If there is one name that represents the opening of dirt racing weekend in the U.S. it is the name Kyle. While Kyle Larson may have pulled off a history making feet after earning his second Chili Bowl Nationals victory, the opening of the World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Models gave two other Kyle’s a chance to make a mark in the dirt racing history book with victories in the DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals.
Beginning with Kyle Bronson, who took the first victory of what was supposed to be a three-day race weekend at his home track of Volusia Speedway Park. The first driver this year to set Slick Woody’s Cornhole Company Quick Time, win a Drydene Heat Race and park his car in Victory Lane with the $10,000 check began his victory in the runner up position behind the 17M of Dale McDowell as the green flag waved on Thursday’s first feature race.
Of course, this lead would not last long as Kyle Bronson would power his way around the pole sitter in the first lap. After leading the first half of the 40-lap feature, Bronson started dealing with a tight-handling condition, which cost him his lead on Lap 22. Bronson continued to fade, giving up second to three-time Series champion Darrell Lanigan four laps later.
While it looked like Bronson’s situation was dire, a wreck between Darrell Lanigan and Cade Dillard gave Kyle Bronson the chance to get back to the top and race away with the first victory of the weekend.
“This win was amazing,” said Bronson. “I was extremely, extremely tight and the more I tried to slow down and pace myself, the tighter I got so I thought that this race was a goner for sure.”
While the Friday night race was rained out, the second Kyle victor of the weekend had his chance to earn Saturday night’s victory. In his 11th World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model start, Kyle Strickland had the opportunity to lead all 40 Laps of Saturday night’s feature race After setting Slick Woody’s Cornhole Company Quick Time and winning the Drydene Heat Race, his fortune continued when he drew the pole for the Feature in the redraw. From the pole, Strickler launched ahead of the field into Turn 1 and never looked back.
“Man, this race and win was so awesome,” said Strickland. “In fact, this was a Cinderella story for sure. It definitely took a lot to hold off the competition, but I am so happy to have a win under my belt already this season.”
The World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series returns to Volusia Speedway Park, Feb. 10-13, for the 50th DIRTcar Nationals. Stay tuned to RacingJunk for all your World of Outlaws dirt racing coverage.
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