Michael “Buddy” Kofoid, 24, returned to form after a serious off‑season illness that began while he was training and competing in Australia. He suffered a severe parasitic infection that inflamed his appendix and small bowel, required hospitalization and caused pronounced lethargy, headaches, nausea and notable weight loss; the illness nearly required surgery. One report did not provide a specific diagnosis, while other accounts said the infection was likely contracted in Australia. Kofoid has since regained weight and fitness, easing concerns about lingering effects.

Recovered and racing for Roth Motorsports, the driver who joined Dennis and Teresa Roth’s team in mid‑2023 quickly showed speed at the season opener at Volusia Speedway Park: he won the half‑mile on the second night and charged from 21st to fourth in the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals Big Gator, nearly capturing that win. Those early results left Kofoid tied with two‑time defending champion David Gravel atop the standings. His crew of Dylan Buswell, Nate Knotts and Gage Tyra has been part of that rebound.

Kofoid arrived in 2026 with strong recent form — he finished fourth in his rookie World of Outlaws campaign and was runner‑up in 2025 — and said his focus is on winning the Outlaws title and becoming the Roths’ first Outlaw champion. He acknowledged stiff competition from the likes of David Gravel, Carson Macedo, Donny Schatz, Logan Schuchart and Sheldon Haudenschild as he heads into a March stretch that includes Volusia’s Bike Week Jamboree (March 1–2), Talladega Short Track (March 6) and Magnolia Motor Speedway (March 7).

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