World of Outlaws

Contact: Anthony Corini
World of Outlaws PR
408-825-3360 | acorini@dirtcar.com

Please click here for the original World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series article

Winner Greg Hodnett (Paul Arch Photo)

Greg Hodnett Leads All 25 Laps to Score Night One of Knoxville Nationals

KNOXVILLE, IA – August 8, 2018 – Greg Hodnett got the early jump and never looked back to score Night One of the 5-Hour ENERGY Knoxville Nationals for the Pennsylvania Posse. Tim Shaffer threw everything he had for the lead, but settled for second with Kyle Larson, who ended the night as the high point guy, settling for third.

Brock Zearfoss hit the 8-car invert for the Feature perfectly, earning the pole for the 25-Lap Feature in his first Knoxville Nationals appearance, which set up an all Pennsylvania front row.

Hodnett drag-raced with Zearfoss down the long Knoxville Raceway front stretch to lead into turn one and subsequently the opening circuit. Hodnett and Zearfoss paced the field but as the duo began to approach heavy lapped traffic, the Red Flag flew for Clyde Knipp and Jamie Ball, who got upside down in turn three with 8 laps complete.

Both drivers walked away from the accident unscathed. When action resumed, Tim Shaffer pounced and got by Zearfoss for second and began chasing down Hodnett for the lead.

Austin McCarl brought out the caution with 11 laps remaining. Hodnett powered away on the restart, as Shaffer, Kyle Larson and 16-year-old Giovanni Scelzi went three-wide down the backstretch for second, inciting a roar from the Knoxville Raceway crowd.

Shaffer muscled his way into turn three to maintain the runner-up position and once again set his sights on Hodnett, who was establishing a strong pace.

Shaffer closed in on Hodnett and was poised to make a move before the final caution of the night flew for Dominic Scelzi with six laps remaining. Hodnett went to the cushion in turn one as Shaffer tried to stick his Demyan-Rudzik Racing No.49X to the bottom.

The duo switched lines on the other side of the Knoxville Raceway as Hodnett was glued to the bottom. Shaffer threw everything he had at Hodnett one last time in turn one, but couldn’t complete the pass for the lead as Hodnett went on to win his second career 410 Sprint Car Feature at Knoxville Raceway by less than a half of a second.

Hodnett described the last few laps as just hanging on, “I had no clue where anyone else was running, I was just trying to drive it hard. Seeing guys like Shaffer and Larson climb up the board is pretty tough, because you don’t know where, while you are running out front,” Hodnett said in the post-race interview.

“I really do like Knoxville, it tends to make you drive pretty straight and hard, which is what I like to do. I’ve always felt comfortable here and I really enjoy the atmosphere,” the pilot of the Heffner Racing No.27 added.

Tim Shaffer, the 2010 Knoxville Nationals Champion, settled for second and was in good spirits. “Greg was rolling pretty good, I had to run the car a little harder to try and close in, but Greg wasn’t making any mistakes. We had speed early this year but haven’t had as much lately. My guys have been working hard and trying to find speed at the same and we did that tonight,” Shaffer said.

Kyle Larson ended his night on the podium, but more importantly as the high point man for the night with 475 markers. “It’s cool to be the high point man after your Qualifying night, I doubt it will stand after tomorrow, but hopefully I’ll be in the second row,” Larson said.

“Prelim nights are obviously so important for everyone, but it’s essential for me to lock-in. With my NASCAR schedule, I can’t come back Friday, so I knew that I needed to lock-in for Saturday’s Feature or I would be watching. And I don’t want to watch on Saturday,” Larson added with a smile.

Giovanni Scelzi continues to impress the Sprint Car world and came home fourth in his first Knoxville Nationals appearance aboard the Indy Race Parts No.71. Donny Schatz picked up the KSE Hard Charger on the evening, blasting from 21st to complete the top five and secure himself 474 points, good enough for second on the night. Ian Madsen charged from 22nd to sixth with Lucas Wolfe hanging on for seventh after his top wing panel collapsed late in the race.

Aaron Reutzel, Kerry Madsen and Brock Zearfoss completed the top ten. Logan Schuchart set fast time over the field but after winning the Last Chance Showdown failed to go to the scales, thus disqualifying him from the event and burying him in the point standings. Schuchart owned up the mistake and hopes to prove himself Friday.

Feature Finish: 1. 27 – Greg Hodnett; 2. 49X – Tim Shaffer; 3. 57 – Kyle Larson; 4. 71 – Giovanni Scelzi; 5. 15 – Donny Schatz; 6. 18 – Ian Madsen; 7. 24W – Lucas Wolfe; 8. 87 – Aaron Reutzel; 9. 2M – Kerry Madsen; 10. 4 – Brock Zearfoss; 11. 9 – Daryn Pittman; 12. 29 – Willie Croft; 13. 5H – Sammy Walsh; 14. 99 – Brady Bacon; 15. 09 – Matt Juhl; 16. 11 – Roger Crockett; 17. 71X – Kevin Thomas, Jr.; 18. 40 – Clint Garner; 19. 15M – Bobby Mincer; 20. 85 – Chase Wanner; 21. 41S – Dominic Scelzi; 22. 2KS – Austin McCarl; 23. 10 – Clyde Knipp; 24. 5J – Jamie Ball; Lap Leaders 1-25 Greg Hodnett; KSE Hard Charger Donny Schatz (+16)

Top 10 in Knoxville Nationals Points:
1. Kyle Larson - 475
2. Donny Schatz - 474
3. Aaron Reutzel - 473
4. Kerry Madsen - 473
5. Tim Shaffer - 471
6. Giovanni Scelzi - 468
7. Ian Madsen - 467
8. Greg Hodnett - 462
9. Lucas Wolfe - 453
10. Daryn Pittman - 452

World of Outlaws

Contact: Anthony Corini
World of Outlaws PR
408-825-3360 | acorini@dirtcar.com

Please click here for the original World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series article

Winner Logan Schuchart (Dave Biro Photo)

Logan Schuchart Tames Pevely for $20,000 Ironman 55 Victory

PEVELY, MO – August 4, 2018 – Logan Schuchart passed Daryn Pittman on Lap 15 and never looked back to claim the 2018 Ironman 55 at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55, worth $20,000. The final 42 laps went non-stop as Schuchart negotiated lap traffic to claim his first World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series Feature of 2018. Kasey Kahne Racing teammates Brad Sweet and Daryn Pittman completed the podium.

Schuchart won the Sears Craftsman Dash, earning the pole for the 55-Lap Feature alongside Daryn Pittman. Pittman, who won at Pevely in April, got the jump on the initial start to lead the opening circuit.

Pittman reached lapped traffic by Lap 5 around the tight-quartered bullring with Schuchart close in tow. Schuchart pulled even with the 2013 Outlaw Champion on Lap 9, but couldn’t make the pass.

Pittman and Schuchart were side-by-side for the better part of the next four laps before the lone caution of the event flew with 13 complete for Aaron Reutzel.

Pittman maintained control on the restart, but Schuchart remained persistent and took command of the field on Lap 15 through turn two. Pittman tried to get back by the No.1S, but ended up losing second to his teammate Brad Sweet in the process.

Following Reutzel’s caution, the remaining 42 laps went non-stop as the Ironman 55 lived up to its name as the most grueling event on the World of Outlaws schedule.

Schuchart navigated lapped traffic like a veteran. As rubber began to set in around the I-55 Raceway in the closing laps, Schuchart made the decision to follow lapped traffic and force Sweet and Pittman to find a way around him.

“I tried to hold my line as the rubber set in and force someone to go around me,” Schuchart said in reference to the closing laps.

Sweet and Pittman closed in on Schuchart, but could do nothing but watch the Shark Racing No.1S capture his first win of the season. Both Sweet and Pittman were within a second of Schuchart at the checkered flag.

“Man, this is awesome. I feel like we have the best team we’ve ever had. This is Drydene Performance’s first Outlaw win and we can’t thank them enough for their support,” an exhausted, but elated, Schuchart said in Victory Lane.

“This is one of the big ones – Ironman 55. It’s tough, it wears you out. It’s awesome to get one of these wins and a big one at that,” Schuchart added.

Sweet settled for second but was pleased with his car speed. “I was biding my time, waiting to see if he was going to make a mistake and he never gave us a real good shot to get by him, he set a really good pace up top,” Sweet said before expressing his excitement to get to Knoxville for the Nationals.

Pittman led early and finished on the podium with his KKR teammate. “My car was getting better as the race went on, I’m a little frustrated with myself,” Pittman said. “I wasn’t quite quick enough on top on that restart and then I broke my momentum and Brad got by me. I’m really happy with our car right now, we’ll take third and go to Knoxville and try and improve there,” Pittman added in good spirits.

James McFadden came from 11th to finish fourth with Schuchart’s teammate Jacob Allen completing the top five. Brent Marks earned KSE Hard Charger honors surging from 22nd to ninth.

It was announced that tonight was the largest crowd in Ironman 55 history and the World of Outlaws will return once again to Pevely on August 2nd and 3rd of 2019. Next up for The Greatest Show on Dirt is a trip to the Sprint Car Capitol of the World for the biggest race of the year – the Knoxville Nationals, which will pay $150,000 to the winner. After Nationals, the Outlaws will begin a trek to the West Coast starting in North and South Dakota.

Feature (55 Laps): 1. 1S-Logan Schuchart [1][$20,000]; 2. 49-Brad Sweet [5][$6,000]; 3. 9-Daryn Pittman [2][$3,750]; 4. 3H-James McFadden [11][$3,250]; 5. 1A-Jacob Allen [6][$2,750]; 6. 18-Ian Madsen [10][$2,500]; 7. 15-Donny Schatz [3][$2,400]; 8. 5-David Gravel [9][$2,300]; 9. 19-Brent Marks [22][$2,200]; 10. 9X-Paul Nienhiser [14][$2,100]; 11. 2-Shane Stewart [21][$1,700]; 12. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [4][$1,400]; 13. 24-Rico Abreu [13][$1,300]; 14. 49X-Tim Shaffer [8][$1,200]; 15. 7S-Jason Sides [23][$1,100]; 16. W20-Greg Wilson [17][$1,000]; 17. 48-Danny Dietrich [20][$1,000]; 18. 11K-Kraig Kinser [12][$1,000]; 19. 51B-Joe B [15][$1,000]; 20. 21X-Carson Short [18][$1,000]; 21. 91-Cale Thomas [19][$1,000]; 22. 87-Aaron Reutzel [7][$1,000]; 23. 79J-Jacob Patton [24][$1,000]; 24. 35-Jamie Veal [16][$1,000];
Lap Leaders: Daryn Pittman 1-14, Logan Schuchart 15-55;
KSE Hard Charger Award: 19-Brent Marks[+13]

Qualifying: 1. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 11.668; 2. 15-Donny Schatz, 11.742; 3. 1A-Jacob Allen, 11.772; 4. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild, 11.795; 5. 49-Brad Sweet, 11.862; 6. 9-Daryn Pittman, 11.895; 7. 18-Ian Madsen, 11.912; 8. 48-Danny Dietrich, 11.924; 9. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 11.928; 10. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 11.93; 11. 9X-Paul Nienhiser, 11.948; 12. 5-David Gravel, 11.95; 13. 91-Cale Thomas, 12.005; 14. 3H-James McFadden, 12.011; 15. 7S-Jason Sides, 12.019; 16. 24-Rico Abreu, 12.028; 17. 2-Shane Stewart, 12.029; 18. 21X-Carson Short, 12.072; 19. 19-Brent Marks, 12.149; 20. W20-Greg Wilson, 12.15; 21. 71M-Paul May, 12.164; 22. 35-Jamie Veal, 12.168; 23. 49X-Tim Shaffer, 12.197; 24. 51B-Joe B, 12.552; 25. 15M-Steve Short, 13.144; 26. 79J-Jacob Patton, 13.192; 27. 28AU-Allan Woods, NT

Heat #1 (10 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer: 1. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [2]; 2. 1S-Logan Schuchart [1]; 3. 87-Aaron Reutzel [4]; 4. 18-Ian Madsen [3]; 5. 24-Rico Abreu [6]; 6. 35-Jamie Veal [8]; 7. 19-Brent Marks [7]; 8. 91-Cale Thomas [5]; 9. 15M-Steve Short [9]

Heat #2 (10 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer: 1. 49-Brad Sweet [2]; 2. 15-Donny Schatz [1]; 3. 49X-Tim Shaffer [8]; 4. 3H-James McFadden [5]; 5. 9X-Paul Nienhiser [4]; 6. W20-Greg Wilson [7]; 7. 79J-Jacob Patton [9]; 8. 48-Danny Dietrich [3]; 9. 2-Shane Stewart [6]

Heat #3 (10 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer: 1. 1A-Jacob Allen [1]; 2. 9-Daryn Pittman [2]; 3. 5-David Gravel [4]; 4. 11K-Kraig Kinser [3]; 5. 51B-Joe B [8]; 6. 21X-Carson Short [6]; 7. 71M-Paul May [7]; 8. 7S-Jason Sides [5]; 9. 28AU-Allan Woods [9]

Sears Craftsman Dash (8 Laps): 1. 1S-Logan Schuchart [3]; 2. 9-Daryn Pittman [5]; 3. 15-Donny Schatz [1]; 4. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [4]; 5. 49-Brad Sweet [6]; 6. 1A-Jacob Allen [2]

Last Chance Showdown (12 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer: 1. 91-Cale Thomas [2][-]; 2. 48-Danny Dietrich [1][-]; 3. 2-Shane Stewart [4][-]; 4. 19-Brent Marks [5][-]; 5. 7S-Jason Sides [3][-]; 6. 79J-Jacob Patton [8][-]; 7. 71M-Paul May [6][$300]; 8. 15M-Steve Short [7][$250]; 9. 28AU-Allan Woods [9][$225]

World of Outlaws

Contact: Anthony Corini
World of Outlaws PR
408-825-3360 | acorini@dirtcar.com

Please click here for the original World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series article

Winner Rico Abreu (Dave Biro Photo)

Rico Abreu Wins Second Consecutive Ironman at I-55

PEVELY, MO – August 4, 2018 – Rico Abreu took the lead away from Kraig Kinser on Lap 21 and held off charges from Tim Shaffer and David Gravel to win his first World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series Feature of the 2018 season. Abreu survived two Gravel slide jobs in the closing laps and held off the Connecticut driver for his second consecutive Ironman 55 triumph for a $20,000 payday. Jacob Allen completed the podium.

Abreu won the Sears Craftsman Dash to earn the pole for the 55-Lap Feature, alongside Outlaw veteran Kraig Kinser. Kinser got the jump on the initial start and powered away in search of his first victory of the season.

Kinser reached lapped traffic on Lap 5 on the high-banked ¼ mile and negotiated it well, establishing an early lead.

Kinser turned under an Abreu slide job on Lap 17 to maintain the race lead. Abreu cleared Kinser to take the lead two laps later, but a caution for a slowing Joe B. Miller negated the pass and allowed Kinser to maintain the lead with 36 laps remaining.

The ensuing restart saw Kinser and Abreu exchange slide jobs for the lead with Kinser holding the lead on Lap 20, but Abreu wrestling it away the following circuit.

Brent Marks brought out the caution on Lap 27 with a flat right rear, setting up the first of many double-file restarts where Abreu would be in control. Each time, Abreu elected the bottom.

Tim Shaffer, who originally started 12th, charged from fourth on the restart to second and took a look under Abreu for the lead with a brilliant restart, but settled for second as Abreu powered away.

The action was halted for Hunter Schuerenburg, who got upside in turn two, on Lap 33. Schuerenburg was uninjured but was done for the event. Turn two proved treacherous for both Paul Nienhiser and Sheldon Haudenschild as well, as both drivers ended the evening on the hook after contact with the wall.

Haudenschild’s incident was on Lap 42, which set up a 13-lap dash to the finish for $20,000.

Abreu powered away on the restart in clean air but would need to navigate lapped traffic one more time to secure the victory.

With five laps remaining, Abreu approached heavy lapped traffic, allowing Gravel to close in. Gravel attempted slide jobs on Lap 50 and 51, but Abreu stayed in the gas and powered around the CJB Motorsports No.5 to maintain the lead. Abreu’s margin of victory was .655 seconds, as he claimed the Ironman 55 trophy for the second consecutive time.

“Man, that was a lot of fun. Hats off to my guys, that was the best I’ve felt in a long time. It’s all about working together and getting chemistry,” Abreu said in Victory Lane. “Back-to-back Ironman wins is awesome, but we’re not done yet, we’ve got another one tonight,” the St. Helena, CA native added with a smile.

Abreu applauded David Gravel for racing him clean at the end, “If the roles were reversed, it would be the same way."

Being so close to victory, Gravel was understandably disappointed to come up short. “I really thought I had him cleared and he got back by me. I’m a little mad at myself for not winning this, it sucks to finish second. But I am really happy for Drew [Warner] for him to get his first career Outlaw victory and for Rico,” Gravel added in good spirits. Drew Warner is the crew chief for Rico and is the son of Ricky Warner, the long-time wrench for Donny Schatz.

Jacob Allen continues to chip away in search of his first career Outlaw victory and came home with another podium finish. “This is a great race track and I think most drivers would agree it’s a lot of fun. Congrats to Rico and David, it was a good race for 55 laps,” Allen said in Victory Lane.

Allen’s Shark Racing teammate finished fourth with Tim Shaffer coming home fifth. Shaffer’s efforts were good enough to earn KSE Hard Charger honors.

The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series returns to Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 tomorrow evening, Saturday, August 4, 2018, for another 55-Lap, $20,000 to win Feature. If you can’t make it to the track, watch all the action on DIRTVision.com!

Feature (55 Laps): 1. 24-Rico Abreu [1][$20,000]; 2. 5-David Gravel [6][$6,000]; 3. 1A-Jacob Allen [7][$3,750]; 4. 1S-Logan Schuchart [3][$3,250]; 5. 49X-Tim Shaffer [12][$2,750]; 6. 9-Daryn Pittman [8][$2,500]; 7. 19-Brent Marks [13][$2,400]; 8. 3H-James McFadden [15][$2,300]; 9. 15-Donny Schatz [5][$2,200]; 10. 18-Ian Madsen [10][$2,100]; 11. 2-Shane Stewart [11][$1,700]; 12. 49-Brad Sweet [9][$1,400]; 13. 91-Cale Thomas [14][$1,300]; 14. 11K-Kraig Kinser [2][$1,200]; 15. 71M-Paul May [21][$1,100]; 16. 7S-Jason Sides [16][$1,000]; 17. W20-Greg Wilson [4][$1,000]; 18. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [19][$1,000]; 19. 9X-Paul Nienhiser [20][$1,000]; 20. 97G-Hunter Schuerenberg [18][$1,000]; 21. 51B-Joe Miller [22][$1,000]; 22. 87-Aaron Reutzel [17][$1,000]; 23. 1M-James Moughan [24][$1,000]; 24. 65-Jordon Goldesberry [23][$1,000];
Lap Leaders: Kraig Kinser 1-20, Rico Abreu 21-55
KSE Hard Charger Award: 49X-Tim Shaffer[+7]

Qualifying: 1. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 11.709; 2. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 11.77; 3. 49X-Tim Shaffer, 11.894; 4. 1A-Jacob Allen, 11.903; 5. 9-Daryn Pittman, 11.908; 6. 24-Rico Abreu, 11.936; 7. 5-David Gravel, 11.947; 8. 91-Cale Thomas, 11.955; 9. 3H-James McFadden, 11.98; 10. 71M-Paul May, 12.031; 11. 15-Donny Schatz, 12.046; 12. 49-Brad Sweet, 12.1; 13. 19-Brent Marks, 12.11; 14. 87-Aaron Reutzel, 12.145; 15. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild, 12.178; 16. 18-Ian Madsen, 12.218; 17. 2-Shane Stewart, 12.23; 18. 1M-James Moughan, 12.235; 19. 9X-Paul Nienhiser, 12.259; 20. 21X-Carson Short, 12.26; 21. W20-Greg Wilson, 12.293; 22. 7S-Jason Sides, 12.47; 23. 65-Jordon Goldesberry, 12.494; 24. 97G-Hunter Schuerenberg, 12.504; 25. 51B-Joe Miller, 12.523; 26. 48-Danny Dietrich, 12.567; 27. 35-Jamie Veal, 12.678; 28. 79J-Jacob Patton, 12.879; 29. 28AU-Allan Woods, 12.936; 30. 15M-Steve Short, 13.693; 31. 9T-Dylan Tuxhorn, 13.893

Heat #1 (10 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer: 1. 11K-Kraig Kinser [1]; 2. 5-David Gravel [3]; 3. 1A-Jacob Allen [2]; 4. 18-Ian Madsen [6]; 5. 19-Brent Marks [5]; 6. 7S-Jason Sides [8]; 7. 71M-Paul May [4]; 8. 9X-Paul Nienhiser [7]; 9. 79J-Jacob Patton [10]; 10. 9T-Dylan Tuxhorn [11]; 11. 51B-Joe Miller [9]

Heat #2 (10 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer: 1. 1S-Logan Schuchart [1]; 2. 15-Donny Schatz [4]; 3. 9-Daryn Pittman [2]; 4. 2-Shane Stewart [6]; 5. 91-Cale Thomas [3]; 6. 87-Aaron Reutzel [5]; 7. 65-Jordon Goldesberry [8]; 8. 21X-Carson Short [7]; 9. 28AU-Allan Woods [10]; 10. 48-Danny Dietrich [9]

Heat #3 (10 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer: 1. 24-Rico Abreu [2]; 2. W20-Greg Wilson [7]; 3. 49-Brad Sweet [4]; 4. 49X-Tim Shaffer [1]; 5. 3H-James McFadden [3]; 6. 97G-Hunter Schuerenberg [8]; 7. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [5]; 8. 35-Jamie Veal [9]; 9. 15M-Steve Short [10]; 10. 1M-James Moughan [6]

Sears Craftsman Dash (8 Laps): 1. 24-Rico Abreu [1]; 2. 11K-Kraig Kinser [2]; 3. 1S-Logan Schuchart [3]; 4. W20-Greg Wilson [4]; 5. 15-Donny Schatz [5]; 6. 5-David Gravel [6]

Last Chance Showdown (12 Laps) - Top 6 Transfer: 1. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [2][-]; 2. 9X-Paul Nienhiser [4][-]; 3. 71M-Paul May [1][-]; 4. 51B-Joe Miller [7][-]; 5. 65-Jordon Goldesberry [6][$300]; 6. 1M-James Moughan [3][$250]; 7. 28AU-Allan Woods [11][$225]; 8. 48-Danny Dietrich [8][$200]; 9. 15M-Steve Short [12][$200]; 10. 35-Jamie Veal [9][$200]; 11. 79J-Jacob Patton [10][$200]; 12. 21X-Carson Short [5][$200]; 13. 9T-Dylan Tuxhorn [13][$200]

World of Outlaws

Contact: Anthony Corini
World of Outlaws PR
408-825-3360 | acorini@dirtcar.com

Please click here for the original World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series article

Winner Brent Marks (Dave Biro Photo)

Brent Marks Gets Second Career Outlaw Victory in Non-Stop Weedsport Feature

WEEDSPORT, NY – July 29, 2018 – Brent Marks led all 35 laps en route to his second career World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series Feature at Weedsport Speedway. Despite Marks lapping up to eighth in the non-stop Feature, it was far from easy as he fended off Sheldon Haudenschild and Jacob Allen who completed the podium.

Brent Marks won the Sears Craftsman Dash, earning the pole for the 35-lap event along with fellow Pennsylvania native Jacob Allen. Marks got the jump on the opening lap and paced the field down the backstretch as Allen fended off New York native Chuck Hebing, who had a 360ci engine under the hood, for second.

Marks reached lapped traffic within five laps around the slicked off 3/8th oval. Allen, in search of his first career Outlaw victory, closed in on Marks through the middle of the racing surface with 10 laps complete.

As lapped traffic intensified, Sheldon Haudenschild got around Hebing for third on Lap 12 and set his sights on the lead duo. Marks and Allen continued to negotiate traffic efficiently as Haudenschild attempted to close in.

By Lap 20, Marks was held up behind a pair of lapped cars racing for position allowing Allen and Haudenschild to close in.

Lap 23 had the Weedsport Speedway crowd on their feet, with Haudenschild pounding the cushion, Allen glued to the bottom and Marks trying to navigate traffic. Haudenschild got around Allen on Lap 24 on the cushion and chased Marks down the backstretch. Haudenschild ducked low in turn three and four, searching for a way by Marks, who stayed committed to the top. Marks powered his way around the Stenhouse Jr.-Marshall No.17 to remain out front.

Marks continued to lead and remained aggressive through traffic. Sheldon remained within striking distance, but Marks was flawless through traffic, collecting his second career victory.

“That was a lot of fun with the track being so technical, getting through turn one and two was so tricky. I can’t thank everyone who helps out with this team enough. Last time we were in Victory Lane it was just me and Jesse and now we’ve added Dallas. This is his first Outlaw win, so that’s pretty special for him,” a jubilated Marks said.

“We’ve been working hard this year and passing all the cars we have this year, it really helps in lapped traffic. I can’t believe I’m a two-time World of Outlaws winner,” Marks added with excitement.

Haudenschild was pleased with his second and talked about his attempt for the lead, “I got a run but I was so low on the backstretch, I couldn’t really do much into turn three.”

"I kind of had to regroup after I hit the wall in turn one. This Stenhouse Jr.-Marshall team has worked hard and we’ve got a lot of big races coming up that we’re looking forward to,” the 2017 World of Outlaws Rookie of the Year added.

Jacob Allen had high praise for his fellow statesman. “Brent was really good in traffic, he raced hard and ran good laps. This track is really slick and unique. I’m really happy with the night, but obviously I’m still looking for that first win,” Allen added with a smile.

Brad Sweet finished fourth with David Gravel completing the top five.

Donny Schatz crashed in Qualifying, forcing him to start last in his Heat Race. The nine-time Series Champion and Series Points Leader started 15th in the Feature and picked up KSE Hard Charger honors finishing sixth. Chuck Hebing finished an impressive seventh with his 360 motor and Ian Madsen was the last car on the lead lap in eighth.

The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series returns to action next weekend with double Ironman 55 Features at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55. Both Friday and Saturday at Pevely will pay $20,000 to win and $1000 just to take the Green. The Greatest Show on Dirt will return to the Empire State on October 6 to Fulton Speedway as a part of NAPA Super DIRT Week!

Feature: 1. 19-Brent Marks [1][$10,000]; 2. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [4][$5,500]; 3. 1A-Jacob Allen [2][$3,200]; 4. 49-Brad Sweet [6][$2,800]; 5. 5-David Gravel [7][$2,500]; 6. 15-Donny Schatz [15][$2,300]; 7. 45-Chuck Hebing [3][$2,200]; 8. 18-Ian Madsen [8][$2,100]; 9. 49X-Tim Shaffer [12][$2,050]; 10. 1S-Logan Schuchart [11][$2,000]; 11. 11K-Kraig Kinser [14][$1,500]; 12. 9-Daryn Pittman [10][$1,200]; 13. W20-Greg Wilson [19][$1,100]; 14. 33-Mike Mahaney [18][$1,050]; 15. 99L-Larry Wight [9][$1,000]; 16. 5W-Lucas Wolfe [16][$900]; 17. 10-Joe Kata [21][$800]; 18. 2-Shane Stewart [5][$800]; 19. 98-Joe Trenca [13][$800]; 20. 7S-Jason Sides [20][$800]; 21. 2X-Dave Axton [17][$800]; Lap Leaders: Brent Marks 1-35; KSE Hard Charger Award: 15-Donny Schatz [+9]

Qualifying: 1. 9-Daryn Pittman, 14.388; 2. 49-Brad Sweet, 14.403; 3. 1A-Jacob Allen, 14.419; 4. 2-Shane Stewart, 14.533; 5. 18-Ian Madsen, 14.63; 6. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild, 14.662; 7. 5-David Gravel, 14.727; 8. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 14.766; 9. 99L-Larry Wight, 14.928; 10. 45-Chuck Hebing, 15.015; 11. 19-Brent Marks, 15.092; 12. 49X-Tim Shaffer, 15.137; 13. 5W-Lucas Wolfe, 15.422; 14. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 15.498; 15. 33-Mike Mahaney, 15.547; 16. 98-Joe Trenca, 15.821; 17. 2X-Dave Axton, 15.825; 18. 10-Joe Kata, 15.826; 19. W20-Greg Wilson, 15.839; 20. 7S-Jason Sides, 15.988; 21. 15-Donny Schatz, NT

Heat #1 (8 Laps) - Top 8 Transfer: 1. 2-Shane Stewart [2]; 2. 45-Chuck Hebing [4]; 3. 5-David Gravel [3]; 4. 9-Daryn Pittman [1]; 5. 98-Joe Trenca [6]; 6. 5W-Lucas Wolfe [5]; 7. W20-Greg Wilson [7]

Heat #2 (8 Laps) - Top 8 Transfer: 1. 49-Brad Sweet [1]; 2. 19-Brent Marks [4]; 3. 18-Ian Madsen [2]; 4. 1S-Logan Schuchart [3]; 5. 11K-Kraig Kinser [5]; 6. 2X-Dave Axton [6]; 7. 7S-Jason Sides [7]

Heat #3 (8 Laps) - Top 8 Transfer: 1. 1A-Jacob Allen [1]; 2. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [2]; 3. 99L-Larry Wight [3]; 4. 49X-Tim Shaffer [4]; 5. 15-Donny Schatz [7]; 6. 33-Mike Mahaney [5]; 7. 10-Joe Kata [6]

Sears Craftsman Dash (6 Laps): 1. 19-Brent Marks [2]; 2. 1A-Jacob Allen [1]; 3. 45-Chuck Hebing [5]; 4. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [4]; 5. 2-Shane Stewart [6]; 6. 49-Brad Sweet [3]

World of Outlaws

Contact: Anthony Corini
World of Outlaws PR
408-825-3360 | acorini@dirtcar.com

Please click here for the original World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series article

Winner David Gravel (Dave Biro Photo)

David Gravel Tames Ransomville for Fifth Victory of 2018

RANSOMVILLE, NY – July 27, 2018 – David Gravel fought off multiple charges from Brad Sweet to lead all 30 laps and claim his fifth win of the 2018 World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series 40th Anniversary Season at Ransomville Speedway. Sweet took the lead on two occasions but settled for second for the second consecutive year at Ransomville. Polesitter Donny Schatz completed the podium.

Donny Schatz won the Sears Craftsman Dash, earning the pole for the 30 Lap Feature, in search of his 16th victory of the year.

Action was halted on the opening lap after Paulie Colagiovanni went for a wild ride up and over the turn three and four wall. Colagiovanni was uninjured and walked away from the incident under his own power to a large roar from the massive Ransomville Speedway crowd.

David Gravel powered around Donny Schatz to pace the field down the backstretch and lead the opening lap. Brad Sweet went around Schatz to take second on Lap 3.

Another Red Flag halted action as Daryn Pittman got upside down battling for position inside the top ten on Lap 4. Pittman walked away from the incident under his own power.

A long stretch of Green Flag laps allowed Gravel and Sweet to reach heavy lapped traffic. The duo sliced and diced through slower cars littered around the 3/8th mile. Sweet cleared Gravel with a slide job on Lap 10, but Gravel turned back underneath to edge Sweet at the line.

As the duo continued to navigate traffic, Sweet edged in front of Gravel once again down the backstretch on Lap 17, but once again Gravel willed his CJB Motorsports No.5 back in front at the stripe.

One lap later the final caution of the night flew for an ailing Dan Bennett, taking the leaders out of traffic with 12 laps remaining. Gravel motored away with a clear track in front of him.

Gravel would be forced to clear a pair of lapped cars running side-by-side and he did so with relative ease, axing any chance of late race heroics from Sweet.

“I was being a little cautious, I blew a tire here last year and I didn’t want to do that again this year. When Brad showed his nose, I knew I had to step up my game and luckily, I was able to get back by him,” Gravel said in Victory Lane.

“We’ve been fast here the past couple of weeks, it’s good to get another win. This is our first win in a CJB house car, Barry [Jackson] has put a lot of hours in to make these things go fast,” Gravel added.

Sweet settled for second and complimented Gravel. “David did a nice job getting through traffic, especially with the lapped cars battling side-by-side. I think we were pretty equal with him, my guys gave me a great car,” Sweet said next to his Kasey Kahne Racing No.49.

After starting on the pole, Schatz was disappointed to fade to third, but made no excuses. “We weren’t good enough to compete for the win, you lick your wounds some days and come back stronger,” Schatz said before thanking his crew for their continued effort.

Kraig Kinser had a season-best fourth place finish with Logan Schuchart completing the top five.

The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series continues its 40th Anniversary Season Sunday, July 29 at Weedsport Speedway with the Empire State Challenge. Following that, the Series will head to Pevely, MO for two 55-lap, $20,000 to win Ironman 55 Features at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55! If you can’t make it to the track, be sure to watch all the action LIVE on DIRTVision.com!

Results from Ransomville Speedway

Feature (30 Laps): 1. 5-David Gravel [2][$10,000]; 2. 49-Brad Sweet [4][$5,500]; 3. 15-Donny Schatz [1][$3,200]; 4. 11K-Kraig Kinser [3][$2,800]; 5. 1S-Logan Schuchart [7][$2,500]; 6. 49X-Tim Shaffer [6][$2,300]; 7. 19-Brent Marks [9][$2,200]; 8. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [19][$2,100]; 9. 2-Shane Stewart [8][$2,050]; 10. 18-Ian Madsen [5][$2,000]; 11. W20-Greg Wilson [11][$1,500]; 12. 7S-Jason Sides [21][$1,200]; 13. 35-Jared Zimbardi [20][$1,100]; 14. 18X-Ryan Susice [16][$1,050]; 15. 1A-Jacob Allen [22][$1,000]; 16. 36-Matt Billings [15][$900]; 17. 54JR-Scott Just [18][$800]; 18. 54J-David Just [13][$800]; 19. X-Dan Bennett [23][$800]; 20. 9-Daryn Pittman [10][$800]; 21. 49K-Scott Kreutter [14][$800]; 22. 33-Mike Mahaney [17][$800]; 23. 10-Paul Colagiovanni [12][$800]; Lap Leaders: David Gravel 1-30; KSE Hard Charger Award: 17-Sheldon Haudenschild[+11]

Qualifying: 1. 49-Brad Sweet, 13.9; 2. 15-Donny Schatz, 14.077; 3. 7S-Jason Sides, 14.153; 4. 1S-Logan Schuchart, 14.157; 5. 11K-Kraig Kinser, 14.184; 6. 18-Ian Madsen, 14.195; 7. 9-Daryn Pittman, 14.22; 8. 2-Shane Stewart, 14.278; 9. 5-David Gravel, 14.28; 10. 49X-Tim Shaffer, 14.302; 11. W20-Greg Wilson, 14.38; 12. 19-Brent Marks, 14.405; 13. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild, 14.532; 14. 33-Mike Mahaney, 14.663; 15. 10-Paul Colagiovanni, 14.805; 16. 1A-Jacob Allen, 14.965; 17. 49K-Scott Kreutter, 15.031; 18. 36-Matt Billings, 15.133; 19. 18X-Ryan Susice, 15.215; 20. 35-Jared Zimbardi, 15.268; 21. 54JR-Scott Just, 15.335; 22. 54J-David Just, 15.38; 23. X-Dan Bennett, 15.695

Heat #1 (8 Laps) - Top 8 Transfer: 1. 49-Brad Sweet [1]; 2. 49X-Tim Shaffer [4]; 3. 1S-Logan Schuchart [2]; 4. 9-Daryn Pittman [3]; 5. 54J-David Just [8]; 6. 18X-Ryan Susice [7]; 7. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [5]; 8. 1A-Jacob Allen [6]

Heat #2 (8 Laps) - Top 8 Transfer: 1. 11K-Kraig Kinser [2]; 2. 15-Donny Schatz [1]; 3. 2-Shane Stewart [3]; 4. W20-Greg Wilson [4]; 5. 49K-Scott Kreutter [6]; 6. 33-Mike Mahaney [5]; 7. 35-Jared Zimbardi [7]; 8. X-Dan Bennett [8]

Heat #3 (8 Laps) - Top 8 Transfer: 1. 18-Ian Madsen [2]; 2. 5-David Gravel [3]; 3. 19-Brent Marks [4]; 4. 10-Paul Colagiovanni [5]; 5. 36-Matt Billings [6]; 6. 54JR-Scott Just [7]; 7. 7S-Jason Sides [1]

Sears Craftsman Dash (6 Laps): 1. 15-Donny Schatz [1]; 2. 5-David Gravel [3]; 3. 11K-Kraig Kinser [2]; 4. 49-Brad Sweet [5]; 5. 18-Ian Madsen [4]; 6. 49X-Tim Shaffer [6]