SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Kaleb Johnson is joining forces with Team DGRD and car owners Dennis and Betty Gainey in 2025.
“We’re planning on an aggressive 60-to-80 race schedule,” Johnson said. “It will be primarily 410s with a few 360 shows. I’d say between 30 and 40 races will be either with the World of Outlaws or High Limit Racing.
“Racing for points at Knoxville Raceway (in Knoxville, Iowa) and at Huset’s Speedway (in Brandon, S.D.) will be our main focus. I really want to try to repeat as champion at Huset’s and have a career-best year at Knoxville. I think racing for Dennis and Betty will provide more opportunities to try to get that done at both tracks.”
Johnson earned his first career track championship at Huset’s Speedway last season in his No. 22k sprint car. He also enjoyed many stout moments driving for the Gaineys, including winning a preliminary night at the 360 Knoxville Nationals as well as making his debut at the 4-Crown Nationals, the Williams Grove National Open and the World of Outlaws World Finals.
Johnson’s 55 races last year was a career high and he’s elected to focus full time on racing next year.
“I’m leaving my job in a few months,” he said. “I’m so thankful for the last five years of them allowing me to work and race. I’ve always wanted to race as much as I can and this opportunity provides that. I think it will help us both utilize my shop in Sioux Falls and his in Knoxville. We can race at both tracks and still race hopefully 80 times. I will be focusing on racing 100 precent and hopefully that will take me to the next level.”
The planned season opener is slated for April 11-12 at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 in Pevely, Mo., with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series.
“I’m really looking forward to next season,” Johnson said. “I’ve had a lot of long-time supporters that will continue to support me in this new opportunity. I’m grateful for their continued support as well as Dennis and Betty for the opportunity.”
