Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

World of Outlaws faces crossroads as 28th season ends

By the numbers

28

The number of years the World of Outlaws has been racing as a winged sprint car series.

367

NHRA record for most consecutive races for which John Force has qualified.

10

The number of World of Outlaws drivers in the top 15 in points that will defect to the new SprintCar League next season.

The World of Outlaws is at a crossroads as the winged sprint-car series closes its 28th season with a two-night show Friday and Saturday at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway dirt track.

It was announced last month that the group that operates the Richard Petty Driving Experience, including NASCAR legend Richard Petty, has formed a rival sprint-car series, National SprintCar League, that will debut next season. In addition to the Pettys, NASCAR stars Tony Stewart, Kasey Kahne, Ken Schrader and Dave Blaney are expected to field teams in the SCL beginning in 2006.

The National SprintCar League already has signed 10 of the top 15 drivers away from the Outlaws series, including 20-time champion Steve Kinser, Danny Lasoski and Sammy Swindell, and will compete with the World of Outlaws for the same racetracks.

But the Outlaws series isn't going away.

"There are going to be some announcements made, hopefully Sunday night, that will show the fans and the promoters and the teams that DIRT, the World of Outlaws' sanctioning body, is very determined to make it work," series spokesman Chris Dolack said.

Las Vegas Motor Speedway General Manager Chris Powell has held talks with both groups, but said he has not yet decided which series would race in 2006.

Spectator gates open at 6 p.m. and qualifying begins at 6:30 Friday and Saturday.

MEET THE DRIVERS

Local fans will have a couple of opportunities to meet their favorite National Hot Rod Association Powerade Drag Racing Series drivers prior to the start of this weekend's NHRA ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals at The Strip at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Several drivers will participate today in the second annual NHRA Fan Fest at the Hard Rock Hotel from noon-7 p.m., with drivers participating in an autograph session from 5-6:30.

Also today, Don Schumacher Racing drivers and riders Tony Schumacher and Melanie Troxel (6-6:30 p.m.), Ron Capps (6-6:45) and Gary Scelzi, Jeg Coughlin Jr., Richie Stevens Jr., Antron Brown and Angelle Sampey (6:30-8) will sign autographs at the Treasure Island hotel.

ALSO NOTED:

* The race vehicles piloted by Whit Bazemore (Funny Car) and Craig Treble (Pro Stock Motorcycle) will carry special Las Vegas Centennial-themed paint schemes during this weekend's ACDelco Las Vegas Nationals. Action Performance is producing die-cast replicas of both vehicles.

* Tony Schumacher (Top Fuel), John Force (Funny Car) and Greg Anderson (Pro Stock) are listed as the favorites this weekend to win their respective pro categories by Station Casinos oddsmaker Micah Roberts.

* Las Vegan Scott Lynch will drive Orleans Racing's No. 62 Dodge for the remainder of the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series season, beginning with Saturday's race at Martinsville (Va.) Speedway.

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