SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — After a head-turning performance during the Chili Bowl Nationals, Mack Leopard and Chase McDermand Racing have announced an ambitious midget racing schedule.
Leopard and Chase McDermand Racing will tackle the full USAC National Midget Series and POWRi National Midget League schedules, which adds up to more than 50 races between the two national touring series.
“I’m very excited to be back with Chase McDermand Racing to race with USAC and POWRi this year,” said Leopard. “I need to thank my family, friends and partners for helping make this opportunity a reality for me. I’m looking forward to going out and chasing wins across the country with Chase and his entire team.”
Leopard will hit the road this year fresh off a record-breaking run during the Chili Bowl Nationals in January.
After bad luck buried him deep in the Chili Bowl’s traditional alphabet soup on championship Saturday, the 16-year-old dug deep raced his way into nine features, tying a Chili Bowl record. Along the way he won four alphabet soup features and passed 73 drivers, both records for the annual event held in Tulsa, Okla.
It’s that kind of performance that gives team owner Chase McDermand all the confidence in the world in Leopard’s skillset ahead of a busy 2026 season.
“Running all the races we have planned for this season gives Mack the best chance for success and growth,” said McDermand. “I haven’t seen anything from our short time together that would make me think we can’t contend for National wins together. Having so many races together will help all of us to gel and I do believe there are lots of opportunities to win races throughout the season.
“Obviously, every team and driver’s goal is to win, but I think Mack is going to learn a ton this season just through the natural ups and down of a championship season.”
