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Alex Nieten
Trent Gower Photo
July 31st, 2025
The most demanding race on the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series calendar is upon us.
This week, The Greatest Show on Dirt is bound for I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park as the stage is set for the 17th running of the Federated Auto Parts Ironman 55. Two nights (Aug. 1-2) of action will culminate in Saturday’s 55-lap, $25,000-to-win finale.
It requires stamina. It requires talent. It requires mental fortitude. This is not a race anyone can luck into winning. When the checkered flag falls after 55 intense laps around the 3/8-mile dirt track, the driver who uses what energy is left to lift the dumbbell trophy above his head in Victory Lane will have earned it.
The spotlight isn’t only on the country’s best Sprint Car drivers at I-55 this weekend. Fans will also be treated to full programs of the Xtreme Outlaw Midget Series presented by Toyota both Friday and Saturday to create an open-wheel fan’s dream weekend.
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Let’s look at the top storylines this week:
DOMINATION: Six years ago, the Ironman 55 was the site of one of the most dominant drives in World of Outlaws history.
Sheldon Haudenschild put on a complete and absolute clinic behind the wheel of the Stenhouse Jr.-Marshall Racing/NOS Energy Drink No. 17. He took the lead from Donny Schatz on Lap 11 and showed the entire field how it’s done. The Wooster, OH native ripped by traffic, lapping through the sixth-place running car. When the checkered flag flew, runner-up Schatz was more than 10 seconds behind Haudenschild.
That night marked the beginning of a magical run at the Pevely, MO bullring. It was the first of four victories in a nine-race stretch at I-55 for Haudenschild that concluded with his second Ironman title in 2021.
Haudenschild hasn’t been able to summon that same I-55 magic since, but he’s been close with four top fives, including a podium last year. This weekend offers him the chance to equal Craig Dollansky and Kyle Larson with the most Ironman 55 dumbbells.
I AM IRONMAN: Haudenschild won’t be the only former Ironman entered this weekend.
Logan Schuchart hoisted the coveted trophy in 2018 after leading 41 laps, including the most important one aboard the Shark Racing No. 1S. Since then, his consistency has been tremendous with 15 top fives in 22 appearances at I-55. It took him until this spring to return to Victory Lane at the 3/8 mile when he topped the Spring Classic finale, making him the most recent Series winner at I-55 entering the weekend.
The Hanover, PA native could use the boost of a strong weekend at one of his stronger tracks. He’s been as high as runner-up in the points this year, but has slipped to fourth. He’s more than 100 markers behind Carson Macedo for third, but there’s still plenty of season to go.
HEAVY LIFTING: The Ironman 55 is about the only missing piece in Donny Schatz’s sure-fire Hall of Fame career, but it hasn’t been from a lack of effort in the gym.
The 10-time World of Outlaws champion has come so close so many times to lifting the dumbbell. Five times he’s been an Ironman 55 runner-up. The first three came in consecutive fashion as Schatz settled for second in 2012, 2013, and 2014. Five years later brought the fourth in 2019, and then another five years delivered the latest as Schatz came home second again last season.
There’s no denying the Fargo, ND driver knows how to get the job done at I-55. Three of his 316 career World of Outlaws victories have occurred there. It’s simply a matter of the right timing for his next at the “Show-Me State” track. It hasn’t been the 2025 Schatz and the Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing team had hoped for, but there’s still time to turn things around.
PEVELY PROWESS: Schatz will be joined by several more current World of Outlaws competitors who have shown speed at I-55, looking for their first Ironman.
Carson Macedo is a three-time Pevely victor, and the entire trio has come since he joined Jason Johnson Racing. The Lemoore, CA native topped a pair in 2022 including the Night Before the Ironman, and then returned to Victory Lane this spring. He’s been on the podium in nine of his last 12 visits, and his best Ironman finish is a 2022 runner-up.
The Ironman 55 is one of the few major events missing from David Gravel’s résumé. The Watertown, CT native owns a pair of Pevely wins, including one last year with his current Big Game Motorsports team. The defending Series champion finished second in the 2018 running of the event.
Many other capable World of Outlaws drivers will be in search of their first triumph in the event, including Michael “Buddy” Kofoid, Bill Balog, and more.
NEW KID: Early silly season news rocked the Sprint Car world last week when Giovanni Scelzi and KCP Racing parted ways after five years together, but the KCP seat was quickly filled as the team intends to complete the 2025 World of Outlaws season.
Franklin, IN’s Emerson Axsom got the call from car owners Matt Barbara and Bret Nehring. The former United States Auto Club (USAC) ace has quickly gotten acquainted with Winged Sprint Cars over the past couple seasons, and now he’s earned an opportunity with one of the sport’s top teams.
Their debut together at BAPS Motor Speedway last week required a provisional for the Feature as they struggled out of the gate, but they quickly turned things around on Sunday. In his first appearance at Weedsport Speedway, Axsom took the No. 18 to an eighth-place finish.
Now the focus is I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park, where Axsom debuted in April this season.
KNOXVILLE UP NEXT: I-55 is directly ahead in the crosshairs, and then “The Granddaddy of ‘Em All” awaits on the horizon.
When the checkered flag drops on Saturday, teams will load up and head to Knoxville Raceway for the 64th NOS Energy Drink Knoxville Nationals presented by Casey’s, meaning I-55 serves as one of the final chances to build momentum ahead of the biggest race of the year.
Prior to 2023, no driver had been able to parlay an Ironman 55 title into Knoxville Nationals glory, but Kyle Larson changed that in a big way. “Yung Money” went back-to-back at the Ironman in 2023 and 2024 and did the same at Knoxville those years, a feat this weekend’s eventual winner will look to replicate.
THIS WEEKEND AT A GLANCE
WHEN AND WHERE
Friday-Saturday, August 1-2 at I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park in Pevely, MO
ON THE INTERNET
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CURRENT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS (44/77 Races):
1. David Gravel – Big Game Motorsports No. 2 (6004 PTS)
2. Michael Kofoid – Roth Motorsports No. 83 (-182 PTS)
3. Carson Macedo – Jason Johnson Racing No. 41 (-228 PTS)
4. Logan Schuchart – Shark Racing No. 1S (-338 PTS)
5. Sheldon Haudenschild – Stenhouse Jr.-Marshall Racing No. 17 (-394 PTS)
6. Donny Schatz – Tony Stewart/Curb Agajanian Racing No. 15 (-504 PTS)
7. Bill Balog – B2 Motorsports No. 17B (-726 PTS)
8. Chris Windom – Sides Motorsports No. 7S (-794 PTS)
9. Garet Williamson – Fischer Motorsports No. 23 (-800 PTS)
10. Giovanni Scelzi – KCP Racing No. 18 (-844 PTS)
NOS ENERGY DRINK FEATURE WINNERS (13 Drivers):
11 Wins – David Gravel
7 Wins – Michael Kofoid
6 Wins – Carson Macedo
4 Wins – Kyle Larson
3 Wins – Rico Abreu, Anthony Macri
2 Wins – Logan Schuchart, Sheldon Haudenschild, Bill Balog
1 Win – Christopher Bell, Giovanni Scelzi, Brad Sweet, Corey Day
FEATURE LAPS LED (24 Drivers):
257 Laps – David Gravel
241 Laps – Michael Kofoid
144 Laps – Carson Macedo
98 Laps – Kyle Larson
96 Laps – Bill Balog
93 Laps – Anthony Macri
92 Laps – Sheldon Haudenschild
91 Laps – Logan Schuchart
82 Laps – Rico Abreu
62 Laps – Giovanni Scelzi
23 Laps – Kerry Madsen
17 Laps – Emerson Axsom, Brad Sweet, Corey Day
16 Laps – Cole Macedo
15 Laps – Spencer Bayston
14 Laps – Dylan Westbrook
12 Laps – Conner Morrell
11 Laps – Jordan Thomas
9 Laps – Sam Hafertepe Jr.
8 Laps – Christopher Bell, Aaron Reutzel
1 Lap – Donny Schatz, Garet Williamson
SIMPSON PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS QUICKTIME AWARDS (21 Drivers):
12 Quick Times – David Gravel
5 Quick Times – Rico Abreu
3 Quick Times – Carson Macedo
2 Quick Times – Logan Schuchart, Sheldon Haudenschild, Giovanni Scelzi, Garet Williamson
1 Quick Time – Emerson Axsom, Kyle Larson, Danny Sams III, Anthony Macri, Aaron Reutzel, Michael Kofoid, Chase Dietz, Donny Schatz, Zach Hampton, Tyler Courtney, Austin McCarl, Kerry Madsen, Bill Balog, Lance Dewease
HEAT RACE WINNERS (42 Drivers):
25 Heat Wins – David Gravel
20 Heat Wins – Carson Macedo
14 Heat Wins – Bill Balog
12 Heat Wins – Sheldon Haudenschild
11 Heat Wins – Logan Schuchart
8 Heat Wins – Giovanni Scelzi, Michael Kofoid
7 Heat Wins – Kyle Larson
6 Heat Wins – Chris Windom
5 Heat Wins – Anthony Macri
4 Heat Wins – Christopher Bell, Tyler Courtney, Conner Morrell, Rico Abreu
3 Heat Wins – Garet Williamson, Brad Sweet, Brian Brown, Emerson Axsom, Danny Dietrich
2 Heat Wins – Jacob Allen, Austin McCarl, Skylar Gee, Ryan Timms, Hunter Schuerenberg, Christopher Thram
1 Heat Win – Bryce Lucius, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Donny Schatz, Aaron Reutzel, Tanner Thorson, Zach Hampton, Chase Dietz, Justin Whittall, Danny Sams III, Jy Corbet, Tim Kaeding, Andy Pake, Ashton Torgerson, Kasey Jedrzejek, Lance Dewease, Freddie Rahmer, Ryan Turner
TOYOTA DASH APPEARANCES (59 Drivers):
35 Dashes – David Gravel
26 Dashes – Carson Macedo
21 Dashes – Logan Schuchart, Sheldon Haudenschild
17 Dashes – Michael Kofoid
16 Dashes – Giovanni Scelzi, Bill Balog
8 Dashes – Chris Windom
7 Dashes – Emerson Axsom, Kyle Larson, Anthony Macri
6 Dashes – Rico Abreu, Cole Macedo
5 Dashes – Brian Brown, Garet Williamson, Donny Schatz, Tyler Courtney, Aaron Reutzel
4 Dashes – Conner Morrell, Hunter Schuerenberg, Brad Sweet
3 Dashes – Christopher Bell, Danny Dietrich, Skylar Gee, Danny Sams III, Austin McCarl, Ryan Timms, Parker Price-Miller, Zach Hampton
2 Dashes – Jacob Allen, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Christopher Thram, Kelby Watt, Tanner Thorson, Kerry Madsen, Chase Dietz, Ashton Torgerson
1 Dash – Justin Peck, Spencer Bayston, Bryce Lucius, Carson McCarl, Brady Bacon, Lucas Wolfe, Justin Whittall, Jordan Thomas, Jonathan Preston, Dylan Westbrook, Cory Turner, Cole Duncan, Tim Kaeding, Justin Henderson, Scotty Thiel, Corey Day, Zane DeVault, Brent Marks, Freddie Rahmer, Ryan Smith, Lance Dewease, Ryan Turner
MICRO-LITE LAST CHANCE SHOWDOWN WINS (28 Drivers):
3 LCS Wins – Giovanni Scelzi, Garet Williamson, Ashton Torgerson, Cole Macedo
2 LCS Wins – Donny Schatz, Christopher Thram, Ryan Timms
1 LCS Win – Chris Martin, Anthony Macri, Bryce Lucius, Conner Morrell, Blake Hahn, J.J. Hickle, Zach Hampton, Emerson Axsom, Matt Campbell, Joe Trenca, Darin Naida, Bill Balog, Mark Dobmeier, Tim Kaeding, Hunter Schuerenberg, Chris Windom, Sheldon Haudenschild, Brad Sweet, Brady Bacon, Landon Crawley, Skylar Gee, James McFadden, Logan Schuchart, Alex Therrien
KSE HARD CHARGER AWARDS (24 Drivers):
5 Hard Chargers – Donny Schatz
4 Hard Chargers – Logan Schuchart
3 Hard Chargers – Ryan Timms, Chris Windom, Garet Williamson, Cole Macedo, Sheldon Haudenschild
2 Hard Chargers – Skylar Gee, Bill Balog, Michael Kofoid
1 Hard Charger – Zach Hampton, Hunter Schuerenberg, Lance Dewease, Dylan Westbrook, Kalib Henry, Cap Henry, Jade Hastings, Carson Macedo, Tanner Thorson, Rico Abreu, Anthony Macri, Giovanni Scelzi, David Gravel, Danny Varin
PODIUM FINISHES (32 Drivers):
25 Podiums – David Gravel
18 Podiums – Michael Kofoid
16 Podiums – Carson Macedo
10 Podiums – Kyle Larson
8 Podiums – Logan Schuchart
8 Podiums – Sheldon Haudenschild
5 Podiums – Rico Abreu, Anthony Macri, Bill Balog
4 Podiums – Donny Schatz
3 Podiums – Giovanni Scelzi
2 Podiums – Christopher Bell, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Tyler Courtney, Kerry Madsen
1 Podium – Aaron Reutzel, Jacob Allen, Emerson Axsom, Brady Bacon, Donny Schatz, Cole Macedo, Chase Dietz, Danny Dietrich, Conner Morrell, Dylan Westbrook, Skylar Gee, Chris Windom, Cole Duncan, Brad Sweet, Corey Day, Spencer Bayston, Garet Williamson
TOP 10 FINISHES (55 Drivers):
43 Top 10s – David Gravel
37 Top 10s – Michael Kofoid
33 Top 10s – Carson Macedo
31 Top 10s – Logan Schuchart
28 Top 10s – Sheldon Haudenschild
27 Top 10s – Giovanni Scelzi
24 Top 10s – Donny Schatz
21 Top 10s – Bill Balog
17 Top 10s – Chris Windom
14 Top 10s – Garet Williamson
12 Top 10s – Anthony Macri
11 Top 10s – Brad Sweet, Kyle Larson, Cole Macedo
10 Top 10s – Tyler Courtney, Hunter Schuerenberg
9 Top 10s – Rico Abreu, Emerson Axsom
6 Top 10s – Ryan Timms
5 Top 10s – Aaron Reutzel, Skylar Gee, Kerry Madsen
4 Top 10s – Zach Hampton, Tanner Thorson
3 Top 10s – Justin Peck, Parker Price-Miller, Conner Morrell, Austin McCarl, Spencer Bayston, Brady Bacon, Danny Dietrich
2 Top 10s – Christopher Bell, Jacob Allen, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Corey Day, Tim Kaeding, Brian Brown, Freddie Rahmer, Troy Wagaman Jr.
1 Top 10 – Danny Sams III, Chase Dietz, Justin Whittall, Jordan Thomas, Dylan Westbrook, Jordan Poirier, Kalib Henry, Cole Duncan, Kelby Watt, Ashton Torgerson, Tanner Holmes, Ryan Smith, Brent Marks, Ryan Turner, Zach Sobotka, Danny Varin
2025 WORLD OF OUTLAWS SPRINT CAR WINNERS:
No. / Day, Date / Track / Location / Winner (Total Wins)
1. Wed, Feb 7 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Carson Macedo (1)
2. Thurs, Feb 8 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Christopher Bell (1)
3. Fri, Feb 9 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Kyle Larson (1)
4. Sat, Feb 10 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / Kyle Larson (2)
5. Sun, March 2 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / David Gravel (1)
6. Mon, March 3 / Volusia Speedway Park / Barberville, FL / David Gravel (2)
7. Fri, March 7 / Talladega Short Track / Eastaboga, AL / Bill Balog (1)
8. Sat, March 8 / Magnolia Motor Speedway / Columbus, MS / David Gravel (3)
9. Fri, March 14 / Kennedale Speedway Park / Kennedale, TX / Giovanni Scelzi (1)
10. Sat, March 15 / Kennedale Speedway Park / Kennedale, TX / Michael Kofoid (1)
11. Fri, March 21 / Cotton Bowl Speedway / Paige, TX / David Gravel (4)
12. Sat, March 22 / Cotton Bowl Speedway / Paige, TX / David Gravel (5)
13. Fri, March 28 / Lawton Speedway / Lawton, OK / Michael Kofoid (2)
14. Fri, April 11 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Carson Macedo (2)
15. Sat, April 12 / I-55 Federated Auto Parts Raceway Park / Pevely, MO / Logan Schuchart (1)
16. Sat, April 19 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Rico Abreu (1)
17. Fri, April 25 / Jacksonville Speedway / Jacksonville, IL / Kyle Larson (3)
18. Sat, April 26 / Tri-State Speedway / Haubstadt, IN / Sheldon Haudenschild (1)
19. Fri, May 2 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / David Gravel (6)
20. Wed, May 7 / Lincoln Speedway / Abbottstown, PA / Michael Kofoid (3)
21. Sat, May 10 / Williams Grove Speedway / Mechanicsburg, PA / Anthony Macri (1)
22. Wed, May 14 / Ohsweken Speedway / Ohsweken, ON / David Gravel (7)
23. Thurs, May 15 / Ohsweken Speedway / Ohsweken, ON / David Gravel (8)
24. Sat, May 24 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH / Logan Schuchart (2)
25. Mon, May 26 / Atomic Speedway / Chillicothe, OH / Carson Macedo (3)
26. Fri, May 30 / River Cities Speedway / Grand Forks, ND / Michael Kofoid (4)
27. Sat, May 31 / Red River Valley Speedway / West Fargo, ND / Sheldon Haudenschild (2)
28. Wed, June 4 / Jackson Motorplex / Jackson, MN / Carson Macedo (4)
29. Fri, June 6 / Plymouth Dirt Track / Plymouth, WI / Rico Abreu (2)
30. Sat, June 7 / Beaver Dam Raceway / Beaver Dam, WI / Brad Sweet (1)
31. Fri, June 13 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / David Gravel (9)
32. Sat, June 14 / Knoxville Raceway / Knoxville, IA / Corey Day (1)
33. Wed, June 18 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Kyle Larson (4)
34. Thurs, June 19 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Michael Kofoid (5)
35. Fri, June 20 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Bill Balog (2)
36. Sat, June 21 / Huset’s Speedway / Brandon, SD / Michael Kofoid (6)
37. Fri, June 27 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI / David Gravel (10)
38. Sat, June 28 / Cedar Lake Speedway / New Richmond, WI / Carson Macedo (5)
39. Sat, July 12 / Wilmot Raceway / Wilmot, WI / Michael Kofoid (7)
40. Tues, July 15 / Attica Raceway Park / Attica, OH / Carson Macedo (6)
41. Fri, July 18 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Rico Abreu (3)
42. Sat, July 19 / Eldora Speedway / Rossburg, OH / Anthony Macri (2)
43. Wed, July 23 / BAPS Motor Speedway / York Haven, PA / Anthony Macri (3)
44. Sun, July 27 / Weedsport Speedway / Weedsport, NY / David Gravel (11)
For the complete 2025 schedule, CLICK HERE.
