JACKSONVILLE, Ill. – The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series will return to Jacksonville Speedway for the third time in history, and the first time in three years, on April 28.
In 2014, the series made its inaugural appearance at the quarter-mile track, with Christopher Bell winning the first World of Outlaws feature of his young but storied career.
When the World of Outlaws stars returned in 2016, they again showed why they are The Greatest Show on Dirt.
Joey Saldana jumped to the early lead over Aaron Reutzel and Shane Stewart. To hold the lead, Saldana had to be precise every corner, with no room for error on the quarter-mile track.
Saldana found that out a few laps into the race, when he hit the cushion and allowed Reutzel to get by. Shane Stewart also got by Saldana for second.
Saldana looked to have lost the win. He didn’t believe that though.
Methodically working his way around the bottom of the speedway, Saldana worked his way back by Stewart and then past Reutzel to reclaim the lead.
Stewart also worked his way by Reutzel and tried to hunt Saldana down, but once Saldana took the lead, he ran away with it. Brad Sweet also ended up passing Stewart for second, but Sweet, too, had nothing for Saldana.
Sweet and Stewart look poised to have strong runs at the track again this year. Sweet is currently in a tight points battle with Daryn Pittman and Donny Schatz. He’s been able to maintain the lead due to a run of three top fives in a row, including two podium finishes.
While Sweet has won a race this season, Stewart is still looking for his first this year with his new CJB Motorsports team. He’s had promising runs this year, and placed himself in contention to win roughly three times, but hasn’t been able to close the deal.
Stewart will be hungry for the win at Jacksonville Speedway, as will the rest of the Outlaws.