Column By: MARTY CZEKALA / RPW – WEEDSPORT, NY – Sunday was an incredible evening of racing as the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars invaded Weedsport Speedway.
Under Chamber of Commerce-type weather, the biggest crowd in Weedsport Speedway history was in attendance to watch the Outlaws’ lone trip to New York.
It was so big that WoO announcer Johnny Gibson had to tell the fans sitting in General Admission to squeeze in and make some room.
Nobody, though, could top David Gravel, who won for the fourth time at Weedsport in five attempts and scored career win No. 101 with the World of Outlaws.
“It’s unique, slow, slick and technical,” Gravel described what he likes about Weedsport. “You have to adapt your driving here.”
Gravel would succeed off turn four at The Port, exiting high to gather a big run and look low on Buddy Kofoid at the start and Carson Macedo on lap 14 to gain spots.
There was a lot of grip on entrance but got pretty slick on exit,” Gravel said. “Was able to get a big run off four.”
Sheldon Haudenschild finished second, while Macedo rounded out the podium.
Sunday’s race also was a homecoming in the region for another figure in the World of Outlaws. He doesn’t strap on a helmet or turn wrenches on a car. You may have recognized his voice if you listen to the one-way regularly.
Former Super DIRTcar Series race director turned World of Outlaws race director Doug Leonard worked his first race back in New York since Super DIRT Week 51 in Oswego. Leonard posted on social media pre-race that returning to Weedsport felt like home.
“It’s been circled on the calendar for a long time,” “Big smiles on my face. I got to see a lot of people and had a big list of people come in to see me. Cool to be home.”
Leonard has worked some notable races in the past, from the final Super DIRT Week at the Syracuse Mile to the 50th edition at Oswego. Now, he gets to work the Knoxville Nationals in a few weeks.
“It’s gonna take it that much more. Nerve-wracking, but exciting at the same time.”
The World of Outlaws continue their summer of money next weekend at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 for the Ironman 55, Aug. 2-3 Then, it’s the prestigious Knoxville Nationals the week after.