With the DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park in the books, it’s time for the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series to head to the West Coast for a 12-race swing that will keep the series on the “Left Coast” for about six weeks. Last year, the West Coast Swing was plagued by rained, but in the six races that were contested, phenomenal racing was had, with four drivers picking up wins, including two who scored their first-career Outlaws triumph. Daryn Pittman, the 2013 series titlist, looks to continue his strong to start to season as the West Coast Swing begins.

DIRTcar Nationals wrap-up

Daryn Pittman was the story of the DIRTcar Nationals. The Oklahoma native was the only driver to lead laps in all four sprint cars races at the half-mile (including the two Ollie’s Bargain Outlet All Star Circuit of Champions events). After a pair of podium finishes with the All Stars, Pittman was victorious in both World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series events. The veteran driver is thus the early season point leader. Brad Sweet and Donny Schatz also had top-five finishes in both races at Volusia as did Christopher Bell, who will focus his efforts on the NASCAR Xfinity Series this season.

New faces in new places

Daryn Pittman, David Gravel and Shane Stewart are all in new rides this year and each had a solid trip to Florida. While Pittman stole the show in the Sunshine state, Gravel turned in solid performances in each of the first two Outlaws races, finishing among the top-10 in his debut for Jason Johnson Racing. Stewart, who won an All Stars race at Volusia, led the first 15 laps on opening night with the Outlaws, before finishing second aboard the CJB Motorsports No. 5.

Making history

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series will make history at the Dirt Track at Las Vegas Motor Speedway this week, as they will compete for the first-time ever at the same track, on the same night with a NASCAR-sanctioned series, the K&N Pro West Series. Also, joining the festivities will be the USAC West Coast Sprint Series, who will contest full race programs each night.

Schedule update

The date of the 49er Gold Rush Classic at Placerville Speedway has been shifted from Wednesday, March 20 to Saturday, March 23. That date will fill a slot that opened up, after the originally scheduled event at Calistoga Speedway was cancelled. Joining the Outlaws at Placerville will be the Elk Grove Ford Midgets, making for an all-open wheel event. Brad Sweet won the 49er Gold Rush Classic last year, an event that he promoted.

Full West Coast Swing schedule

Following the two-night event at Las Vegas, the Outlaws head to California for the month of March. The series will compete in the Golden State eight times over a three-week span at seven different venues. The first weekend in California is a two-night show at Thunderbowl Raceway, followed by stops at Silver Dollar Speedway and the Stockton Dirt Track. The Outlaws then head to Ocean Speedway and Placerville Speedway, with the California portion of the West Coast Swing wrapping up at Keller Auto Speedway at Kings Fairgrounds and Perris Auto Speedway. The series then heads to Arizona for events at USA Raceway and Arizona Speedway.

First timers

Aaron Reutzel and Cory Eliason both earned their first-career World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series wins during the West Coast Swing last year. Reutzel was victorious at the always thrilling Thunderbowl Raceway, where he and Eliason traded slide jobs as they battled for the win. Eliason won at the Stockton Dirt Track, leading all 30 laps from the pole. The Californian followed that up in the fall with another win against the Outlaws in his home state at the historic Calistoga Speedway.

Midwest invaders

A trio of drivers from the Midwest will make the trip to the West Coast with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Sprint Car Series. Leading the way is Brian Brown, who after a pair of top-10 finishes in Florida, sits sixth in points. Brown is tentatively scheduled to contest the full West Coast Swing. Terry McCarl, who recently won the Ronald Laney Memorial King of the 360s at East Bay Raceway in Florida, will compete in most of the races during the West Coast Swing for Destiny Motorsports. Parker Price-Miller is also tentatively scheduled to compete in a majority of the West Coast Swing aboard the Indy Race Parts No. 71.

Baker’s dozen

A total of 13 drivers have signed on as Platinum Members with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series this season, meaning they will contest the full schedule, exclusively and receive various benefits for their commitment to the series. Each of the drivers who finished among the top-12 in points last year, returned this season. The lone “new” driver is Carson Macedo, who will be the leading contender for the Kevin Gobrecht Rookie of the Year Award aboard the Kyle Larson Racing No. 2.

Points update

Daryn Pittman holds a 10-point lead in the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series standings, following the opening two races of the season, with Christopher Bell in second. Brad Sweet and Donny Schatz are tied for third in points, 16 markers behind. David Gravel and Brian Brown are tied for fifth, 24 markers out of the top spot. Aaron Reutzel is current seventh, with Lucas Wolfe eighth, rookie contender Carson Macedo ninth and Logan Schuchart 10^th.