History has been made.
C.J. Leary has visited and celebrated in victory lane as the first ever Xtreme Outlaw Series winner as World Racing Group debuted its new series on Monday at Volusia Speedway Park.
“It’s pretty special,” Leary said on the DirtVision broadcast. “Our car was really fast. I’ve always wanted to run a non-wing car at Volusia. Overall, I can’t thank (my team owner) Bill Michael for having me back and getting me back in the car. Without him, it’s not possible.”
The series is a shorter, 10-15 race tour that will add disciplines of racing to the banner that holds the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series.
In terms of the difference between it and other non-wing tours, money might be the biggest characteristic. With Leary’s win on Monday, the non-wing veteran earned $5,000 and a plethora of drivers that raced will be back on Tuesday to go after $10,000.
“This new Xtreme Series is really cool, I think it was timed great with this week,” Leary said on the broadcast. “Everybody’s in town for Bubba as usual, but to be able to come and race some more makes our trip really worth it. It’s cool to see some more money on the board. Just hats off to everybody that made this possible.”
Carson Short started the race off on the pole, but was passed by Leary after leading the first lap.
One circuit around the half-mile oval later, and disaster struck for a pair of drivers. Something broke on Dennis Gile’s car, forcing it to veer left and collecting Brady Bacon who brought out a red flag with a flip.
Gile was evaluated by medical staff at the track. Bacon walked away under his own power, however, said on the broadcast that likely will not be back for Tuesday’s race.
Aside from that, it was smooth sailing – and the remainder of the race nearly went green all the way through.
The tour will return to the track on Tuesday, once again at Volusia. For fans that cannot make it, the race will be streamed live on DirtVision.
Xtreme Outlaw Non-Wing Sprint Car Series Season Opener Results
Volusia Speedway Park
1. C.J. Leary
2. Justin Grant
3. Carson Short
4. Chase Stockon
5. Robert Ballou
6. Charles Davis Jr.
7. Alex Bright
8. Jake Swanson
9. Dustin Clark
10. Shane Cottle
11. Mitchel Moles
12. Shane Cockrum
13. Thomas Meseraull
14. Mario Clouser
15. Briggs Danner
16. Wesley Smith
17. Chad Boespflug
18. Matt Westfall
19. Logan Seavey
20. Kory Schudy
21. Dennis Gile
22. Brady Bacon
