He’s a champion. He’s an original ‘Dirty Dozen’ Outlaw. And now, he’s back.
He’s a champion. He’s an original ‘Dirty Dozen’ Outlaw. And now, he’s back.
Story By: Jordan DeLucia/WoOLMs
Photos By: Pete MacDonald/RacersGuide.com
CONCORD, NC — Jan. 25, 2019 — Darrell Lanigan is back. He’s a three-time World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series champion with 72 career Series victories, and in 2019, he’s aiming to make more history on the tour, full-time, starting Feb. 8-9 at Screven Motor Speedway.
Lanigan sits only four wins and one championship away from tying Josh Richards for the all-time Series lead in both categories.
After racing throughout the country for the past three years with Clint Bowyer’s team, Lanigan will once again be back behind the wheel of his iconic black Club 29 machine for a run at a fourth World of Outlaws crown. Backed by Gotta Race, Cornett Racing Engines, Mobil 1 and Integra Racing Shocks, Lanigan plans to race all 47 events on the 2019 tour schedule.
Lanigan’s impact on dirt Late Model racing and accomplishments behind the wheel are well known: 2003 Dirt Late Model Dream winner, 2012 USA Nationals winner, 2014 Firecracker 100 winner, second on the all-time Series win list, and a fanbase that will surely be happy to see him back competing full-time with the Outlaws.
“Hopefully, when we get back, we can have some more success and win some races,” Lanigan said. “And, hopefully capitalize on the win total and try and get back up on top. I honestly enjoy running with the World of Outlaws, enjoy the people there, just glad to be back.”
Lanigan gained plenty of knowledge while driving for Bowyer, but he’s excited to be back working with his own equipment.
“They definitely have a nice place, it’s definitely professionally run,” Lanigan said. “We had a little bit of success, but nothing like I was used to in my own equipment. I’m just glad to get my hands back on my own stuff. Just put my head down, work at it and see what we can come up with.”
Since Lanigan was last with the Outlaws, many new Series regulars have come and gone. The meteoric rise of Rocket Chassis house car pilot Brandon Sheppard came in the 2017 season, when Sheppard dominated and surpassed Lanigan’s second-highest single-season wins record in his first full-time year on the tour. 2019 will see the likes of five-time WISSOTA Late Models Champion Ricky Weiss and recent Wild West Shootout winner Cade Dillard competing for the Rookie of the Year title. Lanigan agreed they all might make things a little tougher, but he’s always up to the challenge.
“They’ve definitely got some new talent coming up and they’re definitely well-funded,” Lanigan said. “They’re going to make it a little harder, but we’re going to give them a run for their money.”
As the roster rounds out, stay tuned to each of our social channels for all of the updates. The Winter Freeze IX at Screven Motor Speedway kicks off the season on Feb. 8-9 in Sylvania, GA. The Series then heads to the 48th annual DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, FL, for a four-race stretch, Feb. 13-16. Get your tickets by clicking here.
