Conner Morrell is officially set for a second World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car season.
The Bradenton, FL native made the leap to competing against the country’s premier Sprint Car drivers on a weekly basis for the first time last year, and he’s back for more in 2026 in with Bill Rose Racing.
The 2025 campaign offered a year of learning for the 21-year-old. Morrell traveled coast-to-coast and saw several tracks for the first time. Despite the challenges of unfamiliarity, limited equipment, and facing the nation’s top talent, he still produced many encouraging outings.
It took Morrell only 10 races to collect his first top 10 when he came home seventh at Kennedale Speedway Park. He nearly shocked the sport in May when he took the lead at Ohsweken Speedway and appeared bound for victory. Eventual Series champion David Gravel slipped by late, but Morrell still held on for an impressive runner-up. He backed it up with a top five at Attica Raceway Park the following week.
“It was up and down,” Morrell said of his rookie year. “First year on the road with very limited resources, three engines and ran on three cars that I ran the previous year with. With all that said. I think I did a decent job. I feel like overall it wasn’t bad for my first year.”
Perhaps the most valuable lesson from 2025 came from racing with the best of the best. Mistakes aren’t forgiven on the World of Outlaws tour. Miss the bottom once, and you’re going to get passed. Trip on the cushion once, and you’re going to get passed. It’s forced him to eliminate errors and equipped him with an added aggression when he has the chance to capitalize.
“I think racing against the big guys really teaches you how to be perfect,” Morrell said. “You can’t mess up against these guys. If you mess up, they’re just going to immediately take advantage of it, which is also something I’ve learned. If I see someone mess up, I’m going to take advantage of it.”
A season of experience supplied Morrell with confidence. He knows there’s still plenty to learn, but the tools are in place to help that process. He’s grown as a driver. The dynamic between Rose and himself has strengthened. He’s ready for year number two to get underway.
“I think just getting one year under my belt with these guys was much needed,” Morrell said. “Now the budget is a little bit bigger. The engine program is a little bit better. The car program is a lot better. I think everything is just working towards having a better team.”
Morrell and Bill Rose Racing kickoff the 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car season on Feb. 4-7 at Volusia Speedway Park’s Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals in Barberville, FL. For tickets, CLICK HERE.
Where can you see the World of Outlaws in 2026? Click to see the full schedule.
Where can you watch every World of Outlaws race? Live on DIRTVision.