Based on information supplied by the World of Outlaws. Photo supplied by the World of Outlaws / Tyler Carr.
The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series turns toward a two-night Midwest swing this weekend, with Friday’s Cushion Capital Clash at Lincoln Park Speedway in Putnamville, Indiana, followed by the tour’s first visit to Belle-Clair Speedway in Belleville, Illinois, on Saturday.
Non-wing experience could matter at Lincoln Park
Lincoln Park’s tight, demanding layout puts several drivers with deep non-wing backgrounds in an intriguing position. Emerson Axsom enters the weekend ninth in the standings and 18 points ahead of Spencer Bayston after posting 16 top-10 finishes in his last 20 starts. Axsom’s résumé includes a 2020 USAC regional midget championship, strong local non-wing results in 2022, and both USAC National Midget and IRA victories in 2024.
Bayston also knows Lincoln Park well from four USAC Midget appearances, finishing ninth or better each time and earning a runner-up result in 2017. Chris Windom adds another proven local résumé, including USAC National Midget victories at Lincoln Park in 2017 and 2020. Saturday will be Windom’s first start at Belle-Clair.
Haudenschild brings momentum into the weekend
Sheldon Haudenschild arrives with back-to-back Buckeye Brawl victories at Mansfield and Sharon. His 11 wins in 2026 are already a career best, and he sits third in the championship standings.
Defending series champion David Gravel continues to control the title picture. After winning at Lincoln Park in 2025, Gravel returns with a 148-point advantage over Buddy Kofoid and five consecutive top-four finishes. Donny Schatz is the only other current full-time driver with a World of Outlaws victory at Lincoln Park, taking the 2016 event.
Belle-Clair adds a new challenge
Saturday’s event marks the first World of Outlaws appearance at Belle-Clair and makes the compact Illinois oval the 12th track in the state to host the series. Windom comes in with confidence after an August victory at I-55 Raceway, along with six top-five and 23 top-10 finishes this season.
The weekend also carries a season-long record watch. Twenty-three different drivers have won a World of Outlaws feature in 2026, two shy of the series record. Bill Balog and Cole Macedo are among the regulars still chasing a first victory of the year.
Weekend schedule
- Friday, October 16: Lincoln Park Speedway, Putnamville, Indiana — Cushion Capital Clash
- Saturday, October 17: Belle-Clair Speedway, Belleville, Illinois — World of Outlaws debut at the venue
For event information and official series updates, visit World of Outlaws Sprint Cars.
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