The 2025 World of Outlaws World Finals opened at The Dirt Track at Charlotte, marking the venue’s 25th anniversary with an electric start as Ty Gibbs made his much-anticipated World of Outlaws debut. Gibbs, just days removed from his NASCAR Cup Series season finale in Phoenix, immediately captured attention by topping the first WEDG High Performance Karts Hot Laps session—making the Ty Gibbs World of Outlaws debut a headline moment on night one.
Gibbs Shines in First World of Outlaws Sprint Car Appearance
Returning to his hometown roots, Ty Gibbs posted a rapid 12.865-second lap in his initial hot laps session, highlighting his transition from NASCAR to sprint cars. This strong start set the pace for a dynamic week of championship-deciding competition, bringing energy both to the fans and his fellow drivers at Charlotte’s famed clay oval. Gibbs’s early performance during qualifying established him as a notable contender despite being new to the series.
Pennsylvania’s Sye Lynch Sets Blazing Quicks in Qualifying
Pennsylvania native Sye Lynch responded with an electrifying performance, burning through the 4/10-mile clay oval to secure a lap of 12.661 seconds, the fastest in the opening round of Honest Abe Roofing Qualifying. This result locked Lynch in for a strong starting spot in Thursday’s critical heat races, fueling anticipation for how he would build on this form as the competition unfolded.
David Gravel, the current Sprint Car series points leader and defending champion, was close behind, notching a 12.763-second lap and ranking seventh overall. With the title on the line, Gravel’s consistent speed hinted at a compelling battle ahead. Rico Abreu also featured prominently, especially in Friday’s qualifying where he finished among the top three alongside Lynch and Gravel.
Lynch continued his dominance into the second session, recording the only 12-second lap at 12.899 seconds. Gravel followed tightly with a 13.015, while Abreu logged a 13.044 to round out the leading trio for Friday’s heats.
Late Models Deliver Intense Competition with Davenport and Sheppard Leading the Way
The Real American Beer Late Models division provided its own fireworks as Jonathan Davenport set an early standard in qualifying with a 14.909-second lap. Despite his position at 37th overall in points, Davenport’s performance secured a favorable spot in Thursday’s feature race. Nick Hoffman, the second-place contender in the standings, was next at 14.937 seconds, just ahead of Drake Troutman, who posted a 14.954 and narrowly edged current points leader Bobby Pierce with Pierce’s 15.282.
For Friday’s heat races, Brandon Sheppard—already crowned 2024 series champion—showed why he holds the title, clocking in at 14.975. Dale McDowell and Tyler Erb also placed within the top three, keeping the competitive field tightly packed and the outcome unpredictable for fans and drivers alike.
Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds Bring International Flair
The Super DIRTcar Series saw an international collection of 47 drivers from seven states, along with competitors from Canada and Australia, battle fiercely through qualifying. St. Catharines, Ontario’s Mat Williamson, holding a dominant stretch since July, made a decisive mark by setting the quickest times in both qualifying rounds. Williamson’s fastest lap was 15.978, less than a second shy of Brett Hearn’s longstanding track record set in 2005; his second-best, at 16.057, further demonstrated his authority as he secured both Billy Whitaker Quick Time Awards.
With four career victories at Charlotte, including one the previous year, Williamson enters this weekend pursuing his third Super DIRTcar Series Championship, cementing his reputation as a formidable force on the clay oval.
What’s Next: Anticipation Builds for More Action at Charlotte
All three premier classes will return Thursday evening for another night packed with competitive racing, as drivers from across stock cars, sprint cars, and modifieds aim to seize their chance at championship glory. High energy is expected as favorites like Sye Lynch, David Gravel, Mat Williamson, Jonathan Davenport, and Ty Gibbs pursue further success on the track. Fans are encouraged to secure their tickets in advance or at the gate as excitement surges around the Ty Gibbs World of Outlaws debut and the unfolding championship races.
To keep up with every dramatic development from The Dirt Track at Charlotte, fans can join the ongoing conversation using #WorldFinals, and follow updates across X, Facebook, and Instagram. With the quality of competition and star power on display, this year’s World of Outlaws World Finals has already delivered standout performances with many more thrilling moments sure to come.
