FIRST BLOOD: David Gravel Strikes First, Wins 2023 World of Outlaws Season Opener
David Gravel‘s pursuit of the 2023 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series championship couldn’t have started any better than it did on Friday evening – in Victory Lane at Volusia Speedway Park.
Advancing from fourth to first, the Watertown, CT native quickly pounced during the make-up of Thursday’s postponed program. He drove the Big Game Motorsports, Huset’s Speedway #2 to the point on Lap 11 when he made the most of traffic hindering early leader Anthony Macri.
The final 15 laps were a breeze for the 30-year-old, who drove off into the Florida sun to collect his 77th career win with The Greatest Show on Dirt – currently ranking 12th on the All-Time Win List. The win was Gravel’s third at the Barberville, FL 1/2-mile and his second at the track in World of Outlaws competition.
“I really wanted to race last night after how good our car was in the Dash, but I obviously can’t complain now,” Gravel said in Victory Lane. “You never know when you race early in the day like this, so I was a bit anxious about how it would play out. It’s tough on the equipment being wide open like that, but Brian Morrison builds us a great engine. I was actually trying to save tear-offs as much as I could, that was one of my biggest concerns. Cody [Jacobs], Scott [Vogelsong], and Zach [Patterson] are firing on all cylinders right now. It’s awesome to start the year this way.”
With two DIRTcar Nationals Features remaining on Friday and Saturday night, Gravel now leads the overall points as he chases back-to-back Big Gator Championships. He currently leads Carson Macedo (-2 PTS), Logan Schuchart (-6 PTS), Brad Sweet (-22 PTS), and Buddy Kofoid (-26 PTS).
Making a late-race pass to secure runner-up honors on Friday evening was 21-year-old native of Penngrove, CA, Buddy Kofoid, who is making his first appearance at Volusia Speedway Park this week. It’s already his third podium through only 25 starts with the World of Outlaws.
“We’ve been decent and getting better and better as the week goes on,” Kofoid said. “Leighton [Crouch] has given Brad [Alexander], Stephen [Hamm-Reilly], Jakob [Weaver], and I the best operation we could ask for. These half-miles are hard, especially with the Outlaws, so this feels really good to land on the podium.”
After failing to qualify for Wednesday’s show with the All-Star Circuit of Champions, Danny Dietrich, of Gettysburg, PA completed an impressive turnaround by driving the Gary Kauffman Racing #48 to his 18th career podium with the World of Outlaws. He started from the outside pole and ran second for much of the 25-lapper, but ultimately slipped back to finish third in the closing stages.
“We chose a gear to get up on the top and get going, but I wasn’t able to turn off the curb and get the momentum I needed,” Dietrich noted. “I’m probably too fat to get around here as fast as David does, but this is nothing to complain about. My guys have worked their asses off all week long and after starting as bad as we did, this feels awesome.”
Sheldon Haudenschild in the Stenhouse Jr. / Marshall Racing, NOS Energy Drink #17 and Logan Schuchart in the Shark Racing, DuraMAX Oil #1S rounded out the top five in Thursday’s make-up Feature.
Closing out the top-10 in the season opener was Canada’s Robbie Price in the Sides Motorsports #7S, Pennsylvania’s Brent Marks in the Murray-Marks #19, Indiana’s Zeb Wise in the Rudeen Racing #26, California’s Carson Macedo in the Jason Johnson Racing #41, and Texas’ Aaron Reutzel in the RSR #8.
NOS Notebook (Volusia Speedway Park, 2/10/23)
David Gravel‘s 77th career World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series victory brings him only two away from tying Brad Sweet for 11th on the All-Time Win List. It’s his second Series win at Volusia Speedway Park, and third overall win at the DIRTcar Nationals.
The first Low-E Insulation Qualifying session of 2023 was topped by Anthony Macri, clocking a lap of 13.420 seconds around Volusia’s 1/2-mile. It’s his fifth career World of Outlaws QuickTime Award.
CASE No.1 Engine Oil Heat 1 went to Logan Schuchart (107th career), while NOS Energy Drink Heats 2-4 were won by Brent Marks (27th career), Buddy Kofoid (3rd career), and David Gravel (209th career). Macri won the Toyota Dash, while Bayston won the MicroLite Last Chance Showdown.
After performing nearly flawlessly through preliminary programs, Anthony Macri led the opening 10 laps of the Feature before Gravel passed him on Lap 11. He held the runner-up spot until a mechanical issue forced him to the infield with a DNF on Lap 17.
Through three of five scheduled Features, the top contenders for the Big Gator Championship are David Gravel (424 PTS), Carson Macedo (-2 PTS), Logan Schuchart (-6 PTS), Brad Sweet (-22 PTS), and Buddy Kofoid (-26 PTS).
UP NEXT (Fri-Sat) – The 52nd annual Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals continues on Friday and Saturday at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, FL. The NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars will race for a $16,000-to-win program both nights as the Big Gator Championship is concluded. For fans unable to attend, you can watch every lap live on DIRTVision.
NOS Energy Drink Feature Results (25 Laps) – 1. 2-David Gravel[4]; 2. 11-Michael Kofoid[3]; 3. 48-Danny Dietrich[2]; 4. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild[6]; 5. 1S-Logan Schuchart[7]; 6. 7S-Robbie Price[5]; 7. 19-Brent Marks[8]; 8. 26-Zeb Wise[10]; 9. 41-Carson Macedo[11]; 10. 8-Aaron Reutzel[9]; 11. 9-Kasey Kahne[12]; 12. 3Z-Brock Zearfoss[19]; 13. 15H-Sam Hafertepe Jr[14]; 14. 15-Donny Schatz[17]; 15. 55-Hunter Schuerenberg[16]; 16. 5-Spencer Bayston[21]; 17. 21-Brian Brown[13]; 18. 83-James McFadden[24]; 19. 49-Brad Sweet[20]; 20. 18-Giovanni Scelzi[26]; 21. 1A-Jacob Allen[23]; 22. 9P-Parker Price Miller[22]; 23. 11K-Kraig Kinser[27]; 24. 20G-Noah Gass[15]; 25. 39M-Anthony Macri[1]; 26. 17B-Bill Balog[18]; 27. 6-Bill Rose[25]; 28. 5D-Jacob Dykstra[28]. Lap Leader(s): Anthony Macri 1-10; David Gravel 11-25. KSE Hard Charger Award: Brock Zearfoss +7.
NEW Championship Standings (1/87 Races) – 1. 2-David Gravel (150); 2. 11-Buddy Kofoid (-4); 3. 48-Danny Dietrich (-6); 4. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild (-8); 5. 1S-Logan Schuchart (-10); 6. 7S-Robbie Price (-12); 7. 19-Brent Marks (-14); 8. 26-Zeb Wise (-16); 9. 41-Carson Macedo (-18); 10. 8-Aaron Reutzel (-20).
[Read More]POS | Start | +/- | # | Driver | Laps | Behind | Led | Status | Points | Money |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 4 | +3 | 2 | David Gravel | 25 | 0.000 | 15 | Running | 150 | $10,000 |
2 | 3 | +1 | 11 | Michael Kofoid | 25 | -2.830 | Running | 146 | $6,000 | |
3 | 2 | -1 | 48 | Danny Dietrich | 25 | -3.220 | Running | 144 | $3,500 | |
4 | 6 | +2 | 17 | Sheldon Haudenschild | 25 | -4.038 | Running | 142 | $2,800 | |
5 | 7 | +2 | 1S | Logan Schuchart | 25 | -5.022 | Running | 140 | $2,500 | |
6 | 5 | -1 | 7S | Robbie Price | 25 | -5.995 | Running | 138 | $2,300 | |
7 | 8 | +1 | 19 | Brent Marks | 25 | -6.528 | Running | 136 | $2,200 | |
8 | 10 | +2 | 26 | Zeb Wise | 25 | -6.775 | Running | 134 | $2,100 | |
9 | 11 | +2 | 41 | Carson Macedo | 25 | -7.962 | Running | 132 | $2,050 | |
10 | 9 | -1 | 8 | Aaron Reutzel | 25 | -8.930 | Running | 130 | $2,000 | |
11 | 12 | +1 | 9 | Kasey Kahne | 25 | -9.028 | Running | 128 | $1,600 | |
12 | 19 | +7 | 3Z | Brock Zearfoss | 25 | -9.965 | Running | 126 | $1,400 | |
13 | 14 | +1 | 15H | Sam Hafertepe Jr | 25 | -10.729 | Running | 124 | $1,200 | |
14 | 17 | +3 | 15 | Donny Schatz | 25 | -10.929 | Running | 122 | $1,100 | |
15 | 16 | +1 | 55 | Hunter Schuerenberg | 25 | -12.236 | Running | 120 | $1,050 | |
16 | 21 | +5 | 5 | Spencer Bayston | 25 | -12.299 | Running | 118 | $1,000 | |
17 | 13 | -4 | 21 | Brian Brown | 25 | -12.667 | Running | 116 | $1,000 | |
18 | 24 | +6 | 83 | James McFadden | 25 | -12.985 | Running | 114 | $0 | |
19 | 20 | +1 | 49 | Brad Sweet | 25 | -14.128 | Running | 112 | $1,000 | |
20 | 26 | +6 | 18 | Giovanni Scelzi | 24 | -1 Laps | Running | 110 | $0 | |
21 | 23 | +2 | 1A | Jacob Allen | 24 | -1 Laps | Running | 108 | $1,000 | |
22 | 22 | 0 | 9P | Parker Price-Miller | 24 | -1 Laps | Running | 106 | $1,000 | |
23 | 27 | +4 | 11K | Kraig Kinser | 24 | -1 Laps | Running | 104 | $0 | |
24 | 15 | -9 | 20G | Noah Gass | 18 | -7 Laps | DNF | 102 | $1,000 | |
25 | 1 | -24 | 39M | Anthony Macri | 16 | -9 Laps | 10 | DNF | 102 | $1,000 |
26 | 18 | -8 | 17B | Bill Balog | 15 | -10 Laps | DNF | 102 | $1,000 | |
27 | 25 | -2 | 6 | Bill Rose | 13 | -12 Laps | DNF | 102 | $0 | |
28 | 28 | 0 | 5D | Jacob Dykstra | 0 | -25 Laps | DNF | 102 | $1,000 |
POS | Start | +/- | # | Driver | Laps | Behind | Led | Status | Points | Money |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 6 | +5 | 5 | Spencer Bayston | 12 | 0.000 | 2 | Running | 0 | $0 |
2 | 2 | 0 | 5D | Jacob Dykstra | 12 | -1.410 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
3 | 3 | 0 | 9P | Parker Price-Miller | 12 | -1.796 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
4 | 7 | +3 | 1A | Jacob Allen | 12 | -1.868 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
5 | 4 | -1 | 55B | Alex Bowman | 12 | -2.553 | Running | 90 | $300 | |
6 | 9 | +3 | 83 | James McFadden | 12 | -2.740 | Running | 0 | $250 | |
7 | 8 | +1 | 7BC | Tyler Courtney | 12 | -3.208 | Running | 90 | $225 | |
8 | 12 | +4 | 13 | Justin Peck | 12 | -3.574 | Running | 90 | $200 | |
9 | 10 | +1 | 11K | Kraig Kinser | 12 | -4.040 | Running | 0 | $200 | |
10 | 15 | +5 | 18 | Giovanni Scelzi | 12 | -4.285 | Running | 0 | $200 | |
11 | 5 | -6 | 5T | Ryan Timms | 12 | -4.579 | Running | 90 | $200 | |
12 | 13 | +1 | 22 | Riley Goodno | 12 | -4.837 | Running | 90 | $200 | |
13 | 14 | +1 | 44 | Chris Martin | 12 | -5.397 | Running | 90 | $200 | |
14 | 11 | -3 | 97UK | Ryan Harrison | 12 | -6.084 | Running | 90 | $200 | |
15 | 16 | +1 | 6 | Bill Rose | 11 | -1 Laps | Running | 0 | $200 | |
16 | 1 | -15 | 71 | Cory Eliason | 10 | -2 Laps | 10 | DNF | 90 | $200 |
POS | Start | +/- | # | Driver | Laps | Behind | Led | Status | Points | Money |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | +1 | 39M | Anthony Macri | 6 | 0.000 | 5 | Running | 0 | $0 |
2 | 1 | -1 | 48 | Danny Dietrich | 6 | -1.965 | 1 | Running | 0 | $0 |
3 | 4 | +1 | 11 | Michael Kofoid | 6 | -2.786 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
4 | 7 | +3 | 2 | David Gravel | 6 | -3.250 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
5 | 3 | -2 | 7S | Robbie Price | 6 | -4.662 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
6 | 6 | 0 | 17 | Sheldon Haudenschild | 6 | -4.951 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
7 | 5 | -2 | 1S | Logan Schuchart | 6 | -5.561 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
8 | 8 | 0 | 19 | Brent Marks | 6 | -6.609 | Running | 0 | $0 |
Pos. | Start | +/- | # | Driver | Laps Completed | Behind | Laps Led | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | +1 | 1S | Logan Schuchart | 8 | 0.000 | 8 | Running |
2 | 1 | -1 | 39M | Anthony Macri | 8 | -1.945 | Running | |
3 | 4 | +1 | 8 | Aaron Reutzel | 8 | -4.731 | Running | |
4 | 3 | -1 | 21 | Brian Brown | 8 | -8.751 | Running | |
5 | 5 | 0 | 15 | Donny Schatz | 8 | -8.891 | Running | |
6 | 7 | +1 | 9P | Parker Price-Miller | 8 | -9.862 | Running | |
7 | 6 | -1 | 1A | Jacob Allen | 8 | -10.751 | Running | |
8 | 8 | 0 | 11K | Kraig Kinser | 8 | -11.731 | Running | |
9 | 9 | 0 | 44 | Chris Martin | 8 | -13.654 | Running |
Pos. | Start | +/- | # | Driver | Laps Completed | Behind | Laps Led | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | +1 | 19 | Brent Marks | 8 | 0.000 | 6 | Running |
2 | 4 | +2 | 48 | Danny Dietrich | 8 | -2.114 | Running | |
3 | 6 | +3 | 26 | Zeb Wise | 8 | -3.312 | Running | |
4 | 5 | +1 | 15H | Sam Hafertepe Jr | 8 | -4.584 | Running | |
5 | 8 | +3 | 17B | Bill Balog | 8 | -5.909 | Running | |
6 | 7 | +1 | 55B | Alex Bowman | 8 | -6.908 | Running | |
7 | 3 | -4 | 5D | Jacob Dykstra | 8 | -8.421 | Running | |
8 | 9 | +1 | 97UK | Ryan Harrison | 8 | -10.392 | Running | |
9 | 1 | -8 | 71 | Cory Eliason | 2 | -6 Laps | 2 | DNF |
Pos. | Start | +/- | # | Driver | Laps Completed | Behind | Laps Led | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | 0 | 11 | Michael Kofoid | 8 | 0.000 | 8 | Running |
2 | 2 | 0 | 7S | Robbie Price | 8 | -3.426 | Running | |
3 | 6 | +3 | 41 | Carson Macedo | 8 | -4.321 | Running | |
4 | 4 | 0 | 20G | Noah Gass | 8 | -5.802 | Running | |
5 | 8 | +3 | 3Z | Brock Zearfoss | 8 | -6.969 | Running | |
6 | 3 | -3 | 5T | Ryan Timms | 8 | -7.740 | Running | |
7 | 7 | 0 | 7BC | Tyler Courtney | 8 | -9.051 | Running | |
8 | 5 | -3 | 13 | Justin Peck | 8 | -9.743 | Running | |
9 | 9 | 0 | 18 | Giovanni Scelzi | 8 | -10.612 | Running |
Pos. | Start | +/- | # | Driver | Laps Completed | Behind | Laps Led | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | David Gravel | 8 | 0.000 | 8 | Running |
2 | 4 | +2 | 17 | Sheldon Haudenschild | 8 | -1.366 | Running | |
3 | 2 | -1 | 9 | Kasey Kahne | 8 | -4.408 | Running | |
4 | 3 | -1 | 55 | Hunter Schuerenberg | 8 | -5.870 | Running | |
5 | 6 | +1 | 49 | Brad Sweet | 8 | -6.832 | Running | |
6 | 5 | -1 | 5 | Spencer Bayston | 8 | -7.989 | Running | |
7 | 7 | 0 | 83 | James McFadden | 8 | -8.755 | Running | |
8 | 8 | 0 | 22 | Riley Goodno | 8 | -10.784 | Running | |
9 | 9 | 0 | 6 | Bill Rose | 7 | -1 Laps | Running |
POS | Start | Car | Driver | Hometown | Time | Difference |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 5 | 39M | Anthony Macri | Dillsburg, PA | 13.420 | 0.000 |
2 | 1 | 71 | Cory Eliason | Visalia, CA | 13.445 | -0.025 |
3 | 6 | 11 | Michael Kofoid | Penngrove, CA | 13.510 | -0.090 |
4 | 8 | 2 | David Gravel | Watertown, CT | 13.579 | -0.159 |
5 | 10 | 1S | Logan Schuchart | Hanover, PA | 13.649 | -0.229 |
6 | 12 | 19 | Brent Marks | Myerstown, PA | 13.726 | -0.306 |
7 | 4 | 7S | Robbie Price | Cobble Hill, BC | 13.742 | -0.322 |
8 | 15 | 9 | Kasey Kahne | Enumclaw, WA | 13.781 | -0.361 |
9 | 19 | 21 | Brian Brown | Higginsville, MO | 13.815 | -0.395 |
10 | 2 | 5D | Jacob Dykstra | Port Colborne, ON | 13.837 | -0.417 |
11 | 3 | 5T | Ryan Timms | Oklahoma City, OK | 13.853 | -0.433 |
12 | 18 | 55 | Hunter Schuerenberg | Sikeston, MO | 13.871 | -0.451 |
13 | 7 | 8 | Aaron Reutzel | Clute, TX | 13.892 | -0.472 |
14 | 25 | 48 | Danny Dietrich | Gettysburg, PA | 13.912 | -0.492 |
15 | 16 | 20G | Noah Gass | Mounds, OK | 13.931 | -0.511 |
16 | 34 | 17 | Sheldon Haudenschild | Wooster, OH | 13.933 | -0.513 |
17 | 22 | 15 | Donny Schatz | Fargo, ND | 13.957 | -0.537 |
18 | 11 | 15H | Sam Hafertepe Jr | Sunnyvale, TX | 13.960 | -0.540 |
19 | 24 | 13 | Justin Peck | Monrovia, IN | 13.964 | -0.544 |
20 | 17 | 5 | Spencer Bayston | Lebanon, IN | 13.968 | -0.548 |
21 | 23 | 1A | Jacob Allen | Hanover, PA | 13.988 | -0.568 |
22 | 28 | 26 | Zeb Wise | Angola, IN | 13.995 | -0.575 |
23 | 31 | 41 | Carson Macedo | Lemoore, CA | 13.999 | -0.579 |
24 | 29 | 49 | Brad Sweet | Grass Valley, CA | 14.021 | -0.601 |
25 | 36 | 9P | Parker Price-Miller | Kokomo, IN | 14.038 | -0.618 |
26 | 20 | 55B | Alex Bowman | Tucson, AZ | 14.050 | -0.630 |
27 | 21 | 7BC | Tyler Courtney | Indianapolis, IN | 14.052 | -0.632 |
28 | 30 | 83 | James McFadden | Alice Springs, NT | 14.083 | -0.663 |
29 | 35 | 11K | Kraig Kinser | Bloomington, IN | 14.096 | -0.676 |
30 | 27 | 17B | Bill Balog | North Pole, AK | 14.111 | -0.691 |
31 | 32 | 3Z | Brock Zearfoss | Jonestown, PA | 14.248 | -0.828 |
32 | 13 | 22 | Riley Goodno | Knoxville, IA | 14.378 | -0.958 |
33 | 9 | 44 | Chris Martin | Ankeny, IA | 14.402 | -0.982 |
34 | 33 | 97UK | Ryan Harrison | Rothwell, NTH | 14.441 | -1.021 |
35 | 26 | 18 | Giovanni Scelzi | Fresno, CA | 14.508 | -1.088 |
36 | 14 | 6 | Bill Rose | Plainfield, IN | 15.763 | -2.343 |
Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals
Monday, February 6th to Saturday, February 18th
Volusia Speedway Park
1500 East State Road 40
Barberville, Florida 32130
Event Description
Kick off the racing season with two full weeks of racing in Florida at the World's Fastest Half-Mile, Volusia Speedway Park!
Series Racing
World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series
To Win Amount
$10,000.00
Feature Laps Length
30
Event Schedule
UPDATE: 4:30PM GATE TIME ON FRIDAY
1PM Pit Gates open
5PM Grandstand Gates open
5:15PM Hot Laps/Qualifying
7PM RACING
See Detailed Schedule
*All times Eastern
Event Hashtag
#FLinFeb
TICKETS
Grandstand Type
Bleachers, Chairbacks
Handicapped Seating Location
All Handicap seating is the first rows of each section
Pit Age Requirement
There is no age restriction in the pits. Anyone 17 years of age or younger will need to fill out a minor waiver form and be accompanied by an adult.
Pit Gate Location
East or West side of the Track.
Parking Cost
General Parking Free
Handicapped Parking Location
Handicap parking spots available. All spots are first come first serve.
Camping Availability
Electric Hookup, Non-Electric, Onsite, Sanitary Facility, Showers
Camping Cost
Single Day Dry Camp $30
Single Day Water/Electric $75 (Special Event $80)
Single Day Full Hook Up $100
Weekend Dry Camp $60
Weekend Electric/Water $150
Weekend Full Hook Up $200
$10,000.00
Type of Grandstand
Bleachers, Chairbacks
Stadium Seating
Stadium seats are allowed as long as they don't conflict with the aisle behind you.
Handicapped Seating
All Handicap seating is the first rows of each section
Handicapped Parking
Handicap parking spots available. All spots are first come first serve.
Pit Age Limit
There is no age restriction in the pits. Anyone 17 years of age or younger will need to fill out a minor waiver form and be accompanied by an adult.
Pit Gate Location
East or West side of the Track.
Personal Coolers
Six-pack maximum cooler size. No alcohol. No glass.
ATMs
1
Alcohol Sales
Beer is available for purchase at the track.
Smoking Policy
No smoking in the Grandstands.
Parking Cost
General Parking Free
Camping Availability
Electric Hookup, Non-Electric, Onsite, Sanitary Facility, Showers
Camping Cost
Single Day Dry Camp $30
Single Day Water/Electric $75 (Special Event $80)
Single Day Full Hook Up $100
Weekend Dry Camp $60
Weekend Electric/Water $150
Weekend Full Hook Up $200
Volusia Speedway Park
1500 East State Road 40
Barberville, Florida 32130
Track Phone
(386) 985-4402
Track Email
[email protected]
Track Size
0.482
Track Type
D-shaped oval
Closest Airport
Daytona International Airport
Other Airport
Orlando Sanford
Pit Gate Location
East or West side of the Track.
Track Map
https://www.dirtcarmembers.com/downloads.php
Tire Rules
Must use the same set of 4 tires for Qualifying, Heat Races, and Last Chance Showdowns:
Left Rear/Fronts - Hoosier (90) NLMT1
Right Rear - Hoosier (92) NLMT2, (92) LM20
For the Feature, competitors may use 3 new tires:
Left Rear/Fronts - Hoosier (90) NLMT1, (90) NLMT2, (90) LM20, (90) NLMT3, (90) LM30
Right Rear - Hoosier (92) NLMT2, (92) LM20, (92) NLMT3, (92) LM30
*Grooving and Siping is allowed.
*Flat tire MUST be replaced with a used tire of the same compound and construction to retain starting position.