From Tony Veneziano
LAKE ODESSA, Mich. — June 22, 2015 — The World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series returns to I-96 Speedway in Lake Odessa, Michigan on Wednesday, June 24 for the NAPA Auto Parts Rumble in Michigan, which was rescheduled last month due to inclement weather. The race continues a busy 12-race stretch in 22 days for the series that runs through the Fourth of July.
Last season, Brad Sweet started on the pole at the now three-eighths-mile, and led the first 20 laps before six-time and defending series champion Donny Schatz got around him for the lead. Sweet would finish second in what was his second career start at the track and the first on the new permanent three-eights-mile configuration that replaced the former half-mile.
“They had a really good track last year and it looks like they are sticking with that layout of the track now,” said Sweet. “The size of the track fits our style of racing pretty well and it put on a great show for the fans last year. We had a good battle with Donny Schatz and ended up second. It’s a pretty good track for us and we are looking forward to going back.”
Since they only have one race under their belts at I-96 Speedway since the track was re-worked, Sweet and his Kasey Kahne Racing team are approaching it as if it was a track they had never visited. Sweet has been one of the most consistent drivers on the World of Outlaws circuit this season, as he is currently fourth in points. He has a pair of wins, along with 28 top-10 finishes, of which 14 are top-five performances.
“You kind of start over with your notebook when they change a track like that,” he noted. “It’s still the same type of dirt and some of the same configuration, so have a good idea of where you are going and what you are doing. When a track is changed it obviously changes set-ups and things like that, so it’s like any new track you go to and you try to learn it as quick as you can and beat the other guys.”
The World of Outlaws have been visiting I-96 Speedway since 1995. A total of nine drivers have won with the series at the track, including five who will be in action this week. There have been five different winners in the last five series races at I-96, which will be one of just two races in the state of Michigan this season for the series.
“The fans in Michigan always come out in full force and we get good crowds,” Sweet said. “We only go up there a couple of times a year and they only get to watch us a couple of times a year so it’s fun for us. We like to go anywhere we can to put on a good show. Seeing new fans is always great and we hope to put on a good show for all of the fans in Michigan.”
Tickets for the NAPA Auto Parts Rumble in Michigan at I-96 Speedway on Wednesday, June 24 can be purchased online at: http://slspromotions.ticketforce.com or at the track on race day. All tickets purchased in advance for the originally scheduled race on May 30 will be honored on Wednesday, June 24.
Fans can also take advantage of the NAPA Auto Parts $5 OFF Special. Fans can receive $5 Off General Admission tickets when they present a NAPA proof of purchase receipt at the ticket gate on race day. Limit 2 people per receipt (Grandstand Only).
For more information on tickets visit slspromotions.ticket.force.com.