DRIVER NEWS AND NOTES

Dominic Scelzi Receives Confidence Boost Following First Win of the Season

Inside Line Promotions - HANFORD, Calif. (April 30, 2024) - Dominic Scelzi captured his first victory of the season last Saturday at Kings Speedway.

"I feel like for the first time in a long time I rolled into Hanford with less confidence than I've had in a long time because we didn't seem to do much right during our couple of months in the Midwest," he said. "It didn't help in qualifying on Saturday when I jumped the cushion. I was trying too hard to maximize what I could get out of the race car."

Scelzi kicked off his first race of the season in his home state of California by qualifying sixth quickest. He then won every race he entered the remainder of the night.

"In the heat race I knew we'd be pretty good starting on the bottom," he said. "In the dash when we won it Cole (Macedo) started sixth and got to second. I knew he'd be on his game and really good in the feature. In my opinion it'd be the two fastest cars racing it out."

Scelzi led nearly the entire main event, but he was passed for the top spot near the midpoint.

"We led the first half and I was searching in traffic," he said. "Macedo got by on the bottom. I slid a lapped car in turns three and four. Cole passed me and the lapped car on the bottom. He led that lap and the bottom of turns one and two. He followed a lapped car into the bottom of turns three and four. I powered around the both of them. I ran the middle of turns one and two and he slid me in turns three and four the next lap, but I turned under him and stuck the bottom the rest of the race."

The triumphant performance was significant in more ways than one for Scelzi.

"It was the confidence boost I needed as a driver," he said. "I think that was my 13 th win overall in Hanford, which I believe is in the top 10 of all-time wins there. That means a lot for it being one of my home tracks."

Scelzi will return to Kings Speedway this Friday before running double duty in a 410ci winged sprint car and 360ci winged sprint on Saturday at Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare, Calif.

"My biggest goal is to qualify well during all three races this weekend," he said. "I think if we can do that we'll put ourselves in a good position to win."

QUICK RESULTS -

April 27 - Kings Speedway in Hanford, Calif. - Qualifying: 6; Heat race: 1 (1); Dash: 1 (1); Feature: 1 (1).

SEASON STATS -

16 races, 1 win, 3 top fives, 3 top 10s, 11 top 15s, 15 top 20s

UP NEXT -

Friday at Kings Speedway in Hanford, Calif., and Saturday at Thunderbowl Raceway in Tulare, Calif., with the NARC 410 Sprint Car Series

MEDIA LINKS -

Website: http://www.GaryScelziMotorsports.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Scelzi41

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT - Brown & Miller Racing Solutions

Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, which has more than 40 years of experience, specializes in fuel, oil and water connection systems within the motor sports industry. For more information, visit http://www.BMRS.net .

"Brown & Miller builds hands-down the best hoses and fuel lines," Scelzi said. "It's been a pleasure to work with them."

Scelzi would like to thank Red Rose Transportation, Inc., Scelzi Enterprises, Whipple Superchargers, System 1, Fuel Delivery Services, Inc., Red Line Oil, FK Rod Ends, Schoenfeld Headers, Roth Motorsports, K&N Filters, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, NAPA Auto Parts, Todd Jorgensen, Sparco, Allstar Performance, Sander Engineering, Auto Meter, Kenny's Components and Worldwide Bearings for their continued support.

Starks Seeking Season-Opening Victory at Skagit Speedway This Saturday

Inside Line Promotions - PUYALLUP, Wash. (April 30, 2024) - Trey Starks is aiming for a third straight 410ci winged sprint car track championship at Skagit Speedway this season.

The high-banked dirt oval in Alger, Wash., kicks off the season this Saturday. Starks will once again contend regularly in the 410 division as well as compete in most of the 360 division races.

"We're looking forward to this weekend," he said. "We want to come out strong and get a jump start on any issues or things we need to sort out before Dirt Cup because we want to be in form once it rolls around. It's closer than you think and will come up quickly."

Starks captured eight feature victories at Skagit Speedway last year, including six during 410 competition. That was tied for the most in any division at the track. Starks also led the division with eight top fives in 12 features.

"We've never been points racers per say," he said. "It's pretty cool for us to be able to run so strongly at a track I grew up watching a lot of great racers compete at and being one of my home tracks. It's different for me because we never really ran for points, but the program is so good it's tough to pass up. There's so many high-paying races at the track it's crucial to be performing well. We want to bring up the level of competition not just for us, but the local guys to be able to compete at the big races when the high-profile teams roll in."

Starks, who won the first three 410 races at Skagit Speedway last season, captured the season opener at Grays Harbor Raceway in Elma, Wash., earlier this month. He is looking to win the season-opening race at both of his home tracks for the second time in the last three years. Starks was the season-opening winner at Skagit Speedway (from the 24 th starting position) and at Grays Harbor Raceway in 2022.

SEASON STATS -

1 race, 1 win, 1 top five, 1 top 10, 1 top 15, 1 top 20

UP NEXT -

Saturday at Skagit Speedway in Alger, Wash.

MEDIA LINKS -

Website: http://www.StarksRacing.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Starks55Trey

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TreyStarksRacing?fref=ts

Big Game Motorsports and Gravel Facing Two Very Different Tracks This Week

Inside Line Promotions - WINDOM, Minn. (April 30, 2024) - Big Game Motorsports will see two different extremes of track sizes this week.

First up is Jacksonville Speedway in Jacksonville, Ill., a small bullring that hosts the Hy-Vee Perks 40 on Wednesday. Driver David Gravel has made four World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series starts at the quarter-mile oval, earning a trio of top 10s with his career-best third-place outing occurring during the most recent visit in 2021.

"Wednesday is probably the smallest track we've raced all year," he said. "I feel we've raced a lot of small tracks this season. We'll try to get through Jacksonville and then stretch our legs at Eldora. I'm curious to see how it will be with the one-inch wicker bill."

The World of Outlaws head to Eldora Speedway near Rossburg, Ohio, for the #LetsRaceTwo on Friday and Saturday. Gravel has produced four World of Outlaws wins at the track, which is one shy from climbing into the top 10 in the coveted history of the high-banked, half-mile track.

"Qualifying well is key," Gravel said. "It gets slick there so you have to be good in the slick. Knowing when to be aggressive and when to move around is also important. You have to be open minded because sometimes the top is the fastest lane and sometimes you have to find another way to get around there."

Gravel enters this week with a 34-point advantage in the World of Outlaws championship standings.

SEASON STATS -

15 races, 3 wins, 12 top fives, 13 top 10s, 14 top 15s, 14 top 20s

UP NEXT -

Wednesday at Jacksonville Speedway in Jacksonville, Ill., for the Hy-Vee Perks 40 and Friday and Saturday at Eldora Speedway near Rossburg, Ohio, for #LetsRaceTwo with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series

MEDIA LINKS -

X: https://twitter.com/BigGameMotorspt

HUSET'S SPEEDWAY -

Huset's Speedway is a dirt oval located in Brandon, S.D. The track opened in 1954 and has undergone a large renovation within the last few years, making it a premier destination for both marquee racing events and weekly programs. For more information, visit http://www.HusetsSpeedway.com .

JACKSON MOTORPLEX -

Jackson Motorplex is a 4/10-mile dirt oval located in Jackson, Minn. It hosts special events from May through August, including races with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series, Midwest Power Series, Midwest Sprint Touring Series and more. For more information, visit http://www.JacksonMotorplex.com .

TICKET LINK -

To purchase online tickets for events at either Huset's Speedway or at Jackson Motorplex, visit http://mpv.tickets.com/schedule/?agency=JKMV_PL_MPV&orgid=55369#/?view=list&includePackages=true .

Mallett Making Debut at RPM Speedway This Weekend With ASCS National Tour

Inside Line Promotions - GREENBRIAR, Ark. (April 29, 2024) - Jordon Mallett is excited for his first laps at RPM Speedway this weekend.

The dirt track in Crandall, Texas, hosts an ASCS National Tour doubleheader on Friday and Saturday.

"I'm hoping the weather holds off so we can get both of the shows in," he said. "I enjoy places we haven't been so we're looking forward to it. We watched the High Limit race there and some other shows. We'll see how it looks on Friday and try to adjust and do our normal thing."

Mallett is eager to erase a sour taste from his mouth after a disappointing season opener a week and a half ago.

"The first weekend was very frustrating," he said. "The cards we were dealt weren't the best and I made a bad call in the feature so all of that was frustrating. When that happens you are antsy to get back to the race track."

The goal for Mallett's first appearance at RPM Speedway this weekend is to put together two consistent nights that both begin with a good qualifying lap.

"I feel we are a top-five car," he said. "I think we need to refine a few things and get everything flowing and working. Once that happens I feel we should be consistently a top-five car. First, we have to get a good qualifying time and then we need to get into the dash. I feel that's where our mindset is. If you can get yourself in the dash you have yourself in a position to be in contention at the end of the night."

SEASON STATS -

1 race, 0 wins, 0 top fives, 0 top 10s, 0 top 15s, 1 top 20

UP NEXT -

Friday and Saturday at RPM Speedway in Crandall, Texas, with the ASCS National Tour

MEDIA LINKS -

Website: http://jordonmallett.myracepass.com

X: https://twitter.com/jmmotorsports14

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jordonmallettmotorsports

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT - Red River Rack Co.

Red River Rack Company, which is based in Gainesville, Texas, provides storage solutions to large and small tire dealers alike, providing single tier storage to rack supported catwalk systems nationwide and fabricating of the highest quality IBC compliant staircase and many other system components.

"We partnered with Red River Rack Company a few years ago," Mallett said. "They've been family friends for years so we're pleased to have them on board."

Mallett would like to thank Awakening Events, Awakening Foundation, Water for Christ, Porter Commercial Refrigeration, Red River Rack Co., D&K Farms, Powers HVAC, DHR Suspension, Racing Optics, Triple X Race Co., KSE Racing Products, FK Rod Ends, Brown & Miller Racing Solutions, Sinco, Inc., Autometer, Callies Racing Products, DynoTech Race Engines, Hero Graphics, Hilborn Fuel Injection, ISC Racers Tape, K&N Engineering, Lone Star Super Gas (Sunoco), HRP Wings, Schoenfeld Headers, Simpson Race Products, Smiley's Racing Products, MetTec Titanium, MotorState Distributing, DMI, Fast 5 Solutions and Superior Bearing and Supply for their continued support.

Kaleb Johnson Preparing for High Limit Event at Lakeside Speedway

Inside Line Promotions - SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (April 29, 2024) - Kaleb Johnson is joining the Kubota High Limit Racing series this weekend during a doubleheader at Lakeside Speedway.

The Heartland of America Showdown at the dirt oval in Kansas City, Kan., runs Friday and Saturday.

"I've been there to watch, but never to race," he said. "The goal is the same as what is was for Knoxville. We just want to make the show. With no laps at Lakeside it'll be tough. If we can roll it into the trailer and make one or two features it'll be successful."

This weekend will mark Johnson's first 410ci winged sprint car starts of the season after a World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series doubleheader at Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa, rained out last weekend. It marked his second straight weekend with races cancelled at the half-mile dirt track.

Lakeside Speedway is a similar large oval featuring high speed.

"Every time I've watched the track gets slick and wide and usually has two or three lanes of racing," Johnson said. "It looks big and fast. Hopefully it is wide and racy."

Johnson earned a top 10 during his most recent High Limit Racing event as he hustled from 15 th to ninth at Huset's Speedway last August.

"Qualifying is so important when you race with this level of competition," he said. "It'll be critical that we qualify well this weekend. If we can qualify in a good spot hopefully we'll race well and can move forward like we did at Huset's last year."

SEASON STATS -

1 race, 0 wins, 0 top fives, 1 top 10, 1 top 15, 1 top 20

UP NEXT -

Friday and Saturday at Lakeside Speedway in Kansas City, Kan., for the Heartland of America Showdown with the Kubota High Limit Racing series

MEDIA LINKS -

Website: http://www.kalebjohnsonracing.com/

X: https://twitter.com/Kaleb___Johnson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KalebJohnsonRacing22

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT - Blondie Motorsports

"I was fortunate enough that Dan and Carlene Afdahl reached out to join our team," Johnson said. "They support plenty of sprint cars around the area and it is special that we were chosen to partner with."

Johnson would like to thank Merle Johnson Farm Toys, Oddson Underground, Inc., Folkens Brothers Trucking, Blondie Motorsports, Construction Products & Consultants, GRP Motorsports, Innovative Design/Sletten Properties, Cressman Sanitation, State Bank of Fairmont, AB Custom Construction, Specialized Caulking Sealants, The Minnesota Mafia, Guaranteed Rate-Mike Brudigan Home Loans, The Ron Weber Team, David Kramer Drywall, Big Al's Diecast, Heartland Properties, Dave's Lawn Care & Landscaping, TL Racing, Hepfner Racing Products, TJ Forged Wheels, Howe Motorsports, Moyle Racing Engines, FID Media and Team DGRD for their continued support.

Estenson Competing With World of Outlaws and IRA Outlaw Sprint Series This Week

Inside Line Promotions - SPRINGFIELD, Neb. (April 29, 2024) - A trio of races in a four-day span encompasses a busy week for Tim Estenson, who has patiently waited to return to racing since his season-opening victory.

The team was unable to compete last weekend when the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series doubleheader at Knoxville Raceway in Knoxville, Iowa, was cancelled because of inclement weather.

This week's action begins on Wednesday at Jacksonville Speedway in Jacksonville, Ill., during the Hy-Vee Perks 40 with the World of Outlaws. Estenson will then race on Friday at Ogilvie Raceway in Ogilvie, Minn., and Saturday at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis., with the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series.

"I've been to Jacksonville and to Ogilvie, but never to Cedar Lake," he said. "It's always been a bucket-list track to go to. I've raced it on iRacing and always wanted to go there."

Estenson advanced from 10 th to fifth last year during his first appearance at Jacksonville Speedway.

"I raced Jacksonville last year with the MOWA Series once and we ended up with a top five," he said. "It's a little track, probably the littlest I've raced on other than Placerville in California. It has some good banking. It's tight, but fast. It's an elbows-up track, but at the same time you have to be cautious because it can bite you."

Estenson was credited with a 21st-place result during his lone race at Ogilvie Raceway last season.

"I was with the Outlaws last year and it didn't end so well," he said. "I made a couple of rookie mistakes. We had speed when we went there last year and were fast out of the box. I'm more open minded about going back there with a little more confidence. I think coming off a win with the IRA Series guys (to start this season) it's boosted our confidence."

SEASON STATS -

1 race, 1 win, 1 top five, 1 top 10, 1 top 15, 1 top 20

UP NEXT -

Wednesday at Jacksonville Speedway in Jacksonville, Ill., for the Hy-Vee Perks 40 with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series and Friday at Ogilvie Raceway in Ogilvie, Minn., and Saturday at Cedar Lake Speedway in New Richmond, Wis., with the Bumper to Bumper IRA Outlaw Sprint Series

MEDIA LINKS -

X: https://twitter.com/estenson_tim

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100027702770390

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/tim.estenson

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT - Backlund Plumbing

Backlund Plumbing started in Omaha, Neb., in 1932, and over the years has grown to be one of the largest and most respected plumbing companies in Nebraska. The business has a full staff of professional licensed plumbers and customer service representatives as well as a fleet of fully equipped residential and commercial plumbing trucks and a 10,000 square foot warehouse. The one thing that has stayed consistent is customer satisfaction. Backlund is known for honesty, quality and reliability, and is one of the few companies that still stands behind its work with a full "customer satisfaction guarantee." For more information, visit http://www.BacklundPlumbing.com .

"Chris Roseland and the team at Backlund Plumbing have been a long-time sponsor of Jack (Dover) and we're excited to have them also backing our team," Estenson said. "We're grateful for the support and are excited for a successful season together."

Estenson would like to thank Estenson Racing, Truline Logistics, Yamalube, Arai Helmet, JDP Electric, JDP Automation and Backlund Plumbing for their continued support.

LANDON SIMON RACING, LOGAN SEAVEY TO GO WING SPRINT CAR RACING IN 2024

INDIANAPOLIS (April 29, 2024) – Landon Simon Racing announced today the addition of Logan Seavey to the teams expanded winged sprint car operations in 2024. Seavey will pilot the LSR #24 during 18 tentatively scheduled High Limit Racing Series, World of Outlaw Sprint Car Series, Maverick Sprint Car Series as well as potential marquee events.

The 26- year-old Sutter, Calif., native now residing in Indianapolis, Ind., has proven to be one of the best and most versatile drivers in motorsports. While competing full time in all three USAC National divisions, the reigning Chili Bowl Nationals Champion teamed up with LSR for pair of High Limit Sprint Car Series events in 2023. The relationship saw immediate success and a mutual desire for a future partnership.

“I’m ready to get back racing with Landon this year. In the few races we ran last year we had some success and a lot of fun racing together so I’m excited to continue that in 2024,” said Seavey.

Seavey’s 2023 season ended with series record wins, a USAC Silver Crown series title and his second (2018) USAC National Midget title as well as winning two races with two series on the same day and sweeping the 4 Crown Nationals at Eldora Speedway.

2024 brings an even busier and more diverse schedule with LSR winged Sprint Car dates to fill in the gaps between a USAC “Triple Crown” campaign and select Late Model events for Seavey. Thus far in ‘24, Seavey has entered 11 events and tallied six wins in two countries, including an Australian title, clean sweep of the Chili Bowl Nationals, winning two USAC Sprint Car races in the same day and breaking the record for the most podiums in a row.

Ohio native Landon Simon has seen success as both a driver and car owner throughout his 17 seasons in Sprint Car racing. While he isn’t hanging up his helmet just yet, his focus has shifted.

“Last year I took some time to focus on family and think about the future of LSR. I needed something to get me excited about racing again. When High Limit came to town, I reached out to Logan and asked if he had a ride. I was surprised by his answer and knew it was an opportunity we needed to see out,” said Simon.

“Looking forward to 2024 I wanted to give wing racing a true effort. As a driver it’s something I’ve always wanted to do. As an owner there is no better time to do it. We worked all off season to put the pieces in place, bring on new partners and involve the best people. We still have a long way to go, but having Logan onboard is a huge asset to our program and its future.”

LSR will kick off the season Wednesday May, 1st with the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series at Jacksonville Speedway in Illinois.

Landon Simon Racing in conjunction with Knox Enterprises will compete with support from Parts Authority, MPV Express, Helt’s Turf Farms, Rockwell Security, DKW Transport, JE Pistons - Race Winning Brands, as well as continued support from East Mountain Specialized Transport, The Hayloft, Keizer Wheels, BMRS, Rod End Supply, and Simpson Race Products.

For more information, please contact landonsimonracing@gmail.com

About Landon Simon Racing

Facebook – Landon Simon Racing

Twitter – @LandonSimon24, @lsr_racing

Instagram –@landonsimon24, @LSR_Racing

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Hagan Captures 50th NHRA Career Win in TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT

Funny Car at NHRA Four-Wide Nationals in Charlotte

· Matt Hagan, reigning NHRA World Funny Car Champion, recorded his 50th NHRA career victory Sunday at the NHRA Four-Wide Nationals at Charlotte with a “holeshot” win in the final

· Hagan, driving the 11,000-horsepower Tony Stewart Racing (TSR) Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Hellcat Funny Car, passed legend Don “The Snake” Prudhomme in career wins

· The four-time NHRA Mission World Funny Car Champion defeated Daniel Wilkerson, J.R. Todd and John Force with a sensational 0.029-second reaction time to win his fourth Charlotte title

· Hagan’s teammate, NASCAR Hall of Famer Tony Stewart, advanced to the semifinals Sunday in his TSR Direct Connection Dodge//SRT Top Fuel Sunday at Charlotte

· Competing in his fifth NHRA Top Fuel national event, Stewart recorded his quickest elapsed time in qualifying at 3.713 and transferred to the semifinals with a 3.762

· In the semifinals, Stewart posted the quickest reaction time over veterans Justin Ashley, Antron Brown and Brittany Force, but his dragster lost traction and failed to move to the final round

· Follow Dodge in NHRA action at DodgeGarage