By Jim Foose / Speedway Action Magazine
The rumble of engines, the sharp scent of methanol, and the raw spectacle of supermodifieds going head-to-head with sprint cars—the Outlaw 350 Supermodified Sprint Series (OSS) is back for 2026. As the premier battleground for these asphalt warriors in Ohio, this season promises to be a spectacular showcase of veteran grit, sophomore hunger, and rookie ambition.
With a major schedule shakeup and a roster packed with talent, here is your exclusive preview of what to expect when the green flag drops on the 2026 season.
The Champions’ Clash: Shirey vs. Buchanan
The storyline dominating the paddock this spring is the heavy-hitting rematch at the top of the food chain.
Danny Shirey returns to the track with a target firmly on his back. Coming off a dominant 2025 campaign where he routinely mastered the pavement at Sandusky Speedway, the defending champion is looking to cement a dynasty. Shirey’s methodical driving style and ability to navigate lap traffic make him the undisputed man to beat.
However, Todd Buchanan is not about to quietly hand over the reins. The 2024 OSS Champion is returning with a vengeance after going winless in 2025, looking to recapture the magic of his title run. Buchanan knows exactly what it takes to grind out a championship in this unique series, and you can expect his #5 machine to be breathing down Shirey’s neck from opening night. This battle of the titans will be the defining rivalry of the summer.
The Two-Time Runner-Up: Sawyer Stout’s Quest for Gold
No preview of the 2026 season would be complete without talking about the driver of the #40 ACME Racing Team machine, Sawyer Stout. After agonizingly close championship pursuits that saw him finish as the series runner-up in both 2024 and 2025, the Norwalk native is hungry for redemption. Stout proved his undeniable speed last season with a thrilling, third-groove victory at Midvale Speedway and an emotional Cavalcade win at the Sandusky farewell. The question isn’t whether Stout has the talent to win races; it’s whether 2026 is finally the year he puts it all together to secure the championship trophy.
The Veteran Contenders: Ready to Pounce
Beyond the champions and the runner-up, the OSS grid is packed with seasoned veterans capable of stealing the spotlight on any given night:
- Joey Wyckoff (#07): Bringing fresh energy and a heavy right foot, Wyckoff is stepping back into the series after some part time runs and a little break, Wyckoff has one feature win in the Outlaw 350 Supermodified Sprint Series.
- Kenny Sharp (#11): The Port Clinton native is a perennial threat. Known for his relentless pressure and masterful car control, Sharp’s fierce battles at the front of the pack make him a constant danger to the championship favorites.
- AJ Lesiecki (#42): Always a factor when the checkered flag nears, Lesiecki brings veteran savvy and a knack for navigating chaotic restarts to stay at the front of the field.
- JJ Henes (#46): In a notable paddock shakeup, Henes is teaming up with Sawyer Stout’s operation for 2026. Stepping into the #46 machine. Henes brings proven speed and a few Must See Lights Championships to OSS. Henes will be a fascinating storyline to watch as he adapts to his new ride alongside Stout.
- Joe Speakman (#72): A veteran of open wheel racing, Speakman struggled in his first full time season with OSS in 2025. Driving the #72 for Dave Koyan, Speakman has since acquired the car and looks to improve on a disappointing season last year. If anyone can come back stronger, it’s Speakman.
- Frank Neill (#88): A consistent presence in the top five, Neill has the equipment and the experience to capitalize on any mistakes made by the front-runners.
The Sophomore Surge: Ready to Contend
The jump from rookie to sophomore is often where a driver shows their true potential, and the 2025 rookie class is bringing some serious heat into their second season. Having survived their baptism by fire, these drivers are looking to transition from field-fillers to podium regulars:
- Tyler Capodice (#09): Building on the Capodice family’s racing legacy, Tyler brings speed and consistency to the grid. Look for him to be a dark horse in the top five.
- Hunter Young (#1): After a stellar debut season that included hard-charging performances and Rookie of the Race honors, Young is poised for a breakout year.
- Rich Dewitt, Jr. (#16): The former Sandusky Speedway Pure Stock Champion made the massive leap to the OSS last year. With a full season of open-wheel experience now under his belt, Dewitt is ready to turn heads.
- Sam Stout (#49): When your last name is Stout, you’re expected to be at the front of the pack, Sam Stout made his series debut at Sandusky’s Hy-Miler Nationals in the #49 and quickly started to get his feet wet, originally intending to run for Rookie of the Year honors in 2026, Stout decided to run the remainder of the races last season losing eligibility as a rookie, the experience was valuable as Stout was learning and gaining speed every lap.
- Cody Gallogly (#57): A scrappy competitor who proved he can get it done on the big stage, Gallogly secured a massive feature win in the Neubauer #57 during last year’s Cavalcade at Lorain Raceway Park. With that winning experience under his belt, he has the mechanical notes and the confidence to be a constant threat for feature upsets.
The Fresh Faces: 2026 Rookie Class
A healthy series thrives on new blood, and 2026 introduces a hungry group of rookies eager to prove they belong in the toughest asphalt series in the region:
- Keegan Wease (#7): Keep an eye on Wease; jumping into the OSS requires immense car control, and early paddock chatter suggests he has the raw talent to adapt quickly. After a season and a half of Must See Racing Lights racing, including visits to victory lane the youngster is jumping ship to Supermodifieds driving the Neubaurer #7.
- Kyle Watson (#9): A true wheelman who has driven just about anything with wheels on his climb up the motorsports ladder. Most recently honing his racecraft in the Buckeye Buggy Super Series and the karting ranks, Watson’s highly versatile background makes him a fascinating addition to the OSS.
- Chase Wiggins (#22): A stock car standout, Wiggins is making the jump to OSS. Wiggins bring a Sandusky Speedway Grand National Championship and several feature wins to the table as he and his father, Jeremie, a former Late Model Champion at Lorain Raceway Park hit the road with the Outlaws for 2026.
- Bobby Jackson (#43): Bolstering the rookie ranks, Jackson will be piloting a second Raceland car. Having the backing and shared data of a multi-car effort could fast-track his learning curve and make him a dark horse as the season progresses.
- Ayden Thacker ( #44): Rounding out the rookie class, Thacker will be facing a steep learning curve, but the Outlaw 350 series has always been a proving ground where young drivers make a name for themselves.
The New Teams
A few new teams have joined the Outlaw 250 Supermodified Sprint Series for 2026. GForce Racing is planning on being full time in the series. An “All Star” cast of drivers is expected to pilot the #10 machine. Rumors of other teams have rumbled during the offseason, including part-time efforts from several East Coast teams.
The 2026 Schedule Shakeup
Perhaps the biggest news outside of the driver roster is the massive shakeup to the 2026 schedule. While Sandusky Speedway remains the undisputed “home track” for the series—hosting major tentpole events and the season finale—the OSS landscape is changing.
Notably, Lorain Raceway Park will not feature a date on the 2026 slate. Instead, the most highly anticipated addition to the calendar is the series’ debut at Toledo Speedway. Taking these high-horsepower, high-downforce machines to Toledo’s lightning-fast half-mile is going to test the limits of both the cars and the drivers.
Fans also have plenty to cheer about with the triumphant return of Flat Rock Speedway to the schedule after a year away, bringing its unique tight-quarters racing back to the fold. Furthermore, Shady Bowl Speedway is back on the docket, finally getting its highly anticipated race after suffering a frustrating weather washout in 2025. Combined with traditional stops at familiar battlegrounds like Midvale Speedway, the 2026 schedule will force teams to adapt their setups across a highly diverse range of track layouts.
Greg Willis Howard Hanna Real Estate Services returns as title sponsor for the Outlaw 350 Supermodified Sprint Series. Willis has supported the series since it’s inception in 2023.
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