Steve Kinser’s name is synonymous with the World of Outlaws. He proved again why he’s called the King of the Outlaws on Friday night in the series’ season opener as part of the 40th DIRTcar Nationals By University of Northwestern Ohio at Volusia Speedway Park.
After watching Sammy Swindell dominate the first two Sprint Car races at Volusia’s annual 12-night event, Kinser flexed some muscle and a brand new car to win for the second year in a row on the high-speed half-mile oval near Daytona Beach.
“The car was just on a rail tonight,” said a smiling Kinser, of Bloomington, Ind. “Winning the dash really helped us get off to a good start for the main event.”
Kinser was in control early, and showed just how good his car was during double file restarts where he could quickly jump out front from either the inside or outside lane. With Kinser in control, a fierce battle throughout all 30 laps was constantly changing for second place.
Kasey Kahne Racing teammates Joey Saldana and Paul McMahan traded the position for most of the event until Swindell’s Big Game Treestands Maxim joined the fray and then just as easily advanced to the runnerup spot. In the first three nights of Sprint Car racing at the DIRTcar Nationals by UNOH, Swindell has two wins and a runner-up finish.
“We had another great car tonight,” Swindell said. “Had we not had that late race caution, I think we could have caught Kinser.”
A late race caution bunched the field after was for Craig Dollanksy flipped in turn three. When the field restarted, Kinser set sail once again. Saldana managed to wheel his #9 Carquest Maxim to 3rd place finish.
“Experience beat us tonight,” said Saldana. “We got the car dialed in pretty good though.”
Swindell wound up second after a late-race surge to catch Kinser. Saldana was third with last year’s Knoxville Nationals champion Tim Shaffer fourth and Volusia track record holder Paul McMahan rounding out the Top 5.
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