We’re back with our third edition of the 2026 Sprint Car power rankings.
Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing got one race in March 27 at Route 66 Speedway before March 28 at Dodge City was canceled, while the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series completed a two-race weekend at US 36 Raceway and 81 Speedway.
Tanner Thorson was among the most talked-about drivers of the week, winning at Route 66 before trekking to 81 with the Outlaws, where he ultimately scratched after timing 12th of 19 cars in Group A citing wind concerns.
The decision sparked debate in the ongoing High Limit vs. Outlaws rivalry, especially given that Thorson has arguably been High Limit’s top performer to start the season and was taking one of his first true swings against the Outlaws. Some understood the decision amid tricky conditions at hand, while others were more critical — calling it a missed opportunity.
Glad I broke the internet the last few days! 😂 🤦♂️ pic.twitter.com/TkA0t7kpyc
— Tanner Thorson (@Tanner_Thorson) April 1, 2026
Either way, Thorson’s slight drop in the rankings is more reflective of the standout performances turned in by Carson Macedo and Buddy Kofoid.
David Gravel remains the clear No. 1 despite his three-race win streak ending. Macedo and Kofoid made the biggest statements with thrilling WoO victories, propelling them into the top-three. Anthony Macri, meanwhile, drops out of the top-five after a crash Friday at Williams Grove hands him third straight winless weekend in Central Pennsylvania but worse yet — T4 and T5 vertabrae compression fractures.
As for comers and goers, Bill Balog drops out after 11th- and 15th-place finishes, while Justin Peck re-enters following his third-place run at Route 66. Biggest movers include Kofoid, Giovanni Scelzi, Brad Sweet and Ryan Timms, all of whom gained three spots, while Spencer Bayston takes the biggest hit, losing five positions after a tough US 36 and 81 stretch. Troy Wagaman Jr. enters the bubble mix following March 29's victory at BAPS.
As always, these rankings weigh a driver’s recent races heavily, balancing latest performances, wins, consistency and context. Circumstances matter — whether it’s a freak incident, accident or mechanical misfortune — as those details are important to know in a sport separated by razor-thin margins.
There’s also a balance of production and participation. Corey Day, for instance, is top-five material in pound-for-pound metrics, but a three-race sample size keeps him behind full-timers who’ve consistently delivered so far this season. Same applies for Kyle Larson. The semi-retired Sweet does rank 11th, ahead of Day and Larson, after his second NARC win of the year March 28.
Like any rankings, these remain subjective and fully debatable. Outside of Gravel at No. 1, there are cases to shuffle just about every driver in any order you choose.
Enjoy what you see? Disagree? Find me on X — @ByKyleMcFadden — and let's discuss. At the end of the day, this is all in good fun.
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1. David Gravel, Watertown, Conn.
Last week: 1st — High: 1st — Low: 2nd — Points: 1st (World of Outlaws)
2026 stats: 3 wins — 8 podiums — 9 top-10s — 11 starts — 3.2 avg last 10 races
Comment: Three-race win streak ends with third- and sixth-place runs at US 36 and 81 as unlucky dash draws (sixth and eighth) kept him from controlling either night. Returns April 10-11 at Pevely with WoO after Easter break.
2. Carson Macedo, Lemoore, Calif. (+2)
Last week: 4th — High: 2nd — Low: 4th — Points: 2nd (WoO)
2026 stats: 1 win — 6 podiums — 9 top-10s — 11 starts — 5.4 avg last 10 races
Comment: Prevails in thriller at US 36 on March 27 over Buddy Kofoid and David Gravel for first WoO win of season, then charges from 22nd to fourth March 28 at 81. Outlaw tour resumes April 10-11 at Pevely.
3. Buddy Kofoid, Penngrove, Calif. (+3)
Last week: 6th — High: 3rd — Low: 6th — Points: 4th (WoO)
2026 stats: 2 wins — 4 podiums — 8 top-10s — 11 starts — 7.5 avg last 10 races
Comment: Delivers an early Move of the Year candidate with Hail Mary last-corner pass of Ryan Timms to win March28’s WoO race at 81 after a runner-up to Carson Macedo at 36. Up two spots to fourth in WoO points with Pevely up next April 10-11.
4. Tanner Thorson, Minden, Nev. (-1)
Last week: 3rd — High: 3rd — Low: 8th — Points: 1st (High Limit)
2026 stats: 2 wins — 4 podiums — 8 top-10s — 9 starts — 7.6 avg last 9 races
Comment: Wins March 27’s High Limit debut at Route 66 in tightly contested feature over Aaron Reutzel, then scratches from WoO action after a 24th-overall time trial effort citing wind concerns at 81. Back with High Limit April 17-18 at Lakeside and Wheatland.
WATCH: Tanner Thorson joins Walkapedia after the checkers to discuss his first Interstate Batteries High Limit win of the season at Central Arizona.
5. Aaron Reutzel, Clute, Texas
Last week: 5th — High: 5th — Low: 6th — Points: 2nd (High Limit)
2026 stats: 2 wins — 5 podiums — 7 top-10s — 8 starts — 5.3 avg last 8 races
Comment: Runner-up in High Limit debut at Route 66 to points leader Tanner Thorson in the March 27-28’s lone race. Tour resumes April 17-18 at Lakeside and Wheatland.
WATCH: Aaron Reutzel won the first Roto-Rooter Midweek Series race of 2026 and the first of the year on FS1. His reaction post-race in victory lane.
6. Anthony Macri, Dillsburg, Pa. (-4)
Last week: 2nd — High: 1st — Low: 6th — Points: 8th (PA Posse)
2026 stats: 3 wins — 5 podiums — 9 top-10s — 12 starts — 6.8 avg last 10 races
Comment: Winless three straight weekends in Central PA, reigning Kings Royal champ is sidelined indefinitely after crash leading Friday’s feature at Williams Grove left him with compression fractures in T4 and T5 vertebrae, his second back injury in seven months.
7. Donny Schatz, Fargo, N.D.
Last week: 7th — High: 7th — Low: 9th — Points: 5th (WoO)
2026 stats: 1 win — 2 podiums — 9 top-10s — 11 starts — 7.5 avg last 10 races
Comment: Consistency rolls on with seventh and fifth at US 36 and 81 — now six straight finishes of seventh or better. Started second in March 28’s dash at 81 but couldn’t capitalize, slipping to fifth in WoO points. Pevely next April 10-11 on tour.
8. Sheldon Haudenschild, Wooster, Ohio (+1)
Last week: 9th — High: 8th — Low: 10th — Points: 3rd (WoO)
2026 stats: 1 win — 2 podiums — 8 top-10s — 11 starts — 6.7 avg last 10 races
Comment: Top-10 streak reaches eight with fourth and 10th at US 36 and 81 — making his average finish 5.1 over that span. Back April 10-11 at Pevely, one of his best tracks on WoO circuit.
9. Rico Abreu, St. Helena, Calif. (-1)
Last week: 8th — High: 8th — Low: 12th — Points: 3rd (High Limit)
2026 stats: 1 win — 3 podiums — 6 top-10s — 8 starts — 6.9 avg last 8 races
Comment: Lap-15 incident with lapped car running fifth at Route 66 spoils solid points night, resulting in second straight 12th-place finish. Back in action April 17-18 at Lakeside and Wheatland with High Limit.
WATCH: Rico Abreu got Tony Stewart Racing their first Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing win at Central Arizona Raceway. He reacts post-race.
10. Giovanni Scelzi, Fresno, Calif. (+3)
Last week: 13th — High: 10th — Low: 15th — Points: 4th (High Limit)
2026 stats: 0 wins — 2 podiums — 8 top-10s — 9 starts — 7.4 avg last 9 races
Comment: Serviceable 10th-place finish March 27 at Route 66 extends his High Limit top-10 streak to eight races, producing a 6.6 average finish over that span. Will decide between Pevely with WoO or Central PA trip at Williams Grove, Port Royal and BAPS on April 10-12.
WATCH: Gio Scelzi joins Walkapedia after the checkers to discuss his 12th to 4th run with Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing at Central Arizona.
11. Brad Sweet, Grass Valley, Calif. (+3)
Last week: 14th — High: 11th — Low: NR — Points: None
2026 stats: 2 wins — 3 podiums — 4 top-10s — 5 starts — 6.2 avg
Comment: Clean sweep of March 28’s NARC program at Thunderbowl nets second win and third podium in five races aboard the Paul Silva-prepared No. W. Next race TBD on part-time schedule.
WATCH: NARC 410 Sprint Cars feature highlights at Tulare Thunderbowl Raceway from March 28 on FloRacing
12. Corey Day, Clovis, Calif. (-2)
Last week: 10th — High: 6th — Low: 10th — Points: None
2026 stats: 1 win — 2 podiums — 2 top-10s — 3 starts — 9.3 Avg
Comment: Idle from Jason Meyer's No. 14 with NASCAR O'Reilly Auto Parts Series as full-time focus. Broke running second in last 410 start March 14 at Las Vegas. Next Sprint Car race is April 21 at Eagle Raceway live on FS1.
WATCH: Corey Day joins Walkapedia after the checkers to discuss winning again at Las Vegas with Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing.
13. Kyle Larson, Elk Grove, Calif. (-2)
Last week: 11th — High: 7th — Low: 11th — Points: None
2026 stats: 1 win — 1 podium — 3 top-10s — 3 starts — 5.7 avg
Comment: Idle from Paul Silva's No. 57 with NASCAR Cup Series as full-time focus. Finished sixth in most recent 410 race March 14 at Las Vegas. High Limit's April 17 stop at Lakeside could be next with NASCAR in town at Kansas that weekend.
WATCH: Kyle Larson joins Walkapedia after the checkers to discuss a season-opening thriller at Las Vegas with Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing.
14. Logan Schuchart, Hanover, Pa. (+2)
Last week: 16th — High: 14th — Low: 16th — Points: 6th (WoO)
2026 stats: 0 wins — 0 podiums — 9 top-10s — 11 starts — 8.3 avg last 10 races
Comment: Starts front row of heat race both nights but no payoff — ninth and eighth at US 36 and 81, making it five top-10s in six races, but slips behind Buddy Kofoid in WoO points. Pevely next April 10-11 on tour.
15. James McFadden, Alice Springs, NT, Australia (-3)
Last week: 12th — High: 11th — Low: 12th — Points: None
2026 stats: 1 win — 2 podiums — 4 top-10s — 6 starts — 9.5 avg last 6 races
Comment: No races planned stateside for J-Mac until June 11’s NARC event at Southern Oregon, as the Tarlton team utilizes California driver Colby Copeland in a split ride.
WATCH: James McFadden won the Central Arizona Saturday finale with Interstate Batteries High Limit Racing. His reaction post-race in victory lane.
16. Ryan Timms, Oklahoma City, Okla. (+3)
Last week: 19th — High: 16th — Low: NR — Points: None
2026 stats: 0 wins — 2 podiums — 6 top-10s — 12 starts — 13.8 avg finish last 10 starts
Comment: Struggles on US 36 bullring, starting and finishing 20th, but comes one corner shy of March 28’s WoO victory at 81. Still secures second podium in three races. Pevely with the Outlaws up next April 10-11.
17. Tyler Courtney, Indianapolis, Ind.
Last week: 17th — High: 17th — Low: 22nd — Points: 5th (High Limit)
2026 stats: 0 wins — 1 podium — 6 top-10s — 11 starts — 9.0 avg last 10 races
Comment: Top-10 streak ends at six races with an 11th-place finish March 27 at Route 66. Lakeside and Wheatland — where he’s won each of the last two years on the High Limit tour — are next April 17-18.
18. Kerry Madsen, St. Marys, N.S.W., Australia
Last week: 18th — High: 18th — Low: 20th — Points: 6th (High Limit)
2026 stats: 0 Wins — 0 podiums — 7 top-10s — 11 starts — 9.4 avg last 10 races
Comment: Flashes speed — High Limit quick time at Route 66 and starts fourth vs. Outlaws at 81 — but only nets ninth- and 12th-place runs. Lakeside and Wheatland next April 17-18 on High Limit circuit.
WATCH: Kerry Madsen chats with TLP about his strong start to the High Limit Racing season driving the Vermeer Motorsports.
19. Garet Williamson, Columbia, Mo. (+1)
Last week: 20th — High: 17th — Low: 20th — Points: 7th (WoO)
2026 stats: 0 wins — 0 podiums — 5 top-10s — 11 starts — 10.9 avg last 10 races
Comment: Back in the top-10 for the first time in three weeks with a seventh at 81 after an 8th-to-12th fade at US 36. Pevely next April 10-11 on tour.
20. Spencer Bayston, Lebanon, Ind. (-5)
Last week: 15th — High: 13th — Low: 20th — Points: 11th (WoO)
2026 stats: 1 win — 2 podiums — 6 top-10s — 9 starts — 12.9 avg last 10 races
Comment: Tough weekend hands him 13th on March 27 at US 36, then a heat race crash running third March 28 at 81 forces a provisional, going 25th to 18th. Slips two spots in WoO points. Pevely next April 10-11 on tour.
21. Daison Pursley, Locust Grove, Okla.
Last week: 21st — High: 18th — Low: 21st — Points: 9th (High Limit)
2026 stats: 0 wins — 1 podium — 6 top-10s — 13 starts — 12.2 avg last 10 races
Comment: After finishes of 24th, 24th and 14th, rebounds with a fourth at Route 66 — climbing two spots in High Limit points — before 13th with Outlaws at 81. Lakeside and Wheatland next.
22. Chase Dietz, York, Pa.
Last week: 22nd — High: 19th — Low: 22nd — Points: 6th (PA Posse)
2026 stats: 2 wins — 5 podiums — 6 top-10s — 12 starts — 8.9 avg last 10 races
Comment: Ninth-to-third run at BAPS on March 29 before eighth at Williams Grove on April 3 and 16th after opening-lap melee April 4 at Port Royal. Tripleheader next April 10-12 at Williams Grove, Port Royal and BAPS.
23. Brent Marks, Myerstown, Pa. (+1)
Last week: 24th — High: 24th — Low: 24th — Points: 8th (High Limit)
2026 stats: 0 wins — 0 podiums — 6 top-10s — 15 starts — 12.0 avg last 10 races
Comment: Sixth at Route 66 and ninth at 81 gives him first three-race top-10 streak of the season. Up two spots in High Limit points. Racing Williams Grove and Port Royal on April 10-11 before High Limit resumes April 17-18.
24. Logan Seavey, Sutter, Calif. (-1)
Last week: 23rd — High: 23rd — Low: NR — Points: None
2026 stats: 0 wins — 0 podiums — 3 top-10s — 4 starts — 7.5 avg
Comment: USAC Triple Crown winner remains idle in winged car until April 17's High Limit show at Lakeside. Showcased winged upside in debut with CB Industries two weeks ago, finishing sixth, seventh and eighth. Ran second late at Vado and third late at Casa Grande before slipups in final laps.
WATCH: Logan Seavey reacts after another top 10 with High Limit at Vado in After The Checkers with Brian Walker.
25. Justin Peck, Monrovia, Ind. (NR)
Last week: NR — High: 25th — Low: NR — Points: 7th (High Limit)
2026 stats: 0 wins — 1 podium — 3 top-10s — 8 starts — 10.0 avg last 8 races
Comment: Finishes third March 27 at Route 66 for first podium of the season, a much-needed result after finishing just outside the top-10 in three of previous four races. Lakeside and Wheatland next on tour April 17-18.
Dropped out: Bill Balog (25th)
On the bubble (alphabetized by last name): Bill Balog, Lance Dewease, Sam Hafertepe Jr., Tanner Holmes, Sye Lynch, Cole Macedo, Freddie Rahmer, Ashton Torgerson, Troy Wagaman Jr., Chris Windom.