The 2026 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series will open Feb. 4–7 at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Florida, with the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. The four-night program on the facility’s Florida half‑mile will culminate in a $20,000-to-win, $1,500-to-start finale, while points accumulated across the week will be tallied to create a fund that is distributed to the top three finishers and to crown a Big Gator champion. That structure makes each night both a standalone event and part of a cumulative competition, putting a premium on consistency as well as single-night performance. Series and event branding will highlight NOS Energy Drink as the title sponsor and Federated Auto Parts as the presenting partner of the DIRTcar Nationals.

Now in its 49th season, the World of Outlaws — founded in 1978 by Ted Johnson — traditionally begins its early campaign in Florida, and Volusia has long served as the focal point for those opening storylines. Organizers have emphasized logistical and competitive details for competitors and fans rather than day-by-day results, outlining purses, points procedures and the overall format for the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. The announcement frames the week as the official season kickoff and a key stretch that sets the tone for the months to come.

A central storyline entering Volusia centers on two-time defending champion David Gravel and his Big Game Motorsports operation, which will pursue a third straight title. Big Game Motorsports retained crew chief Cody Jacobs, car chief Pete Stephens and tire specialist Zach Patterson, and added former Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing car chief Luke Vaughn to its personnel. Gravel will arrive at Volusia with seven World of Outlaws checkered flags at the track — including two from last season — and is tied with Daryn Pittman with three DIRTcar Nationals Big Gators as he chases a record-setting fourth. Those team moves, combined with the Big Gator points payout and the season-opening purse, create clear competitive incentives for teams across the four-night stretch.

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