THE ULTIMATE GLADIATOR: David Gravel Gets $25,000 for Sweeping Outlaws at Bristol
David Gravel loves making statements, and boy did he make a big one at Bristol Motor Speedway this weekend.
After his downright domination of Friday’s opener at the Bristol, TN 1/2-mile, Gravel returned to victory lane on Sunday afternoon and completed a weekend sweep of the Bristol Throwdown. This time, he did it in opposite fashion by sliding to the lead coming to the white flag to earn his 61st career World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series win.
The Big Game Motorsports #2 started on the outside pole of the 25-lapper, but slipped back to third before running down Logan Schuchart in lap traffic and clearing him with a monster run down the backstretch that guided him to a huge turn three slide job on Lap 24.
A symbolical weekend in a way, Gravel’s impressive weekend sweep at the high-banked oval came with Sammy Swindell in attendance as the Grand Marshal; a passing of the torch if you will. With his two wins on Friday & Sunday, the Watertown, CT native equaled the three-time World of Outlaws champion as the only two drivers through six events to win twice at the iconic venue known as The Last Great Colosseum.
Surviving a green-white-checkered restart following Schuchart’s sudden mechanical failure, Gravel drove off to a 0.846-second victory for $25,000 over Donny Schatz, another former Bristol winner in 2001.
“When I fell back to third I honestly didn’t think I had a shot,” Gravel noted on surprising himself with the win. “I was kind of just hoping to stay on the podium at a certain point. I think Donny [Schatz] messed up and just couldn’t take off on one restart and I slid by him, then catching Logan [Schuchart] was a matter of traffic. Sweeping the weekend at Bristol Motor Speedway is a pretty damn awesome accomplishment.”
Beyond Gravel’s double dip, the biggest story of Sunday came with one lap remaining when Logan Schuchart dropped out of the race with a heartbreaking mechanical issue.
The Shark Racing #1S won the DIRTVision Fast Pass Dash and ran away from the pole position to lead the opening 23 laps of the 25-lapper. His run came to a screeching halt on the white flag lap when Gravel built a massive run off the top side of turn two, sped down the backstretch, and launched a slider for the lead into turn three. The bad news came moments later when a mechanical issue forced him to drop form second worth $10,000 to 19th worth $1,200 as he was only a half-mile away from the checkered.
“We had some sort of mechanical issue with the engine,” Schuchart explained afterwards. “I hate saying that because Michael Newman builds us some of the most badass engines, but sometimes stuff beyond your control happens. We had a really fast Drydene Performance Products #1S this weekend and we really improved since we got here on Thursday. I hope we can come back here next year and go for another win.”
Rounding out the podium behind Gravel was Donny Schatz aboard the Tony Stewart/Curb-Agajanian Racing #15 and Aaron Reutzel in the Roth Motorsports #83. For Schatz, the 10-time Series champion collected his third podium through 15 races and first in over a month.
“I wouldn’t say we’re back yet,” Schatz said afterwards. “We had a solid finish and had some good speed, but it’s a lot harder to climb out of a hole than people think. It’s just the nature of the beat. We had a chance to contend there for a while, but just couldn’t follow through. Momentum means everything, that’s a big lesson I’ve learned in my 25 years. So hopefully this is a stepping stone to getting back on track.”
For Reutzel, his second podium finish of the weekend was a sigh of relief following three different engine changes.
“We overcame a lot this weekend, man,” Reutzel noted. “We just kept our heads down and kept digging. We weren’t as good tonight as were Friday, though. Anytime you run well with the Outlaws you build that momentum and build your confidence, which is what we need right now.”
Closing out the top-five at Bristol Motor Speedway on Sunday afternoon was Fresno, CA native Gio Scelzi finishing fourth in the KCP Racing #18 and Nashville, TN native Paul McMahan running fifth in the CJB Motorsports #23.
The rest of Sunday’s top-ten finishers were Carson Macedo, Brock Zearfoss, Spencer Bayston, James McFadden & Cory Eliason.
In Sunday’s intense qualifying session, the World of Outlaws track record at Bristol Motor Speedway was again shattered for the second time this weekend. This time, it was Sam Hafertepe Jr. of Sunnyvale, TX going around the half-mile at an average speed of 142.098 MPH during his 13.326-second lap.
UP NEXT – The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series will take a few days off to rest and ready themselves for a Midwestern triple-header this weekend. On Thursday, April 29, The Greatest Show on Dirt visits one of the smallest tracks on tour with Jacksonville (IL) Speedway on tap, but then we’re off to I-70 (MO) Motorsports Park on Friday & Saturday, April 30 – May 1 for the FVP Platinum Battery Showdown.
NOS Energy Drink Feature (26 Laps) – 1. 2-David Gravel [2][$25,000]; 2. 15-Donny Schatz [3][$10,000]; 3. 83-Aaron Reutzel [6][$5,000]; 4. 18-Giovanni Scelzi [5][$4,000]; 5. 23-Paul McMahan [4][$3,500]; 6. 41-Carson Macedo [8][$3,000]; 7. 3Z-Brock Zearfoss [10][$2,800]; 8. 71-Spencer Bayston [14][$2,700]; 9. 9-James McFadden [11][$2,600]; 10. 26-Cory Eliason [7][$2,500]; 11. 49-Brad Sweet [18][$2,000]; 12. 7BC-Tyler Courtney [22][$1,800]; 13. 2C-Wayne Johnson [16][$1,600]; 14. 17-Sheldon Haudenschild [9][$1,500]; 15. 20-Ryan Taylor [15][$1,400]; 16. 19-Parker Price-Miller [17][$1,300]; 17. 9JR-Derek Hagar [21][$1,200]; 18. 11K-Kraig Kinser [23][$1,200]; 19. 1S-Logan Schuchart [1][$1,200]; 20. 22-Jac Haudenschild [24][$1,200]; 21. 24-Rico Abreu [20][$1,200]; 22. 72-Tim Shaffer [12][$1,200]; 23. 7S-Jason Sides [19][$1,200]; 24. 15H-Sam Hafertepe [13][$1,200]. Lap Leaders: Logan Schuchart 1-23, David Gravel 24-26. KSE Hard Charger Award: 7BC-Tyler Courtney[+10]
NEW Championship Standings (15/83 Races): 1. Brad Sweet (2,142); 2. David Gravel (-60); 3. Carson Macedo (-90); 4. Sheldon Haudenschild (-104); 5. Aaron Reutlzel (-106); 6. Logan Schuchart (-150); 7. Donny Schatz (-160); 8. Kraig Kinser (-260); 9. Brock Zearfoss (-314); 10. Giovanni Scelzi (-392).
[Read More]POS | Start | +/- | # | Driver | Laps | Behind | Led | Status | Points | Money |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | +1 | 2 | David Gravel | 26 | 0.000 | 3 | Running | 150 | $25,000 |
2 | 3 | +1 | 15 | Donny Schatz | 26 | 0.000 | Running | 146 | $10,000 | |
3 | 6 | +3 | 83 | Aaron Reutzel | 26 | 0.000 | Running | 144 | $5,000 | |
4 | 5 | +1 | 18 | Giovanni Scelzi | 26 | 0.000 | Running | 142 | $4,000 | |
5 | 4 | -1 | 23 | Paul McMahan | 26 | 0.000 | Running | 140 | $3,500 | |
6 | 8 | +2 | 41 | Carson Macedo | 26 | 0.000 | Running | 138 | $3,000 | |
7 | 10 | +3 | 3Z | Brock Zearfoss | 26 | 0.000 | Running | 136 | $2,800 | |
8 | 14 | +6 | 71 | Spencer Bayston | 26 | 0.000 | Running | 134 | $2,700 | |
9 | 11 | +2 | 9 | James McFadden | 26 | 0.000 | Running | 132 | $2,600 | |
10 | 7 | -3 | 26 | Cory Eliason | 26 | 0.000 | Running | 130 | $2,500 | |
11 | 18 | +7 | 49 | Brad Sweet | 26 | 0.000 | Running | 128 | $2,000 | |
12 | 22 | +10 | 7BC | Tyler Courtney | 26 | 0.000 | Running | 126 | $1,800 | |
13 | 16 | +3 | 2C | Wayne Johnson | 26 | 0.000 | Running | 124 | $1,600 | |
14 | 9 | -5 | 17 | Sheldon Haudenschild | 26 | 0.000 | Running | 122 | $1,500 | |
15 | 15 | 0 | 20 | Ryan Taylor | 26 | 0.000 | Running | 120 | $1,400 | |
16 | 17 | +1 | 19 | Parker Price-Miller | 25 | -1 Laps | Running | 118 | $1,300 | |
17 | 21 | +4 | 9JR | Derek Hagar | 25 | -1 Laps | Running | 116 | $1,200 | |
18 | 23 | +5 | 11K | Kraig Kinser | 25 | -1 Laps | Running | 114 | $1,200 | |
19 | 1 | -18 | 1S | Logan Schuchart | 23 | -3 Laps | 23 | Running | 112 | $1,200 |
20 | 24 | +4 | 22 | Jac Haudenschild | 13 | -13 Laps | DNF | 110 | $1,200 | |
21 | 20 | -1 | 24 | Rico Abreu | 6 | -20 Laps | DNF | 108 | $1,200 | |
22 | 12 | -10 | 72 | Tim Shaffer | 5 | -21 Laps | DNF | 106 | $1,200 | |
23 | 19 | -4 | 7S | Jason Sides | 3 | -23 Laps | DNF | 104 | $1,200 | |
24 | 13 | -11 | 15H | Sam Hafertepe Jr | 1 | -25 Laps | DNF | 102 | $1,200 |
POS | Start | +/- | # | Driver | Laps | Behind | Led | Status | Points | Money |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | 0 | 7S | Jason Sides | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
2 | 2 | 0 | 24 | Rico Abreu | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
3 | 4 | +1 | 9JR | Derek Hagar | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
4 | 5 | +1 | 7BC | Tyler Courtney | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
5 | 3 | -2 | 11K | Kraig Kinser | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $110 | |
6 | 7 | +1 | 22 | Jac Haudenschild | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $110 | |
7 | 8 | +1 | 85 | Dustin Daggett | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $110 | |
8 | 6 | -2 | 33M | Mason Daniel | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 90 | $110 |
POS | Start | +/- | # | Driver | Laps | Behind | Led | Status | Points | Money |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | 0 | 1S | Logan Schuchart | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
2 | 2 | 0 | 2 | David Gravel | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
3 | 3 | 0 | 15 | Donny Schatz | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
4 | 4 | 0 | 23 | Paul McMahan | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
5 | 6 | +1 | 18 | Giovanni Scelzi | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 | |
6 | 5 | -1 | 83 | Aaron Reutzel | 0 | 0.000 | Running | 0 | $0 |
Pos. | Start | +/- | # | Driver | Laps Completed | Behind | Laps Led | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | +1 | 15 | Donny Schatz | 0 | 0.000 | Running | |
2 | 3 | +1 | 23 | Paul McMahan | 0 | 0.000 | Running | |
3 | 4 | +1 | 26 | Cory Eliason | 0 | 0.000 | Running | |
4 | 6 | +2 | 3Z | Brock Zearfoss | 0 | 0.000 | Running | |
5 | 1 | -4 | 15H | Sam Hafertepe Jr | 0 | 0.000 | Running | |
6 | 5 | -1 | 2C | Wayne Johnson | 0 | 0.000 | Running | |
7 | 9 | +2 | 11K | Kraig Kinser | 0 | 0.000 | Running | |
8 | 7 | -1 | 7S | Jason Sides | 0 | 0.000 | Running | |
9 | 8 | -1 | 85 | Dustin Daggett | 0 | 0.000 | Running |
Pos. | Start | +/- | # | Driver | Laps Completed | Behind | Laps Led | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | David Gravel | 0 | 0.000 | Running | |
2 | 2 | 0 | 18 | Giovanni Scelzi | 0 | 0.000 | Running | |
3 | 3 | 0 | 41 | Carson Macedo | 0 | 0.000 | Running | |
4 | 5 | +1 | 9 | James McFadden | 0 | 0.000 | Running | |
5 | 6 | +1 | 71 | Spencer Bayston | 0 | 0.000 | Running | |
6 | 4 | -2 | 19 | Parker Price-Miller | 0 | 0.000 | Running | |
7 | 8 | +1 | 9JR | Derek Hagar | 0 | 0.000 | Running | |
8 | 9 | +1 | 33M | Mason Daniel | 0 | 0.000 | Running | |
9 | 7 | -2 | 24 | Rico Abreu | 0 | 0.000 | Running |
Pos. | Start | +/- | # | Driver | Laps Completed | Behind | Laps Led | Status |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | +1 | 83 | Aaron Reutzel | 0 | 0.000 | Running | |
2 | 1 | -1 | 1S | Logan Schuchart | 0 | 0.000 | Running | |
3 | 3 | 0 | 17 | Sheldon Haudenschild | 0 | 0.000 | Running | |
4 | 4 | 0 | 72 | Tim Shaffer | 0 | 0.000 | Running | |
5 | 6 | +1 | 20 | Ryan Taylor | 0 | 0.000 | Running | |
6 | 5 | -1 | 49 | Brad Sweet | 0 | 0.000 | Running | |
7 | 7 | 0 | 7BC | Tyler Courtney | 0 | 0.000 | Running | |
8 | 8 | 0 | 22 | Jac Haudenschild | 0 | 0.000 | Running |
POS | Start | Car | Driver | Hometown | Time | Difference |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 16 | 15H | Sam Hafertepe Jr | Sunnyvale, TX | 13.326 | 0.000 |
2 | 25 | 2 | David Gravel | Watertown, CT | 13.391 | -0.065 |
3 | 24 | 1S | Logan Schuchart | Hanover, PA | 13.457 | -0.131 |
4 | 26 | 15 | Donny Schatz | Fargo, ND | 13.460 | -0.134 |
5 | 10 | 18 | Giovanni Scelzi | Fresno, CA | 13.473 | -0.147 |
6 | 22 | 83 | Aaron Reutzel | Clute, TX | 13.487 | -0.161 |
7 | 18 | 23 | Paul McMahan | Nashville, TN | 13.492 | -0.166 |
8 | 14 | 41 | Carson Macedo | Lemoore, CA | 13.494 | -0.168 |
9 | 5 | 17 | Sheldon Haudenschild | Wooster, OH | 13.499 | -0.173 |
10 | 21 | 26 | Cory Eliason | Visalia, CA | 13.522 | -0.196 |
11 | 15 | 19 | Parker Price-Miller | Kokomo, IN | 13.549 | -0.223 |
12 | 27 | 72 | Tim Shaffer | Aliquippa, PA | 13.581 | -0.255 |
13 | 13 | 2C | Wayne Johnson | Oklahoma City, OK | 13.586 | -0.260 |
14 | 8 | 9 | James McFadden | Alice Springs, NT | 13.588 | -0.262 |
15 | 9 | 49 | Brad Sweet | Grass Valley, CA | 13.597 | -0.271 |
16 | 20 | 3Z | Brock Zearfoss | Jonestown, PA | 13.667 | -0.341 |
17 | 6 | 71 | Spencer Bayston | Lebanon, IN | 13.671 | -0.345 |
18 | 11 | 20 | Ryan Taylor | Perkasie, PA | 13.679 | -0.353 |
19 | 19 | 7S | Jason Sides | Bartlett, TN | 13.695 | -0.369 |
20 | 3 | 24 | Rico Abreu | St. Helena, CA | 13.711 | -0.385 |
21 | 4 | 7BC | Tyler Courtney | Indianapolis, IN | 13.776 | -0.450 |
22 | 1 | 85 | Dustin Daggett | Grand Ledge, MI | 13.824 | -0.498 |
23 | 7 | 9JR | Derek Hagar | Marion, AR | 13.828 | -0.502 |
24 | 23 | 22 | Jac Haudenschild | Wooster, OH | 13.899 | -0.573 |
25 | 12 | 11K | Kraig Kinser | Bloomington, IN | 13.910 | -0.584 |
26 | 2 | 33M | Mason Daniel | Springville, CA | 59.998 | -46.672 |
27 | 17 | 1A | Jacob Allen | Hanover, PA | 59.999 | -46.673 |
World of Outlaws Bristol Throwdown
Sunday, April 25, 2021
Bristol Motor Speedway
151 Speedway Blvd
Bristol, Tennessee 37620
Event Description
Bristol Motor Speedway’s dirt track gets pushed to its limits in April 2021 when the World of Outlaws returns to unleash its high-horsepower Sprint Cars and Late Models on the famed high-banks of The Last Great Colosseum for the first time in nearly two decades.
During the World of Outlaws Bristol Throwdown, the ultra-fast World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars will have practice sessions on Thursday, April 22. Friday and Saturday will feature full racing programs each night consisting of hot laps, qualifying, heat races and last chance showdowns, and followed by feature races for both the Super DIRTcar Series and World of Outlaws Sprint Cars. A 25-lap main feature race with a $10,000 prize to the winner will be held Friday night for the World of Outlaws Sprint Cars, followed by a 40-lap main feature with a $10,000 payout to the winner for the Super DIRTcar Series. The racing action on Saturday, April 24, will be headlined by a 25-lap World of Outlaws Sprint Cars feature race with a $25,000 payout to the winner, and a 40-lap Super DIRTcar Series feature race with a $10,000 prize going to the winner.
Series Racing
World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series
Support Divisions
Super DIRTcar Series
To Win Amount
$25,000.00
Feature Laps Length
25
Event Schedule
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
Noon - 5:00 PM Team Load-In and Credentials Open
Thursday, April 22, 2021
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Team Load-In and Credentials Open
3:00 PM Parking Lots Open (Dragway Entrance)
5:00 PM Spectator Ticket Booths Open
5:00 PM Grandstand Gates Open (Gates 1, 6, 8, 9, 13, 15)
6:00 PM Practice Sessions Begin
World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Practice Sessions
Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modified Practice Sessions
9:00 PM Practice Concludes (Tentatively)
Friday, April 23, 2021
2:00 PM Event Credentials Opens
2:30 PM Parking Lots Open (Dragway Entrance)
4:30 PM Spectator Ticket Booths Open
4:30 PM Grandstand Gates Open (Gates 13, 15, 1)
4:30 PM Driver's Meetings
5:20 PM World of Outlaws Sprint Cars Push for Heat
6:00 PM World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Hot Laps
6:20 PM World of Outlaws Sprint Car Qualifying
6:45 PM Super DIRTcar Series Hot Laps
7:05 PM Super DIRTcar Series Group Qualifying
7:20 PM Opening Ceremonies
World of Outlaws Sprint Car Drydene Heat Races
World of Outlaws DIRTVision FAST PASS Dash Draw
Super DIRTcar Series Heat Races
Super DIRTcar Series Redraw
World of Outlaws DIRTVision FAST PASS Dash
World of Outlaws Sprint Car Last Chance Showdown
Super DIRTcar Series Last Chance Showdowns
World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Feature (25 Laps, $10,000-to-win)
Super DIRTcar Series Feature (40 Laps, $10,000-to-win)
UPDATE: Saturday's event has been rescheduled to Sunday
9:00 AM Event Credentials Opens
9:30 AM Parking Lots Open (Dragway Entrance)
11:30AM Spectator Ticket Booths Open
11:30AM Grandstand Gates Open (Gates 1, 6, 8, 9, 13, 15)
11:45AM Super DIRTcar Series Driver's Meetings
12:00PM World of Outlaws Driver's Meetings
12:20PM World of Outlaws Sprint Cars Push For Heat
World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Hot Laps
World of Outlaws Sprint Car Qualifying
Super Dirt Series Hot Laps
Super DIRTcar Series Group Qualifying
1:30 PM Opening Ceremonies
World of Outlaws Sprint Car Drydene Heat Races
World of Outlaws DIRTVision FAST PASS Dash Draw
Super DIRTcar Series Heat Races
Super DIRTcar Series Redraw
World of Outlaws DIRTVision FAST PASS Dash
World of Outlaws Sprint Car Last Chance Showdown
Super DIRTcar Series Last Chance Showdowns
World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Feature (25 Laps, $25,000-to-win)
Super DIRTcar Series Feature (40 Laps, $10,000-to-win)
*All times Eastern
Event Hashtag
#ItsDirtBaby
Options And Prices
Reserved Spectators Tickets
Thursday $30
Friday $40
Saturday $40
3-Day Combo $80
Kids (12-6) $5
Kids Combo (12-6) $10
Kids (5 & Under) Free
Grandstand Type
Bleachers with seat backs.
Family Section Location
Gate 16 Section A
Handicapped Seating Location
David Pearson Section, Darrell Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt Terrace, and the Jeff Gordon Terrace
Pit Pass Price
SOLD OUT
Pit Age Requirement
There is no age limits for the pit area. Minors 17 and younger must have a signed parent waiver form
Pit Gate Location
Pit Gate 9
Parking Cost
$10 dollars. There is also free spectator parking.
Handicapped Parking Location
Wheelchair accessible parking is assigned with the purchase of wheelchair accessible viewing tickets.
Camping Availability
electric hookup, non-electric, onsite, sanitary facility, showers
Camping Cost
$100-$300
Super DIRTcar Series
To Win Amount
$25,000.00
Type of Grandstand
Bleachers with seat backs.
Handicapped Seating
David Pearson Section, Darrell Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt Terrace, and the Jeff Gordon Terrace
Handicapped Parking
Wheelchair accessible parking is assigned with the purchase of wheelchair accessible viewing tickets.
Pit Age Limit
There is no age limits for the pit area. Minors 17 and younger must have a signed parent waiver form
Pit Gate Location
Pit Gate 9
Personal Coolers
No coolers are allowed to be brought in to the grandstand area.
ATMs
1
Smoking Policy
Smoking (including E-Cigarettes) is NOT permitted in any grandstand, entry portals, terrace, suite or restroom areas. Guests may smoke in open concourse areas.
Family Section
Gate 16 Section A
Parking Cost
$10 dollars. There is also free spectator parking.
Camping Availability
electric hookup, non-electric, onsite, sanitary facility, showers
Camping Cost
$100-$300
Bristol Motor Speedway
151 Speedway Blvd
Bristol, Tennessee 37620
Track Phone
(423) 989-6900
Track Type
0.533; Typically an asphalt Half-Mile
Sprint Car Track Record
13.326 by Sam Hafertepe Jr. on 4/25/21
Late Model Track Record
14.950 by Chris Madden on 4/1/22
Closest Airport
Tri-Cities Airport
Other Airport
Mcghee Tyson Airport
Pit Gate Location
Pit Gate 9
Track Map