Dale McDowell celebrates in victory lane after winning Friday night’s World of Outlaws Late Model Series season opener at Volusia Speedway Park. Photo: Jacy Norgaard
After four months of being out of a race car, Dale McDowell got to ring a victorious bell Friday evening at Volusia Speedway Park at Barberville, Florida – its significance twofold.
It was a bell rung with a straw hat and a checkered flag, signifying his victory during the World of Outlaws Late Model season-opener at the Sunshine Nationals. But also, to further signify his victorious battle with cancer.
McDowell, 55, of Chickamauga, Georgia, was diagnosed with prostate cancer and unsure if he’d ever race again. However, after surgery, support and four months of recovery, McDowell won. And in his first return behind the wheel of a Super Late Model, he proved to everyone – and himself – no speed was lost.
“I want to be tough,” McDowell said. “I realized you need to be tough. But it’s very emotional. I have to thank the good Lord above for letting me come back and do what I love because four months ago I didn’t know what was going to happen. I haven’t been in a car in four months.
“Hats off to my brother. Everyone who took care of me while I was sick and stuck by us.”
He kicked off the weekend qualifying third fastest in Group A, behind rookie contender Kyle Hammer who was fastest overall. Then, he went on to win his Heat Race and draw the pole for the 30-lap Feature.
When the green flag flew to commence the 2022 season for the World of Outlaws Late Models Friday evening – after being postponed from Thursday night – McDowell darted ahead of the stout field with outside pole sitter Devin Moran hanging to his outside. The two dueled side by side for the opening lap before McDowell’s precision around the bottom lane prevailed.
Once his black #17m found clean air out front, McDowell never looked back.
Four cautions plagued his journey around the half-mile track and put the hungry field of drivers to his bumper each time. However, none of the contenders who stepped up to the plate could match McDowell’s speed.
Moran’s attempt faded early as Chris Madden and Dennis Erb, Jr. got by him to move into the runner-up and final podium spot, respectively, before the end of lap 3. Madden held the runner-up spot for 10 laps with no advances on McDowell. After a caution with 18 laps to go, Erb bested Madden on the restart and powered his way through the corner to move into second.
But, like those before him, he couldn’t catch McDowell and had to settle for a strong points run to open the season.
Behind Erb, 2021 NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Larson was on the move, making his way from 11th to the podium with 10 laps to go. He tried to challenge the series veteran in the closing laps for the runner-up spot but remained third at the line.
For McDowell, the $10,000 victory was his 13th career World of Outlaws win and his first with the Series since 2016. However, its significance will triumph all other milestones.
“I just can’t tell you how ecstatic I am to be here,” McDowell said.
The World of Outlaws Late Model Series was set to continue on Saturday, but persistent rain showers creating saturated grounds, on top of the heavy rain from Friday night. With a forecast calling for more rain at Volusia Speedway Park, officials were forced to cancel Saturday’s entire program at the speedway.
The postponed feature will be made up on Wednesday, Feb. 16, during DIRTcar Nationals at Volusia.
For more information on the World of Outlaws Late Model Series, visit WorldofOutlaws.com.
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World Of Outlaws Late Model Series
Volusia Speedway Park – Barberville, FL
Sunshine Nationals – January 21, 2022
1. 17M-Dale McDowell
2. 28-Dennis Erb, Jr.
3. 6-Kyle Larson
4. 44-Chris Madden
5. 71-Hudson O’Neal
6. 25-Shane Clanton
7. 1-Brandon Sheppard
8. 111V-Max Blair
9. 16-Tyler Bruening
10. 18-Chase Junghans
11. 29-Darrell Lanigan
12. 97-Cade Dillard
13. B1-Brent Larson
14. 8-Kyle Strickler
15. 14M-Morgan Bagley
16. 99B-Boom Briggs
17. 11-Gordy Gundaker
18. 81E-Tanner English
19. 1R-Josh Richards
20. 32-Chris Simpson
21. 28M-Jimmy Mars
22. 9-Devin Moran
23. 20-Jimmy Owens
24. 89-Ashton Winger
25. 19R-Ryan Gustin
26. 20RT-Ricky Thornton, Jr.
27. 45-Kyle Hammer
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