The Greatest Show on Dirt is preparing to throw down at Eldora Speedway in one of the richest events on the calendar. But first, drivers must get through Friday before they can think about a mega payday. David Gravel sits on the throne of the World of Outlaws Knight Before the Kings Royal pre-event odds, entering with a series lead of 172 points. Carson Macedo and Michael Kofoid have revived their campaigns in recent rounds, and line up in Rossburg with a streak of podiums under the hood.
Place your wagers for this week’s World of Outlaws sprint car races at our partner sportsbooks.
Schedule and How to Watch WoO Knight Before the Kings Royal
World of Outlaws meet at Eldora Speedway on Friday, July 18, to warm up for Saturday’s $200,000 Showcase. The pre-race ceremonies commence at 7:45 pm ET, directly followed by the heat races. Fans will have plenty of racing to enjoy as we build up to the 30-lap feature later in the evening. You can follow the festivities and find out who wins the crown on DIRTVision.
Odds Subject to Change
Please note that the odds provided herein reflect the raw probability odds for this analysis and are based on the information available when publishing. Different sportsbooks may adjust these odds based on market conditions, bettor behaviors, and other factors that could influence the betting landscape.
For a deeper understanding of why odds for alternative sports betting change and how it might affect your betting strategy, we encourage you to read our detailed article: Why Do Alternative Sports Betting Odds Change? Make informed decisions and always check the latest odds with your sportsbook before placing bets.
Best Bets & Picks for WoO Knight Before the Kings Royal
Event Winner Odds
Feast your eyes on the quality of the field lining up in Eldora. Kyle Larson makes a cameo appearance and starts as the favored driver. Series leader David Gravel missed out on a top-five finish in the previous round, only the seventh time in 40 races this year. Besides the hiccup, he carries the best finishing average on the grid, averaging 3.08 across the 39 races that he finished. Gravel is the winningest driver in WoO sprint cars this year with 10, and he enters Ohio with three podiums under the hood in his previous four appearances.
Michael Kofoid is the driver of the hour right now, boasting the top finishing average in his last five Features. “Buddy” averages 2.00, standing on the podium in all of his previous nine starts, three times as a victor. Carson Macedo is another driver on a hot streak, entering Victory Lane twice in his last four appearances. The Californian has made the rostrum in every race since his 24th place at Huset’s Speedway.
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Driver
Event Winner
Payout Per $20
Kyle Larson
+239
$67.80
David Gravel
+338
$87.60
Carson Macedo
+488
$117.60
Rico Abreu
+733
$166.60
Michael Kofoid
+1257
$271.40
Sheldon Haudenschild
+1627
$345.40
Brad Sweet
+2122
$444.40
Donny Schatz
+2270
$474.00
Bill Balog
+2400
$500.00
Aaron Reutzel
+2497
$519.40
Logan Schuchart
+2603
$540.60
Tyler Courtney
+2799
$579.80
Anthony Macri
+2903
$600.60
Brent Marks
+2996
$619.20
James McFadden
+7307
$1481.40
Cole Macedo
+10001
$2020.20
Cole Duncan
+10001
$2020.20
Ashton Torgerson
+10653
$2150.60
Brandon Spithaler
+10653
$2150.60
Zach Hampton
+10770
$2174.00
Parker Price-Miller
+10770
$2174.00
Justin Peck
+10889
$2197.80
Garet Williamson
+10889
$2197.80
Skylar Gee
+10889
$2197.80
Chris Windom
+10889
$2197.80
Hunter Schuerenberg
+10889
$2197.80
Brenham Crouch
+10889
$2197.80
Chase Dietz
+10889
$2197.80
Brady Bacon
+11011
$2222.20
Ryan Timms
+11011
$2222.20
Expert Pick
We are rewarding Michael Kofoid’s consistency this weekend and bestowing our expert pick tag on him. He’s a three-time winner in his last nine starts and hasn’t missed the podium. The in-form racer enters Eldora Speedway as a longshot at +1257, offering a potential payout of $271.40.
H2H Odds for WoO Knight Before the Kings Royal
David Gravel and Donny Schatz start the Knight Before the Kings Royal as the best value for money matchups. Gravel takes on Kyle Larson, a driver who has blown hot and cold in another sprint car series that he co-founded. Gravel, on the other hand, is a regular podium finisher in the “Greatest Show on Dirt,” notching up 23 this season, and averaging 3.08.
Schatz meets Sheldon Haudenschild in his matchup, which is a close one to call. However, the veteran has crossed the line ahead of Haud in their three previous meetings.
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Matchup
Moneyline
Payout on $20
David Gravel
+115
$43.00
Kyle Larson
-153
$33.07
Carson Macedo
-150
$33.33
Rico Abreu
+113
$42.60
Donny Schatz
+105
$41.00
Sheldon Haudenschild
-140
$34.29
DFS Finishing Positions
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Driver
Finishing Position
Kyle Larson
2.5
David Gravel
3.5
Carson Macedo
3.5
Rico Abreu
5.5
Michael Kofoid
6.5
Sheldon Haudenschild
7.5
Brad Sweet
8.5
Where to Bet on WoO Knight Before the Kings Royal
Michael “Buddy” Kofoid is coming in hot to Ohio, but can he continue his podium hot streak? David Gravel returns as the defending champion, but can he hold off Kofoid and Carson Macedo, who is starting to fire on all cylinders?
Armed with these insights, prepare to place your bets on the World of Outlaws Knight Before the Kings Royal. Secure the latest futures odds and special promotions at our affiliate sportsbooks to place your bets. Dive into our exclusive World of Outlaws Betting Guides for comprehensive analyses and betting tactics. Whether you’re backing the seasoned champions or rooting for the rookies, each ride promises a pulse-pounding experience.
Are there any specific times during the season that are better for betting?
Yes, there are certain moments during the season when you have a better chance of winning your bets. Some key moments to watch out for include major races like the season-long championship races.
Can I bet on World of Outlaws races online?
Absolutely! You can bet on World of Outlaws races online through various licensed sportsbooks that offer sprint car racing betting, such as DraftKings, Bet365, and BetCris.
Is live betting available for World of Outlaws races?
Yes, many sportsbooks offer live betting options for World of Outlaws races. This allows you to place bets in real-time as the race unfolds, allowing you to react to developments on the track and potentially capitalize on changing odds.
Are there any legal restrictions on betting on Sprint Car Racing?
Legal restrictions on betting differ depending on your state. While many states have legalized sports betting, including motorsports, others may still have prohibitions in place. It’s important to check your local laws and regulations regarding sports betting to ensure compliance before placing any wagers on Sprint Car Racing.
Cole Macedo will return for his second World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series season in 2026, rejoining Todd Carlile’s TwoC Racing to drive the No. 2C with Wayne Johnson on the wrenches. The team announced Macedo plans to begin the World of Outlaws (WoO) tour at the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia, February 4–7, as he moves into his sophomore season.
He recorded five top-five finishes and 20 top-10s in his 2025 rookie season, including a standout performance at Eldora Speedway, where he climbed from 12th to third. He led feature laps at Talladega Short Track and Sharon Speedway, converting those runs into season-best finishes of fourth and sixth, respectively.
After the U.S. season, Macedo campaigned in Australia, scoring wins at the Perth Motorplex during USA vs. WA Speedweek and at Premier Speedway in the International Sprintcar Carnival. He ran up front in the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic before a lapped-traffic incident took him out of contention.
To prepare for 2026, TwoC Racing and Macedo will make pre-season laps with the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) at Volusia Speedway Park’s “World’s Fastest Half Mile” from January 29–31. The team called the Volusia program a focused warm-up to build on his rookie WoO momentum and recent international wins as he targets an improved sophomore campaign.
The World of Outlaws Late Model Series will open its 2026 season at Volusia Speedway Park as part of the DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals, continuing the series’ tradition of kicking off the year at Volusia since 2021. A practice night is scheduled for Jan. 21, followed by two 35-lap features on Jan. 22–23 that each pay $12,000 to the winner and a 50-lap, $20,000-to-win finale on Jan. 24. The card is presented under a combined “Late Model Palooza” banner that also includes Crate Racin’ USA DIRTcar Pro (604) Late Models and 602 Late Models, creating a multi-night program aimed at drawing a deep field and fans for high-stakes opening events.
Bobby Pierce arrives 11 weeks after clinching his second World of Outlaws championship and coming off a recent Wild West Shootout victory, beginning a run at a third series title and his first Sunshine Nationals straw hat; he is widely regarded as the man to beat. Top challengers entered include Nick Hoffman, who finished 56 points behind Pierce in 2025, Tim McCreadie returning full-time with Briggs Transport in the same package he used to close 2025, and Ryan Gustin, the defending Sunshine Nationals winner who posted five WoO wins in 2025. The entry list also highlights notable returns and rookie storylines: Tyler Erb is back full-time for the first time since 2018, MD3 Rookie of the Year candidates Trey Mills, Eli Johnson, and Logan Zarin are expected to run, and rookie Daulton Wilson will compete with Big Frog/Viper Motorsports.
Offseason personnel moves reshaped several teams heading into Volusia, including Ricky Thornton Jr. pairing with crew chief Anthony Burroughs at Koehler, Chris Madden joining Wells Motorsports, and Cory Hedgecock signing on with Billy Hicks Racing. Track changes are another variable: Volusia has been resurfaced with new gumbo clay and was evaluated in recent test sessions, a technical shift that could influence tire choices and car setups across the weekend. Taken together, the schedule, purses, revamped surface, and concentrated lineup of returnees and newcomers establish the DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals as a high-stakes, multi-night season opener for the 2026 World of Outlaws Late Model Series.
Lawton Speedway kicks off the two-race weekend on Friday evening, as David Gravel searches for a hat trick of wins. The series leader is the man to beat in the World of Outlaws Sooner State Showdown pre-event odds. Gravel is yet to finish outside the top five this season and leads by 82 points from …
Carson Macedo has re-signed with Jason Johnson Racing (JJR) to compete in his eighth consecutive World of Outlaws (WoO) season and his sixth with JJR. He will again pilot the No. 41, and the team framed his return as a pursuit of the championship it was built to win.
Since joining JJR, Macedo has compiled 52 WoO series victories, two National Open crowns, the $83,000 Dennis Roth Classic, and four wins at Knoxville Raceway. While driving the No. 41, he has never finished worse than third in season points. After a strong 2025 campaign, including 11 wins, 25 podiums, 35 top-five finishes, and 53 top-10s, he slipped to third in the standings behind Michael Kofoid but recorded his fourth season in five with double-digit victories.
Owner and crew chief Philip Dietz returns to lead the effort, joined again by car chief Robby McQuinn and tire specialist Adam Zimmerman. The trio will enter 2026 together for a third season of continuity. JJR views that continuity, combined with Macedo’s record, as central to mounting a realistic championship bid. The team will begin its title chase at the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fl, February 4–7. The announcement reaffirms Macedo and JJR as front-runners on the World of Outlaws trail.
Best Bets: World of Outlaws Knight Before the Kings Royal Pre-Event Odds Analysis
The Greatest Show on Dirt is preparing to throw down at Eldora Speedway in one of the richest events on the calendar. But first, drivers must get through Friday before they can think about a mega payday. David Gravel sits on the throne of the World of Outlaws Knight Before the Kings Royal pre-event odds, entering with a series lead of 172 points. Carson Macedo and Michael Kofoid have revived their campaigns in recent rounds, and line up in Rossburg with a streak of podiums under the hood.
Place your wagers for this week’s World of Outlaws sprint car races at our partner sportsbooks.
Schedule and How to Watch WoO Knight Before the Kings Royal
World of Outlaws meet at Eldora Speedway on Friday, July 18, to warm up for Saturday’s $200,000 Showcase. The pre-race ceremonies commence at 7:45 pm ET, directly followed by the heat races. Fans will have plenty of racing to enjoy as we build up to the 30-lap feature later in the evening. You can follow the festivities and find out who wins the crown on DIRTVision.
Odds Subject to Change
Please note that the odds provided herein reflect the raw probability odds for this analysis and are based on the information available when publishing. Different sportsbooks may adjust these odds based on market conditions, bettor behaviors, and other factors that could influence the betting landscape.
For a deeper understanding of why odds for alternative sports betting change and how it might affect your betting strategy, we encourage you to read our detailed article: Why Do Alternative Sports Betting Odds Change? Make informed decisions and always check the latest odds with your sportsbook before placing bets.
Best Bets & Picks for WoO Knight Before the Kings Royal
Event Winner Odds
Feast your eyes on the quality of the field lining up in Eldora. Kyle Larson makes a cameo appearance and starts as the favored driver. Series leader David Gravel missed out on a top-five finish in the previous round, only the seventh time in 40 races this year. Besides the hiccup, he carries the best finishing average on the grid, averaging 3.08 across the 39 races that he finished. Gravel is the winningest driver in WoO sprint cars this year with 10, and he enters Ohio with three podiums under the hood in his previous four appearances.
Michael Kofoid is the driver of the hour right now, boasting the top finishing average in his last five Features. “Buddy” averages 2.00, standing on the podium in all of his previous nine starts, three times as a victor. Carson Macedo is another driver on a hot streak, entering Victory Lane twice in his last four appearances. The Californian has made the rostrum in every race since his 24th place at Huset’s Speedway.
swipe to see more
Expert Pick
We are rewarding Michael Kofoid’s consistency this weekend and bestowing our expert pick tag on him. He’s a three-time winner in his last nine starts and hasn’t missed the podium. The in-form racer enters Eldora Speedway as a longshot at +1257, offering a potential payout of $271.40.
H2H Odds for WoO Knight Before the Kings Royal
David Gravel and Donny Schatz start the Knight Before the Kings Royal as the best value for money matchups. Gravel takes on Kyle Larson, a driver who has blown hot and cold in another sprint car series that he co-founded. Gravel, on the other hand, is a regular podium finisher in the “Greatest Show on Dirt,” notching up 23 this season, and averaging 3.08.
Schatz meets Sheldon Haudenschild in his matchup, which is a close one to call. However, the veteran has crossed the line ahead of Haud in their three previous meetings.
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DFS Finishing Positions
swipe to see more
Where to Bet on WoO Knight Before the Kings Royal
Michael “Buddy” Kofoid is coming in hot to Ohio, but can he continue his podium hot streak? David Gravel returns as the defending champion, but can he hold off Kofoid and Carson Macedo, who is starting to fire on all cylinders?
Armed with these insights, prepare to place your bets on the World of Outlaws Knight Before the Kings Royal. Secure the latest futures odds and special promotions at our affiliate sportsbooks to place your bets. Dive into our exclusive World of Outlaws Betting Guides for comprehensive analyses and betting tactics. Whether you’re backing the seasoned champions or rooting for the rookies, each ride promises a pulse-pounding experience.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, there are certain moments during the season when you have a better chance of winning your bets. Some key moments to watch out for include major races like the season-long championship races.
Absolutely! You can bet on World of Outlaws races online through various licensed sportsbooks that offer sprint car racing betting, such as DraftKings, Bet365, and BetCris.
Yes, many sportsbooks offer live betting options for World of Outlaws races. This allows you to place bets in real-time as the race unfolds, allowing you to react to developments on the track and potentially capitalize on changing odds.
Legal restrictions on betting differ depending on your state. While many states have legalized sports betting, including motorsports, others may still have prohibitions in place. It’s important to check your local laws and regulations regarding sports betting to ensure compliance before placing any wagers on Sprint Car Racing.
Related Posts
Cole Macedo Reunites with TwoC, Targets 2026 WoO Sprint Car Series
Cole Macedo will return for his second World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series season in 2026, rejoining Todd Carlile’s TwoC Racing to drive the No. 2C with Wayne Johnson on the wrenches. The team announced Macedo plans to begin the World of Outlaws (WoO) tour at the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia, February 4–7, as he moves into his sophomore season.
He recorded five top-five finishes and 20 top-10s in his 2025 rookie season, including a standout performance at Eldora Speedway, where he climbed from 12th to third. He led feature laps at Talladega Short Track and Sharon Speedway, converting those runs into season-best finishes of fourth and sixth, respectively.
After the U.S. season, Macedo campaigned in Australia, scoring wins at the Perth Motorplex during USA vs. WA Speedweek and at Premier Speedway in the International Sprintcar Carnival. He ran up front in the Grand Annual Sprintcar Classic before a lapped-traffic incident took him out of contention.
To prepare for 2026, TwoC Racing and Macedo will make pre-season laps with the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS) at Volusia Speedway Park’s “World’s Fastest Half Mile” from January 29–31. The team called the Volusia program a focused warm-up to build on his rookie WoO momentum and recent international wins as he targets an improved sophomore campaign.
World of Outlaws Late Models Open at Volusia with $20K Final
The World of Outlaws Late Model Series will open its 2026 season at Volusia Speedway Park as part of the DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals, continuing the series’ tradition of kicking off the year at Volusia since 2021. A practice night is scheduled for Jan. 21, followed by two 35-lap features on Jan. 22–23 that each pay $12,000 to the winner and a 50-lap, $20,000-to-win finale on Jan. 24. The card is presented under a combined “Late Model Palooza” banner that also includes Crate Racin’ USA DIRTcar Pro (604) Late Models and 602 Late Models, creating a multi-night program aimed at drawing a deep field and fans for high-stakes opening events.
Bobby Pierce arrives 11 weeks after clinching his second World of Outlaws championship and coming off a recent Wild West Shootout victory, beginning a run at a third series title and his first Sunshine Nationals straw hat; he is widely regarded as the man to beat. Top challengers entered include Nick Hoffman, who finished 56 points behind Pierce in 2025, Tim McCreadie returning full-time with Briggs Transport in the same package he used to close 2025, and Ryan Gustin, the defending Sunshine Nationals winner who posted five WoO wins in 2025. The entry list also highlights notable returns and rookie storylines: Tyler Erb is back full-time for the first time since 2018, MD3 Rookie of the Year candidates Trey Mills, Eli Johnson, and Logan Zarin are expected to run, and rookie Daulton Wilson will compete with Big Frog/Viper Motorsports.
Offseason personnel moves reshaped several teams heading into Volusia, including Ricky Thornton Jr. pairing with crew chief Anthony Burroughs at Koehler, Chris Madden joining Wells Motorsports, and Cory Hedgecock signing on with Billy Hicks Racing. Track changes are another variable: Volusia has been resurfaced with new gumbo clay and was evaluated in recent test sessions, a technical shift that could influence tire choices and car setups across the weekend. Taken together, the schedule, purses, revamped surface, and concentrated lineup of returnees and newcomers establish the DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals as a high-stakes, multi-night season opener for the 2026 World of Outlaws Late Model Series.
Best Bets: World of Outlaws Sooner State Showdown Pre-Event Odds Analysis
Lawton Speedway kicks off the two-race weekend on Friday evening, as David Gravel searches for a hat trick of wins. The series leader is the man to beat in the World of Outlaws Sooner State Showdown pre-event odds. Gravel is yet to finish outside the top five this season and leads by 82 points from …
Macedo, JJR Set Sights on WoO Title at Volusia
Carson Macedo has re-signed with Jason Johnson Racing (JJR) to compete in his eighth consecutive World of Outlaws (WoO) season and his sixth with JJR. He will again pilot the No. 41, and the team framed his return as a pursuit of the championship it was built to win.
Since joining JJR, Macedo has compiled 52 WoO series victories, two National Open crowns, the $83,000 Dennis Roth Classic, and four wins at Knoxville Raceway. While driving the No. 41, he has never finished worse than third in season points. After a strong 2025 campaign, including 11 wins, 25 podiums, 35 top-five finishes, and 53 top-10s, he slipped to third in the standings behind Michael Kofoid but recorded his fourth season in five with double-digit victories.
Owner and crew chief Philip Dietz returns to lead the effort, joined again by car chief Robby McQuinn and tire specialist Adam Zimmerman. The trio will enter 2026 together for a third season of continuity. JJR views that continuity, combined with Macedo’s record, as central to mounting a realistic championship bid. The team will begin its title chase at the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Fl, February 4–7. The announcement reaffirms Macedo and JJR as front-runners on the World of Outlaws trail.