It’s almost time to swap out snow and jingle bells with sand and race engines.
For the sixth consecutive year, the World of Outlaws Late Model Series presented by DIRTVision will begin the new season with a January trip to Volusia Speedway Park for DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals, Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 22-24.
The annual “Late Model Palooza” began in 2020 and featured a variety of Crate Late Model divisions in the inaugural edition. Starting in 2021, the World of Outlaws were brought in as the main attraction, with 604 and 602 Late Models rounding out the all-fendered affair.
READ MORE: Revisiting Two Decades of World of Outlaws Sunshine State History
Each year, more of the best Late Model teams in the nation make Sunshine Nationals a part of their early-season schedule, as the Super Late Model car count has grown every year from 38 cars in 2021 to a record 57 entries in 2025. Between all three divisions, fans can expect a total car count far into the triple digits to pack the Volusia pits next month.
Seven different drivers have topped a World of Outlaws race during Sunshine Nationals, but none have collected more straw hats than Devin Moran. The “Mailman” is the only multi-time Series winner at Volusia in January after his double-up in 2023 and another score in 2024, adding up to three of his six total wins at the “World’s Fastest Half Mile.”
A strong weekend at Sunshine Nationals has often served as a springboard into a fruitful new season, and Ryan Gustin and Garrett Alberson both learned that firsthand in 2025. Gustin’s opening-night win was his first of five World of Outlaws scores last year – two of which paid $50,000 or more – while Alberson went on to have a breakout seven-win campaign of his own.
The event will also mark the start of a new chapter for many teams, particularly the 2026 class of MD3 Rookie of the Year contenders. Florida native Trey Mills has already announced his plans to run his first full World of Outlaws season in 2026, with more expected to join him by the time the green flag flies at Volusia. Several other new faces in new places will hit the track next month as well, including Chris Madden in the Wells Motorsports-fielded Infinity Chassis house car, Dallon Murty and Skyline Motorsports, Daulton Wilson and Big Frog Motorsports and more.
Following a practice night on Wednesday, Jan. 21, drivers will get their first chance to add their name to the list of Sunshine Nationals winners in a $12,000-to-win Feature on Thursday, Jan. 22. Another $12,000-to-win full program will follow on Friday, Jan. 23, before the $20,000-to-win finale closes out the weekend on Saturday, Jan. 24.
The World of Outlaws will be joined by the Crate Racin’ USA Late Models and 602 Late Models.
KEY INFO
Date: Thursday-Saturday, Jan. 22-24
Location: Volusia Speedway Park, Barberville, FL
Click for more event information
Click for tickets
Click to watch live on DIRTVision
SCHEDULE
Wednesday, Jan. 21
12:00PM – Pit Gates Open
6:00PM – Practice Begins
Thursday, Jan. 22
12:00PM – Pit Gates Open
3:00PM – Grandstand Gates Open
4:00PM – Hot Laps Begin
Friday, Jan. 23
12:00PM – Pit Gates Open
3:00PM – Grandstand Gates Open
4:00PM – Hot Laps Begin
Saturday, Jan. 24
12:00PM – Pit Gates Open
3:00PM – Grandstand Gates Open
4:00PM – Hot Laps Begin
World of Outlaws Sunshine Nationals Past Winners
Jan. 14, 2021 – Kyle Bronson
Jan. 16, 2021 – Kyle Strickler
Jan. 20, 2022 – Dale McDowell
Jan. 19, 2023 – Devin Moran
Jan. 20, 2023 – Devin Moran
Jan. 19, 2024 – Devin Moran
Jan. 20, 2024 – Hudson O’Neal
Jan. 24, 2025 – Ryan Gustin
Jan. 25, 2025 – Garrett Alberson
