Sweet, NAPA No. 49 Team Go All Out at Huset’s

It was for one of the richest weeks of the year in sprint car racing that Brad Sweet and the NAPA Auto Parts No. 49 team headed to Huset’s Speedway in Brandon, SD. The four straight nights of World of Outlaws competition included a $100,000-to-win Thursday feature and Saturday’s massive, $250,000-to-win finale. With multiple six-figure victories already under his belt, Sweet was eager to chase two more with the NAPA No. 49 crew.

The week kicked off Wednesday with the Huset’s Hustle preliminary night. Sweet qualified fourth in Group A, placing him fifth to start Heat 1 after the inversion. He held that spot to earn a front-row starting position in the B-Main. There, he cruised to victory and advanced to the Feature. Starting 21st, Sweet steadily worked his way forward to finish 11th, collecting valuable points and momentum heading into Thursday’s $100,000-to-win program.

On Thursday, Sweet started on the front row of Heat 5 and dominated to earn a spot in the “King of the Hill” match races — a unique, bracket-style showdown that determines the top six starting spots for the A-Main. Sweet placed sixth overall, locking the NAPA No. 49 into the third row for the Feature. The 40-lap, $100,000-to-win main event saw intense battles throughout the field, but limited passing near the front. Sweet ultimately finished sixth, a solid effort in the high-stakes race.

Friday marked the official start of the High Bank Nationals, with points resetting for a fresh two-day format. Sweet qualified 14th in Group A, which positioned him on the front row of Heat 2 due to the inversion. He capitalized with a wire-to-wire win, jumping him to fifth in group points and securing the ninth starting spot in the Feature. After another gritty performance, Sweet crossed the line 10th, locking up a front row starting spot in Saturday’s heat races.

Saturday’s 40-lap A-Main carried the biggest payday of the year: $250,000 to the winner. Sweet lined up 10th after maintaining second in his heat and was poised to charge forward with everything on the line. Unfortunately, while going for a major move in traffic, Sweet flipped hard down the front stretch, bringing out the red flag and ending the team’s night early. Despite the unfortunate finish, it was a valiant push for one of the crown jewels of the sprint car season.

The KKR NAPA No. 49 team returns to the High Limit Racing championship hunt this week as the High Rollers resume at Lucas Oil Speedway in Wheatland, MO. Starting Thursday, three nights of racing present a key opportunity for Sweet to extend his lead in the standings and rebound from a wild weekend at Huset’s.

Start / Finish: 
Wednesday, June 18: 21 / 11
Thursday, June 19: 6 / 6
Friday, June 20: 9 / 10
Saturday, June 21: 10 / DNF
Points Standing / Total: 1st / 1151 (+10)

Next Race: Thursday, June 26, Lucas Oil Speedway, Wheaton, MO
How to Watch or Listen: FloRacing

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