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February 4, 2026
Trent Gower Photo
Since 1978, the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series has been home to the world’s best Sprint Car drivers, and 2026 will be no different.
A strong 17 competitors have signed on to battle it out with The Greatest Show on Dirt this season. Among them is the two-time champion aiming to keep the throne, a 10-time titlist looking to rekindle some magic, familiar faces in new places, and more.
They’re set for a nine-month journey that will take them to more than 20 states from coast-to-coast and even a trip north of the border into Canada. The campaign fires off this week at Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (Feb. 4-7) in Barberville, FL, and #AllDirtRoads will lead the tour to The Dirt Track at Charlotte on Nov. 4-7 for the World of Outlaws World Finals.
Let’s meet the 2026 World of Outlaws roster:
Emerson Axsom (Klaasmeyer/Petry Motorsports No. 27 – R): After months of speculation, Emerson Axsom confirmed his plans to compete with the World of Outlaws full-time in 2026. The Franklin, IN native topped the prestigious Chili Bowl Nationals in January and now aims for a Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year campaign.
Bill Balog (B2 Motorsports No. 17B): Bill Balog took a big step forward during his sophomore season, and he’s ready to build off that in 2026. The “North Pole Nightmare” topped a trio of races last year and nearly snagged one of the sport’s crown jewels, leading the most laps before a podium result at the National Open.
Spencer Bayston (Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing No. 17): Spencer Bayston is back on the World of Outlaws tour in 2026. The 2022 Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year is teamed with 47-time Series Feature winners Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing for his third overall campaign with The Greatest Show on Dirt. Bayston and the team’s new crew chief Kyle Pruitt got acquainted at the end of 2025 and showed speed right out of the gate during World Finals.
Scott Bogucki (Three Stooges Racing No. 51 – R): A lifelong dream comes true for Scott Bogucki as he joins the World of Outlaws full-time to make a run at Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year honors. The McLaren Vale, SA, Australia native linked with Three Stooges Racing last August, and the pairing decided to make the jump to face the best in 2026.
David Gravel (Big Game Motorsports No. 2): David Gravel and the Big Game Motorsports team put together a remarkable championship campaign in 2025, and they want to be even better in 2026. Gravel and the Cody Jacobs-led crew are at the top of the sport with no plans of relinquishing the spot. The chance to become only the fourth driver to ever claim three consecutive World of Outlaws championships stands ahead of Gravel in 2026.
Sheldon Haudenschild (KCP Racing No. 18): After months of speculation, last week Sheldon Haudenschild revealed he was heading to KCP Racing for the 2026 World of Outlaws tour. The Wooster, OH native brought longtime crew chief Kyle Ripper with him and a résumé that currently boasts 46 career wins.
Kasey Jedrzejek (Bill Rose Racing No. 6 – R): It’s LaGrange, OH’s Kasey Jedrzejek jumping in the seat of Bill Rose’s No. 6 in 2026. The 21-year-old turned plenty of heads over the last two years aboard Ed Neumeister’s No. 11N, and it’s earned him a shot in the big leagues.
Michael Kofoid (Roth Motorsports No. 83): It’s a simple question for Michael “Buddy” Kofoid and the Roth Motorsports crew in 2026: can they dethrone Gravel for the title? Kofoid was stellar in 2025 with a dozen victories including a pair of six-figure Huset’s Speedway paydays in one week. The result was a runner-up finish in points for the Penngrove, CA native.
Carson Macedo (Jason Johnson Racing No. 41): The hunt for a World of Outlaws championship continues for Carson Macedo and Jason Johnson Racing. Since joining forces, the potent pairing has racked up 52 checkered flags and finished no worse than third in points through five campaigns.
Cole Macedo (TwoC Racing No. 2C): A sophomore season is in store for Cole Macedo in 2026 aboard the TwoC Racing No. 2C. The Lemoore, CA native showed flashes of brilliance during his rookie campaign, and he’ll look to improve even more this year.
Conner Morrell (Bill Rose Racing No. 28M): Conner Morrell made a big jump to the World of Outlaws tour in 2025, and he’s back for more this year. The Bradenton, FL native nearly snagged a win last season at Ohsweken Speedway that made it clear he’s got what it takes to compete with the best.
Donny Schatz (CJB Motorsports No. 15): There will be no shortage of attention on Donny Schatz in 2026 as many eagerly await to see how he’ll mesh with CJB Motorsports. The 10-time champion is as motivated as ever and has renowned crew chief Barry Jackson in his corner as he starts his 30th consecutive World of Outlaws campaign.
Logan Schuchart (Shark Racing No. 1S): Logan Schuchart is set for his 13th World of Outlaws season behind the wheel of the Shark Racing machine. With 44 career wins and eight straight years of finishing within the top seven in points, the Hanover, PA native has established himself as one of this generations most consistent competitors.
Scotty Thiel (Greg Wheeler Motorsports No. 16C – R): “The Big Wheel” is rolling to The Greatest Show on Dirt in 2026 thanks to partnering with Greg Wheeler Motorsports. The 2024 Interstate Racing Association (IRA) champion is one of five rookies signed on.
Ashton Torgerson (Shark Racing No. 1A – R): The Shark Racing No. 1A is back on the World of Outlaws tour, and it’s Glendale, AZ’s Ashton Torgerson in the seat. The 19-year-old teamed with Shark last April and quickly silenced doubters by beating the PA Posse at BAPS Motor Speedway. Many more impressive runs led the team to deciding The Greatest Show on Dirt is where to be in 2026.
Garet Williamson (Fischer Motorsports No. 23): Garet Williamson bested one of the toughest Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year classes in 2025, and the Columbia, MO driver is ready for a sophomore surge in 2026. He’s back for season number two with the Fischer Motorsports team.
Chris Windom (Sides Motorsports No. 7S): Chris Windom pieced together a solid rookie year in 2025 after teaming with Sides Motorsports. The USAC Triple Crown champion led the Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year standings for much of the summer before slipping to second.
Where can you get tickets to see the World of Outlaws in 2026? Click to see the full schedule.
Where can you watch every World of Outlaws race? Live on DIRTVision.
*R denotes rookie competitor.
