Sweet Finds River Cities Podium on Outlaws’ Northern Swing

The World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series made its first northern trip of the 2023 season with a visit to River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N. D., and the series debut at Ogilvie Raceway in Ogilvie, Minn. Brad Sweet, driver of the NAPA Auto Parts No. 49 sprint car for Kasey Kahne Racing, secured his 11th podium of the season at River Cities and is second in points after finishing sixth on Saturday at Ogilvie.

The four-time and defending Outlaws champion arrived at River Cities and clocked a lap time of 10.564 seconds in qualifying, fourth overall. Starting Heat Race 1 from the second position, Sweet held the spot on the slick surface to the checkered flag, claiming a spot in the Fast Pass Dash. After drawing the first starting spot in the dash draw, Sweet took the initial lead when the dash went green, but competitor David Gravel was able to pass for first soon after. Sweet displayed determination as he fought intense , on-track battles to a second-place finish.

In the highly anticipated 40-lap River Cities feature, the Big Cat faced 24 competitors as he started from the front row. Multiple cautions and changing track conditions ensued, and Sweet skillfully drove to a third-place finish, making him the sole championship points leader headed to Ogilvie.

The visit to Ogilvie Raceway marked the first for not only the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series but for Sweet and the NAPA No. 49 team, too. During qualifying, Sweet again placed fourth, laying down a lap time of 11.859 seconds. Sweet then started from the outside of the front row in his heat race, facing stiff competition when the green flag dropped. The NAPA driver chased the No. 41 machine of competitor Carson Macedo for the lead but could not reach him. A second-place finish secured Sweet’s spot in the Fast Pass Dash.

With less luck than the previous night, Sweet drew the fifth starting spot for the dash. He navigated his way through the field and closed on third place, but the checkered flag dropped with the No. 49 in fourth.  After starting the 30-lap feature from the fourth position, misfortune struck on lap 9. A lapped driver spun in front of the NAPA Auto Parts No. 49, collecting both Sweet and Gravel. The Big Cat went to the work area before refiring from the back of the field. Despite the setback, Sweet brought the NAPA No. 49 home in sixth place.

Start / Finish:
Friday, June 2, River Cities Speedway: 2 / 3
Saturday, June 3, Ogilvie Raceway: 4 / 6
Points Standing / Total: 2nd / 3,626 (-10)

Next Race: Friday, June 9, Knoxville Raceway, Knoxville, Iowa
How to Watch or Listen: www.dirtvision.com

NAPA: @NAPARacing
Brad Sweet: @BradSweet49
Kasey Kahne Racing: @KKRdirt