From the World of Outlaws
CONCORD, N.C. – Jan. 31, 2012 – It’s that point of the year when the offseason is winding down; just not quickly enough.
Cars are being assembled and plans made. And the itch to get back in the seat is more vibrant than ever. For a guy like Steve Kinser, the King of the Outlaws and the winningest driver in sprint car history, it isn’t any different.
“Right now all of the guys are trying to get these cars finished up and head to Volusia,” he said. “I’ve had enough time off. I’m ready to go race.”
The World of Outlaws opens the season on Feb. 17-18-19 at the 41st annual UNOH DIRTcar Nationals Presented by Summit Racing Equipment at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fla. It’s an event that includes all three major World of Outlaws series competing Feb. 14-25.
Kinser won the first two races at the fast, half-mile oval last year, which started a season when he finished with nine victories. He also place third in the standings – his 28th season with a top-three result in the 34 years of the World of Outlaws.
“That’s a bonus,” Kinser said of starting the season with a win. “It’s not that critical. There have been a lot of times when I’ve sort of struggled for three or four weeks and got going on later in the year.”
The Bloomington, Ind., native, who holds the all-time record of World of Outlaws victories with 570 and championships with 20, has claimed a series-best four wins at Volusia Speedway Park along with Tony Stewart Racing teammate Donny Schatz.
Last year, Kinser qualified in the top 10 each night, finished second in his heat race each night, won the dash twice and finished no worse than second in a feature.
“I like running Volusia,” he said. “It’s a good, fast race track, even if it’s slick. It’s the kind of track we really like to run on.”
While Kinser said he doesn’t know whether three-time NASCAR Sprint Cup champion Tony Stewart will race any sprint car events – he will be in nearby Daytona in preparation for NASCAR’s Daytona 500 – that adds to the great environment at Tony Stewart Racing.
“He’s not afraid to jump in there,” Kinser said. “Nobody really gives anyone advice. We just try to feed each other information.”
Tickets can be ordered online by clicking WorldofOutlaws.com/tickets or by calling 877-395-8606.