CLEWISTON, Fla. — The end of the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park has typically meant heading back north. This year, it means going further south.
For the first time ever, the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision will extend their stay in Florida for the inaugural visit to the southernmost dirt track in the United States.
Hendry County Motorsports Park will host the first national late model event in its history this weekend with the Swamp Cabbage 100 on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 20-21.
On-track action kicks off with a practice night on Thursday before a 40-lap race for $12,000 on Friday. A 60-lap main event is set for Saturday, with $20,000 going to the winner.
KING OF THE GATORS
No one on the World of Outlaws roster is rolling into Hendry County with more momentum than Nick Hoffman.
A week that included three wins, five top fives and a 3.1 average finish in six nights at Volusia Speedway Park earned Hoffman his first Late Model Big Gator after winning seven in a row in a DIRTcar UMP Modified between 2016 and 2022. That gives him a 27-point advantage in the standings over his closest full-time challenger in Bobby Pierce, who could have found himself much further back if he wasn’t able to charge from 21st to third on Friday or 19th to second on Saturday at Volusia.
Thursday’s practice night will be a crucial one for Hoffman, as it will be his only chance to refine a Hendry County setup that can keep him out front at a track he’s never seen before. The only experience he’ll have to lean on will come from his Elite Chassis customers, many of whom were at Hendry County’s DIRTcar UMP Modified Florida Speedweeks event in January.
WILD CARD
Hoffman is far from the only one heading to Hendry County with a blank notebook. Ask any driver about what they expect this weekend, and most responses will include a shrug and “I have no idea.”
Nine super late model drivers were in attendance at an open practice night last month – Boom Briggs, Tristan Chamberlain, Ryan Gustin, Eli Johnson, Brent Larson, Matthew Larson, Tim McCreadie, Trey Mills and Drake Troutman. Outside of those competitors, no one in this weekend’s field has ever wheeled an open-motor car around “The Fastest Sand Pit in the South.”
A leveled playing field can often result in some underdogs having a moment in the spotlight, and a prime candidate for that role could be Tristan Chamberlain. The Richmond, Ind., native laid down the fastest lap of the test session with a 14.148, and he’ll look to put those notes to good use as he chases his first top 10 of the new World of Outlaws season.
CRATE CARRYOVER
Super late models may be an unknown commodity at Hendry County, but it has hosted plenty of high-level racing in the crate late model world.
Crate Racin’ USA has made the track a regular stop each winter, and a trio of Outlaws were in attendance last month for the 2026 visit. Leading the charge was Daulton Wilson in third in the main event, while Eli Johnson and Cody Overton faded to finish 19th and 21st, respectively.
Sam Seawright finished fourth that night, and he also plans to be in attendance this weekend alongside Coltman Farms Racing teammate Luke Morey as both drivers continue to settle into their new team.
HOME COOKING
For Eli Johnson, Hendry County is more than just a track he knows from his crate late model years – it’s home.
The World of Outlaws rookie lives right down the road in Clewiston, Fla., and the city is the home base for the family business, Clyde Johnson Contracting & Roofing. Johnson is one of many Hendry County regulars who have dreamed about seeing their home track showcased on the national stage, and he’ll make it happen this week not just as a local favorite, but as one of the touring stars invading the facility.
The Swamp Cabbage 100 will be Johnson’s only chance all year to have the upper hand in experience over the rest of the field, with plenty of starts to his name in both the 604 Late Model and Factory Stock divisions. He won six times at Hendry County in 2023 and once more in 2024 before beginning to travel more in 2025 in preparation for his jump to full-time World of Outlaws racing.
SOUTH FLORIDA FUN
The activities this week aren’t limited to the racetrack, as the World of Outlaws has partnered with the Hendry County Tourism Development Council to create a full week of entertainment for locals and travelers alike.
Wednesday morning brings a fishing tournament on Lake Okeechobee, allowing fans to reel in bass alongside some of their favorite World of Outlaws drivers. Thursday is practice day at the track, followed by an after-party at the on-site Turn 5 Bar from 9-11 p.m.
The Swamp Cabbage Festival takes center stage in downtown LaBelle, Fla. – 20 minutes from the track – on Saturday and Sunday. Events include live music, an air show, car corrals, as well as a parade at 10 a.m. on Saturday that will feature late models rolling through town.
