming at finishing fourth or fifth, right? Those are good points, but we’re trying to win every single race. Q.  Can you explain the impact and the influence that Ryan Hunter-Reay has had?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: I mean, having him around, obviously he comes with a lot of credibility coming into the team. Obviously for him I think it’s more learn how we operate versus bring some stuff to the table. Of course, he has for the ovals. I think we’re all excited for the open test to see how he’s going to get on and what we can learn from him.Yes, I mean, it’s great. He’s a great guy. Q.  Second last year. Did well in practice today. How different is your setup this year?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Pretty much the exact same (smiling). I mean, obviously we’re trying things in session. There’s things that we’re adapting on the fly. I mean, us on the 7, we strongly believe don’t change what’s working. Again, we do know we need to find some time to the 10 car, at least from last year. I do feel like it’s nice to see he wasn’t as competitive as he has been in the past right out the gate. I think this race last year was one of his absolute strongest weekends. I’m not going to sit here and say he’s on the back foot. At least seeing the result of P1, it gives us a little bit of hope, I think. Q.  With three races back to back to back, week off, this race, is it difficult to compartmentalize each race so you’re not doing multiple things at the same time?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Absolutely. But I think that’s life, really. You always get stuff thrown at you. I think we’ve done well in some areas trying to figure those things out.But it’s also difficult to really focus. If you’re really good in the race, what do you really need to focus on throughout a weekend. We’ve struggled in qualifying, so that’s where we’ve been putting our focus on. It’s easy to lose track of some of the other areas, which is nice to have a weekend off, obviously regroup, refresh. Obviously come back to Barber where we’ve been strong in the past. Q.  You spoke that there are some things that you have going right, such as the balance. With the speed that McLaren also showed in practice, how confident are you feeling that by Saturday and qualifying you can get everything sorted out to maximize what you can do this weekend?CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: I mean, just judging how we executed the alternate run in practice, I think we’re right about there. Obviously we’re still going to improve. But so is every other car on the grid. Some cars are going to hit it. Some cars are going to miss it. I think that’s just the nature of the game. As a team, I think we have three good foundations on all three cars. We’re going to take the best of ’em and put ’em on for qualifying for all three of us. THE MODERATOR: Christian, thanks for coming up. Good start to the weekend.CHRISTIAN LUNDGAARD: Thank you.Tune-In Guide SaturdayNTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #2 – 11am (ET)/10am (CT)/9am (MT)/8am (PT) –FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying – 2:30pm (ET)/1:30pm (CT)/12:30pm (MT)/11:30am (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218 SundayNTT INDYCAR SERIES Warm Up – 10am (ET)/9am (CT)/8am (MT)/7am (PT) –FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix (90 laps) – 1pm (ET)/noon (CT)/11am (MT)/10am (PT) – FOX/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

Chevrolet History at Barber Motorsports ParkChevrolet Wins – 9 2024 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2023 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2022 – Pato O’Ward – Arrow McLaren2018 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2017 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2016 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske2015 – Josef Newgarden – ECR2013 – Ryan Hunter-Reay – Andretti Global2012 – Will Power – Team Penske Chevrolet Poles – 10 2024 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2022 – Rinus VeeKay – ECR2021 – Pato O’Ward – Arrow McLaren2018 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2017 – Will Power – Team Penske2016 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske2015 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske2014 – Will Power – Team Penske2013 – Ryan Hunter-Reay – Andretti Global2012 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske Chevrolet Podiums: 21 Driver Podiums: Josef Newgarden (4), Will Power (4), Scott McLaughlin (3), Scott Dixon (2), Helio Castroneves (2), Simon Pagenaud (2), Ryan Hunter-Reay (1), Christian Lundgaard (1), Pato O’Ward (1), Rinus VeeKay (1) Team Podiums: Team Penske (13), ECR (3), Arrow McLaren (2), Chip Ganassi Racing (2), Andretti Global (1) Chevrolet Laps Led: 699 Driver Laps Led: Josef Newgarden (141), Will Power (114), Simon Pagenaud (87), Helio Castroneves (73), Rinus VeeKay (58), Pato O’Ward (52), Santino Ferrucci (14), Sebastian Saavedra (11), Sebastien Bourdais (6), Scott Dixon (3), James Hinchcliffe (1) Team Laps Led: Team Penske (455), ECR (104), Andretti Global (54), Arrow McLaren (52), KV Racing Technology (13), A.J. Foyt Racing (18), Chip Ganassi Racing (3),  Manufacturer History at Phoenix International Raceway Wins (with competition)  9 – Chevrolet (2024, 2023, 2022, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2012)4 – Honda (2025, 2021, 2019, 2014) Poles (with competition)  10 – Chevrolet (2024, 2022, 2021, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012)3 – Honda (2025, 2023, 2019) Historical Chevrolet in the INDYCAR SERIES information• INDYCAR SERIES Manufacturer Championships (since 1979)• Chevrolet-Powered Wins in the Twin-Turbo 2.2L V6 Era (2012-present)• Chevrolet-Powered Wins – All-Time

CONCORD, NC (March 27, 2026) — This year marks Whit Gastineau’s 26th season in dirt track racing. And it might just be the best he’s ever felt behind the wheel.

At 41 years of age, the Oklahoma native has forged a reputation for being one of the state’s best local/regional pick-and-choose racers, making only occasional long-distance trips and seldom racing for points championships. But only seven races into the 2026 American Sprint Car Series season, he’s sitting sixth in the points standings with four top-10 finishes against some of the best 360 Sprint Car drivers in the nation.

“The past year is probably the best we’ve ever ran; it’s just figuring out the car and being consistent,” Gastineau said. “We’ve always had the right components; it’s just that sometimes the motor wasn’t there or the driver wasn’t there. Sometimes, the car wasn’t there. That setup can make you look really good or really bad.”

However, his recent strong runs only tell part of the story. Six months ago, Gastineau finally broke through to Victory Lane on the national circuit in back-to-back fashion, sweeping a doubleheader weekend at Salt City Speedway in Hutchinson, KS. In 40 laps of Feature competition, the Statewide Service Center, Shark Racing Engines-powered Maxim Chassis No. 2 led 31 of them.

Never before had his veteran talents taken him higher than a third-place finish against the national-touring stars. But for two consecutive nights, he paraded the field around the flat, 1/2-mile Kansas oval and banked two of the biggest wins of his career.

“It was good to finally do it,” Gastineau said. “I’ve raced as long or longer than all of the guys with ASCS. This is my 26th year, so I’ve been racing; I just haven’t had a whole lot of opportunities. I’ve got Jim Ellison, the car owner, of Statewide Service Center. I’ve never really had the opportunity to do it on the big scale.

“We’re good around here, we’re fast, but it’s good to have somebody that’s willing to help out and give us the opportunity to go out there and run at the top about every night.”

He recalls the cool October weekend well, turning the fastest lap in Qualifying before a flag-to-flag win in the main event on Friday. He was forced to pass for the lead halfway through Saturday’s Feature but again drove away from the field in another display of high-speed prowess en route to a weekend sweep worth $10,000.

“We started out pretty dang close, and every time we hit the track, we just got a little bit better,” Gastineau said. “We made small adjustments throughout the night, and that really helped to be close every time.”

After a career-highlight weekend, Gastineau returned home to the town of Moore, OK, and the company of his wife and two children. On Monday, it was back to work for the family business — Gastineau Lawns.

As it is for many others in the 360 Sprint Car world, both work and family take a massive priority before racing. But still, the most dedicated racers will find time to get to the racetrack.

“We have around 140–150 yards a week; I’m keeping the guys going and out helping them,” Gastineau said. “My brother (Beau), he’s the head crew guy, he has a full-time job, and Jimmy (Ellis) has to be at work also.”

As one of the most competitive talents in 360 Sprint Car racing from Oklahoma, Gastineau has garnered a considerable fanbase around his native territory. Though fonder of the bigger, high-speed ovals on the circuit, he knows he’s capable of strong results anywhere with his dedicated team.

“Around here, we’re as good as anybody, and I think everybody knows that,” Gastineau said. “We haven’t ever had the opportunity to do it full-time on the national tour, but I really feel like we could compete. I feel like we should be top five every night. The wins will come. Sometimes you’ll be there and sometimes you won’t, but I feel like we can run top five every night.”

Will fans ever see Gastineau’s black-and-gold colors on the track in pursuit of an American Sprint Car Series national championship? He’s not ruled out the possibility. But for right now, it’s all about the next race, the next track, and the next opportunity to show his sharpened skills again.

“We take it a day at a time and a year at a time and go from there,” Gastineau said. “I feel pretty good right now, and within the last year, between all the classes, this is the best we’ve ever been. We’ve got the family, and we’ll race when we can.”

The American Sprint Car Series returns to action at Salina Highbanks Speedway on Saturday, April 11. Tickets for the event will be sold at the track on race day.

If you can’t be at the track, how can you watch the American Sprint Car Series in 2026? Every race is broadcast live on DIRTVision.

Whit Gastineau Calls Recent Strong ASCS Results ‘The Best We’ve Ever Ran’

CONCORD, NC (March 27, 2026) — This year marks Whit Gastineau’s 26th season in dirt track racing. And it might just be the best he’s ever felt behind the wheel.

At 41 years of age, the Oklahoma native has forged a reputation for being one of the state’s best local/regional pick-and-choose racers, making only occasional long-distance trips and seldom racing for points championships. But only seven races into the 2026 American Sprint Car Series season, he’s sitting sixth in the points standings with four top-10 finishes against some of the best 360 Sprint Car drivers in the nation.

“The past year is probably the best we’ve ever ran; it’s just figuring out the car and being consistent,” Gastineau said. “We’ve always had the right components; it’s just that sometimes the motor wasn’t there or the driver wasn’t there. Sometimes, the car wasn’t there. That setup can make you look really good or really bad.”

However, his recent strong runs only tell part of the story. Six months ago, Gastineau finally broke through to Victory Lane on the national circuit in back-to-back fashion, sweeping a doubleheader weekend at Salt City Speedway in Hutchinson, KS. In 40 laps of Feature competition, the Statewide Service Center, Shark Racing Engines-powered Maxim Chassis No. 2 led 31 of them.

Never before had his veteran talents taken him higher than a third-place finish against the national-touring stars. But for two consecutive nights, he paraded the field around the flat, 1/2-mile Kansas oval and banked two of the biggest wins of his career.

“It was good to finally do it,” Gastineau said. “I’ve raced as long or longer than all of the guys with ASCS. This is my 26th year, so I’ve been racing; I just haven’t had a whole lot of opportunities. I’ve got Jim Ellison, the car owner, of Statewide Service Center. I’ve never really had the opportunity to do it on the big scale.

“We’re good around here, we’re fast, but it’s good to have somebody that’s willing to help out and give us the opportunity to go out there and run at the top about every night.”

He recalls the cool October weekend well, turning the fastest lap in Qualifying before a flag-to-flag win in the main event on Friday. He was forced to pass for the lead halfway through Saturday’s Feature but again drove away from the field in another display of high-speed prowess en route to a weekend sweep worth $10,000.

“We started out pretty dang close, and every time we hit the track, we just got a little bit better,” Gastineau said. “We made small adjustments throughout the night, and that really helped to be close every time.”

After a career-highlight weekend, Gastineau returned home to the town of Moore, OK, and the company of his wife and two children. On Monday, it was back to work for the family business — Gastineau Lawns.

As it is for many others in the 360 Sprint Car world, both work and family take a massive priority before racing. But still, the most dedicated racers will find time to get to the racetrack.

“We have around 140–150 yards a week; I’m keeping the guys going and out helping them,” Gastineau said. “My brother (Beau), he’s the head crew guy, he has a full-time job, and Jimmy (Ellis) has to be at work also.”

As one of the most competitive talents in 360 Sprint Car racing from Oklahoma, Gastineau has garnered a considerable fanbase around his native territory. Though fonder of the bigger, high-speed ovals on the circuit, he knows he’s capable of strong results anywhere with his dedicated team.

“Around here, we’re as good as anybody, and I think everybody knows that,” Gastineau said. “We haven’t ever had the opportunity to do it full-time on the national tour, but I really feel like we could compete. I feel like we should be top five every night. The wins will come. Sometimes you’ll be there and sometimes you won’t, but I feel like we can run top five every night.”

Will fans ever see Gastineau’s black-and-gold colors on the track in pursuit of an American Sprint Car Series national championship? He’s not ruled out the possibility. But for right now, it’s all about the next race, the next track, and the next opportunity to show his sharpened skills again.

“We take it a day at a time and a year at a time and go from there,” Gastineau said. “I feel pretty good right now, and within the last year, between all the classes, this is the best we’ve ever been. We’ve got the family, and we’ll race when we can.”

The American Sprint Car Series returns to action at Salina Highbanks Speedway on Saturday, April 11. Tickets for the event will be sold at the track on race day.

If you can’t be at the track, how can you watch the American Sprint Car Series in 2026? Every race is broadcast live on DIRTVision.

ARTICLE: https://ascsracing.com/news/whit-gastineau-calls-recent-strong-ascs-results-the-best-weve-ever-ran/

OSBORN, MO (March 26, 2026) – There was no threat of rain at all Friday night at Lawton Speedway, but Scott Bogucki still wound up soaked from head to toe.

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series rookie had just wheeled the Three Stooges Racing No. 51 to his first career podium. Bogucki came home second, trailing only two-time and defending champion, David Gravel.

So, why did the McLaren Vale, SA, Australia native end up with water dripping from his fire suit in the pits? Well, he made a friendly wager with a track worker equipped with a good memory.

“So, the last couple years I’ve actually been really good at Qualifying,” Bogucki explained. “I’ve been getting really frustrated that I haven’t been Qualifying good. After Qualifying, I was annoyed, and we were parked next to the water barrel, and the track guy is like, ‘You’ll be fine. You’ll be fine.’ And, typical race car driver, I was like, ‘Man, if we’re so good and if I run top 10, I’m going to let you pour that water on me,’ because I’m a shit talker. Well, he didn’t forget that. So, he came up at the end of the night, and a deal’s a deal. So, I had to man up and get the stinky water dumped on me. Thankfully, we have a shower in the trailer.”

The runner-up effort was a result of Bogucki and the Three Stooges crew unloading fast out of the box. With being a newer team and Bogucki and crew chief Noah West not having an extensive notebook for many of the early tracks they’ve faced, finding the right baseline has been a challenge. But they discovered speed at Lawton right out of the gate.

“Honestly, we just really hit on our balance that night,” Bogucki said. “We’ve been getting closer each night. It’s just hard. We get to the track, and we don’t really know where to start, so we kind of have to guess from the start and work from there. By the end of the night, we get to where we probably should’ve started. So, you know, it’s just going to be testing like that.”

Lawton also gave Bogucki and the entire team a much-needed confidence boost. They struggled at Volusia Speedway Park to open the season. The World of Outlaws tour is a grind that takes competitors all over the country nearly every weekend from February through November. It’s easy for any rookie to get beaten down and burnt out. But for Bogucki, this is his dream coming true, and he’s going to make the most of it. Don’t expect Lawton to be the last time the No. 51 finds its way to the front in 2026.

“It was good for not only my own confidence but also Noah and then my car owners, Jeff and Laura,” Bogucki said. “What they’ve done is a huge thing, sending us out here. They’ve got a lot invested in it, so it was good for them too. We’ve got all the equipment to do it, and it’s just slowly putting all the pieces of the puzzle together.”

Bogucki and Three Stooges Racing continue the 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car campaign this weekend at Osborn, MO’s US 36 Raceway on Friday, March 27 and Park City, KS’ 81 Speedway on Saturday, March 28. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

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

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

Bogucki Talks First World of Outlaws Podium, Unique Celebration

OSBORN, MO (March 26, 2026) – There was no threat of rain at all Friday night at Lawton Speedway, but Scott Bogucki still wound up soaked from head to toe.

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series rookie had just wheeled the Three Stooges Racing No. 51 to his first career podium. Bogucki came home second, trailing only two-time and defending champion, David Gravel.

So, why did the McLaren Vale, SA, Australia native end up with water dripping from his fire suit in the pits? Well, he made a friendly wager with a track worker equipped with a good memory.

“So, the last couple years I’ve actually been really good at Qualifying,” Bogucki explained. “I’ve been getting really frustrated that I haven’t been Qualifying good. After Qualifying, I was annoyed, and we were parked next to the water barrel, and the track guy is like, ‘You’ll be fine. You’ll be fine.’ And, typical race car driver, I was like, ‘Man, if we’re so good and if I run top 10, I’m going to let you pour that water on me,’ because I’m a shit talker. Well, he didn’t forget that. So, he came up at the end of the night, and a deal’s a deal. So, I had to man up and get the stinky water dumped on me. Thankfully, we have a shower in the trailer.”

The runner-up effort was a result of Bogucki and the Three Stooges crew unloading fast out of the box. With being a newer team and Bogucki and crew chief Noah West not having an extensive notebook for many of the early tracks they’ve faced, finding the right baseline has been a challenge. But they discovered speed at Lawton right out of the gate.

“Honestly, we just really hit on our balance that night,” Bogucki said. “We’ve been getting closer each night. It’s just hard. We get to the track, and we don’t really know where to start, so we kind of have to guess from the start and work from there. By the end of the night, we get to where we probably should’ve started. So, you know, it’s just going to be testing like that.”

Lawton also gave Bogucki and the entire team a much-needed confidence boost. They struggled at Volusia Speedway Park to open the season. The World of Outlaws tour is a grind that takes competitors all over the country nearly every weekend from February through November. It’s easy for any rookie to get beaten down and burnt out. But for Bogucki, this is his dream coming true, and he’s going to make the most of it. Don’t expect Lawton to be the last time the No. 51 finds its way to the front in 2026.

“It was good for not only my own confidence but also Noah and then my car owners, Jeff and Laura,” Bogucki said. “What they’ve done is a huge thing, sending us out here. They’ve got a lot invested in it, so it was good for them too. We’ve got all the equipment to do it, and it’s just slowly putting all the pieces of the puzzle together.”

Bogucki and Three Stooges Racing continue the 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car campaign this weekend at Osborn, MO’s US 36 Raceway on Friday, March 27 and Park City, KS’ 81 Speedway on Saturday, March 28. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

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

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

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/sprintcars/bogucki-talks-first-world-of-outlaws-podium-unique-celebration/

CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix2.3-mile, 17-turn Barber Motorsports Park natural terrain road courseBirmingham, AlabamaRace AdvanceMarch 27-29, 2026 DETROIT (March 25, 2026) – This year’s edition of the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, is the fourth round of the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. The teams and drivers have travelled from Florida to Arizona, through Texas and ending up in Alabama for a fourth race in March; the first time in over 50 years. A trio of drivers representing three teams has visited victory lane to start the season, leaving the top eight drivers within 50 points of the championship lead, including Team Chevy drivers Josef Newgarden (Team Penske), Pato O’Ward (Arrow McLaren), Scott McLaughlin (Team Penske), David Malukas (Team Penske) and Christian Lundgaard (Arrow McLaren).  Chevrolet at Barber Motorsports ParkChevrolet-powered drivers have won nine of the 13 NTT INDYCAR SERIES races held on the 2.3-mile, 17-turn natural terrain road course since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012, with Josef Newgarden (three) and Scott McLaughlin (two) having multiple wins. Six drivers representing four teams have won on the county club-style track, with Team Penske’s six wins leading the way.Eight drivers have won 10 poles at Barber Motorsports Park, with Helio Castroneves and Will Power leading the way with two each. Team Penske (7), Andretti Global (1), Arrow McLaren (1), and ECR (1) are the teams with pole wins at Barber Motorsports Park. Newgarden and Power each have four podiums, leading Team Chevy’s 10 drivers, who have combined for 21 of the 39 podiums (since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012) by drivers wearing a Bow Tie.Chevrolet-powered drivers have led 699 of 1141 possible laps since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012, with Newgarden’s 141 laps and Team Penske’s 455 laps leading the way. O’Ward, in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, has the quickest qualifying and race laps set in 2021.Qualifying Lap – 65.5019 seconds (126.409mph)Race Lap – 66.8162 seconds (123.918mph) Notable Numbers 3 – the number of new street circuits the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will visit this year, the first of which is the 2.73-mile, 14-turn Arlington street circuit5.0 – the average starting position of David Malukas (Team Penske), the best of the entire field across three races6 – the number of different countries represented by Team Chevy drivers – United States (6) – Denmark (2) – Brazil (1) – Mexico (1) – Netherlands (1) – New Zealand (1)9 – the number of wins by current Team Chevy teams, Arrow McLaren and ECR12 – the number of drivers representing Team Chevy at the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix 13 – the number of driver championships won by Chevrolet all-time33 – the number of wins by Josef Newgarden, the winningest Team Chevy driver all-time40 – the number of different drivers that have won INDYCAR races while powered by Chevrolet42 – the number of different tracks that Chevrolet-powered cars have won42 – the number of drivers that have an earned pole for Team Chevy, after David Malukas added his name to the list at Phoenix Raceway61.3% – the percentage of laps led by Team Chevy drivers at Barber Motorsports Park since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 201269.2% – the percentage of wins by Team Chevy drivers at Barber Motorsports Park since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 201276.9% – the percentage of earned poles by Team Chevy drivers at Barber Motorsports Park since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6125 – the number of Bowtie-backed wins by Team Penske since their first at Pocono Raceway by Rick Mears in 1987128 – the number of wins by Chevrolet since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012143 – the number of earned poles by Chevrolet-powered teams since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012238 – the number of wins by Chevrolet-powered cars in INDYCAR all-time247 – the number of earned poles by Chevrolet-powered cars in INDYCAR all-time364 – the number of podiums by Chevrolet-powered teams since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012680 – the number of podiums by Chevrolet-powered cars in INDYCAR all-time880 – the number of acres making up the multiple-purpose Barber Motorsports Park 230,000 – the number of square feet in the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum1,328,000 – the average number of viewers across the first three races of the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the most during the first three races since 2008  What They’re Saying: A.J. Foyt Racing Caio Collet, No. 4 Combitrans Amazonia Chevrolet: This race will be your first INDYCAR race on a permanent road course. Your thoughts on that?“I’m really looking forward to it. Permanent road courses are where I’ve spent most of my career, so it feels a bit more natural for me. INDYCAR is obviously a different challenge with but I’m excited to apply the experience that I’m gaining and keep building race by race.” What do you like about Barber Motorsports Park?“Barber is an amazing track. It’s very technical, super smooth, and has a great flow to it. The elevation changes make it even more challenging, and it really rewards precision. It’s one of those tracks where you need to be hooked up every lap.” Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 Homes For Our Troops Chevrolet: Do you like the Barber Motorsports Park?“I think it’s a really fun track, very historic, quite entertaining. Personally, I prefer the fact that it’s got a lot of high risk, high reward corners. It’s a proper race track, long undulations, all types of corners, so that just makes it more interesting for a driver and it makes it more fun.” There’s always talk about the G-forces at the track. How do you deal with them there?“To be honest with you, it’s not as bad as some other tracks. So, it’s probably mid-range as far as physicality goes.” Arrow McLaren Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:“Barber is a favorite on the calendar, and it’s a circuit I really enjoy because of how rewarding it is. Overall, we’re off to a solid start with three top-fives, but obviously, I want to take that next step and fight for a win.” Nolan Siegel, No. 6 SmartStop Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:“I’m excited to get back to Barber. We had a really good weekend here last year with strong qualifying and race results, so I want to build on that. The team has been putting a lot of work based on what we’ve learned through three races, and I’m feeling confident we can make progress this weekend.” Christian Lundgaard, No. 7 VELO Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:“It’s been a decent start to the year, but we’re certainly not satisfied. I want to keep pushing forward, and Barber’s a great place to do so. I like Barber a lot, and we were able work our way up to P2 there last year. The goal this weekend is to get off to a good start, qualify well and then race at the front.” Tune-In Guide FridayNTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #1 – 3:30pm (ET)/2:30pm (CT)/1:30pm (MT)/12:30pm (PT) – FS2/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218 SaturdayNTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #2 – 11am (ET)/10am (CT)/9am (MT)/8am (PT) –FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying – 2:30pm (ET)/1:30pm (CT)/12:30pm (MT)/11:30am (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218 SundayNTT INDYCAR SERIES Warm Up – 10am (ET)/9am (CT)/8am (MT)/7am (PT) –FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix (90 laps) – 1pm (ET)/noon (CT)/11am (MT)/10am (PT) – FOX/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIESChildren’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix2.3-mile, 17-turn Barber Motorsports Park natural terrain road courseBirmingham, AlabamaRace AdvanceMarch 27-29, 2026 DETROIT (March 25, 2026) – This year’s edition of the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix at Barber Motorsports Park in Birmingham, Alabama, is the fourth round of the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES season. The teams and drivers have travelled from Florida to Arizona, through Texas and ending up in Alabama for a fourth race in March; the first time in over 50 years. A trio of drivers representing three teams has visited victory lane to start the season, leaving the top eight drivers within 50 points of the championship lead, including Team Chevy drivers Josef Newgarden (Team Penske), Pato O’Ward (Arrow McLaren), Scott McLaughlin (Team Penske), David Malukas (Team Penske) and Christian Lundgaard (Arrow McLaren).  Chevrolet at Barber Motorsports ParkChevrolet-powered drivers have won nine of the 13 NTT INDYCAR SERIES races held on the 2.3-mile, 17-turn natural terrain road course since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012, with Josef Newgarden (three) and Scott McLaughlin (two) having multiple wins. Six drivers representing four teams have won on the county club-style track, with Team Penske’s six wins leading the way.Eight drivers have won 10 poles at Barber Motorsports Park, with Helio Castroneves and Will Power leading the way with two each. Team Penske (7), Andretti Global (1), Arrow McLaren (1), and ECR (1) are the teams with pole wins at Barber Motorsports Park. Newgarden and Power each have four podiums, leading Team Chevy’s 10 drivers, who have combined for 21 of the 39 podiums (since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012) by drivers wearing a Bow Tie.Chevrolet-powered drivers have led 699 of 1141 possible laps since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012, with Newgarden’s 141 laps and Team Penske’s 455 laps leading the way. O’Ward, in the No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, has the quickest qualifying and race laps set in 2021.Qualifying Lap – 65.5019 seconds (126.409mph)Race Lap – 66.8162 seconds (123.918mph) Notable Numbers 3 – the number of new street circuits the NTT INDYCAR SERIES will visit this year, the first of which is the 2.73-mile, 14-turn Arlington street circuit5.0 – the average starting position of David Malukas (Team Penske), the best of the entire field across three races6 – the number of different countries represented by Team Chevy drivers – United States (6) – Denmark (2) – Brazil (1) – Mexico (1) – Netherlands (1) – New Zealand (1)9 – the number of wins by current Team Chevy teams, Arrow McLaren and ECR12 – the number of drivers representing Team Chevy at the Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix 13 – the number of driver championships won by Chevrolet all-time33 – the number of wins by Josef Newgarden, the winningest Team Chevy driver all-time40 – the number of different drivers that have won INDYCAR races while powered by Chevrolet42 – the number of different tracks that Chevrolet-powered cars have won42 – the number of drivers that have an earned pole for Team Chevy, after David Malukas added his name to the list at Phoenix Raceway61.3% – the percentage of laps led by Team Chevy drivers at Barber Motorsports Park since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 201269.2% – the percentage of wins by Team Chevy drivers at Barber Motorsports Park since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 201276.9% – the percentage of earned poles by Team Chevy drivers at Barber Motorsports Park since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6125 – the number of Bowtie-backed wins by Team Penske since their first at Pocono Raceway by Rick Mears in 1987128 – the number of wins by Chevrolet since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012143 – the number of earned poles by Chevrolet-powered teams since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012238 – the number of wins by Chevrolet-powered cars in INDYCAR all-time247 – the number of earned poles by Chevrolet-powered cars in INDYCAR all-time364 – the number of podiums by Chevrolet-powered teams since the introduction of the 2.2L Twin-Turbo V6 in 2012680 – the number of podiums by Chevrolet-powered cars in INDYCAR all-time880 – the number of acres making up the multiple-purpose Barber Motorsports Park 230,000 – the number of square feet in the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum1,328,000 – the average number of viewers across the first three races of the 2026 NTT INDYCAR SERIES, the most during the first three races since 2008  What They’re Saying: A.J. Foyt Racing Caio Collet, No. 4 Combitrans Amazonia Chevrolet: This race will be your first INDYCAR race on a permanent road course. Your thoughts on that?“I’m really looking forward to it. Permanent road courses are where I’ve spent most of my career, so it feels a bit more natural for me. INDYCAR is obviously a different challenge with but I’m excited to apply the experience that I’m gaining and keep building race by race.” What do you like about Barber Motorsports Park?“Barber is an amazing track. It’s very technical, super smooth, and has a great flow to it. The elevation changes make it even more challenging, and it really rewards precision. It’s one of those tracks where you need to be hooked up every lap.” Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 Homes For Our Troops Chevrolet: Do you like the Barber Motorsports Park?“I think it’s a really fun track, very historic, quite entertaining. Personally, I prefer the fact that it’s got a lot of high risk, high reward corners. It’s a proper race track, long undulations, all types of corners, so that just makes it more interesting for a driver and it makes it more fun.” There’s always talk about the G-forces at the track. How do you deal with them there?“To be honest with you, it’s not as bad as some other tracks. So, it’s probably mid-range as far as physicality goes.” Arrow McLaren Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:“Barber is a favorite on the calendar, and it’s a circuit I really enjoy because of how rewarding it is. Overall, we’re off to a solid start with three top-fives, but obviously, I want to take that next step and fight for a win.” Nolan Siegel, No. 6 SmartStop Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:“I’m excited to get back to Barber. We had a really good weekend here last year with strong qualifying and race results, so I want to build on that. The team has been putting a lot of work based on what we’ve learned through three races, and I’m feeling confident we can make progress this weekend.” Christian Lundgaard, No. 7 VELO Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:“It’s been a decent start to the year, but we’re certainly not satisfied. I want to keep pushing forward, and Barber’s a great place to do so. I like Barber a lot, and we were able work our way up to P2 there last year. The goal this weekend is to get off to a good start, qualify well and then race at the front.” Tune-In Guide FridayNTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #1 – 3:30pm (ET)/2:30pm (CT)/1:30pm (MT)/12:30pm (PT) – FS2/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218 SaturdayNTT INDYCAR SERIES Practice #2 – 11am (ET)/10am (CT)/9am (MT)/8am (PT) –FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218NTT INDYCAR SERIES Qualifying – 2:30pm (ET)/1:30pm (CT)/12:30pm (MT)/11:30am (PT) – FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218 SundayNTT INDYCAR SERIES Warm Up – 10am (ET)/9am (CT)/8am (MT)/7am (PT) –FS1/ INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218Children’s of Alabama Indy Grand Prix (90 laps) – 1pm (ET)/noon (CT)/11am (MT)/10am (PT) – FOX/INDYCAR Radio Network/SIRIUSXM 218

Chevrolet History at Barber Motorsports ParkChevrolet Wins – 9 2024 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2023 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2022 – Pato O’Ward – Arrow McLaren2018 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2017 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2016 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske2015 – Josef Newgarden – ECR2013 – Ryan Hunter-Reay – Andretti Global2012 – Will Power – Team Penske Chevrolet Poles – 10 2024 – Scott McLaughlin – Team Penske2022 – Rinus VeeKay – ECR2021 – Pato O’Ward – Arrow McLaren2018 – Josef Newgarden – Team Penske2017 – Will Power – Team Penske2016 – Simon Pagenaud – Team Penske2015 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske2014 – Will Power – Team Penske2013 – Ryan Hunter-Reay – Andretti Global2012 – Helio Castroneves – Team Penske Chevrolet Podiums: 21 Driver Podiums: Josef Newgarden (4), Will Power (4), Scott McLaughlin (3), Scott Dixon (2), Helio Castroneves (2), Simon Pagenaud (2), Ryan Hunter-Reay (1), Christian Lundgaard (1), Pato O’Ward (1), Rinus VeeKay (1) Team Podiums: Team Penske (13), ECR (3), Arrow McLaren (2), Chip Ganassi Racing (2), Andretti Global (1) Chevrolet Laps Led: 699 Driver Laps Led: Josef Newgarden (141), Will Power (114), Simon Pagenaud (87), Helio Castroneves (73), Rinus VeeKay (58), Pato O’Ward (52), Santino Ferrucci (14), Sebastian Saavedra (11), Sebastien Bourdais (6), Scott Dixon (3), James Hinchcliffe (1) Team Laps Led: Team Penske (455), ECR (104), Andretti Global (54), Arrow McLaren (52), KV Racing Technology (13), A.J. Foyt Racing (18), Chip Ganassi Racing (3),  Manufacturer History at Phoenix International Raceway Wins (with competition)  9 – Chevrolet (2024, 2023, 2022, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013, 2012)4 – Honda (2025, 2021, 2019, 2014) Poles (with competition)  10 – Chevrolet (2024, 2022, 2021, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012)3 – Honda (2025, 2023, 2019) Historical Chevrolet in the INDYCAR SERIES information• INDYCAR SERIES Manufacturer Championships (since 1979)• Chevrolet-Powered Wins in the Twin-Turbo 2.2L V6 Era (2012-present)• Chevrolet-Powered Wins – All-Time

CONCORD, NC (March 25, 2026) – The World Short Track Championship enters a new era for its 11th running in 2026 with a rotation to the lineup of divisions set to compete at The Dirt Track at Charlotte, Oct. 29-31.

The premier three-day event for short track racers will welcome 525 Late Models and the Northeast’s popular 358 Modifieds for the first time, pairing them with the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds, Crate Modifieds, 604 Late Models, 602 Late Models, Mini Stocks, Street Stocks, Thunder Bombers, and Hornets.

The DIRTcar Northeast’s 358 Modified division rotates in for the Sportsman and Pro Stocks, which will not be part of the event this year. The 358 Modified division has seen significant growth in the last couple of years, with more than 230 drivers having competed in a Series event last season. The division is a step below the Big Block Modifieds and gets its name from housing a 358 c.i. engine between its frame rails.

Most notably, the 358 Modifieds are one of the premier divisions at Super DIRT Week – the Northeast’s most historic dirt track event – competing in the 150-lap Salute to the Troops 150 at Oswego Speedway.

525 Late Models are a staple of the South, racing within the Carolinas and surrounding states. They use a Chevrolet Performance CT525 engine, which is based on the all-aluminum Chevrolet Corvette LS3 engine. Their addition creates a “Late Model Palooza,” giving fans three chances to see Late Models compete around the 4/10-mile dirt track.

In addition to the division shakeup, there will be a change to Thursday’s Championship Features. There will be two Championship Features this year, and the divisions competing in each will be drawn during Thursday’s drivers meeting.

More than $200,000 in prizes will be available for the 10 divisions between payouts and contingency awards. Saturday will again host Feature action for all 10 divisions, turning local heroes into champions of the World Short Track Championship.

Saturday Payouts/Purses
604 Late Models: $8,000 to win/$25,650 Purse
525 Late Models: $8,000 to win/$25,650 Purse
DIRTcar UMP Modifieds: $8,000 to win/$25,650 Purse
DIRTcar 358 Modifieds: $5,000 to win/$24,300 Purse
602 Late Models: $3,000 to win/$11,025 Purse
Hornets: $2,500 to win/$12,450 Purse
Crate Modifieds: $2,000 to win/$8,550 Purse
Street Stock: $2,000 to win/$8,550 Purse
Thunder Bomber: $2,000 to win/$8,550 Purse
Mini Stock: $2,000 to win/$8,550 Purse

The full event schedule, competitor notes, and details will be announced in the coming months. Stay tuned to the DIRTcar website and social channels for further updates. 

11th World Short Track Championship Introducing 358 Modifieds, 525 Late Models to Division Lineup

CONCORD, NC (March 25, 2026) – The World Short Track Championship enters a new era for its 11th running in 2026 with a rotation to the lineup of divisions set to compete at The Dirt Track at Charlotte, Oct. 29-31.

The premier three-day event for short track racers will welcome 525 Late Models and the Northeast’s popular 358 Modifieds for the first time, pairing them with the DIRTcar UMP Modifieds, Crate Modifieds, 604 Late Models, 602 Late Models, Mini Stocks, Street Stocks, Thunder Bombers, and Hornets.

The DIRTcar Northeast’s 358 Modified division rotates in for the Sportsman and Pro Stocks, which will not be part of the event this year. The 358 Modified division has seen significant growth in the last couple of years, with more than 230 drivers having competed in a Series event last season. The division is a step below the Big Block Modifieds and gets its name from housing a 358 c.i. engine between its frame rails.

Most notably, the 358 Modifieds are one of the premier divisions at Super DIRT Week – the Northeast’s most historic dirt track event – competing in the 150-lap Salute to the Troops 150 at Oswego Speedway.

525 Late Models are a staple of the South, racing within the Carolinas and surrounding states. They use a Chevrolet Performance CT525 engine, which is based on the all-aluminum Chevrolet Corvette LS3 engine. Their addition creates a “Late Model Palooza,” giving fans three chances to see Late Models compete around the 4/10-mile dirt track.

In addition to the division shakeup, there will be a change to Thursday’s Championship Features. There will be two Championship Features this year, and the divisions competing in each will be drawn during Thursday’s drivers meeting.

More than $200,000 in prizes will be available for the 10 divisions between payouts and contingency awards. Saturday will again host Feature action for all 10 divisions, turning local heroes into champions of the World Short Track Championship.

Saturday Payouts/Purses
604 Late Models: $8,000 to win/$25,650 Purse
525 Late Models: $8,000 to win/$25,650 Purse
DIRTcar UMP Modifieds: $8,000 to win/$25,650 Purse
DIRTcar 358 Modifieds: $5,000 to win/$24,300 Purse
602 Late Models: $3,000 to win/$11,025 Purse
Hornets: $2,500 to win/$12,450 Purse
Crate Modifieds: $2,000 to win/$8,550 Purse
Street Stock: $2,000 to win/$8,550 Purse
Thunder Bomber: $2,000 to win/$8,550 Purse
Mini Stock: $2,000 to win/$8,550 Purse

The full event schedule, competitor notes, and details will be announced in the coming months. Stay tuned to the DIRTcar website and social channels for further updates. 

ARTICLE: https://dirtcar.com/news/11th-world-short-track-championship-introducing-358-modifieds-525-late-models-to-division-lineup/

Mar 23, 2026 | Featured, Race Results, Rachel Meyer

Rachel Meyer-Curl made a strong statement in her return to full-time competition this weekend, driving the Hedinger’s Equipment / NGK Spark Plugs & Ignition Coils Top Alcohol Dragster as the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series kicks off its 2026 season at Darana Motorsports Park in Benson, NC.

With 13 competitive dragsters on the property battling for just eight qualifying spots, Meyer and the Randy Meyer Racing team delivered when it counted. After a clean and consistent qualifying effort, Meyer secured the No. 5 position with a smooth 3.53-second pass at 223 mph in the eighth mile during the second qualifying session.

Rolling into eliminations, Meyer faced Tom Fox Jr. in the opening round. In a side-by-side matchup, Meyer got the win with a strong 3.50-second run, edging out Fox’s 3.53 to advance to the semifinals.

In the second round, Meyer continued to show consistency behind the wheel, running a 3.52 at 228 mph. Despite the solid performance, she came up just short in a close race against Jamie Noonan, who posted a 3.49 in a tight, side-by-side finish.

The semifinal result marks an impressive return for Meyer in her first race back to a full-time schedule in IHRA competition, showing both speed and consistency against a competitive field.

“With 13 cars on the property, I’m proud of our team for making it down to the final four,” said Meyer. “We stuck the tire second round and it slowed us down, but the next race is only a few weekends away and hopefully we can come away with a win. I can’t thank my family, crew, sponsors, and IHRA enough for the opportunity.”

Rachel Meyer Returns to Full-Time Competition with Semifinal Finish at 2026 IHRA Season Opener

Mar 23, 2026 | Featured, Race Results, Rachel Meyer

Rachel Meyer-Curl made a strong statement in her return to full-time competition this weekend, driving the Hedinger’s Equipment / NGK Spark Plugs & Ignition Coils Top Alcohol Dragster as the IHRA Outlaw Nitro Series kicks off its 2026 season at Darana Motorsports Park in Benson, NC.

With 13 competitive dragsters on the property battling for just eight qualifying spots, Meyer and the Randy Meyer Racing team delivered when it counted. After a clean and consistent qualifying effort, Meyer secured the No. 5 position with a smooth 3.53-second pass at 223 mph in the eighth mile during the second qualifying session.

Rolling into eliminations, Meyer faced Tom Fox Jr. in the opening round. In a side-by-side matchup, Meyer got the win with a strong 3.50-second run, edging out Fox’s 3.53 to advance to the semifinals.

In the second round, Meyer continued to show consistency behind the wheel, running a 3.52 at 228 mph. Despite the solid performance, she came up just short in a close race against Jamie Noonan, who posted a 3.49 in a tight, side-by-side finish.

The semifinal result marks an impressive return for Meyer in her first race back to a full-time schedule in IHRA competition, showing both speed and consistency against a competitive field.

“With 13 cars on the property, I’m proud of our team for making it down to the final four,” said Meyer. “We stuck the tire second round and it slowed us down, but the next race is only a few weekends away and hopefully we can come away with a win. I can’t thank my family, crew, sponsors, and IHRA enough for the opportunity.”

The team will look to build on this momentum as they head to the next IHRA event in Richmond, continuing Meyer’s pursuit of success in her return season.

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE Martinsville SpeedwayMarch 28-29, 2026

The first half-mile track of the season is on the horizon for the NASCAR Cup and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series as the pair will venture to Virginia to take on Martinsville Speedway this weekend.

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

This will mark the sport’s first of two appearances at the infamous Virginia short-track this season, with all three national touring series returning to the venue in October for the penultimate race of the Chase.  Martinsville Speedway’s history in NASCAR is unmatched – standing tall as the only track that’s hosted a Cup Series race since the division’s inception in 1949. For Chevrolet, the .526-mile Virginia venue is statistically the manufacturer’s most successful track on the NASCAR circuit with a series-leading 62 victories and 57 poles at the sport’s highest level. William Byron was the most recent driver to add to those tallies when the Charlotte, North Carolina, native drove his No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet to both the pole and the race win in the series’ most recent visit to the track (Oct. 2025). It was an effort that carried the Team Chevy driver to his third-straight Championship Four appearance.

“The Paperclip” also holds a special place in the legacy of two of Chevrolet’s longest-standing team partners. For Hendrick Motorsports, Martinsville Speedway is the site that delivered the organization its first-ever Cup Series victory (Geoff Bodine; Apr. 1984) – beginning its journey towards becoming the winningest organization in series’ history. Richard Childress Racing also added to its already storied history book one year ago when Austin Hill drove the organization to its milestone 100th all-time win in NASCAR’s second-level series during the series’ spring visit to the track.

William ByronNo. 24 Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletNASCAR Cup Series Win Martinsville Speedway – Oct. 26, 2025Austin Hill No. 21 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletNASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Win Martinsville Speedway – Mar. 29, 2025

BYRON BACK TO DEFENDWilliam Byron and the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet team are quickly finding early-season consistency. With a third-straight top-eight finish, the Charlotte, North Carolina, native left the “Lady in Black” with a two-position gain in the NASCAR Cup Series points standings to now sit sixth in the rankings. With momentum on his side, what better place to knock-out the team’s first win of the season than at the track where his last visit turned into a near dominate weekend – sweeping the pole, both stages and the race win to earn a spot in the Championship Four for the third consecutive season. Byron has made 16 career Martinsville starts under the Hendrick Motorsports banner – tallying nine top-eight results, including three trips to victory lane.

SPIRE SHOWING SPEEDSpire Motorsports put on a statement performance once again last weekend at Darlington Raceway – netting two top-10 finishes to further prove the organization is a force to be reckoned with each week. Among those results included a monstrous charge by Carson Hocevar and the No. 77 Chevrolet team. Despite being forced to start at the rear of the field for an unapproved adjustment, the Portage, Michigan, native turned the uphill battle into his career-best finish at the “Track Too Tough To Tame”. After a progressive move through the field during the first two stages, the No. 77 Chevrolet made its presence known during the final stage. With pristine pit strategy by the Luke Lambert-led team, a culmination of their speed and a fresher set of tires on the final run put Hocevar in position to make a quick climb up the leaderboard – ultimately leading the Bowtie brigade with a fourth-place finish. Hocevar and his Spire Motorsports teammate, Daniel Suarez, who also earned a top-10 finish, were among the short list of drivers that made a move up the points standings with the pair heading into the Martinsville race weekend ranked 13th and 14th, respectively.

MAKING HISTORY Team Chevy veteran driver, Justin Allgaier, capitalized on a late-race restart to take the checkered flag at Darlington Raceway last weekend – keeping the Bowtie brand undefeated for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season. The victory was the sixth-straight for Chevrolet to set the record for the longest season-opening streak by a single manufacturer in the division. The accolade was earned by five drivers from three different Chevrolet organizations, with the 2024 champion becoming the series’ first repeat winner of the season. But the manufacturer’s early-season success doesn’t stop there. In six races, Chevrolet has sat on the pole in all but one event and has earned every stage win thus far.

ALLGAIR MOVES UP THE ALL-TIME WINS LISTTo no surprise, JR Motorsports’ Justin Allgaier has already proven to be an early frontrunner as a true championship contender. The Riverton, Illinois, native’s triumph at the “Track Too Tough To Tame” marked his 30th all-time NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series win – enough to move him up the series’ all-time wins list to seventh, tying Joey Logano. The series’ only two-time winner of the season, Allgaier also paces his competitors in a variety of statistical categories including the most top-fives (four) and stage points earned (94) – an effort that has increased his points lead to now 52-points over the series’ reigning champion and fellow Team Chevy driver, Jesse Love. With the series’ trip to Martinsville Speedway on deck, the 2024 champion has a prime opportunity to build that cushion even further. In his 11 career starts at the Virginia venue, Allgaier as collected nine top-nine finishes, including one trip to victory lane (2023) and three podium results.

KVAPIL CLIMBING THE STANDINGSAmong an elite list of standout rising stars in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series includes Team Chevy’s Carson Kvapil. The 22-year-old Mooresville, North Carolina, native is coming off a strong points day and his second top-five finish of the season at Darlington Raceway. Behind the wheel of the No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, Kvapil turned a third-place qualifying effort into top-three finishes in each stage en route to a fifth-place result. Culminating a 49-point day, the third-best among the field, Kvapil was able to make a jump up two positions in the points standings to sit third heading into the Martinsville race weekend. With short-track racing at his roots, this weekend provides the perfect opportunity for the Team Chevy driver to keep his momentum going. “The Paperclip” was the very site that Kvapil got his first opportunity to wheel a JR Motorsports-prepared Chevrolet in the division (Apr. 2024) – a debut that ended with an impressive fourth-place finish.

BOWTIE BULLETS:·        Active Chevrolet drivers with a NASCAR Cup Series win at Martinsville Speedway:  William Byron – three wins (2022, ‘24, ‘25)Kyle Busch – two wins (2016 & ‘17)Kyle Larson – one win (2023)Alex Bowman – one win (2021) Chase Elliott – one win (2020) ·        In 154 NASCAR Cup Series races at Martinsville Speedway, Chevrolet has recorded 62 victories and 57 pole wins – both of which are series-leading records. Among those victories includes wins in four of the eight races contested in the Next Gen era at the track, including William Byron’s three career victories at the track and Kyle Larson’s triumph in the spring 2023 event.  ·        With Justin Allgaier and JR Motorsports win in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Darlington Raceway, Chevrolet remains undefeated this season with six-straight wins – setting the record for the longest season-opening streak by a single manufacturer in the division’s history.  ·        In 150 points-paying races in the NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen era, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 67 victories – a winning percentage of 44.67%.  ·        Chevrolet is coming off its 29th all-time sweep of the NASCAR Cup Series championship titles – capturing its 34th driver championship and 44th, and fifth consecutive, manufacturer championship in 2025. ·        With its 44 NASCAR Cup Series manufacturer championships, 34 NASCAR Cup Series driver championships, and 881 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title as the winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history.

TUNE-IN:NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400Sunday, Mar. 29, at 3:30 p.m. ETFS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts SeriesNFPA 250Saturday, Mar. 28, at 3:30 p.m. ETCW, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90

QUOTABLE QUOTES:Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletWhat comes to mind when you think about Martinsville?“Brandon McSwain (crew chief) has won there before with the 24 team. I hope I have the next two decades to keep trying to win it. I want to be better there. I’ve been working on things in the simulator to try and be better there and help my driving. No matter how the car is, it could be tight or loose, or whatever it wants to be, there’s things that I inherently do that just aren’t great there with the wheel and pedal. I’m working to be better.” How cool is it to have a unique trophy like the grandfather clock at Martinsville?“I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know Clay Campbell (Martinsville Speedway President) up there a little bit and go to breakfast with him. Hearing him tell stories of his family’s history in and around Martinsville and the legacy he wants to continue on is really cool. That grandfather clock is a real thing you can take home when you win which is so cool. Everything in that track is built on the foundation around NASCAR and what the France family and the Campbell family have done together. The grandfather clock is something that I want. I want it really bad, and I’ll work a really long time to try to take one home.”   Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet“I’m looking forward to Martinsville Speedway. I think we made some ground there at the end of the race last time we were there. I felt like our car was pretty good, so we can build off of that. Martinsville’s a fun track. I can’t wait to get there and try to chase after the grandfather clock.”    Daniel Suarez, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Coming off your second top-10 of the season, how are you feeling heading into Martinsville?“I am so proud of this No. 7 Spire Motorsports team. We are bringing really fast cars to the track, and I am super excited to keep the momentum going and to keep building off what we have done in the past six weeks. Martinsville is a place that I love, but in the past few years, it’s been very bad for me. I’m looking forward to working with my group of guys and hopefully, I can turn my numbers around there.”   Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet At Martinsville, how do you balance aggressiveness?  “Martinsville is a tricky track. It has concrete surface in the corners, so it changes a lot during the race. When you have these long runs, and you get these rubber build ups, especially when it’s over 70 degrees outside, you get the clumping of the rubber on the racetrack, so you have to start searching around and trying to find a groove that your car will really work in. Obviously, the shortest way around is always the fastest way around, because there’s not really much momentum that you can build up on the outside at Martinsville. It’s a paper clip and its very stop and go. But then when you have cautions, all that rubber gets cleaned off and you’ve got to start all over again. So, a lot of changes happening there at Martinsville.”  What makes Martinsville great? “There’s always action at Martinsville. It’s a great racetrack with close quarters action. Fans are right on top of the speedway seeing the cars up close and personal. It’s always great going back to a short track atmosphere that we all grew up racing somewhere. I grew up in late models at the local short tracks that were half mile or smaller like Martinsville so it’s fun going there.”    Ty Dillon, No. 10 Kaulig Racing ChevroletHow important is Martinsville to you?“Martinsville is a great racetrack. I’ve always performed well there. I feel like last year was one of our best racetracks for our team, speed-wise, and I think this year with the new package, it’s going to be even more exciting. I can’t wait to get out there and see how this car performs with more horsepower than Martinsville has had before.”   AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet What do you think about Martinsville Speedway?“I think it’ll be interesting to see if it’s different with the more horsepower now. As they soften the tire, tire wear has become an issue there, so it would be curious with more horsepower if it kind of goes back somewhat like the old cars. It’s always a tough racetrack to figure out with these cars, in the sense of all the shifting you do and that fine line of getting the thing to turn but still being able to drive off. But it’s a fun race, especially when you’re good and have a car to win with—it’s a really fun racetrack.” What type of mindset do you have heading into this historic short track?“Your mindset is that it’s going to be a battle. You’re always going to be surrounded by cars. It’s important to have patience, try to stay calm, and not get yourself in trouble there. At the end of the day, hopefully we go out there, have a good practice, and qualify well. Track position is so important there. Short tracks have probably been our toughest with this car, trying to figure it out. Hopefully we can go there and have a solid day. I feel like the last couple of years we’ve at least made gains to be more competitive, and I like that. Hopefully we keep doing that.”   Austin Hill, No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet What is the key to having a successful day on Sunday? What’s the biggest difference from the O’Reilly Series race?  “Getting into the corner hard is going to be important. Your entry speed needs to be fast to not give up under braking, but you also need to be able to put throttle down on exit. When I look at data, the guys who win the race have top entry speed and top exit speed, but their center speed isn’t great. Not worrying as much about the center has also made us pretty good on the O’Reilly side, so maybe that transfers over. Shifting will be the biggest difference because we won’t do that on Saturday. That will be a learning experience for everyone with the new 750hp package though.”    Cole Custer, No. 41 Haas Factory Team Chevrolet “I think we are all looking forward to Martinsville this weekend. Last year it was a pretty strong track for us, qualified sixth there in the fall and had a solid run throughout the day. So hopefully we can build off that and get a solid run under our belt to start the season for the HaasTooling.com Chevrolet Camaro.”   Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet“Martinsville can be a long day, but our guys have been working hard in the shop to get the No. 47 ready. It’s great having Jack Link’s back with the new paint scheme and we’re looking forward to getting on track.”   Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet“There’s a lot of strength needed for driving a racecar, especially when it comes to braking. It takes a lot of brake pressure to extract 700-800 pounds of braking force into the corner. And at Martinsville, we’re doing that 800 times over the course of 400 laps. It’s about being on your game from start to finish, where you’re as good on lap 400 as you were on lap one. The biggest thing is going to be qualifying and track position. Tires equalize pretty quickly at Martinsville, and 40-50 laps into a run, everyone’s pretty much running the same time, whether it’s first or 36th. Whatever you can do to start strong and either maintain track position or improve on restarts, that’s where most of your progress is going to be made throughout the day.”   Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports ChevroletWhat makes Martinsville so special, and what have you learned since your first start there?“Martinsville is one of those tracks where I feel like if I can win there, I’ve truly arrived as a Cup Series driver. It’s such a unique and technical place, and short-track racing isn’t something I grew up doing like a lot of these guys. You’re beating and banging all race long, and you have to keep your guard up the whole race. It’s also a track with a lot of history for me since that’s where I made my first Cup Series start. It’s a tough place to get around with how high the intensity is. You don’t get much time to catch your breath and reset. We’ve been able to find a good groove in practice and qualifying, but the smallest mistake can ruin your day. Hopefully, we can continue to build on that speed and put together a complete weekend at Martinsville.”   Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports ChevroletHow does a day like you had at Darlington boost your confidence heading into Martinsville?“I’m just glad we positioned ourselves for a good qualifying metric for Martinsville. We normally really struggle at Martinsville, but I think we can take good advantage of the good qualifying draw and set ourselves up for a good day. We need to continue to stack these kinds of finishes. It will be very important as we head down the stretch of the schedule into the summer.” We are coming into the third short-track race of the year with the higher horsepower and lower downforce package. Do you believe it has been playing to your advantage?“We were super-fast at Bowman Gray, and had a good speed at Phoenix, but we just haven’t gotten a hold on Martinsville. The guys have been working hard at it, and our cars are getting better. I think you will see comers and goers like we did last week at Darlington, and think if things play out right, we can roll late in the final run.”   Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletWhat is it like to race at Martinsville?“I enjoy Martinsville. It hasn’t treated me the best in the past. I feel like we’ve been really, really fast there. I’m looking forward to it. I think it’s going to be a different style race in the Cup car. The race is a lot longer so trying to stay alive and stay on the lead lap I think people race a little differently in Cup than they do in the O’Reilly Series so I’m looking forward to seeing what that’s like. That race is always a crazy one. A track that short creates chaos but it’s a lot of fun. I’m excited to go there. We have Choice Privileges on our No. 88 Chevrolet and it’s going to be fun to have them at the track this weekend. I’m just going to take it all in and hopefully qualify well and put ourselves in position to have a good day on Sunday.” How do you think the racing will be at Martinsville this weekend since the cars will have more horsepower like Darlington?“I’m not sure. A lot of guys say they feel a huge difference but at the end of the day it’s only 80 horsepower. It’s enough to make a difference but not enough to be a complete game changer. I’m curious to see if it puts things in the driver’s hands.” How do you keep your emotions in check with the tight racing at Martinsville? “You definitely have to manage your emotions at Martinsville. Tempers can flare and it’s easy to get frustrated. Sometimes you’ve just got to let things go. If somebody moves you up the track you’ve got to let them go and get them back the next lap and not go into the next corner and completely wreck them. It’s tough at times when you’re getting your back bumper beat off to just let it happen but at the end of the day there’s not a lot you can do.” How tricky is it to navigate pit road at Martinsville?“It’s really tough in Cup. I felt like I was used to having easier pit stalls in the O’Reilly series. When you go to Sundays, it’s a little tougher to manage that. I don’t always get the best pit stalls, and it’s changed the complexion of pit road and how difficult it is to manage that each and every week.”     Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletUsually, drivers that excel on road courses, pick up Martinsville (Speedway) pretty quickly because it’s a technical track. How do you feel your progression has been at Martinsville?“It’s one of my better tracks for sure. It’s a little difficult having the left foot braking and down shifting, that is not something I’m used to. I feel like Martinsville is one of my stronger one. I really look forward to going there. The racing gets a bit crazy, but in general it’s one of my favorite tracks.” What have you learned about restarts in the Cup Series?“There is a lot more take than there is give, so certainly I’ve gotten a lot better at putting myself in a better spot, try not to get taken advantage of. Last year I was really conservative for the first half of the year. This year and even the end of last year, I got a lot better at putting myself in good places and not getting swallowed up.”

Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series StatisticsManufacturer Championships:Total (1949-2025): 44First title for Chevrolet: 1958Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15)Most recent: 2025 Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 Driver Championships:Total (1949-2025): 34First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)Most recent: Kyle Larson (2025)Driver and Manufacturer Championship Sweeps: 29 Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2025 Event Victories:Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007)                2026 STATISTICS:                                                                                                    Wins: 0Poles: 1Laps Led: 261Top-Fives: 11Top-10s: 20Stage Wins: 2 CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:Total Chevrolet race wins: 881 (1949 to date)Poles won to date: 767Laps led to date: 256,995Top-fives to date: 4,447Top-10s to date: 9,171                                                                                                          Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date:                    General Motors: 1,215           Chevrolet: 881           Pontiac: 154           Oldsmobile: 115           Buick: 65            Ford: 848                                                                                          Ford: 748           Mercury: 96           Lincoln: 4            Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467           Dodge: 217           Plymouth: 191           Chrysler: 59            Toyota: 208

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCEMartinsville SpeedwayMarch 28-29, 2026

The first half-mile track of the season is on the horizon for the NASCAR Cup and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series as the pair will venture to Virginia to take on Martinsville Speedway this weekend.

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

This will mark the sport’s first of two appearances at the infamous Virginia short-track this season, with all three national touring series returning to the venue in October for the penultimate race of the Chase.  Martinsville Speedway’s history in NASCAR is unmatched – standing tall as the only track that’s hosted a Cup Series race since the division’s inception in 1949. For Chevrolet, the .526-mile Virginia venue is statistically the manufacturer’s most successful track on the NASCAR circuit with a series-leading 62 victories and 57 poles at the sport’s highest level. William Byron was the most recent driver to add to those tallies when the Charlotte, North Carolina, native drove his No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet to both the pole and the race win in the series’ most recent visit to the track (Oct. 2025). It was an effort that carried the Team Chevy driver to his third-straight Championship Four appearance.

“The Paperclip” also holds a special place in the legacy of two of Chevrolet’s longest-standing team partners. For Hendrick Motorsports, Martinsville Speedway is the site that delivered the organization its first-ever Cup Series victory (Geoff Bodine; Apr. 1984) – beginning its journey towards becoming the winningest organization in series’ history. Richard Childress Racing also added to its already storied history book one year ago when Austin Hill drove the organization to its milestone 100th all-time win in NASCAR’s second-level series during the series’ spring visit to the track.

William ByronNo. 24 Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletNASCAR Cup Series Win Martinsville Speedway – Oct. 26, 2025Austin Hill No. 21 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletNASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series Win Martinsville Speedway – Mar. 29, 2025

BYRON BACK TO DEFENDWilliam Byron and the No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet team are quickly finding early-season consistency. With a third-straight top-eight finish, the Charlotte, North Carolina, native left the “Lady in Black” with a two-position gain in the NASCAR Cup Series points standings to now sit sixth in the rankings. With momentum on his side, what better place to knock-out the team’s first win of the season than at the track where his last visit turned into a near dominate weekend – sweeping the pole, both stages and the race win to earn a spot in the Championship Four for the third consecutive season. Byron has made 16 career Martinsville starts under the Hendrick Motorsports banner – tallying nine top-eight results, including three trips to victory lane.

SPIRE SHOWING SPEEDSpire Motorsports put on a statement performance once again last weekend at Darlington Raceway – netting two top-10 finishes to further prove the organization is a force to be reckoned with each week. Among those results included a monstrous charge by Carson Hocevar and the No. 77 Chevrolet team. Despite being forced to start at the rear of the field for an unapproved adjustment, the Portage, Michigan, native turned the uphill battle into his career-best finish at the “Track Too Tough To Tame”. After a progressive move through the field during the first two stages, the No. 77 Chevrolet made its presence known during the final stage. With pristine pit strategy by the Luke Lambert-led team, a culmination of their speed and a fresher set of tires on the final run put Hocevar in position to make a quick climb up the leaderboard – ultimately leading the Bowtie brigade with a fourth-place finish. Hocevar and his Spire Motorsports teammate, Daniel Suarez, who also earned a top-10 finish, were among the short list of drivers that made a move up the points standings with the pair heading into the Martinsville race weekend ranked 13th and 14th, respectively.

MAKING HISTORY Team Chevy veteran driver, Justin Allgaier, capitalized on a late-race restart to take the checkered flag at Darlington Raceway last weekend – keeping the Bowtie brand undefeated for the 2026 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series season. The victory was the sixth-straight for Chevrolet to set the record for the longest season-opening streak by a single manufacturer in the division. The accolade was earned by five drivers from three different Chevrolet organizations, with the 2024 champion becoming the series’ first repeat winner of the season. But the manufacturer’s early-season success doesn’t stop there. In six races, Chevrolet has sat on the pole in all but one event and has earned every stage win thus far.

ALLGAIR MOVES UP THE ALL-TIME WINS LISTTo no surprise, JR Motorsports’ Justin Allgaier has already proven to be an early frontrunner as a true championship contender. The Riverton, Illinois, native’s triumph at the “Track Too Tough To Tame” marked his 30th all-time NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series win – enough to move him up the series’ all-time wins list to seventh, tying Joey Logano. The series’ only two-time winner of the season, Allgaier also paces his competitors in a variety of statistical categories including the most top-fives (four) and stage points earned (94) – an effort that has increased his points lead to now 52-points over the series’ reigning champion and fellow Team Chevy driver, Jesse Love. With the series’ trip to Martinsville Speedway on deck, the 2024 champion has a prime opportunity to build that cushion even further. In his 11 career starts at the Virginia venue, Allgaier as collected nine top-nine finishes, including one trip to victory lane (2023) and three podium results.

KVAPIL CLIMBING THE STANDINGSAmong an elite list of standout rising stars in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series includes Team Chevy’s Carson Kvapil. The 22-year-old Mooresville, North Carolina, native is coming off a strong points day and his second top-five finish of the season at Darlington Raceway. Behind the wheel of the No. 1 JR Motorsports Chevrolet, Kvapil turned a third-place qualifying effort into top-three finishes in each stage en route to a fifth-place result. Culminating a 49-point day, the third-best among the field, Kvapil was able to make a jump up two positions in the points standings to sit third heading into the Martinsville race weekend. With short-track racing at his roots, this weekend provides the perfect opportunity for the Team Chevy driver to keep his momentum going. “The Paperclip” was the very site that Kvapil got his first opportunity to wheel a JR Motorsports-prepared Chevrolet in the division (Apr. 2024) – a debut that ended with an impressive fourth-place finish.

BOWTIE BULLETS:·        Active Chevrolet drivers with a NASCAR Cup Series win at Martinsville Speedway:  William Byron – three wins (2022, ‘24, ‘25)Kyle Busch – two wins (2016 & ‘17)Kyle Larson – one win (2023)Alex Bowman – one win (2021) Chase Elliott – one win (2020) ·        In 154 NASCAR Cup Series races at Martinsville Speedway, Chevrolet has recorded 62 victories and 57 pole wins – both of which are series-leading records. Among those victories includes wins in four of the eight races contested in the Next Gen era at the track, including William Byron’s three career victories at the track and Kyle Larson’s triumph in the spring 2023 event.  ·        With Justin Allgaier and JR Motorsports win in the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at Darlington Raceway, Chevrolet remains undefeated this season with six-straight wins – setting the record for the longest season-opening streak by a single manufacturer in the division’s history.  ·        In 150 points-paying races in the NASCAR Cup Series Next Gen era, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 67 victories – a winning percentage of 44.67%.  ·        Chevrolet is coming off its 29th all-time sweep of the NASCAR Cup Series championship titles – capturing its 34th driver championship and 44th, and fifth consecutive, manufacturer championship in 2025. ·        With its 44 NASCAR Cup Series manufacturer championships, 34 NASCAR Cup Series driver championships, and 881 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title as the winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history.

TUNE-IN:NASCAR Cup Series Cook Out 400Sunday, Mar. 29, at 3:30 p.m. ETFS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts SeriesNFPA 250Saturday, Mar. 28, at 3:30 p.m. ETCW, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90

QUOTABLE QUOTES:Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletWhat comes to mind when you think about Martinsville?“Brandon McSwain (crew chief) has won there before with the 24 team. I hope I have the next two decades to keep trying to win it. I want to be better there. I’ve been working on things in the simulator to try and be better there and help my driving. No matter how the car is, it could be tight or loose, or whatever it wants to be, there’s things that I inherently do that just aren’t great there with the wheel and pedal. I’m working to be better.” How cool is it to have a unique trophy like the grandfather clock at Martinsville?“I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know Clay Campbell (Martinsville Speedway President) up there a little bit and go to breakfast with him. Hearing him tell stories of his family’s history in and around Martinsville and the legacy he wants to continue on is really cool. That grandfather clock is a real thing you can take home when you win which is so cool. Everything in that track is built on the foundation around NASCAR and what the France family and the Campbell family have done together. The grandfather clock is something that I want. I want it really bad, and I’ll work a really long time to try to take one home.”   Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet“I’m looking forward to Martinsville Speedway. I think we made some ground there at the end of the race last time we were there. I felt like our car was pretty good, so we can build off of that. Martinsville’s a fun track. I can’t wait to get there and try to chase after the grandfather clock.”    Daniel Suarez, No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet Coming off your second top-10 of the season, how are you feeling heading into Martinsville?“I am so proud of this No. 7 Spire Motorsports team. We are bringing really fast cars to the track, and I am super excited to keep the momentum going and to keep building off what we have done in the past six weeks. Martinsville is a place that I love, but in the past few years, it’s been very bad for me. I’m looking forward to working with my group of guys and hopefully, I can turn my numbers around there.”   Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet At Martinsville, how do you balance aggressiveness?  “Martinsville is a tricky track. It has concrete surface in the corners, so it changes a lot during the race. When you have these long runs, and you get these rubber build ups, especially when it’s over 70 degrees outside, you get the clumping of the rubber on the racetrack, so you have to start searching around and trying to find a groove that your car will really work in. Obviously, the shortest way around is always the fastest way around, because there’s not really much momentum that you can build up on the outside at Martinsville. It’s a paper clip and its very stop and go. But then when you have cautions, all that rubber gets cleaned off and you’ve got to start all over again. So, a lot of changes happening there at Martinsville.”  What makes Martinsville great? “There’s always action at Martinsville. It’s a great racetrack with close quarters action. Fans are right on top of the speedway seeing the cars up close and personal. It’s always great going back to a short track atmosphere that we all grew up racing somewhere. I grew up in late models at the local short tracks that were half mile or smaller like Martinsville so it’s fun going there.”    Ty Dillon, No. 10 Kaulig Racing ChevroletHow important is Martinsville to you?“Martinsville is a great racetrack. I’ve always performed well there. I feel like last year was one of our best racetracks for our team, speed-wise, and I think this year with the new package, it’s going to be even more exciting. I can’t wait to get out there and see how this car performs with more horsepower than Martinsville has had before.”   AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet What do you think about Martinsville Speedway?“I think it’ll be interesting to see if it’s different with the more horsepower now. As they soften the tire, tire wear has become an issue there, so it would be curious with more horsepower if it kind of goes back somewhat like the old cars. It’s always a tough racetrack to figure out with these cars, in the sense of all the shifting you do and that fine line of getting the thing to turn but still being able to drive off. But it’s a fun race, especially when you’re good and have a car to win with—it’s a really fun racetrack.” What type of mindset do you have heading into this historic short track?“Your mindset is that it’s going to be a battle. You’re always going to be surrounded by cars. It’s important to have patience, try to stay calm, and not get yourself in trouble there. At the end of the day, hopefully we go out there, have a good practice, and qualify well. Track position is so important there. Short tracks have probably been our toughest with this car, trying to figure it out. Hopefully we can go there and have a solid day. I feel like the last couple of years we’ve at least made gains to be more competitive, and I like that. Hopefully we keep doing that.”   Austin Hill, No. 33 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet What is the key to having a successful day on Sunday? What’s the biggest difference from the O’Reilly Series race?  “Getting into the corner hard is going to be important. Your entry speed needs to be fast to not give up under braking, but you also need to be able to put throttle down on exit. When I look at data, the guys who win the race have top entry speed and top exit speed, but their center speed isn’t great. Not worrying as much about the center has also made us pretty good on the O’Reilly side, so maybe that transfers over. Shifting will be the biggest difference because we won’t do that on Saturday. That will be a learning experience for everyone with the new 750hp package though.”    Cole Custer, No. 41 Haas Factory Team Chevrolet “I think we are all looking forward to Martinsville this weekend. Last year it was a pretty strong track for us, qualified sixth there in the fall and had a solid run throughout the day. So hopefully we can build off that and get a solid run under our belt to start the season for the HaasTooling.com Chevrolet Camaro.”   Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet“Martinsville can be a long day, but our guys have been working hard in the shop to get the No. 47 ready. It’s great having Jack Link’s back with the new paint scheme and we’re looking forward to getting on track.”   Cody Ware, No. 51 Rick Ware Racing Chevrolet“There’s a lot of strength needed for driving a racecar, especially when it comes to braking. It takes a lot of brake pressure to extract 700-800 pounds of braking force into the corner. And at Martinsville, we’re doing that 800 times over the course of 400 laps. It’s about being on your game from start to finish, where you’re as good on lap 400 as you were on lap one. The biggest thing is going to be qualifying and track position. Tires equalize pretty quickly at Martinsville, and 40-50 laps into a run, everyone’s pretty much running the same time, whether it’s first or 36th. Whatever you can do to start strong and either maintain track position or improve on restarts, that’s where most of your progress is going to be made throughout the day.”   Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports ChevroletWhat makes Martinsville so special, and what have you learned since your first start there?“Martinsville is one of those tracks where I feel like if I can win there, I’ve truly arrived as a Cup Series driver. It’s such a unique and technical place, and short-track racing isn’t something I grew up doing like a lot of these guys. You’re beating and banging all race long, and you have to keep your guard up the whole race. It’s also a track with a lot of history for me since that’s where I made my first Cup Series start. It’s a tough place to get around with how high the intensity is. You don’t get much time to catch your breath and reset. We’ve been able to find a good groove in practice and qualifying, but the smallest mistake can ruin your day. Hopefully, we can continue to build on that speed and put together a complete weekend at Martinsville.”   Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports ChevroletHow does a day like you had at Darlington boost your confidence heading into Martinsville?“I’m just glad we positioned ourselves for a good qualifying metric for Martinsville. We normally really struggle at Martinsville, but I think we can take good advantage of the good qualifying draw and set ourselves up for a good day. We need to continue to stack these kinds of finishes. It will be very important as we head down the stretch of the schedule into the summer.” We are coming into the third short-track race of the year with the higher horsepower and lower downforce package. Do you believe it has been playing to your advantage?“We were super-fast at Bowman Gray, and had a good speed at Phoenix, but we just haven’t gotten a hold on Martinsville. The guys have been working hard at it, and our cars are getting better. I think you will see comers and goers like we did last week at Darlington, and think if things play out right, we can roll late in the final run.”   Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletWhat is it like to race at Martinsville?“I enjoy Martinsville. It hasn’t treated me the best in the past. I feel like we’ve been really, really fast there. I’m looking forward to it. I think it’s going to be a different style race in the Cup car. The race is a lot longer so trying to stay alive and stay on the lead lap I think people race a little differently in Cup than they do in the O’Reilly Series so I’m looking forward to seeing what that’s like. That race is always a crazy one. A track that short creates chaos but it’s a lot of fun. I’m excited to go there. We have Choice Privileges on our No. 88 Chevrolet and it’s going to be fun to have them at the track this weekend. I’m just going to take it all in and hopefully qualify well and put ourselves in position to have a good day on Sunday.” How do you think the racing will be at Martinsville this weekend since the cars will have more horsepower like Darlington?“I’m not sure. A lot of guys say they feel a huge difference but at the end of the day it’s only 80 horsepower. It’s enough to make a difference but not enough to be a complete game changer. I’m curious to see if it puts things in the driver’s hands.” How do you keep your emotions in check with the tight racing at Martinsville? “You definitely have to manage your emotions at Martinsville. Tempers can flare and it’s easy to get frustrated. Sometimes you’ve just got to let things go. If somebody moves you up the track you’ve got to let them go and get them back the next lap and not go into the next corner and completely wreck them. It’s tough at times when you’re getting your back bumper beat off to just let it happen but at the end of the day there’s not a lot you can do.” How tricky is it to navigate pit road at Martinsville?“It’s really tough in Cup. I felt like I was used to having easier pit stalls in the O’Reilly series. When you go to Sundays, it’s a little tougher to manage that. I don’t always get the best pit stalls, and it’s changed the complexion of pit road and how difficult it is to manage that each and every week.”     Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletUsually, drivers that excel on road courses, pick up Martinsville (Speedway) pretty quickly because it’s a technical track. How do you feel your progression has been at Martinsville?“It’s one of my better tracks for sure. It’s a little difficult having the left foot braking and down shifting, that is not something I’m used to. I feel like Martinsville is one of my stronger one. I really look forward to going there. The racing gets a bit crazy, but in general it’s one of my favorite tracks.” What have you learned about restarts in the Cup Series?“There is a lot more take than there is give, so certainly I’ve gotten a lot better at putting myself in a better spot, try not to get taken advantage of. Last year I was really conservative for the first half of the year. This year and even the end of last year, I got a lot better at putting myself in good places and not getting swallowed up.”

Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series StatisticsManufacturer Championships:Total (1949-2025): 44First title for Chevrolet: 1958Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15)Most recent: 2025 Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 Driver Championships:Total (1949-2025): 34First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)Most recent: Kyle Larson (2025)Driver and Manufacturer Championship Sweeps: 29 Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021, 2025 Event Victories:Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007)                2026 STATISTICS:                                                                                                    Wins: 0Poles: 1Laps Led: 261Top-Fives: 11Top-10s: 20Stage Wins: 2 CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:Total Chevrolet race wins: 881 (1949 to date)Poles won to date: 767Laps led to date: 256,995Top-fives to date: 4,447Top-10s to date: 9,171                                                                                                          Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date:                    General Motors: 1,215           Chevrolet: 881           Pontiac: 154           Oldsmobile: 115           Buick: 65            Ford: 848                                                                                          Ford: 748           Mercury: 96           Lincoln: 4            Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467           Dodge: 217           Plymouth: 191           Chrysler: 59            Toyota: 208

Event: Cook Out 400Date/Time: Sunday, March 29, 2026, 3:30 p.m. ETLocation: Martinsville Speedway, Ridgeway, VirginiaLayout: 0.526-Mile Short TrackTV/Radio: FS1, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR RadioMartinsville Speedway provides a familiar backdrop for Josh Berry and the No. 21 DEX Imaging team this weekend, as the Wood Brothers return to their home track looking to find their footing in Sunday’s Cook Out 400.A three-race stretch of disappointing finishes prior to last week’s 17th-place result at Darlington has Berry and the team 32nd in the points standings, despite showing solid speed through the opening five races of the year.“We’re optimistic heading into Martinsville,” crew chief Miles Stanley said. “This is a track I feel like sets up well for us when we look at the next stretch of races.“It’s been a challenging start to the season, but we’ve had decent speed – we just need to put together a complete race and stay out of trouble.”The No. 21 team showed promise at Martinsville last fall, earning a top-10 finish on the half-mile track. Stanley said that performance provides confidence heading into the weekend.“This is a track where we feel like we can reset a bit and capitalize,” he said. “We’ve got a lot of good notes from last year and feel like there’s a strong foundation to build on.“Martinsville puts an emphasis on execution, and if we can do that, we should be in a good position.”Practice for the Cook Out 400 is scheduled for Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 1:40 p.m. ET. Amazon Prime will carry the coverage on Saturday.Sunday’s 400-lap, 210.4-mile race is scheduled to take the green flag just after 3:30 p.m. ET, with TV coverage on FS1. Stage breaks are planned for Laps 80 and 180.Josh BerryAge: 35 (Oct. 22, 1990)Hometown: Hendersonville, TennesseeCrew Chief: Miles StanleyIG: @joshberry88X: @joshberryAbout DEX DEX is the nation’s largest independent provider of document technology and managed print services, delivering a broad range of products and solutions that help organizations improve operational efficiencies, reduce costs, and strengthen security. DEX uses real-time data analytics to help businesses gain valuable insights into their print job patterns and frequency, resource allocation, and cost distribution. The knowledge gained is used to optimize workflows, enhance user performance, eliminate unnecessary expenses, and ensure print security and compliance.

CONCORD, NC (March 25, 2026) – April is almost here, and that means plenty more dirt tracks across the nation are preparing to open the gates for the first time in 2026.

Next month’s slate will feature the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision’s first trip outside the southeast of the year to Illinois. From there, the tour travels south once more for a weekend in Alabama before returning to the Midwest for a swing through Iowa and Wisconsin.

Here’s a look at what’s ahead:

Farmer City Raceway | Illini 100 (April 10-11): As has become tradition over the past two decades, the Illini 100 once again holds the title of being the first national-level dirt track race of the season in Illinois.

Billy Moyer won the inaugural World of Outlaws race at Farmer City Raceway on Aug. 14, 2006, before the date shifted to April in 2007 – the slot it has remained in ever since. The first Midwest bullring of the season has produced a flurry of spectacular moments over the years, including the unforgettable finish in 2024 between Nick Hoffman and Bobby Pierce that saw both cars sliding off the track as they crossed the line.

Farmer City also has a knack for producing first-time winners, as three drivers have earned their first World of Outlaws victory in the Illini 100. Two of them did it on the same weekend in 2021, when Mike Spatola won his first and only Series race to date on Friday before Pierce broke through for his first of 45 wins and counting on Saturday. Last year, it was Ethan Dotson’s turn to score the biggest Late Model win of his career in his first full-time season as an Outlaw.

Talladega Short Track | Alabama Gang 100 (April 24-25): Once the sun goes down on NASCAR weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, the action continues across the street at Talladega Short Track.

The weekend begins with a $12,000-to-win opener on Friday night. Then on Saturday, approximately an hour after the conclusion of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at the big track, Late Models will hit the track to commence the $25,000-to-win finale.

The inaugural edition of the race honoring southern legends Bobby Allison, Donnie Allison and Red Farmer went to Brandon Overton in 2023. Rain washed out the event in 2024, but it returned in 2025 with Pierce earning his first Talladega victory.

While there have only been a pair of World of Outlaws races in Talladega’s storied history, plenty of current Outlaws are no stranger to success on the Alabama red clay. Ryan Gustin is a former winner of the track’s signature Ice Bowl held every January, while Tim McCreadie, Ethan Dotson and Trey Mills all have Talladega wins on their resume.

Independence Motor Speedway | Independence Late Model Showdown (April 28): When the dust settles at Talladega, there won’t be much time to rest with the next stop on tour only three days away.

Teams will make the trek north to Iowa for a Tuesday night visit to Independence Motor Speedway, which will be the seventh World of Outlaws race contested at the 3/8-mile. Josh Richards won the first one in 2011 before Darrell Lanigan reigned supreme, winning three years in a row between 2012 and 2014. It would be five years before the Series returned in 2019 for a race won by Brandon Sheppard, then five more until the latest trip in 2024 which Pierce topped.

The midweek showdown will be a special one for Gustin, as it will be the first of six home-state World of Outlaws races in 2026 for the Iowa native. The “Reaper” turned plenty of laps at Independence in his Modified days and finished seventh in his only World of Outlaws start there in 2024.

Mississippi Thunder Speedway | Dairyland Showdown (April 30-May 2): The late-spring visit to southwest Wisconsin has become an annual staple of the World of Outlaws schedule in recent seasons to usher in racing season in the upper Midwest.

The Timm family along with promoter Tyrone Lingenfelter have poured loads of time, effort and money into turning Mississippi Thunder Speedway into a destination facility, and they’ve been rewarded with strong crowds and excellent racing at the Dairyland Showdown and throughout the season. The sixth-annual running of the event will include a pair of $10,000-to-win preliminary nights on Thursday and Friday leading into Saturday’s $40,000-to-win finale.

Not only is the Mississippi Thunder winners list a who’s who of modern-day stars, the track has also produced eight different winners in 10 points-paying World of Outlaws Features. Sheppard and Hoffman are the only two multi-time victors, while Pierce, Gustin, Chris Madden, Jonathan Davenport, Mike Marlar and Tyler Erb have also found Victory Lane.

Find tickets and more information for every World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision event in 2026 by clicking here.

Want to watch the World of Outlaws? Stream every race live on DIRTVision.

THE MONTH AHEAD: April Agenda Brings World of Outlaws to Four States in Three Weeks

CONCORD, NC (March 25, 2026) – April is almost here, and that means plenty more dirt tracks across the nation are preparing to open the gates for the first time in 2026.

Next month’s slate will feature the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision’s first trip outside the southeast of the year to Illinois. From there, the tour travels south once more for a weekend in Alabama before returning to the Midwest for a swing through Iowa and Wisconsin.

Here’s a look at what’s ahead:

Farmer City Raceway | Illini 100 (April 10-11): As has become tradition over the past two decades, the Illini 100 once again holds the title of being the first national-level dirt track race of the season in Illinois.

Billy Moyer won the inaugural World of Outlaws race at Farmer City Raceway on Aug. 14, 2006, before the date shifted to April in 2007 – the slot it has remained in ever since. The first Midwest bullring of the season has produced a flurry of spectacular moments over the years, including the unforgettable finish in 2024 between Nick Hoffman and Bobby Pierce that saw both cars sliding off the track as they crossed the line.

Farmer City also has a knack for producing first-time winners, as three drivers have earned their first World of Outlaws victory in the Illini 100. Two of them did it on the same weekend in 2021, when Mike Spatola won his first and only Series race to date on Friday before Pierce broke through for his first of 45 wins and counting on Saturday. Last year, it was Ethan Dotson’s turn to score the biggest Late Model win of his career in his first full-time season as an Outlaw.

Talladega Short Track | Alabama Gang 100 (April 24-25): Once the sun goes down on NASCAR weekend at Talladega Superspeedway, the action continues across the street at Talladega Short Track.

The weekend begins with a $12,000-to-win opener on Friday night. Then on Saturday, approximately an hour after the conclusion of the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series race at the big track, Late Models will hit the track to commence the $25,000-to-win finale.

The inaugural edition of the race honoring southern legends Bobby Allison, Donnie Allison and Red Farmer went to Brandon Overton in 2023. Rain washed out the event in 2024, but it returned in 2025 with Pierce earning his first Talladega victory.

While there have only been a pair of World of Outlaws races in Talladega’s storied history, plenty of current Outlaws are no stranger to success on the Alabama red clay. Ryan Gustin is a former winner of the track’s signature Ice Bowl held every January, while Tim McCreadie, Ethan Dotson and Trey Mills all have Talladega wins on their resume.

Independence Motor Speedway | Independence Late Model Showdown (April 28): When the dust settles at Talladega, there won’t be much time to rest with the next stop on tour only three days away.

Teams will make the trek north to Iowa for a Tuesday night visit to Independence Motor Speedway, which will be the seventh World of Outlaws race contested at the 3/8-mile. Josh Richards won the first one in 2011 before Darrell Lanigan reigned supreme, winning three years in a row between 2012 and 2014. It would be five years before the Series returned in 2019 for a race won by Brandon Sheppard, then five more until the latest trip in 2024 which Pierce topped.

The midweek showdown will be a special one for Gustin, as it will be the first of six home-state World of Outlaws races in 2026 for the Iowa native. The “Reaper” turned plenty of laps at Independence in his Modified days and finished seventh in his only World of Outlaws start there in 2024.

Mississippi Thunder Speedway | Dairyland Showdown (April 30-May 2): The late-spring visit to southwest Wisconsin has become an annual staple of the World of Outlaws schedule in recent seasons to usher in racing season in the upper Midwest.

The Timm family along with promoter Tyrone Lingenfelter have poured loads of time, effort and money into turning Mississippi Thunder Speedway into a destination facility, and they’ve been rewarded with strong crowds and excellent racing at the Dairyland Showdown and throughout the season. The sixth-annual running of the event will include a pair of $10,000-to-win preliminary nights on Thursday and Friday leading into Saturday’s $40,000-to-win finale.

Not only is the Mississippi Thunder winners list a who’s who of modern-day stars, the track has also produced eight different winners in 10 points-paying World of Outlaws Features. Sheppard and Hoffman are the only two multi-time victors, while Pierce, Gustin, Chris Madden, Jonathan Davenport, Mike Marlar and Tyler Erb have also found Victory Lane.

Find tickets and more information for every World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision event in 2026 by clicking here.

Want to watch the World of Outlaws? Stream every race live on DIRTVision.

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/latemodels/the-month-ahead-april-agenda-brings-world-of-outlaws-to-four-states-in-three-weeks/

OSBORN, MO (March 24, 2026) – The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series is ready to hit the ground running in America’s Heartland.

An extended stay in the Midwest is ahead for The Greatest Show on Dirt. Stops in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa are all ahead in the next month for the country’s best Sprint Car drivers.

It begins this weekend as Osborn, MO’s US 36 Raceway makes a popular return to the schedule for the KC Classic on Friday, March 27. The “Show-Me State” oval never fails to produce some of the best Sprint Car racing fans can find anywhere.

Then it’s one state west as the spotlight shines on Park City, KS’ 81 Speedway on Saturday, March 28. The Tallgrass Tusslebrings the World of Outlaws to the track just north of Wichita for the 16th time in Series history.

BUY US 36 TICKETS HERE
BUY 81 TICKETS HERE

WATCH LIVE ON DIRTVision

Let’s look at the biggest stories to watch this weekend:

DOES THE STREAK STAY ALIVE?

There isn’t a lot David Gravel hasn’t done at this point in his career, but he checked off another box over the Oklahoma weekend.

The two-time and defending champion swept the races at Lawton Speedway and Creek County Speedway. Combine those with his Kennedale Speedway Park score from the prior Friday, and you get the first three-race World of Outlaws win streak of Gravel’s career. It’s also allowed Gravel and Big Game Motorsports to stretch their advantage atop the standings to 58 markers.

Friday presents Gravel the chance to be the first driver to win four in a row since Brad Sweet in early April of 2021. Recent history favors the Watertown, CT native considering he claimed the last US 36 visit in 2024. Should he get the job done in Missouri, he’ll go for the first five-race streak since Donny Schatz pulled it off in March of 2017. He’s yet to win at 81, but he’s been on the podium all three times he’s raced there.

BRAWL FOR SECOND

Gravel might be stretching his legs at the top, but it’s a donnybrook the runner-up spot knowing if Gravel slips at all, they can pounce. Only 38 points separate five drivers.

Carson Macedo currently sits second, but he and Jason Johnson Racing fought some struggles in Oklahoma. A spin at Lawton turned a potential podium into a 16th-place finish. Qualifying and Heat Race problems at Creek County left them playing catch up, and Macedo salvaged a top 10 after starting 22nd. The Lemoore, CA native has been to US 36 on three occasions and never finished worse than seventh. Over at 81, he was runner-up in his 2023 debut before slipping to ninth in 2024.

Six straight finishes of eighth or better have allowed Sheldon Haudenschild and KCP Racing to climb to third. The new combination sits just six markers shy of Macedo for second. Haudenschild won his first two US 36 appearances (2020 and 2023) and was primed to make it three straight in 2024 before an incident in traffic. The Wooster, OH native has improved with each visit to 81 – 12th in 2017, seventh in 2023, and fourth in 2024.

Donny Schatz and CJB Motorsports are beginning to click and sit fourth in points as a result. They’ve pieced together four consecutive top 10s including a pair of podiums. Seven trips to US 36 have yielded five top 10s for Schatz highlighted by a 2024 runner-up. Among the current crop of 17 full-time World of Outlaws drivers, Schatz is the only one with a victory at 81, and he’s topped a pair at the Kansas track.

The fifth spot belongs to Logan Schuchart. The Shark Racing No. 1S has been solid all year with seven top 10s through nine races and nearly picked up a victory at Creek County until slipping to fifth in the final laps. The Pennsylvanian owns a pair of top fives in four US 36 appearances. His best result at 81 in three tries is seventh.

Michael “Buddy” Kofoid sits sixth after some mechanical woes and crashes have hampered the championship contender early in the campaign. He did rebound with a Creek County runner-up on Saturday in the Roth Motorsports No. 83. Kofoid podiumed at the 2024 trip to US 36. He also bagged a top five at 81 the same season.

SHOW-ME STATE SOPHOMORE

Three of the next four races are in the state of Missouri, which means it’s time for some home games for Garet Williamson.

It begins on Friday with US 36, which is only about 150 miles from his hometown of Columbia, MO. The Series sophomore finished second with the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) there in 2021. After the Kansas tilt Saturday and Easter weekend off, the tour returns to the “Show-Me State” for a weekend (April 10-11) at Pevely, Mo’s I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park. He’s been in the top 10 in two of his last four races at I-55.

Williamson is off to a solid start in his second season with The Greatest Show on Dirt. He’s got an average finish of 10.89 and holds down the seventh spot in points after nine races.

THE NIGHTMARE IS KNOCKING

The start of Bill Balog’s third World of Outlaws season didn’t go according to plan in Florida, but he’s quickly turned things around and is knocking on the door of Victory Lane.

The turnaround began with a sixth-place run at Talladega. Then “The North Pole Nightmare” led the most laps and nearly won at Kennedale before being passed by David Gravel in the final corner. The latest sign of progress was leading 13 laps and a top 10 finish at Creek County.

Balog gets two more opportunities to score that first victory of the season this weekend. He’s yet to crack the top 10 at either track on the agenda, but recent momentum suggests that could change.

ROOKIE CHECK-IN

The battle for the Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year presented by Five Star Bodies is living up to the hype.

Ashton Torgerson pulled ahead early thanks to three top 10s in the first five races including a runner-up at Volusia Speedway Park. But then Emerson Axsom came alive with back-to-back top 10s at Kennedale and Lawton while Torgerson struggled. That gave Axsom the top spot only for Torgerson to reclaim it after a ninth at Creek County. A mere six points now separates the two.

Behind the top two, it’s Kasey Jedrzejek, Scotty Thiel, and Scott Bogucki completing the standings of the 2026 rookie class. Bogucki made a statement over the weekend by driving from ninth to second at Lawton for his first Series podium.

All five rookies are separated by only 72 markers.

THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

WHEN AND WHERE 
Friday, March 27 at US 36 Raceway in Osborn, MO
Saturday, March 28 at 81 Speedway in Park City, KS

AROUND THE TURN
Friday-Saturday, April 10-11 at I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park in Pevely, MO (TICKETS)

CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (9/85 Races):
1. David Gravel – Big Game Motorsports No. 2 (1250 PTS)
2. Carson Macedo – Jason Johnson Racing No. 41 (-58 PTS)
3. Sheldon Haudenschild – KCP Racing No. 18 (-64 PTS)
4. Donny Schatz – CJB Motorsports No. 15 (-84 PTS)
5. Logan Schuchart – Shark Racing No. 1S (-92 PTS)
6. Michael Kofoid – Roth Motorsports No. 83 (-96 PTS)
7. Garet Williamson – Fischer Motorsports No. 23 (-140 PTS)
8. Chris Windom – Sides Motorsports No. 7S (-148 PTS)
9. Spencer Bayston – Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing No. 17 (-156 PTS)
10. Bill Balog – B2 Motorsports (-162 PTS)

NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (6 Drivers):
3 Wins – David Gravel
2 Wins – Anthony Macri
1 Win – Spencer Bayston, Michael Kofoid, Sheldon Haudenschild, Donny Schatz

FEATURE LAPS LED (13 Drivers):
44 Laps Led – Bill Balog
40 Laps Led – Anthony Macri
35 Laps Led – Donny Schatz
34 Laps Led – Michael Kofoid, David Gravel
25 Laps Led – Sheldon Haudenschild
18 Laps Led – Brady Bacon
12 Laps Led – Carson Macedo
10 Laps Led – Spencer Bayston
6 Laps Led – Brian Brown, Brock Zearfoss
5 Laps Led – Logan Schuchart
1 Lap Led – Christopher ThramPODIUM FINISHES (11 Drivers):
7 Podiums – David Gravel
5 Podiums – Carson Macedo
3 Podiums – Anthony Macri, Michael Kofoid
2 Podiums – Sheldon Haudenschild, Donny Schatz
1 Podium – Spencer Bayston, Ashton Torgerson, Bill Balog, Scott Bogucki, Brady Bacon

SIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS QUICKTIME AWARDS (6 Drivers):
3 Quick Times – David Gravel
2 Quick Times – Sheldon Haudenschild
1 Quick Time – Logan Schuchart, Ashton Torgerson, Kasey Jedrzejek, Brady Bacon

HEAT RACE WINNERS (14 Drivers):
7 Heat Wins – David Gravel
5 Heat Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild 
3 Heat Wins – Logan Schuchart, Carson Macedo, Ashton Torgerson
2 Heat Wins – Anthony Macri, Michael Kofoid, Bill Balog
1 Heat Win – Chase Dietz, Justin Peck, Tanner Holmes, Donny Schatz, Scott Thiel, Emerson Axsom

TOYOTA DASH APPEARANCES (28 Drivers):
8 Dashes – David Gravel
7 Dashes – Sheldon Haudenschild
5 Dashes – Michael Kofoid
4 Dashes – Anthony Macri, Carson Macedo, Logan Schuchart, Ashton Torgerson
3 Dashes – Bill Balog
2 Dashes – Brent Marks, Tanner Holmes, Garet Williamson, Kasey Jedrzejek, Donny Schatz, Emerson Axsom, Scotty Thiel
1 Dash – Brian Brown, Chase Dietz, Justin Peck, Parker Price-Miller, Ryan Timms, Brock Zearfoss, Kerry Madsen, Bryce Lucius, Spencer Bayston, Christopher Thram, Brady Bacon, Chris Windom, Sam Hafertepe Jr.

MICRO-LITE LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (4 Drivers):
3 LCS Wins – Donny Schatz
2 LCS Wins – Michael Kofoid, Chris Windom
1 LCS Wins – Cameron Martin

KSE HARD CHARGER AWARDS (6 Drivers):
2 Hard Chargers – Garet Williamson, Donny Schatz, Michael Kofoid
1 Hard Charger – Chris Windom, Giovanni Scelzi, Carson Macedo

ACME FASTEST LAP AWARDS (7 Drivers):
2 Fastest Laps – Michael Kofoid, Bill Balog
1 Fastest Lap – Anthony Macri, Brock Zearfoss, Sheldon Haudenschild, Carson Macedo, Brady Bacon

RACE READY CLOTHING HOTTEST LAP OF THE NIGHT AWARDS (7 Drivers):
2 Hottest Laps – Logan Schuchart, David Gravel
1 Hottest Lap – Austin McCarl, Brent Marks, Cole Macedo, Buddy Kofoid, Emerson Axsom

TOP FIVE STORYLINES: Major Midwestern Stretch Begins with US 36, 81 Speedway Weekend

OSBORN, MO (March 24, 2026) – The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series is ready to hit the ground running in America’s Heartland.

An extended stay in the Midwest is ahead for The Greatest Show on Dirt. Stops in Missouri, Kansas, Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa are all ahead in the next month for the country’s best Sprint Car drivers.

It begins this weekend as Osborn, MO’s US 36 Raceway makes a popular return to the schedule for the KC Classic on Friday, March 27. The “Show-Me State” oval never fails to produce some of the best Sprint Car racing fans can find anywhere.

Then it’s one state west as the spotlight shines on Park City, KS’ 81 Speedway on Saturday, March 28. The Tallgrass Tusslebrings the World of Outlaws to the track just north of Wichita for the 16th time in Series history.

BUY US 36 TICKETS HERE
BUY 81 TICKETS HERE

WATCH LIVE ON DIRTVision

Let’s look at the biggest stories to watch this weekend:

DOES THE STREAK STAY ALIVE?

There isn’t a lot David Gravel hasn’t done at this point in his career, but he checked off another box over the Oklahoma weekend.

The two-time and defending champion swept the races at Lawton Speedway and Creek County Speedway. Combine those with his Kennedale Speedway Park score from the prior Friday, and you get the first three-race World of Outlaws win streak of Gravel’s career. It’s also allowed Gravel and Big Game Motorsports to stretch their advantage atop the standings to 58 markers.

Friday presents Gravel the chance to be the first driver to win four in a row since Brad Sweet in early April of 2021. Recent history favors the Watertown, CT native considering he claimed the last US 36 visit in 2024. Should he get the job done in Missouri, he’ll go for the first five-race streak since Donny Schatz pulled it off in March of 2017. He’s yet to win at 81, but he’s been on the podium all three times he’s raced there.

BRAWL FOR SECOND

Gravel might be stretching his legs at the top, but it’s a donnybrook the runner-up spot knowing if Gravel slips at all, they can pounce. Only 38 points separate five drivers.

Carson Macedo currently sits second, but he and Jason Johnson Racing fought some struggles in Oklahoma. A spin at Lawton turned a potential podium into a 16th-place finish. Qualifying and Heat Race problems at Creek County left them playing catch up, and Macedo salvaged a top 10 after starting 22nd. The Lemoore, CA native has been to US 36 on three occasions and never finished worse than seventh. Over at 81, he was runner-up in his 2023 debut before slipping to ninth in 2024.

Six straight finishes of eighth or better have allowed Sheldon Haudenschild and KCP Racing to climb to third. The new combination sits just six markers shy of Macedo for second. Haudenschild won his first two US 36 appearances (2020 and 2023) and was primed to make it three straight in 2024 before an incident in traffic. The Wooster, OH native has improved with each visit to 81 – 12th in 2017, seventh in 2023, and fourth in 2024.

Donny Schatz and CJB Motorsports are beginning to click and sit fourth in points as a result. They’ve pieced together four consecutive top 10s including a pair of podiums. Seven trips to US 36 have yielded five top 10s for Schatz highlighted by a 2024 runner-up. Among the current crop of 17 full-time World of Outlaws drivers, Schatz is the only one with a victory at 81, and he’s topped a pair at the Kansas track.

The fifth spot belongs to Logan Schuchart. The Shark Racing No. 1S has been solid all year with seven top 10s through nine races and nearly picked up a victory at Creek County until slipping to fifth in the final laps. The Pennsylvanian owns a pair of top fives in four US 36 appearances. His best result at 81 in three tries is seventh.

Michael “Buddy” Kofoid sits sixth after some mechanical woes and crashes have hampered the championship contender early in the campaign. He did rebound with a Creek County runner-up on Saturday in the Roth Motorsports No. 83. Kofoid podiumed at the 2024 trip to US 36. He also bagged a top five at 81 the same season.

SHOW-ME STATE SOPHOMORE

Three of the next four races are in the state of Missouri, which means it’s time for some home games for Garet Williamson.

It begins on Friday with US 36, which is only about 150 miles from his hometown of Columbia, MO. The Series sophomore finished second with the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) there in 2021. After the Kansas tilt Saturday and Easter weekend off, the tour returns to the “Show-Me State” for a weekend (April 10-11) at Pevely, Mo’s I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park. He’s been in the top 10 in two of his last four races at I-55.

Williamson is off to a solid start in his second season with The Greatest Show on Dirt. He’s got an average finish of 10.89 and holds down the seventh spot in points after nine races.

THE NIGHTMARE IS KNOCKING

The start of Bill Balog’s third World of Outlaws season didn’t go according to plan in Florida, but he’s quickly turned things around and is knocking on the door of Victory Lane.

The turnaround began with a sixth-place run at Talladega. Then “The North Pole Nightmare” led the most laps and nearly won at Kennedale before being passed by David Gravel in the final corner. The latest sign of progress was leading 13 laps and a top 10 finish at Creek County.

Balog gets two more opportunities to score that first victory of the season this weekend. He’s yet to crack the top 10 at either track on the agenda, but recent momentum suggests that could change.

ROOKIE CHECK-IN

The battle for the Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year presented by Five Star Bodies is living up to the hype.

Ashton Torgerson pulled ahead early thanks to three top 10s in the first five races including a runner-up at Volusia Speedway Park. But then Emerson Axsom came alive with back-to-back top 10s at Kennedale and Lawton while Torgerson struggled. That gave Axsom the top spot only for Torgerson to reclaim it after a ninth at Creek County. A mere six points now separates the two.

Behind the top two, it’s Kasey Jedrzejek, Scotty Thiel, and Scott Bogucki completing the standings of the 2026 rookie class. Bogucki made a statement over the weekend by driving from ninth to second at Lawton for his first Series podium.

All five rookies are separated by only 72 markers.

THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

WHEN AND WHERE 
Friday, March 27 at US 36 Raceway in Osborn, MO
Saturday, March 28 at 81 Speedway in Park City, KS

AROUND THE TURN
Friday-Saturday, April 10-11 at I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park in Pevely, MO (TICKETS)

CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (9/85 Races):
1. David Gravel – Big Game Motorsports No. 2 (1250 PTS)
2. Carson Macedo – Jason Johnson Racing No. 41 (-58 PTS)
3. Sheldon Haudenschild – KCP Racing No. 18 (-64 PTS)
4. Donny Schatz – CJB Motorsports No. 15 (-84 PTS)
5. Logan Schuchart – Shark Racing No. 1S (-92 PTS)
6. Michael Kofoid – Roth Motorsports No. 83 (-96 PTS)
7. Garet Williamson – Fischer Motorsports No. 23 (-140 PTS)
8. Chris Windom – Sides Motorsports No. 7S (-148 PTS)
9. Spencer Bayston – Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing No. 17 (-156 PTS)
10. Bill Balog – B2 Motorsports (-162 PTS)

NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (6 Drivers):
3 Wins – David Gravel
2 Wins – Anthony Macri
1 Win – Spencer Bayston, Michael Kofoid, Sheldon Haudenschild, Donny Schatz

FEATURE LAPS LED (13 Drivers):
44 Laps Led – Bill Balog
40 Laps Led – Anthony Macri
35 Laps Led – Donny Schatz
34 Laps Led – Michael Kofoid, David Gravel
25 Laps Led – Sheldon Haudenschild
18 Laps Led – Brady Bacon
12 Laps Led – Carson Macedo
10 Laps Led – Spencer Bayston
6 Laps Led – Brian Brown, Brock Zearfoss
5 Laps Led – Logan Schuchart
1 Lap Led – Christopher ThramPODIUM FINISHES (11 Drivers):
7 Podiums – David Gravel
5 Podiums – Carson Macedo
3 Podiums – Anthony Macri, Michael Kofoid
2 Podiums – Sheldon Haudenschild, Donny Schatz
1 Podium – Spencer Bayston, Ashton Torgerson, Bill Balog, Scott Bogucki, Brady Bacon

SIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS QUICKTIME AWARDS (6 Drivers):
3 Quick Times – David Gravel
2 Quick Times – Sheldon Haudenschild
1 Quick Time – Logan Schuchart, Ashton Torgerson, Kasey Jedrzejek, Brady Bacon

HEAT RACE WINNERS (14 Drivers):
7 Heat Wins – David Gravel
5 Heat Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild 
3 Heat Wins – Logan Schuchart, Carson Macedo, Ashton Torgerson
2 Heat Wins – Anthony Macri, Michael Kofoid, Bill Balog
1 Heat Win – Chase Dietz, Justin Peck, Tanner Holmes, Donny Schatz, Scott Thiel, Emerson Axsom

TOYOTA DASH APPEARANCES (28 Drivers):
8 Dashes – David Gravel
7 Dashes – Sheldon Haudenschild
5 Dashes – Michael Kofoid
4 Dashes – Anthony Macri, Carson Macedo, Logan Schuchart, Ashton Torgerson
3 Dashes – Bill Balog
2 Dashes – Brent Marks, Tanner Holmes, Garet Williamson, Kasey Jedrzejek, Donny Schatz, Emerson Axsom, Scotty Thiel
1 Dash – Brian Brown, Chase Dietz, Justin Peck, Parker Price-Miller, Ryan Timms, Brock Zearfoss, Kerry Madsen, Bryce Lucius, Spencer Bayston, Christopher Thram, Brady Bacon, Chris Windom, Sam Hafertepe Jr.

MICRO-LITE LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (4 Drivers):
3 LCS Wins – Donny Schatz
2 LCS Wins – Michael Kofoid, Chris Windom
1 LCS Wins – Cameron Martin

KSE HARD CHARGER AWARDS (6 Drivers):
2 Hard Chargers – Garet Williamson, Donny Schatz, Michael Kofoid
1 Hard Charger – Chris Windom, Giovanni Scelzi, Carson Macedo

ACME FASTEST LAP AWARDS (7 Drivers):
2 Fastest Laps – Michael Kofoid, Bill Balog
1 Fastest Lap – Anthony Macri, Brock Zearfoss, Sheldon Haudenschild, Carson Macedo, Brady Bacon

RACE READY CLOTHING HOTTEST LAP OF THE NIGHT AWARDS (7 Drivers):
2 Hottest Laps – Logan Schuchart, David Gravel
1 Hottest Lap – Austin McCarl, Brent Marks, Cole Macedo, Buddy Kofoid, Emerson Axsom

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

CONCORD, NC (March 24, 2026) – It’s been a busy start to the 2026 season for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision, and the grind rolls on in Alabama and Georgia.

The last of three-straight March weekends in the south lies ahead, beginning with the highly anticipated return to East Alabama Motor Speedway on Friday, March 27. The track best known as the home of the National 100 hasn’t hosted the World of Outlaws since 2006, but the two-decade drought ends this week with a $12,000-to-win showdown at the “Playground of Power.”

From there, teams will make the 90-minute drive north to Senoia Raceway for the 2026 edition of the Billy Clanton Classic on Saturday, March 28. The $20,000-to-win event will be the fifth visit by the World of Outlaws to the “gray clay” oval, but the first in March after the last two were contested in the fall.

In addition to the World of Outlaws, the itinerary will also include Hobby Stocks and Road Warriors at East Alabama and 602 Late Models and 602 Chargers at Senoia.

GET EAST ALABAMA TICKETS

SENOIA TICKETS SOLD AT TRACK ONLY

WATCH LIVE ON DIRTVISION

Here are this week’s top storylines:

TWO-HORSE RACE: The statistics make one thing clear with a dozen races in the books in 2026 – there’s Bobby Pierce and Nick Hoffman, and then there’s everyone else.

The top two drivers are separated by 14 points leaving Magnolia Motor Speedway last weekend, while third-place Tim McCreadie is already 100 points behind Hoffman in second. In terms of average finish, Pierce and Hoffman are neck-and-neck at 3.58 and 3.75, respectively, but no one else is in the single digits.

However, both drivers have gotten to those positions in vastly different ways. Pierce has struggled early in the night on several occasions, which has resulted in a 10.75 average starting spot that’s more than five spots worse than Hoffman’s 5.67. Not to worry though, as Pierce’s 86 positions gained in Features is the best in the Series. While Pierce has been slicing his way through the field night after night, Hoffman has been enjoying his time up front, leading more than twice as many laps as Pierce at 140 to 61.

Friday’s race at East Alabama could be anyone’s game – Hoffman has never been to Phenix City, while Pierce’s only appearance there was eight years ago during his brief stint driving for Dunn-Benson Motorsports. There’s much more recent data to look at for Senoia though, as Pierce has finished outside the top 10 only once in his five starts there over the past two years, while Hoffman only has one top 10 in three Senoia starts in the same time frame.

NEVER GAVE UP: Dennis Erb Jr. and crew chief Heather Lyne already had a reputation of being one of the most hardworking tandems in the Late Model pits, and they lived up to it last week.

Their weekend in Tennessee was nothing short of a nightmare. Erb was an innocent bystander in the Heat Race incident at Volunteer Speedway between Kyle Strickler and Ethan Dotson that left the right-front corner of his car badly damaged. The next night at Smoky Mountain Speedway, Erb got turned around on the backstretch and was T-boned at full speed by race leader Brandon Overton. Erb was uninjured, but had to load up his second wrecked car in as many nights.

That amount of destruction occurring with only six days to prepare for the next stop on tour would have marked the end of a full-time World of Outlaws bid for many teams, but not Erb’s. They spent the week assembling new cars at the Rocket Chassis shop in Shinnston, WV, and didn’t hit the road for Magnolia until 9 p.m. Thursday. Twelve hours of driving later, the No. 28 hauler rolled into the pit area at about 4 p.m. on Friday afternoon.

Erb’s Friday results weren’t anything to write home about, but Saturday brought a big turnaround with a Heat Race win and a Feature that saw him run as high as third before finishing seventh. Both of this weekend’s venues could bring chances for him to build on that showing. Erb has attended the National 100 at East Alabama almost every year since 2002 and has a 2016 win and 11 top fives under his belt in the event. Up at Senoia, he’s recorded a top five and six top 10s in 10 appearances since 2021.

MR. PHENIX CITY: However, the other Erb has emerged as the true master of East Alabama in recent years.

Tyler Erb made his first National 100 start in 2019, and the track instantly fit him like a glove. He finished runner-up in his East Alabama debut before returning in 2022 and doing it again. “Terbo” has since won the last two editions of the race in 2024 and 2025, while his only “down year” was a fifth-place run in 2023.

Erb’s Senoia statistics aren’t quite at that level, but are noteworthy nonetheless. He finished runner-up to Brandon Sheppard in the track’s first World of Outlaws race in 2017, one of Erb’s seven second-place finishes before finally winning his first Series race at Atomic Speedway one year later. Erb’s only Senoia win came with the Southern Nationals Series in 2018, and he finished fourth last time he was there for the Peach State Classic last November.

HOME GAME: For Todd Morrow, Friday will be as close as he gets to racing at home during his MD3 Rookie of the Year campaign with the World of Outlaws.

Phenix City is only an hour from his home in Penton, AL, and he turned plenty of laps there during his time as a regional racer. Most of them have come under Southern All Stars sanctioning, with his best results being a pair of top fives in 2015 and 2022. Senoia is also a special place for Morrow, as it was the site of his first World of Outlaws Feature start last year.

Morrow has kept his expectations modest ever since announcing his full-time World of Outlaws plans, but he’s already began showing signs of progress. He finished in a career-best 13th at Volunteer and could have reset that mark on Saturday at Magnolia until he was caught up in an early-race crash after starting 12th.

WINGER’S PLACE: You would be hard-pressed to name a driver who defends their home track better than Ashton Winger at Senoia.

The Hampton, GA driver took down the Outlaws in their last two appearances at Senoia in 2021 and 2025. Those wins are merely the tip of the iceberg, as his 11 total Super Late Model wins at Senoia also include six with the Southern All Stars, two with the Southern Nationals and one on the former Fall Nationals tour.

Despite skipping the entirety of Speedweeks and not starting his season until a Southern All Stars show at Penton Raceway on March 6, Winger has already began heating up in 2026. He finished fourth at Penton before heading to Magnolia for his first national starts of the year and ran fourth again on Friday. Saturday was shaping up to be even better, as he went toe-to-toe with Jonathan Davenport early and led for a moment before dropping to sixth at the finish.

WHEN AND WHERE:
Friday, March 27 at East Alabama Motor Speedway in Phenix City, AL
Saturday, March 28 at Senoia Raceway in Senoia, GA

CURRENT POINT STANDINGS:
1. Bobby Pierce (1624 points)
2. Nick Hoffman (-14)
3. Tim McCreadie (-114)
4. Tyler Erb (-115)
5. Ryan Gustin (-121)
6. Daulton Wilson (-125)
7. Drake Troutman (-149)
8. Ethan Dotson (-150)
9. Dennis Erb Jr. (-193)
10. Dustin Sorensen (-193)

FEATURE WINNERS (7):
Nick Hoffman – 3
Bobby Pierce – 3
Hudson O’Neal – 2
Brandon Sheppard – 1
Tim McCreadie – 1
Chris Madden – 1
Mike Marlar – 1

FEATURE TOP FIVES (18):
Nick Hoffman – 10
Bobby Pierce – 9
Brandon Sheppard – 4
Tim McCreadie – 4
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 4
Tyler Erb – 4
Drake Troutman – 4
Hudson O’Neal – 3
Chris Madden – 3
Ryan Gustin – 3
Dennis Erb Jr. – 2
Ethan Dotson – 2
Dale McDowell – 2
Jonathan Davenport – 2
Mike Marlar – 1
Ashton Winger – 1
Daulton Wilson – 1
Brandon Overton – 1

FEATURE LAPS LED (16):
Nick Hoffman – 140
Chris Madden – 73
Bobby Pierce – 61
Hudson O’Neal – 45
Jonathan Davenport – 45
Mike Marlar – 39
Tim McCreadie – 28
Drake Troutman – 26
Ryan Gustin – 22
Brandon Sheppard – 18
Brandon Overton – 12
Michael Leach – 10
Sam Seawright – 5
Dale McDowell – 4
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 2
Ashton Winger – 1

BILSTEIN POLE AWARDS (9):
Nick Hoffman – 3
Chris Madden – 2
Drake Troutman – 1
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 1
Ryan Gustin – 1
Jonathan Davenport – 1
Brandon Overton – 1
Sam Seawright – 1
Michael Leach – 1

SIMPSON QUICK TIME AWARDS (8):
Chris Madden – 5
Hudson O’Neal – 1
Drake Troutman – 1
Tyler Erb – 1
Brandon Overton – 1
Cody Overton – 1
Sam Seawright – 1
Michael Leach – 1

HEAT RACE WINS (24):
Chris Madden – 7
Nick Hoffman – 6
Tyler Erb – 5
Bobby Pierce – 4
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 3
Drake Troutman – 3
Ryan Gustin – 3
Brandon Overton – 3
Hudson O’Neal – 2
Brandon Sheppard – 2
Mike Marlar – 1
Jonathan Davenport – 1
Dale McDowell – 1
Dennis Erb Jr. – 1
Daulton Wilson – 1
Donald McIntosh – 1
Michael Leach – 1
Sam Seawright – 1
Austin Smith – 1
Dan Ebert – 1
Blair Nothdurft – 1
Cody Overton – 1
Dustin Sorensen – 1
Tristan Chamberlain – 1

LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (16):
Dennis Erb Jr. – 3
Josh Rice – 3
Bobby Pierce – 2
Ethan Dotson – 2
Tim McCreadie – 1
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 1
Daulton Wilson – 1
Jake Timm – 1
Michael Leach – 1
Dallon Murty – 1
Carson Ferguson – 1
Luke Morey – 1
Cody Overton – 1
Tristan Chamberlain – 1
Logan Zarin – 1
Cory Hedgecock – 1

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

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/latemodels/top-five-storylines-march-southern-swing-wraps-up-with-stops-at-east-alabama-senoia/

EVENT INFO: Chattahoochee Clash, Billy Clanton Classic
TRACK INFO: East Alabama Motor Speedway, Senoia Raceway

TOP FIVE STORYLINES: March Southern Swing Wraps Up with Stops at East Alabama, Senoia

CONCORD, NC (March 24, 2026) – It’s been a busy start to the 2026 season for the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision, and the grind rolls on in Alabama and Georgia.

The last of three-straight March weekends in the south lies ahead, beginning with the highly anticipated return to East Alabama Motor Speedway on Friday, March 27. The track best known as the home of the National 100 hasn’t hosted the World of Outlaws since 2006, but the two-decade drought ends this week with a $12,000-to-win showdown at the “Playground of Power.”

From there, teams will make the 90-minute drive north to Senoia Raceway for the 2026 edition of the Billy Clanton Classic on Saturday, March 28. The $20,000-to-win event will be the fifth visit by the World of Outlaws to the “gray clay” oval, but the first in March after the last two were contested in the fall.

In addition to the World of Outlaws, the itinerary will also include Hobby Stocks and Road Warriors at East Alabama and 602 Late Models and 602 Chargers at Senoia.

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Here are this week’s top storylines:

TWO-HORSE RACE: The statistics make one thing clear with a dozen races in the books in 2026 – there’s Bobby Pierce and Nick Hoffman, and then there’s everyone else.

The top two drivers are separated by 14 points leaving Magnolia Motor Speedway last weekend, while third-place Tim McCreadie is already 100 points behind Hoffman in second. In terms of average finish, Pierce and Hoffman are neck-and-neck at 3.58 and 3.75, respectively, but no one else is in the single digits.

However, both drivers have gotten to those positions in vastly different ways. Pierce has struggled early in the night on several occasions, which has resulted in a 10.75 average starting spot that’s more than five spots worse than Hoffman’s 5.67. Not to worry though, as Pierce’s 86 positions gained in Features is the best in the Series. While Pierce has been slicing his way through the field night after night, Hoffman has been enjoying his time up front, leading more than twice as many laps as Pierce at 140 to 61.

Friday’s race at East Alabama could be anyone’s game – Hoffman has never been to Phenix City, while Pierce’s only appearance there was eight years ago during his brief stint driving for Dunn-Benson Motorsports. There’s much more recent data to look at for Senoia though, as Pierce has finished outside the top 10 only once in his five starts there over the past two years, while Hoffman only has one top 10 in three Senoia starts in the same time frame.

NEVER GAVE UP: Dennis Erb Jr. and crew chief Heather Lyne already had a reputation of being one of the most hardworking tandems in the Late Model pits, and they lived up to it last week.

Their weekend in Tennessee was nothing short of a nightmare. Erb was an innocent bystander in the Heat Race incident at Volunteer Speedway between Kyle Strickler and Ethan Dotson that left the right-front corner of his car badly damaged. The next night at Smoky Mountain Speedway, Erb got turned around on the backstretch and was T-boned at full speed by race leader Brandon Overton. Erb was uninjured, but had to load up his second wrecked car in as many nights.

That amount of destruction occurring with only six days to prepare for the next stop on tour would have marked the end of a full-time World of Outlaws bid for many teams, but not Erb’s. They spent the week assembling new cars at the Rocket Chassis shop in Shinnston, WV, and didn’t hit the road for Magnolia until 9 p.m. Thursday. Twelve hours of driving later, the No. 28 hauler rolled into the pit area at about 4 p.m. on Friday afternoon.

Erb’s Friday results weren’t anything to write home about, but Saturday brought a big turnaround with a Heat Race win and a Feature that saw him run as high as third before finishing seventh. Both of this weekend’s venues could bring chances for him to build on that showing. Erb has attended the National 100 at East Alabama almost every year since 2002 and has a 2016 win and 11 top fives under his belt in the event. Up at Senoia, he’s recorded a top five and six top 10s in 10 appearances since 2021.

MR. PHENIX CITY: However, the other Erb has emerged as the true master of East Alabama in recent years.

Tyler Erb made his first National 100 start in 2019, and the track instantly fit him like a glove. He finished runner-up in his East Alabama debut before returning in 2022 and doing it again. “Terbo” has since won the last two editions of the race in 2024 and 2025, while his only “down year” was a fifth-place run in 2023.

Erb’s Senoia statistics aren’t quite at that level, but are noteworthy nonetheless. He finished runner-up to Brandon Sheppard in the track’s first World of Outlaws race in 2017, one of Erb’s seven second-place finishes before finally winning his first Series race at Atomic Speedway one year later. Erb’s only Senoia win came with the Southern Nationals Series in 2018, and he finished fourth last time he was there for the Peach State Classic last November.

HOME GAME: For Todd Morrow, Friday will be as close as he gets to racing at home during his MD3 Rookie of the Year campaign with the World of Outlaws.

Phenix City is only an hour from his home in Penton, AL, and he turned plenty of laps there during his time as a regional racer. Most of them have come under Southern All Stars sanctioning, with his best results being a pair of top fives in 2015 and 2022. Senoia is also a special place for Morrow, as it was the site of his first World of Outlaws Feature start last year.

Morrow has kept his expectations modest ever since announcing his full-time World of Outlaws plans, but he’s already began showing signs of progress. He finished in a career-best 13th at Volunteer and could have reset that mark on Saturday at Magnolia until he was caught up in an early-race crash after starting 12th.

WINGER’S PLACE: You would be hard-pressed to name a driver who defends their home track better than Ashton Winger at Senoia.

The Hampton, GA driver took down the Outlaws in their last two appearances at Senoia in 2021 and 2025. Those wins are merely the tip of the iceberg, as his 11 total Super Late Model wins at Senoia also include six with the Southern All Stars, two with the Southern Nationals and one on the former Fall Nationals tour.

Despite skipping the entirety of Speedweeks and not starting his season until a Southern All Stars show at Penton Raceway on March 6, Winger has already began heating up in 2026. He finished fourth at Penton before heading to Magnolia for his first national starts of the year and ran fourth again on Friday. Saturday was shaping up to be even better, as he went toe-to-toe with Jonathan Davenport early and led for a moment before dropping to sixth at the finish.

WHEN AND WHERE:
Friday, March 27 at East Alabama Motor Speedway in Phenix City, AL
Saturday, March 28 at Senoia Raceway in Senoia, GA

CURRENT POINT STANDINGS:
1. Bobby Pierce (1624 points)
2. Nick Hoffman (-14)
3. Tim McCreadie (-114)
4. Tyler Erb (-115)
5. Ryan Gustin (-121)
6. Daulton Wilson (-125)
7. Drake Troutman (-149)
8. Ethan Dotson (-150)
9. Dennis Erb Jr. (-193)
10. Dustin Sorensen (-193)

FEATURE WINNERS (7):
Nick Hoffman – 3
Bobby Pierce – 3
Hudson O’Neal – 2
Brandon Sheppard – 1
Tim McCreadie – 1
Chris Madden – 1
Mike Marlar – 1

FEATURE TOP FIVES (18):
Nick Hoffman – 10
Bobby Pierce – 9
Brandon Sheppard – 4
Tim McCreadie – 4
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 4
Tyler Erb – 4
Drake Troutman – 4
Hudson O’Neal – 3
Chris Madden – 3
Ryan Gustin – 3
Dennis Erb Jr. – 2
Ethan Dotson – 2
Dale McDowell – 2
Jonathan Davenport – 2
Mike Marlar – 1
Ashton Winger – 1
Daulton Wilson – 1
Brandon Overton – 1

FEATURE LAPS LED (16):
Nick Hoffman – 140
Chris Madden – 73
Bobby Pierce – 61
Hudson O’Neal – 45
Jonathan Davenport – 45
Mike Marlar – 39
Tim McCreadie – 28
Drake Troutman – 26
Ryan Gustin – 22
Brandon Sheppard – 18
Brandon Overton – 12
Michael Leach – 10
Sam Seawright – 5
Dale McDowell – 4
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 2
Ashton Winger – 1

BILSTEIN POLE AWARDS (9):
Nick Hoffman – 3
Chris Madden – 2
Drake Troutman – 1
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 1
Ryan Gustin – 1
Jonathan Davenport – 1
Brandon Overton – 1
Sam Seawright – 1
Michael Leach – 1

SIMPSON QUICK TIME AWARDS (8):
Chris Madden – 5
Hudson O’Neal – 1
Drake Troutman – 1
Tyler Erb – 1
Brandon Overton – 1
Cody Overton – 1
Sam Seawright – 1
Michael Leach – 1

HEAT RACE WINS (24):
Chris Madden – 7
Nick Hoffman – 6
Tyler Erb – 5
Bobby Pierce – 4
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 3
Drake Troutman – 3
Ryan Gustin – 3
Brandon Overton – 3
Hudson O’Neal – 2
Brandon Sheppard – 2
Mike Marlar – 1
Jonathan Davenport – 1
Dale McDowell – 1
Dennis Erb Jr. – 1
Daulton Wilson – 1
Donald McIntosh – 1
Michael Leach – 1
Sam Seawright – 1
Austin Smith – 1
Dan Ebert – 1
Blair Nothdurft – 1
Cody Overton – 1
Dustin Sorensen – 1
Tristan Chamberlain – 1

LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (16):
Dennis Erb Jr. – 3
Josh Rice – 3
Bobby Pierce – 2
Ethan Dotson – 2
Tim McCreadie – 1
Ricky Thornton Jr. – 1
Daulton Wilson – 1
Jake Timm – 1
Michael Leach – 1
Dallon Murty – 1
Carson Ferguson – 1
Luke Morey – 1
Cody Overton – 1
Tristan Chamberlain – 1
Logan Zarin – 1
Cory Hedgecock – 1

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

ARTICLE: https://worldofoutlaws.com/latemodels/top-five-storylines-march-southern-swing-wraps-up-with-stops-at-east-alabama-senoia/

EVENT INFO: Chattahoochee Clash, Billy Clanton Classic
TRACK INFO: East Alabama Motor Speedway, Senoia Raceway

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

THE FESTIVAL OF POWERSanta Pod RacewayFri.3-Sun.5 April 2026 The Festival of Power launches Santa Pod Raceway’s 60^th Anniversary season with an Easter weekend chock-full of family entertainments underpinned by championship drag racing on two and four wheels. On-track, fast and loud action is the order of the day. Four supercharged, nitro-burning Funny Cars are the headline act, battling for the early lead in 2026’s Funny Car Cup. These volatile beasts each punch out more than 10,000 horsepower and shake the ground. The class speed record stands at over 300mph. A pair of similarly powered Top Fuel Dragsters will limber up in preparation for the coming season’s FIA European Championship. From Sweden comes the reigning champion, Susanne Callin, piloting Santa Pod’s own Slick Tricks Racing dragster. From Scotland comes a Top Fuel newcomer: Colin Millar is already a famous face whose Flyin’ Fyfer is one of the dominant entries in the wild Outlaw Anglia class. Now the Scotsman bids to earn a Top Fuel licence with a graduated series of observed runs throughout the weekend. No less fast and loud, the Festival of Power is renowned for the spectacle of its flame-and-thunder Jet Car show – and there will be an extraordinary motorcycle powered by steam, yes, steam. See it to believe it. Martin Hill’s Fireforce Jet Car stable will be represented by Fireforce 3, a Jet Funny Car, and Fireforce 5, a Jet Dragster. Roger Goring brings his Firestorm Jet Funny down from Yorkshire and Julian Webb’s Spiderman is another Jet Dragster. Oklahoma Willy is the name of a gleaming, road-legal Volkswagen pickup that motors up to the start line under its own piston power then lights up the Rolls-Royce fighter jet engine sitting behind the driver’s cab for a flame-throwing, afterburner-popping display as its blasts towards the finish line. A motorcycle driven by steam? Whoever would have thought of that? Graham Sykes did. Yorkshireman Sykes is one of those canny engineers who sees the world from a different angle and has designed and built a steam-powered rocket bike that can actually out-accelerate a Top Fuel Dragster. It’s a spectacular sight when it goes and it’s as net-zero as any powered vehicle can be. Ebullient Pro Mod cars contesting the opening round of the FuelTech Motorsport UK British Drag Racing Championship headline a full programme of national championship classes on two and four wheels. There’s an entry list of almost 300 and free access to the paddock allows spectators a close-up view of all the pitside activities. Off-track, the Live Action Arena is a focus for Monster Truck and stunt riding and driving displays. World record-holding stunt driver Terry Grant will be in action with his eye-popping precision driving show and Moto Syndicate is a brand-new FMX crew featuring former Red Bull and Nitro Circus performers, while Fusion Extreme puts on a pedal-powered jump box and ramp show. Sim Drive Five let you race sitting still, courtesy of their cutting-edge race simulators, or you can indulge in a little Bull Axe Throwing, while a Dinosaur Walkabout, Mini Monster Trucks, inflatables, a climbing wall and visits from Bing and Peppa Pig are among the attractions to entertain the kids, plus an array of funfair rides. Camping for free overnight? There’s an abundance of food and drink to sustain you and live music to keep you dancing the night away once the racing winds down. The Festival of Power is an event for all the family – championship drag racing on the track and all manner of entertainments alongside. The Festival takes place over Easter weekend, from Friday 3^rd to Sunday 5^th April (not Easter Monday). Tickets are bookable only online or by phone – visit  https://santapodtickets.com/p/fop or telephone the Box Office at 01234 782828. Full event information can be found at https://santapod.co.uk/events/festival-of-power/#StarsOfTheShow. 

Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Set for Ohio-Indiana Swing at Atomic and Brownstown

BATAVIA, Ohio (March 23, 2026) – The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing continues its 2026 campaign with a doubleheader weekend, bringing the nation’s top dirt late model drivers to Atomic Speedway in Ohio and Brownstown Speedway in Indiana. The weekend action begins Friday, March 27 at Atomic Speedway in Chillicothe, Ohio, with the running of the Buckeye Spring 50, featuring a $15,000-to-win main event. The following night, Saturday, March 28, the series heads west to Brownstown Speedway for the 29th Annual Indiana Icebreaker, boasting a $25,000 winner’s prize. Both events mark the first Midwest appearances of the 2026 season following the traditional Speedweeks in the Southeast, where drivers battled through a grueling early-season slate to build momentum in the championship chase. The pit gate at Atomic Speedway will open at 12:00 PM (noon), followed by general admission gates at 3:00 PM. All gates at Brownstown Speedway will open at 12:00 PM (noon). Dirt Draft Hot Laps are slated to begin at 5:00 PM each day, followed by Allstar Performance Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, and a 50-lap main event. Atomic Speedway is located at 2535 Blain Highway in Waverly, Ohio – just off S.R. 23, six miles south of Chillicothe. For more information about Atomic Speedway, including how to purchase discounted tickets in advance, please visit AtomicSpeedway.net. Brownstown Speedway is located one mile southeast of Brownstown, Ind., on S.R. 250 at the Jackson County Fairground. To purchase tickets in advance or find more information about Brownstown Speedway, visit the track’s website at BrownstownSpeedway.com. The Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing has seen four different winners in the first 11 events of the 2026 season. Among those victors are the top two in the championship standings – Hudson O’Neal and Devin Moran – with three victories each. Brandon Overton, Clay Harris, and Ricky Thornton Jr. round out the top five in championship standings. For the latest news, results, championship standings, and more about the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing, visit LucasDirt.com. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Purses:Buckeye Spring 50: 1. $15,000, 2. $7,000, 3. $5,000, 4. $4,000, 5. $3,000, 6. $2,500, 7. $2,400, 8. $2,300, 9. $2,200, 10. $2,100, 11. $2,000, 12. $1,800, 13. $1,600, 14. $1,500, 15. $1,400, 16. $1,300, 17. $1,200, 18. $1,100, 19. $1,000, 20. $1,000, 21. $1,000, 22. $1,000, 23. $1,000, 24. $1,000 = $63,400 29th Annual Indiana Icebreaker: 1. $25,000, 2. $10,000, 3. $6,000, 4. $4,000, 5. $3,500, 6. $2,700, 7. $2,500, 8. $2,300, 9. $2,200, 10. $2,100, 11. $2,000, 12. $1,900, 13. $1,800, 14. $1,700, 15. $1,600, 16. $1,500, 17. $1,500, 18. $1,500, 19. $1,500, 20. $1,500, 21. $1,500, 22. $1,500, 23. $1,500, 24. $1,500 = $82,800 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Tire Rule:Atomic SpeedwayLeft Rear/Fronts – Hoosier (90) NLMT2, (90) NLMT3Right Rear – Hoosier (92) NLMT2, (92) NLMT3, (92) NLMT4 Brownstown SpeedwayLeft Rear/Fronts – Hoosier (90) NLMT2, (90) NLMT3Right Rear – Hoosier (92) NLMT3, (92) NLMT4

Event: Goodyear 400Location: Darlington Raceway, Darlington, South CarolinaDate: Sunday, March 22, 2026Start: 26thFinish: 17thJosh Berry and the No. 21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane team put together their strongest stretch in the closing laps of Sunday’s Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway, advancing seven positions over the final 50 laps to secure a 17th-place finish. It marked their second top-20 result of the season, with the first coming in the season-opening Daytona 500 (ninth).Berry and the Motorcraft/Quick Lane Ford Mustang Dark Horse started 26th and worked their way into the top 10 during a cycle of green-flag pit stops in the opening 90-lap Stage. However, the team lost a lap during the cycle and finished Stage 1 in 22nd, one lap down.In Stage 2, the team took advantage of a caution following a Lap 112 incident to take the wave-around and return to the lead lap. Berry maintained position from there and finished the Stage in 23rd.The final Stage saw steady progress from the No. 21 team as Berry settled into the top 20 for much of the closing run. After a green-flag stop on Lap 244, Berry methodically worked forward through the field, climbing into the top 20 by Lap 286. He gained three more positions in the closing laps to cap off a 17th-place finish.Berry and the Wood Brothers now turn their attention to Martinsville Speedway for next Sunday’s Cook Out 400.

PHOENIX (March 22, 2026) — Canadian Funny Car standout Spencer Hyde continued to build momentum in his sophomore NHRA season with a stellar performance at the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals presented by NGK Spark Plugs, powering the Head Contractors and Engineers Racing Funny Car to a runner-up finish in one of the hottest race weekends in NHRA history.   “Overall, a fantastic weekend,” said Hyde. “We made it down seven out of eight runs. We’re not usually great on hot racetracks. We learned some stuff in Gainesville, and really showed that we applied what we learned. We had the most consistent race car here, which is a lot to be proud of.”   The reigning NHRA Rookie of the Year showed strength from the outset, earning his second career No. 1 qualifier thanks to a blistering 3.979 second pass at 317.64 mph during Friday’s opening qualifying session. Hyde added to his qualifying success with a total of seven bonus points, including three for the top run and four more for posting the second quickest elapsed times in the second and fourth qualifying sessions.   With a consistent hot-weather setup dialed in by crew chief Jim Head and car chief Dave Leahy, Hyde entered race day confident in his race car, a sureness that translated into strong, steady performances under extreme track conditions.  Spencer Hyde raced to his third career final this weekend at the NHRA Arizona Nationals and moved up into second in the Funny Car point standings, photo credit Innovative Creation ExpertsHyde opened eliminations with a first-round matchup against No. 16 qualifier Blake Alexander. Hyde delivered his best run of race day, a 4.014 second pass at 315.64 mph, to secure the win light and advance to the quarterfinals.   “Getting past the first round is always such a weight lifted off your shoulders,” said Hyde. “As long as you win a round, you don’t feel like you wasted a whole weekend.”   As temperatures climbed and track conditions became increasingly challenging, Hyde continued to excel. In the second round, he defeated J.R. Todd to move into the semifinals, locking in a spot in the upcoming Mission #2Fast2Tasty Challenge at the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals in Pomona, an opportunity to earn additional bonus points and prize money.   Hyde then faced Matt Hagan in the semifinals and once again came out on top, advancing to the third final round of his young Funny Car career.   Sunday’s grueling conditions tested teams across the board, turning race day into a true endurance challenge. In the final, Hyde matched up against veteran Ron Capps, a longtime mentor. Despite a strong effort, Hyde was edged out at the starting line and was unable to close the gap before losing traction late in the run, settling for a runner-up finish.   “It sucks getting off the tire in the final there and being so close to my first win,” said Hyde. “I watched these guys work so hard to turn this thing around in the heat. When Capps blew up and hit the wall, we had to wait for that clean up, and we had 40 minutes less than everybody else. These guys turned it around in less than 40 minutes, and they were exhausted. I just wanted so badly to win for them.”   Hyde credited the strength of his team and partners, including OUTLAW Beer and Jim and Janet Russell of the Caine Group, for helping make the weekend possible. With the runner-up finish, Hyde moves to a career-best No. 2 in the NHRA Funny Car points standings, signaling a strong start to what is shaping up to be a breakout sophomore campaign.   “My first win is coming,” said Hyde. “We’ve got a consistent race car. I’m driving good. Jim’s tuning good. Nobody’s making mistakes out there. Our time is soon.”   Hyde and the Head Racing team will be back in competition in three weeks at the Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals on April 9-12 at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. It’s a significant race because it will be the 1,000th Funny Car race in NHRA history. There will be two qualifying sessions on Friday, April 10 and two qualifying sessions on Saturday, April 11. For tickets or more information on the NHRA Winternationals visit nhra.com.   Qualifying Results Q1: 3.979 sec, 317.64 mph; Qual. 1 Q2: 4.148 sec, 300.06 mph; Qual. 1 Q3: 4.098 sec, 310.41 mph; Qual. 1 Q4: 4.172 sec, 275.79 mph; Qual. 1 Bonus Points: +7 (quickest of Q1, 2nd quickest of Q2, 2nd quickest of Q4)   Race Results First Round Spencer Hyde, Stratford, Ontario, Head Contractors & Engineers Funny Car, (.082), 4.014 sec, 315.64 mphdef. Blake Alexander, Charlotte, N.C., Pronto Auto Service Center, (.073), 4.583 sec, 198.70 mph   Second Round Spencer Hyde, Stratford, Ontario, Head Contractors & Engineers Funny Car, (.082), 4.145 sec, 301.27 mphdef. J.R. Todd, Lawrenceburg, Ind., DHL Toyota GR Supra, (.077), 4.160 sec, 297.88 mph   Semi-Final Round Spencer Hyde, Stratford, Ontario, Head Contractors & Engineers Funny Car, (.086), 4.185 sec, 292.65 mphdef. Matt Hagan, Christiansburg, Va., TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car, (.076), 4.211 sec, 286.92 mph   Final Round Ron Capps, Carlsbad, Calif., NAPA Auto Parts Toyota GR Supra Funny Car, (.084), 4.124 sec, 303.23 mph def. Spencer Hyde, Stratford, Ontario, Head Contractors & Engineers Funny Car, (.093), 4.326 sec, 259.76 mph   Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Point Standings – Funny CarChad Green, 174Spencer Hyde, 156Ron Capps, 151J.R. Todd, 140Matt Hagan, 135Alexis DeJoria, 126Jordan Vandergriff, 125Paul Lee, 111Daniel Wilkerson, 107Jack Beckman, 74

PHOENIX (March 22, 2026) — Coming into the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals this weekend at Firebird Motorsports Park rising star Dylan Winefsky was looking to continue to improve his driving skills and Funny Car performance. The Arizona-based driver executed masterfully on both fronts, posting career best elapsed times and speeds throughout the race. Winefsky qualified No. 14 and faced a tough first round opponent, Gatornationals winner and points leader Chad Green. Driving the Nitro Moose Funny Car with sponsorship support from Lowe’s Home Improvement, Audio Express, Robert’s Car Care, Bob Jackson Auto Body, and Outlaw Race Engines, Winefsky made a strong run in the first round coming up just short to Green.   “We just kept improving with every run this weekend,” said Winefsky. “Even the last run in the first round when the belt broke, we had our best 60-foot and our best 330-foot time. We can carry all this momentum into Pomona and keep everything the same, we should improve even more Pomona, especially with better air.”  Dylan Winefsky and the Nitro Moose Funny Car team excelled throughout the NHRA Arizona Nationals, photo credit SR Driven MediaThrough four rounds of qualifying Winefsky and the Nitro Moose Funny Car team tuned by veteran Johnny West improved on the performance side. They capped off their qualifying effort with a 4.159 second, 299.93 mph setting personal best records for Winefsky.   “I’m way more comfortable in the car this first race in the year compared to all last year,” said Winefsky. “Each run in the car just keeps getting better. I am getting more comfortable with each run too. I couldn’t do it without all these guys and everyone on this team. It was great weekend. Couldn’t have gone better.”   In the first round of eliminations Winefsky and the Nitro Moose Funny Car team knew they would have their hands full with Green. Both 12,000-horsepower Funny Cars executed their burnout and rolled up to the starting line. Both race cars left the starting line together and Green started pulling away as they flew down the track. Winefsky lost power when his blower belt let go and Green cruised to victory with a winning time of 4.011 seconds to Winefsky’s 5.369 seconds. The first round exit did not diminish the team’s enthusiasm for the start of the season and performing in front of the hometown crowd.   “It was cool seeing a bunch of our friends come out and support us,” said Winefsky. “We also had a bunch of local sponsors that we were able to have come out and spend a couple days with us. It’s cool racing in your hometown. I’m having a blast. I’m pretty sure you can ask anyone here, they are all having a blast too. We’re a fun group and without these guys, none of this would be possible.”   The team will be heading west in three weeks for the historic NHRA Winternationals, April 9-12, 2026 at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip. Fans interested in tickets can visit www.nhra.com and for more information on Dylan follow his social media on Facebook and Instagram.   Qualifying Results Q1: 4.216 sec, 272.89 mph; Qual. 11 Q2: No Run; Qual. 12 Q3: 4.159 sec, 299.93 mph; Qual. 14 Q4: No Run; Qual. 14 Bonus points: 0   Race Results First Round Chad Green, Midland, Tex., Bond Coat Ford Mustang, (.101), 4.011 sec, 320.97 mph def. Dylan Winefsky, El Mirage, Ariz., Nitro Moose Funny Car, (.127), 5.369 sec, 138.73 mph

RACE RECAP – PHOENIX Race 2 of 20

Photography: John Force Racing / Auto Imagery / Gary Nastase

NO DESERT MAGIC FOR JFR AT FIREBIRDHart, Vandergriff bow out in Rd. 2 while Beckman and DeJoria’s days end after first

CHANDLER, Ariz. (March 22, 2026) – Firebird Motorsports Park proved to be an unfortunate Achilles’ heel for John Force Racing as none of its four teams advanced further than the second round of eliminations Sunday in the FMP NHRA Arizona Nationals. The Burnyzz Speed Shop / Speedmaster Top Fuel team with Josh Hart and the Cornwell Tools Chevrolet SS Funny Car team with Jordan Vandergriff were eliminated in the second round of competition while the PEAK Chevrolet SS Funny Car of Jack Beckman and the Bandero Premium Tequila Chevrolet SS Funny Car of Alexis DeJoria bowed out in Round 1. Hart defeated Justin Ashley in Round 1 (4.000 seconds to 4.115) to set up the second-round matchup with Leah Pruett. Hart got the holeshot (.075 to .098) but hazed the tires midway through the run, slowing to 4.081 seconds at 275.62 mph to Pruett’s 4.887 at 319.52. “The Burnyzz Speed Shop / Speedmaster dragster struggled big time in the heat, but the bottom line for me is I’m getting better at the lights and racing is fun again. “I’m super proud to be a very small part of such an awesome team, so proud of John Force Racing and the entirety of this group. We’re off to California.” Vandergriff got the automatic win in Rd. 1 when DeJoria red-lit and then went on to run the second-quickest pass of the session (3.984 seconds at 318.62 mph), giving him lane choice for Rd. 2 against Matt Hagan. Hagan took the holeshot by one-hundredth-of-a-second and they were even halfway through the run when both cars smoked the tires. Both drivers tried to pedal but their engines had clicked off so they coasted across the finish line, Hagan taking the win at 4.621 seconds at 189.71 mph to Vandergriff’s 4.650 at 181.86. “We were having a good side-by-side run until we both smoked the tires at half-track,” said Vandergriff. “It felt clean early, and then I felt it start to pull the tires loose. I lifted and tried to give it a stab again but there was nothing there. I think if I had more runs, I might have caught it quicker. But you know what? I’m just a few runs into this career here and I think I’m doing okay so far.” As was the case at Gainesville two weeks prior when Vandergriff and Beckman faced each other in the first round, the all-John Force Racing first-round matchup at Firebird meant that one car would not advance to the second round of eliminations. This time it was DeJoria and the Bandero Premium Tequila Chevrolet SS Funny Car team. “It was a tricky weekend for the Bandero Chevy team,” said DeJoria. “We weren’t able to make any full pulls down the racetrack and we were lucky to get in on our first run Friday, going 4.08, smoking the tires and having to drive a bit at the top end. This morning, we had to race, one of our teammates, Jordan Vandergriff so we knew at least one of us is going to the 2nd round, but it always sucks when you have to go up against a teammate. It’s been ridiculously hot out here. I feel really bad for the guys. They’ve been working so hard, and there’s 106 degree weather, just so I could go out there and not do my job on the starting line.” Beckman had lane choice as the No. 2 Qualifier, left the starting line just six-thousandths-of-a-second (.085 to .091) after Wilkerson. The Peak SQUAD Chevy SS was driving away past half-track but slowed nearing the finish line, which allowed Wilkerson to sneak past at the lights. Beckman ran 4.021 seconds at 273.88 mph to Wilkerson’s 4.001 seconds at 322.06 mph. “We heard a piston and it could have happened as early as the burnout,” said Beckman. “These things are very finicky on the burnout. We’re going to address that moving forward to Pomona. The car was on low ET of the meet, and I know everybody says that, but if you look at our numbers, we are 200ths quicker than every single car out there to 660 foot. And then what happens is, as the pistons stops sealing, the combustion gases get down into the oil pan. NHRA mandates a pan pressure switch so when it gets to a certain level, it disconnects the throttle. That is in place to prevent all that pressure from pushing the oil and gaskets out onto the racetrack. I get it. It bit us on that run. We needed 30 more feet of acceleration and we would have got it done but it’s something we can address. We’ve gotten beaten up, two races this year. I don’t think we’re gonna get beaten up next race.” The 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Top Fuel point standings after two races are: 1. Doug Kalitta, 176; 2. Josh Hart, 174; 3. Shawn Langdon, 170; 4. Leah Pruett, 158; 5. Maddi Gordon, 152; 6. Tony Stewart, 108; 7. Antron Brown, 107; 8. Tony Schumacher, 101; 9. Billy Torrence, 78; 10. (tie) Justin Ashley, 65 and Shawn Reed, 65. The 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series Funny Car point standings after two races are: 1. Chad Green, 174; 2. Spencer Hyde, 156; 3. Ron Capps, 151; 4. J.R. Todd, 140; 5. Matt Hagan, 135; 6. Alexis DeJoria, 126; 7. Jordan Vandergriff, 125; 8. Paul Lee, 111; 9. Daniel Wilkerson, 107; 10. Jack Beckman, 64. Next EventThe third of 20 events on the 2026 NHRA Mission Foods Drag Racing Series is the April 10-12 Lucas Oil NHRA Winternationals at In-N-Out Burger Pomona Dragstrip in Pomona, Calif.

Race Recap:  Stage One: A pair of Hendrick Motorsports teammates, Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott, led the Bowtie brigade in Saturday’s qualifying session – sweeping the second row of the starting lineup for the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. With the opening stage turning into a long green flag run, the field quickly approached its first trip to pit road as the stage closed in on the halfway mark. Larson, who maintained a top-four running position throughout the run, was called to pit road on Lap 39 for a fresh set of four tires and fuel. The green flag pit sequence expanded over the next 10 laps, with the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet team making their way back up into the fourth position. Among those who made a gain in position during the green flag pit cycle included Team Chevy’s William Byron, who jumped five spots to make his first appearance in the top-10 of the race. Despite struggling with the handling of his No. 5 Chevrolet, Larson held onto a strong points run in the opening stage – taking the first green-white checkered flag in the fifth position.  Stage Two: With track position at a premium, the No. 5 pit crew delivered – earning the reigning champion three positions to win the race off pit road and a position on the front row to start Stage Two. Electing the outside lane, a masterful restart and clean air was enough for Larson to take over the top position and lead his first laps of the race. Settled into the lead, the first natural caution of the day flew. With the lead pack hitting pit road, the No. 5 pit crew led the way once again. Losing the battle on the restart, Larson overcame similar handling issues to maintain a top-three running position en route to the second green-white checkered flag – leading fellow Team Chevy drivers, Byron and Daniel Suarez, with back-to-back top-10 stage points. Final Stage: Under the stage break, the Cliff Daniels-led team continued to go to work on their Chevrolet-powered machine with the pit crew continuing to give Larson valuable track position during their visit to pit road. But a caution near the 200-lap marker saw a shakeup in pit strategy. With the leaders opting to make another stop, a handful of cars chose track position, including Suarez – a decision that ultimately led the No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet team to their highest running position of the race. Holding strong among those with fresher tires, Suarez settled into the sixth position as the field approached what ended up being the final green flag pit cycle of the race. As the lap countdown hit 54 to go, the field began to hit pit road, with Byron and Larson among the first group of cars to make their stop. With the cycle deemed complete just after 10 laps around the ‘Lady in Black’, the Hendrick Motorsports duo re-entered the top-10. But it was Spire Motorsports’ Carson Hocevar that was making a monstrous charge in the closing laps. With seven-lap fresher tires, the Portage, Michigan, native was clicking off the fastest laps among the leaders – climbing up to the fourth position to earn his career-best Darlington finish.

Team Chevy Unofficial Top-10 ResultsPos.     Driver 4th – Carson Hocevar7th – Daniel Suarez8th – William ByronChevrolet’s season statistics with six NASCAR Cup Series races complete: Wins: 0Poles: 1Top-Fives: 11Top 10s: 20Stage Wins: 2

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season continues at Martinsville Speedway with the Cook Out 400 on Sunday, March 29, at 3:30 P.M. ET. Live coverage can be found on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Post-Race Driver Quotes: Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletFinished: 16th “An up and down day for our No. 1 Moose Chevrolet team. We had a loose handling car, but were pretty good on the long runs. The guys had a few good pit stops and gained some track position to race around the top-10. We had a couple mishaps that set us back with an issue on the right side during a stop, and around halfway through race, I got a speeding penalty on pit road. The guys worked hard to give us a lead lap finish, but we just didn’t have enough in the end to contend for more. I felt that we had a top-10 car today, just not the result to show.”   Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletFinished: 25th “Our No. 3 team had another solid start to the weekend with qualifying inside the top-10, which puts us in a better spot to start the race and have a better pit stall selection. Once the race started, we just went to battle with our Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Long Beard XR Chevrolet. Tires are key at this place with the fall off and we tried to play strategy in Stage 3, hoping for a quick caution. Unfortunately that didn’t fall our way but we netted out where we were before, maybe a few positions lower. The balance was extremely tight at the end so we powered through to the checkered.”   Daniel Suarez, No. 7 Spire Motorsports ChevroletFinished: 7thThis was your career-best Cup Series finish here at Darlington Raceway. How important are these strong runs early in your tenure with Spire Motorsports? “Listen, from the outside, I was looking at Spire Motorsports, and in my mind, they were the fastest-growing team. I was always curious — what are they doing to grow that quick? But as the year went along and we put a deal together, I started to understand more and more. The culture of the team is pretty incredible. There are great people here; the structure’s solid, and I’m just really happy and proud to be a part of this organization. And the best part is that they just continue to grow. We’re not even close to our full potential, so we just have to keep doing our thing; keep building, and get better and better.” That last run, you were in the top-10, then dropped back a little, but climbed up to seventh. What was that final run like?“Really, that was about all that we had. Maybe we could have found it a little sooner, but we got a bit too tight at the end. Just so proud of this No. 7 NationsGuard Chevrolet team. They did an incredible job all day long. I feel like every single week, if we look at our numbers and we can get a little bit better, that’s all I can ask for. We’re not trying to hit home runs right now, we’re just putting one step in front of the other, and that’s how progress happens.”   Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletFinished: 21st“Today wasn’t our day. We had a good practice and qualifying session with the No. 8 BetMGM Chevrolet, but that didn’t convert once we got out on Darlington Raceway this afternoon. With that said, the team never quit and we made some adjustments that at times let us race inside the top-15. It’s time now to focus on Martinsville and continuing to make strides with the No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet.”  William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletFinished: 8th“Man, I was working hard in there. That was tough. We’re still trying to figure things out with this body, but we definitely are making baby steps. This is just a tough race in general, though, but this No. 24 Raptor Chevy team fought hard.”   Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports ChevroletFinished: 4thYou captured your career-best Darlington result with a fourth-place finish. Do you walk away today satisfied with what you and your team did? “Super proud of this No. 77 Chili’s Marg Machine Chevrolet team. It hasn’t been a lack of effort, but just a lack of luck that takes us out of finishes, so it’s nice to take one today. Chili’s put a lot of effort into this throwback scheme, so it’s great to give it a good run.”  There were a lot of unknowns about the package and the tire going into this race. What do you make of it? “I had fun. Our Chevy was good. It didn’t feel crazy different, but it seemed like it was way different for everyone else and we were able to pass a lot of cars. That was beneficial for us, for sure.”   Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletFinished: 18th “It was a solid day in Darlington for this No. 88 Red Bull Chevrolet team. We got a lap down early, but we were able to get the wave around and get our lap back. We stayed on the lead lap for the rest of the day, so that was a positive way to end the day. It’s definitely a little unfortunate that we weren’t able to make up as much ground as we would have liked there at the end, but a top-20 is a solid day. It’s good to at least get the ball rolling in the right direction after a few bad weekends.”   Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletFinished: 14th“Decent result! We didn’t qualify very well but the guys did an awesome job tuning up my WeatherTech Chevrolet and as the race went on, it got better and better. Good day, onto Martinsville next weekend.”

NASCAR Cup SeriesDarlington RacewayGoodyear 400Team Chevy Post-Race ReportMarch 22, 2026

Carson Hocevar Makes Late-Race Charge to Earn Career-Best Finish at Darlington Raceway

Spire Motorsports’ Carson Hocevar made an impressive late-race charge to take home his career-best NASCAR Cup Series finish at Darlington Raceway – driving his No. 77 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet to a fourth-place finish in the Goodyear 400. The Portage, Michigan, native led the Bowtie brigade to three top-10 results at the ‘Track Too Tough To Tame’. Spire Motorsports’ Daniel Suarez and Hendrick Motorsports’ William Byron each drove their Chevrolet’s to points in each stage en route to a seventh- and eighth-place finish, respectively.

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race AdvancesChevrolet Newsroom

Race Recap:  Stage One: A pair of Hendrick Motorsports teammates, Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott, led the Bowtie brigade in Saturday’s qualifying session – sweeping the second row of the starting lineup for the Goodyear 400 at Darlington Raceway. With the opening stage turning into a long green flag run, the field quickly approached its first trip to pit road as the stage closed in on the halfway mark. Larson, who maintained a top-four running position throughout the run, was called to pit road on Lap 39 for a fresh set of four tires and fuel. The green flag pit sequence expanded over the next 10 laps, with the No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet team making their way back up into the fourth position. Among those who made a gain in position during the green flag pit cycle included Team Chevy’s William Byron, who jumped five spots to make his first appearance in the top-10 of the race. Despite struggling with the handling of his No. 5 Chevrolet, Larson held onto a strong points run in the opening stage – taking the first green-white checkered flag in the fifth position.  Stage Two: With track position at a premium, the No. 5 pit crew delivered – earning the reigning champion three positions to win the race off pit road and a position on the front row to start Stage Two. Electing the outside lane, a masterful restart and clean air was enough for Larson to take over the top position and lead his first laps of the race. Settled into the lead, the first natural caution of the day flew. With the lead pack hitting pit road, the No. 5 pit crew led the way once again. Losing the battle on the restart, Larson overcame similar handling issues to maintain a top-three running position en route to the second green-white checkered flag – leading fellow Team Chevy drivers, Byron and Daniel Suarez, with back-to-back top-10 stage points. Final Stage: Under the stage break, the Cliff Daniels-led team continued to go to work on their Chevrolet-powered machine with the pit crew continuing to give Larson valuable track position during their visit to pit road. But a caution near the 200-lap marker saw a shakeup in pit strategy. With the leaders opting to make another stop, a handful of cars chose track position, including Suarez – a decision that ultimately led the No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet team to their highest running position of the race. Holding strong among those with fresher tires, Suarez settled into the sixth position as the field approached what ended up being the final green flag pit cycle of the race. As the lap countdown hit 54 to go, the field began to hit pit road, with Byron and Larson among the first group of cars to make their stop. With the cycle deemed complete just after 10 laps around the ‘Lady in Black’, the Hendrick Motorsports duo re-entered the top-10. But it was Spire Motorsports’ Carson Hocevar that was making a monstrous charge in the closing laps. With seven-lap fresher tires, the Portage, Michigan, native was clicking off the fastest laps among the leaders – climbing up to the fourth position to earn his career-best Darlington finish.

Team Chevy Unofficial Top-10 ResultsPos.     Driver 4th – Carson Hocevar7th – Daniel Suarez8th – William ByronChevrolet’s season statistics with six NASCAR Cup Series races complete: Wins: 0Poles: 1Top-Fives: 11Top 10s: 20Stage Wins: 2

The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season continues at Martinsville Speedway with the Cook Out 400 on Sunday, March 29, at 3:30 P.M. ET. Live coverage can be found on FS1, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90.

Post-Race Driver Quotes: Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletFinished: 16th “An up and down day for our No. 1 Moose Chevrolet team. We had a loose handling car, but were pretty good on the long runs. The guys had a few good pit stops and gained some track position to race around the top-10. We had a couple mishaps that set us back with an issue on the right side during a stop, and around halfway through race, I got a speeding penalty on pit road. The guys worked hard to give us a lead lap finish, but we just didn’t have enough in the end to contend for more. I felt that we had a top-10 car today, just not the result to show.”   Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletFinished: 25th “Our No. 3 team had another solid start to the weekend with qualifying inside the top-10, which puts us in a better spot to start the race and have a better pit stall selection. Once the race started, we just went to battle with our Bass Pro Shops/Winchester Long Beard XR Chevrolet. Tires are key at this place with the fall off and we tried to play strategy in Stage 3, hoping for a quick caution. Unfortunately that didn’t fall our way but we netted out where we were before, maybe a few positions lower. The balance was extremely tight at the end so we powered through to the checkered.”   Daniel Suarez, No. 7 Spire Motorsports ChevroletFinished: 7thThis was your career-best Cup Series finish here at Darlington Raceway. How important are these strong runs early in your tenure with Spire Motorsports? “Listen, from the outside, I was looking at Spire Motorsports, and in my mind, they were the fastest-growing team. I was always curious — what are they doing to grow that quick? But as the year went along and we put a deal together, I started to understand more and more. The culture of the team is pretty incredible. There are great people here; the structure’s solid, and I’m just really happy and proud to be a part of this organization. And the best part is that they just continue to grow. We’re not even close to our full potential, so we just have to keep doing our thing; keep building, and get better and better.” That last run, you were in the top-10, then dropped back a little, but climbed up to seventh. What was that final run like?“Really, that was about all that we had. Maybe we could have found it a little sooner, but we got a bit too tight at the end. Just so proud of this No. 7 NationsGuard Chevrolet team. They did an incredible job all day long. I feel like every single week, if we look at our numbers and we can get a little bit better, that’s all I can ask for. We’re not trying to hit home runs right now, we’re just putting one step in front of the other, and that’s how progress happens.”   Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletFinished: 21st“Today wasn’t our day. We had a good practice and qualifying session with the No. 8 BetMGM Chevrolet, but that didn’t convert once we got out on Darlington Raceway this afternoon. With that said, the team never quit and we made some adjustments that at times let us race inside the top-15. It’s time now to focus on Martinsville and continuing to make strides with the No. 8 Richard Childress Racing Chevrolet.”  William Byron, No. 24 Hendrick Motorsports ChevroletFinished: 8th“Man, I was working hard in there. That was tough. We’re still trying to figure things out with this body, but we definitely are making baby steps. This is just a tough race in general, though, but this No. 24 Raptor Chevy team fought hard.”   Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports ChevroletFinished: 4thYou captured your career-best Darlington result with a fourth-place finish. Do you walk away today satisfied with what you and your team did? “Super proud of this No. 77 Chili’s Marg Machine Chevrolet team. It hasn’t been a lack of effort, but just a lack of luck that takes us out of finishes, so it’s nice to take one today. Chili’s put a lot of effort into this throwback scheme, so it’s great to give it a good run.”  There were a lot of unknowns about the package and the tire going into this race. What do you make of it? “I had fun. Our Chevy was good. It didn’t feel crazy different, but it seemed like it was way different for everyone else and we were able to pass a lot of cars. That was beneficial for us, for sure.”   Connor Zilisch, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletFinished: 18th “It was a solid day in Darlington for this No. 88 Red Bull Chevrolet team. We got a lap down early, but we were able to get the wave around and get our lap back. We stayed on the lead lap for the rest of the day, so that was a positive way to end the day. It’s definitely a little unfortunate that we weren’t able to make up as much ground as we would have liked there at the end, but a top-20 is a solid day. It’s good to at least get the ball rolling in the right direction after a few bad weekends.”   Shane van Gisbergen, No. 97 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletFinished: 14th“Decent result! We didn’t qualify very well but the guys did an awesome job tuning up my WeatherTech Chevrolet and as the race went on, it got better and better. Good day, onto Martinsville next weekend.”