World of Outlaws Return to Calistoga Speedway for Wine Country Outlaw Showdown

World of Outlaws Return to Calistoga Speedway for Wine Country Outlaw Showdown

Story By: Anthony Corini/WoO

Photos By: Dan DeMarco/RacersGuide.com

CONCORD, NC – August 30, 2017 – The World of Outlaws Craftsman® Sprint Car Series will wrap up its Fall West Coast swing at one of the most iconic race tracks in the country, the gorgeous Calistoga Speedway, during the two-day Wine Country Outlaw Showdown on Friday and Saturday, September 15 and 16.

The Series returns to wine country in September this year, after Mother Nature’s unpredictability forced two April events to be cancelled last year.

“Moving the race date back to September allows for more predictable weather patterns and returns a little bit of history to the track and the tour,” said Chris Morgan, event promoter. “With the date change we are planning many new exciting fan attractions surrounding this event. The Outlaws put on The Greatest Show on Dirt, and our hope is to be a great stop for the tour as they close out their western swing for the season.”

Having undergone recent renovations, Calistoga Speedway has expanded its campground, creating a perfect opportunity for fans to camp out and spend the entire weekend in beautiful Napa Valley with the World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series. Calistoga now offers both dry (no water/electric) and partial (water/electric) camping services. To make your camping reservations, call 707-942-5221.

The Series has a long history at the famous half-mile dirt oval, dating back to 1978 when Rick Ferkel won the inaugural visit to the Speedway. The Outlaws visited Calistoga twice in both 2014 and 2015, with California-native Brad Sweet and teammate Daryn Pittman picking up victories in 2014. Sweet returned to Victory Lane along with eight-time and defending World of Outlaws Craftsman Sprint Car Series Champion Donny Schatz in 2015.

The trip to Calistoga, like many this year, will be the first visit for World of Outlaws rookies Brent Marks and Sheldon Haudenschild.

Marks, a native of Pennsylvania, knows the difficulties of running out West. “The competition and track surfaces make it challenging. The West Coast is certainly its own animal, just like the East Coast is. The adjustment is difficult and will take some time. But as long as we learn and continue to grow each time we visit, it will get easier and easier,” the driver of the BAPS, M&M Painting and Construction No. 19 said.

Marks currently sits twelfth in the driver championship point standings as he tries to win the 2017 Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year title.

Tickets for the Wine Country Outlaw Showdown are still available for purchase online or by calling 844-DIRT-TIX.