MARION, Ark. — Derek Hagar has earned a new opportunity for the upcoming racing season.
Hagar is teaming up with fellow Arkansas sprint car standout A.G. Rains for a true outlaw schedule in the 360ci winged ranks.
“We’re going to hit some local shows, ASCS shows, USCS shows, whatever makes sense,” Hagar said. “Wherever the weather looks the best and the money is the best.”
Nutrien Ag Solutions will be the team’s primary sponsor with Hagar’s additional partners, including Ameri-Panel and B & D Towing and Recovery, as well as Rains’ major partners of High Performance Lubricants and CP-Carillo returning.
“We’re sticking with J&J race cars to stay with what I’m used to,” Hagar said. “We’re keeping the program just like we’re running the No. 9jr car. I don’t see why we can’t come out with a bang and win a lot of races. This takes the load off me during the week with how busy I am with my businesses.”
The duo swept the season finale at Riverside Int’l Speedway in West Memphis, Ark., last month during the first time Hagar drove for Rains.
“I really feel like if you want to look at it realistically, we have a hell of a shot at winning every night regardless of where we are at,” Rains said. “Equipment, driver, everything. I just think it’ll be a good combination.”
Hagar will also compete for Paul Hart in approximately a dozen 410ci winged sprint car shows next season when the schedule allows.
The offseason has a pair of events as well with Hagar driving for B.J. Gatewood in all four 600cc micro sprint classes during the 40th annual Tulsa Shootout Dec. 31 – Jan. 4. He will return to Tulsa Expo Raceway in Tulsa, Okla., less than two weeks later to pilot a midget for Chris Chappue during the Chili Bowl Nationals Jan. 13-18.
