Curious which drivers you should keep an eye on at each World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series event? Series Announcer Johnny Gibson will bring you his five drivers to watch each week.
This week: World of Outlaws Desert Showdownat Vado Speedway Park, Sept. 5-6
JOHNNY’S FIVE:
David Gravel
Why: Until proven otherwise, number one on this list every week. The defending champ is doing historical things. Gravel will look to improve upon a fifth-place finish here in 2022.
Donny Schatz
Why: Donny’s debut in the Works Limited car with crew chief Paul Silva will be the focus of MUCH attention over the next three weekends. Not only is Schatz pairing with one of the most celebrated crew chiefs in recent history, but he also has more laps a Vado than any other full-time World of Outlaws competitor thanks to his three Late Model starts here. The 10-time champ was third here three years ago.
Sheldon Haudenschild
Why: Though Sheldon announced his departure from the Stenhouse Jr. Marshall Racing No. 17 at the end of the season, the 2022 Vado runner-up is looking to end his tenure in winning fashion.
Buddy Kofoid
Why: Six consecutive top-five finishes (with two wins) earns Kofoid a spot on this list. Though he’ll make his Vado debut, the disadvantage will be negligible when taking into consideration the fact that those who raced here before have only one night’s notes to study, and conditions were MUCH different than we’ll see this weekend.
John Carney II
Why: Do I think the El Paso native can upset the Outlaws? HIGHLY unlikely. BUT. . . I wouldn’t be shocked to see the No. J2 in the top-10 at a track where Carney has three career 360 wins. Carney only has nine 410 starts to his credit in 2025, with a 19th-place run his best in four World of Outlaws appearances, but he’s a four-time 305 winner this season.
Tickets for Vado Speedway Park can be purchased by clicking here, or you can watch all the action live – and listen to Johnny announce – on DIRTVision.
UP NEXT: World of Outlaws Nashville West Showdown at Bakersfield Speedway at Kevin Harvick’s Kern Raceway, Sept. 12, and World of Outlaws SoCal Showdown at Perris Auto Speedway, Sept. 13.