"The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series"
Has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?
Already year in following the post-Steve Kinser era and the series is still as strong as ever. All the naysayers continue to say that "this is the beginning of the end" for the WoO, yet they were attractive enough to catch the eye of a large corporate sponsor in Sears/Craftsman.
That's all well and good, but as a fan you're doubly concerned with the action on the track. And if the action down at the 1/2 mile Volusia Speedway Park oval is any indication, we're in for one HELL of a year!
Who's New?
Greg Wilson:
Two-time All Star Sprint champion and 2015 Ohio Speedweek champion makes his first run at the WoO tour
Clyde Knipp:
Teenage driver Clyde Knipp is in just his 2nd season behind the wheel of a sprint car. After competing locally in Missouri, the team takes to the road with the World of Outlaws
Who's Gone?
Kerry Madsen:
The Madman and Keneric Racing has taken their #29 entry out of a World of Outlaws bid to compete on more of a regional schedule. Don't be surprised if he makes some noise when he does catch up with the series
Car Swaps
Joey Saldana:
The Brownsburg Bullet hops back in the always-competitive Roth Motorsports #83 after competing in the Motter Motorsports #71 the previous two seasons
David Gravel:
After a mid-season switch to Destiny Motorsports, Gravel makes the leap over to CJB Motorsports and replaces fellow driver Paul McMahan
Paul McMahan:
Not to be outdone, McMahan parts ways with CJB Motorsports in the offseason and replaces David Gravel in the Destiny Motorsports #7 machine
The Drivers
Brad Sweet - 14 career series wins. Best series finish - 3rd ('15)
Clyde Knipp - Teenage driver making his WoO Rookie of the Year bid
Daryn Pittman - 57 career series wins. Best series finish - 1st ('13)
David Gravel - 7 career series wins. Best series finish - 9th ('15)
Donny Schatz - 205 career series wins. Best series finish - 1st ('06, '07, '08, '09, '12, '14, '15)
Greg Wilson - 1 career series win. First time running the full tour.
Jacob Allen - 0 career series wins. Best series finish - 13th ('14 & '15)
Jason Johnson - 1 career series win. Best series finish - 12th ('15)
Jason Sides - 14 career series wins. Best series finish - 5th ('09 & '10)
Joey Saldana - 94 career series wins. Best series finish - 2nd ('07)
Logan Schuchart - 0 career series wins. Best series finish - 10th ('15)
Paul McMahan - 26 career series wins. Best series finish - 3rd ('13 & '14)
Shane Stewart - 14 career series wins. Best series finish - 2nd ('15)
The Predictions
Top 5: Donny Schatz, Daryn Pittman, Brad Sweet, Shane Stewart, David Gravel
Top 5 Winners: Schatz (24), Sweet (11), Pittman (8), Stewart (7), Saldana (5)
Fast Timer: Brad Sweet (17 quick times)
Most Improved: Jacob Allen
Race of the Year: Thunderbowl (Tulare) Speedway Night #1
Rainouts: 4
Knoxville Nationals: Donny Schatz....again
Kings Royal: Greg Wilson
National Open: Daryn Pittman
New WoO Winner: Brent Marks
Throwback WoO Winner: Terry McCarl
Donny Schatz championship margin: 286 points
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