| The Ninth and Final Battle Between World of Outlaws and PA Posse is the BiggestMECHANICSBURG, PA – October 19, 2022 – After sitting idle for three weeks, Williams Grove Speedway will roar back to life this Saturday, October 22 as the 60th Champion Racing Oil National Open is finished with $75,000 on the line – the fifth-richest winners share in Sprint Car Racing this year.Postponed by the remnants of Hurrican Ian at the start of the month, the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series will now battle the PA Posse in what will be the sixth-latest National Open through six decades of competition at the Mechanicsburg, PA 1/2-mile.While the Outlaws vs. Posse rivalry takes center stage in Central Pennsylvania, eyes nationwide are glued on the championship battle between Brad Sweet and David Gravel with only four races left. Sweet – chasing his fourth consecutive crown – currently leads Gravel – going for his first title – by 54 points. Gravel has made it interesting down the stretch, beating Sweet in five-straight races to cut 42 points out of what was once a 96-point advantage.Saturday’s one-night stand for 75 grand will begin with gates opening at 4:00pm ET followed by Hot Laps on track at 6:00pm ET.BUY TICKETS HERE (Sat)Let’s preview what to watch for this Saturday on DIRTVision.com:SIX FORMER CHAMPS: Highlighting a loaded field with nearly 50 entries expected is a group of six former champions of the National Open at Williams Grove, a list that equally features three full-time Outlaws and three of PA’s finest.Carson Macedo, of Lemoore, CA, made it six winners in the last six years when he drove by Logan Schuchart in dramatic fashion to lead the final five laps of the 2021 race, becoming the 35th champion in event history. This weekend, he’ll have a shot at becoming the seventh man to win back-to-back National Open titles and the first since Donny Schatz did it in 2004-05.Donny Schatz, of Fargo, ND, owns more National Open belts than anyone else with six titles to his name, including his most recent in 2020. The Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing #15 driver has won a whopping 21 times at Williams Grove, more than anywhere else throughout his prolific World of Outlaws career. He’ll look to do it one more time with a seventh National Open title available this weekend.Lance Dewease, of Fayetteville, PA, ended a three-year drought against the World of Outlaws when the Series visited his home turf in July. Lately, the Kreitz Racing #69K has been on fire at Williams Grove, winning four-straight races at the track, including a rain-shortened National Open preliminary on September 30. A fifth consecutive W would give Dewease his fifth National Open title, which would break a tie with Steve Kinser (4) for second-most in event history.Brent Marks, of Myerstown, PA, won his 2019 National Open when he was a full-time Outlaw and now he wants to win one for the PA Posse. Three of his remarkable 17 victories this season have come at Williams Grove, including a World of Outlaws win during May’s Morgan Cup. A $75,000 payout for the Murrary-Marks #19 gasser would only boast his record as the richest Sprint Car driver of 2022.David Gravel, of Watertown, CT, has thrived at Williams Grove more than any other venue on the World of Outlaws schedule, scoring eight of his 76 career wins at the 1/2-mile. No stranger to controversial endings at the National Open, this two-time champion is one of the most polarizing faces when the Outlaws come to face the Posse. It’ll be no different this weekend as he aims to be the seventh to reach three titles.Danny Dietrich, of Gettysburg, PA, currently sits on 28 career Williams Grove wins entering the weekend with three of those earned this year. He swept the All Star Circuit of Champions Twin 20s in August and enters second in the track standings. Along with Marks, the Gary Kauffman Racing #48 driver is trying to become the 13th multi-time National Open champion this weekend.BREAKING THROUGH: There are several contenders who could win their first National Open belt this weekend, making it seven champions over the last seven years.Brad Sweet, of Grass Valley, CA, finally conquered Williams Grove in his 53rd career start during the July doubleheader. It was made possible thanks to years of dedication and a one-off car built by his Kasey Kahne Racing #49 crew specifically for the tricky 1/2-mile. The championship leader has pulled that car off the shelves, loaded it into the trailer, and is ready to see if they can do it again with $ 75,000 to win this weekend.Anthony Macri, of Dillsburg, PA, finally cleared the hump in a big way, winning his first and second World of Outlaws Features when he swept Port Royal (PA) Speedway two weeks ago. The 23-year-old is now a 23-time winner this year with three of those coming in Mechanicsburg. Since September, “The Concrete Kid” has won $60,000 at Port Royal’s Tuscarora 50, $26,000 at Selinsgrove’s National Open, and now eyes $75,000 at Williams Grove’s National Open.Sheldon Haudenschild, of Wooster, OH, has improved vastly at Williams Grove. Jac’s son started his career at the track with a 14.4 average finish through his first 20 World of Outlaws starts but has turned that around with a victory and six podiums in his last eight starts. The NOS Energy Drink #17 team is trying to add a $75,000 National Open score to go along with their $100,000 High Bank Nationals title this year.James McFadden, of Alice Springs, NT, heads into Saturday’s show as the most recent World of Outlaws winner – topping Lakeside (KS) to snap an 81-race drought in his first win with Roth Motorsports. The Australian ace is no stranger to Williams Grove, earning his first-career victory with the Series there in 2017 and placing on the podium of the National Open that same year.IT MEANS MORE: Hailing from the state of Pennsylvania, National Open weekend has a way of putting a little pep into the step of Shark Racing, Brock Zearfoss Racing, and CJB Motorsports.Logan Schuchart, of Hanover, PA, was closer than ever to his first taste of National Open glory last year, leading laps and finishing second while donning the throwback scheme for his grandfather and 1975 champion, Bobby Allen. The #1S pilot finished third in 2021, then second last year, and now hopes to finally break through for that first $75,000 crown at Williams Grove.Jacob Allen, of Hanover, PA, experienced his own form of Williams Grove heartbreak earlier this year when he led the majority of May’s World of Outlaws race before running out of fuel. The #1A, which still dons the Bobby Allen throwback look, is amid a career-best streak of 13 consecutive top-10 finishes with Allen at the wheel. After earning a $25,000 Gold Cup last month, Jacob hopes to one-up himself with a $75,000 win this time.Brock Zearfoss, of Jonestown, PA, returns to the site of his first-career World of Outlaws win this weekend, a score that came in 2017 before his move to full-time status. The #3Z driver also earned his National Open career-best that year, finishing ninth, a mark he hopes to top this weekend.Spencer Bayston, of Lebanon, IN, is far from a Pennsylvania native, but his team (CJB Motorsports) and crew chief (Barry Jackson) are rooted deep in the state. The first-year combination has already won twice as Bayston leads the Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year chase and now eyes a big chance for a big weekend close to the #5 shop.THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCEWHEN AND WHERE Saturday, October 22 at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, PAON THE INTERNET World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series Twitter – @WorldofOutlaws Instagram – @WoOSprint Facebook – Facebook.com/WorldofOutlawsSprintCarSeries YouTube – Youtube.com/WorldofOutlaws DIRTVision – DIRTVision.com – Platinum annual FAST PASS for $299 or monthly FAST PASS for $39/monthCURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (70/74 Races): 1. 49-Brad Sweet (8,752 PTS); 2. 2-David Gravel (-54 PTS); 3. 41-Carson Macedo (-136 PTS); 4. 15-Donny Schatz (-240 PTS); 5. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild (-258 PTS); 6. 1S-Logan Schuchart (-394 PTS); 7. 83-James McFadden (-474 PTS); 8. 5-Spencer Bayston (-620 PTS); 9. 1A-Jacob Allen (-706 PTS); 10. 3Z-Brock Zearfoss (-972 PTS)NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (18 Drivers): 11 wins – Carson Macedo, Jason Johnson Racing #41 9 wins – Sheldon Haudenschild, Stenhouse Jr. / Marshall Racing #17 7 wins – David Gravel, Big Game Motorsports #2 5 wins – Brad Sweet, Kasey Kahne Racing #49 5 wins – Brent Marks, Murray-Marks Motorsports #19 4 wins – Kyle Larson, Kevin Kozlowski/Paul Silva #57 4 wins – Logan Schuchart, Shark Racing #1S 4 wins – Jacob Allen, Shark Racing #1A 3 wins – Donny Schatz, Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing #15 2 wins – Spencer Bayston, CJB Motorsports #5 2 wins – Giovanni Scelzi, KCP Racing #18 2 wins – Lance Dewease, Don Kreitz Jr. Racing #69K 2 wins – Anthony Macri, Macri Motorsports #39M 1 win – James McFadden, Roth Motorsports #83 1 win – Brock Zearfoss, Zearfoss Racing #3Z 1 win – Brian Brown, Brian Brown Racing #21 1 win – Buddy Kofoid, Crouch Motorsports #11 1 win – Rico Abreu, Rico Abreu Racing #24FEATURE LAPS LED (30 Drivers): 307 laps – Brad Sweet 285 laps – Carson Macedo 216 laps – David Gravel 189 laps – Sheldon Haudenschild 134 laps – Jacob Allen 123 laps – Brent Marks 119 laps – Kyle Larson 99 laps – Donny Schatz 76 laps – Giovanni Scelzi 74 laps – Logan Schuchart 72 laps – Spencer Bayston 52 laps – Brian Brown 49 laps – Anthony Macri 46 laps – Tyler Courtney 41 laps – James McFadden 36 laps – Rico Abreu 31 laps – Buddy Kofoid 26 laps – Sam Hafertepe Jr. 23 laps – Kasey Kahne 22 laps – Brock Zearfoss 15 laps – Justin Peck, Lance Dewease 13 laps – Cory Eliason 9 laps – Dominic Scelzi, Brady Bacon 8 laps – Riley Goodno 7 laps – Kerry Madsen 1 lap – Corey Day, Aaron Reutzel, Austin McCarlQUICKTIME AWARDS (20 Drivers): 10 QuickTimes – Carson Macedo* 8 QuickTimes – Brad Sweet, David Gravel 5 QuickTimes – Sheldon Haudenschild* 4 QuickTimes – Jacob Allen, Giovanni Scelzi* 3 QuickTimes – Spencer Bayston 2 QuickTimes – Donny Schatz, Logan Schuchart, James McFadden, Rico Abreu, Justin Peck, Brent Marks, Anthony Macri 1 QuickTime – Aaron Reutzel, Cory Eliason, Sam Hafertepe Jr, Buddy Kofoid, Kerry Madsen, Daryn Pittman * Denotes New Track RecordHEAT RACE WINNERS (52 Drivers): 25 Heat Wins – David Gravel 21 Heat Wins – Carson Macedo 19 Heat Wins – Brad Sweet 17 Heat Wins – Jacob Allen 15 Heat Wins – Logan Schuchart, James McFadden 13 Heat Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild 12 Heat Wins – Donny Schatz 7 Heat Wins – Spencer Bayston, Giovanni Scelzi 5 Heat Wins – Brock Zearfoss, Rico Abreu, Kerry Madsen, Brian Brown 4 Heat Wins – Kraig Kinser, Aaron Reutzel, Anthony Macri, Brent Marks 3 Heat Wins – Kasey Kahne, Cory Eliason, Kyle Larson, Tyler Courtney, Hunter Schuerenberg 2 Heat Wins – Austin McCarl, Justin Peck, Marcus Dumesny, Matt Juhl, Corey Day 1 Heat Win – Sam Hafertepe Jr, Dominic Scelzi, Justin Whittall, Ian Madsen, Parker Price-Miller, Buddy Kofoid, Mark Dobmeier, Mitchel Moles, Brooke Tatnell, Riley Goodno, Jack Croaker, Paige Polyak, Carson McCarl, Sye Lynch, Daryn Pittman, Danny Dietrich, Devon Borden, Larry Wight, Noah Gass, Tim Kaeding, Logan Seavey, Logan Wagner, Lance Dewease, Garet Williamson DIRTVISION FAST PASS DASH APPEARANCES (61 Drivers): 41 Dashes – Brad Sweet 39 Dashes – David Gravel 37 Dashes – Carson Macedo 29 Dashes – Spencer Bayston 27 Dashes – Logan Schuchart 26 Dashes – Donny Schatz, Sheldon Haudenschild, James McFadden, Jacob Allen 12 Dashes – Giovanni Scelzi 11 Dashes – Rico Abreu 10 Dashes – Brock Zearfoss 8 Dashes – Kraig Kinser 7 Dashes – Kyle Larson, Brent Marks, Anthony Macri, Kasey Kahne 6 Dashes – Cory Eliason, Brian Brown, Aaron Reutzel 5 Dashes – Kerry Madsen, Tyler Courtney 4 Dashes – Robbie Price, Corey Day 3 Dashes – Danny Dietrich, Justin Peck, Ryan Timms, Hunter Schuerenberg, Lance Dewease 2 Dashes – Dominic Scelzi, Justin Whittall, Ian Madsen 1 Dash – Sam Hafertepe Jr, Colby Copeland, Tanner Carrick, DJ Netto, Brady Bacon, Matt Campbell, Cole Duncan, Parker Price-Miller, Austin McCarl, Matt Juhl, Buddy Kofoid, Scotty Thiel, Robbie Price, Zeb Wise, Ayrton Gennetten, Daryn Pittman, Jeff Halligan, Devon Borden, Larry Wight, Danny Varin, Marcus Dumesny, Mark Dobmeier, Joel Myers Jr, Mitchell Faccinto, Shane Golobic, Logan Seavey, Sye Lynch, Logan Wagner, Garet WilliamsonMICROLITE LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (38 Drivers): 5 LCS Wins – Logan Schuchart 4 LCS Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild, James McFadden, Spencer Bayston 3 LCS Wins – Ayrton Gennetten 2 LCS Wins – Donny Schatz, Jacob Allen, Brock Zearfoss, Noah Gass, Kerry Madsen, Rico Abreu, Anthony Macri, Jesse Schlotfeldt, Brian Brown 1 LCS Win – Kraig Kinser, Mitchell Faccinto, Sam Hafertepe Jr, Brent Marks, DJ Foos, Christopher Bell, Austin Pierce, Jake Blackhurst, Robbie Price, Giovanni Scelzi, Scotty Thiel, Josh Schneiderman, Lachlan McHugh, Justin Whittall, Chase Dietz, Brandon Rahmer, Jordan Thomas, Joe B. Miller, Hunter Schuerenberg, Brendan Mullen, Tanner Holmes, DJ Netto, Dylan Cisney, Jake BubakKSE HARD CHARGER AWARDS (32 Drivers): 10 Hard Chargers – Sheldon Haudenschild 9 Hard Chargers – Logan Schuchart 4 Hard Chargers – Donny Schatz, Noah Gass 3 Hard Chargers – David Gravel, Carson Macedo 2 Hard Chargers – James McFadden, Spencer Bayston, Jacob Allen, Brock Zearfoss, Anthony Macri, Freddie Rahmer 1 Hard Charger – Kraig Kinser, Jason Sides, Rico Abreu, Sam Hafertepe Jr, Tanner Thorson, Alan Krimes, Devon Borden, Greg Wilson, Travis Philo, Kyle Larson, Russell Borland, Aaron Reutzel, Scotty Thiel, Larry Wight, Tim Kaeding, Ryan Timms, Kevin Ingle, Tyler Thompson, Kerry Madsen, Ryan Smith,PODIUM FINISHES (32 Drivers): 25 Podiums – Carson Macedo 22 Podiums – Brad Sweet 20 Podiums – David Gravel 17 Podiums – Sheldon Haudenschild 15 Podiums – Donny Schatz 13 Podiums – Logan Schuchart 11 Podiums – James McFadden 10 Podiums – Jacob Allen 9 Podiums – Kyle Larson 8 Podiums – Brent Marks 5 Podiums – Spencer Bayston, Brian Brown 4 Podiums – Rico Abreu, Anthony Macri, Giovanni Scelzi 3 Podiums – Lance Dewease 2 Podiums – Aaron Reutzel, Corey Day, Buddy Kofoid, Danny Dietrich 1 Podium – Brock Zearfoss, Kraig Kinser, Kasey Kahne, Cory Eliason, Sam Hafertepe Jr, Justin Peck, Parker Price-Miller, Riley Goodno, Tyler Courtney, Paulie Colagiovanni, Ryan Timms, Logan WagnerTOP 10 FINISHES (66 Drivers): 57 Top 10s – David Gravel 56 Top 10s – Brad Sweet 53 Top 10s – Donny Schatz 51 Top 10s – Carson Macedo 48 Top 10s – Sheldon Haudenschild 43 Top 10s – Logan Schuchart 38 Top 10s – James McFadden 36 Top 10s – Spencer Bayston 35 Top 10s – Jacob Allen 25 Top 10s – Giovanni Scelzi 19 Top 10s – Brock Zearfoss 17 Top 10s – Rico Abreu 14 Top 10s – Kyle Larson, Anthony Macri 12 Top 10s – Brent Marks 9 Top 10s – Brian Brown 8 Top 10s – Cory Eliason, Aaron Reutzel, Justin Peck 7 Top 10s – Tyler Courtney, Kerry Madsen 6 Top 10s – Kasey Kahne, Lance Dewease 5 Top 10s – Danny Dietrich 4 Top 10s – Hunter Schuerenberg, Corey Day, Dominic Scelzi 3 Top 10s – Kraig Kinser, Buddy Kofoid, Scotty Thiel, Trey Starks, Ryan Timms 2 Top 10s – Noah Gass, Robbie Price, Sam Hafertepe Jr, Larry Wight, Danny Varin, Shane Golobic, DJ Netto 1 Top 10 – Carson Short, Tanner Thorson, Greg Wilson, Cole Duncan, Cale Thomas, Cole Macedo, Mark Dobmeier, Parker Price-Miller, Riley Goodno, Ayrton Gennetten, Zeb Wise, Jeff Halligan, Devon Borden, Freddie Rahmer, Paulie Colagiovanni, Lachlan McHugh, Marcus Dumesny, Daryn Pittman, Joel Myers Jr, Mitchell Faccinto, Justin Sanders, Lee Jacobs, Logan Wagner, Justin Whittall, Sye Lynch, Ryan Smith, Lucas Wolfe2022 WORLD OF OUTLAWS SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE & WINNERS: Race No. / Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner (Total Wins) 1. Thur, Feb. 10 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Donny Schatz (1) 2. Fri, Feb. 11 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Sheldon Haudenschild (1) 3. Sat, Feb. 12 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / David Gravel (1) 4. Fri, March 4 / Cotton Bowl Speedway / Paige, TX / Sheldon Haudenschild (2) 5. Sat, March 5 / Cotton Bowl Speedway / Paige, TX / Carson Macedo (1) 6. Fri, March 11 / Thunderbowl Raceway / Tulare, CA / Giovanni Scelzi (1) 7. Sat, March 12 / Thunderbowl Raceway / Tulare, CA / Kyle Larson (1) 8. Fri, March 18 / Merced Speedway / Merced, CA / Carson Macedo (2) 9. Fri, March 25 / Bakersfield Speedway / Bakersfield, CA / Giovanni Scelzi (2) 10. Sat, March 26 / Perris Auto Speedway / Perris, CA / David Gravel (2) 11. Tues, March 29 / Vado Speedway Park / Vado, NM / Brad Sweet (1) 12. Sat, April 2 / Devil’s Bowl Speedway / Mesquite, TX / Brent Marks (1) 13. Sat, April 9 / Lake Ozark Speedway / Eldon, MO / Jacob Allen (1) 14. Fri, April 15 / Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 / Pevely, MO / Carson Macedo (3) 15. Sat, April 23 / Tri-State Speedway / Haubstadt, IN / Carson Macedo (4) 16. Fri, April 29 / Bristol Motor Speedway / Bristol, TN / Logan Schuchart (1) 17. Sat, April 30 / Bristol Motor Speedway / Bristol, TN / Spencer Bayston (1) 18. Wed, May 11 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA / Jacob Allen (2) 19. Sat, May 14 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Brent Marks (2) 20. Tues, May 17 / Bridgeport Motorsports Park / Swedesboro, NJ / Sheldon Haudenschild (3) 21. Fri, May 20 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH / Kyle Larson (2) 22. Sat, May 28 / Atomic Speedway / Waverly, OH / Sheldon Haudenschild (4) 23. Mon, May 30 / Lawrenceburg Speedway / Lawrenceburg, IN / Sheldon Haudenschild (5) 24. Fri, June 3 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND / Carson Macedo (5) 25. Fri, June 10 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Brent Marks (3) 26. Sat, June 11 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Brian Brown (1) 27. Fri, June 17 / Beaver Dam Raceway / Beaver Dam, WI / Sheldon Haudenschild (6) 28. Sat, June 18 / Beaver Dam Raceway / Beaver Dam, WI / Sheldon Haudenschild (7) 29. Wed, June 22 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Spencer Bayston (2) 30. Thur, June 23 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Buddy Kofoid (1) 31. Fri, June 24 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Carson Macedo (6) 32. Sat, June 25 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Sheldon Haudenschild (8) 33. Fri, July 1 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI / Jacob Allen (3) 34. Sat, July 2 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI / Brock Zearfoss (1) 35. Sat, July 9 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI / Carson Macedo (7) 36. Tues, July 12 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH / Kyle Larson (3) 37. Wed, July 13 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / David Gravel (3) 38. Thur, July 14 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Brent Marks (4) 39. Sat, July 16 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / David Gravel (4) 40. Sat, July 16 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Brent Marks (5) 41. Wed, July 20 / Port Royal Speedway / Port Royal, PA / Kyle Larson (4) 42. Fri, July 22 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Lance Dewease (1) 43. Sat, July 23 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Brad Sweet (2) 44. Sat, July 30 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY / David Gravel (5) 45. Sun, July 31 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY / Donny Schatz (2) 46. Fri, Aug. 5 / I-55 Raceway / Pevely, MO / Carson Macedo (8) 47. Sat, Aug. 6 / I-55 Raceway / Pevely, MO / Brad Sweet (3) 48. Wed, Aug. 10 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Logan Schuchart (SF)* 49. Thur, Aug. 11 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Jacob Allen (SF)* 50. Fri, Aug. 12 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Rico Abreu (SF)* 51. Sat, Aug. 13 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Donny Schatz (3) 52. Sat, Aug. 20 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN / Logan Schuchart (2) 53. Sat. Aug. 20 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN / Carson Macedo (9) 54. Fri, Aug. 26 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND / Brad Sweet (4) 55. Sat, Aug. 27 / Red River Valley Speedway / West Fargo, ND / Carson Macedo (10) 56. Thur, Sept. 1 / Skagit Speedway / Alger, WA / Logan Schuchart (3) 57. Fri, Sept. 2 / Skagit Speedway / Alger, WA / Sheldon Haudenschild (9) 58. Sat, Sept. 3 / Skagit Speedway / Alger, WA / David Gravel (6) 59. Mon, Sept. 5 / Grays Harbor Raceway / Elma, WA / Carson Macedo (11) 60. Thur, Sept. 8 / Silver Dollar Speedway / Chico, CA / Kyle Larson (NP)* 61. Fri, Sept. 9 / Silver Dollar Speedway / Chico, CA / Carson Macedo (NP)* 62. Sat, Sept. 10 / Silver Dollar Speedway / Chico, CA / Jacob Allen (4) 63. Fri, Sept. 16 / Keller Auto Speedway / Hanford, CA / Logan Schuchart (4) 64. Fri, Sept. 23 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Rico Abreu (1) 65. Sat, Sept. 24 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH / Brad Sweet (5) 66. Fri, Sept. 30 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Lance Dewease (2) 67. Fri, Oct. 7 / Port Royal Speedway / Port Royal, PA / Anthony Macri (1) 68. Sat, Oct. 8 / Port Royal Speedway / Port Royal, PA / Anthony Macri (2) 69. Fri, Oct. 14 / I-80 Speedway / Greenwood, NE / David Gravel (7) 70. Sat, Oct. 15 / Lakeside Speedway / Kansas City, KS / James McFadden (1) 71. Sat, Oct. 22 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / $75,000-to-win 72. Wed, Nov. 2 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC / $15,000-to-win 73. Fri, Nov. 4 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC / $15,000-to-win 74. Sat, Nov. 5 / The Dirt Track at Charlotte / Concord, NC / $25,000-to-win |
| The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink® Sprint Car Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: NOS Energy Drink (Official Energy Product), Case Construction Equipment (Official Construction Equipment), DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider) and VP Racing Fuels (Official Racing Fuel); contingency sponsors include ACME Trading, ARP (Automotive Racing Products), Cometic Gasket, COMP Cams, KSE Racing Products (Hard Charger Award), Micro-Lite LLC, MSD, My Place Hotels; manufacturer sponsors include Dirt Car Lift, FIREBULL, Intercomp, K1 Race Gear, Racing Electronics, and Sea Foam.Founded in 1978, the World of Outlaws®, based in Concord, NC, is the premier national touring series for dirt track racing in North America, featuring the most powerful cars on dirt, the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series and the World of Outlaws Late Model Series. Annually, the two series race nearly 140 times at tracks across the United States and Canada. CBS Sports Network is the official broadcast partner of the World of Outlaws. DIRTVision® also broadcasts all World of Outlaws events over the Internet to fans around the world. Learn more about the World of Outlaws. |
Dominic Scelzi Victorious During Dennis Roth Classic to Cap Strong Weekend
Inside Line Promotions – TULARE, Calif. (Oct. 18, 2022) – Dominic Scelzi produced a feature triumph and a trio of top fives last weekend.
Just as important, he increased his lead in the King of the West-NARC Fujitsu Series championship standings to 54 points with only two races remaining this season.
“If we make a qualifying lap each race its mathematically impossible to get beat,” he said. “Our goal this year was to back up our championship from last year. We haven’t got the wins this year compared to last year, but we’ve been incredibly consistent. Our bad nights have still been really good nights. I’d love nothing more than to close the season out by knocking some more wins off.”
Scelzi was a contender during KWS/NARC races on Friday at Keller Auto Speedway and Saturday at Thunderbowl Raceway, leading laps in both features before placing fourth and second, respectively.
The weekend began on Friday with Scelzi timing in seventh quickest at Keller Auto Speedway in Hanford, Calif. He then won a heat race and the dash to garner the pole position for the Anthony Simone Classic A Main.
“We were really good all night long,” he said. “I really felt it was leading up to a storybook ending. We ran around the bottom the first 15 laps. Rico (Abreu) and I raced for two or three laps before I got back out in front of him. He got back to me with about six laps to go and was able to put me away after three or four laps of pretty tough racing. I tried to move around a bit to get back to him and lost two more spots to fall to fourth.”
Scelzi’s fourth-place finish was his 25th top five of the season.
The team did double duty on Saturday during the Dennis Roth Classic hosted by Thunderbowl Raceway. Scelzi set quick time during qualifying, hustled from fourth to second place in a heat race and won the dash to earn the pole position for the KWS/NARC main event.
“We were challenged by Rico early, but held on,” he said. “Then he had a really good corner with three or four laps to go and I wasn’t able to get back by him. He was stalking me and it just played out in his favor. We had a really good package all night and our speed was good, but didn’t lead the laps that counted.”
Scelzi finished second. He was one spot better in the 360ci feature, winning it for his ninth triumph of the season. Scelzi qualified seventh quickest and won a heat race before the rally from third to win the A Main.
“I think what really helped was I searched around more than the guys in front of me,” he said. “I set the two up in front of me and I was getting by just as rubber was laying down. It all just sort of worked out in my favor, but in all reality I was in Rico’s position in the 360 race. That’s the biggest difference is being able to search around for grip versus in the 410 when I was stuck against the fence as the leader.”
The famed Trophy Cup is up next for Scelzi as he invades Thunderbowl Raceway this Thursday through Saturday.
“We’ve been the high-point guy three or four times within this event and haven’t had a solid finish on Saturday,” he said. “Over the last few weeks we’ve struggled a bit, but last weekend got a lot better. I think our speed is where it needs to be going into this weekend. There’s so much that can happen at a race like this with 100 entries and the best guys in the western half of the United States. It’s a place that is one of the most treacherous tracks in the nation. You have to be smart and have some luck on your side.”
QUICK RESULTS –
Oct. 14 – Keller Auto Speedway in Hanford, Calif. – Qualifying: 7; Heat race: 1 (2); Dash: 1 (1); Feature: 4 (1).
Oct. 15 – Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare, Calif. (410 sprint car) – Qualifying: 1; Heat race: 2 (4); Dash: 1 (1); Feature: 2 (1).
Oct. 15 – Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare, Calif. (360 sprint car) – Qualifying: 7; Heat race: 1 (1); Feature: 1 (3).
SEASON STATS –
50 races, 9 wins, 27 top fives, 37 top 10s, 44 top 15s, 46 top 20s
UP NEXT –
Thursday through Saturday at Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare, Calif., for the Trophy Cup
MEDIA LINKS –
Website: http://www.GaryScelziMotorsports.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DominicScelzi41
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scelzi41
WHAT TO WATCH FOR: World of Outlaws Late Models Prepare for Midwest Tripleheader
Dennis Erb Jr. leads Tanner English by 98 points with six races remaining
HUMBOLDT, KS – October 18, 2022 – An October Midwest swing is on the horizon for the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series as they enter the final six races of the 2022 season.
A potential $30,000 payday is on the line between three 40-lap, $10,000-to-win, Features spanning Kansas and Missouri.
The epic weekend kicks off on Friday, Oct. 21, with the Series debut at Humboldt Speedway in Humboldt, KS. Then, The Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet head to 81 Speedway in Wichita, KS, on Saturday, Oct. 22. Finally, the World of Outlaws Late Models head back to Missouri on Sunday, Oct. 23, for its first trip back to US 36 Raceway in Osborn, MO since 2009.
TICKETS: bit.ly/3ReDMYL
If you can’t make it to the track, watch all the action live on DIRTVision – either online on with the DIRTVision App.
Here are some of the storylines to keep an eye on this weekend:
CLOSING IN ON THE TITLE: Dennis Erb Jr. is six races away from his potential first World of Outlaws CASE Late Models title.
He leads Tanner English by 98 points entering the weekend and hopes to extend that advantage on a type of track he’s found success at in 2022. Ten of his 18 top-five finishes have come at 3/8-mile facilities.
However, he’s yet to score a win on that size track this season.
The Carpentersville, IL driver, is one of a few currently in the field who raced at US 36 back in 2009. He finished 20th in the event won by Steve Francis.
Meanwhile, English has been red-hot since June. He finds himself on a streak of 15 straight top-10 finishes in points-paying events, dating back to night two of the St. Louis Firecracker Faceoff at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55.
BLAIR CLOSES THE GAP: Despite English’s top-10 streak, Max Blair has closed the gap in the battle for Rookie of the Year.
The Centerville, PA driver gained on English on both nights at Boyd’s Speedway, cutting the deficit to 68 points with six races remaining.
Blair scored both of his Series wins this season on 3/8-mile tracks, and if he can find Victory Lane this weekend, it’ll be his sixth World of Outlaws victory.
REAPER’S EXPERIENCE: Perhaps no driver in the field has been looking forward to the October Midwest swing more than Ryan Gustin.
“The Reaper” has succeeded at both Humboldt and US 36 in the last decade, scoring wins at both tracks in 2014.
He also has a podium finish this season at 81—a second in April.
The Marshalltown, IA driver is searching for his third World of Outlaws win of 2022, and second in a row after pulling a last-lap slide job on Dale McDowell to win $20,000 at Boyd’s last month.
GORDY’S CONFIDENCE: Gordy Gundaker is riding a wave of confidence this weekend. Like Gustin, he gained experience at 81 Speedway earlier this year in April.
READ MORE: Missouri’s Gordy Gundaker Looks Ahead to Midwest Tripleheader, World Finals
The St. Charles, MO driver also scored a podium finish that weekend and hopes it’ll give him a leg up on his competition.
Sunday’s event at US 36 is Gundaker’s last chance to race in his home state, where he already has a top-five in two starts this season.
His best finish also came on a 3/8-mile track – a fourth at Atomic Speedway in April.
THE CHAMP RETURNS: Four-time and reigning champion Brandon Sheppard will return to World of Outlaws CASE Late Models competition for the first time since the USA Nationals at Cedar Lake Speedway in August.
The New Berlin, IL driver has three Series victories this season and won his only appearance in the B5 in 2022—which he’ll be driving this weekend.
Sheppard also found Victory Lane in the only World of Outlaws Feature contested at 81 Speedway in 2017, where he beat Tyler Erb to the checkered flag.
A win this weekend will be his 81st career Series triumph.
WHEN AND WHERE
Friday, Oct. 21 at Humboldt Speedway in Humboldt, KS
Saturday, Oct. 22 at 81 Speedway in Wichita, KS
Sunday, Oct. 23 at US 36 Raceway in Osborn, MO
ABOUT THE TRACK
Humboldt Speedway is a 3/8-mile high-banked clay oval
81 Speedway is a 3/8-mile dirt oval
US 36 Raceway is a 3/8-mile dirt oval
ONLINE
Humboldt Speedway: http://www.humboldtspeedway.com
81 Speedway: www.81speedway.com
US 36 Raceway: http://www.us36racewaydirttrack.com
PREVIOUS WINNERS
Humboldt Speedway:
No Previous Winners
81 Speedway:
2017-Brandon Sheppard
US 36 Raceway:
2009- Steve Francis
TRACK RECORDS
Humboldt Speedway:
No Track Record Recorded
81 Speedway:
16.104 by Tad Pospisil on Apr. 9, 2022
US 36 Raceway:
12.463 by Dennis Erb Jr. on May 22, 2009
On the Internet
World of Outlaws CASE Late Models Series
Twitter – Twitter.com/WoOLateModels – @WoOLateModels
Instagram – Instagram.com/WoOLateModels – @woolatemodels
Facebook – Facebook.com/WorldofOutlawsLateModelSeries
YouTube – Youtube.com/WorldofOutlaws
DIRTVision – DIRTVision.com – Platinum annual FAST PASS for $299 or monthly FAST PASS for $39/month
Around the Turn: The Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet cap off a thrilling 2022 season at the World of Outlaws World Finals at The Dirt Track at Charlotte in Concord, NC, Nov. 2-5. FOR TICKETS: CLICK HERE.
Feature Winners: (19 Drivers)
Rank- Driver- Hometown-Wins
- Dennis Erb Jr., Carpentersville, IL-4
Jonathan Davenport, Blairsville, GA-4
Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin, IL-3
Mike Marlar, Winfield, TN-3
Dale McDowell, Chickamauga, GA- 2
Max Blair, Centerville, PA-2
Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL-2
Shane Clanton, Zebulon, GA-2
Tanner English, Benton, KY-2
Jimmy Owens, Newport, TN-2
Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, IA-2
Ashton Winger, Hampton, GA-1
Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-1
Chris Madden, Gray Court, SC-1
Michael Brown, Lancaster, SC-1
Tyler Erb, New Waverly, TX-1
Ricky Weiss, Headingley, MB-1
Jared Miley, Pittsburgh, PA-1
Devin Moran, Dresden, OH-1
Jason Feger, Bloomington, IL-1
HEAT RACE WINNERS (51 Drivers)
Rank- Driver- Hometown-Wins
- Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, IA-12
- Dennis Erb Jr., Carpentersville, IL-11
- Brandon Sheppard- New Berlin, IL-9
Chris Madden-Gray Court, SC-9 - Mike Marlar, Winfield, TN-8
Dale McDowell-Chickamauga, GA-8 - Max Blair, Centerville, PA-7
Devin Moran-Dresden, OH-7 - Jonathan Davenport, Blairsville, GA-6
- Shane Clanton, Zebulon, GA-5
Ashton Winger, Hampton, GA-5 - Tyler Erb, New Waverly, TX-4
Tanner English, Benton, KY-4 - Gordy Gundaker, St. Charles, MO-3
Ricky Weiss, Headingly, MB-3
Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL-3
Jimmy Owens, Newport, TN-3 - Darrell Lanigan, Union, KY-2
Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-2
Ricky Thornton Jr., Chandler, AZ-2
Kyle Strickler, Mooresville, NC-2
Kyle Hammer, Clinton, IL-2
Rick Eckert, York, PA-2
Shannon Babb, Moweaqua, IL-2
Garrett Smith, Eatonton, GA-2
Jason Feger, Bloomington, IL-2
Josh Richards, Houston, OH-2
Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL-2 - Ross Robinson, Georgetown, DE-1
Mark Whitener, Middleburg, FL-1
Frank Heckenast, Jr., Frankfort, IL-1
Michael Brown, Lancaster, SC-1
Daulton Wilson, Fayetteville, NC-1
Ross Bailes, Clover, SC-1
Josh Rice, Verona, KY-1
Hudson O’Neal, Martinsville, IN-1
Stormy Scott, Las Cruces, NM-1
Chad Simpson, Mt. Vernon, IA-1
Cade Dillard, Robeline, LA-1
Spencer Hughes, Meridian, MS-1
Jeff Rine, Danville, PA-1
Gregg Satterlee, Indiana, PA-1
Rick Eckert, York, PA-1
Ryan Unzicker, El Paso, IL-1
Billy Moyer Jr., Batesville, AR-1
Daryn Klein, Trenton, IL-1
Logan Martin, West Plains, MO-1
Tyler Bruening, Decorah, IA-1
Kyle Larson, Elk Grove, CA-1
Brent Larson, Lake Elmo, MN-1
Chase Junghans, Manhattan, KS-1
Jake Timm, Winona, MN-1
Jimmy Mars, Menomonie, WI-1
Jared Miley, Pittsburgh, PA-1
Kent Robinson, Bloomington, IN-1
Chris Ferguson, Mt. Holly, NC-1
Last Chance Showdown Winners (47 Drivers)
Rank- Driver- Hometown-Wins
- Max Blair, Centerville, PA-4
- Brent Larson, Lake Elmo, MN-3
Tanner English, Benton, KY-3 - Cade Dillard-Robeline, LA-2
Devin Moran, Dresden, OH-2
Boom Briggs, Bear Lake, PA-2
Kyle Hammer, Clinton, IL-2
Shane Clanton, Zebulon, GA-2
Jake Timm, Winona, MN-2
Josh Richards, Shinnston, WV-2
Sam Seawright, Fort Payne, AL-2
Trevor Gundaker, St. Charles, MO-2
Dennis Erb Jr., Carpentersville, IL-2 - Hudson O’Neal- Martinsville, IN-1
Logan Martin, Plains, MO-1
Tyler Bruening, Decorah, IA-1
Chris Simpson, Oxford, IA-1
Spencer Hughes, Meridian, MS-1
Mike Norris, Sarver, PA-1
Chase Osterhoff, Kankakee, IL-1
Tyler Erb, New Waverly, TX-1
Anthony Sanders, Spartanburg, SC-1
Banjo Duke, Sumter, SC-1
Steve Casebolt, Richmond, IN-1
Austyn Mills, Cincinnati, OH-1
Frank Heckenast Jr., Frankfort, IL-1
Andy Bond, Coolville, OH-1
Garrett Alberson, Las Cruces, NM-1
Chase Junghans, Manhattan, KS-1
Shannon Babb, Moweaqua, IL-1
Shaun Jones, Shermansdale, PA-1
Ryan Montgomery, Fairmont, WV-1
Chad Myers, Hempstead, MD-1
Mason Zeigler, Chalk Hill, PA-1
John Garvin, Sarver, PA-1
Johnny Scott, Las Cruces, NM-1
Stormy Scott, Las Cruces, NM-1
Brad Seng, Grand Forks, ND-1
Chad Mahder, Bloomer, WI-1
Chris Ferguson, Mt. Holly, NC-1
Mckay Wenger, Fairbury, IL-1
Jonathan Davenport, Blairsville, GA-1
Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, IA-1
Chris Madden, Gray Court, SC-1
Garrett Smith, Eatonton, GA-1
Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-1
Kyle Hardy, Stephens City, VA-1
Andy Boozel, Clymer, NY-1
Shane Clanton, Zebulon, GA-1
Jason Feger, Bloomington, IL-1
Chad Finley, St. Johns, MI-1
Eli Beets, Knoxville, TN-1
Joseph Joiner, Midland, FL-1
PODIUM FINISHES (33 Drivers)
Rank – Driver, Hometown – Podiums
- Dennis Erb Jr., Carpentersville, IL-10
- Mike Marlar, Winfield, TN-8
Max Blair, Centerville, PA-8 - Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL-7
Max Blair, Centerville, PA-7 - Shane Clanton, Zebulon, GA-6
Tanner English, Benton, KY-6
Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, IA-6
Dale McDowell, Chickamauga, GA-6 - Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin, IL-5
Jonathan Davenport, Blairsville, GA-5 - Josh Richards, Houston, OH-4
Chris Madden, Gray Court, SC-4
Tyler Erb, New Waverly, TX-4
Devin Moran, Dresden, OH-4 - Ricky Weiss, Headingly, MB-3
Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL-3 - Darrell Lanigan, Union, KY-2
Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL-2
Jason Feger, Bloomington, IL-2
Shannon Babb, Moweaqua, IL-2
Jimmy Owens, Newport, TN-2 - Kyle Larson, Elk Grove, CA-1
Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-1
Ashton Winger, Hampton, GA-1
Chase Junghans, Manhattan, KS-1
Michael Brown, Lancaster, SC-1
Ross Bailes, Clover, SC-1
Daulton Wilson, Fayetteville, NC-1
Josh Rice, Verona, KY-1
Stormy Scott-Las Cruces, NM-1
Jared Miley, Pittsburgh, PA-1
Gregg Satterlee, Indiana, PA-1
Billy Moyer Jr., Batesville, AR-1
Frank Heckenast Jr., Frankfort, IL-1
Brent Larson, Lake Elmo, MN-1
Chris Ferguson, Mt. Holly, NC-1
FOX FACTORY HARD CHARGER (21 Drivers)
Rank – Driver, Hometown – H.C.
- Tanner English, Benton, KY-7
- Gordy Gundaker, St. Charles, MO-4
- Brent Larson, Lake Elmo, MN-2
Dennis Erb Jr., Carpentersville, IL-2 - Hudson O’Neal, Martinsville, IN-1
Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin, IL-1
Max Blair, Centerville, PA-1
Devin Moran, Dresden, OH-1
Carson Ferguson, Concord, NC-1
Tyler Bruening, Decorah, IA-1
Jimmy Owens, Newport, TN-1
Ross Bailes, Clover, SC-1
Garrett Alberson, Las Cruces, NM-1
Chase Junghans, Manhattan, KS-1
Josh Richards, Shinnston, WV-1
Kyle Hammer, Clinton, IL-1
Jordan Bauer, St. Jacob, IL-1
Ryan Unzicker, El Paso, IL-1
Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, IA-1
Jimmy Mars, Menomonie, WI-1
Chris Simpson, Oxford, IA-1
Eddie Carrier Jr., Fairmont, WV-1
Shannon Babb, Moweaqua, IL-1
Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-1
Shane Clanton, Zebulon, GA-1
Boom Briggs, Bear Lake, PA-1
QUICK TIMES (18 Drivers)
Rank – Driver, Hometown – QTs
- Shane Clanton, Zebulon, GA-4
Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, IA-4 - Dennis Erb Jr., Carpentersville, IL-3
Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL-3 - Chris Madden, Gray Court, SC-2
Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin, IL-2
Ricky Weiss, Headingly, MB-2
Max Blair, Centerville, PA-2 - Kyle Hammer, Clinton, IL-1
Dale McDowell, Chickamauga, GA-1
Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-1
Trent Ivey, Union, SC-1
Josh Rice, Verona, KY-1
Mike Marlar, Winfield, TN-1
Kyle Larson, Elk Grove, CA-1
Logan Martin, West Plains, MO-1
Tanner English, Benton, KY-1
Tyler Bruening, Decorah, IA-1
Ashton Winger, Hampton, GA-1
Jonathan Davenport, Blairsville, GA-1
Jimmy Owens, Newport, TN-1
CASE Feature Lap Leaders (31 Drivers)
Rank – Driver, Hometown – Laps Led
- Jonathan Davenport, Blairsville, GA-169
- Brandon Sheppard, New Berlin, IL-161
- Max Blair, Centerville, PA-123
- Dennis Erb Jr., Carpentersville, IL-119
- Bobby Pierce, Oakwood, IL-112
- Dale McDowell, Chickamauga, GA-111
- Shane Clanton, Zebulon, GA-106
- Tyler Erb, New Waverly, TX-99
- Mike Marlar, Winfield, TN-80
Jimmy Owens, Newport, TN-80 - Ashton Winger, Hampton, GA-78
- Mike Marlar, Winfield, TN-60
- Ryan Gustin, Marshalltown, IA-57
- Ricky Weiss, Headingley, MB-54
- Devin Moran, Dresden, OH-47
- Jason Feger, Bloomington, IL-34
- Chris Madden, Gray Court, SC-31
- Billy Moyer Jr., Batesville, AR-28
- Jason Feger, Bloomington, IL-27
Shannon Babb, Moweaqua, IL-27 - Brandon Overton, Evans, GA-25
- Kyle Hammer, Clinton, IL-24
- Michael Brown, Lancaster, SC-22
- Jared Miley, Pittsburgh, PA-20
Rick Eckert, York, PA-20 - Kyle Strickler, Mooresville, NC-15
- Tyler Bruening, Decorah, IA-14
- Cade Dillard, Robeline, LA-10
- Tanner English, Benton, KY-9
- Kyle Bronson, Brandon, FL-3
- Spencer Hughes, Meridian, MS-1
2022 World of Outlaws Late Model Schedule & Winners
No./ Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner (Total Wins)
1. Thursday, Jan. 20 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Dale McDowell (1)
2. Friday, Jan. 21/Volusia Speedway Park/Barberville, FL/Ashton Winger (1)
3. Wednesday, Feb. 16/Volusia Speedway Park, Barberville, FL/Brandon Overton (1)
4. Thursday, Feb. 17/Volusia Speedway Park, Barberville, FL/Dale McDowell (2)
5. Friday, Feb. 18/Volusia Speedway Park, Barberville, FL/Dennis Erb Jr. (1)
6. Saturday, Feb. 19/Volusia Speedway Park, Barberville, FL/Chris Madden (1)
7. Friday, March 25/Cherokee Speedway, Gaffney, SC/Michael Brown (1)
8. Saturday, March 26/Cherokee Speedway, Gaffney, SC/Max Blair (1)
9. Friday, April 22/Atomic Speedway, Waverly, OH/Tyler Erb (1)
10. x, April 23/Atomic Speedway, Waverly, OH/ Brandon Sheppard (1)
11. Friday, April 29/ Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol, TN/Jonathan Davenport (1)
12. Saturday, April 30/Bristol Motor Speedway, Bristol, TN/Ricky Weiss (1)
13. Thursday, May 5/Mississippi Thunder Speedway, Fountain City, WI/Bobby Pierce (1)
14. Friday, May 6/Mississippi Thunder Speedway, Fountain City, WI/Jonathan Davenport (2)
15. Saturday, May 7/Mississippi Thunder Speedway, Fountain City, WI/Mike Marlar(1)
16. Thursday, May 19/Bloomsburg Fair Raceway/Bloomsburg, PA/Max Blair (2)
17. Friday, May 20/Marion Center Raceway/Marion Center, PA/Dennis Erb Jr. (2)
18. Saturday, May 21/Port Royal Speedway/Port Royal, PA/Jared Miley (1)
19. Saturday, May 29/Sharon Speedway, Hartford, OH/Ryan Gustin (1)
20. Friday, June 3/Tri-City Speedway, Granite City, IL/Bobby Pierce (2)
21. Friday, June 24/Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55, Pevely, MO/ Dennis Erb Jr. (3)
22. Saturday, June 25/Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55, Pevely, MO/Dennis Erb Jr. (4)
23. Sunday, June 26/Jacksonville Speedway, Jacksonville, IL/Brandon Sheppard (2)
24. Friday, July 15/River Cities Speedway/ Grand Forks, ND/ Shane Clanton (1)
25. Sunday, July 16/Red Cedar Speedway/ Menomonie, WI/Mike Marlar(2)
26. Monday, July 25/Boone Speedway/Boone, IA/Jonathan Davenport(3)
27. Saturday, July 30/Fairbury Speedway/Fairbury, IL/Brandon Sheppard(3)
28. Thursday, Aug. 4/Cedar Lake Speedway/ New Richmond, WI/ Mike Marlar (3)
29. Saturday, Aug. 6/Cedar Lake Speedway/Blairsville, GA/Jonathan Davenport (4)
30. Friday, Aug. 19/Williams Grove Speedway/ Mechanicsburg, PA/Shane Clanton (2)
31. Saturday, Aug. 20/Sharon Speedway/Hartford, OH/Devin Moran (1)
32. Thursday, Aug. 25/Davenport Speedway/Davenport, IA/Jason Feger (1)
33. Friday Aug. 26/Davenport Speedway/Davenport, IA/Tanner English (1)
34. Saturday, Aug. 27/Davenport Speedway/Davenport, IA/Tanner English (2)
35. Friday, Sept. 2/Smoky Mountain Speedway/Maryville, TN/Jimmy Owens (1)
36. Friday, Sept. 23/Boyd’s Speedway, Ringgold, GA/Jimmy Owens(2)
37. Saturday, Sept. 24/Boyd’s Speedway, Ringgold, GA/Ryan Gustin (2)
CORVETTE RACING RETURNING TO IMSA, FIA WEC IN 2023
| Corvette C8.R to feature in GTD PRO stateside, GTE Am in FIA WEC DETROIT (Oct. 18, 2022) – In its 25th season of top-level endurance racing, Corvette Racing will continue its long-running commitment to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship in 2023 as part of the GT Daytona (GTD) PRO class while taking on a new challenge by transitioning into GTE Am competition in the FIA World Endurance Championship. For the second year in a row, Corvette Racing will enter one car in each of sports car racing’s most prestigious championships. The premier races in the world will be part of the schedule for the Mobil 1/SiriusXM Chevrolet Corvette C8.R including the Rolex 24 At Daytona, 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, among others. “We learned a great deal this year about running dual programs in both IMSA and the FIA WEC – all of which will benefit the Corvette brand going forward,” said Laura Wontrop Klauser, GM Sports Car Racing Program Manager. “In IMSA, we will return to GTD PRO against a very competitive group of manufacturers while laying the groundwork for the Corvette Z06 GT3.R. Similarly, Corvette Racing’s FIA WEC program allows us the opportunity to continue growing the global presence of Corvette in a world championship.” |
| Photos: Richard Prince, Chevrolet Racing |
| FIA WEC: Catsburg, Keating form partnership in GTE AmThe Corvette C8.R will again join the grid in the World Endurance Championship as a full-time entry, this time in GTE Am. The C8.R will be driven by Nicky Catsburg, who moves to full-time duty in a Corvette for the first time, and highly successful Bronze driver Ben Keating – widely considered one of the world’s best privateer drivers. The sporting rules of the GTE Am category require at least one Bronze-level driver, as rated by the FIA. One professional-level driver is allowed along with a second Bronze or Silver-rated driver. Corvette Racing will confirm the final member of the WEC lineup at a later date. The trio will contest the full seven-race WEC calendar including the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June. Keating is a past winner at Le Mans, Daytona, Sebring and many of the other premier races in WEC, IMSA and Intercontinental GT Challenge. The personable Texan began racing in 2006 and quickly established a reputation as one of sports car’s fastest and most reliable amateur drivers in both prototype and GT categories. He races with the support of Four Horsemen Racing and Wynns. While Keating will race a Corvette for the first time, Catsburg has established himself as a fixture with the marque. Since joining the program in 2020, Catsburg recorded a victory at Daytona in 2021 and Sebring this year alongside Antonio Garcia and Jordan Taylor. The 2023 campaign will be Catsburg’s first in the World Endurance Championship since 2019. He also has wins in long-distance races at the Nürburgring, Spa and Indianapolis Motor Speedway, among other venues. Garcia, Taylor back in IMSA GTD PRO full-timeWith two championships in three years together, the aforementioned Garcia and Taylor will reunite for another run at the GTD PRO title in 2023. Like this year’s effort, the familiar yellow Corvette will run in a modified state to fit the C8.R in the performance window of GT3 cars that make up both the GTD PRO and regular GTD entries in the WeatherTech Championship. The 2022 season was a learning experience for both Corvette Racing and IMSA as the two groups work together on balancing the C8.R and the rest of the GTD category from technical and competitive standpoints. The victory at Sebring for Garcia, Taylor and Catsburg was the highlight of the 2022 season, which also included runner-up finishes at Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and VIR. Garcia is a five-time IMSA champion dating back to 2013. He has made 136 starts with the program since joining as a long-distance driver in 2009. Among his career highlights include two Rolex 24 wins, two Le Mans wins and five victories at Sebring. Taylor is a four-time IMSA champion with two coming in the GT Le Mans (GTLM) ranks with Garcia in 2020 and 2021. He joined Corvette Racing in 2012 as a long-distance third driver and won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2015. He moved to a full-time role in 2020 – the same season the C8.R made its competition debut. Milner back to IMSA, focusing on GT3 developmentTommy Milner, currently contesting the full WEC for Corvette Racing, will take over the endurance driver role in the WeatherTech Championship for 2023. He will drive with Garcia and Taylor at Daytona, Sebring and the 1,000-mile Petit Le Mans. Milner also will serve a key role as the primary testing and development driver for the Corvette Z06 GT3.R, which will be available to customer racing teams starting in 2024. Milner made his 130th start with Corvette Racing at the most recent WEC round at Fuji and has been part of the program as a full-time driver since 2011. He is a two-time IMSA champion, claimed a pair of victories at Le Mans and scored his first WEC race victory – outside of Le Mans – in July at the Six Hours of Monza. Chevrolet is in the midst of an extensive development program for the Z06 GT3.R using both on-track testing and the manufacturer’s Driver-in-the-Loop simulator. The latter has been the focus for more than a year as Corvette Racing continues to refine items such as chassis platform, traction control, ABS and other tools that are features of GT3 racing. The Corvette Z06 GT3.R will leverage the strong foundation provided by the mid-engine Corvette Z06 supercar. The Z06 GT3.R will share the same aluminum chassis, a production engine modified for use in the racecar, and similar aerodynamic features. At the heart of the Z06 GT3.R is a 5.5-liter, DOHC LT6 V8 engine with the same flat-plane crankshaft architecture that powers the Corvette C8.R and the production Corvette Z06. Corvette Racing’s 2023 IMSA campaign kicks off with the Rolex 24 At Daytona on January 28-30, while the FIA WEC season begins with the 1,000 Miles of Sebring on March 17. |
CARUSO EXITS EARLY AT FIRST STAMPEDE OF SPEED
DALLAS, TX (October 16, 2022) —- First year Pro Stock driver Camrie Caruso, the front-runner for NHRA rookie of the year, took in as much of the Stampede of Speed in advance of the Texas NHRA Fall Nationals as she could. On Thursday night Caruso joined 50 other NHRA drivers and riders at the Pre-Stage FanFest for the free autograph session the day after she joined her crew chief Jim Yates, two-time Fall Nationals winner, at the inaugural Champions Dinner recognizing former Texas Fall Nationals champions. Friday through two qualifying sessions Caruso and her Titan Racing Engines powered Camaro were in the mix of a quick Pro Stock class racing under the lights for $7,500 during the second session. Racing the Sand Haulers of America Camaro with backing from OZ Saferooms, the former junior dragster and Top Alcohol Dragster race was ready for her second race in the Lone Star State. The Saturday qualifying sessions initially presented race day conditions, but a cool front rolled into north Texas and made race day a roll of the dice of all the Pro Stock teams. As the No. 9 qualifier Caruso gave up lane choice to No. 8 qualifier Matt Hartford.
Camrie Caruso and Sand Haulers of America Camaro, photo by Gary Nastase
For the second week in a row Caruso faced Hartford in the first round. The Sand Haulers of America Chevrolet Camaro was looking to reverse the results from two weeks ago in St. Louis at the Midwest Nationals. Unfortunately, the results were the same and Caruso had to endure another learning experience as she develops in the toughest category in the Camping World Drag Racing Series.
As Caruso was rolling into stage a surprising clutch malfunction caught the rookie driver off guard and she jumped the Christmas Tree resulting in an automatic disqualification. Luckily, Caruso was able to hold onto her position in the Top Ten with two races remaining the season.
Camrie Caruso burnout, photo by Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery
“When I pushed in the clutch it came back and it took me by surprise. There was too much tension for me to hold it in and I left early. I would say it was half mechanical and half driver on that one,” said Caruso. “Now that I know that can happen, I think I will be better prepared in the future. I have two more races to get that first win and I can’t wait to get to Las Vegas. That is one of my favorite cities and I like that track.”
This season Caruso raced to a final round as the No. 1 qualifier and started from the top half of the field in nearly half of the races. She has qualified at every NHRA national event, a major accomplishment for a new team. Heading into the final two Countdown races while the championship might be out of reach, a top five finish would be a strong performance by one of the rising stars of the NHRA.
Caruso and the rest of the Pro Stock class will be back on track in two weeks at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Qualifying Results
Q1: 6.600 sec, 210.43 mph; Qual. 10
Q2: 6.570 sec, 210.09 mph; Qual. 9
Q3: 6.607 sec, 209.86 mph; Qual. 9
Q4: 48.881 sec, 9.13 mph; Qual. 9
Bonus Points: 0
Race Results
First Round
Matt Hartford, Phoenix, Ariz., Total Seal Chevrolet Camaro, 6.582, 208.88 mph def. Camrie Caruso, Denver, NC, Sand Haulers of America Chevrolet Camaro, DQ – red light def.
Camping World Drag Racing Series Top Ten – Pro Stock
1. Erica Enders 2560
2. Aaron Stanfield 2394
3. Greg Anderson 2362
4. Kyle Koretsky 2330
5. Troy Coughlin Jr 2343
6. Dallas Glenn 2267
7. Matt Hartford 2286
8. Mason McGaha 2157
9. Camrie Caruso 2149
9. Bo Butner 2149
11. Deric Kramer 2148
Hagan Drives Dodge Power Brokers Charger SRT Hellcat from No. 1 Qualifier to First Final Round Appearance in NHRA ‘Countdown to the Championship’ at Texas FallNationals
- No. 1 Qualifier Matt Hagan of Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) wheeled his Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car to the team’s first final round appearance in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) “Countdown to the Championship” at the 37th annual Texas FallNationals near Dallas, the fourth of six playoff series events
- Hagan’s runner-up finish aboard the Dodge Power Brokers Funny Car at the FallNationals keeps him third in the world championship hunt and within 78 points of category leader Robert Hight with two playoff events remaining
- TSR Top Fuel pilot Leah Pruett qualified No. 8 and took her Dodge//SRT dragster to the quarterfinals at the Texas Motorplex dragstrip
- Funny Car driver Cruz Pedregon was seeded 11th aboard his Snap-on Tools Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat but had an early exit despite a strong opening round battle
October 16, 2022, Ennis, Texas – Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) Funny Car driver Matt Hagan qualified his Dodge Power Brokers Charger SRT Hellcat No. 1 then drove it to an important first final round appearance in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) “Countdown to the Championship” at the 37th annual Texas FallNationals at Texas Motorplex, the fourth of six playoff series events.
Hagan earned the top spot on the eliminations ladder and his sixth top qualifier honor of the season with an impressive second pass on Friday under the lights to set the Texas track record with a 3.825-second lap at 334.85 mph, the second-quickest Funny Car run of the 2022 season. The three-time Funny Car world champion entered the weekend 103 markers behind the category leader Robert Hight, but added nine valuable bonus points by registering all four of his runs among the top-three quickest of each session.
Hagan and his Dodge Power Brokers Charger SRT Hellcat headed into eliminations having cut the deficit to 98 points and disposed of No. 16 seed Terry Haddock and No. 8 Tim Wilkerson to advance to a fourth consecutive semifinal appearance in the Countdown and face-off against No. 4 seed Bob Tasca III.
Hagan had the advantage on the launch with a quick 0.015-second reaction time over Tasca’s 0.051-second start, and while both ran identical 3.891-second laps, the Dodge Power Brokers Charger SRT Hellcat recorded a speed of 338.02 mph, the tenth fastest run in class history and the fastest in three years, to turn on the win lights with a 0.04-second margin of victory to advance to final round of the FallNationals.
For his 78th career final round appearance and the first of this year’s Countdown, Hagan lined up next to No. 3 qualifier Ron Capps and set his sights on heading to the winner’s circle for the first time since his win at the New England Nationals in June. Both had a chance to make some solid gains and close the points gap with Hight who had a semifinal exit.
After three passes at 3.87, 3.88. and 3.89 seconds, the Dodge Power Brokers Funny Car launched first and recorded a 3.923 sec./331.32 mph run in a good side-by-side battle that saw Capps edge him at the line with a 3.911 sec./327.18 mph lap to take the win by one- thousandths of a second and put the victor within ten points of the championship leader. With the runner-up finish, Hagan remained third in the battle for the Funny Car championship crown, but closed the gap to 78 points between himself and the leader with two playoff events left including the points-and-a-half format finale.
TSR Top Fuel pilot Leah Pruett came into the FallNationals representing Rush Truck Centers on her Dodge/SRT dragster and looking to put three consecutive playoff early round exits in the rear view mirror. Friday night qualifying at the Dallas-area dragstrip provided a bit of drama for Pruett who had a good run going when her ride turned into a fireball at the end of her second pass of the weekend. Despite the setback, she came back strong and qualified in the top half of the eliminations ladder with a solid 3.731-second run at 304.18 mph to put herself eighth and set up a first round pairing with No. 9 seed Josh Hart.
Pruett had a stout launch with a 0.047-second reaction time, clocked a 3.888-sec./229.84 mph first round pass, and was awarded the immediate round win when Hart fouled out on the start. That sent Pruett to her first quarterfinal appearance of the playoffs where she met up with No. 1 qualifier Austin Prock. The Dodge//SRT dragster ran a solid 3.764 sec./275.72 mph lap but it wasn’t quite enough to beat Prock’s 3.737 sec./324.18 mph pass. With the results, Pruett sits 39 points outside of the top-ten in the Top Fuel playoff standings and now looks to focus on solid outings in the final two events of the season to finish her team’s inaugural season on a good note.
Sitting ninth in the Funny Car championship standings to start the weekend, Cruz Pedregon Racing owner and driver Cruz Pedregon gave his Snap-on Tools Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat an 11th place starting position for Sunday’s contest with a best qualifying effort of 3.965 seconds at 324.84 mph to set up a first round match-up with No. 6 seed John Force.
Notoriously known for his deep staging tactics, Force had the quicker start while Pedregon stayed close with a 3.902 sec./327.70 mph pass to challenge his opponent’s winning 3.925 sec./331.66 mph lap. Despite the first round exit, Pedregon remains optimistic and happy with the gains his team has made throughout the season and looks to finish the season strong and improve on his current ninth place position in the Funny Car championship rankings.
The NHRA Nevada Nationals, the penultimate event of the NHRA “Countdown to the Championship” is set to take place Oct. 27-30 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. FS1 will present two qualifying highlights shows on Sunday, Oct. 30, at 9:30 a.m. ET (Q1) and 12:30 pm (Q2 and Q3) with race day coverage beginning at 5 p.m. ET.
ADDITIONAL NOTES and QUOTES:
Leah Pruett, Tony Stewart Racing Rush Truck Centers Dodge//SRT Top Fuel Dragster
(No. 8 Qualifier – 3.731 seconds at 304.18 mph)
Round 1: (0.047-second reaction time, 3.888 seconds at 229.84 mph) defeats No. 9 Josh Hart (-0.035/3.707/330.03)
Round 2: (0.066/3.764/275.72) loss to No. 1 Austin Prock (0.026/3.737/324.18)
““It was great to debut our Rush Truck Centers scheme at Dallas. Their slogan is to expect more when you go to their service centers and we expected to have more this weekend. We have delivered to ourselves because we have been trying very hard to run 2.10 to the 1/8 mile and we were able to do it a couple times. We’ve been trying to improve our incremental times. The better incremental times you have, overall you’ll have a quicker ET. We had a setback Friday night when a valve train part malfunctioned and caused colossal damage. It was not an over-tuning situation or over-driving, so we had to be a bit more conservative on Saturday to make sure all our system checks were right. There is nothing like being the first pair out on Sunday with the National Anthem in the great state of Texas. You can feel all that goes into this race. You can either feel it and be afraid of it or feel it and encompass that, which I feel I did and we all did. I’m very impressed with shallow staging and cutting one of my best lights in eliminations. I was so focused on going straight down the track because the left lane is tricky and it wants to pull you to the left towards the wall. I saw my blue win light and knew we were on a good run. Talk about processing a lot of information at a high rate of speed. All of a sudden, it was over. We had an electronic issue that made the burst panel electric communication deploy the chutes and shut off the car. We got lucky on Sunday and got to the second round. We tuned the car up a bit more and had a solid race. We went up against Austin Prock, who also did a great job on the tree. We blew a blower belt that broke and we’re still dissecting the cause of that. It aborted our run sooner and would have been an even closer race than it was. I definitely don’t feel defeated because we have made extreme improvements. We finally feel like we have a race car and are racing and competing. We’re a force to be reckoned with. We’re focused on Vegas and testing after Vegas and keeping forward momentum.”
Matt Hagan, Tony Stewart Racing Dodge Power Brokers Charger SRT Hellcat Funny Car
(No. 1 Qualifier – 3.825 seconds at 334.85 mph)
Round 1: (0.077-second reaction time, 3.875 seconds at 326.56 mph) defeats No. 16 Terry Haddock (0.143/4.051/305.98)
Round 2: (0.052/3.883/335.12) defeats No. 8 Tim Wilkerson (0.072/3.938/329.26)
Round 3: (0.015/3.891/338.02) defeats No. 4 Bob Tasca (0.055/3.891/329.21)
Round 4: (0.033/3.923/331.32) loss to No. 3 Ron Capps (0.035/3.911/327.18)
“It was a very strong weekend. We ran a .82 out there on Friday and were No. 1 Qualifier. Dickie Venables, Mike Knudsen and Alex Conaway put a great car underneath me all weekend. We had everything it takes to win the race, we were just on the back side of it a little bit. It’s so competitive out there right now and it’s kind of like splitting frog hairs. It was a great job and my crew did a phenomenal job. They serviced the car in 30 minutes to get ready for the final, which was exceptional. We were pressed with rain all day and we knew the turnarounds would be quick. The guys didn’t let that phase them and we had a great car. This Dodge Power Brokers Funny Car is still in the hunt and I know we have the capability and means to do it. We just have to have a little luck fall our way.”
Cruz Pedregon, Cruz Pedregon Racing Snap-on® Tools Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat
(No. 11 Qualifier – 3.965 seconds at 324.84 mph)
Round 1: (0.086-second reaction time, 3.902 second elapsed time run at 327.70 mph) loss to No. 6 John Force (0.050/3.925/331.66)
“We had a great race with John Force in the first round. Anytime you can go up against a 16-time champ and have a wheel-to-wheel battle all the way down the track is a really good event for us. We came up a little short with a 3.90 to a 3.92 and with John staging a little deeper than I did, he got the win but if you play the numbers out, it was pretty close to a dead heat. I think it was just a few thousandths difference really. I never did see him go down the track. I just saw his win light at the finish line. We changed the setup by putting in a six disc instead of a five, and with our new consultant, Lee Beard, guiding us to try to get some more speed out of the car, it bodes well for our chances in Vegas and Pomona, and get a jump on next year. That’s really the goal for us now. Overall, it was a good weekend for the Snap-on Dodge. We want to win these races really badly, but I think the big thing is that we showed that we’re right in the hunt there. I think we were the fourth or fifth quickest run of that first round and that’s all we can ask for at this point. We’re gonna keep building on that, try to get faster and go to Vegas.”
NHRA CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS STANDINGS:
Following the Texas NHRA FallNationals at Texas Motorplex
FUNNY CAR (season wins in parentheses)
1. Robert Hight 2486 (8)
2. Ron Capps: 2476 (5)
3. Matt Hagan (Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat): 2408 (3)
4. John Force: 2349 (1)
5. Bob Tasca III: 2312 (3)
6. Tim Wilkerson: 2228
7. Alexis DeJoria: 2219 (1)
8. J.R. Todd: 2218
9. Cruz Pedregon (Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat): 2191
10. Blake Alexander: 2118
11. Jim Campbell: 2116
TOP FUEL (season wins in parentheses)
1. Justin Ashley: 2422 (3)
2. Brittany Force: 2340 (4)
3. Antron Brown 2338 (3)
4. Steve Torrence: 2326 (2)
5. Mike Salinas: 2304 (4)
6. Josh Hart: 2275 (1)
7. Austin Prock: 2262 (1)
8. Doug Kalitta: 2251
9. Shawn Langdon: 2194
10. Clay Millican: 2218
11. Leah Pruett (Dodge Power Brokers): 2179 (1)
12. Tony Schumacher: 2149 (1)
DodgeGarage: Digital Hub for Drag Racing News
Fans can follow all the NHRA action this season at DodgeGarage, the one-stop portal for Dodge//SRT and Mopar drag-racing news. The site includes daily updates and access to an online racing HQ, news, events, galleries, available downloads and merchandise. For more information, visit www.dodgegarage.com.
@DodgeMoparMotorsports on Instagram
The @DodgeMoparMotorsports Instagram channel continues to share content capturing Dodge//SRT Mopar drivers on the track. Fans can see action from the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series and NHRA Sportsman grassroots racers, competing in classes such as Factory Stock Showdown, Stock and Super Stock, as well as additional motorsports series.
Dodge//SRT
For more than 100 years, the Dodge brand has carried on the spirit of brothers John and Horace Dodge. Their influence continues today as Dodge shifts into high gear with a lineup that delivers unrivaled performance in each of the segments where they compete.
Dodge drives forward as a pure performance brand, offering SRT Hellcat versions of the Dodge Challenger, Dodge Charger and Dodge Durango, as well as an R/T plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) version of the all-new 2023 Dodge Hornet, representing the brand’s first-ever electrified performance vehicle. Dodge delivers the drag-strip dominating 807-horsepower Dodge Challenger SRT Super Stock; the 797-horsepower Dodge Charger SRT Redeye, the most powerful and fastest mass-produced sedan in the world; and the 710-horsepower Dodge Durango SRT Hellcat, the most powerful SUV ever; and best-in-class standard performance in the compact utility vehicle segment with the Dodge Hornet. Combined, these four muscle vehicles make Dodge the industry’s most powerful brand, offering more horsepower than any other American brand across its entire lineup.
In 2022, the Dodge brand ranked No. 1 in the J.D. Power APEAL Study (mass market), making it the only domestic brand ever to do so three years in a row. In 2020, Dodge was named the “#1 Brand in Initial Quality,” making it the first domestic brand ever to rank No. 1 in the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS).
Dodge is part of the portfolio of brands offered by leading global automaker and mobility provider Stellantis. For more information regarding Stellantis (NYSE: STLA), please visit www.stellantis.com.
HART STAYS IN CHAMPIONSHIP CONTENTION LEAVING DALLAS
DALLAS, TX (October 16, 2022) — Racing at the 37th Texas NHRA Fall Nationals Josh Hart and the Brakes for Breasts TechNet Top Fuel dragster rolled in with three NHRA playoff races remaining and their championship hopes under their control. Through two days of qualifying that included four passes on track Hart and his Ron Douglas tuned 11,000 horsepower race car rolled into race day as the No. 9 qualifier. Hart’s quickest run was posted on Saturday afternoon during the third qualifying session, a 3.750 second run at 328.25 mph earned the driver from Ocala, Florida, two qualifying bonus points. As the Saturday session wrapped up Hart and his TechNet team ran 3.950 seconds looking to find the performance edge under race-like conditions.
Josh Hart and TechNet Brakes for Breasts Top Fuel dragster, photo by Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery
“We got what we needed out of qualifying to give us everything we needed for race day,” said Hart. “The first run on Saturday was strong and gave us some confidence to get after it in the last session. We figured out what we didn’t need to do and it was also really hot. We knew the weather was going to change overnight.”
In the opening round Hart drew Leah Pruett, the No. 8 qualifier. Last year Hart defeated Pruett in the first round when he was the No. 6 qualifier and raced to the semifinals. Today looking to move up in the Top Ten Hart was geared up to get his race day started in a similar fashion. This was the fourth meeting between the two pros and Hart was holding a 3-0 record.
As is his preference Hart and the TechNet dragster were first out to get the race underway after a rain delay pushed back the start time. Track temperatures were optimal and following a perfectly executed burnout Hart staged and waited for his opponent. For the first time in his career Hart, one of the best drivers off the starting line, jumped the start resulting in a competition disqualification.
“I am not going to make any excuses. I had a great race car in the first round and we made a great run that should have moved us to the quarterfinal,” said Hart. “This TechNet team worked their tails off all weekend and we have a race car that can win races. We just need to put everything together on race day. We were just in a final round in St. Louis and we can get back there. We have two more races this season and we want to finish strong.”
Josh Hart, driver of the TechNet Top Fuel dragster, photo by Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery
Hart will head to Las Vegas for the Las Vegas Nationals in two weeks at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. He is sitting in sixth place and with points and a half at the last race of the season a championship is not out of reach for the second-year team owner and driver.
Qualifying Results
Q1: 4.074 sec, 224.27 mph; Qual. 8
Q2: No Time; Qual. 15
Q3: 3.750 sec, 328.25 mph; Qual. 9
Q4: 3.950 sec, 235.45 mph; Qual. 9
Bonus Points: +2 (2nd quickest of Q3)
Race Results
First Round
Leah Pruett, Lake Havasu, AZ, Rush Truck Centers dragster, 3.888, 229.84 mph def. Josh Hart, Ocala, Fla., R+L Carriers dragster, DQ – red light
Camping World Drag Racing Series Top Ten – Top Fuel
1. Justin Ashley 2422
2. Brittany Force 2340
3. Antron Brown 2338
4. Steve Torrence 2326
5. Mike Salinas 2304
6. Josh Hart 2272
7. Austin Prock 2262
8. Doug Kalitta 2251
9. Shawn Langdon 2234
10. Clay Millican 2218
Aaron Stanfield Closes Out Constant Aviation Factory Stock Showdown Season with Victory at Texas Motorplex
ENNIS, Texas (October 16, 2022) – Aaron Stanfield and the Stanfield Racing Engines Chevrolet COPO Camaro battled to the Texas NHRA Fall Nationals win Sunday at Texas Motorplex to finish the 2022 season with his first win of the season.
Stanfield, also the No. 1 qualifier of the event, would have a solo in what was his third finals round of the season. The 2021 champion would have a solid clean pass at 7.764-seconds and 165.00 mph to take the win light.
Texas NHRA Fall Nationals Constant Aviation Factory Stock Showdown champion Aaron Stanfield (center), photo by Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery
“Well, we didn’t defend the championship, but we ended the season strong,” Stanfield said. “We had some struggles this year and to be able to push through adversity and end it on a high is definitely a good feeling. Hats off to all the guys that work at Stanfield Racing Engines. It’s been a lot of blood sweat and tears. We fought hard, and we had a good weekend this weekend. We have some mojo back and we’re hoping to come out swinging next year.”
In the semifinals, Stanfield took on Conner Statler and the Janac Brother’s Racing Dodge Drag Pak. Stanfield would have a solid 7.733-second pass at 178.34 mph to defeat Statler’s 7.793 at 176.06 despite his 0.010 second reaction time.
Stanfield should have run Bill Skillman and the Ray Skillman Auto Ford Cobra Jet in the final round, but Skillman was unable to make the call. Second in points, Skillman had a bye run into the semifinals where he would take the win on the starting line. Stephen Bell had the Stanfield Racing Engines Chevy go red by 0.028-seconds while Skillman would go 8.055 at 137.61 after hurting the engine mid-track resulting in his inability to make the final round.
Aaron Stanfield and Janac Brothers Chevrolet Camaro, photo by Gary Nastase/Auto Imagery
“Definitely was a weird feeling running a solo in the finals. As racers we never want to see that. Its’ unfortunate with the quick turnaround today, its hard to change the engines in these cars,” Stanfield said. “I hate it for Mr. Skillman, but we had a fast hot rod that was going to be tough to beat.”
Through the Constant Aviation Factory Stock Showdown Bounty Program Stanfield will carry the $1,000 bounty into the 2023 season.
Constant Aviation Bounty Program
Gatornationals (Gainesville, FL)
$1,000 bounty collected by Anthony Troyer, defeated Aaron Stanfield, Las Vegas winner
Charlotte Four-Wide Nationals (Charlotte, NC)
$1,000 bounty collected by Stephen Bell, defeated Lenny Lottig, Gatornationals winner
Virginia Nationals (Richmond, VA)
Bounty unclaimed, Charlotte winner Bill Skillman undefeated
Thunder Valley Nationals (Bristol, Tenn.)
$2,000 bounty collected by Scott Libersher, defeated Bill Skillman, Charlotte Four-Wide and Virginia Nationals winner
Summit Racing Equipment NHRA Nationals (Norwalk, Ohio)
$1,000 bounty collected by Bill Skillman, defeated David Barton, Thunder Valley Nationals winner
Dodge Power Brokers NHRA U.S. Nationals (Indianapolis)
$1,000 collected by David Barton, defeated Bill Skillman Summit Racing Equipment Nationals winner
Pep Boys NHRA Nationals (Reading, Pa.)
Bounty unclaimed, Indianapolis winner David Barton undefeated
Texas NHRA FallNationals (Ennis, Texas)
$2,000 collected by Lenny Lottig, defeated David Barton, U.S. Nationals and Pep Boys NHRA Nationals winner
2022 Constant Aviation Factory Stock Showdown Results
Gainesville – Lenny Lottig, winner; Anthony Troyer, runner-up
Charlotte1 – Bill Skillman, winner, David Barton, runner-up
Richmond – Bill Skillman, winner, Dan Condon, runner-up
Bristol – David Barton, winner, Stephen Bell, runner-up
Norwalk – Bill Skillman, winner, David Barton, runner-up
Indianapolis – David Barton, winner, Aaron Stanfield, runner-up
Reading – David Barton, winner, Aaron Stanfield, runner-up
Dallas – Aaron Stanfield, winner, Bill Skillman, runner-up
Constant Aviation Factory Stock Showdown Top Ten Points Standings:
1. David Barton 717
2. Bill Skillman 662
3. Aaron Stanfield 586
4. Lenny Lottig 456
5. Mark Pawuk 394
6. Dan Condon 382
7. David Janac 369
8. David Davies III 362
9. Anthony Troyer 352
10. Stephen Bell 346
Elite Motorsports Achieves Final ‘Texas Two-Step’ As Enders Triumphs In Dallas
| The Four-Time World Champion Continues Countdown Dominance In NHRA Pro Stock |
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| Elite Motorsports Weekend Recap |
| NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series ENNIS, Texas (October 16, 2022) – NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series Pro Stock standout Erica Enders raced to her ninth national event win of the season today at the Texas NHRA FallNationals, completing the famed “Texas Two-Step” by winning this event as well as the event in Houston contested earlier this year. This win marks the 14th victory achieved by the Elite Motorsports team this year. Facing Greg Anderson in the final round, Enders rocketed her Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Camaro to the winners circle for the 42nd time in her Pro Stock career. Enders entered race day from the No. 1 qualifier position for the fifth time this season. The Pro Stock points leader dominated in qualifying as she achieved the lowest elapsed time in each of the four qualifying sessions. It was her blistering pass of 6.524-seconds at 210.53 mph on Friday night that not only set her in the top spot but also won her a $7,500 cash bonus from the Texas Motorplex. “I’ve got the best crew that stands behind me,” said Enders as she proudly hoisted her hard-earned trophy into the air. “And the good Lord above who keeps me calm. All the glory goes to Him. I was speaking to my sister (Courtney Enders) before this round and she said, ‘If you get this done you’ll have completed the Texas Two-Step for the last time in NHRA history,’ since we won’t be competing in Houston anymore. “Melling Performance has stuck behind me for a lot of years and they’ve been more than loyal to me when they’ve had options to do something else. So I really want to thank the Melling family as well as Gallagher and Peoplease. This doesn’t happen without those guys. We did it in Texas and I could not be more proud.” It was a rush to the winners circle at the Texas Motorplex as unpredictable weather patterns threatened to wreak havoc on all of the exciting race day action. Officials worked around the weather to quickly and safely complete the event. Rain showers early in the day impacted the start of competition, but only temporarily. Facing cooler temperatures than they did in qualifying, the Elite Motorsports Pro Stock team made the necessary adjustments to their fleet of high-performance machines. After qualifying tenth, former Pro Stock world champion Bo Butner faced Deric Kramer in the opening round of Pro Stock eliminations on Sunday. His crimson Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Camaro looked great speeding down the track but Kramer got to the finish line first. Butner’s Elite Motorsports teammate Fernando Cuadra Sr. also made an early exit in his Corral Boots Camaro when Kyle Koretsky managed to outpace the driver and entrepreneur from Mexico. Entering race day from the No. 4 qualifying spot, Troy Coughlin Jr. flew down the track against Alan Prusiensky for the round win. He wasn’t alone in overpowering the competition as his teammates Cristian Cuadra and Aaron Stanfield picked up first-round wins against Chris McGaha and Shane Tucker, respectively. In the final pair of Round One competition, Enders faced Elite teammate Fernando Cuadra Jr. in his Corral Boots Mustang. While Cuadra Jr. got the jump on Enders off of the starting line with an impressive light of .017-seconds, Enders managed to get around him for the win with a pass of 6.539 at 209.79. After a short rain delay, Pro Stock competition kicked off Round Two with Coughlin in his JEGS.com / Elite Motorsports Camaro taking on and defeating Koretsky. C. Cuadra was uncharacteristically late on the starting line in his Corral Boots Mustang, giving a win to the current Pro Stock world Champion, Greg Anderson. Stanfield faced Deric Kramer in his Janac Brothers/JC3 Energy Camaro. The two talented drivers left the line with identical reaction times of .025-seconds, but Stanfield would emerge victorious with a powerful pass of 6.559 at 209.18. Matt Hartford left the line too early, giving Enders the quarterfinal win. As gray, ominous-looking clouds threatened to unleash in the Texas sky above, Stanfield and Anderson lined up against each other to kick off the semifinal round. Anderson got the starting line advantage and took it all the way down the track to defeat Stanfield. Elite Motorsports teammates Enders and Coughlin faced off next. Enders raced her powerful Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Camaro to the stripe first, defeating Coughlin and advancing to the finals where the Texas native then defeated Anderson. This win created a sizeable lead for the four-time Pro Stock world champion as she seeks to earn her fifth world title. The Countdown to the Championship continues to intensify in every category with upsets and surprises around every corner, but Enders remains steadfast in her mission, making every round count. There are only two events left in the NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series 2022 season. The Elite Motorsports team will travel to Las Vegas for the NHRA Nevada Nationals, October 27-30. |
| Sportsman Summary Elite Motorsports driver Aaron Stanfield won the Wally in the Constant Aviation Factory Stock Showdown category. NHRA Lucas Oil Drag Racing Series competitor Aydan Patterson raced to a runner-up finish in Super Stock and David Cuadra earned a runner-up finish in Top Sportsman. *** |
| Photos |
Erica Enders warms up the tires in front of a hometown crowd at the Texas Motorplex. Photo credit: Auto Imagery  Erica Enders receives her cash bonus for powering to the lowest elapsed time of Friday night qualifying. Photo credit: Auto Imagery |
 Aaron Stanfield launches his Janac Brothers/JC3 Energy Camaro at the Texas NHRA FallNationals. Photo credit: Auto Imagery Troy Coughlin Jr. rolls up to the line in his JEGS.com / Elite Motorsports Camaro. Photo credit: Auto Imagery |
 Fernando Cuadra Sr. prepares to stage in his gorgeous gray Corral Boots Camaro. Photo credit: Auto Imagery Bo Butner lays down a crowd-pleasing smokey burnout in his Johnson’s Horsepowered Garage Camaro. Photo credit: Auto Imagery |
 Fernando Cuadra Jr. roars onto the track with a powerful burnout in his Corral Boots Mustang. Photo credit: Auto Imagery Cristian Cuadra lines up against his teammate, Troy Coughlin Jr.. Photo credit: Auto Imagery |
 David Cuadra raced to an impressive runner-up finish in Top Sportsman at the Texas NHRA FallNationals. Photo credit: Auto Imagery |
| Unofficial Pro Stock Points Standings For The Countdown To The Championship 1. Erica Enders 2,5602. Aaron Stanfield 2,3943. Greg Anderson 2,3624. Troy Coughlin Jr. 2,343 5. Kyle Koretsky 2,330 6. Matt Hartford 2,286 7. Dallas Glenn 2,2678. Mason McGaha 2,1579. Bo Butner 2,14910. Camrie Caruso 2,14911. Deric Kramer 2,14812. Cristian Cuadra 2,14013. Fernando Cuadra Jr. 2,12614. Chris McGaha 2,08515. Fernando Cuadra Sr. 2,075 |
AUSTIN PROCK AND MONTANA BRAND / RMT RUNNER-UP IN TEXAS
| ENNIS, Texas (October, 16, 2022) – Austin Prock and the Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist Chevrolet dragster team capped off their Texas NHRA FallNationals weekend with a runner-up finish Sunday at Texas Motorplex. Robert Hight and the AAA Texas Chevrolet Camaro SS saw the semifinals while John Force in the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevy and Brittany Force with the Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac dragster had second round exits. After securing the first No. 1 qualifying position of his career, Austin Prock and the Montana Brand / RMT dragster kept their streak of full-pulls down the Texas Motorplex dragstrip with a first-round win over Alex Laughlin. Prock would go 4.736-seconds at 326.23 mph to Laughlin’s 3.837 at 318.83 to set up a second-round match-up with Leah Pruett. Prock would have another solid 3.737 pass at 324.18 despite having a gasket out to better Pruett’s 3.764 at 275.72. In the semifinals, Prock would line up with Top Fuel veteran and three-time champion Antron Brown. The Joe Barlam and Rahn Tobler tuned Montana Brand dragster would ride to a stout 3.681-second pass at 326.30 mph defeating Brown’s 3.689 at 329.72 mph. Facing rival and points leader Justin Ashley in the final round, Prock’s streak of clean passes would come to an end. The Montana Brand / RMT dragster would go up in tire smoke at the hit, coasting to a 12.682 at 48.46. Ashley would have no issues going 3.688-seconds at 329.24 mph. “Outstanding weekend for this Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist team. We just missed it in the final round and came up short of sweeping the weekend. I was proud of the team, and the crew chiefs. They made progress each and every lap and it showed,” Prock said. “We showed up when we needed to. We’re in good hands for the rest of the season, we’re definitely back and we can’t wait for Vegas.” Robert Hight and the AAA Texas Chevy leave the Texas NHRA FallNationals maintaining the Funny Car points lead after entering race day in the No. 2 spot and racing to the semifinals. En route, Hight would have a solo run of 3.884-seconds at 330.76 mph in the first round after Jack Wyatt broke on the starting line. Next, Hight would take on Paul Lee who ran 3.968 at 327.15 to Hight’s 3.901 at 326.73. In the semifinals, the AAA Texas Camaro would smoke the tires early for a 7.486 at 91.11 losing to eventual race winner Ron Capps and his 3.897 at 332.84. “Tough way to go out. This AAA team had been on a great streak of solid A to B passes. Disappointing to get that loss in the semifinals, we wanted to try and grow our points lead but luckily, we did have a lead and we had a good two days of qualifying where we took some points. So, with two races left, we’ll head to Vegas still ahead,” Hight said. “We have to continue to do what we know how to do. Pick up those small points in qualifying and then continue to go rounds on Sunday. Just two races left, we really need to be on our game.” Brittany Force and the Monster Energy team, who put on a spectacular qualifying show despite starting from No. 3, started their race day with a track speed record run of 336.30 mph and 3.722-seconds to defeat Buddy Hall’s 5.840 at 108.10. Force would see her race day end with a hole shot lost against Shawn Langdon in the second round. Force would have a .097-second time on the tree with a 3.676 pass at 332.96 to Langdon’s .039 reaction time and 3.721 at 328.25. “There are still two races left in this Countdown to the Championship and weekend to weekend things can change so much,” said Force who is now second in points. “We can pick up points during qualifying, we have been all season. That’s going to remain this Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac team’s plan going into Las Vegas, qualify well and go rounds on race day. It’s not over yet. It will end in Pomona at the Auto Club Finals so we’ll keep on fighting.” John Force and the PEAK Chevrolet took on Cruz Pedregon in the first round of eliminations. Force would come out on the winning side with a 3.925-second pass at 331.66 and .050-second reaction time to defeat his long-time rival’s 3.902 at 327.70 with a .086 reaction time. In the second round, Force would have a near perfect reaction time at ,003-second but the PEAK Chevy would start to lose traction to go only 4.045 at 293.79 falling short of eventual race winner Ron Capps’ 3.885 at 336.78. “I’m going to leave here and head into Vegas to win. I never give up. This PEAK Chevy team doesn’t give up. We just don’t have a mindset like that,” Force said. “There wasn’t anything left on the tree; I stole it all. I got away with the light and I was trucking on through there, but it got over into the wall. I had to lift and got back on it, but it was too late. He got around me. We never give up and it’s not over until we say it’s over.” The battle for NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series championships continues October 28-30 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway at the NHRA Nevada Nationals. -30- |
 AUSTIN PROCK, 27, Montana Brand / Rocky Mountain Twist DragsterQualifying:1st; 3.682-seconds; 334.57 mphBonus Qualifying Points:+5 (quickest Q2, 3rd quickest Q3 &Q4)Race Results: Beat Alex Laughlin, Leah Pruett, Antron Brown; Lost to Justin Ashley BRITTANY FORCE, 36, Monster Energy / Flav-R-Pac DragsterQualifying:3rd; 3.689-seconds; 335.75 mphBonus Qualifying Points:+7 (2nd quickest Q1 & Q3; quickest Q4) Race Results: Beat Buddy Hall; Lost to Shawn Langdon JOHN FORCE, 73, PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SSQualifying:6th; 3.907-seconds; 331.93 mphBonus Qualifying Points: +5 (quickest Q1, second quickest Q3)Race Results: Beat Cruz Pedregon, Ron Capps  ROBERT HIGHT, 53, AAA Missouri Chevy Camaro SSQualifying:2nd; 3.854-seconds; 333.43 mphBonus Qualifying Points:+4 (2nd quickest Q1 & Q2)Race Results: Beat Jack Wyatt, Paul Lee; Lost to Ron Capps |
| Photo Credit: Gary Nastase, Auto Imagery |
| Unofficial NHRA Countdown to the Championship Top Ten Points Standings TOP FUEL – 1. Justin Ashley, 2422; 2. Brittany Force, Monster Energy/FLAV-R-PAC dragster, 2340; 3. Antron Brown, 2338; 4. Steve Torrence, 2326; 5. Mike Salinas, 2304; 6. Josh Hart, 2275; 7. Austin Prock, Montana Brand/Rocky Mountain Twist dragster, 2262; 8. Doug Kalitta, 2251; 9. Shawn Langdon, 2234; 10. Clay Millican, 2218; 11. Leah Pruett, 2179; 12. Tony Schumacher, 2159. FUNNY CAR – 1. Robert Hight, Auto Club of Southern California Chevy Camaro SS, 2486; 2. Ron Capps, 2476; 3. Matt Hagan, 2408; 4. John Force, PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevy Camaro SS, 2349; 5. Bob Tasca III, 2312; 6. Tim Wilkerson, 2228; 7. Alexis DeJoria, 2219; 8. J.R. Todd, 2218; 9. Cruz Pedregon, 2191; 10. Blake Alexander, 2118; 11. Jim Campbell, 2116. |
Chevrolet drivers step up at FallNationals
| TEXAS MOTORPLEX IN ENNIS, TEXASOCT. 16, 2022 Chevrolet drivers step up at Texas FallNationals• Erica Enders ties career best with ninth Pro Stock win of season, moves closer to title• No. 1 Top Fuel qualifier Austin Prock is runner-up; Brittany Force sets track record• David Barton drives Chevrolet COPO Camaro to second Factory Stock Showdown title |
 ENNIS, Texas (Oct. 16, 2022) — Erica Enders took large step to claiming her fifth National Hot Rod Association (NHRA) Pro Stock world championship, driving the Melling Performance/Elite Motorsports Chevrolet Camaro SS to victory in the NHRA Texas FallNationals.Austin Prock, driving the Montana Brand/Rocky Mountain Twist Chevrolet dragster, was runner-up in the Top Fuel race at the Texas Motorplex. Prock, who won the Countdown to the Championship opener, earned the No. 1 qualifier honor for the first time in his career.In a battle of Nos. 1 and 2 in the Funny Car standings, Robert Hight’s AAA Texas Chevrolet Camaro SS lost traction early in the run and the front-runner lost to eventual event winner Ron Capps. Hight, an eight-time winner this season, retained his advantage in the standings, though his lead was sliced to 10 points. John Force, driving the PEAK Antifreeze and Coolant Chevrolet Camaro SS, lost in the Funny Car quarterfinals in the 121st career race day matchup with Capps. Brittany Force broke her own Top Fuel track speed record, recording a pass of 336.30 mph in the Monster Energy Chevrolet dragster in the first round of eliminations. The 2017 Top Fuel champion ran low elapsed time of the weekend (3.676 seconds) in the quarterfinals but fell on a holeshot when her opponent tripped the light at .039 of a second to her .097 reaction time. She is second in the standings. In a metaphoric passing of the torch, Enders defeated reigning and five-time Pro Stock champion Greg Anderson, driving the HendrickCars.com Camaro SS, in the final with a pass of 6.537 seconds. Enders, the No. 1 qualifier, matched her 2015 career high with her ninth victory of the season and secured her 42nd Pro Stock win overall in 72 finals. She extended her points lead to a whopping 166 with two Countdown events left. Enders swept the two events in her home state this season. “I hope they keep coming. You never know when it’s going to be your last, so we never want to let up,” she said. “Being here in my home state of Texas, my sister reminded me right before that final round that if you can get this done you’ve accomplished the Texas two-step for the last time since Houston is going away. So, that cowboy hat is going to mean the world to me. I love Texas.” Anderson, who earlier in the week was recognized as a Texas Motorplex Legend, dispatched Aaron Stanfield, driving the Janac Brothers Camaro SS, and Enders upended teammate Troy Coughlin Jr., driver of the JEGS.com Camaro SS, in the semifinals.  David Barton of Robesonia, Pennsylvania, clinched his second Constant Aviation Factory Stock Showdown championship in the Saw Mill Auto Chevrolet COPO Camaro.“It hasn’t sunk in yet. It is hard to believe we came out on top amongst all these people who are trying so hard to accomplish the same goal,” said Barton, who picked up his first title in 2017. “It has been a lot of work from all our teammates and all our employees and all our families. This whole operation is like a big travelling family circus. It has been great, and I am honestly speechless.” Drivers of the COPO Camaro have won the past three Showdown titles, including Aaron Stanfield in 2020 and ’21. Stanfield, of Bossier City, Louisiana, gave Chevrolet its fifth victory in the eight races in the series this season, driving the Janac Brothers COPO Camaro to a 7.764-second pass at 165.mph. “I’m just happy for all of our guys. It’s been a lot of hard work and maybe we got our mojo back.” he said. The penultimate race in the Countdown to the Championship is scheduled for Oct. 28-30 at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. FS1 will telecast eliminations at 5 p.m. ET Sunday, Oct. 30. Dallas Glenn won the Pro Stock race in the RAD Torque Systems Camaro SS on the way to the rookie of the year title. Brittany Force was the No. 1 Top Fuel qualifier in the Chevrolet dragster.An interview with Pro Stock winner ERICA ENDERS, ELITE MOTORSPORTS, MELLING PERFORMANCE CHEVROLET CAMARO SS: YOU HAD AN AMAZING CAR THIS WEEK.“It speaks volumes for the talent that’s in our crew chief lounge. Those guys are just bad to the bone and even when I’m not confident they are, and they carry me.” YOU SAID AT THE BEGINNING OF THE YEAR WE’RE RACING FOR THE CHAMPIONSHIP. YOU ARE IN A NICE SPOT FOR THAT RIGHT NOW.“We are and we’ll take it. The fashion we lost last year gave us all the motivation that we needed in the race car shop, in the engine shop and my mental state behind the wheel of that Melling Performance Chevy Camaro. We have been mean, we’ve lost a few that I wish I had back but what a tremendous season we’ve had up to this point. We’re headed to Vegas and I’m looking forward to that. I hope the wins keep coming. You never know when it’s going to be your last, so we never want to let up.” YOU WON BOTH AT HOUSTON AND HERE.“Being here in my home state of Texas, my sister reminded me right before that final round that if you can get this done you’ve accomplished the Texas two-step for the last time since Houston is going away. So, that cowboy hat is going to mean the world to me. I love Texas.” |
| CHEVROLET FROM THE COCKPITTOP FUELBRITTANY FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, MONSTER ENERGY CHEVROLET DRAGSTER: “There are still two races left in this Countdown to the Championship and weekend to weekend things can change so much. We can pick up points during qualifying, we have been all season. That’s going to remain this Monster Energy/Flav-R-Pac team’s plan going into Las Vegas, qualify well and go rounds on race day. It’s not over yet. It will end in Pomona at the Auto Club Finals so we’ll keep on fighting.” AUSTIN PROCK, JOHN FORCE RACING, MONTANA BRAND/ROCKY MOUNTAIN TWIST CHEVROLET DRAGSTER: “Outstanding weekend for this Montana Brand/Rocky Mountain Twist team. We just missed it in the final round and came up short of sweeping the weekend. I was proud of the team, and the crew chiefs. They made progress each and every lap and it showed. We showed up when we needed to. We’re in good hands for the rest of the season, we’re definitely back and we can’t wait for Vegas.” FUNNY CARJOHN FORCE, JOHN FORCE RACING, PEAK ANTIFREEZE AND COOLANT CHEVROLET CAMARO SS: “I’m going to leave here and head into Vegas to win. I never give up. This PEAK Chevy team doesn’t give up. We just don’t have a mindset like that. There wasn’t anything left on the tree; I stole it all. I got away with the light and I was trucking on through there, but it got over into the wall. I had to lift and got back on it, but it was too late. He got around me. We never give up and it’s not over until we say it’s over.” ROBERT HIGHT, JOHN FORCE RACING, AAA TEXAS CHEVROLET CAMARO SS: “Tough way to go out. This AAA team had been on a great streak of solid A to B passes. Disappointing to get that loss in the semifinals. We wanted to try and grow our points lead, but luckily we did have a lead and we had a good two days of qualifying where we took some points. So, with two races left, we’ll head to Vegas still ahead. We have to continue to do what we know how to do. Pick up those small points in qualifying and then continue to go rounds on Sunday. Just two races left, we really need to be on our game.” |
TOYOTA RECORDS THIRD NITRO SWEEP IN LAST FIVE EVENTS
Ashley, Capps add to successful season with wins in Texas
ENNIS, Texas (October 16, 2022) – Justin Ashley picked the perfect time for his third victory of the season as the New York-native extended his points lead with his second consecutive win at the Texas Motorplex. Ashley continued Toyota’s recent dominance in the Top Fuel class with their sixth win in the last seven events. With the victory, Ashley holds a 82-point advantage over Brittany Force with two races remaining in the season.
Ron Capps earned his fourth victory in the Toyota GR Supra Funny Car on Sunday. The California-native ran strong all day and used a 0.035 reaction time and a 3.911 elapsed time to beat Matt Hagan in the final round. With the win, Capps closes to within 10 points of the championship lead.
Toyota Post-Race Recap
NHRA Camping World Drag Racing Series
Texas Motorplex
Race 20 of 22
TOYOTA TOP FUEL FINISHING POSITIONS
| Name | Car | Final Result | Round-by-Round |
| Justin Ashley | Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel Dragster | Winner | W. 3.699 v. 3.714(Kalitta) W. 3.677 v. 5.132(Kinsley) W. 3.686 v. 3.723(Langdon) W. 3.688 v. 12.682(Prock) |
| Shawn Langdon | CMR Roofing & Construction Toyota Top Fuel Dragster | Semi-Finals | W. 3.730 v. 3.735(Torrence) W. 3.721 v. 3.676 – (Holeshot Win –B. Force) L. 3.723 v. 3.686(Ashley) |
| Antron Brown | Matco Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster | Semi-Finals | W. 3.684 v. 3.715(Schumacher) W. 3.699 v. 3.879(Massey) L. 3.689 v. 3.681(Prock) |
| Steve Torrence | Capco Contractors Toyota Top Fuel Dragster | First Round | L. 3.735 v. 3.730(Langdon) |
| Doug Kalitta | Mac Tools Toyota Top Fuel Dragster | First Round | L. 3.714 v. 3.699(Ashley) |
TOYOTA FUNNY CAR FINISHING POSITIONS
| Name | Car | Final Result | Round-by-Round |
| Ron Capps | NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota GR Supra Funny Car | Winner | W. 3.889 v. 4.343(Diehl) W. 3.885 v. 4.045(J. Force) W. 3.897 v. 7.486(Hight) W. 3.911 v. 3.923(Hagan) |
| J.R. Todd | DHL Toyota GR Supra Funny Car | First Round | L. 4.092 v. 3.980(Lee) |
| Alexis DeJoria | Bandero Tequila Toyota GR Supra Funny Car | First Round | L. 4.471 v. 3.924(Alexander) |
TOYOTA QUOTES
JUSTIN ASHLEY, Phillips Connect Toyota Top Fuel Dragster, Davis Motorsports
Final Result: Winner
How was your race day?
“It really was a great weekend – anytime you can go out there and turn on four-win lights on race day it is great. The winner of this race, where it is positioned in the season, makes it all that much more significant. There are only two more races after this and we know the past history has shown that if you win Dallas – you really put yourself in position to go after that championship. Our team did an incredible job all weekend long. It was like a bracket car. To have a Top Fuel car run that fast and run that consistently, it just speaks volumes to our entire team. I think when you look at the Top Fuel class – it’s so competitive, from drivers to teams. We are all making each other better and I think that shows throughout the year.”
RON CAPPS, NAPA AUTO PARTS Toyota GR Supra Funny Car, Ron Capps Motorsports
Final Result: Winner
What do you take away from today?
“For the fans this is big. We had a lot of nay-sayers that we weren’t getting any racing in – and we got it all in. Unbelievable. Under the lights in the final round. (Matt) Hagan and our team getting it on with flames out the side. We burned the NAPA body – Cathy and Joe Maynard, they are at home. They usually stay and toast with us – so we miss you guys. Wish you were here. NAPA AutoCare team – it’s like driving to your NAPA AutoCare down the street. You rely on them; you can count on them. Guido (Dean Antonelli) and John Medlen (crew chiefs) – this is going to Medlen. He hasn’t mentioned it in public yet, but he is going to retire off into the sunset and this trophy is well-earned by him. Toyota – we’re going to double up with Toyota with Justin (Ashley), so what a big night. Thanks everybody for staying.”
RCR NCS Post Race Report: Las Vegas Motor Speedway
| Austin Dillon and the No. 3 Bass Pro Shops / TRACKER Off Road Chevrolet Team Knock Off Top-10 Finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway |
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 10th |  10th |  13th |
| “Today was my 333rd NASCAR Cup Series start, so it’s really cool to be able to add another top-10 finish to our season at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. We started the race with a tight-handling Bass Pro Shops/TRACKER Off Road Chevrolet, but our Chevy got freer as we ran. Justin Alexander and the team did a good job addressing various balance issues throughout the day. We definitely made the right call to take tires at the end of the race. We restarted 16th and ended up finishing 10th. We maybe could have had a sixth or seventh-place finish if we would have had a better restart. The No. 22 car won it, and he took tires, too. He took the top from me on the restart, so we were right there. Overall, another solid day.” -Austin Dillon |
| Tyler Reddick and the No. 8 Alsco Uniforms Chevrolet Team Cap Off Strong Run at Las Vegas Motor Speedway With Sixth-Place Finish |
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| 6th | 1st | 11th |
| “We ran well and led a good bit of the race early today in our ALSCO Uniforms Chevrolet. The balance of our car went from too loose to too tight during the first two stages. Randall Burnett and the guys kept making adjustments and late in the race we were pretty good. It’s certainly nice to get another top-10 finish. The restarts here are frustrating, but we came away with a good finish. Homestead-Miami Speedway is one of my favorite tracks and I can’t wait to get down there next week.” -Tyler Reddick |
Burton Finishes 26th at Las Vegas
October 16, 2022
After a promising performance in qualifying, Harrison Burton and the No. 21 DEX Imaging team came away with a 26th-place finish in Sunday’s South Point 400 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.
Burton started a season-best eighth in Sunday’s 400-miler but fell out of the top 10 during a 78-lap green-flag run that opened the race.
The DEX Imaging team made a handling adjustment during a green-flag stop on Lap 37 and ended the first 80-lap Stage in 22nd place.
After more tuning during a pit stop following the end of the Stage, Burton rejoined the race in the top 20 and remained there for much of the second Stage before ending that segment in 25th place.
In the third and final segment of the race Burton ran inside the top 25 until a brush with the wall led to him losing two laps while the DEX Imaging crew repaired the rear suspension.
He regained one lap by getting the free pass when the caution flag flew with 20 laps remaining, but the caution flag he needed to rejoin the lead lap never flew and he wound up 26th, one lap off the pace.
Burton and the No. 21 team now head to Homestead-Miami Speedway for the Dixie Vodka 400 on Oct. 23.
chevy racing–nascar–las vegas–post race
| NASCAR CUP SERIES LAS VEGAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY SOUTH POINT 400 TEAM CHEVY POST-RACE NOTES & QUOTESOCTOBER 16, 2022 |
| TOP TEAM CHEVY UNOFFICIAL RACE RESULTS:POS. DRIVER2nd Ross Chastain, No. 1 Tootsies Orchid Lounge Camaro ZL16th Tyler Reddick, No. 8 ALSCO Camaro ZL18th Erik Jones, No. 43 FOCUSfactor Camaro ZL19th AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Celsius Camaro ZL110th Austin Dillon, No. 3 Bass Pro Shops / TRACKER Off Road Camaro ZL1 TOP FIVE UNOFFICIAL RACE RESULTS: POS. DRIVER1st Joey Logano (Ford)2nd Ross Chastain (Chevrolet)3rd Kyle Busch (Toyota)4th Chase Briscoe (Ford)5th Denny Hamlin (Toyota) Race Two of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 8 will get underway next Sunday, October 23, at Homestead-Miami Speedway with the Dixie Vodka 400 at 2:30 p.m. ET. Live coverage can be found on NBC, the NBCSports Gold App, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90. |
| TEAM CHEVY POST-RACE NOTES AND QUOTES: ROSS CHASTAIN, NO. 1 TOOTSIES CAMARO ZL1Finished: 2ndWhat a move that was to take the lead.“Yeah, I had the same opportunity 30-laps earlier, and I didn’t take it because it just wasn’t the right time. It was putting a lot of risk on the table to do it. We got the lead and did everything we could for our No. 1 Tootsies Orchid Lounge Chevy. It was all we could do.” I know you think about wanting to win this race, but when you’re thinking about the championship and making the final 4, it’s good to have a day like today.“It hurts, right? It hurts to lose like that with just a few laps to go to fresher tires. It’s so good to be driving these Trackhouse Racing Chevy’s for everybody at AdventHealth, Moose Fraternity, Jockey and Worldwide Express. To keep bringing this kind of speed in the playoffs is a dream come true.” KYLE LARSON, NO. 5 HENDRICKCARS.COM CAMARO ZL1 Finished: 35th Did his (Bubba Wallace) reaction and retaliation surprise you?“No, it didn’t surprise me. I obviously made an aggressive move into (turn) three; got in low, got loose and chased it up a bit. He (Bubba Wallace) got to my right front, and it got him tight and into the wall. I knew he was going to retaliate. He had a reason to be mad, but his race wasn’t over until he retaliated.It is what it is. Just aggression turned into frustration and he retaliated.” Is retaliation at that speed an acceptable thing?“I think with everything that’s been going on here lately, with head injuries, fractured ligaments and all that, I don’t think it’s probably the right thing to do. We’ve all done it – maybe not all of us – but I have. I’ve let the emotions get the best of me before, too. I know he’s probably still upset. I’m sure with everything going, he’ll know that he made a mistake in the retaliation part and I’m sure he’ll think twice about that next time.” What about the off-track retaliation when he came up and tried to shove you.. did that catch you off guard?“No, I saw him walking over, so I figured he would do something. Like I said, he had every right to be upset. I would rather him do that than tear up our cars in a dangerous manner. It is what it is.”CHASE ELLIOTT, NO. 9 HOOTERS CAMARO ZL1Finished: 21st Can you describe what you were feeling out there?“I just did a really bad job. I’m obviously missing something at places like this to compete with the gentlemen that know what they’re doing.” Homestead-Miami Speedway is another 1.5-mile track, but it’s very different from Las Vegas. Do you feel like you can bounce back; or does this make you more concerned for Homestead?“Homestead is definitely different, but I need to re-evaluate myself, in general, to have a shot next week.” AJ ALLMENDINGER, NO. 16 CELSIUS CAMARO ZL1 Finished: 9th “Overall, I felt like it was a solid day for our No. 16 Celsius Chevrolet team. We fought being a little bit tight most of the day. Track position was critical and we lost that a couple of times. I was fairly happy with the speed we had. The car was fairly comfortable. We had one run where we got really loose, but other than that, we just fought the front issue. We had good speed and it’s something to build on when we come back to Las Vegas Motor Speedway in March. To get another top-10 was really solid and I’m proud of both cars. Justin (Haley) was fast. We’ll keep working on that.” WILLIAM BYRON, NO. 24 RAPTORTOUGH.COM CAMARO ZL1Finished: 13th“We just struggled. We were kind of just bouncing all day and we could never really get our car to stop bouncing, so we just struggled with that. At times, we had the balance OK, but really could never get the right balance to get ourselves to be able to run up front. We just hoovered around the fifth- to eighth-spot all day. It was just unfortunate that we couldn’t really finish there.” How frustrating is that when it’s the first race of this round? “I thought Las Vegas (Motor Speedway) was going to be good for us, but unfortunately all day, we couldn’t really show that. We had some decent stage points, but never enough to really get up towards the front. Just a struggle all day.” JUSTIN HALEY, NO. 31 LEAFFILTER GUTTER PROTECTION CAMARO ZL1 Finished: 14th A pit strategy call that didn’t quite work out and you ended up finishing 14th. Take us through those final laps and what more you needed to hang onto that lead. “I think we would have been fine with those two tires there in clean air. As soon as that caution came out, the tires cycled and they just cycled too tight. I got into some dirty air and just fell back after that. Awesome effort by everyone on this No. 31 LeafFilter Gutter Protection Chevrolet. It’s cool to run up here and start slowly building up these finishes. We started a little slow, but I feel like the speed is where we want it right now at the end of the season.” TY DILLON, NO. 42 LUCKY 29 VODKA CAMARO ZL1Finished: 33rd“We had a good day in Las Vegas and were on our way to a strong run, but made contact with the wall late in the race and broke something in the suspension that ended our day early. Thanks to Lucky29 Liquors for coming on board this weekend, wish we could have gotten them a better finish, but appreciate their support and look forward to the next one!” ERIK JONES, NO. 43 FOCUSFACTOR CAMARO ZL1 Finished: 6th “We had a good, uneventful day in Las Vegas with another solid top-10 finish. We had speed all weekend, didn’t qualify where we wanted, but were able to adjust on our FOCUSfactor Chevy all race to improve throughout the day. We were there at the end, just needed a little more to get up front and be in the mix for the win. We’ll head to Homestead next weekend where I feel like we made gains at the test a few weeks ago and see what we can do.” |
| TEAM CHEVY RACE QUICK NOTESStage One:· Tyler Reddick and the No. 8 ALSCO Camaro ZL1 team recorded their third pole win of 2022 to lead the field to the green in Race One of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 8 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. · A caution on lap 79 brought the end of Stage One, with Daniel Suarez leading Chevrolet with a fourth-place finish in the stage in his No. 99 Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk Camaro ZL1. · The 80-lap Stage One saw five different leaders, with pole sitter Tyler Reddick leading the most laps of the stage (32 laps). · Stage One Team Chevy Top-10: 3rd Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk Camaro ZL17th Kyle Larson, No. 5 HendrickCars.com Camaro ZL19th Tyler Reddick, No 8 ALSCO Camaro ZL1 10th William Byron, No. 24 RaptorTough.com Camaro ZL1 Stage Two: · During the stage break pit stops, Phil Surgen (crew chief) brought Ross Chastain down pit road for a four tire and fuel pit stop. A fast stop by the No. 1 Tootsies Orchid Lounge Camaro ZL1 pit crew gained Chastain six-positions during the race off pit road. · After a top-10 finish in Stage One, Kyle Larson was involved in an accident on lap 96, with damage sustained forcing the No. 5 HendrickCars.com Camaro ZL1 team to retire early from the race. · In similar fashion to the opening stage, Daniel Suarez took another top-five finish in Stage Two, driving his No. 99 Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk Camaro ZL1 to a third-place finish. · Stage Two Team Chevy Top-10:3rd Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Kid Rock’s Honky Tonk Camaro ZL14th Ross Chastain, No. 1 Tootsies Orchid Lounge Camaro ZL16th William Byron, No. 24 RaptorTough.com Camaro ZL1 Final Stage / Post-Race Notes: · Under caution with 71 laps remaining in the race, the majority of the field came down pit road for a round of pit stops. The No. 1 Tootsies Orchid Lounge Camaro ZL1 pit crew executed another fast stop, gaining Chastain two spots on pit road to win the race off pit road. · Ross Chastain recorded a second-place finish in his No. 1 Tootsies Orchid Lounge Camaro ZL1, leading Chevrolet to five top-10 finishes at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. · Chevrolet Playoff driver, William Byron, scored valuable stage points in today’s opening race for the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 8, piloting his No. 24 RaptorTough.com Camaro ZL1 to top-10 finishes in both stages. · Chevrolet Playoff drivers in the points standings following the opening race of the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs Round of 8: Ross Chastain – 2nd in Playoff Standings (+18 points)Chase Elliott – 3rd in Playoff Standings (+17 points)William Byron – 5th in Playoff Standings (- 6 points) |
RICO ABREU TOPS THRILLING DENNIS ROTH CLASSIC AND COMPLETES WEEKEND SWEEP
(10/15/2022 – Alex Nieten) Tulare, CA… Leading into this weekend, Rico Abreu hadn’t raced with the NARC Fujitsu General Sprint Cars all year, but he made the absolute most of the only two series appearances he expects to make in 2022.
On Saturday night, Abreu completed a weekend sweep of two of the year’s most lucrative events as he came out on top of the inaugural Dennis Roth Classic at Thunderbowl Raceway following his Anthony Simone Classic triumph on Friday. For the second straight night, the main event produced a 30-lap slugfest with some of the left-coast’s best throwing haymaker after haymaker and Abreu prevailing late.
The Simone netted Abreu $10,000, and the latter earned him another $8,300, totaling nearly $20,000 for two day’s work in his home state. He also took home 30 pounds of ribeye courtesy of the Roth win. Abreu now owns 17 career NARC wins in 69 starts, upping his winning percentage to just a touch under 25%. It was Abreu’s fourth series win at Tulare, his personal best. With Abreu planning to head back east after next weekend’s Trophy Cup, he’ll finish up his 2022 NARC endeavors with a perfect two-for-two record.
“Dennis and Teresa (Roth) have been supporters of sprint car racing for longer than I’ve been alive, so it’s a pleasure to be standing up here talking to all of you guys at one of my favorite tracks in the country,” said a grateful Abreu in victory lane.
The win would by no means come easy as the front few rows were loaded with talent. Abreu started eighth, and some of the drivers lining up ahead of him included defending NARC champ, Dominic Scelzi, this year’s All-Star Circuit of Champions runner-up, Justin Peck, a pair with seven combined NARC titles between them in Jonathan Allard and Kyle Hirst, and perhaps the country’s best young talent, Corey Day.
Scelzi and Peck led the field to green, but a quick red flag flew on lap two as Max Mittry flipped in turn four and collected Bud Kaeding. Both were okay, and Kaeding was able to rejoin.
When the green flag again flew, Abreu began his charge. Just four laps in, he had already sliced his way up to fourth from eighth in the Rowdy Energy No. 24. Ahead, Scelzi paced the field until the action was slowed for Bud Kaeding spinning in turn four.
On the ensuing restart, Abreu utilized a great jump to leap from fourth to second by the time the field exited turn two. However, the St. Helena gasser couldn’t quite keep his momentum up after the move, and Peck and Day slipped back by.
Those three began a war for the runner-up spot allowing Scelzi to distance himself heading into the race’s halfway mark. Just like the night before in Hanford, it was sliders and crossovers galore as the battle narrowed to just Abreu and Day while Peck faded into the clutches of Justin Sanders.
Eventually, Abreu was able to secure second and quickly closed on Scelzi as he navigated traffic. With just 12 laps to go, Abreu made an amazing move as he split two lapped cars heading into
turn one and managed to complete a slider on Scelzi for the top spot. Scelzi crossed over heading out of turn two. The next time around Abreu threw a turn three slide job, but Scelzi again countered. A red flag for a flipping Jake Morgan temporarily halted the intense battle. Morgan was okay.
One more yellow slowed the race with nine to go, but when the green flag came back out after the final caution, the battle was on.
Abreu and Day traded sliders for second. Day edged ahead and tossed a slider at Scelzi for the lead, and Scelzi promptly drove back by out of turn two. Abreu rallied and came back to again duel with Day. Things got a little ugly with six to go as Abreu made contact with Day in turn one, sending Day sliding into the fence. Miraculously, Day saved the car without losing the third position.
With Day a ways behind him, Abreu set his sights on Scelzi with just five laps to go. Abreu steadily closed in, and with three laps to go he capitalized on a huge run out of turn two, launching a massive slide job on Scelzi into turn three and clearing him by enough that Scelzi couldn’t cross him over.
“The pace changes when you catch lap traffic,” Abreu detailed of he and Scelzi’s battle. “You’re kind of sitting in the cat-bird seat being in second. You don’t know where to run. The top gets dirty when lapped cars throw crumbs up there, and you can slip one lap, and someone can get a run off of four and break someone’s momentum very quickly. It’s just how it goes in sprint car racing. I know Dominic has been in that position before. He’s one of the best cars in California right now.”
After abreu took the top spot, Scelzi made one final attempt to snatch the lead back with a turn three slide job but fell just short. Abreu went on to win by just under seven tenths of a second to collect another strong payday.
“Again, thank you Dennis and Teresa for all you do for sprint car racing,” said the inaugural Dennis Roth Classic champ. “This is from the bottom of my heart. I always make sure to walk up to Dennis Roth if I see him at the races. He’s just an unbelievable person.”
Finishing second was Dominic Scelzi, who was driving a tribute car that paid homage to Dennis Roth’s first sprint car driven by Todd Ventura. It was Scelzi’s series leading 12th podium of the year and he extended his points lead, but the lifelong friend of the Roth family only wanted to win and couldn’t help but be disappointed after leading the opening 27 circuits.
“It was a great race, just not from where I was sitting,” Scelzi said. “It’s really hard to get pumped up and excited to come to a second place interview after racing your absolute ass off from lap one to lap 30 and just coming up short. We just got beat. Hats off to Rico. It was a hell of a race.”
Competing the podium was Corey Day aboard the Meyers Constructors/Four CCCCs Construction No. 14, his second straight top-three and sixth of the year with NARC.
“If things go different in two or three spots that race, I think we’d be standing on the top step, but that’s how it goes,” Day said. “Definitely not disappointed with this. We started fourth and ended up third. We went forward and that’s the biggest thing.”
The remainder of the top-10 included Justin Sanders, Justin Peck, Shane Golobic, Tim Kaeding, Austin McCarl, Tanner Carrick, and Justyn Cox.
FUJITSU GENERAL USA FEATURE (30 laps): 1. Rico Abreu 24 2. Dominic Scelzi 41 3. Corey Day 14 4. Justin Sanders 2X 5. Justin Peck 17 6. Shane Golobic 17W 7. Tim Kaeding 83 8. Austin McCarl 88 9. Tanner Carrick 83T 10. Justyn Cox 42X 11. Willie Croft 29 12. Mitchell Faccinto 21 13. Dylan Bloomfield 83V 14. Jonathan Allard 0 15. Kyle Hirst 83JR 16. Ryan Bernal 22 17. Mitchel Moles 01 18. Logan Forler 2L 19. Craig Stidham 36 20. Blake Carrick 38B 21. D.J. Netto 88N 22. Billy Aton 26 23. Jake Morgan 45 24. Bud Kaeding 69 25. Max Mittry 2XM
METTEC TITANIUM LAP LEADERS: Scelzi 1-27, Abreu 28-30
SWIFT METAL FINISHING HARDCHARGER: Tim Kaeding 25th to 7th
ARP FAST QUALIFIER (25 Cars): Dominic Scelzi 13.595
BROWN AND MILLER RACING SOLUTIONS HEAT ONE (8 laps): Mittry, Scelzi, Netto, Cox, T. Carrick, Faccinto, Aton, T. Kaeding, Croft
KIMO’s TROPICAL CAR WASH HEAT TWO (8 laps): Day, Allard, McCarl, Abreu, B. Carrick, Forler, Morgan, Bloomfield,
DIRT.TRAVEL CLUB HEAT THREE (8 laps): Peck, Hirst, Golobic, Sanders, Stidham, Moles, B. Kaeding, Bernal
SUNNYVALLEY “POWERED BY BACON” TROPHY DASH (6 laps): Scelzi, Peck, Allard, Day, Hirst, Mittry
CURTAIN CALL: Avedisian Becomes Two-Time Winner, Daum Inaugural Midget Champion in Wild Finale at I-44
Daum & teams ready CB Industries backup minutes before green flag, drives 23rd-to-ninth
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK – Oct. 15, 2022 – When the pressure turned up, the heroes emerged Saturday night at I-44 Riverside Speedway.
It was a nail-biting conclusion to the inaugural season for the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota, where the first-ever repeat winner was found and the first-ever champion was crowned by the end of the night.
Jade Avedisian all 35 laps of the 18th annual Charlene Meents Memorial to become the first-ever two-time winner of the Series and the first-ever two-time female Feature winner of a national Midget tour, while Zach Daum piloted one of Avedisian’s backup cars from the CB Industries stable to a ninth-place finish, earning him enough points to clinch the inaugural Series championship.
“The first one was awesome, but I think this one’s just a little more special that I could do it twice,” Avedisian said after the Feature, reflecting on the significance of her trailblazing accomplishment.
Starting from the pole after setting quick time in Group 4 Qualifying and a third-place Heat finish, Avedisian jumped out to the lead at the drop of the green and began setting a torrid pace. She stretched her lead as large as two seconds on more than one occasion and was able to hold the lead through even the toughest restarts.
But after the final restart just before the halfway point, Avedisian found herself riding on another two-second gap with lots of traffic ahead and a hungry pack of drivers behind her. The hungriest of which was Bryant Wiedeman, who was in the midst of a points battle with Daum that was coming right down to the wire.
If Wiedeman won the race, a 15th-or-worse finish for Daum would have been enough to earn Weideman the title. Both were dangerously close to those exact positions in the final laps, and every position mattered. With five laps-to-go and a two second gap to Avedisian, Wiedeman pinned the throttle.
A smooth line, a few smart moves in traffic and some help from the slower cars allowed Wiedeman to reel-in Avedisian in only three laps.
“I didn’t know exactly [how far back], but I knew [someone] was right there because I kinda felt my pace slow down in lapped traffic,” Avedisian said. “I wasn’t sure where to go, and this lapper changed lanes on the straightaway, and I was on the outside. I knew someone was close, but just wasn’t sure who.”
The two stayed relatively close as they took the white flag until Wiedeman attempted a last-ditch slide job in Turn 3. But Avedisian held strong on the top and denied the Keith Kunz Motorsports driver out of Turn 4 to collect the win and the $5,000 paycheck.
“Thanks to [Wiedeman] for driving me clean because we all want to win, and I know what he could’ve done to win,” she said.
Wiedeman crossed the stripe in second to record his best Series finish since the win at Davenport in August. But in the end, it was not enough to make up the points he needed to win the title. Daum had climbed all the way from a provisional starting spot in 23rd to finish 9th and clinch the inaugural season championship.
“I needed the bottom to get slicker so them guys couldn’t run the bottom,” Daum said. “Once that happened, then I got better and could just start picking them off.
“I just tried not to do anything dumb, put myself in a bad position to get crashed that late in the race. Just had to play it smart, play it like a veteran should.”
In his words, this was the hardest he’s ever worked to clinch a national Midget title. As fate would have it, Daum broke an engine after Friday’s event, forcing him to swipe the engine out of teammate Ethan Mitchell’s car to compete Saturday. Then, while leading coming to the white flag in his Heat Race, engine issues snakebit Daum once more, sending him to the pits with limited time to ready another car for the Feature.
In Daum’s hour of need, CB Industries leader Chad Boat offered up a spare car, primarily fitted for Avedisian, to Daum to finish out the night. With crew members from several different teams furiously wrenching and drilling on it, the car was readied just in time for Daum to take his provisional starting spot in the Feature.
“There were other people offering cars, and I appreciate every last one of them,” Daum said. “There were more people in the hot pit and in Chad’s pit tonight than I could even begin to think about. And I thank every one of them, because without them, we wouldn’t have made it in time.”
The thrash effort proved fruitful, giving Daum the avenue to collect the $10,000 title for he and Bundy Built Motorsports. Though they may not have all the shiniest, new equipment in the pit area, Daum and his team let their resiliency power through and proved how far determination can really go.
“Everybody on this team – I can’t explain the shoestring that they race on,” Daum said. “It’s rinky-dink stuff, and we somehow make it work every night. We have nice stuff; we just don’t have any extra stuff.
“Hopefully, 30 years from now, this [series] has exploded and we’re [remembered as] the inaugural champion.”
ABBREVIATED RESULTS (view full results)
Feature (35 Laps): 1. 84-Jade Avedisian[1]; 2. 01-Bryant Wiedeman[4]; 3. 55-Jonathan Beason[3]; 4. 71-Daison Pursley[11]; 5. 08-Cannon McIntosh[17]; 6. 97-Brenham Crouch[6]; 7. 71M-Gavin Miller[2]; 8. 26-Chance Crum[13]; 9. 9M-Zach Daum[23]; 10. 25K-Taylor Reimer[8]; 11. 71K-Dominic Gorden[15]; 12. 19M-Ethan Mitchell[7]; 13. 72J-Sam Johnson[22]; 14. 11A-Andrew Felker[12]; 15. 14X-Chelby Hinton[9]; 16. 19AZ-Hayden Reinbold[21]; 17. 57-Daniel Whitley[14]; 18. 71E-Mariah Ede[10]; 19. 32T-Trey Marcham[24]; 20. 80-Josh Hawkins[18]; 21. 40-Chase McDermand[5]; 22. 50-Daniel Adler[20]; 23. 81G-Greyson Springer[19]; 24. 00-Talin Turner[16]
Garrett Smith Becomes Dirt Track World Champion
| PORTSMOUTH, OH (October 15, 2022) – Garrett Smith picked up the biggest win of his young career on Saturday night at Portsmouth Raceway Park. The Georgia native took home $100,000 for his victory in the 42nd Annual General Tire Dirt Track World Championship Presented by Optima Batteries. Smith, at age 19, is now the youngest driver to ever to win the crown jewel event. Tim McCreadie, who had clinched the 2022 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series National Championship before the race began, finished second to Smith. Mike Marlar came home in third followed by Hudson O’Neal, and Earl Pearson Jr. Smith, who earned the pole position in his first ever Dirt Track World Championship, took the lead at the start of the race with McCreadie and Brandon Overton in tow. Overton was able to take over the second spot from McCreadie just before the first caution of the race with 13 laps completed. The top three of Smith, Overton, and McCreadie stayed that way until McCreadie regained the second slot on a lap 89 restart. Overton slowed shortly after to draw the caution with a flat right rear tire. Smith, who became the 27th different driver to win the event, was emotional in victory lane after he climbed from his car to celebrate his first career Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series win. “I have been working so hard to get here and I finally got it done,” said Smith, who became the 21st different winner this season. “I was just making sure I wasn’t getting them [the tires] overheated and going down like what happened to those other guys. I was just trying to stay straight there at the end and not wheelspin any. I talked to Scott Bloomquist all week. He’s a good guy and I used everything he told me, and I put all of that into play tonight.” McCreadie, with his second straight national championship worth a dirt late model record of $150,000, came up just short of his first Dirt Track World Championship. “It was tough out there. He [Smith] did a great job. Hats off to him. That was a very poised drive for someone his age. They did a phenomenal job. I tried early and thought if I could get in traffic and try to move off the bottom that was my only shot and then I fell back. I hated that I got into him [Overton] on the restart there. It looked to me like he was having a right rear flat, and he was he was wheelieing it down the frontstretch and I had such a good run on him.” Marlar who tried to move through the middle of the track to gain some positions fell back early but was able to round out the podium with a third-place finish. “I was moving around there trying to pass people and it cost me a few times and somehow, I fell back into getting third. I fell back there quite a bit early trying to pass people. It worked out tonight. It was a good season. It’s always fun to race with Lucas, they have lots of big races and big crowds and it’s a cool environment, so we always enjoy it. Congrats to Garrett for winning the race and Timmy on a great season with two championships in a row that’s hard to do. So, we’re proud of him.” The winner’s Scot Smith owned Rocket Chassis is powered by a Vic Hill Racing Engine and sponsored by Atlanta Paving and Concrete, Terminal Maintenance and Construction, Davis Tire, Garrett Smith Performance, Base Racing Fuels, Senior Life Insurance Company, Dirt Car Lift, and The World Famous Cadillac Ranch. Completing the top ten were Jonathan Davenport, Jimmy Owens, Ricky Thornton Jr., Daulton Wilson, and Brandon Sheppard. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Race Summary 42nd Annual General Tire Dirt Track World Championship Presented by Optima BatteriesSaturday, October 15th, 2022Portsmouth Raceway Park – Portsmouth, OH Fast Shafts B-Main Race #1 Finish (15 Laps, Top 2 Transfer): 1. 18D-Daulton Wilson[3]; 2. 20-Jimmy Owens[7]; 3. 71C-RJ Conley[4]; 4. 40B-Kyle Bronson[5]; 5. 12-Jason Jameson[25]; 6. 66C-Matt Cosner[2]; 7. 33-Kevin Wagner[11]; 8. 7H-Zach Hill[6]; 9. 25-Mike Benedum[16]; 10. 0K-Freddie Carpenter[10]; 11. 59-Larry Bellman[12]; 12. 55-Jesse Wisecarver[8]; 13. 29K-Clint Keenan[15]; 14. 11A-Ryan Abel[18]; 15. 354-Chris Nash[21]; 16. 21H-Robby Hensley[1]; 17. 1C-Lucas Crooks[14]; 18. 95J-Jerry Bowersock[13]; 19. 3-Austin Neely[19]; 20. 5T-Erick Christian[22]; 21. 28-Tyler Carpenter[9]; 22. 16S-Steve Sabo[17]; 23. (DNS) 145-Chase Frohnapfel; 24. (DNS) 5M-Garet McCloud; 25. (DNS) 17C-Chris Carpenter UNOH B-Main Race #2 Finish (15 Laps, Top 2 Transfer): 1. 49-Jonathan Davenport[2]; 2. 44B-Colten Burdette[5]; 3. 9-Devin Moran[6]; 4. 1T-Tyler Erb[3]; 5. 7-Ross Robinson[8]; 6. 11R-Josh Rice[7]; 7. 111V-Max Blair[4]; 8. 12D-Doug Drown[10]; 9. 11H-Jared Hawkins[1]; 10. B1-Josh Bocook[9]; 11. 81-Brandon Fouts[11]; 12. 22-Cody Rogers[12]; 13. 1BN-Nick Bocook[14]; 14. 71R-Rod Conley[17]; 15. 00-Justin Cooper[18]; 16. D8-Dustin Linville[22]; 17. 17T-Shannon Thornsberry[15]; 18. 21K-Kirk Phillips[24]; 19. 1B-Shane Bailey[20]; 20. W1-Ronnie Whitt[21]; 21. 2-Justin Carter[19]; 22. 79R-Fast Eddy[23]; 23. 73-Charlie Mullett[25]; 24. 0-Scott Bloomquist[13]; 25. 10-Nathon Loney[16] Jim Dunn Memorial Non-Qualifier Race Finish (25 Laps): 1. 71C-RJ Conley[1]; 2. 9-Devin Moran[2]; 3. 40B-Kyle Bronson[3]; 4. 111V-Max Blair[8]; 5. 33-Kevin Wagner[7]; 6. 7H-Zach Hill[9]; 7. 66C-Matt Cosner[5]; 8. 12D-Doug Drown[10]; 9. 25-Mike Benedum[11]; 10. 0K-Freddie Carpenter[13]; 11. B1-Josh Bocook[14]; 12. 59-Larry Bellman[15]; 13. 55-Jesse Wisecarver[16]; 14. 71R-Rod Conley[21]; 15. 29K-Clint Keenan[18]; 16. 17T-Shannon Thornsberry[26]; 17. 00-Justin Cooper[23]; 18. 22-Cody Rogers[17]; 19. 1BN-Nick Bocook[19]; 20. 11A-Ryan Abel[20]; 21. 354-Chris Nash[22]; 22. D8-Dustin Linville[25]; 23. 11H-Jared Hawkins[12]; 24. 12-Jason Jameson[4]; 25. (DNS) 11R-Josh Rice; 26. (DNS) 21H-Robby Hensley 42nd Annual General Tire Dirt Track World Championship Presented by Optima Batteries Feature Finish (100 Laps): |
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| Race Statistics Entrants: 68Lap Leaders: Garrett Smith (Laps 1-100)Wrisco Feature Winner: Garrett SmithArizona Sport Shirts Crown Jewel Cup Feature Winner: Garrett SmithBrandon Ford TV Challenge Feature Winner: Garrett SmithMargin of Victory: 1.084 secondsStop-Tech Cautions: Mason Zeigler (Lap 13); Brandon Fouts (Lap 33); Ross Robinson (Lap 84); Ricky Thornton, Jr. (Lap 85); Tyler Erb (Lap 88); Zack Dohm (Lap 88 restart); Brandon Overton (Lap 90); Chris Ferguson (Lap 97); Devin Gilpin (Lap 98)Series Provisionals: Tyler Erb; Ross RobinsonFast Time Provisional: n/aSeries Emergency Provisionals: n/aTrack Provisional: Brandon FoutsBig River Steel Podium Top 3: Garrett Smith, Tim McCreadie, Mike MarlarPenske Shocks Top 5: Garrett Smith, Tim McCreadie, Mike Marlar, Hudson O’Neal, Earl Pearson, Jr.Optima Batteries Hard Charger of the Race: Jonathan Davenport (Advanced 14 Positions)Hot Rod Processing Most Laps Led: Garrett Smith (Laps 1-100)Sunoco Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Earl Pearson, Jr.Midwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: Tim McCreadieO’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Race: Daulton WilsonDirty Girl Racewear Fastest Lap of the Race: Garrett Smith (Lap 4 – 15.670 seconds)DirtonDirt.com Tough Break of the Race: Tyler ErbOuterwears Crew Chief of the Race: JC Crockett (Tim McCreadie)ARP Engine Builder of the Race: Vic Hill Racing EnginesMiller Welders Chassis Builder of the Race: Rocket ChassisDirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps: Jonathan Davenport (15.015 seconds)Time of Race: 55 minutes 39 seconds Lucas Oil Championship Point Standings: |
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| Results are unofficial until Close of Business on the Tuesday following Race Day |
ROTH RETURNS: James McFadden Delivers 99th World of Outlaws Win for Roth Motorsports
Lakeside Offers Three Different Leaders as J-Mac Snaps 81-Race Winless Streak
KANSAS CITY, KS – October 15, 2022 – With pressure mounting and the calendar winding down, James McFadden came through in the clutch and found his way back to Victory Lane in Saturday’s Lakeside Speedway Showdown presented by Micro-Lite.
Ending an 81-race drought that dates back to September 2021, the Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia native provided an outstanding charge as he led the final 11 laps to make his long-awaited return to the win column with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.
Not only did the sigh of relief net J-Mac his fifth career win with The Greatest Show on Dirt, but it came with perfect timing on the night that his Hall of Fame car owner was being honored at the Dennis Roth Classic in California. He’s now the 15th different driver to win aboard the iconic #83 and delivered Roth his 99th win as a car owner with the Series.
Entering Saturday, McFadden’s 2022 World of Outlaws stat line read as four runner-up finishes, 10 podium appearances, 21 top-five results, 37 top-10 showings, and 0 wins. That is no longer the case, though.
“Going 70+ races without a win really wears you down,” McFadden admitted with relief. “It’s been such a long wait. This is a testament to Dennis and Teresa for sticking by us and these guys working on the car. We’ve always had good speed, but could never finish it off this season. It’s such a big relief. You talk about it and you see the stats, but think you’ll be fine. Then all of a sudden there is 10 races left, and now five races, and you really start to worry. Winning in such an iconic car is a privilege. Now I want to get them to 100 wins.”
Charging to victory from the third spot, McFadden slipped back to fourth in the early running as he trailed Giovanni Scelzi, Logan Schuchart, and Aaron Reutzel. He waited in the wings as Scelzi and Schuchart offered a sensation battle for the lead near halfway, swapping the top spot on four occasions, officially.
McFadden pounced on Schuchart to take second on Lap 17, then quickly hunt down Scelzi to clear a super slider and lead Lap 20. The final restart with seven laps left presented one final challenge for the Australia ace, but one he mastered as he ran off to a 0.557-second margin of victory.
“I wish [son] Maverick was here to stand on the frontstretch with me, but I’m gonna get back and celebrate with him tomorrow,” an elated McFadden added. “This win is big for me and it’s big for all of these guys – Brent Ventura, Gary Patellaro, Rob Beattie – who work their butts off for me. When you have bad nights and travel up and down the road together, it gets tough. It doesn’t matter what the relationship is whether it’s your wife, son, or the team. These guys deserve this.”
After leading on three separate occasions for a total of 15 laps, Giovanni Scelzi ultimately slipped back to finish second aboard the KCP Racing #18. The Fresno, CA native was trying to join Steve Kinser and Sammy Swindell as the only back-to-back winners at Lakeside but fell short by 0.557-seconds following the final restart on Lap 23.
“I really wanted to win that one and go back-to-back but watching James win on the same night of the Roth Classic is really cool,” Scelzi admitted. “My car was great all night, I honestly don’t know what I would’ve changed. I was running it as hard as I could there at the end and thought I would get back to him. He just out-raced me in lap traffic, I think it was as simple as that.”
Rounding out the podium and earning his sixth-straight top-five finish was David Gravel in the Big Game Motorsports #2. The strong result snapped his nine-race spell of zero top-fives at Lakeside and chopped another two points out of Brad Sweet’s championship lead. The 30-year-old Connecticut racer now trails by 54-points with four races remaining in the $200,000 title chase.
“A great weekend for us in the grand scheme of things,” Gravel said afterward. “It’s nice to beat the #49 again, but only two points don’t help that much – he’s leading the points for a reason, though, he’s the most consistent guy out here. I felt like my car was great through the middle stages tonight, but I faded a bit near the end. I’m really happy with the product my guys are giving me right now when they send me on the track. I’m going to go home and enjoy some family time and focus on that $75,000 next weekend.”
Closing out the top five at Lakeside Speedway was Brad Sweet in fourth place aboard the Kasey Kahne Racing, NAPA Auto Parts #49, and Sheldon Haudenschild in fifth place in the Stenhouse Jr. / Marshall Racing, NOS Energy Drink #17.
Rounding out the top-10 on Saturday was a group of full-time Outlaws including the #1S of Logan Schuchart in sixth, the #41 of Carson Macedo in seventh, the #15 of Donny Schatz in eighth, the #3Z of Brock Zearfoss in ninth, and the #1A of Jacob Allen in 10th.
NOS NOTEBOOK (LAKESIDE SPEEDWAY, 10/15/22)
James McFadden’s fifth-career World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series win puts him in a tie with Danny Wood, Johnny Anderson, Brian Paulus, Brad Furr, Danny Dietrich, Christopher Bell, and Giovanni Scelzi for 62nd on the All-Time Win List. Saturday’s score at Lakeside makes McFadden the 18th different winner this season with the World of Outlaws and gives Roth Motorsports their 99th Series victory – one away from becoming the sixth team to reach 100.
McFadden is the 15th different driver to win a World of Outlaws race with Roth Motorsports, extending a record they already owned – joining Danny Lasoski (41), Tim Kaeding (19), Joey Saldana (6), Tim Shaffer (6), Daryn Pittman (5), Aaron Reutzel (4), David Gravel (4), Paul McMahan (4), Sammy Swindell (3), Cory Eliason (2), Kyle Hirst (1), Shane Stewart (1), Jac Haudenschild (1), and Mark Kinser (1).
Giovanni Scelzi led My Place Hotels Qualifying with a lap of 13.633 seconds around Lakeside Speedway. It’s his fourth World of Outlaws QuickTime Award of the season and the ninth of his career with the Series.
Winning NOS Energy Drink Heat Races were Scelzi (23rd career), Garet Williamson (1st career), James McFadden (36th career), and Brad Sweet (216th career). Scelzi kept his perfect night alive by topping the DIRTVision Fast Pass Dash to earn his fourth pole position of 2022. After winning the Micro-Lite Last Chance Showdown, Spencer Bayston claimed his second KSE Hard Charger Award of the year with a 21st-to-13th drive in the CJB Motorsports #5.
UP NEXT (Sat) – The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series will head back to “The Keystone State” next Saturday, October 22 to finish the 60th annual Champion Racing Oil National Open. The famous battle between the Outlaws and PA Posse pays out $75,000-to-win at Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg, PA. Fans can BUY TICKETS HERE, or watch every lap LIVE on DIRTVision.
NOS Energy Drink Feature Results (30 Laps) – 1. 83-James McFadden [3][$10,000]; 2. 18-Giovanni Scelzi [1][$6,000]; 3. 2-David Gravel [4][$3,500]; 4. 49-Brad Sweet [5][$2,800]; 5. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [11][$2,500]; 6. 1S-Logan Schuchart [2][$2,300]; 7. 41-Carson Macedo [13][$2,200]; 8. 15-Donny Schatz [15][$2,100]; 9. 3Z-Brock Zearfoss [10][$2,050]; 10. 1A-Jacob Allen [17][$2,000]; 11. 9-Kasey Kahne [8][$1,600]; 12. 55-Hunter Schuerenberg [14][$1,400]; 13. 5-Spencer Bayston [21][$1,200]; 14. 21-Brian Brown [9][$1,100]; 15. 2KS-Ian Madsen [22][$1,050]; 16. 5T-Ryan Timms [12][$1,000]; 17. 3-Ayrton Gennetten [18][$1,000]; 18. 1-Justin Henderson [16][$1,000]; 19. 22-Riley Goodno [23][$1,000]; 20. 7S-Robbie Price [20][$1,000]; 21. 8-Aaron Reutzel [6][$1,000]; 22. 6-Bill Rose [25][$]; 23. 1X-Jake Bubak [19][$1,000]; 24. 24X-Terry McCarl [24][$1,000]; 25. 24-Garet Williamson [7][$1,000]. Lap Leaders: Giovanni Scelzi 1-8, 12-13, 15-19; Logan Schuchart 9-11, 14; James McFadden 20-30. KSE Hard Charger Award: 5-Spencer Bayston[+8]
NEW Championship Standings (70/74 Races) – 1. Brad Sweet (6,752); 2. David Gravel (-54); 3. Carson Macedo (-136); 4. Donny Schatz (-240); 5. Sheldon Haudenschild (-258); 6. Logan Schuchart (-394); 7. James McFadden (-474); 8. Spencer Bayston (-620); 9. Jacob Allen (-706); 10. Brock Zearfoss (-972).
Mees Successfully Defends His Crown at Volusia Half-Mile Finale II
| DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (October 15, 2022) – Jared Mees (No. 1 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) put the finishing touches on his successful title defense as a thrilling 2022 Progressive American Flat Track season came to its conclusion with this evening’s Mission Volusia Half-Mile Finale II presented by Daytona Dodge and Zo CBD at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Florida. The defending Mission SuperTwins presented by S&S Cycle king was well positioned to retain the #1 plate after outdueling his title rivals on Friday. As a result, he only needed to avoid catastrophe in order to add yet another premier-class crown to his already incredible résumé. That near catastrophe came in the Semi when Mees made the save of the season – perhaps the save of his career – after hitting a bump and going airborne and sideways with his front wheel loft high in the air. Somehow he not only stayed up on two wheels but made a pass to take the checkered flag first. With that drama out of the way, Mees basically just had to show up for the Main to win the title. Instead, he chose to fight, executing passes on the likes of Friday winner Jarod Vanderkooi (No. 20 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750) and rookie hero Dallas Daniels(No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) to finish on the podium in third. Already firmly established as one of the greatest riders in the history of the sport, Mees now boasts a remarkable assortment of accomplishments, including the ’12, ‘14, ‘15, ’17, ’18, ‘21, and ‘22 Grand National Championships, the 2009 and 2011 GNC1 Twins Championships, and the 2012 GNC1 Singles Championship. “They are all sweet, they are all awesome, and they are all a lot of hard work,” Mees said. “This one is a little different because of what we were up against at the beginning of the year. The Indian Motorcycle backed by Progressive was strong all year long. My team did a phenomenal job. We had no mechanical failures all year, and we were able to come into this last race with a nice cushion. I was able to go out there and race hard. I’ll be honest, I really wanted to cap off the year with a win.” That win instead went to Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Indian FTR750), who inherited the lead from JD Beach (No. 95 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) after Beach’s machine expired just prior to mid-distance with a potential Progressive Triple Crown victory within his reach. Beach’s misfortune brought out the red flag, after which Robinson had to fight off Briar Bauman (No. 3 Indian Motorcycle/Progressive Insurance FTR750) to claim his third win of ‘22. Robinson said, “This is the perfect way to end the season, just knowing you are the baddest man in the last race of the year. And you get to sit on that all offseason. That’s a great feeling.” Daniels finished close behind Mees in fourth, while fifth went to Vanderkooi. That was good enough for the VDK to add the $25,000 prize awarded for the Progressive Triple Crown to what was already destined to be an unforgettable weekend for the Ohioan. Vanderkooi said, “I was nervous as can be – way more nervous than yesterday. This is just awesome.” Sixth through tenth went to Davis Fisher (No. 67 Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing Indian FTR750),Brandon Price (No. 92 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07), Jeffrey Carver Jr. (No. 23 Dodge Brothers Racing/Happy Trails Racing Harley-Davidson XR750), Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07) and James Rispoli (No. 43 Wally Brown Racing/Haversack KTM 890 Duke). Beach, meanwhile, made the restart but could only advance to 11th after being forced to start from the back of the field. Despite falling from second to fourth in the final standings (266), ranking behind Mees (298), Bauman (276), and Daniels (267), the Estenson Yamaha pilot did end the year with the bragging rights for taking the most wins of any rider this season with four. Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines Similar to the situation of Mees in the premiere class, Jesse Janisch (No. 33 Vance & Hines Harley-Davidson XG750R) got the hard work out of the way prior to the Mission Production Twins presented by Vance & Hines finale and only required a relatively modest result on Saturday to lock down his first-career Progressive AFT title. Unlike Mees, Janisch was perfectly happy to put in that modest performance. While running as high as fourth early, he didn’t offer any resistance when challenged in quick succession by James Rispoli (No. 43 Wally Brown Racing/Haversack KTM 890 Duke), Kolby Carlile (No. 36 KC36 Las Vegas Harley-Davidson XG750R), Mikey Rush (No. 15 Helipower Racing/Las Vegas Harley-Davidson XG750R), and finally Cameron Smith (No. 34 Thee Cathy Gray/Al Barker Yamaha MT-07), whom he gladly waved past before settling into a safe eighth. And that’s where he’d finish to lock down that long elusive #1 plate. “It’s amazing,” Janisch said. “Honestly, that race was kind of boring. I just had to maintain. It was pretty wild – I was up front early – I was around fifth and then it was just about moving over when everyone was coming through. I was just taking my happiness to the back. “Shout out to the Vance & Hines team. Everything about this is from them. They gave me the opportunity last year to fill in, and they gave me a heck of an opportunity this year. We had a great season – seven wins and 14 podiums. This is good – I don’t know what else to say.” Janisch was joined on the podium by Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats/Vinson Construction teammates Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07) and Cole Zabala (No. 51 Memphis Shades/Corbin Seats/Vinson Construction Yamaha MT-07). For Bromley, the runner-up saw him successfully complete his perfect podium streak on the season, as he registered six seconds and two thirds in just eight starts. Meanwhile, it was Zabala’s second visit to the box after previously finishing third at Springfield. And while he ultimately came up short in his quest for a third class crown, Cory Texter (No. 1 G&G Racing/Yamaha Racing Yamaha MT-07) went out like the champion he is. The two-time Mission Production Twins conqueror grabbed the holeshot and proceeded to dominate the final Main Event of his long and varied professional racing career. Texter said, “First off, hats off to Jesse. I’m so proud of him. If I couldn’t win it, he’s a heck of a competitor, and it’s cool to see somebody else enjoy that moment. It was well deserved. “Man, I’m going to miss it. It’s been a great ride. A long career – I’m burnt out and it’s been a lot of hard work – but to finish off with a win is great. I was really enjoying it, trying to soak it in while still trying to lead the race. Hats off to my team, G&G Racing. Without their help, none of my dreams would have come true. They gave me a shot four years ago when nobody else would, and we’ve had a really good run.” Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R) earned runner-up honors in the 2022 Parts Unlimited AFT Singles presented by KICKER standings in just about the most satisfying way possible, twice overhauling newly crowned champion Kody Kopp (No. 12 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE) en route to the season’s final victory. Less than a minute into the Main, Kopp threw a committed pass in on Chase Saathoff (No. 106 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R) to take control of the race. Kopp then found himself in the sights of not only the rookie standout, but his experienced Turner Racing Honda teammates Morgen Mischler (No. 13 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R) and Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 American Honda/Progressive Insurance CRF450R). But when an intra-team scrap for second broke out, Kopp appeared to have the perfect opportunity to make his escape at the front. That only proved effective until Gauthier fought his way up from fourth into second, as the ‘19 class champ clearly had the measure of Kopp once into the position Following a temporary stoppage due to a red flag, Gauthier made his move up the inside of Kopp. A second red flag reverted the order, and Gauthier promptly pulled off the same pass yet again. Kopp remained on Gauthier’s rear wheel but was unable to retaliate, crossing the stripe in second, 0.196 seconds short of obtaining a single-season record-equaling eighth victory. Mischler came home third, another 0.089 seconds back. The win saw Gauthier (255) leapfrog both Mischler (250) and Trevor Brunner (No. 21 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) (249) – who finished seventh on the night – to steal away second in the final rankings. “That was the best win of the year for me,” Gauthier said. “I came into this last race of the year and just wanted to enjoy it. We definitely did that. I just played my cards right tonight. I was fourth at the beginning, got past my teammates and then worked on Kody. He was riding a flawless race, but I was just getting stupid good drives out of four, and it just ended up working out in my favor. I’m super stoked on this one.” Saathoff finished fourth to add to the team’s joy, while two-time class runner-up Max Whale(No. 18 Red Bull KTM Factory Racing 450 SX-FFE) rounded out the top five. The Mission Volusia Half-Mile Finale I will premiere on FS1 on Sunday, October 23, at 11:00 a.m. ET/8:00 a.m. PT, while the Mission Volusia Half-Mile Finale II will air one week later, on Sunday, October 30, at 10:30 a.m. ET/7:30 a.m. PT. Both broadcasts will include exclusive features, cutting-edge aerial drone and onboard footage, and expert commentary. You can catch the livestream of every weekend’s racing activities on FansChoice.tv. FansChoice.tv provides free-to-view livestreaming of Practice and Qualifying. FansChoice.tvsubscribers will then be able to watch the drama unfold from Opening Ceremonies through the Semis, Main Events, and podium celebrations. FansChoice.tv offers two subscription options, granting unlimited access to premium AFT content. Monthly subscriptions start at just $7.99, while a six-month subscription is available for $44.99. For more information on Progressive AFT visit https://www.americanflattrack.com. To score the latest gear for the Progressive American Flat Track fan, visit our official merchandise store at https://store.americanflattrack.com. |