CONCORD, N.C. — The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series has a new driver and he doesn’t turn 16 until January.
Second-generation racer Landon Crawley plans to run the full series scheduled and contend for the Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year award driving the Sides Motorsports No. 7s sprint car.
When the season opens Feb. 7-10 at Volusia Speedway Park, Crawley will make his WoO debut. However, it won’t be his first time working with team owner Jason Sides.
Crawley made his 410 sprint car debut at Oklahoma’s Tri-State with the POWRi 410 Wing Outlaw Sprint League in November, driving for Sides. In the two races, he finished 21st and sixth.
“Jason gave me a great opportunity to make my 410 debut,” Crawley said. “I learned a lot driving his car those two nights against guys like Aaron Reutzel and Cory Eliason. It’s been a dream to get behind the wheel in a 410 and I can’t thank Jason enough for giving me this opportunity.
“I never dreamed an opportunity like this would come so early in my career. I can’t thank my family, friends and marketing partners for helping my dreams become a reality. I am looking forward to the Chili Bowl and the 2024 World of Outlaws season opener at Volusia.
“I am excited to drive for [Sides Motorsports] knowing the vast amount of knowledge and experience that Jason and his team have with the World of Outlaws over the years.”
Crawley, son of three-time American Sprint Car Series National Tour champion Tim Crawley, began racing go-karts at 7 years old.
Rising through the ranks, Landon joined the ASCS National Tour at 14 years old, racing alongside his father. This year, he won the Greg Hodnett Memorial at Riverside Int’l Speedway and won with the United Sprint Car Series.
Next year will mark the 25th season Sides has been a part of the World of Outlaws, whether as a driver or owner. He stepped away from driving in 2022.
If Crawley can win the Rookie of the Year title, he’ll join Sides (the 2003 ROTY) on the list of drivers who’ve accomplished the illustrious feat.