World of Outlaws West Coast Swing Rolls into Bakersfield, Merced - Speedway Digest

When it comes to California Sprint Car racing, bullrings are often the first thing that come to mind. And two of them await to host the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars this weekend.

First up is a trip to Bakersfield Speedway on Friday, Sept. 13 for the Nashville West Showdown. The track is the farthest southThe Greatest Show on Dirtwill venture during its three-week stay in California. Bakersfield has hosted the nation’s top drivers on 11 previous occasions.

Then it’s a little over two hours north on Highway 99 to Merced Speedway for the Federated Auto Parts Yosemite Showdown on Saturday, Sept. 14. The high-banked quarter mile will welcome the World of Outlaws for the sixth time in Series history.

The tight confines of each oval promise plenty of wheel-to-wheel action as the California swing rolls into weekend two of three.

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Let’s look at the weekend’s top storylines:

MACEDO MAKING MOVES:After a somewhat slow start to 2024 in terms of winning, the Jason Johnson Racing X (formerly Twitter) admin has been busy firing off the iconic “Shit I wanted to win!” posts as of late.

Carson Macedo visited Victory Lane three times in the first 44 World of Outlaws races of the year. Since then, the Lemoore, CA native has won five of the last nine including a $21,000 payday at this past weekend’sTom Tarlton Classic. The stretch helped elevate him to second in the standings with still plenty of time to erase the 110-point margin between himself and David Gravel.

Looking ahead to this weekend, Macedo has made two World of Outlaws appearances at Bakersfield, finishing seventh in 2018 before driving from ninth to fourth in 2022. The 28-year-old is the most recent Series winner at Merced, topping the visit two years ago. That same season he also claimed a 360 Sprint Car race at the bullring along with a USAC NOS Energy Drink Nationals Midget triumph.

ROLLIN’ WITH ROTH:There’s been no driver up front as often over the last few weeks as Michael “Buddy” Kofoid. Macedo may be racking up the most victories, but Kofoid is cashing in on consistency.

The last seven races have led to no result worse than fourth for the Penngrove, CA driver, and six of those nights resulted in podiums. The highlight of which is no doubt a $100,000Huset’s High Bank Nationalstriumph. Kofoid’s average finish over the recent hot streak is an impeccable 2.3.

The 22-year-old only has Midget laps at Bakersfield, competing in five USAC races, and he’s won in two of those tries. Over at Merced it’s a similar story. Kofoid does have some Sprint Car experience at the quarter mile, but most of his rotations around Merced have been aboard a Midget including two USAC victories. He’s ready to see if he can win with four more cylinders and some wings at both tracks on the agenda this weekend.

HOT SAUCE IS HOME:The city of Fresno, CA sits right in between Bakersfield and Merced on Highway 99. And while he might call Iowa home these days, Fresno is where Giovanni Scelzi was born and raised. The two tracks ahead this weekend aren’t far from the front door of his family’s shop.

When the World of Outlaws last ventured to Bakersfield, it was none other than Scelzi coming out on top with KCP Racing. He outdueled rising star Corey Day in 2022 for his fifth career Series victory. “Hot Sauce” has also been in the Bakersfield top 10 aboard a USAC Midget.

Scelzi’s only Merced experience came during the same month as the Bakersfield win. He started second and brought home a podium finish in the No. 18 machine.

CONQUERING CALI:The trio of Californians already listed won’t be the only full-time World of Outlaws competitors to keep an eye on this weekend. Two others from eastern states have won at least once at both facilities ahead.

Wooster, OH’s Sheldon Haudenschild has made a pair of Bakersfield visits and topped his debut in 2018. His one Merced attempt led to a 21st to 10th drive aboard the Stenhouse Jr.-Marshall Racing/NOS Energy Drink No. 17.

Ten years ago, David Gravel drove to Merced Victory Lane. It was the third World of Outlaws win of his career and first and only in Rod Tiner’s No. 83SA. The current point leader came close to Bakersfield glory in 2016, rolling from ninth to third.

MAKING CALIFORNIA PROUD:Last weekend proved to be a solid showing for the Cali Clique as they battled the World of Outlaws for the first time in 2024. Rocklin, CA’s Shane Golobic and Aromas, CA’s Justin Sanders finished on the Stockton podium, and Hanford, CA’s D.J. Netto went from ninth to fourth at his home track – Kings Speedway.

Bakersfield doesn’t serve up many opportunities for the locals to get laps in preparation for the World of Outlaws as it’s the only winged Sprint Car race on the track’s calendar in 2024. But that doesn’t mean the California contingent is immune to a strong showing.

Two years ago, when he was still making a name for himself, Clovis, CA’s Corey Day came home second at Bakersfield in only his fourth career Series appearance. The next best local that night was Shane Golobic who came home 11th.

Tim Kaeding, who will wheel the Williams Motorsports No. 0 this weekend, owns multiple Northern Auto Racing Club (NARC) victories at Bakersfield and topped NST in 2006.

Merced more frequently gives the “Golden State” gassers a chance to build the notebooks. Justin Sanders already topped the Sprint Car Challenge Tour (SCCT) at the Central Valley bullring this season, and he won with NARC back in 2021.

Dominic Scelzi was victorious with SCCT at Merced last year. Like Sanders, he continues to chase his first career World of Outlaws victory while the tour travels his home state.

Expect these few to be joined by many more hungry “Golden State” locals over the weekend.

THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE

WHEN AND WHERE

Friday, Sept. 13 at Bakersfield Speedway in Bakersfield, CA
Saturday, Sept. 14 at Merced Speedway in Merced, CA

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CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (53/70 Races):

1. David Gravel – Big Game Motorsports No. 2 (7186 PTS)
2. Carson Macedo – Jason Johnson Racing No. 41 (-110 PTS)
3. Donny Schatz – Tony Stewart/Curb Agajanian Racing No. 15 (-134 PTS)
4. Giovanni Scelzi – KCP Racing No. 18 (-242 PTS)
5. Michael Kofoid – Roth Motorsports No. 83 (-268 PTS)
6. Sheldon Haudenschild – Stenhouse Jr.-Marshall Racing No. 17 (-324 PTS)
7. Logan Schuchart – Shark Racing No. 1S (-372 PTS)
8. Bill Balog – B Squared Motorsports No. 17B (-852 PTS)
9. Brock Zearfoss – Brock Zearfoss Racing No. 3Z (-1128 PTS)
10. Landon Crawley – Sides Motorsports No. 7S (-1406 PTS)

NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (16 Drivers):

13 Wins – David Gravel
8 Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild, Carson Macedo
4 Wins – Donny Schatz
3 Wins – Giovanni Scelzi, Kyle Larson, Michael Kofoid
2 Wins – Tyler Courtney, Rico Abreu
1 Win – Brad Sweet, Brent Marks, Brady Bacon, Corey Day, Logan Schuchart, James McFadden, T.J. Stutts

FEATURE LAPS LED (25 Drivers):

373 Laps – Carson Macedo
317 Laps – David Gravel
178 Laps – Giovanni Scelzi
177 Laps – Sheldon Haudenschild
132 Laps – Donny Schatz
97 Laps – Kyle Larson
76 Laps – Michael Kofoid
75 Laps – Rico Abreu
49 Laps – Logan Schuchart
44 Laps – James McFadden
36 Laps – Emerson Axsom
34 Laps – Brady Bacon
29 Laps – Chase Randall
25 Laps – Brad Sweet, T.J. Stutts
15 Laps – Ryan Timms, Tyler Courtney
14 Laps – Shane Golobic
13 Laps – Anthony Macri
11 Laps – Bill Balog
9 Laps – Parker Price-Miller, Corey Day
4 Laps – Hunter Schuerenberg
3 Laps – Brent Marks
1 Lap – Kalib Henry

SIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS QUICKTIME AWARDS (20 Drivers):

10 Quick Times – Carson Macedo
9 Quick Times – David Gravel
7 Quick Times – Sheldon Haudenschild
4 Quick Times – Giovanni Scelzi, Michael Kofoid
3 Quick Times – Brent Marks
2 Quick Times – Daryn Pittman, Donny Schatz, Landon Crawley
1 Quick Time – Brian Brown, Aaron Reutzel, Brady Bacon, Cory Eliason, Brock Zearfoss, Rico Abreu, Chase Dietz, Matt Juhl, Emerson Axsom, Shane Golobic, Bill Balog

HEAT RACE WINNERS (50 Drivers):

27 Heat Wins – David Gravel
26 Heat Wins – Carson Macedo
23 Heat Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild
18 Heat Wins – Giovanni Scelzi
16 Heat Wins – Michael Kofoid
9 Heat Wins – Rico Abreu, Logan Schuchart, Donny Schatz
7 Heat Wins – Brock Zearfoss
6 Heat Wins – Bill Balog5 Heat Wins – Tyler Courtney, Brent Marks
3 Heat Wins –Daryn Pittman, Garet Williamson, Kaleb Johnson
2 Heat Wins – Brian Brown, Landon Crawley,Corey Day, Kyle Larson, Anthony Macri, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Austin McCarl, Aaron Reutzel, Emerson Axsom, Scott Bogucki, Chase Randall
1 Heat Win – Justin Peck, Bill Rose, Ryan Timms, Danny Sams III, Tim Shaffer, Nick Omdahl, Brad Sweet, Spencer Bayston, Brady Bacon, Parker Price-Miller, Chase Dietz, T.J. Stutts, Kelby Watt, Jamie Ball, Hunter Schuerenberg, Tasker Phillips, Ayrton Gennetten, Tanner Holmes, Kasey Kahne, Cole Macedo, Cale Thomas, Dusty Zomer, Andy Pake, Shane Golobic

TOYOTA DASH APPEARANCES(66 Drivers):

37 Dashes – David Gravel, Carson Macedo
33 Dashes – Sheldon Haudenschild
32 Dashes – Giovanni Scelzi
26 Dashes – Michael Kofoid
20 Dashes – Donny Schatz
18 Dashes – Logan Schuchart
14 Dashes – Bill Balog
10 Dashes – Brock Zearfoss
9 Dashes – Rico Abreu
7 Dashes – Landon Crawley, Brent Marks
6 Dashes – Tyler Courtney, Emerson Axsom
5 Dashes – Corey Day, Aaron Reutzel, Garet Williamson
4 Dashes – Brian Brown, Brady Bacon, Anthony Macri
3 Dashes – Brad Sweet, Daryn Pittman, Justin Peck, James McFadden
2 Dashes – Cole Duncan, Cole Macedo, Kalib Henry, Danny Sams III, Kyle Larson, Parker Price-Miller, Chase Dietz, Ayrton Gennetten, Scott Bogucki
1 Dash – Zeb Wise, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Bill Rose, Ryan Timms, Logan McCandless, Skylar Gee, Kody Hartlaub, Tim Shaffer, T.J. Michael, Craig Mintz, Brandon Spithaler, Sye Lynch, Cale Thomas, Kaleb Johnson, Nick Omdahl, Austin McCarl, Christopher Thram, Kraig Kinser, Troy Wagaman Jr., T.J. Stutts, Freddie Rahmer, Jacob Allen, Lance Dewease, Kelby Watt, Will Armitage, Dusty Zomer, Andy Pake, Shane Golobic, Justin Sanders, Kaleb Montgomery, Tanner Carrick, Tim Kaeding, Jock Goodyer

MICRO-LITE LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (42 Drivers):

3 LCS Wins – Bill Balog, Anthony Macri, Landon Crawley, Garet Williamson, Brock Zearfoss
2 LCS Wins – Logan McCandless
1 LCS Win – Austin McCarl, Corey Day, Kasey Kahne, Koty Adams, Jace Park, Kevin Newton, Brenham Crouch, Sheldon Haudenschild, Brandon Rahmer, David Gravel, Nate Dussel, Cole Macedo, Zeth Sabo, Brooke Tatnell, Donny Schatz, Brent Marks, Cory Eliason, Kerry Madsen, Creed Kemenah, Joel Myers Jr., Hunter Schuerenberg, Kody Hartlaub, Lucas Wolfe, Larry Wight, Kyle Larson, Jesse Attard, Dusty Zomer, Chris Windom, Ayrton Gennetten, Brad Sweet, Kelby Watt, Scott Bogucki, Mark Dobmeier, Scott Winters, Christopher Thram, Logan Schuchart

KSE HARD CHARGER AWARDS (32 Drivers):

8 Hard Chargers – Donny Schatz
6 Hard Chargers – Logan Schuchart
3 Hard Chargers – Carson Macedo, Michael Kofoid
2 Hard Chargers – Aaron Reutzel, Cale Thomas, Danny Dietrich, Garet Williamson, Emerson Axsom, Tim Kaeding
1 Hard Charger –Jace Park, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Brock Zearfoss, Chase Randall, Chris Windom, Noah Gass, Austin McCarl, Giovanni Scelzi, Sheldon Haudenschild, Landon Crawley, Sye Lynch, Bill Balog, Scotty Neitzel, Brent Marks, Larry Wight, Anthony Macri, James McFadden, Parker Price-Miller, Corey Day, Tim Estenson, David Gravel, Ryan Bernal

PODIUM FINISHES (27 Drivers):

27 Podiums – David Gravel
25 Podiums – Carson Macedo
20 Podiums – Sheldon Haudenschild
18 Podiums – Michael Kofoid
17 Podiums – Donny Schatz
8 Podiums – Giovanni Scelzi
6 Podiums – Kyle Larson
5 Podiums – Rico Abreu
3 Podiums – Brad Sweet, Tyler Courtney, Brent Marks, Bill Balog
2 Podiums – Aaron Reutzel, Logan Schuchart, Justin Peck, James McFadden, Corey Day, Emerson Axsom
1 Podium – Anthony Macri, Brady Bacon, Cole Macedo, Parker Price-Miller, Ryan Timms, T.J. Stutts, Chase Randall, Shane Golobic, Justin Sanders

TOP 10 FINISHES (79 Drivers):

48 Top 10s – David Gravel
45 Top 10s – Giovanni Scelzi
44 Top 10s – Donny Schatz
43 Top 10s – Michael Kofoid, Carson Macedo
40 Top 10s – Logan Schuchart
38 Top 10s – Sheldon Haudenschild
26 Top 10s – Bill Balog
14 Top 10s – Brock Zearfoss
10 Top 10s – Tyler Courtney
9 Top 10s – Rico Abreu, Garet Williamson
8 Top 10s – Brent Marks, Brad Sweet, James McFadden, Anthony Macri, Garet Williamson
7 Top 10s – Aaron Reutzel
6 Top 10s – Kyle Larson, Corey Day, Emerson Axsom
5 Top 10s – Brian Brown, Ryan Timms
4 Top 10s – Cole Macedo, Landon Crawley, Brady Bacon, Justin Peck, Chase Randall
3 Top 10s – Cole Duncan, Skylar Gee, Zeb Wise, Danny Dietrich, Jacob Allen, Scott Bogucki
2 Top 10s – Kraig Kinser, Cale Thomas, Parker Price-Miller, Cory Eliason, Chase Dietz, Troy Wagaman Jr., Daryn Pittman, Ayrton Gennetten, Kerry Madsen, Tim Kaeding
1 Top 10 – Kasey Kahne, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Chris Windom, Joe B. Miller, Scotty Milan, Brandon Spithaler, Kalib Henry, Tim Shaffer, Zane DeVault, Sye Lynch, Travis Philo, Trey Jacobs, Scotty Thiel, Mark Dobmeier, Kaleb Johnson, Austin McCarl, Christopher Thram, Landon Brooks, Greg Wilson, Spencer Bayston, Daison Pursley, Devon Borden, T.J. Stutts, Freddie Rahmer, Lance Dewease, Stewart Friesen, Jordan Poirier, Larry Wight, Andy Pake, Shane Golobic, Justin Sanders, Kaleb Montgomery, Dylan Bloomfield, D.J. Netto, Jamie Veal, Ryan Bernal

2024 WORLD OF OUTLAWS SPRINT CAR SCHEDULE & WINNERS:

No. / Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner (Total Wins)

1. Wed, Feb 7 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Brad Sweet (1)
2. Thurs, Feb 8 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / David Gravel (1)
3. Fri, Feb 9 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Tyler Courtney (1)
4. Sat, Feb 10 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Sheldon Haudenschild (1)
5. Mon, March 4 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Donny Schatz (1)
6. Fri, March 15 / Cotton Bowl Speedway / Paige, TX / Brent Marks (1)
7. Sat, March 16 / Cotton Bowl Speedway / Paige, TX / Giovanni Scelzi (1)
8. Sat, March 23 / Kennedale Speedway Park / Kennedale, TX / Carson Macedo (1)
9. Sat, March 30 / 81 Speedway / Wichita, KS / Rico Abreu (1)
10. Fri, April 5 / US 36 Raceway / Osborn, MO / David Gravel (2)
11. Sat, April 6 / Arrowhead Speedway / Colcord, OK / Sheldon Haudenschild (2)
12. Fri, April 12 / Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 / Pevely, MO / David Gravel (3)
13. Sat, April 13 / Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 / Pevely, MO / Donny Schatz (2)
14. Fri, April 19 / Paducah International Raceway / Paducah, KY / Sheldon Haudenschild (3)
15. Sat, April 20 / Tri-State Speedway / Haubstadt, IN / Brady Bacon (1)
16. Wed, May 1 / Jacksonville Speedway / Jacksonville, IL / David Gravel (4)
17. Fri, May 3 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Sheldon Haudenschild (4)
18. Sat, May 4 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / David Gravel (5)
19. Wed, May 8 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA / David Gravel (6)
20. Fri, May 17 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH / Michael Kofoid (1)
21. Sat, May 18 / Sharon Speedway / Hartford, OH / David Gravel (7)
22. Fri, May 24 / Atomic Speedway / Chillicothe, OH / David Gravel (8)
23. Sat, May 25 / Atomic Speedway / Chillicothe, OH / Sheldon Haudenschild (5)
24. Mon, May 27 / Fremont Speedway / Fremont, OH / Carson Macedo (2)
25. Fri, May 31 / Beaver Dam Raceway / Beaver Dam, WI / Sheldon Haudenschild (6)
26. Fri, June 7 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND / Giovanni Scelzi (2)
27. Sat, June 8 / Ogilvie Raceway / Ogilvie, MN / Sheldon Haudenschild (7)
28. Fri, June 14 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / David Gravel (9)
29. Sat, June 15 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Corey Day (1)
30. Wed, June 19 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Tyler Courtney (2)
31. Sat, June 29 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI / Logan Schuchart (1)
32. Wed, July 10 / Beaver Dam Raceway / Beaver Dam, WI / Giovanni Scelzi (3)
33. Fri, July 12 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI / Carson Macedo (3)
34. Sat, July 13 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI / Donny Schatz (3)
35. Tues, July 16 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH / David Gravel (10)
36. Fri, July 19 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Rico Abreu (2)
37. Sat, July 20 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / David Gravel (11)
38. Wed, July 24 / BAPS Motor Speedway / York Haven, PA / James McFadden (1)
39. Fri, July 26 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / T.J. Stutts (1)
40. Sat, July 27 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / David Gravel (12)
41. Sun, July 28 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY / David Gravel (13)
42. Fri, Aug 2 / Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 / Pevely, MO / Kyle Larson (1)
43. Sat, Aug 3 / Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 / Pevely, MO / Kyle Larson (2)
44. Sat, Aug 10 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Kyle Larson (3)
45. Fri, Aug 16 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN / Carson Macedo (4)
46. Sat, Aug 17 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN / Donny Schatz (4)
47. Fri, Aug 23 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND / Carson Macedo (5)
48. Sat, Aug 24 / Red River Valley Speedway / West Fargo, ND / Carson Macedo (6)
49. Fri, Aug 30 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Sheldon Haudenschild (8)
50. Sat, Aug 31 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Carson Macedo (7)
51. Sun, Sept 1 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Michael Kofoid (2)
52. Fri, Sept 6 / Stockton Dirt Track / Stockton, CA / Michael Kofoid (3)
53. Sat, Sept 7 / Kings Speedway / Hanford, CA / Carson Macedo (8)