Gravel wins biggest pay day in World of Outlaws history

The stage at Huset’s Speedway couldn’t have been set any better for David Gravel. Competing at the racetrack owned by his car owner, Tod Quiring, he claimed the biggest payday in World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car history on Saturday. 

The Billion Auto Huset’s High Bank Nationals presented by Menards began with a pair of close runner-ups for Gravel in the Wednesday and Thursday prelims. But, the Watertown, Connecticut  native seized on a perfect opportunity when an expired engine on Buddy Kofoid’s car late in the 40-lap Feature gifted Gravel the lead. From there, he never looked back as he went on to etch a place in Sprint Car history.

The win upped Gravel’s career win tally with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars to 83, one behind Brad Sweet’s count of 84. Gravel extended his lead in 2023 wins with his seventh of the season. The 31-year-old now owns a trio of Huset’s victories in World of Outlaws competition, making it the ninth different track where he’s won at least three times.

The race went green for more than 30 laps, and Gravel struggled to challenge pole-sitter – Buddy Kofoid – for the top spot. Kofoid’s hopes were dashed though, when smoke began to rise from under the hood of his #83. The Penngrove, California native came to a stop with an expired engine less than 10 laps away from what would’ve been the biggest day of his racing career.

Behind Gravel, Rico Abreu claimed the runner-up spot for his second podium over the four nights at Husets.

Huset’s Speedway will be quiet this weekend before resuming action on July 9 for Bike Night presented by Indian Motorcycle of Sioux Falls.