SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — You’d never know it by the current weather conditions, but the dirt track racing season is fast approaching.
David Gravel added to his list of accomplishments in November, winning his first World of Outlaws championship.
He spent the off-season at home in Florida but was recently back at the Big Game Motorsports race shop in advance of the new season.
“Getting comfortable in these race cars, mounting some new seats up here and just getting comfy and spending some time with the guys and just helping get prepared for 2025,” Big Game Motorsports driver David Gravel said.
Gravel is set to start his fifth season with team owner Tod Quiring, driving the number 2 Huset’s Speedway car.
“To carry the Huset’s banner across the country is awesome, and then when we come race here locally at either World of Outlaw events or maybe a local show here or there but we definitely feel the love, and this bright orange looks really, really good,” Gravel said.
“We can walk out in the shop and see what them guys are doing as they get ready to go to Florida in less than a month, and it’s just exciting for everybody,” Huset’s Speedway General Manager Doug Johnson said.
Doug Johnson is general manager at Huset’s, where they’re expecting big numbers this year, especially with the World of Outlaws and Midwest Sprint Touring Series spending more time in the region.
“Every day, I think in the last week or so since Christmas, I’ve been talking to race teams and potential race teams that are looking at racing here next season,” Johnson said.
After posting 15 wins last year, Gravel has high expectations for 2025, though one win would mean more than most.
“Definitely would like to get double-digit wins, defend our title, but definitely high on the priority list is winning the Knoxville Nationals. Luckily, I’ve been able to win one, but that’s what’s top of the list for Tod, and would really like to get that for him,” Gravel said.
A win that would help secure his place in history.
“We’re trying to build a dynasty, like Kasey Kahne did with Brad Sweet and Donny Schatz did with TSR and I think we’re on our way. We’re not there yet, but I think these next five years, if we stick together, I think we could accomplish a lot of awesome things,” Gravel said.
Gravel will kick off the season February 5th, with four nights of racing at the Dirtcar Nationals in Florida. The World of Outlaws will make their first stop in Brandon beginning June 18th, with the Huset’s Hustle, followed by the High Bank Nationals.
