David Gravel Ready for Another ‘Hard Knox’ Fight

August 8, 2025 ARP Trish

The 2019 Knoxville Nationals winner continues to embrace his new “black hat” persona

KNOXVILLE, IA (Aug. 8, 2025) — David Gravel has faced tough situations at the Knoxville Nationals before. For the second time in three years, the defending World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series champion finds himself in another one heading into FVP “Hard Knox” Night at Knoxville Raceway.

The Watertown, CT-native is on the entry list for Friday’s preliminary event, needing a top-four finish in the Feature to earn himself a spot in the 64th running of the NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s on Saturday. Should he fail to reach the top four by the checkered flag, he’ll be forced to run through the lower mains Saturday afternoon to try for one of the final remaining spots.

His circumstance comes in the wake of an incident on the opening lap of Wednesday’s first Heat Race, when he and Hunter Schuerenberg came together going into Turn 1, sending Gravel’s car into the outside wall and tumbling over before coming to rest.

“After watching the video, I don’t think anything was done intentionally, like why would anyone do anything intentional,” Gravel said. “But I think, in my opinion, Hunter overdrove the corner and got in dirty air, and his car went straight.

“But I just don’t know where he was going. I was there the whole time, I was in front of him, I know he saw me.”

Gravel climbed from the heavily damaged Big Game Motorsports No. 2 uninjured and met DIRTVision reporter Conner Wade for a brief discussion of the incident from his point of view. His words were predominantly met with a shower of loud boos and jeers from the thousands in attendance, as well as an onslaught of online discussion between fans on social media.

Recently, Gravel has been one of the most talked-about topics in Sprint Car racing and has thus seen an uptick in his mentions on social media, largely stemming from past on-track incidents and online interactions with three-time and defending Knoxville Nationals champion Kyle Larson.

“It’s all good. We’ve won a lot of races over the years and have been stinking up the Outlaws a little bit, and I don’t think people like that,” Gravel said. “There’s things that have been going on behind the scenes, and we’re not gonna let people push us around, we’re gonna stand our ground. You can either choose to like me, or you don’t, and we’ll race it out on the track.”

The loud boos from the crowd may persist, but they have hardly broken the spirits of the 2019 Knoxville Nationals winner. Fellow World of Outlaws champions Steve Kinser and Donny Schatz can recall enduring similar treatment at the heights of their winning ways, getting booed by crowds at tracks across the country as they dominated the circuit and cashed the biggest checks in dirt track racing history.

While Gravel has yet to match the two titans’ accolades and immortal status in Sprint Car racing, he acknowledged that it may be something he encounters more of on his journey upward.

“I haven’t done it long enough to dominate these series like Steve and Donny have, but I remember Donny getting booed a lot,” Gravel said. “Every Kings Royal or Knoxville Nationals, he’d have more boos than cheers, and he’s the cleanest racecar driver out there. So, for him to get booed, it just shows that there’s a lot of jealousy.”

In the minutes following the Gravel and Schuerenberg incident, the Big Game Motorsports crew began working furiously to make repairs and ready the car to try and make a run through Wednesday’s lower mains. However, Gravel came up four spots short of a transfer spot into the Feature and was forced to watch from the pits as his competition got a head start on locking into Saturday’s $195,000-to-win main event.

“It was a bummer,” Gravel said. “We were in such good position after getting a terrible pill draw to go fourth quick. All I had to do was finish that Heat Race, not even transfer through the Heat, and we’d have been locked in the A-Main. It’s very frustrating, the guys work hard to give you a capable race car. You do everything right, and then it gets taken away from you. It definitely stings.”

Now, his attention turns to the most difficult preliminary night known to the racetrack — “Hard Knox” Night. Sixteen drivers have been locked into Saturday’s main event, while another 10 have been seeded by points totals into the first five rows of the Micro-Lite Last Chance Showdown. That means all other drivers will take to the track on Friday — approximately 30 more than the Wednesday/Thursday preliminary fields — vying for a top-four finish in the main event.

“You kinda eliminate at least 20 of the top contenders in the race, and then you’ll still have some really good guys in the Hard Knox night,” Gravel said. “We believe in what we can do. It’s a fresh slate. We’ll be able to qualify, and this invert is a lot smaller in the Heat Races on Hard Knox night.”

It’s a big field and a big challenge, but not one that Gravel hasn’t seen and had success in conquering before. During the 2023 Knoxville Nationals, he navigated a near identical situation on his preliminary night, crashing on the opening lap of his Heat, winning the C-Main and making a charge through the Last Chance Showdown field before falling short by a handful of spots.

Come “Hard Knox” Night, Gravel started seventh in the Feature and finished second, setting him up for an epic 22nd-to-second charge in the main event on Saturday and his second-consecutive Knoxville Nationals runner-up finish.

“It’s definitely a hard thing to do. It used to be easy, and then the last three years or whatever have been hard,” Gravel said. “It seems like the prelim nights always went my way. Got through my Heat Race and had a good Feature race, and it always turned out in good shape. But here lately, I’ve wrecked twice in a Heat Race. Last year, I had to come from the B-Main on the prelim night and on Saturday. Definitely been a lot more hard work here the last three years.”

Watch Gravel and the Big Game Motorsports team take on FVP “Hard Knox” Night at Knoxville Raceway tonight — Friday, Aug. 8. Tickets are on sale in advance at the link below and will also be sold at the track.

David Gravel Ready for Another ‘Hard Knox’ Fight

The 2019 Knoxville Nationals winner continues to embrace his new “black hat” persona

“But I just don’t know where he was going. I was there the whole time, I was in front of him, I know he saw me.”

While Gravel has yet to match the two titans’ accolades and immortal status in Sprint Car racing, he acknowledged that it may be something he encounters more of on his journey upward.

If you can’t be there to watch in person, stream every lap live on DIRTVision.

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Alberson and Wilson Earn Thursday Night Prelim Wins at Florence

August 8, 2025 ARP Trish

Alberson and Wilson Earn Thursday Night Prelim Wins at Florence

In the nightcap, Wilson had to outrun the top three-ranked drivers in the nation to earn his first Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series win of the season. He led the final 23 laps after getting by Jonathan Davenport early in a lead-swapping battle. Brandon Overton made a late-race charge after a caution flag with two laps to go to take the runner-up spot, with three-time and defending North/South 100 winner Bobby Pierce rounding out the Big River Steel Podium in third. Brandon Sheppard finished fourth, and Ricky Thornton Jr. completed the top drivers. Wilson is in Lucas Oil Victory Lane for the first time since winning the final East Bay Winternationals race in February of 2024. “Man, you know we haven’t been bad, nothing’s gone our way. My awesome car owner said, man, it’s time to come home and take a break, go see your family, just re-group, and that’s what we did. We all went home, took a minute to clear our heads, then we came back, focused, and went to work. We had a really good car last week and a really good car tonight. I thought I had given it away down there on that cushion, but then I thought I was either going to win or wreck.”Overton, who came out of nowhere before the only caution of the race with 23 laps scored, dived to the inside of the track in the final two laps, coming up just 0.212 seconds short at the finish line. “When we fired off, I didn’t feel great, but I just calmed down and did what I always do—slow down and drive this thing. I just sat there, ran around, and got into a good rhythm where I could hit the bottom and then squirt up through there. When the caution came out, I didn’t think I was that close; I thought JD was leading and was gone. I didn’t know Daulton was leading, but congratulations to Daulton. It’s a good start to the weekend for us.” Pierce, who is attempting to become the first driver in the 43-year history of the race to win three consecutive North/South 100s on Saturday night, ran as high as second, briefly took the lead from Wilson, but officially never led a lap as he finished in third. “I don’t know; I didn’t need the caution because we probably would have finished second. Congrats to Daulton on the win, so we were third tonight. We’ll try to get a better race car tomorrow night. I need to get the thing in the ground a little bit; I am just kind of wheel-spinning.” The winner’s JRR Motorsports, Longhorn Chassis is powered by a Clements Racing and sponsored by Grant Lee Farms, MGL Auto Sales, The Auto Outlet, Innovative Community Solutions, Keltner Contracting, JRR Motor Sales, B&L Construction, Cheap Chevrolet, VP Fuels, and New Point Lighting and Design. Completing the top ten were Zack Dohm, Justin Rattliff, Chris Ferguson, Josh Rice, and Dustin Nobbe. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Race Summary 43rd Annual Sunoco North/South 100 presented by Lucas Oil | Night 1Thursday, August 7, 2025Florence Speedway – Union, KY Entrants: 51Dirt Draft Fastest in Hot Laps: Jonathan Davenport | 15.717 seconds Allstar Performance Time TrialsFast Time Group A: Devin Moran | 15.707 secondsFast Time Group B: Jonathan Davenport | 15.495 seconds (Overall) Group A Penske Shocks Heat Race #1 Finish (8 Laps, All Transfer): 1. 99-Devin Moran[1]; 2. 111-Max Blair[5]; 3. 23V-Cory Hedgecock[2]; 4. 12M-Ryan Montgomery[4]; 5. 20-Jimmy Owens[6]; 6. 4-Tripp Gerrald[3]; 7. 1G-Devin Gilpin[7]; 8. 15R-Brad Rickels[8]; 9. 96-Josh Vinyard[9] Group A Summit Racing Products Heat Race #2 Finish (8 Laps, All Transfer): 1. 157-Mike Marlar[1]; 2. 12-Jason Jameson[4]; 3. 22-Daniel Hilsabeck[2]; 4. 40B-Kyle Bronson[5]; 5. 93L-Cory Lawler[6]; 6. 93-Carson Ferguson[3]; 7. 317-Blake Creech[7]; 8. 99J-Donnie Jeschke[8]; 9. 15W-Roger Williams[9]
Group A Cool-It Thermo-Tec Heat Race #3 Finish (8 Laps, All Transfer): 1. 58-Garrett Alberson[1]; 2. 79-Donald McIntosh[4]; 3. 71-Hudson O’Neal[3]; 4. 6M-Michael Chilton[5]; 5. 9-Nick Hoffman[2]; 6. 32-Chad Stapleton[6]; 7. C6-Calvin Carlton[8]; 8. 49G-Billy Green[7] Group B Penske Shocks Heat Race #1 Finish (8 Laps, All Transfer): 1. 49-Jonathan Davenport[1]; 2. 20RT-Ricky Thornton Jr[2]; 3. 16J-Justin Rattliff[4]; 4. 60-Dan Ebert[3]; 5. 5N-Dustin Nobbe[7]; 6. 11-Adam Stricker[5]; 7. 6-Clay Harris[6]; 8. 81-Conner Mertens[9]; 9. 90-Michael LeFevers[8] Group B Summit Racing Products Heat Race #2 Finish (8 Laps, All Transfer): 1. 17D-Zack Dohm[2]; 2. 32P-Bobby Pierce[1]; 3. 22F-Chris Ferguson[4]; 4. 10-Joseph Joiner[3]; 5. 1Z-Logan Zarin[5]; 6. 09-Michael Leach[6]; 7. 33AJ-Austin Lay[7]; 8. 18-Trevor Landrum[8]
Group B Cool-It Thermo-Tec Heat Race #3 Finish (8 Laps, All Transfer): 1. 18D-Daulton Wilson[1]; 2. 76-Brandon Overton[3]; 3. 1-Brandon Sheppard[2]; 4. 8K-Kyle Strickler[4]; 5. D48-Derek Groomer[6]; 6. 22B-Brandon Hardgrove[8]; 7. 3:16-Mike Bargo[7]; 8. 11R-Josh Rice[5] Group A | Night 1 Feature Finish (25 Laps): Pos – Start – Car # – Competitor – Hometown – Pay1 – 3 – 58 – Garrett Alberson – Las Cruces, NM – $6,0002 – 1 – 99 – Devin Moran – Dresden, OH – $3,0003 – 2 – 157 – Mike Marlar – Winfield, TN – $2,0004 – 7 – 23V – Cory Hedgecock – Loudon, TN – $1,2505 – 9 – 71 – Hudson O’Neal – Martinsville, IN – $1,0006 – 13 – 20 – Jimmy Owens – Newport, TN – $9007 – 4 – 111 – Max Blair – Centerville, PA – $8508 – 6 – 79 – Donald McIntosh – Dawsonville, GA – $8009 – 17 – 93 – Carson Ferguson – Lincolnton, NC – $75010 – 16 – 4 – Tripp Gerrald – Versailles, KY – $70011 – 15 – 9 – Nick Hoffman – Mooresville, NC – $65012 – 5 – 12 – Jason Jameson – Lawrenceburg, IN – $60013 – 12 – 6M – Michael Chilton – Salvisa, KY – $55014 – 20 – 317 – Blake Creech – Richmond, IN – $50015 – 10 – 12M – Ryan Montgomery – Fairmont, WV – $50016 – 14 – 93L – Cory Lawler – Hanover, PA – $50017 – 18 – 32 – Chad Stapleton – Edinburgh, IN – $50018 – 22 – 15R – Brad Rickels – Verona, KY – $50019 – 25 – 96 – Josh Vinyard – Danville, KY – $50020 – 11 – 40B – Kyle Bronson – Brandon, FL – $50021 – 23 – 99J – Donnie Jeschke – Dayton, OH – $50022 – 26 – 15W – Roger Williams – Florenc, KY – $50023 – 8 – 22 – Daniel Hilsabeck – Earlham, IA – $50024 – 19 – 1G – Devin Gilpin – Columbus, IN – $50025 – 21 – C6 – Calvin Carlton – Lawrenceburg, KY – $50026 – 24 – 49G – Billy Green – Walton, KY – $500 Group A Race Statistics Victory Fuel Pole Sitter: Devin MoranMD3 Lap Leaders: Devin Moran (1-20) Garrett Alberson (21-25)Hellraizer Jacks Halfway Leader: Devin MoranWieland Feature Winner: Garrett AlbersonMargin of Victory: 1.200 seconds Coltman Farms Racing Cautions: n/aSeries Provisionals: n/aFast Time Provisional: n/aEmergency Provisional: n/aTrack Provisional: n/aBig River Steel Podium Top 3: Garrett Alberson, Devin Moran, Mike MarlarPenske Shocks Top 5: Garrett Alberson, Devin Moran, Mike Marlar, Cory Hedgecock, Hudson O’NealPEM 4th Place Feature: Cory HedgecockDMI Rearends 5th Place Feature: Hudson O’NealWilwood Brakes Lucky 7th Place Feature: Max BlairWehrs Machine 11th Place Feature: Nick HoffmanDeatherage Opticians Lucky 13th Place Feature: Michael ChiltonMD3 24th Place Feature: Devin GilpinHoker Trucking Hard Charger of the Race: Carson Ferguson (Advanced 8 Positions)MD3 Most Laps Led: Devin Moran (20 Laps)Sunoco Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Garrett AlbersonMidwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: n/aO’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Race: n/a Pro Fabrication Headers Fastest Lap of the Race: Mike Marlar | Lap 1 | 17.618 secondsSlicker Graphics Slickest Move of the Race: Garrett AlbersonFresh Roof Hard Luck Award: Donald McIntoshOuterwears Crew Chief of the Race: Zach HustonARP Engine Builder of the Race: Clements Racing EnginesMiller Welders Chassis Builder of the Race: Longhorn ChassisTime of Race: 7 minutes 11 seconds Group B | Night 1 Feature Finish (25 Laps): Pos – Start – Car # – Competitor – Hometown – Pay1 – 3 – 18D – Daulton Wilson – Fayetteville, NC – $6,0002 – 6 – 76 – Brandon Overton – Evans, GA – $3,0003 – 5 – 32P – Bobby Pierce – Oakwood, IL – $2,0004 – 9 – 1 – Brandon Sheppard – New Berlin, IL – $1,2505 – 4 – 20RT – Ricky Thornton Jr. – Chandler, AZ – $1,0006 – 2 – 17D – Zack Dohm – Cross Lanes, WV – $9007 – 7 – 16J – Justin Rattliff – Campbellsville, KY – $8508 – 8 – 22F – Chris Ferguson – Lincolnton, NC – $8009 – 24 – 11R – Josh Rice – Crittenden, KY – $75010 – 13 – 5N – Dustin Nobbe – Batesville, IN – $70011 – 14 – 1Z – Logan Zarin – Hookstown, PA – $65012 – 11 – 10 – Joseph Joiner – Milton, FL – $60013 – 12 – 8K – Kyle Strickler – Mooresville, NC – $55014 – 15 – D48 – Derek Groomer – Bloomington, IN – $50015 – 17 – 09 – Michael Leach – Sun River, MT – $50016 – 18 – 22B – Brandon Hardgrove – Burnside, KY – $50017 – 23 – 18 – Trevor Landrum – Florence, KY – $50018 – 21 – 3:16 – Mike Bargo – Corbin, KY – $50019 – 20 – 33AJ – Austin Lay – Florence, KY – $50020 – 22 – 81 – Conner Mertens – Charlestown, IN – $50021 – 10 – 60 – Dan Ebert – Lake Shore, MN – $50022 – 19 – 6 – Clay Harris – Jupiter, FL – $50023 – 16 – 11 – Adam Stricker – Batavia, OH – $50024 – 1 – 49 – Jonathan Davenport – Blairsville, GA – $50025 – 25 – 90 – Michael LeFevers – Cincinnati, OH – $500 Group B Race Statistics Victory Fuel Pole Sitter: Jonathan DavenportMD3 Lap Leaders: Jonathan Davenport (1); Daulton Wilson (2-3); Jonathan Davenport (4); Daulton Wilson (5-25)Hellraizer Jacks Halfway Leader: Daulton WilsonWieland Feature Winner: Daulton WilsonMargin of Victory: 0.212 secondsColtman Farms Racing Cautions: Dan Ebert (Lap 23)Series Provisionals: n/aFast Time Provisional: n/aEmergency Provisional: n/aTrack Provisional: n/aBig River Steel Podium Top 3: Daulton Wilson, Brandon Overton, Bobby PiercePenske Shocks Top 5: Daulton Wilson, Brandon Overton, Bobby Pierce, Brandon Sheppard, Ricky Thonrton Jr.PEM 4th Place Feature: Brandon SheppardDMI Rearends 5th Place Feature: Ricky Thornton Jr.Wilwood Brakes Lucky 7th Place Feature: Justin RattliffWehrs Machine 11th Place Feature: Logan ZarinDeatherage Opticians Lucky 13th Place Feature: Kyle StricklerMD3 24th Place Feature: Jonathan DavenportHoker Trucking Hard Charger of the Race: Josh Rice (Advanced 15 Positions)MD3 Most Laps Led: Daulton Wilson (24 Laps)Sunoco Race for Gas Highest Finisher: Brandon SheppardMidwest Sheet Metal Spoiler Challenge Point Leader: n/aO’Reilly Auto Parts Rookie of the Race: n/a Pro Fabrication Headers Fastest Lap of the Race: Daulton Wilson | Lap 2 | 16.484 secondsSlicker Graphics Slickest Move of the Race: Brandon OvertonFresh Roof Hard Luck Award: Jonathan DavenportOuterwears Crew Chief of the Race: Dean BowenARP Engine Builder of the Race: Clements Racing EnginesMiller Welders Chassis Builder of the Race: Longhorn ChassisTime of Race: 11 minutes 18 seconds Sunoco North/South 100 presented by Lucas Oil Point StandingsPos – Car # – Driver – Points1 – 18D – Wilson, Daulton – 2502 – 58 – Alberson, Garrett – 2503 – 99 – Moran, Devin – 2404 – 76 – Overton, Brandon – 2305 – 32P – Pierce, Bobby – 2206 – 157 – Marlar, Mike – 2207 – 23V – Hedgecock, Cory – 2108 – 1 – Sheppard, Brandon – 2109 – 20RT – Thornton, Ricky Jr – 20510 – 71 – O’Neal, Hudson – 20511 – 17D – Dohm, Zack – 20012 – 20 – Owens, Jimmy – 20013 – 16J – Rattliff, Justin – 19514 – 111 – Blair, Max – 19515 – 22F – Ferguson, Chris – 19016 – 79 – McIntosh, Donald – 19017 – 93 – Ferguson, Carson – 18518 – 11R – Rice, Josh – 18519 – 4 – Gerrald, Tripp – 18020 – 5N – Nobbe, Dustin – 18021 – 9 – Hoffman, Nick – 17522 – 1Z – Zarin, Logan – 17523 – 10 – Joiner, Joseph – 17024 – 12 – Jameson, Jason – 17025 – 8K – Strickler, Kyle – 16526 – 6M – Chilton, Michael – 16527 – D48 – Groomer, Derek – 16028 – 317 – Creech, Blake – 16029 – 12M – Montgomery, Ryan – 15530 – 9 – Leach, Michael – 15531 – 93L – Lawler, Cory – 15032 – 22B – Hardgrove, Brandon – 15033 – 32 – Stapleton, Chad – 14534 – 18 – Landrum, Trevor – 14535 – 3:16 – Bargo, Mike – 14036 – 15R – Rickels, Brad – 14037 – 49 – Davenport, Jonathan – 13538 – 33AJ – Lay, Austin – 13539 – 96 – Vinyard, Josh – 13540 – 40B – Bronson, Kyle – 13041 – 81 – Mertens, Conner – 13042 – 22 – Hilsabeck, Daniel – 12543 – 60 – Ebert, Dan – 12544 – 11 – Stricker, Adam – 12545 – 6 – Harris, Clay – 12546 – 1G – Gilpin, Devin – 12547 – 49G – Green, Billy – 12548 – 90 – LeFevers, Michael – 12549 – 99J – Jeschke, Donnie – 12550 – C6 – Carlton, Calvin – 12551 – 15W – Williams, Roger – 125

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ANOTHER ONE: Kyle Larson Wins Thursday’s Knoxville Nationals Qualifying Night from Fifth

August 8, 2025 ARP Trish

The three-time and defending Knoxville Nationals champion tops Toyota Qualifying Night for the second straight year

Kyle Larson actually looked human to begin Thursday night at Knoxville Raceway, but that didn’t last long.

He began Toyota Qualifying Night at the NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s by timing in 15th fastest in Honest Abe Roofing Qualifying, subpar by his high standards. He did manage to wheel his way from sixth to fourth in the fifth Heat Race to sneak into the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series main event with the final transfer.

The format lined him up fifth for the finale. When the green flag dropped for the 25-lap Feature, the Larson we’ve grown to know came roaring back.

“Yung Money” started off by going three-wide into Turn 1 in an attack for the third spot, making it clear he was on a mission. It took him only five laps to carve his way into the runner-up position, leaving only Spencer Bayston between himself and the lead. Larson got to work cutting into the advantage until it was gone. A Lap 13 slider stuck, and that was all she wrote. The Elk Grove, CA native drove away to his second straight Thursday triumph at the Knoxville Nationals.

“Honestly, I’m out of breath,” Larson said. “That was a really fast paced 25 laps. The track was really slick, but then against it was super gripped up. It just made it like really technical. Your car was dancing around a lot. I was using both feet quite a bit and steering pretty heavy there, but it was fun. I was trying to watch at least the scoreboard there to see who was in second, and I saw Spencer was still in second. I got stuck behind the 4 (Cameron Martin). He was running a good pace in front of me for a while, and I just figured they were probably closing on me. Thankfully I got by him with a few to go, and I felt like I could rest a little bit easier after that.”

Larson’s victory continued his incredible recent streak at “The Sprint Car Capital of the World” aboard Paul Silva’s No. 57. He’s now won 10 of his last 22 Sprint Car races at the iconic half mile. He’s finished second six times in that stretch, making it 16 top two finishes. The win wasn’t quite enough to overcome the early troubles in terms of points. Larson will start ninth on Saturday. His three starting positions for the years he won the race were third (2021), first (2023), and first (2024). He’ll have some work to do, but anyone who has seen the 33-year-old drive a Sprint Car knows he’s more than capable.

“I wish we would’ve done a little better earlier in the night,” Larson admitted. “It’ll be enough to lock in the Feature for sure, but I’m guessing we’ll be eighth to 10th in points, which isn’t great, but we can still win from there hopefully on Saturday.”

Second place went to Logan Schuchart, who made a late run to snag the runner-up spot aboard the Shark Racing No. 1S. The finish capped a strong night all around and will line him up third on Saturday, the Hanover, PA native’s best starting position in the Knoxville Nationals Championship Feature. He’s finished in the top five on three occasions and badly wants his first win in the sport’s biggest race.

“It’s nice when you’re finishing up front,” Schuchart said. “This will be our best starting position yet. I’m just trying to think of how I felt. I didn’t think I felt really good. I know we were catching Kyle at the end, but I’m one hundred percent sure he was on conservative mode leading the race and trying not to do anything he shouldn’t do. I don’t know if we’re as good as we need to be, but I’m going to take a moment after the race to go through things. We didn’t qualify that well. I was a little worried about going out late, but at the same time we did what we had to do in that Heat Race and this A-main. We’re on the podium. It puts us in a good spot for Saturday.”

After leading early, Spencer Bayston brought the Jason Meyers Racing No. 14 home third, his fourth career podium at Knoxville. The Lebanon, IN driver’s efforts on Thursday were enough to earn him the final lock-in spot from the Qualifying Nights for the Championship Feature. Bayston will start 16th in “The Granddaddy of ‘Em All” on Saturday.

“I felt like I was setting a really good pace,” Bayston said of the race’s beginning portion. “We started to waver a little bit. I knew I was probably going to get somebody visiting me at some point, and sure enough the 57 got by and got away quick. But we fell back in line and got back to what I was doing running the top. The 14 car felt really, really good.”

Giovanni Scelzi and Carson Macedo completed the top five. Macedo’s night was enough to slot him second in points, lining him up alongside Ryan Timms on the front row for Saturday’s $195,000-to-win Knoxville Nationals Championship Feature.

Brad Sweet marched from 21st to eighth to earn the KSE Racing Products Hard Charger and slot himself outside row two for Saturday’s finale.

Sweet also earned Simpson Quick Time honors in Honest Abe Roofing Qualifying.

Heat Races belonged to Gage Pulkrabek (NOS Energy Drink Heat One), Tasker Phillips (Real American Beer Heat Two), Josh Schneiderman (WIX Filters Heat Three), Christopher Thram (Toyota Heat Four), and Brady Bacon (TheGreatestStoreonDirt.com Heat Five).

The SPA Technique Pole Award went to Derek Hagar.

Brad Sweet won the Micro-Lite Last Chance Showdown.

The Smith Titanium Brake Systems Break of the Race went to Conner Morrell.

UP NEXT: It’s a clean slate for the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars on FVP Hard Knox Night at the 64th NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s. Teams who struggled on their Qualifying Night get a chance at redemption as four more ticket’s to Saturday’s Championship Feature are up for grabs on Friday, Aug. 8. For tickets, CLICK HERE.

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

FEATURE RESULTS:

A Feature (25 Laps): 1. 57-Kyle Larson[5]; 2. 1S-Logan Schuchart[6]; 3. 14-Spencer Bayston[2]; 4. 7BC-Giovanni Scelzi[3]; 5. 41-Carson Macedo[8]; 6. 17B-Bill Balog[4]; 7. 3Z-Brock Zearfoss[9]; 8. 49-Brad Sweet[21]; 9. 45C-Derek Hagar[1]; 10. 1TZ-Tasker Phillips[17]; 11. 21H-Brady Bacon[15]; 12. 71P-Parker Price Miller[23]; 13. 33W-Cap Henry[20]; 14. 19-Brent Marks[24]; 15. 39-Lynton Jeffrey[7]; 16. 4C-Cameron Martin[22]; 17. 1-Sammy Swindell[11]; 18. 53-Jack Dover[16]; 19. 49J-Josh Schneiderman[18]; 20. 24T-Christopher Thram[19]; 21. 28M-Conner Morrell[10]; 22. 23L-Jimmy Light[13]; 23. (DNF) 11-Roger Crockett[14]; 24. (DNF) G5-Gage Pulkrabek[12]

ANOTHER ONE: Kyle Larson Wins Thursday’s Knoxville Nationals Qualifying Night from Fifth

The three-time and defending Knoxville Nationals champion tops Toyota Qualifying Night for the second straight year

Kyle Larson actually looked human to begin Thursday night at Knoxville Raceway, but that didn’t last long.

The format lined him up fifth for the finale. When the green flag dropped for the 25-lap Feature, the Larson we’ve grown to know came roaring back.

Brad Sweet marched from 21st to eighth to earn the KSE Racing Products Hard Charger and slot himself outside row two for Saturday’s finale.

Sweet also earned Simpson Quick Time honors in Honest Abe Roofing Qualifying.

The SPA Technique Pole Award went to Derek Hagar.

Brad Sweet won the Micro-Lite Last Chance Showdown.

The Smith Titanium Brake Systems Break of the Race went to Conner Morrell.

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

FEATURE RESULTS:

For complete results, CLICK HERE.

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Locked-In No. 21 Team Aiming for Momentum Heading Into Playoffs

August 7, 2025 ARP Trish

With a victory already in hand from Las Vegas earlier this season, Josh Berry and the No. 21 Freightliner team are locked into the NASCAR Playoffs, and now focused squarely on closing out the regular season with momentum.

Berry’s March win secured his spot among the 16 drivers who will battle for the championship over the final 10 races of the season. And with only three races remaining in the regular season, starting with Sunday’s Go Bowling at The Glen at Watkins Glen International, the team is setting its sights on consistency, execution and continued speed.

With their playoff berth secured, Berry and crew chief Miles Stanley can use the next few weeks to fine-tune their approach and build toward a strong postseason run.

“This team has continued to bring speed to the racetrack,” Stanley said. “Watkins Glen gives us another opportunity to put together a complete race. Strategy always plays a big role here, so we’ll be looking to make smart decisions and maximize the day.

“The more consistent we can be over the next few weeks, the better shape we’ll be in when the playoffs start.”

Practice at Watkins Glen is scheduled for Saturday at 12 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 1:10 p.m., with both sessions airing on truTV.

The 90-lap, 220.5-mile Go Bowling at The Glen is set to go green just after 2 p.m. ET on Sunday, with live coverage on USA Network. Stage breaks are scheduled for Laps 20 and 40.

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CHEVROLET IN THE NTT INDYCAR SERIES – Portland International Raceway Advance

August 7, 2025 ARP Trish

WHAT THEY’RE SAYING (QUOTES):A.J. FOYT RACING David Malukas, No. 4 A.J. Foyt Racing Gallagher Insurance Chevrolet:
What is the key to getting around Portland?“The key to getting around Portland is all about rhythm. Making sure you’re on the right track from Turn 4 to Turn 7.”  What is the most challenging aspect of the track?“The most challenging aspect of the track would have to be Turn 4 to Turn 7. It all feels as if it’s just one corner. You mess up Turn 4 and the rest will be out of sync.” How does the track favor Chevy power?“This track favors Chevy power with the majority of corners being mid to high-speed corners. Chevy excels in its top end power.” Do you have any favorite places to visit in the area?“Haven’t done much exploring outside of the Portland track to be fair so nothing that comes to mind.” Being back in the top-10 in the INDYCAR Standings, how does that affect you?“It feels good to be in the top-10 after all the ups and downs. Need to focus on consistency and make sure we finish the season strong.” How did you spend your time off last week? “Went to visit my sister in Hawaii with my girlfriend. Had a good break spending time with my family.” Santino Ferrucci, No. 14 A.J. Foyt Racing Sexton Properties Chevrolet:
Portland was the first road course you ran in an Indy car, with the previous IndyCar races being the two street races at Detroit in 2018. What were your impressions of the track and how the Indy car ran on it? “When I first got to see the track and drive the car there, I thought it was enjoyable. We were having a really good day too. I think they would have finished pretty well inside the top 10 but the fuel collector broke and we ran out of gas. But I liked the track from day one. “I think it’s one of the better tracks that we get to go to. I think it races really well. It’s super old school. The pavement is old, there’s no runoff. It’s been around in IndyCar for a long time. It’s a great track and it hasn’t really changed.” Do you think having your first road course race at Portland was helpful, because it wasn’t as challenging perhaps Barber or Road America?“Yes and no. I think it was helpful because the track was a bit shorter than some of the other road courses we go to, but it still had a really good mix of corners, high and medium speed corners with the big brake zones. So, you really got to test all of the car at the track, which was nice. So honestly, it was really good for me. ” What is the key to getting around Portland fast?“One of the big things with Portland is that it’s got a lot of high-speed entries, so it’s a lot of commitment and trust from the car. So, we had a really good setup last year, and I was able to really drive the car into the apex, and I think that was a big, big help for our speed.” What’s the most challenging part of the track?“The most challenging part of Portland is probably turn 10 -11, that really high-speed left-right chicane that starts the lap. ” How does the track favor Chevrolet’s power?“Well, the track will favor Chevrolet because of the top speed, there’s two very long straights which are good for us.” Do you have any favorite places to visit in the area, whether it’s parks or restaurants?“There’s a Mexican joint that I’ve been going to for a few years, ‘Who Song & Larry’s’ on the Columbia River in Vancouver.” After capturing the pole last year, how did that affect you?“I think it was a huge momentum boost going into the final events of the year. From that pole, we picked up two more top-fives [Milwaukee] and another two top-10s [Portland and Nashville]. We really closed out the year super strong because of that pole.” How did you spend your time off last week? Like doing what and where?“Well, my wife Renay and I took the dogs and we toured Napa, drank a lot of wine and relaxed at the hotel spa and resort. We had a really nice reset.”  ARROW MCLAREN Pato O’Ward, No. 5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet: “Last year at Portland was a tough one, and it hasn’t been among our best tracks, but I feel we’re in a different place now. We’ve raced up front consistently all year, and that’s the expectation entering the weekend. The championship will be an uphill battle, but we’re going to give it everything we’ve got.”
Nolan Siegel, No. 6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet: “July had its ups and downs where we showed flashes of really strong pace but didn’t quite get the results we were aiming for. Heading into these last three races, the goal is to take that qualifying pace and turn it into complete weekends. I’ve had some good runs at Portland earlier in my career, so hopefully we can lean on that and start the weekend strong.”
Christian Lundgaard, No. 7 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet:“We capped off a busy July on the podium, and I’m excited to keep pushing in the championship with three to go. The No. 7 VELO Arrow McLaren Chevrolet has been a contender all year, but I’d really like to jump to that top step and deliver a win. With three to go, we’re looking to finish out strong starting this weekend in Portland where I’ve had some strong qualifying runs.” ED CARPENTER RACING Alexander Rossi, No. 20 Ed Carpenter Racing Java House Chevrolet:“I am excited to be heading back out to the West Coast for the Grand Prix of Portland. We had a bit of a rough go of it through the July stretch of races and we are more than ready to turn that around as we finish out this season. I have had some strong results at Portland in the past so hopefully we can add to that this weekend!”
Christian Rasmussen, No. 21 Ed Carpenter Racing Liquid Science Chevrolet:“I am very excited to get back in the Liquid Science car this weekend in Portland! We have had good road course finishes this year, including the most recent one in Laguna Seca. We’re getting to the point where we are able to fight for Top 10s pretty consistently and we should be able to continue that in Portland!”  PREMA
Piers Phillips – CEO, PREMA Racing INDYCAR:“Portland is a fast, flowing circuit with a notoriously tricky opening chicane that can make or break a race. It demands sharp reactions and the ability to capitalise on opportunities in a tight midfield fight. The performance we have shown as a team over the last few events has been encouraging, highlighting the hard work that has gone on not only trackside but back at base in Indiana, as we head into the final stretch of our debut season. We’re focused on executing clean weekends and building on the momentum we’ve worked hard to create.” TEAM PENSKE Josef Newgarden, No. 2 Astemo Team Penske Chevrolet:“I love getting up to the Pacific Northwest. It’s important that we continue to hit each region of the country if we can because we have fans all over. Portland is a challenge with the flat terrain and shorter layout for a road course. Restarts are key, particularly in getting through the first corner. If we can just have a clean race I like our chances to keep the Astemo Chevy up front and challenge for a win.” Scott McLaughlin, No. 3 Odyssey Battery Team Penske Chevrolet:“Coming off a solid day at Laguna Seca, it feels like we are starting to get our arms around the immense change we’ve gone through as a team this year. I’ve enjoyed how difficult Portland is since I came to the INDYCAR SERIES. It’s a very busy place that doesn’t give you much time to relax. This Odyssey Battery team knows how to win there – like we did three years ago – and Will (Power) got to Victory Lane last year, so we know that Team Penske has what it takes to get the job done.” Will Power, No. 12 Verizon Team Penske Chevrolet: “Portland is a tough place to race but going back as the defending winner certainly gives everyone on the Verizon Chevy team a shot in the arm. Everyone wants to close out the season on a positive note as we continue to build for 2026. Obviously, it has been a big year of change at Team Penske but those that were elevated to new positions are extremely talented and I think that is starting to show as everything stabilizes a bit for us. We will gather some momentum heading into these last few races of the year.”

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Electric Grand National Championship Fight Resumes with Jackpine Gypsies Super TT

August 7, 2025 ARP Trish

Electric Grand National Championship Fight Resumes with Jackpine Gypsies Super TT

Briar Bauman (3), Brandon Robinson (44), and Dallas Daniels (32) during Qualifying Tuesday night at the Jackpine Gypsies MC in Sturgis [Photo: American Flat Track/Tim Lester] DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (August 7, 2025) – There’s no time to rest at the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. With the dirt barely settled following this week’s dramatic Short Track doubleheader, the 2025 Progressive American Flat Track season, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, resumes tomorrow with the Jackpine Gypsies Super TT at the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in Sturgis, South Dakota, on Friday, August 8. As a result, there’s been almost no time for the tension to dissipate after the intensity of an already red-hot Grand National Championship battle was ratcheted up significantly at the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track II. It’s a Bird… It’s a Plane… It’s… Super TT! By definition, TTs tend to spice things up by adding a righthand corner and a jump in contrast to the series’ more conventional oval races. A “Super TT” uses that base as a starting point and adds from there.  Friday’s race marks the fourth race in Progressive AFT history to get the Super TT moniker. The three prior – the 2019 Arizona Super TT, 2021 Atlanta Super TT, and 2023 Arizona Super TT – set themselves apart by adding either extra jumps or rights or via the inclusion of pavement sections. A couple of other TTs could have easily been adorned with the “Super” prefix (think the DAYTONA TT that incorporated the track’s high banks or last year’s Sturgis TT, which wove through downtown), so we won’t attempt to get overly scientific with our labeling. But just understand that it means this week’s track will not feature a run-of-the-mill layout by anyone’s definition. Pavement sections, multiple righthanders, and a wide variety of corner radii will put the world’s elite motorcycle dirt trackers to the test. All three prior Super TTs were won by JD Beach, who ranks as among history’s greatest TTers with an ideal blend of flat track and roadracing expertise. While Beach will be an observer this time around, Super TTs also happen to be right in the wheelhouse of this year’s Mission AFT SuperTwins title fighters.  But really, what tracks aren’t? Bauman vs. Daniels At various points in the sport’s past, the TTs provided non-championship contenders a chance to step forward and shine. Versatile riders hailing from other two-wheeled disciplines, armed with serious experience negotiating righthand turns and passing under brakes, could sometimes steal the spotlight. This is not one of the points. The series’ leading oval racers also happen to be its most well rounded. In the three prior Super TTs, championship leader Briar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Parts Plus/Latus Motors Harley-Davidson XG750R) logged finishes of second, third, and third.  Meanwhile, second-ranked Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) finished as runner-up to teammate Beach at the ‘23 Arizona Super TT – his only attempt in the category as a premier-class pilot. The ‘19 Arizona Super TT took place before he had turned 16. However, Daniels was able to properly showcase the skills that earned him both the 2018 Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track and Road Race Horizon Awards at the ‘21 Atlanta Super TT. There the Estenson Racing star doubled up with wins in AFT Singles presented by KICKER and Mission Production Twins. This week’s circuit also includes pavement sections, a fact that could make him tough to beat. Head-to-head, Bauman and Daniels have proven well matched at TTs – just as they have virtually everywhere else. Since Daniels stepped up to the premier class in 2022, he has the edge over Bauman in terms of wins (1-0) when pit against one another in direct TT competition. Bauman, meanwhile, owns the advantage in terms of podiums (4-3). Daniels missed both of last year’s TTs due to injury, and while he was away, Bauman snared 1-2 results. Already considered the clear co-favorites who were likely to do battle at the Jackpine Gypsies Super TT, that likelihood carries all the more significance following their hugely consequential clash on Tuesday, which left Daniels with an expanded championship deficit to contend with and in serious need of turning the tables back in his favor. Spoiler Alert Just because Bauman and Daniels stand as the firm favorites, that doesn’t eliminate the possibility of a spoiler or two springing a surprise. During the aforementioned span (2022-present), Jarod VanDerKooi (No. 20 Fastrack Racing/Wally Brown Racing KTM 790 Duke) is the only other rider competing this weekend in the premier class to have earned a TT podium (third at last year’s pavement-centric Sturgis TT). VDK has been a consistently strong TT contender, finishing in the top five on five occasions over that time period. Of course, the field also includes the sport’s all-time winningest TT rider. Henry Wiles (No. 911 DL Racing/HYMMC Yamaha MT-06) boasts 19 career TT wins, albeit the vast majority coming at Peoria and the most recent of those seven years back. But Wiles was on the Mission AFT SuperTwins podium earlier this season and finished 4th in the 2023 Castle Rock TT, so there’s plenty of evidence to suggest he could be a player come Friday. While not generally considered a TT standout, Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke) did finish fourth in last year’s Sturgis TT. A similar caveat can be made regarding Tuesday winner Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R). TTs have long been considered the weak point in his otherwise championship-caliber game, however, Robinson has steadily improved in the discipline over the years to the point that he managed to break into the top five at last year’s race in Peoria. And don’t forget about Max Whale (No. 18 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650) and Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Suzuki GSX-8S), a pair of riders who demonstrated strong TT skills prior to stepping up to the premier-class ranks. AFT Singles Presented by KICKER Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) continued his assault on the AFT Singles record books with an inspiring come-from-behind victory in Tuesday’s Jackpine Gypsies Short Track II despite competing while under the weather. The Australian, who has opened up a rather commanding championship advantage – already ranks third in career class wins, fourth in Short Track wins, and has followed up the longest podium streak in AFT Singles history (eight) with another (six and counting) that stands third best all-time. Besides the #1 plate, one of the few major accomplishments yet eluding Drane is his inclusion among the class’ Grand Slammers. He could rectify that as early as Friday, and his road racing background makes him a huge threat to do precisely that at the Jackpine Gypsies Super TT. Standing In His Path… If Drane succeeds in that achievement, he’ll become just the sixth rider to ever do it. Looking to prevent him from joining the list is a field that includes more than half the riders to have already completed the AFT Singles Grand Slam: second-ranked Chase Saathoff (No. 88 RWR/Parts Plus Honda CRF450R), third-ranked Trevor Brunner (No. 21 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), and 2019 class champ Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Parts Bros Worldwide/D&D Cycles KTM 450 SX-F). They are far from the only riders who could make things difficult for Drane on Friday. Tarren Santero (No. 75 Mission Roof Systems Honda CRF450R), has shown himself to be an excellent TT rider, and Friday’s track should play to the strengths of Supermoto ace Bronson Pearce (No. 132 Mike Helm/Scott Cason Yamaha YZ450F). And who knows what to expect from this year’s breakout crop of rookies, led by two-time winner and four-time podium finisher Kage Tadman (No. 288 Roof Systems/Old Oak Ranch KTM 450 SX-F)? We will find out soon enough. AFT AdventureTrackers™ Don’t look now, but the 2025 AFT AdventureTrackers championship race that only just left the starting blocks and is already halfway complete. The title fight now comes down to two decisive TTs. That’s good news for co-championship leader Dan Bromley (No. 62 Big Momma and Daddy Deep Pockets Suzuki V-Strom 1050) – a fine TTer – and even better news for the rider he’s tied with, Jesse Janisch (No. 33 WFOracingonline.com/Öhlins Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250), who stands as among the best TT riders to come up through the ranks in recent memory. Despite their credentials, this is unlikely to be a two-rider show. The AFT AdventureTrackers field is loaded with certified and potential TT aces. Right on their heels is third-ranked Austin Luczak (No. 188 Memphis Shades/Black Hills Powersports Honda Africa Twin), who backed up an impressive fourth on Monday by scoring his first-career Progressive AFT podium in third on Tuesday. And as already stated, no one has won more TTs in the sport’s history than Henry Wiles (No. 911 Walter Bros. Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250), while Dalton Gauthier (No. 79 Triumph Racing Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro) has proven he has the goods as well. Meanwhile, Danny Eslick (No. 164 Saddlemen Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250) and Brandon Paasch (No. 196 Triumph Racing Triumph Tiger 900 GT Pro) might just have an edge on pavement and on the brakes due to their extensive roadracing backgrounds. However it shakes out, with the spotlight shining down on 500+ pounds of versatile big-bore Dual Adventure equipment, it’s destined to be very interesting and highly entertaining. There Ain’t No Party Like a Sturgis Party… The 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has already delivered, and Friday’s action at the track will only add to what’s been an incredible week of festivities.  Once again, the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club will host a Fan Party – complete with a Rider Q&A session – leading up to Opening Ceremonies each night. Friday’s spectators will also be treated to big-screen coverage of all the race action, DJ’d music to maintain the energy all day and night, numerous vendors, designated motorcycle parking, a variety of food and beverage options, and fireworks. And don’t miss the Ride-In Bike Show hosted by V-Twin Daily. Show off your bike and see if you can’t claim some of the $2500 in cash put for grabs courtesy of Bell Helmets, with awards going out for Best of Show, Best Paint, Best Bagger, Best Clubstyle, and AFT Best Tracker. Get Your Tickets Now H.O.G. members can purchase a H.O.G. Membership Ticket for $45 (all ages), which grants access to both a dedicated parking area and reserved seating, along with a special event lanyard and H.O.G. “Championship Bell.” Fans also have the option to select Portable Stadium Chair Seating for $70 (all ages), which includes a complimentary stadium chair complete with the event logo that can be used in a tiered seating area along the front stretch of the track. Finally, the VIP Ticket ($99 all ages) provides access to a tented area that overlooks the track, complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, beer for purchase, and Reserved Grandstand seating. Click HERE to secure your tickets today. Gates will open at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

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Jacob Denney Opens Appalachian Midget Week in Dominance at Action Track USA

August 7, 2025 ARP Trish

KUTZTOWN, PA – August 7, 2025 – Jacob Denney brought the Wednesday action to Kutztown, PA.

The Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota points leader the opening night of Appalachian Midget Week with a dominating run aboard his Keith Kunz/Curb-Agajanian Motorsports (KKM) Midget for his seventh win of the 2025 season at Action Track USA.

Colton Robinson and Michael Faccinto set the front row for the 30-lap Feature, with Faccinto taking the early lead at the finish line as Denney took over second place when Robinson had trouble creating his opening lap momentum.

On Lap 5, Faccinto jumped over the Turn 1 cushion, leaving enough room for Denney to slide around the bottom and take the lead.

After taking the lead, Denney worked atop the cushion to create a 2.4-second gap over the field as Faccinto, Robinson, Cannon McIntosh, and Hayden Wise traded positions around the top five in the first half.

As McIntosh’s Mobil 1 No. 71K charged forward to battle Faccinto for second place, his KKM teammate Gavin Miller was creating a similar charge towards the front after starting the night in 11th place to drive up inside the top five with 10 laps to go.

When McIntosh got fully clear of Faccinto’s No. 5U on Lap 24, he followed Denney around the cushion while the leader’s No. 67 dealt with lapped traffic ahead of him.

Though the reigning Xtreme Outlaw Midgets champion sliced time off of Denney’s lead, he did not have enough of a distance to attempt a race-winning move as the Galloway, OH driver captured his seventh career Series win to boost his points lead over McIntosh to 159 points, leaving Action Track USA.

Denney’s win created the newest single-season Series win record, breaking McIntosh’s six-win record from 2024.

“I was pacing Michael there, and he was running a really fast pace,” Denney said. “I had to step it up a little bit, and I figured out at about Lap 3, I had enough stick, and I could kind of just run below the cushion, hit it on exit, and get back going again.

“So, I think that was the key tonight instead of getting tripped up every lap on the cushion. That’s just a testament to having a great car every night.”

McIntosh finished the night in second at Action Track, adding his 10th top-five in the last 11 Series Features to start his run of the Appalachian Midget Week.

“It’s tough, especially when it’s as fast-paced as it was tonight,” McIntosh said. “It was hard to make moves on guys, slicing and dicing most of the race. It was really hard for that second spot for a while. It felt like we had a really good piece. It was a matter of getting clear of those guys, and once we got into second and got clean air, I felt like we definitely ran him down, just ran out of time.”

Miller parked his No. 97 SoundGear Toyota in third place to complete his hard-working night in Kutztown. With the result, Miller claimed the night’s Summit Racing Equipment Hard Charger award for his ninth podium of the season.

“Obviously, starting a little deep in the field hurt us,” Miller said. “The track’s really small, and it turned out there was two lanes to race, so you could get around and cut down. I thought the track was pretty good for how heavy it was to begin.

“Definitely a little hard getting by some of those guys who were train tracking around the top. Then, just got to be smart and race as realistically as we could to get back. Ultimately, it turned out to be really good tonight, I wish I started up front and not have all that work to get up there. But nonetheless, it was fun doing it.”

Recap Notes:

Smith Titanium Quick Time Award: Trevor Cline

Toyota Heat 1 Winner: Hayden Wise

CASM Safety Products Heat 2 Winner: Colton Robinson

TJ Forged Heat 3 Winner: Alex Karpowicz

High-Point Driver: Alex Karpowicz

Summit Racing Equipment Hard Charger Award: Gavin Miller

Honest Abe Roofing 16th Place Finisher: Eric Heydenreich

Up Next: The Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota enters the second chapter of the 2025 Appalachian Midget Week with racing at Jonestown, PA’s Linda’s Speedway on Thursday night, Aug. 7.

If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch all the action live on DIRTVision – either online or by downloading the DIRTVision App.

Jacob Denney Opens Appalachian Midget Week in Dominance at Action Track USA

KUTZTOWN, PA – August 7, 2025 – Jacob Denney brought the Wednesday action to Kutztown, PA.

On Lap 5, Faccinto jumped over the Turn 1 cushion, leaving enough room for Denney to slide around the bottom and take the lead.

When McIntosh got fully clear of Faccinto’s No. 5U on Lap 24, he followed Denney around the cushion while the leader’s No. 67 dealt with lapped traffic ahead of him.

Denney’s win created the newest single-season Series win record, breaking McIntosh’s six-win record from 2024.

“So, I think that was the key tonight instead of getting tripped up every lap on the cushion. That’s just a testament to having a great car every night.”

McIntosh finished the night in second at Action Track, adding his 10th top-five in the last 11 Series Features to start his run of the Appalachian Midget Week.

Recap Notes:

Smith Titanium Quick Time Award: Trevor Cline

Toyota Heat 1 Winner: Hayden Wise

CASM Safety Products Heat 2 Winner: Colton Robinson

TJ Forged Heat 3 Winner: Alex Karpowicz

High-Point Driver: Alex Karpowicz

Summit Racing Equipment Hard Charger Award: Gavin Miller

Honest Abe Roofing 16th Place Finisher: Eric Heydenreich

If you can’t make it to the track, you can watch all the action live on DIRTVision – either online or by downloading the DIRTVision App.

Feature (30 Laps): 1. 67-Jacob Denney[3]; 2. 71K-Cannon McIntosh[7]; 3. 97-Gavin Miller[11]; 4. 5U-Michael Faccinto[2]; 5. 94-Hayden Wise[6]; 6. 67K-Colton Robinson[1]; 7. 55-Trevor Cline[5]; 8. 7U-Kale Drake[8]; 9. 72-Alex Karpowicz[4]; 10. 7X-Kyle Jones[14]; 11. 40-Chase McDermand[18]; 12. 19M-Ethan Mitchell[12]; 13. 98K-Brandon Carr[10]; 14. 9U-Kameron Key[16]; 15. X-Daniel Bennett[9]; 16. 11-Eric Heydenreich[20]; 17. 21K-Cord Kisthardt[17]; 18. 7G-Jimmy Glenn[21]; 19. 25-Steve Buckwalter[13]; 20. 29-Jason Bennett[15]; 21. 5-PJ Gargiulo[19]; 22. 25B-Ryan Roulette[22]

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Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Watkins Glen Advance

August 6, 2025 ARP Trish

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCEWatkins Glen InternationalAugust 8-10, 2025

NASCAR will return to road racing this weekend with all three divisions uniting in upstate New York to take on Watkins Glen International.

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race Advances Chevrolet Newsroom

The 2.45-mile, seven-turn circuit has found its way back into a pivotal spot on the regular season schedule for each division, including the penultimate race in the final stretch to the playoffs for the Truck Series to kick off the tripleheader weekend. For the Cup and Xfinity Series, the regular season title still remains up for grabs with Team Chevy drivers, William Byron and Connor Zilisch, leading the charge into the Watkins Glen race weekend.

Chevrolet at Watkins Glen: NASCAR’s rich history at Watkins Glen International sees Chevrolet sit as the winningest manufacturer across all three divisions with 22 Cup Series wins, 13 Xfinity Series wins and three Truck Series wins. Piloting a 1957 Chevrolet, Buck Baker took the victory in the Cup Series’ inaugural appearance at the upstate New York circuit – a triumph that also marked Chevrolet’s first-ever road course win in NASCAR’s top division. Over a now 41-race history at the circuit, Chevrolet continues to hold the highest win streak at five-straight, which the manufacturer has accomplished on three different occasions (Aug. 1997 – Aug. 2001; Aug. 2003 – Aug. 2007; and Aug. 2018 – Aug. 2023). Among the series’ active drivers includes a three-way tie in all-time Watkins Glen wins – all of which come from the Chevrolet camp with Kyle Larson, Chase Elliott and Kyle Busch each owning two wins at the circuit in their championship-earning careers.

REGULAR SEASON BATTLE RAMPING UP The NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series left America’s Heartland with yet another change atop their respective points standings.

TRUCK SERIES HITS TWO-TO-GO IN REGULAR SEASON For the first time in four years, the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series will make its way back to the twist and turns of Watkins Glen International – marking the penultimate race of the series’ regular season. Just three positions remain up for grabs in the 10-driver playoff field, with Grant Enfinger and the No. 9 CR7 Motorsports Chevrolet team leading the way in the first provisional points position with a strong 89-point cushion over the cutline. On top of the playoff pressure comes the added element of a stacked entry list for Friday’s event, with the field also seeing appearances by the series’ winningest driver, Kyle Busch (No. 07 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet); Cup Series regular, Ross Chastain (No. 44 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet); and a pair of Xfinity Series playoff contenders, Sammy Smith (No. 7 Spire Motorsports Chevrolet) and Connor Zilisch (No. 45 Niece Motorsports Chevrolet).

BOWTIE BULLETS:· Active Chevrolet drivers with a NASCAR Cup Series win at Watkins Glen International: Kyle Larson – two wins (2021, 2022)Chase Elliott – two wins (2019, 2018)Kyle Busch – two wins (2013, 2008)William Byron – one win (2024) · Chevrolet is the winningest manufacturer in all three NASCAR national divisions at Watkins Glen International with 22 Cup Series wins, 13 Xfinity Series wins, and three Truck Series wins. · Chevrolet has earned 22 victories in the past 29 NASCAR Cup Series races on the series’ traditional road courses – dating from Chase Elliott’s victory at Watkins Glen International in Aug. 2019, to Shane van Gisbergen’s win at Sonoma Raceway in July 2025. Van Gisbergen and Alex Bowman have added three more triumphs on left- and right-hand turns by keeping Chevrolet undefeated in the Chicago Street Race. · In 18 NASCAR Cup Series races on traditional road courses in the Next Gen era, Chevrolet leads the series with 12 victories – recorded by seven drivers from four different Chevrolet organizations. · Chevrolet has earned at least half of the top-10 finishing results in 12 of the 23 points-paying races thus far this season, including a season-high seven top-10 finishes at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway. · In 131 points-paying races in the Next Gen era, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 62 victories – a winning percentage of 47.3%. · With its 43 NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer Championships, 33 NASCAR Cup Series Driver Championships, and 876 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title as the winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history.

TUNE-IN:NASCAR Cup Series Go Bowling at The GlenSunday, August 10, at 2 p.m. ET(USA Network, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90) NASCAR Xfinity Series Mission 200 at The GlenSaturday, August 9, at 3 p.m. ET(CW, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90) NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series Mission 176 at The GlenFriday, August 8, at 5 p.m. ET(FS1, NASCAR Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90)

QUOTABLE QUOTES:Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletDo you like road racing?“Road racing has always been such a challenge for me. I’ve worked so hard on the craft and I’ve really grown to like it. Having Shane as a teammate has been a great help too. It’s wild to watch him in the simulator and how he can be so accurate and smooth with all of his movements. Connor is obviously a very talented road racer and he’s fun to race against. Daniel is a great road racer too. I have three teammates this weekend and I’m the guy still working really hard on my road race craft. Last year at Watkins Glen we ran really well. We led a bunch of laps and that was a lot of fun. I’m going to get some extra laps in on Friday in the truck race which always helps.” You seem to spend a lot of time in New York. Why is that?“I spend a lot of time in New York state for various things. Some of that is in New York City and some of it is in upstate New York around the racetrack and surrounding areas. Upstate is a gorgeous area and I do a lot of work with the Governors office and safe driving so I spend a lot of time in New York. I was in Corning a couple of weeks ago to promote this weekend’s race and it was a lot of fun.” Austin Dillon, No. 3 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletWhat are some of the things you like about Watkins Glen International, and what are some of the things that are difficult about that track?“Watkins Glen International is very fast for a road course. The bus stop, the esses, a big chunk of the speed at Watkins Glen comes from those two sections. The other sections are more self-explanatory, but it’s a tough track. It’s been my hardest track to get a grip on, but I feel like going there does present some opportunities because you have some strategy and different things that can play out. Qualifying is pretty important there as well. I’m looking forward to getting there in our BREZTRI AEROSPHERE® (budesonide, glycopyrrolate, and formoterol fumarate) Chevrolet.” It’s been quite the year for this race team. You’ve had your share of ups and downs. Where does the No. 3 team stand currently in your mind?“I feel like Richard Boswell has built an amazing team, and I like the direction we are going. We are really just starting to click. We have potential. We have to work on our race car pace, but we are heading in the right direction that we need. We’ve had a lot of changes at the beginning of the year, some engineer swapping, and now I feel like everybody is on the same page and going in the right direction. From the team aspect, I feel like this is one of the strongest teams I’ve ever worked with and I’m super excited about the finish of this year and what we can do together in 2026. We had a streak of three straight top-10s at one point, and that was a good streak for us.” Have you ever had a chance to race around Shane Van Gisbergen, observe and what have your learned from him?“I think you have to go back to the first race he ran with us at the Chicago Street Course a few years ago. I pulled out in front of him during practice and I thought ‘oh this is no big deal. Who is this guy they are all talking about?’ A lap later he goes by me in the hardest and tightest section of the track in Turns 8 and 9 around the fountain area, and I’m like ‘oh man. This guy is going to win the race.’ I didn’t think it was even possible to pass in the section that he passed me in. I ended up chatting with him afterwards and he was really helpful. I was actually in a different gear than he was and he helped me in terms of what gear I needed to be in. His thought process about road course racing has changed the game for everyone, and the way you go about getting ready. The stuff that you value is different then the stuff that they value, because in Australian V8 cars the tire is smaller, has more degradation, and they think about the life of the tire more than what we have been, and I think more and more teams are looking at their process and changing it to keep up. He’s pretty impressive for sure.” Justin Haley, No. 7 Spire Motorsports ChevroletThis will be your fifth road-course of the season. How do you feel about going into Watkins Glen?“I feel like our Chevy has had speed at road-courses this year, we had two top-20s and a top-15 finish. Watkins Glen is always packed with campers and race fans and that makes it so much more exciting as a driver! I’ve always enjoyed how the track flows and am looking forward to this weekend.” Kyle Busch, No. 8 Richard Childress Racing ChevroletAre all road courses the same, or does Watkins Glen International come with its own unique challenges?“Setups are a little bit different at some of the road courses you go to. You would think road course, turn right, turn left, it’s the same thing, just run the same thing and go, but, no, Watkins Glen is more the superspeedway of road courses. Spring packages are a little different, bars are a little different, stuff like that. Looking at what the No. 16 ran there last year, they were really fast, they had a great race up there last year. So I’m leaning on some of our Kaulig friends on some advice on putting ourselves in a good spot to go up there and have a fast racecar.” Do you like racing at Watkins Glen International?“Watkins Glen has always been a favorite, I really enjoy it. I’ve always enjoyed the technicalities of that place, the high speeds of that place. The bus stop back there, being as sketch as it is, trying to go through there and blast through there as fast as you can, hopping all the curbs. It’s just a really fun place and you can be on attack mode there and find some speed.” Just three races remaining before the NASCAR Playoffs. Assess your chances of winning at one of the next three races to lock yourself in?“I have won at all those places, so let’s go do it again. Watkins Glen is probably my favorite road course we go to. Richmond is statistically one of my best racetracks that we go to. And then Daytona has been one of my best racetracks since I’ve been at RCR with Team Chevrolet. I feel really good about our opportunities the next three weeks. It’s all about execution and being able to do our job right. And that includes me, going out there and setting some fast laps and being in control of being able to do that, and having good pit stops on Pit Road and having good strategy and the race falling our way.” AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet“Watkins Glen is always special to me; it’s a racetrack that we’re always really fast at as well. We have the opportunity to be in contention this weekend if we execute well. Obviously, we want a shot to win, but ultimately, we need a solid run, and this is a racetrack that we can do it at.” Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet“We’re heading to The Glen this weekend and we’re proud to have Real American Beer on the car in honor of Hulk Hogan. We’ll be giving it everything we’ve got out there.” Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports ChevroletHow does Watkins Glen compare to the other road courses on the Cup Series schedule?“Watkins Glen is a momentum track. It’s long, has a lot of lateral loading, and it flows very differently. It’s different than Sonoma. You have quick switchbacks when you think about Mexico City or Chicago, and it’s just so different. Obviously, it’s higher speeds and higher loading. The easiest way to describe it is like racing on a mile-and-a-half oval, but on a road course. Chicago is similar to Martinsville, and Sonoma is probably like Bristol. It’s just that different of a feel when it comes to those tracks. Your fundamentals are still the same, but the way you attack Watkins Glen is different than how you attack Sonoma. There’s no doubt about it. It fits my style well. From an overall speed standpoint, it’s probably my best track. We don’t really have the results to show for it, but in qualifying the last few years, we’ve started in the top five or close to it. I’ve won a few stages and led a bunch of laps, but it just hasn’t come together, whether it was an engine failure two years ago, or whatever happened last year. We’ve just had some missed opportunities there. But overall, from a speed perspective, Watkins Glen is probably one of my best tracks. I’m excited to have the Go Bowling at The Glen race outside the playoffs this year, just because I feel like it’s another opportunity and another shot for us to try to get a win.” Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports ChevroletAt Watkins Glen last year, we saw you battle for a win and ultimately earn your first top-five finish in the Cup Series. Was that the race that set the No. 77 on the path its on now, and how do you feel heading back to that track?“I think it was probably the first time that people really got to see Spire cars running up front and holding our own. Since then it’s only been improvement for the whole organization. We have up and down weeks, but that’s part of building a consistently successful program. Every weekend we have at least two cars running in the top 10, if not all three right there together. I just think Watkins Glen last year was a race where people started to pay attention. That’s definitely continued this season and I feel like the last two races are a really good example of that. At Indy we had two cars finish within the first 11 spots and Iowa we had a car in the top-10 all day and probably would’ve had similar results without the way the cautions fell in the middle of the race. I’m excited to get back to The Glen. We’ve got a lot of momentum heading into this race and we’ve done a really good job of continuing to improve at tracks where we’ve done well in the past.”

Connor Zilisch, No. 87 Trackhouse Racing Chevrolet / No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet“I love going to Watkins Glen. The fans there are awesome and it’s a beautiful part of the country. It’s going to be really cool. I’m really excited to be making my fourth start in the Cup Series with Red Bull and Trackhouse. This is my last one of the year so we’re going to make it count. Watkins Glen is a track that I’m really comfortable at so this is a good one for us. Trackhouse has been pretty dominant on the road and street courses this season so I’m optimistic.” “Watkins Glen is a place that holds a lot of memories for me. I won my first-ever there in my Xfinity debut last year and I’m excited to go back there and try and back that up with another win this year and get more playoff points before the playoffs begin in a few weeks. We’ve had a lot of momentum this year and we want to keep it up at Watkins Glen. I’m excited for the entire weekend. It’s going to be busy with the Cup car and the Truck but it’s so cool to get these opportunities.” What did you learn at Circuit of the Americas earlier this season that will help you at Watkins Glen this weekend?“At COTA I learned a little bit about the car and got a feel for Cup racing. Those two tracks are very different and require different driving styles but any laps in the Cup car that you can get are always beneficial.” How much has life changed for you since your NXS debut at Watkins Glen in 2024?“It’s certainly a lot different. I’ve won a lot of races since the last time I was at Watkins Glen. It will be cool to go back there and reflect on the start of a lot of remarkable things that have happened in less than a year. I love going to Watkins Glen. The fans there are awesome and it’s a beautiful part of the country.” Shane van Gisbergen, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletDo you still think about last year’s Watkins Glen Cup race and what could have been?“I still get frustrated thinking about that race. When I make a personal mistake like that, it makes me angry to think that I threw that one away myself, especially after how good of a day it was, and we had the fastest car all day, then to do that. I really want to get there this weekend, make no mistakes, have a fast car and try to execute all day. Which we have been doing on the road courses, and it will be good to continue doing that.” What do you think is clicking for you and the No. 88 team on the road courses?“I think it’s just been time on the road courses, learning what we want from the car, changing our philosophy. We’ve really clicked on the road course set up and made our cars a lot better. On the ovals too, we are getting better as team.” Your first win in the Summer Shootout came last week. What made you want to compete in the eight-week series?“Well, I raced Aussie race cars before, which is similar, but obviously never on an oval. It’s something fun to do on a Tuesday night and it’s more reps for me. It was a blast racing with Bubba (Wallace) & Scott (McLaughlin), just a couple of mates hanging out every week was cool, but also, I learned a lot.” Do you classify your Sonoma win as your “perfect drive” or is there another race that is hard to beat in your mind?“Yes, but actually, Mexico (City) was really good as well. We just executed as a team, we had good pit stops, good strategy and obviously a fast car, which that is the best thing you could have. We finally put it all together which was great. Chicago and Sonoma were great too, but with Mexico (City) being our team’s first win of the season, it just sticks out to me a bit more.” Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletWhat do you remember about last year at Watkins Glen?“We went through a lot last year. The No. 99 Freeway Insurance Chevy was pretty fast, especially on the long runs. I thought we could drive through the field once we lost some track position, but it was much more difficult to pass than I anticipated. And then we lost a wheel, and from that, we were just trying to recover. I was very proud of this team for not giving up, executing well, and going to fight right off the bat. Finishing 13th after being stuck in the gravel isn’t a bad day. Our plan is to have a lot smoother day this year.”

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCEWatkins Glen InternationalAugust 8-10, 2025

NASCAR will return to road racing this weekend with all three divisions uniting in upstate New York to take on Watkins Glen International.

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race Advances Chevrolet Newsroom

REGULAR SEASON BATTLE RAMPING UP The NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series left America’s Heartland with yet another change atop their respective points standings.

Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics Manufacturers Championships:Total (1949-2024): 43First title for Chevrolet: 1958Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15)Most recent: 2024 Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Drivers Championships:Total (1949-2024): 33First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)Most recent: Kyle Larson (2021) Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021 Event Victories:Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007) 2025 STATISTICS: Wins: 10Poles: 10Laps Led: 2,900Top-Fives: 46Top-10s: 99Stage Wins: 20 CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:Total Chevrolet race wins: 876 (1949 to date)Poles won to date: 763Laps led to date: 255,611Top-fives to date: 4,415Top-10s to date: 9,106 Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date: General Motors: 1,210 Chevrolet: 876 Pontiac: 154 Oldsmobile: 115 Buick: 65 Ford: 844 Ford: 744 Mercury: 96 Lincoln: 4 Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467 Dodge: 217 Plymouth: 191 Chrysler: 59 Toyota: 198

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43rd Annual Sunoco North/South 100 presented by Lucas Oil Next

August 1, 2025 ARP Trish

BATAVIA, Ohio (August 1, 2025) – The nation’s top dirt late model drivers will converge at Florence Speedway in Union, Ky., Thursday-Saturday, August 7-9, to chase over $325,000 in prize money. In 2025, the 43rd Annual Sunoco North/South 100 presented by Lucas Oil will be an exclusive event for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing. Thursday and Friday night’s preliminary A-Mains will pay $6,000 to win. Each night, the field will be split into two groups based on pill draw, with each group competing in a complete program of Dirt Draft Hot Laps, Allstar Performance Time Trials, Heat Races, B-Mains, and their respective 25-lap A-Main. The combined points from Thursday and Friday’s preliminary events will determine the line-ups for Saturday’s Heat Races. Saturday’s off-track festivities include the National Dirt Late Model Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Memorabilia Auction, a Dirt Racing Outreach Service, and a Driver Autograph Session. The on-track action begins with Heat Races and B-Mains for the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing. Then, the 100-lap, $75,000 to win/$3,500 to start Sunoco North/South 100 presented by Lucas Oil takes center stage. A $3,000 to win non-qualifiers race will cap off the weekend action. On Thursday and Friday, the pit gate opens at 3:00 PM, while the general admission gates open at 6:00 PM. Hot laps start at 7:00 PM. The pit and general admission gates will all open at 3:00 PM for Saturday’s Sunoco North/South 100 presented by Lucas Oil. Hot laps are set to begin at 7:00 PM on Saturday. Florence Speedway is a half-mile clay oval located in Northern Kentucky off Interstate 71/75, approximately 25 miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio. For more information, visit www.florencespeedway.com. For the latest news, results, championship standings, and more about the Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series presented by FloRacing, please visit www.lucasdirt.com. Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Purses:Thursday – Group A: 1. $6,000, 2. $3,000, 3. $2,000, 4. $1,250, 5. $1,000, 6. $900, 7. $850, 8. $800, 9. $750, 10. $700, 11. $650, 12. $600, 13. $550, 14. $500, 15. $500, 16. $500, 17. $500, 18. $500, 19. $500, 20. $500, 21. $500, 22. $500, 23. $500, 24. $500 = $24,550 Thursday – Group B: 1. $6,000, 2. $3,000, 3. $2,000, 4. $1,250, 5. $1,000, 6. $900, 7. $850, 8. $800, 9. $750, 10. $700, 11. $650, 12. $600, 13. $550, 14. $500, 15. $500, 16. $500, 17. $500, 18. $500, 19. $500, 20. $500, 21. $500, 22. $500, 23. $500, 24. $500 = $24,550 Friday – Group A: 1. $6,000, 2. $3,000, 3. $2,000, 4. $1,250, 5. $1,000, 6. $900, 7. $850, 8. $800, 9. $750, 10. $700, 11. $650, 12. $600, 13. $550, 14. $500, 15. $500, 16. $500, 17. $500, 18. $500, 19. $500, 20. $500, 21. $500, 22. $500, 23. $500, 24. $500 = $24,550 Friday – Group B: 1. $6,000, 2. $3,000, 3. $2,000, 4. $1,250, 5. $1,000, 6. $900, 7. $850, 8. $800, 9. $750, 10. $700, 11. $650, 12. $600, 13. $550, 14. $500, 15. $500, 16. $500, 17. $500, 18. $500, 19. $500, 20. $500, 21. $500, 22. $500, 23. $500, 24. $500 = $24,550 Saturday Non-Qualifiers Race: 1. $3,000, 2. $1,500, 3. $1,000, 4. 850, 5. $750, 6. $650, 7. $600, 8. $575, 9. $550, 10. $525, 11. $500, 12. $500, 13. $500, 14. $500, 15. $500, 16. $500, 17. $500, 18. $500, 19. $500, 20. $500 = $15,000 43rd Annual Sunoco North/South 100 Presented by Lucas Oil: 1. $75,000, 2. $25,000, 3. $10,000, 4. $9,000, 5. $8,000, 6. $7,000, 7. $6,000, 8. $5,000, 9. $4,750, 10. $4,500, 11. $4,250, 12. $4,000, 13. $3,750, 14. $3,700, 15. $3,650, 16. $3,600, 17. $3,550, 18. $3,500, 19. $3,500, 20. $3,500, 21. $3,500, 22. $3,500, 23. $3,500, 24. $3,500, 25. $3,500, 26. $3,500 = $212,250 Total Weekend Purse: $325,450 Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Tire Rule:Left Rear/Fronts – Hoosier (90) NLMT2, (90) NLMT3Right Rear – Hoosier (92) NLMT3, (92) NLMT4 Previous North/South 100 Champions:2024 – Bobby Pierce2023 – Bobby Pierce2022 – Jonathan Davenport2021 – Brandon Overton2020 – Tim McCreadie2019 – Chris Madden2018 – Ricky Weiss2017 – Tim McCreadie2016 – Bobby Pierce2015 – Jonathan Davenport2014 – Eddie Carrier Jr.2013 – Don O’Neal2012 – Don O’Neal2011 – Jimmy Owens2010 – Jimmy Owens2009 – Jimmy Mars2008 – Darren Miller2007 – Jimmy Owens2006 – Steve Shaver2005 – Bart Hartman2004 – Steve Shaver2003 – Dan Schlieper2002 – Chub Frank2001 – Rained Out2000 – Scott Bloomquist1999 – Bob Pierce1998 – Donnie Moran1997 – Rick Aukland1996 – Donnie Moran1995 – John Gill1994 – Jack Boggs1993 – John Gill1992 – Jack Boggs1991 – Rodney Combs1990 – Mike Head1989 – Jeff Purvis1988 – Scott Bloomquist1987 – Jeff Purvis1986 – Jack Boggs1985 – John Mason1984 – Pat Patrick1983 – Pat Patrick

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McCreadie Survives Wild Finish, Opens USA Nationals in Victory Lane

August 1, 2025 ARP Trish

NEW RICHMOND, WI (July 31, 2025) – It’s been 12 years since he won the USA Nationals, but Tim McCreadie still knows his way around Cedar Lake Speedway.

The Watertown, NY native drove from seventh to the lead in 15 laps and came out on top of the chaos at the end for his fourth win of the year with the World of Outlaws Real American Beer Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision.

On a night when the Cedar Lake surface provided plenty of room for big moves and hard racing, but was quick to punish the slightest misstep, drivers who know when to push the issue and when to stay smooth were going to come out on top. And with his three decades of dirt racing experience, no one fits that description better than McCreadie.

“It’s no secret, when it gets like that, I’m just patient enough to stay in it,” McCreadie said. “A lot of guys, they get impatient, they drive hard and they throttle out of it. It’s more like what happens in the Big Blocks once in a while, or what happens when tracks are good enough that where you run matters. That’s kind of how this place is and why we all like coming here.”

The 30-lapper started with Cade Dillard and Hudson O’Neal sharing the front row, but Garrett Alberson immediately decided to join the party from third by sending it three-wide into Turn 1. The No. 58 started bouncing on the inside of Dillard, and with his wheels in the air and no air on the nose, Alberson went around in Turn 2.

Chris Madden inherited the third spot for the restart and repeated Alberson’s move, but this time he kept it straight in the corner. “Smokey” stayed three-wide with Dillard and O’Neal down the backstretch and pulled ahead on the bottom in Turns 3 and 4 to take command.

The No. 44 remained a bottom feeder throughout the early laps while O’Neal pounded the cushion trying to get by, and seven laps in he finally built up enough momentum to blast by off Turn 4. However, that was only the beginning of their tussle. Madden tried a slide job in Turn 3 two laps later, but got crossed over off the corner. In the next set of corners, Madden found a strip of brown through the middle and used it to power off Turn 2 to O’Neal’s inside and back into the lead.

Madden wasn’t done fending off challenges for the lead, but the next one wouldn’t come from O’Neal. McCreadie had gotten to third by that point, and when O’Neal slid up the track in Madden’s wake, it was all the opening McCreadie needed to slip into second.

Shortly before halfway, Madden started to explore other lanes as he made his way through traffic. Leaving the bottom open in Turns 1 and 2 proved to be the wrong move, as McCreadie used the lane to drive straight into the lead with 15 to go.

With the laps winding down, McCreadie grew his lead to over a second and looked to have the win in the bag until a slowing Garrett Smith brought out the caution with two laps remaining.

When the green flag flew once more, McCreadie went back to his tried-and-true low lane while O’Neal – who got back around Madden for second before the yellow came out – banged the boards for all they were worth around Turns 1 and 2. The No. 71 carried a massive head of steam down the backstretch and got to McCreadie’s outside before the two made contact. That sent McCreadie sliding sideways into Turn 3, but he gathered it back up and kept going. Meanwhile, O’Neal initially kept it straight, but got out of shape on the cushion coming to the white flag and spun on his own to hand the lead right back to McCreadie.

“Hudson almost pulled my pants down on that last restart,” McCreadie said. “I should have known better to roll the middle or go in on the top, once we packed the crumbs down for a few laps it was going to be fast. I went into one and kind of parked too hard. I don’t know what happened down the backstretch, I didn’t really do anything different than I’d been doing, he just happened to clip me with his wheel or something. It stretched the wheel right out of my hand and I thought I was going to spin out down there. I got lucky and hung onto it.”

The second green-white-checkered attempt turned out to be much calmer than the first, as McCreadie pulled away on the restart and went uncontested the rest of the way.

The late cautions also benefitted Nick Hoffman, who went from fourth with two to go to second in the final rundown. With Series points leader Bobby Pierce struggling all night and finishing 17th, that finish cut Hoffman’s deficit to 88 points and extended his margin to 48 markers in the Coltman Farms Racing Cup battle.

“I don’t know what it is up here, you get in the north – Wisconsin, Minnesota, North Dakota – our stuff’s really good,” Hoffman said. “I didn’t feel exactly where I needed to be there, where McCreadie rolled by us in the middle and I moved out late in that race and he still was quite a bit faster than we were up there.”

Madden held onto third in his first World of Outlaws start driving for Kale Green, marking his best Series result since his win to end 2024 at The Dirt Track at Charlotte.

“We’ve got a good piece here, we’ve just got to work on it a little bit and get a few more of the bugs worked out,” Madden said. “We haven’t been in these kind of conditions, slowing down that much on the bottom and it was a little choppy down there. We were loading up, the motor was shutting down and then it would fire back up and blow the tires off. We’ll get it ironed out here for Saturday.”

Ricky Thornton Jr. and Brandon Sheppard rounded out the top five.

RACE NOTES:

Cade Dillard set the Dirt King Simulators Fastest Hot Lap.

Garrett Alberson won the Simpson Quick Time Award.

Cade Dillard won Real American Beer Heat 1.

Hudson O’Neal won STAKT Products Heat 2.

Nick Hoffman won Keyser Manufacturing Heat 3.

Garrett Alberson won Jarrett Rifles Heat 4.

Ricky Thornton Jr. won Real American Beer Heat 5.

Chris Madden won Real American Beer Heat 6.

Dennis Erb Jr. and Mike Marlar won the Landa Pressure Washers Last Chance Showdowns.

Cade Dillard won the Bilstein Pole Award.

Mike Marlar won the FOX Factory Hard Charger Award.

Jake Timm was the MD3 Rookie of the Race.

Nick Hoffman won the WELD Racing Second-Place Finisher Award.

Ricky Thornton Jr. was the ARP Fourth-Place Finisher.

Brandon Sheppard was the MSD Fifth-Place Finisher.

Dan Ebert was the Swift Springs Sixth-Place Finisher.

Mike Marlar was the VP Racing Fuels Eighth-Place Finisher.

Cade Dillard was the Lifeline USA Ninth-Place Finisher.

Devin Moran was the COMP Cams 10th-Place Finisher.

Tanner English was the Cometic Gaskets 12th-Place Finisher.

UP NEXT: The USA Nationals continue on Friday, Aug. 1, with Qualifying, Heat Races, the Heat Race Winners Dash and the FANS Fund Dash for the World of Outlaws Real American Beer Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision. Tickets will be available at the gate.

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Austin McCarl Outlasts Larson, McFadden on Opening Night of 35th 360 Knoxville Nationals

August 1, 2025 ARP Trish

KNOXVILLE, IA (July 31, 2025) — Austin McCarl was a bit emotional in Knoxville Raceway Victory Lane Thursday night. Minutes after winning a thrilling battle in the final laps, the feeling of accomplishment began to sink in as victor in one of his home track’s biggest events.

McCarl, of Altoona, IA, took the checkered flag on opening night of the 35th annual Xtream powered by Mediacom 360 Knoxville Nationals presented by Great Southern Bank, marking his second career preliminary Feature win in the marquee event. He’s yet to win the main event on Saturday night as his father, Terry McCarl, has five times, though he’s been close before.

But deep in the heart of a battle for the top spot Thursday night, racing some of the nation’s best drivers, Austin couldn’t help but remember some lessons learned from dad about racing around the historic 1/2-mile oval.

“I just thought about my dad,” he said. “Gotta be good in traffic, especially on a track like that.”

“I get so emotional. It’s just a prelim night, but I love winning.”

The win counts as McCarl’s third with the American Sprint Car Series and first since 2023. The three-time Knoxville 410 Sprint Car track champion last won a 360 Nationals preliminary Feature in 2020, which then led to a fifth-place finish in the finale on Saturday.

McCarl took the green flag from third on the starting grid and slid into the runner-up spot on the opening lap. For the first 16 laps of the race, he chased polesitter Chase Randall, who was maneuvering his way through lapped traffic with enough speed and agility to stay ahead of his opponents.

That was until Lap 17, when McCarl found great traction in the bottom lane against the inside berm and pulled even with Randall, who was keeping the momentum up on the outside lane of the track. The two drag-raced out of Turn 2, but McCarl inched ahead with the lead into Turn 3 as Randall bobbled down the backstretch.

McCarl sealed the pass by moving up to the high groove through Turns 3 and 4 and appeared to drive away from Randall slightly, until a new challenger entered the frame as the group crossed the start/finish line with only three laps remaining.

Kyle Larson, the three-time and defending 410 Knoxville Nationals champion, had got a great run off the bottom of Turn 4 and shot past Randall into second. Immediately, he made a bid for the lead, diving low underneath McCarl into Turn 1, but could not hold the line as McCarl zoomed past him one lane higher on the track.

Larson tried to make up the ground in the final two laps but was unable to catch the Country Builders Racing No. 88 in the end as McCarl crossed the finish line to bank the $3,000 check.

“I think I saw Kyle at least two or three times underneath me,” McCarl said. “Traffic got amazing. I had to make the right decisions in traffic there, and it kind of went my way and didn’t go my way a few times, and I just had to be really smart and really watch ahead.”

Larson crossed the stripe in second, beating third-place James McFadden to the line by .002 seconds. Starting from fifth, the California native fell back to sixth on the opening lap but was able to make his way back up through the field despite coming up one spot short in the end.

“I got to third a little bit quicker than I maybe thought I could,” Larson said. “I felt like I could bide my time a little bit and then traffic just got crazier than I thought.

“I made some kind of bad decisions and had some holes plug-up at the wrong time. Austin did a great job through traffic, and that was a lot of fun with him and Chase and James there at the end.”

McFadden entered the picture in the final lap, taking third from Chase Randall on Lap 19. He drag-raced Larson down the backstretch on the final lap and took the spot with a pass out of Turn 4, but Larson stole it back after one final drag race down the frontstretch, forcing McFadden to settle for third.

“I was kinda searching to find something different; it was a really busy race, and the track moved around a lot,” McFadden said. “I just kinda tried to be where everyone else wasn’t and keep my momentum up.”

Indiana racer Justin Peck crossed the finish line fourth while Randall hung on to claim the final spot in the top five.

Peck was also the fastest car in WEDG High Performance Karts Hot Laps.

Sam Hafertepe Jr. earned fast qualifier honors for his lap time of 16.002 in Qualifying.

Heat Races were won by Dustin Selvage (Heat 1), Jamie Ball (Heat 2), Matt Juhl (Heat 3), Tony Rost (Heat 4) and Matt Covingon (Heat 5).

The Smith Titanium Last Chance Showdown was won by Tanner Holmes.

UP NEXT

The 35th 360 Knoxville Nationals continues at Knoxville Raceway with another full program on Friday, Aug. 1. Tickets for the event are on sale now at KnoxvilleRaceway.com. If you can’t be there, stream every lap live on DIRTVision.

FEATURE RESULTS (view all results)

360 A Feature (20 Laps): 1. 88-Austin McCarl[3]; 2. 57-Kyle Larson[5]; 3. 21T-James McFadden[4]; 4. 26-Justin Peck[6]; 5. 9R-Chase Randall[1]; 6. 63-JJ Hickle[2]; 7. 44-Chris Martin[7]; 8. 55-Kerry Madsen[12]; 9. 87-Justin Sanders[8]; 10. 40-Ryan Leavitt[9]; 11. 6-Dustin Selvage[13]; 12. 2M-Ryan Giles[10]; 13. 18T-Tanner Holmes[21]; 14. 09-Matt Juhl[15]; 15. 35-Skylar Prochaska[19]; 16. 99-Tony Rost[11]; 17. 13-Daison Pursley[22]; 18. 3F-Derek Hagar[16]; 19. 95-Matt Covington[20]; 20. 24H-Kade Higday[23]; 21. 5A-Alex Vande Voort[24]; 22. 4W-Jamie Ball[14]; 23. 55B-Chase Brown[18]; 24. 13M-Brett Moffitt[17]

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Karter Sarff Holds I-55 Close to Heart, Seeking Reset Ahead of Ironman 55 Weekend

July 31, 2025 ARP Trish

PEVELY, MO – July 31, 2025 – If you ask Karter Sarff what his favorite tracks to race at are, he’ll tell you one of them is I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park.

He has enough reason to enjoy the 1/3-mile track, as he’s scored three of the last four Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota Features during the Federated Auto Parts Ironman 55 weekend aboard his Sarff Motorsports No. 21K.

However, the track has recently bitten Sarff, as an accident while leading with seven laps to go in the first 2025 Series visit to I-55 for the St. Louis Firecracker Faceoff kept Sarff out of racing dirt Midgets for three weeks until June 18 at Spoon River Speedway. However, his enjoyment for racing in Pevely, MO, remains the same entering his comeback weekend.

“It’s by far one of the coolest races to be a part of with the Outlaws there,” Sarff said. “Sweeping it last year was pretty awesome, especially with it being $7,500 to win the second night, that check is up in my room and one of the first things you see when you come in.”

Yeah, super cool to do that, I remember the first night and second, the track conditions were way different from each other. We had a slick track in the second night, and it was hammer down, so it goes to show how good Paul (May) is really. How he makes things good no matter what the conditions are like, it helps him that I have confidence at that racetrack to just go out and run our own race. It’s why it’s one of my favorite tracks.”

Though Sarff is not competing for the overall Series championship in 2025, his Provisio-sponsored Toyota is second in the Xtreme-POWRi Challenge Series standings, 38 points back from Jacob Denney.

While an extra $2,500 is a helpful bonus for the Mason City, IL driver, he’s more focused on leaving the racetrack with trophy hardware in his truck than the points situation when he’s competing.

“The Challenge Series is fun, but at the end of the day, we just want to win,” Sarff said. “We’re just there so we can win, and the last time we went there, we crashed, so I don’t usually think too much about points because we just wanna win races, so that’s what we’ll keep trying to do here.”

Sarff credits much of his success he’s had behind the wheel of a Midget to his veteran crew chief, Paul May. Since the two were initially paired together at Chase Briscoe Racing’s Sprint Car and Midget program in 2023, they’ve accounted for six Xtreme Outlaw Series Feature wins.

“You find the right people that you just click with,” Sarff said. “Me and Paul have clicked ever since Chili Bowl, so I’m grateful I got that opportunity with Chase Briscoe’s Midget, and Paul was the crew chief at the time. Ever since then, me and him click really well together. Even though he didn’t really like Midgets before, I think he likes them now. We have fun no matter what happens, and I think that’s how we’ve found so much success.”

The Ironman is the sole weekend of the 2025 Xtreme season where they get to share the track with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars between the two nights of racing.

With a year’s difference since racing with “The Greatest Show on Dirt,” and the last visit to Pevely featured the World of Outlaws Real American Beer Late Models presented by DIRTVision, Sarff is throwing away the past track experiences and sticking to what he knows best around I-55.

“I’m just seeing what it’s gonna do, really,” Sarff said. “I’m sure we’ll still be pretty close to what we always do there. That’s the good thing with Paul, he’s good at keeping an eye on the track and figuring out what we need to do that makes it good.

“I gotta get my head right and feel comfortable. It feels like it’s been a while, we’ve only ran one ran once since we crashed at Pevely, so it’s been a lot of work getting a new car put back together, and I’m just excited for this weekend, hopefully it’s a good one.”

Sarff will strap his helmet back on for the Xtreme Outlaw Midgets clash with the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars at I-55 for the marquee Federated Auto Parts Ironman 55 on Friday-Saturday, Aug. 1-2.

IRONMAN 55 TICKETS

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PUMPING IRON: New Trophy Unveiled Ahead of Next Ironman 55 Chapter

July 31, 2025 ARP Trish

The iconic dumbbell gets a fresh look for 2025 as the event continues to grow

PEVELY, MO (July 31, 2025) – Ever since 2009 one determined Sprint Car driver has hoisted a dumbbell in I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park Victory Lane during the month of August.

Not just any dumbbell. The Ironman 55 dumbbell. After 55 of the most intense laps they’ll ever race, they summon what energy is left to lift the iconic trophy above their head in triumph.

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series first visited the Pevely, MO bullring in 1987 when Brad Doty won. The track became a staple of the schedule over the next couple of decades. As the relationship between the Series and track grew, so did the desire to create a marquee event. A track known for being physically demanding, located right off I-55, why not blend the two traits? Thus, the Ironman 55 was born.

The 17th edition of the “Show-Me State” event is set for this weekend (Aug. 1-2), and a brand-new trophy awaits Saturday’s champion. Fear not, fans, as the dumbbell remains the focal point. The weight now has the former winners’ names engraved on it and sits atop a base with the Series, event, and track logos showcased.

Before the new trophy debuts, let’s take a trip through the past of the Ironman 55 that’s led us to today.

The event debuted in 2009. Craig Dollansky led the opening 18 circuits before his Kasey Kahne Racing teammate, Joey Saldana, took the top spot and led the rest of the way to cement himself as the first Ironman. The following year Jason Meyers topped the 55-lapper on his way to his first of two World of Outlaws championships.

The 2011 Ironman 55 started a run of dominance. After coming close in the inaugural running, Craig Dollansky would not be denied in the third. He led all but three laps aboard the Big Game Motorsports No. 7 on his way to victory.

A year later, Dollansky wheeled from sixth to go back-to-back and then made it three in a row in 2013. Despite making it look easy, the Elk River, MN native admits the paths to winning those races were some of the most difficult in his career.

“It’s a hard track to win at to start with for a World of Outlaws show,” Dollansky said. “And when you add the more laps to it and make it a 55-lap race, it makes it all the more difficult. I can tell you that when it’s in August, it definitely is challenging. It’s very hot and humid. I remember winning there a couple times, and the water is running off me like a river for about two hours afterwards. You’ve got to be prepared all the way through. Winning that Ironman, you’ve got to be on step as a driver and your team. It’s not easily done.”

The next three years welcomed three new winners as Kerry Madsen (2014), Shane Stewart (2015), and Rico Abreu (2016) pumped iron. Abreu went back-to-back, claiming the 2017 event which was actually contested in 2018 due to weather. That year featured double Ironman 55s as Logan Schuchart got his first the next day with the Shark Racing team.

Sheldon Haudenschild served up one of the most dominant drives in Series history in the 2019 running. He took the lead on Lap 11 and never looked back, lapping through sixth and building a margin of victory north of 10 seconds aboard the NOS Energy Drink No. 17.

The 2020s opened by Kyle Larson adding his name as an Ironman during a year in which he won more than 40 times on dirt. Sheldon Haudenschild swept in 2021 for his second dumbbell before “The Big Cat” Brad Sweet got his first in 2022.

Larson returned in 2023 for the first time since his 2020 title and promptly won again in what was one of the best Sprint Car races ever. “Yung Money” and Logan Schuchart traded the top spot several times in the closing laps, with Larson sealing it with a last corner pass.

“That was probably the most fun Sprint Car race I think I’ve ran in maybe ever,” Larson said after the checkered flag. “Just a great race. I hope all of you fans enjoyed that. If I won or you wanted anybody else to win, that was a damn good race.”

The magic wasn’t done there for Larson as he defended the crown in 2024, starting the weekend by driving from 21st to victory in the 30-lap opener. The following night he took the Silva Motorsports No. 57 from 12th to a record-tying third Ironman. That charge also set a new mark for the farthest back a driver has come to win the event.

And that brings us to today. The next chapter ready to be written. A new trophy ready to be lifted at I-55.

For tickets to this weekend’s Ironman 55, CLICK HERE.

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

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Berry Looks to Build on Strong Iowa Run from 2024

July 31, 2025 ARP Trish

Josh Berry showed speed in the inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at Iowa Speedway last season, starting third, leading 32 laps, and finishing seventh while driving a Ford Mustang for his previous team. It was a standout performance at the .875-mile short track – one he’s looking to build on this weekend.

Berry returns to Iowa for Sunday’s Iowa Corn 350, this time behind the wheel of the No. 21 Menards/Masterforce Tools Ford Mustang Dark Horse for Wood Brothers Racing. The race will mark the debut of a new green-and-black Masterforce Tools paint scheme.

Berry’s effort is backed by the team’s alliance with Team Penske, which also found success at Iowa in 2024 when Ryan Blaney led the most laps and took the win in his Blue Oval.

With a strong record at Iowa, Berry enters the weekend with confidence.

“I’m excited to get back to Iowa,” Berry said. “We really had a good race there last year, led laps, and we found ourselves in contention.

“So hopefully we can go back and do the same thing. I think it should be a good opportunity for us, and we’ve proven when we get to execute and get the car like we need to, we can get to the front.”

Cup Series action kicks off Saturday with practice at 1:30 p.m. ET, followed by qualifying at 2:40 p.m. ET. Both sessions will air on truTV.

Sunday’s 350-lap, 306.25-mile event is scheduled to go green just after 3:30 p.m. ET, with race coverage on USA. Stage breaks are planned for Laps 70 and 210.

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It’s Adventure Time at Jackpine Gypsies Short Track Doubleheader

July 31, 2025 ARP Trish

Trevor Brunner (21) celebrates winning the AFT Singles presented by KICKER class Main Event at Lucas Oil Speedway on July 18 [Photo: American Flat Track/Kristen Lassen] DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 31, 2025) – The Jackpine Gypsies Short Track I & II will see the AFT AdventureTrackers™ make their long-awaited return and play host to an evolving AFT Singles presented by KICKERchampionship fight as Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, kicks off an action-packed week at the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally with the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track I & II, on Monday, August 4, and Tuesday, August 5, at the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in Sturgis, South Dakota. Never a Doubt Was there ever any doubt?  At Lucas Oil Speedway, Trevor Brunner (No. 21 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R) managed to extend his career-long streak of winning at least one race in each of his AFT Singles campaigns. And he did so in thrilling last-lap, last-corner fashion following an epic clash with title fighters Tom Drane (No. 59 Estenson Racing Yamaha YZ450F) and Chase Saathoff (No. 88 RWR/Parts Plus Honda CRF450R). Okay, maybe there was just a hint of doubt – especially pulling off that win after Drane jumped out the early lead. Brunner continues to establish himself as among the sport’s most decorated 450cc riders. Since joining the pro ranks after winning Nicky Hayden AMA Flat Track Horizon Award honors in 2019, Brunner has been named AFT Singles Rookie of the Year, finished inside the championship top five on four occasions, climbed his way up to seventh all-time in career race wins, and stands as one of just five riders to achieve the Grand Slam in the category. Really, the only major achievement thus far eluding him is the #1 plate. With former class rivals Dallas Daniels and Kody Kopp no longer a concern, 2025 was expected to be his best shot yet. Brunner is still in the hunt, but the road to the title is looking steeper by the round. Second-ranked Saathoff is well within reach, now 12 points ahead and seven rounds remaining.  Drane, however, is a relatively distant 35 points out. And worse yet, Drane shows very few signs of making things easy on Brunner – or Saathoff for that matter. When the Australian saw his class-record nine-race podium streak halted earlier this year, he immediately went about assembling an active five-race streak that ranks tenth best all-time. While time is running out for those in pursuit of Drane, there’s plenty of opportunity for movement this week. With three races in five days, a full 69 points will be up for grabs in Sturgis. Three Races in Five? Make That Five in Five Three rounds in five days is correct, but five races in five days is more accurate, as the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track I will utilize the Mission Triple Challenge format. In its debut, Brunner proved himself capable of beating Drane to the checkered flag – teasing what was to come – even if Drane ultimately walked away with overall top honors and maximum points in Lima. But one small mishap in any of the three Main Events on Monday could prove pivotal in this year’s championship battle. New to All  Kage Tadman (No. 288 Roof Systems/Old Oak Ranch KTM 450 SX-F), Walker Porter (No. 100 American Honda/Mission Foods CRF450R), and the rest of this year’s standout rookie class will find themselves on somewhat more leveled ground this week in Sturgis. The Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club’s Short Track will be new to all, offering the first-year riders a chance to compete while not also facing the additional challenge of coming to grips with a venue at which their opponents are already well acquainted. Even minus that help, Tadman has scooped a pair of wins this year and seemed to have a realistic shot at a third at Lucas Oil Speedway before a mechanical problem knocked him out of the running in the Main Event’s opening lap. Porter, meanwhile, is motivated to get on the podium and do so as quickly as possible. Could the rookies turn the class’ power dynamics upside down again this week? Happy Hunting Grounds Even if the tracks are different, a return to the city where he earned his first-career AFT Singles podium one year ago is likely a welcome one for Tarren Santero (No. 75 Mission Roof Systems Honda CRF450R). Santero is in the midst of something of a mini-slump, having finished 17th, eighth, and eighth, in his most recent three races. That said, he still ranks fourth in the standings, thanks in large part to grabbing his second- and third-career podium finishes earlier in the year. But he’s going to have to return to that form in a hurry if he wants to remain in fourth and hold off the big pack of riders currently embroiled in a rapidly advancing fight for fifth. Gimme Five Just ten points separate Aidan RoosEvans (No. 26 FRA Trust/ATV’s and More Yamaha YZ450F), Evan Renshaw (No. 65 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450), and Bradon Pfanders (No. 83 Hannum’s HD/Pfanders Racing KTM 450 SX-F), who rank fifth through seventh. And as mentioned above, that scrap is effectively one for fourth, with RoosEvans now just six points back of Santero. But while fourth may be the goal (at least considering how far out in front Drane, Saathoff, and Brunner are), eleventh isn’t out of the question for any of them either. Tadman and Jared Lowe (No. 63 Big R/Little Debbie Racing Honda CRF450R) are just four points back of Pfanders and within single-race striking distance of Santero. And while there is some distance back to tenth-ranked Hunter Bauer (No. 24 Vinson Construction/Reel Medics Yamaha YZ450F) and eleventh-ranked Chad Cose (No. 49 1st Impressions Race Team Husqvarna FC450), both riders have shown the ability to make up piles of points in a hurry when on their game. Adventure Awaits The AFT AdventureTrackers are back following their massively successful debut in Sturgis last year and will be here for the next four rounds.

A sneak peek at the bike of Dan Bromley (62) for the AFT AdventureTrackers class [Photo: Courtesy of Dan Bromley] A showcase for near-stock Dual Adventure bikes, the AFT AdventureTrackers put on quite the show in ‘24 when reigning FIM Flat Track World Champion Sammy Halbert took full advantage of the misfortune of Mission AFT SuperTwins star Dan Bromley to earn the class’ first-ever win ahead of a field stacked with big-name riders hailing from diverse backgrounds. Over the next couple of weeks, these versatile machines will demonstrate their full capabilities on a Short Track, Super TT, and traditional TT. First up are the twin Short Track rounds where there will be ample opportunities for them to lock horns. The Contenders The AFT AdventureTrackers’ entry list has yet to be unveiled in full, but the list of riders already confirmed features some heavy hitters. Among those taking part are the aforementioned Dan Bromley (Memphis Shades/Suzuki V-Strom 1050), ST and TT legend Henry Wiles (No. 911 Walter Bros. Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250), 2022 Mission Production Twins champion Jesse Janisch (No. 33 WFOracingonline.com/Öhlins Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250), and AFT Singles top-five finishers Hunter Bauer (Vinson Construction BMW F900 GS) and Austin Luczak (No. 188 Memphis Shades/OTB Racing Honda Africa Twin). Who else will jump into the fray? Let’s just say you can once again expect to see some notable names from dirt track and beyond. A Party Inside a Party Inside a Party The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has a well-earned reputation for nonstop fun and excitement and both days at the track will prove no exception.  The Fan Party – complete with a Rider Q&A session – will take place leading up to Opening Ceremonies each night. And those in attendance will also be able to enjoy big-screen coverage of all the race action, the Kids Zone with a bounce house and face painting, DJ’d music, designated motorcycle parking, and a variety of food and beverage options. Get Your Tickets Now General Admission Grandstand tickets for the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track are just $25 (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult ticket) each day, while Reserved Grandstand tickets are available for $40 (all ages). Students can purchase a GA Grandstand ticket for just $20 at the gate the day of the event with a valid ID. H.O.G. members can purchase a H.O.G. Membership Ticket for $45 (all ages), which grants access to both a dedicated parking area and reserved seating. Fans also have the option to select Portable Stadium Chair Seating for $70 (all ages), which includes a complimentary stadium chair complete with the event logo that can be used in a tiered seating area along the front stretch of the track. Finally, the VIP Ticket ($99 all ages) provides access to a tented area that overlooks the track, complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, beer for purchase, and Reserved Grandstand seating. Click  HERE  to reserve your seats for the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track I. Click HERE  to reserve your seats for the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track II. You can also take advantage of a discounted rate by purchasing tickets for both days together HERE. Both days will see the gates open for fans at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

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Chevy Racing–NASCAR–Iowa Advance

July 31, 2025 ARP Trish

TEAM CHEVY ADVANCE Iowa SpeedwayAugust 2-3, 2025

The NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series will head back to America’s heartland this weekend to take on Iowa Speedway, with the 7/8-mile oval welcoming the sport back for its second consecutive doubleheader event.

MEDIA RESOURCES: Photo Gallery | Race Advances Chevrolet Newsroom

Chevrolet will look to earn its first trip to victory lane in NASCAR’s top division at the Iowa short-track, while the manufacturer will return to the venue as the defending winner in the Xfinity Series.

Chevrolet at Iowa Speedway: The NASCAR Cup Series’ sole visit to Iowa Speedway saw three Chevrolet organizations earn a combined five top-10 finishes – led by a pair of podium results by Hendrick Motorsports teammates William Byron (second) and Chase Elliott (third). A win in Sunday’s Iowa Corn 350 Powered by Ethanol would make Chevrolet the only manufacturer to earn a trip to victory lane in all three NASCAR national series at the Iowa short-track. The Bowtie brand has tallied a total of 10 victories across the NASCAR national ranks at Iowa Speedway, including five in the Xfinity Series and five in the Truck Series. Chevrolet owns the first and most recent Xfinity Series wins at the Iowa short-track – both powered by a pair of JR Motorsports Chevrolet’s (Brad Keselowski – Aug. 2009; Sam Mayer – June 2024). Four Team Chevy Cup Series regulars have an Iowa triumph to their name – led by Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who leads the series’ active drivers with three Xfinity Series wins at the track (2011 sweep; May 2012). William Byron has made two trips to victory lane at the Iowa short-track, with one in the Xfinity Series (June 2017) and one in the Truck Series (June 2016). The pair of Richard Childress Racing teammates, Kyle Busch and Austin Dillon, also each have a NASCAR national series win at Iowa on their resume, with Busch owning one Xfinity Series victory (July 2010) and Dillon with one Truck Series victory (July 2010).

TEAM CHEVY TRIO BATTLES FOR REGULAR SEASON TITLE The battle for the NASCAR Cup Series Regular Season Championship title is heating up with the top-four drivers sitting just 20-points apart. The four-way battle is led by a trio of Team Chevy drivers – Hendrick Motorsports’ Chase Elliott, William Byron and Kyle Larson. Byron has been a steady fixture atop the points standings through much of the regular season, but Elliott took over the lead prior to the Indianapolis race weekend after a stellar five-race stretch that saw the 29-year-old Dawsonville, Georgia, native make the move to the top from the fourth position and a 104-point deficit. Elliott and Larson have been familiar faces in the run for the regular season title in recent years – partaking in a three-way battle all the way to the final race at Darlington Raceway one year ago. The pair each have one regular season title on their resume, with Larson earning the honors in his championship season (2021) and Elliott taking the title in 2022.

JR Motorsports Joins Elite All-Time Wins List: Kissing the iconic bricks at Indianapolis Motor Speedway was even sweeter for JR Motorsports with Connor Zilisch’s win earning the Chevrolet organization its 100th all-time NASCAR Xfinity Series win. Over JR Motorsports’ tenure in the series, 22 different drivers have contributed wins towards the organization’s monumental feat – led by series veteran and reigning champion, Justin Allgaier, who’s earned a quarter of those victories. JR Motorsports is just the fourth different organization to achieve the 100-win mark in the series, with Chevrolet’s Richard Childress Racing earning a spot on the elite list at Martinsville Speedway earlier this season.

BOWTIE BULLETS:·        Chevrolet will serve as the official pace vehicle for the doubleheader weekend at Iowa Speedway with the Corvette Stingray pacing the NASCAR Cup and Xfinity Series in their respective events.  ·        Victories by active NASCAR Cup Series Chevrolet drivers in the NASCAR national ranks at Iowa Speedway: Ricky Stenhouse Jr. – three NXS wins (2011 sweep; May 2012)William Byron – one NXS win (June 2017) and one NCTS win (June 2016)Kyle Busch – one NXS win (July 2010)Austin Dillon – one NCTS win (July 2010) ·        With Connor Zilisch’s win at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Chevrolet carries a record-setting double-digit win streak of 13 consecutive NASCAR Xfinity Series wins this season. The victory – Chevrolet’s 19th in 21 Xfinity Series races this season – have been earned by 10 drivers from four different Chevrolet organizations.  ·        Chevrolet has earned at least half of the top-10 finishing results in 12 of the 22 points-paying races thus far this season, including a season-high seven top-10 finishes at Las Vegas Motor Speedway and Talladega Superspeedway.  ·        In 130 points-paying races in the Next Gen era, Chevrolet leads all manufacturers with 61 victories – a winning percentage of 46.9%.
·        With its 43 NASCAR Cup Series Manufacturer Championships, 33 NASCAR Cup Series Driver Championships, and 875 all-time NASCAR Cup Series wins, Chevrolet continues to hold the title as the winningest brand in NASCAR Cup Series history.

FOR THE FANS: ·        Fans can visit the Team Chevy Racing Display in the Fan Midway at Iowa Speedway, featuring a variety of Chevrolet vehicles: Blazer EV RS, Corvette E-Ray, Corvette Z06 3LZ Convertible, Silverado 1500 ZR2, Silverado 2500 High Country, Silverado EV RST, Suburban High Country, Equinox ICE ACTIV and the Chase Elliott No. 9 Chevrolet show car.

Team Chevy Driver Appearances at the Display: Saturday, August 2Jeremy Clements: 12:30 p.m. – 12:45 p.m. Jesse Love: 1:00 p.m. – 1:15 p.m. Justin Allgaier & Connor Zilisch: 1:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Carson Kvapil: 1:30 p.m. – 1:45 p.m. Nick Sanchez: 1:45 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Sunday, August 3Ross Chastain: 10:40 a.m. – 10:55 a.m.Daniel Suarez: 11:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Alex Bowman: 11:20 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. Shane van Gisbergen: 11:35 a.m. – 11:50 a.m. Kyle Larson & William Byron: 12:00 p.m. – 12:15 p.m. Kyle Busch: 12:15 p.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Chevrolet Display Hours of Operation: Friday, August 1: 12:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.  Saturday, August 2: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.  Sunday, August 3: 8 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

TUNE-IN:NASCAR Cup SeriesIowa Corn 350 Powered by EthanolSunday, August 3, at 3:30 p.m. ET(USA Network, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90) NASCAR Xfinity Series Hy-Vee Perks 250Saturday, August 2, at 4:30 p.m. ET(CW, MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio Channel 90)

QUOTABLE QUOTES:Ross Chastain, No. 1 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletWhat did you learn from last year at Iowa?“The repave is the biggest thing we learned last year, trying to learn the new asphalt from the old asphalt. It was tough to pick up quickly. We learned the basement on air pressure with the tires last year, so our focus this weekend will be on how much the race surface has aged in the last year.” Given your sponsor and your farming background, how important is the Iowa race to you?“Obviously, Iowa Speedway is in the middle of farmland and even though they aren’t farming watermelons in Iowa, we all still have ag in common. Iowa is known for row crops but there’s a lot of ag everywhere we go and the area is important for what we are doing with the Busch Light Farming can and car this weekend. The Farming cans bring awareness to Farm Rescue which provides aid to family farms and ranches throughout the Midwest. It’s going to be a fun weekend.” Justin Haley, No. 7 Spire Motorsports ChevroletComing off your best career result at Indianapolis, your home track, what are your thoughts heading into Iowa?“Iowa was one of my favorites last season and I’ve always enjoyed racing there. I have raced at Iowa in all three NASCAR series and have good seat time there. We’ve had a good stretch lately with the No. 7 team and we’re building momentum each week. I feel like we are in position for a good result this weekend.” AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Kaulig Racing Chevrolet“Iowa was a unique racetrack last year; with the repaved corners and the old pavement straight aways, it made the track tricky. It will be interesting to see, after a year with the repaved corners, how the track feels. Last year, we had decent speed before the issues we had. I enjoyed driving the track and I’m looking forward to getting back there, continuing the find speed in our race car and putting together a strong weekend.” Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Hyak Motorsports Chevrolet“I’m looking forward to going back to Iowa with NOS Energy Drink this year. We had a great run last June with a top-five finish. The track has aged a lot, so I’m hoping we can have another great run there.” Michael McDowell, No. 71 Spire Motorsports ChevroletWhat did you learn at Iowa last year and what are you expecting to see this Sunday?“Iowa was great. It was a fun weekend. I’ve raced there a bunch in Xfinity and ARCA. Even in years when I wasn’t running full-time in Xfinity, I’d still do the standalone races for (Joe) Gibbs (Racing) or whoever.
It was honestly my best track in Xfinity from a results standpoint, but going back there last year—it was so different. The track had aged in some areas, but then there was new asphalt and patches. It was a very different racetrack. It was still fun. Big crowd, big event. Going back this time, I think everyone is looking forward to having their cars drive a little better, getting over that bump in Turn 1 a little smoother, and not being so caught off guard by how challenging the track is. It’s another big opportunity for us.” Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Spire Motorsports ChevroletHow do you feel about the Cup Series’ second visit to Iowa Speedway?“I feel pretty good about it. We finished well there last year, and for the most part, we’ve been able to improve on those good finishes when we go back places. Iowa is a really fun track and the fans are always so excited when we come to town. It’s a great atmosphere that matches the racing on track.” Shane van Gisbergen, No. 88 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletHow do you assess your rookie season so far?“The last month or two we really ramped up. It’s been amazing to get a couple of wins, and our oval side is getting better too. Building confidence and getting better every week, I feel like we are learning something every week and really enjoying ourselves too.” With 25-minute practice session, what do you do to get up to speed quickly?“Just trying to get out there and just go. My whole life, every series I raced we got multiple tires and long practices and normally a couple of practices before qualifying. Most tracks you only get a couple of laps in before the tires are gone and then you are just trying to battle the tire fall off. I love when we get the opportunity to run the long practices, it really helps me. Everything is about time and more races, (Cup) is a new experience for me. It’s so different than what I raced last year. The cars are a night and day difference. It’s basically like I started again, but I feel like I’ve been methodical about it.” Daniel Suarez, No. 99 Trackhouse Racing ChevroletConfidence from Indy?“Yes, it won’t show in the race results (27th), but we had a really good car last Sunday in Indianapolis. We got up to 15th and thought we were going to be a factor, but that restart stack up damaged our nose and just killed the car. When you bring a good car to the track, it gives you confidence that we will have another good car for the next week and the week after that.” What were your thoughts on the Cup Series’ first visit to Iowa last year?“It was a good weekend for us. We were fast, had a great strategy, and quick pit stops. The track was fun. It raced well. Honestly, it raced exactly how I thought it was going to. It was a three-lane racetrack. People were able to pass, which is a good thing. I thought it was good, to be honest. I’m pretty happy with the product that NASCAR brought.” Connor Zilisch, No. 88 JR Motorsports Chevrolet“The bottom two lanes have been paved so Iowa Speedway is a bit of a unique racetrack, but it actually raced really well last year. My crew chief, Mardy Lindley, won the race there with Sam Mayer last year so I’m expecting to have a really good KOA Chevrolet when we get to the track this weekend. I’m excited to go there for the first time in an Xfinity car. The fans at Iowa are really awesome. The racetrack is kind of out in the middle of nowhere but people show up and support us which is really cool. I won the ARCA race there last year so that’s another track where I’m one-for one (smiles). I’m looking forward to figuring out that track in a new style of car. I’ll be going off the notes I had from the ARCA race last year and building on what I’ve learned so far this season.”

Chevrolet NASCAR Cup Series Statistics Manufacturers Championships:Total (1949-2024): 43First title for Chevrolet: 1958Highest number of consecutive titles: 13 (2003-15)Most recent: 2024 Years Won: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1978, 1979, 1980, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 Drivers Championships:Total (1949-2024): 33First Chevrolet champion: Buck Baker (1957)Highest number of consecutive titles: 7 (2005-11)Most recent: Kyle Larson (2021) Years Won: 1957, 1960, 1961, 1973, 1976, 1977, 1979, 1980, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016, 2020, 2021 Event Victories:Record for total race wins in single season: 26 (2007) 2025 STATISTICS: Wins: 9Poles: 10Laps Led: 2,748Top-Fives: 45Top-10s: 95Stage Wins: 20 CHEVROLET IN NASCAR CUMULATIVE STATISTICS:Total Chevrolet race wins: 875 (1949 to date)Poles won to date: 763Laps led to date: 255,459Top-fives to date: 4,414Top-10s to date: 9,102 Total NASCAR Cup Wins by Corporation, 1949 to Date: General Motors: 1,209 Chevrolet: 875 Pontiac: 154 Oldsmobile: 115 Buick: 65 Ford: 844 Ford: 744 Mercury: 96 Lincoln: 4 Fiat Chrysler Automobiles: 467 Dodge: 217 Plymouth: 191 Chrysler: 59 Toyota: 198

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Thrashin Supply’s Lance Coury Jr. and 2LaneLife’s Lance Coury Sr. Named Grand Marshals for Jackpine Gypsies Short Track I on Aug. 4

July 31, 2025 ARP Trish

Grand Marshals for the Jackpine Gypsies ST I in Sturgis, August 4 – Lance Coury, Sr. (left) and Lance Coury, Jr (right) [Photo: The Coury Family] DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 30, 2025) – Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, and AFT Events is thrilled to announce that the Coury family, including Lance Coury, Jr., founder of THRASHIN Supply, and Lance Coury, Sr., founder of 2LaneLife, will serve as Grand Marshals of the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track I on Monday, August 4, at the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in Sturgis, South Dakota. Together, the Courys rank among the most popular and influential figures in the V-Twin scene with a strong emphasis on heritage and family, and their presence at the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is destined to make waves. Joining them will be key members and associates from both THRASHIN Supply and 2LaneLife, who will bring their passion, style, and reach to one of the biggest motorcycle stages in the world. Lance Coury, Jr., has been riding since he was four and competing since he was five. An X-Games Gold Medalist among many other accomplishments as a professional freestyle motocross rider, Coury has since greatly expanded his brand and his reach as an entrepreneur. His company, THRASHIN Supply, designs and manufactures motorcycle parts and accessories primarily for the Harley-Davidson rider, and through it, Coury has built a massive fanbase via the vlogs featured on the company’s hugely popular YouTube Channel. While following a very different path, Lance Coury, Sr., has etched out a similar career. Initially a spectator and supporter of his son’s competitive two-wheeled career, Coury bought a Harley-Davidson in 2008 and immediately developed a passion for long-distance tours. Encouraged to share his accumulating and enthralling stories from the open road, he founded 2LaneLife with his partner Gaylin Anderson. Serving as a perfect introductory example of the type of content they produce, 2LaneLife’s YouTube Channel recently chronicled a 2400-mile, seven-day ride from Los Angeles to Milwaukee. THRASHIN Supply and 2LaneLife are currently embarking on a 1300-mile trek from California to Sturgis, a full extended family affair with the partners and associates of both teams riding together.  Fans at the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track I can expect to see the Courys and crew on site with the bikes they rode to the rally, celebrating a collaboration that highlights the intersection of tradition and innovation, precisely what Progressive AFT stands for. General Admission Grandstand tickets for the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track are just $25 (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult ticket) each day, while Reserved Grandstand tickets are available for $40 (all ages). Students can purchase a GA Grandstand ticket for just $20 at the gate the day of the event with a valid ID. H.O.G. members can purchase a H.O.G. Membership Ticket for $45 (all ages), which grants access to both a dedicated parking area and reserved seating. Fans also have the option to select Portable Stadium Chair Seating for $70 (all ages), which includes a complimentary stadium chair complete with the event logo that can be used in a tiered seating area along the front stretch of the track. Finally, the VIP Ticket ($99 all ages) provides access to a tented area that overlooks the track, complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, beer for purchase, and Reserved Grandstand seating. Click HERE to reserve your seats for the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track I. Click HERE  to reserve your seats for the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track II. You can also take advantage of a discounted rate by purchasing tickets for both days together HERE. Both days will see the gates open for fans at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

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THE MONTH AHEAD: World of Outlaws Set to Heat Up the Heartland in August

July 31, 2025 ARP Trish

CONCORD, NC (July 30, 2025) – It’s been a busy summer for the World of Outlaws Real American Beer Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision, and the grind won’t be slowing down anytime soon.

The August itinerary will take teams from northern Wisconsin down to Oklahoma, with eight nights of racing at five tracks in four states along the way.

Here’s a look at what’s ahead:

Cedar Lake Speedway | USA Nationals (July 31-Aug. 2): This year, the oldest event on the World of Outlaws schedule earns the distinction of being the highest-paying stop on tour as well.

The USA Nationals has been an annual tradition ever since Billy Moyer won the inaugural running in 1988 on his way to becoming the first fendered World of Outlaws champion. The event reaches new levels of prestige in 2025 with a record $100,000 going to the winner on Saturday night.

Bobby Pierce heads to Cedar Lake Speedway as the two-time and defending USA Nationals champion, and another triumph this weekend would make him the first driver to win three in a row since Moyer in 1988, 1989 and 1990. In addition to Pierce and Moyer, five other former USA Nationals champions – Tim McCreadie (2013), Jonathan Davenport (2015, 2021, 2022), Brandon Sheppard (2018), Chris Madden (2019) and Brandon Overton (2020) – will highlight a star-studded field chasing the first six-figure paycheck in Cedar Lake history.

For tickets and other event information, click here.

Highland Speedway | Beat the Heat 40 (Aug. 13): Any visit by The Most Powerful Late Models on the Planet to an Illinois bullring is expected to produce a can’t-miss thriller, and Highland Speedway is no different.

Last year’s Series debut saw Brian Shirley take the checkers 70 miles south of his Chatham, IL home. Not only will “Squirrel” enter this year’s Beat the Heat 40 as the reigning winner, it will also be his first race in front of his home fans since his long-awaited first Prairie Dirt Classic victory.

While the World of Outlaws is still new to Highland, the track has been a mainstay on the DIRTcar Summer Nationals schedule for more than 30 years, with Pierce, Dennis Erb Jr. and Tanner English each having a Highland Hell Tour win under their belt.

For tickets and other event information, click here.

Spoon River Speedway | Spoon River Showdown (Aug. 14): The second of back-to-back nights in the “Land of Lincoln” takes the Series north to Lewistown, IL for the first time ever.

Spoon River is known as one of the largest, fastest, and highest-banked tracks in the state, which should lead to plenty of multi-groove racing when the World of Outlaws come to town. Erb proved that earlier this year in MARS Late Model Championship competition, making a rare appearance on the cushion to hold off Shannon Babb and win his lone Feature so far this year.

Other Outlaws with past Spoon River wins include Summer Nationals victors Pierce, Shirley and English; plus Nick Hoffman, who has won four DIRTcar Summit Racing Equipment Modified Nationals races there and is also a two-time winner of the Plowboy Nationals, the track’s Labor Day weekend tradition.

For tickets and other event information, click here.

Maquoketa Speedway | Hawkeye 100 (Aug. 15-16): For the second year in a row, the late-summer swing through the Midwest will wrap up with two nights at Maquoketa Speedway.

The eastern Iowa fans get to see IMCA Late Models every Saturday night, but the open-motor cars have been a rare sight at Maquoketa over the years. Last year’s Hawkeye 100 marked the first national Late Model race in track history, with Shirley laying down the weekend sweep.

Earlier this year, Pierce made two trips to Maquoketa Victory Lane with a double-up of his own in the MARS season-opening weekend.

For tickets and other event information, click here.

Arrowhead Speedway | Sooner State Showdown (Aug. 22-23): The Series rounds out the month with its debut at one of the most pristine facilities in the sport.

The former West Siloam Springs Speedway reopened in 2023 following a major renovation and has been no stranger to major events since then. The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, American Sprint Car Series, Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota and the United States Modified Touring Series have all made stops at Arrowhead in the past two years, and the track will add a national Late Model race to its portfolio next month.

The Sooner State Showdown will be a co-sanction with the COMP Cams Super Dirt Series, which has raced at Arrowhead four times previously. Ethan Dotson won the tour’s debut at Arrowhead in 2023, making him the only Outlaw with a win on the current version of the track. However, Ryan Gustin found success in Colcord pre-renovations, winning a MARS race in 2013.

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WHAT TO WATCH FOR: 35th 360 Knoxville Nationals Hosts ASCS Regulars, Past Champs, Local Talent

July 31, 2025 ARP Trish

KNOXVILLE, IA (July 30, 2025) — The biggest 360 Sprint Car event in the world is here. The 35th annual Xtream Powered by Mediacom 360 Knoxville Nationals presented by Great Southern Bank goes green this weekend with a loaded roster of talent ready to battle for a possible $35,000 payday at Knoxville Raceway.

The three-day program spans Thursday–Saturday, July 31– Aug. 2 and begins with back-to-back preliminary night programs on Thursday–Friday. All drivers have been split into either Thursday or Friday’s preliminary program and will accumulate points for finishes in the qualifying and Feature events throughout the night. At the conclusion of Friday’s program, the top 20 drivers in event points will be locked into Saturday’s main event, while all other drivers will race the lower mains and vie for one of the final four transfer spots into the 30-lap, $20,000-to-win main event.

Each lap of Saturday night’s main event is worth an extra $500 for the leader of that lap, making for a possible $35,000 payday should the race winner lead all 30 circuits around the historic 1/2-mile oval.

Tickets for the event are on sale now at the link below and will also be sold at the track on race day. If you can’t be there, stream every lap live on DIRTVision.

360 NATIONALS TICKETS

Here are the drivers to watch and storylines to follow this weekend:

TEAM ASCS — The stars of the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) are set to take on an extra-large field of different contenders this weekend, ranging from Knoxville’s weekly competitors, various national 410 Sprint Car standouts and a slew of past champions. They’ll carry the ASCS flag with pride and represent the best in touring 360 Sprint Car racing.

Sam Hafertepe Jr. is the national ASCS points leader, currently riding one of the biggest hot streaks of his career with five wins in the last five Series events. The five-time Series champion from Sunnyvale, TX, has won four times in his career at Knoxville, including three 360 Nationals preliminary night Features in 2021, 2022 and 2024. He has never won on Saturday night in the marquee event, but was runner-up in the finale on two occasions, finishing second to Brian Brown in 2014 and Aaron Reutzel in 2022.

Blake Hahn currently sits second in the national ASCS points standings, coming off a runner-up finish last Saturday at Missouri’s Benton Speedway. The two-time Series champion from Sapulpa, OK, has never been to Victory Lane at The Sprint Car Capital of the World, but notched a top-five finish in a 410 Knoxville Nationals preliminary night Feature in 2023. His best 360 Nationals finish came in 2021, when he finished 16th in the finale.

Matt Covington ranks third in the current championship points standings and is one of only five drivers to win in national ASCS competition through the first 14 races on the schedule. The multi-time ASCS regional champion from Glenpool, OK, has a best career finish of third at the iconic half-mile oval — twice — which came in Midwest Power Series competition in 2022 and weekly action this past May. His best finish in the 360 Nationals finale was an 11th-place result one year ago.

Jason Martin has yet to reach Victory Lane with the Series through the first 14 races of 2025 but has a second-best five podium finishes among all drivers (tied with Hahn). His best 360 Nationals preliminary Feature finish came in 2023, when he ran sixth after starting on the outside pole. He’s made the main event on Saturday twice in his career, with results of 21st (2017) and 22nd (2023).

KNOXVILLE’S FINEST — Knoxville Raceway is home to a host of weekly 360 Sprint Car competitors chasing one of the most prestigious track championships for Sprint Cars in the entire country.

Tasker Phillips is the current track points leader and has been the standout driver in weekly 360 competition this year, winning three Features so far, including the most recent event last Saturday night. The Pleasantville, IA-native has a best career 360 Nationals finish of sixth, which came in the finale one year ago.

Clint Garner is second to almost nobody in accomplishments in 360 Sprint Car racing at Knoxville. The nine-time track champion from Sioux Falls, SD, is second on the track’s all-time 360 Feature wins list with 48 — the most recent of which came on May 3 — and is the 2017 360 Nationals winner. He currently sits second in track points standings.

Tyler Groenendyk has the second-most Feature wins (2) in weekly 360 competition so far this season and currently sits third in the track points standings. The 2021 Knoxville Pro Sprints track champion from Oskaloosa, IA, qualified for the 360 Nationals main event for the first time in his career one year ago and started seventh on the grid before dropping out and suffering a DNF.

Jamie Ball is a former 360 Nationals preliminary night Feature winner, taking the checkers on opening night of the 2016 edition of the event. The Knoxville, IA-native clinched his first career Knoxville track championship in the 360 Sprint Car division last year and currently sits tied for ninth on the track’s all-time 360 Feature wins with 11. His best 360 Nationals main event finish came in 2017, when he ran fifth.

410 INVASION — A host of current national 410 Sprint Car stars have pre-entered into 360 competition this weekend in the effort to get more laps turned at the track before the 410 Knoxville Nationals commences next week.

Leading those stars is none other than the three-time and defending 410 Knoxville Nationals champion, Kyle Larson. The 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion from Elk Grove, CA, has dominated Knoxville’s signature event in each of the past two years, leading all 50 laps to win both the 2023 and 2024 editions of the dirt crown jewel behind the wheel of car owner Paul Silva’s signature No. 57. Larson last raced the 360 Nationals in 2022 and finished 11th, and notched his best career finish of third in the 2013 edition to Kevin Swindell and winner Shane Stewart.

Rico Abreu has been one of national 410 Sprint Car racing’s most dominant drivers in 2025 with 10 Feature wins totaled. The 33-year-old from St. Helena, CA, has been strong at Knoxville this season as well, winning three of his five main event starts including one weekly 410 Feature in April, one with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series and a third coming last Saturday night with a 360c.i. engine under the hood. His lone 360 Nationals start came in 2023, when he climbed from last place (24th) on the starting grid all the way up to a third-place finish in the main event.

Brad Sweet has not entered the 360 Nationals in over a decade but will return to the roster in 2025 in pursuit of his sixth Sprint Car win of the season. The 39-year-old from Grass Valley, CA, won the 410 Knoxville Nationals in 2018, and is one name on a special list of drivers to have won multiple marquee events at Knoxville in two different car types, having also won the Midget Knoxville Nationals in 2008. The five-time World of Outlaws champion has made three starts at Knoxville with the Outlaws this season, resulting in finishes of ninth, 10th and fifth.

Before February, Justin Peck had never made a start with the American Sprint Car Series apart from his first two career 360 Nationals appearances in 2023 and 2024. But after a three-race sweep of the 2025 national ASCS season opener at Volusia Speedway Park, the Monrovia, IN-native will return to the 360 Sprint Car circuit this weekend, driving the Rudeen Racing No. 26, trying to better a career-best 13th-place finish in the 360 Nationals last year.

CHAMPIONS OF NATIONALS PAST — Several past 360 Nationals champions have pre-entered for the event, representing those who have conquered The Sprint Car Capital of the World with the big check on the line.

Terry McCarl has won the 360 Nationals main event a record five times in his career — an accolade he shares with 2009 American Sprint Car Series champion Shane Stewart. The 60-year-old from Altoona, IA, has long been one of Knoxville’s greatest drivers, capturing seven 410 track championships, one 360 track championship, 59 Feature wins in a 410 and 13 in a 360. He has not been to Victory Lane at the track so far this season but sits seventh in points with three top-five finishes, looking to better his 10th-place result in the 360 Nationals main event one year ago.

Gio Scelzi leads storylines in multiple categories coming into the weekend as both a 410 invader and a past 360 Nationals champion. The 23-year-old from Fresno, CA, two weeks ago ended his five-year tenure with Iowa-based KCP Racing, who have followed the World of Outlaws circuit since 2023, and has since joined Clauson Marshall Racing as the pilot of their flagship No. 7BC — the same car and team that won the 360 Nationals one year ago. Scelzi, a winner of the 360 Nationals himself in 2021, enters the 360 Nationals this weekend for the first time since a 10th-place finish driving the KCP No. 18 in 2022.

Brian Brown is another of Knoxville’s finest exports with 69 career 410 Feature wins (second on the all-time track wins list), 18 wins in a 360, five 410 track championships and the 2002 360 track championship. The two-time 360 Nationals champion from Higginsville MO, has been to Victory Lane at the track three times already this season and comes into the weekend trying to better his fourth-place finish in the main event from one year ago.

Kerry Madsen and James McFadden are two of the most established Australian 410 Sprint Car names in the field this weekend also carrying their flags as past 360 Nationals champions. Madsen, 53, a resident of Knoxville, is the 2005 Knoxville 410 track champion who won the 360 Nationals in 2020. McFadden, 36, of Alice Springs, NT, captured his lone 360 Nationals title the year prior to Madsen in 2019, and returns to the 360 field piloting the California-based Tarlton Racing No. 21T this weekend.

FRESH MEAT — Several new faces to the 360 Nationals are in the field this weekend, trying to make a name for themselves and claim the $500 bonus as JETCO Rookie of the Race.

Kaylee Bryson made her first career start at Knoxville on May 30, driving a third entry for Clint Garner Racing. The 24-year-old from Muskogee, OK, has spent the last several seasons bouncing around in several different motorsports disciplines since her departure from the full-time national Midget ranks following the 2022 season, making starts in everything from TransAm cars on road courses, Dirt Late Models, Champ Cars, Three-Quarter Midgets, and her most recent venture with Stock Cars, making her ARCA Menards Series debut at Sonoma Raceway two weeks ago. She’ll return to the seat of the Clint Garner Racing No. 11B at Knoxville this weekend.

Chase Dietz is joining the party and representing the Pennsylvania Posse in Knoxville this weekend for the first time in his career. The 25-year-old from York, PA, will return to the track for the first time since his debut at the 410 Nationals in 2023, this time driving his own car and 360c.i. engine under the hood. Dietz has done well against the Pennsylvania regulars this season, capturing six checkered flags combined at tracks including Lincoln Speedway, Port Royal Speedway, Selinsgrove Speedway and Path Valley Speedway Park.

Brandon Spithaler has raced Knoxville before, but never in August. The 33-year-old from Butler, PA, made his debut at the track in July 2018 with the All Star Circuit of Champions and spent seven years away before making his return this past April with the World of Outlaws. His 2025 season has been comprised of mostly Ohio and Western Pennsylvania 410 Sprint Car starts, which have produced two wins at Lernerville Speedway and Pittsburgh Pennsylvania Motor Speedway.

Ryder Laplante is one of four teenage racers competing for the national ASCS Rookie of the Year title and this weekend makes his first-ever visit to Knoxville. The 18-year-old from Calera, OK, currently sits third in the ROTY points standings with four top-10 finishes through the first 14 races on the schedule.

Daison Pursley has won at Knoxville in Non-Wing Sprint Car competition before and will try for his first with the wing on this weekend. The 20-year-old from Locust Grove, OK, took the checkered in the United States Auto Club (USAC) Sprint Car Championship event known as the Cornbelt Clashat the track in June 2024. This weekend, he’ll pilot the Buch Motorsports No. 13 in his first starts with ASCS since the season opener at Volusia in February.

THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

WHEN AND WHERE

Thursday–Saturday, July 31–Aug. 2 at Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, IA

TRACK FACTS

• 1/2-mile, semi-banked oval

• Track Record: 15.520 seconds set by Joe Beaver on June 15, 2013

ON THE INTERNET
X — @ASCSRacing
Instagram — @ascs_racing
Facebook — @AmericanSprintCarSeries
YouTube — @AmericanSprintCarSeries
DIRTVision — DIRTVision.com (Platinum annual FAST PASS for $299 or monthly FAST PASS for $39/month)

CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (14/34 Races)

Sam Hafertepe Jr. (1689pts)
Blake Hahn 1516pts (–173)
Matt Covington 1487pts (–202)
Jason Martin 1416pts (–273)
Garrett Benson 1300pts (–389)
Brady Baker 1286pts (–403)
Austyn Gossel 1283pts (–406)
Zach Blurton 1267pts (–422)
Kyler Johnson 1264pts (–425)
Landon Britt 1235pts (–454)

FEATURE WINNERS (5 Drivers):

Sam Hafertepe Jr. (8 wins)
Justin Peck (3 wins)
Matt Covington, Zach Blurton, Blake Hahn (1 win)

FEATURE LAPS LED (8 Drivers)

Sam Hafertepe Jr. (173 laps)
Justin Peck (65 laps)
Matt Covington (55 laps)
Zach Blurton (25 laps)
Brian Brown (15 laps)
Blake Hahn, Austyn Gossel (13 laps)
Jason Martin (11 laps)

QUICK TIME AWARDS (9 Drivers)

Sam Hafertepe Jr. (3 awards)
Matt Covington, Seth Bergman, Blake Hahn (2 awards)
Emerson Axsom, Austin McCarl, Kyler Johnson, Roger Crockett, Jason Martin (1 award)

HEAT RACE WINNERS (27 Drivers)

Matt Covington (8 wins)
Sam Hafertepe Jr. (7 wins)
Garrett Benson (4 wins)
Justin Peck, Blake Hahn (3 wins)
Scotty Thiel, Whit Gastineau, Seth Bergman, Jason Martin, Hank Davis, Sean McClelland, Harli White, Austyn Gossel (2 wins)
Chris Martin, Cole Macedo, Emerson Axsom, Austin McCarl, Caleb Saiz, Bradley Fezard, Bryan Gossel, Jake Bubak, Jordon Mallett, Cameron Martin, Bryant Wiedeman, Sterling Cling, Tucker Boutlon, Landon Britt (1 win)

DASH APPEARANCES (42 Drivers)

Sam Hafertepe Jr. (12 appearances)
Matt Covington (10 appearances)
Blake Hahn (7 appearances)
Garrett Benson (5 appearances)
Seth Bergman, Austyn Gossel (4 appearances)
Justin Peck, Kyler Johnson, Whit Gastineau, Jason Martin (3 appearances)
Austin McCarl, Emerson Axsom, Scotty Thiel, Danny Dietrich, Cole Macedo, Brady Bacon, Daison Pursley, Jordon Mallett, Sean McClelland (2 appearances)
Hank Davis, Jordan Thomas, Scotty Thiel, Chris Martin, Brian Brown, Caleb Saiz, Chance Morton, Bradley Fezard, Zach Blurton, Bryan Gossel, Jake Bubak, Roger Crockett, Brady Baker, Bryant Wiedeman, Joey Danley, Cameron Martin, Alex Sewell, Steven Shebester, Harli White, Tucker Boulton, Landon Britt, Sterling Cling, Scotty Milan (1 appearance)

SMITH TITANIUM LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (8 Drivers)

Blake Hahn, Emerson Axsom, Tyler Clem, Kyle Clark, Bryant Wiedeman, Jason Martin, Harli White, Connor Lee (1 win)

HARD CHARGER AWARDS (10 Drivers)

Brady Baker (4 awards)
Ryder Laplante (2 awards)
Austin McCarl, Emerson Axsom, Blake Hahn, Landon Britt, Jordon Mallett, Jason Martin, Brad Bowden, Stu Snyder (1 award)

PODIUM FINISHES (18 Drivers)

Sam Hafertepe Jr. (11 podiums)
Blake Hahn, Jason Martin (5 podiums)
Matt Covington (4 podiums)
Justin Peck (3 podiums)
Brian Brown (2 podiums)
Emerson Axsom, Cole Macedo, Austin McCarl, Seth Bergman, Sean McClelland, Zach Blurton, Austyn Gossel, Kyler Johnson, Brady Baker, Cameron Martin, Joey Danley, Garrett Benson (1 podium)

2025 SCHEDULE + WINNERS

Race Number. Day, Date / Track / City, State / Winner (Total Wins)

Thu, Jan. 30 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Justin Peck (1)
Fri, Jan. 31 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Justin Peck (2)
Sat, Feb. 1 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Justin Peck (3)
Sat, April 12 / Salina Highbanks Speedway / Salina, OK / Sam Hafertepe Jr. (1)
Sat, May 10 / Paducah International Raceway / Paducah, KY / Matt Covington (1)
Fri, May 30 / Salt City Speedway / Hutchinson, KS / Zach Blurton (1)
Sat, May 31 / Dodge City Raceway Park / Dodge City, KS / Sam Hafertepe Jr. (2)
Sat, June 7 / Texarkana 67 Speedway / Texarkana, AR / Sam Hafertepe Jr. (3)
Sat, June 21 / Batesville Motor Speedway / Locust Grove, AR / Blake Hahn (1)
Thu, July 3 / Belleville High Banks / Belleville, KS / Sam Hafertepe Jr. (4)
Fri, July 4 / Belleville High Banks / Belleville, KS / Sam Hafertepe Jr. (5)
Fri, July 18 / Creek County Speedway / Sapulpa, OK / Sam Hafertepe Jr. (6)
Fri, July 25 / Windy Hollow Speedway / Owensboro, KY / Sam Hafertepe Jr. (7)
Sat, July 26 / Benton Speedway / Benton, MO / Sam Hafertepe Jr. (8)

Uncategorized

Pivotal Week Awaits Grand National Championship at Sturgis Motorcycle Rally

July 31, 2025 ARP Trish

Briar Bauman (3) leads the field during the Mission AFT SuperTwins Main Event at Lucas Oil Speedway on July 18. [Photo: American Flat Track/Tim Lester]

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (July 30, 2025) – The superstars of Progressive American Flat Track, sanctioned by AMA Pro Racing, are preparing to undertake a full-scale invasion of the 85th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, with three rounds to be contested in a five-day span. The first two of those three come in the form of the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track I & II doubleheader, which will take place at the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club in Sturgis, South Dakota on Monday, August 4, and Tuesday, August 5.

History Lesson

Over the decades, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has grown to become a cultural phenomenon of global proportions, attracting some half-million two-wheeled enthusiasts on an annual basis. Somewhat obscured in that rise, however, is the rally’s intrinsic, founding relationship to racing. 

Progressive AFT has done much to reconnect the rally to those roots in recent years, and reconnecting with the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club is an important step in furthering that mission.

The rally was first launched in 1938 by local racer, dealer, and race promoter J.C. “Pappy” Hoel by way of the Jackpine Gypsies Motorcycle Club which he’d founded just a couple years prior. The rally was based around a Half-Mile dirt track race that was won by Johnny Spiegelhoff, who would later go on to win the Daytona 200 and earn himself a slot in the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame. 

Approximately two hundred people attended that first year, which was enough to convince Hoel and the Jackpine Gypsies that it was an event worth continuing. 

The Grand National Championship too, has important historical ties to Sturgis. The series raced in Sturgis in its first two years as a season-long endeavor. The victory in ‘54 was taken by six-time Grand National race winner Al Gunter on a BSA, while Bob Tindall rode his Harley-Davidson to the ‘55 win – the first and only triumph of his premier-class career.

Of course, there was much racing history made between 1938 and 1954, with even more added since, especially in recent years. 

Who will be the next to add their name to Sturgis racing immortality?

Moving Triple Time

Don’t forget, this week’s Sturgis triple will kick off with the second-ever Mission Triple Challenge, which will be featured in the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track I. 

The format – which ramps up the intensity, pressure, and drama via three increasingly lengthy and important Main Events to determine the night’s ultimate victor – proved a smashing success in its Lima debut.

Can you imagine just how intense it’ll be when utilized in the close confines of a Short Track? 

Well, we won’t have to imagine for much longer.

Standing Tall at Short Tracks

Briar Bauman (No. 3 RWR/Parts Plus/Latus Motors Harley-Davidson XG750R) comes into the week with a narrow Mission AFT SuperTwins title lead built in large part on his Short Track prowess.

Bauman has stated that Rick Ware Racing elected to field the Harley-Davidson XR750R in 2025 in part due to their estimation that it would prove a strong mount for this year’s Short Track-heavy calendar. They’ve been proven prescient in that regard, with the team racking up four ST victories already this season.

Those wins have shot Bauman’s career tally up to nine Short Track wins (earned at seven different venues, by the way), putting him equal with ST masters Chris Carr, Henry Wiles, and Jared Mees for most all time in the discipline.

Considering his current form and the fact that he has two cracks at it in Sturgis, it would almost be an upset if Bauman leaves this year’s rally not standing alone atop that particular career leaderboard.

While career achievements are nice, Bauman’s focus is obviously on the championship fight at hand. Fortunately, those two go hand-in-hand, as the three-race run in Sturgis will no doubt have massive title implications. 

And if he doesn’t take those wins, it’s a pretty strong bet they’ll instead go to the rider currently four points behind him.

Roller Reversal

Between them, Bauman and Dallas Daniels (No. 32 Estenson Racing Yamaha MT-07 DT) have accounted for all nine wins in 2025.

The most recent went to Bauman by 0.329 seconds over Daniels, although that short summary does a poor job of conveying how things actually played out at Lucas Oil Speedway.

Over the past two-and-a half-seasons, it’s been Bauman who has endured more than his fair share of roller-coaster days, struggling to find pace only to pull it all together at the last minute and salvage whatever he might in the Main Event (note: he’s salvaged outright victory on more than one of those occasions).

Daniels, meanwhile, has traditionally been historically steady, at or near the front throughout. On his good days, he wins. On his bad days, he finishes second, or… (gasp…) third, with little indication the result will be anything less than that in the lead up to the Main.

In fact, almost all of his race-related drama took place out of sight when a training accident most likely cost him the 2024 Grand National Championship.

Ignoring the races missed to injury, he’s racked up a nearly unthinkable 22-race podium streak.

Even if you don’t like being charitable and consider that streak null and void due to the rounds him missed while healing up, it still splits into a ten-race streak (which would rank as the fifth longest of the reunification era (2010-present)), and an active twelve-race streak (which would be third best and just two short of Mees’ alt-history record of 14).

However, Daniels saw that streak (whichever one you view as legitimate, 22 or 12) put in serious jeopardy at Lucas Oil Speedway. There he was well off his usual pace, hovering around tenth throughout qualifying, finishing fifth in his heat, and opening the Main Event from Row 3.

Daniels pulled a Bauman, however, slicing and dicing his way to the front and very nearly running Bauman down at the checkered flag.

While he’d likely want to avoid a repeat of that day, he also probably feels comforted knowing that he and his Estenson Racing crew can pull it off if necessary.

As he said after the race, “The way I look at it is, we took a day where we should have been probably 9th or 10th, and we put it on the podium. That’s what teams like ours do.”

H.O.G. Wild

The once-maligned Harley-Davidson XG750R now leads the 2025 Grand National Championship fight with five victories in nine races.

Of course, all have come courtesy of Bauman, while Brandon Robinson (No. 44 Mission Roof Systems Harley-Davidson XG750R), who has an extensive history with the machine, is still gunning for a first on the bike.

He’s come awfully close, but now he’s starting to feel the rounds tick away as he aims to finally accomplish a goal nine years in the making.

Robinson, who has scored two or more wins in five of the previous six seasons, has no intention of going winless in 2025. And a victory in Sturgis would be hugely popular with the droves of Harley faithful expected to arrive in town, generally, and at the racetrack, specifically. 

A win or two would also do the Mission Roof Systems pilot quite a bit of good in the battle for third in the championship standings, a struggle that tightened up considerably after he ran into mechanical issues last time out.

He’s now just seven points clear of Davis Fisher (No. 67 Rackley Racing/Bob Lanphere’s BMC Racing KTM 790 Duke), and 15 points up on Jarod VanDerKooi (No. 20 Fastrack Racing/Wally Brown Racing KTM 790 Duke) after the KTM-mounted duo enjoyed bounce-back weekends at Lucas Oil Speedway.

Breakthrough Breakdown

Mission AFT SuperTwins rookie James Ott (No. 19 G&G Racing Yamaha MT-07) and sophomore Declan Bender (No. 70 Memphis Shades/Luczak Racing Yamaha MT-07) enjoyed simultaneous breakthroughs when they flanked fellow Yamaha ace Dallas Daniels to earn their first-career premier-class podiums together at DuQuoin.

Now the two seek to really make their mark in the record books, each still on the quest to secure their maiden Progressive AFT wins in any class.

They’re not alone in hunting for milestones.

Trent Lowe (No. 48 American Honda/Progressive Insurance Honda Transalp), who finished fourth at Lucas Oil Speedway, is zeroing in on both his first-career Mission AFT SuperTwins podium and Honda’s first premier-class twin-cylinder podium since Rich King rode the RS750 to the box in ‘98.

Dan Bromley (No. 62 Memphis Shades/Vinson Construction Suzuki GSX-8S), who finished fourth at the Lima Half-Mile I, could earn his first-ever Mission AFT SuperTwins podium and give Suzuki its first premier-class twin-cylinder podium since Briar Bauman got his first-ever premier-class podium on the SV1000 in 2013.

And Max Whale (No. 18 Moto Anatomy X Powered by Royal Enfield 650), who finished fifth at the Lima Half-Mile I, could earn his first-ever Mission AFT SuperTwins podium and take Royal Enfield to the premier-class podium for just the second time in its history.

A Party Inside a Party Inside a Party

The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has a well-earned reputation for nonstop fun and excitement and both days at the track will prove no exception. 

The Fan Party – complete with a Rider Q&A session – will take place leading up to Opening Ceremonies each night.

And those in attendance will also be able to enjoy big-screen coverage of all the race action, the Kids Zone with a bounce house and face painting, DJ’d music, designated motorcycle parking and a variety of food and beverage options.

Get Your Tickets Now

General Admission Grandstand tickets for the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track are just $25 (kids 12 and under free with a paid adult ticket) each day, while Reserved Grandstand tickets are available for $40 (all ages). Students can purchase a GA Grandstand ticket for just $20 at the gate the day of the event with a valid ID.

H.O.G. members can purchase a H.O.G. Membership Ticket for $45 (all ages), which grants access to both a dedicated parking area and reserved seating.

Fans also have the option to select Portable Stadium Chair Seating for $70 (all ages), which includes a complimentary stadium chair complete with the event logo that can be used in a tiered seating area along the front stretch of the track.

Finally, the VIP Ticket ($99 all ages) provides access to a tented area that overlooks the track, complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages, beer for purchase, and Reserved Grandstand seating.

Click  HERE  to reserve your seats for the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track I.

Click HERE  to reserve your seats for the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track II.

You can also take advantage of a discounted rate by purchasing tickets for both days together HERE.

Both days will see the gates open for fans at 6:30 p.m. ET/3:30 p.m. PT with Opening Ceremonies scheduled to begin at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

How to Watch

FloRacing

For those that can’t catch the live action from the circuit, FloRacing is the live streaming home of Progressive AFT. Motorsports fans can subscribe to FloRacing to enjoy over 1,000 live motorsports events in 2025. FloSports is available by visiting https://flosports.link/aft or by downloading the FloSports app on iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire and Chromecast.

FS1

FOX Sports coverage of the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track I, featuring in-depth features and thrilling onboard cameras, will premiere on FS1 on Saturday, August 16, at 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT), with the Jackpine Gypsies Short Track II set to air the following day, Sunday, August 17, at 1:00 p.m. ET (10:00 a.m. PT).

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