(February 7, 2024) Barberville, FL – Brad Sweet flexed his muscles at Volusia Speedway Park, leading all 25 laps to win the opening race of the 2024 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car season. The five-time and reigning champion drove the Kasey Kahne Racing #49 to victory in the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals, earning a $12,000 payday and marking his 91st career win with the series.
A Battle with Tyler Courtney
Sweet began the race from pole position, holding off a strong challenge from Tyler Courtney. The duo started side-by-side and battled through the first few turns, with Sweet quickly reclaiming the lead from Courtney. Despite Courtney’s persistent efforts, Sweet’s experience and strategic adjustments kept him in front.
“It’s just a lot of fun to come here and start out so strong,” Sweet said. “We’ve had a lot of success here at Volusia over the years. It’s going to be a long week, so hopefully we can keep celebrating in Victory Lane.”
Key Moments in the Race
Sweet maintained a solid pace throughout the race, even as the gap between him and Courtney fluctuated. A caution on Lap 12 for a slowing Sheldon Haudenschild provided a brief respite, but on the restart, Courtney challenged again, building momentum around the cushion while Sweet stuck to the bottom.
Courtney’s attempt to overtake Sweet was interrupted by another caution on Lap 16 for Michael “Buddy” Kofoid. Recognizing the threat, Sweet switched to the top line, disrupting Courtney’s rhythm and securing his lead.
“I could hear him (Courtney) on my outside at the end of the back straightaway,” Sweet explained. “I opened my entry in (Turn) 1 and started using the banking to create momentum, and I think it just kind of took the air that he had.”
Holding Off Late Challenges
As the race progressed, Sweet extended his lead, but late traffic allowed Courtney to close in. However, Sweet expertly navigated the slower cars, maintaining his advantage and securing the win.
“My car was just phenomenal,” Sweet said. “We made it better all night. Eric (Prutzman, crew chief). It’s Tye’s (Wolfgang, car chief) birthday, so happy birthday to Tye. And we’ve got a new tire guy, Zane. Happy to get in Victory Lane for them. Happy that my wife and daughter are here.”
Courtney finished second, achieving his seventh career World of Outlaws podium. Despite his strong performance, Courtney acknowledged the challenge of competing against an experienced driver like Sweet.
Upcoming Events
The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars return to Volusia Speedway Park on Thursday, Feb. 8 for night two of the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. For tickets, visit the World of Outlaws website. If you can’t make it to the track, catch every lap live on DIRTVision.
Feature Results (25 Laps)
- Brad Sweet [1]
- Tyler Courtney [2]
- David Gravel [3]
- Brian Brown [8]
- Logan Schuchart [14]
- Donny Schatz [10]
- Giovanni Scelzi [6]
- Bill Balog [4]
- Kasey Kahne [16]
- Anthony Macri [9]
- Brent Marks [12]
- Rico Abreu [7]
- Justin Peck [13]
- Carson Macedo [25]
- Danny Dietrich [22]
- Chris Windom [15]
- Jacob Allen [11]
- Brock Zearfoss [24]
- Sam Hafertepe Jr. [17]
- Corey Day [20]
- Landon Crawley [5]
- Zeb Wise [23]
- Bill Rose [26]
- Michael Kofoid [19]
- Austin McCarl [21]
- Sheldon Haudenschild [18]
