BIG MONEY
The biggest amount of money in series history will be available to full-time drivers this year. The point fund received a $350,000 increase and a nearly $1 million bonus program was announced for the World of Outlaws sprint cars and late models.
The World of Outlaws Sprint Car champion will earn $200,000 (a $50,000 increase). Every point-paying position got at least a 33-percent increase — e.g., second now pays $100,000 (+$25,000), third pays $75,000 (+$20,000) and 10th pays $50,000 (+$20,000).
For the bonus program, the top-12 highest finishing full-time drivers in every feature will receive a bonus in addition to the already posted prize money and year-end points fund. A full-time sprint car competitor could accumulate bonus money in excess of $40,000 throughout the season.
SWEET EYES HISTORY
After earning his second World of Outlaws championship, Brad Sweet said his aggression to win would increase. No longer would he let the fear of losing points get in the way of challenging for a win. It worked. “The Big Cat” secured his third consecutive title last year while matching his career high of 16 victories in a season.
Now, with his name prominently placed in the record books next to the likes of Steve Kinser, Sammy Swindell and Donny Schatz, Sweet is aiming big — big money and big races. He wants the big championship payout. He wants to remain the king atop the mountain. And he wants to collect as many crown jewels as he can.
“In 2018 we won the Knoxville Nationals and we set out goals pretty high for 2019 and won that first championship,” Sweet said. “Once you‘re on top of the mountain, you definitely don‘t want to get off of it.”
The Grass Valley, Calif., driver sits 11th on the all-time winners list, 10 victories behind Stevie Smith. If he can pull off winning his fourth consecutive championship, he‘ll join Steve Kinser and Donny Schatz as the only drivers in series history to accomplish the feat.
Along with focusing on his Kasey Kahne Racing NAPA Auto Parts No. 49, Sweet will also have an eye on promoting Placerville Speedway and Silver Dollar Speedway in his native California. He, NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson and California racer Colby Copeland formed SLC Promotions with the goal of returning Silver Dollar‘s Gold Cup weekend to crown-jewel status.
NEW ADDITIONS
An eclectic trio will make up the Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year battle.
Of the trio, Spencer Bayston is the sole rookie contender with World of Outlaws victories. He claimed his first two career wins in 2021, showcasing his talent and securing his full-time effort in CJB Motorsports‘ No. 5 car.
The Lebanon, Ind. driver first won with Sam McGhee Motorsports at Attica Raceway Park and then with CJB Motorsports at Port Royal Speedway.
This year will be a dream come true for NASCAR Cup Series winner Kasey Kahne. With 2021 Rookie of the Year winner James McFadden moving to the Roth Motorsports‘ No. 83, that opened the seat of KKR‘s No. 9 machine for the season. While he‘s yet to pick up a series victory in 140 starts, Kahne‘s earned more than 200 wins as an owner and guided Sweet to three consecutive titles.
Kahne ran 32 races in 2021 — the most in a season for Kahne — and matched his career best finish of fifth twice.
Eighteen-year-old Noah Gass is the youngest of the three rookie contenders and most green. The Mounds, Okla., driver made his first 13 feature starts with the series last year, earning a career best finish of 12th at River Cities Speedway.
Gass acknowledged there will be challenges but is eager to dive in with his family-owned No. 20G car. He proved he knows how to win, though, picking up two wins with the Interstate Racing Ass‘n last year.
While not competing full-time, Rico Abreu and Chili Bowl winner Tanner Thorson will run 50 to 60 World of Outlaws races throughout the year with the goal of eventually building to a full tour.