Up to Speed: World of Outlaws at Lake Ozark Speedway
ELDON, Mo. — April 30, 2018 —The World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series returns to Lake Ozark Speedway in Eldon, Mo., on Friday, May 4 for the first time since 2007. A handful of drivers competing full-time with the series this year competed in that event over a decade ago. In the previous two races for the Outlaws at the third-mile, two different winners visited victory lane. Thus far in 2018, six drivers have picked up win, with Donny Schatz and Sheldon Haudenschild leading the way. This edition of Up to Speed sets the stage for the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series visit to Lake Ozark Speedway.
The track
Lake Ozark Speedway is a semi-banked, third-mile. Zach Chappell was fastest in time trials in 2007 with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series, turning a lap of 11.705-seconds.
Past winners
Craig Dollansky won the most recent World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series race at Lake Ozark Speedway in 2007. The veteran driver, who recently announced his retirement, picked up the win in the 35-lap main event over Tim Shaffer and Joey Saldana. A trio of drivers who are competing with the series this season were in attendance at that race, with Daryn Pittman scoring a fifth-place finish, which was the best of the lot.
Shaffer won the inaugural race for the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series at Lake Ozark Speedway in 2005. The Pennsylvania native held off 20-time series champion Steve Kinser and Paul McMahan for that win.
Adopted home track
For Jason Johnson, Lake Ozark Speedway is a “home race.” Now calling Rocky Mount, Mo., home, which is about 10 miles from the track, the native of Eunice, Louisiana, will be able to use his past experience as he makes his first Outlaws start at Lake Ozark Speedway. Johnson won at the track for the first time in 2008 and visited victory lane again at Lake Ozark Speedway in 2009. Both of those events were with the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS). The 2016 winner of the Knoxville Nationals also raced at Lake Ozark Speedway with the Arctic Cat All Star Circuit of Champions in 2004.
Close to home
Clyde Knipp also has a short drive from his shop to Lake Ozark Speedway. Hailing from California, Mo., which is about 20 miles from the track, Knipp will have plenty of family and friends in attendance cheering him on.
Perfect Attendance
Donny Schatz, Daryn Pittman and Jason Sides all have raced in the previous two World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series events at Lake Ozark Speedway. Pittman finished fifth in 2007, which is the best finish for the trio, while Schatz ran sixth that same year.
Return visit
Shane Stewart and Kraig Kinser both raced at Lake Ozark Speedway in the inaugural World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series event in 2005. Stewart finished eighth in that race. The veteran driver has a pair of wins at Lake Ozark Speedway in his career in ASCS competition, with both of those triumphs coming in 2004. Kinser is also a past winner in the state of Missouri with the Outlaws at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 in Pevely, a track that Stewart has also won at.
First timers
The majority of drivers competing full-time with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series will be visiting Lake Ozark Speedway for the first time. Among the drivers who will take to the third-mile for the first time are: David Gravel, Brad Sweet, Sheldon Haudenschild, Greg Wilson, Logan Schuchart, Brent Marks and Jacob Allen.
Hitting the road
A pair of drivers are in the midst of their first full season on the road with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series. Ian Madsen and Dane Lorenc will be seeing numerous tracks for the first time this season, including Lake Ozark Speedway.
Party time
The Lodge at Port Arrowhead will host a “Night before the Outlaws Party” on Thursday, May 3. The gathering will feature live entertainment and food. Race cars will be on display, with drivers on-hand to Meet and Greet fans. The Lodge at Port Arrowhead, which overlooks the lake, is located at 3080 Bagnell Dam Blvd. in Lake Ozark.
Tickets for the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series return to Lake Ozark Speedway on Friday, May 4, can be purchased online athttps://slspromotions.ticketforce.comor by calling SLS Promotions at 815-344-2023 and at the track on race day.
