2021 World of Outlaws Late Model Series Rookie of the Year Candidates
Every year new blood is infused into the national dirt late model scene. All 5 drivers on our list will be making their first run racing professionally on the dirt late model scene. After announcing his run for Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year, that all changed after Florida Speedweeks for "The Tickler" Kyle Strickler. After the dust settled, he lied in 26th position in LOLMDS standings and a distinct advantage in WOOLMS standings leading everyone. Very easy decision to jump over to Woo.
Every year new blood is infused into the national dirt late model scene. All 5 drivers on our list will be making their first run racing professionally on the dirt late model scene. After announcing his run for Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series Rookie of the Year, that all changed after Florida Speedweeks for "The Tickler" Kyle Strickler. After the dust settled, he lied in 26th position in LOLMDS standings and a distinct advantage in WOOLMS standings leading everyone. Very easy decision to jump over to Woo.
Number 2 on the list is Ross Bailes from South Carolina. Ross is usually present at Georgia-Florida Speedweeks each and every year. He made the long haul to New Richmond, WI last August to run the Woo sanctioned USA Nationals. He is sure to be at the forefront of this battle.
With us being based in the Midwest, it's extra special as we have 2 local boys entering the chase. Tony Jackson Jr who we visited at his race shop this past week has a very stout list of accomplishments. Tony has a ton of MARS series championships and an MLRA championship. His total win list is in excess of 160. The last couple of seasons saw him give strong runs chasing the CCSDS in 2019 and the MLRA in 2020. This season he will set sail in a Rocket powered by Cornett, one of his longtime supporters. With Tony Allen, Casey Mooneyham, and Lucas Handley supporing him out on the road, he is ready to take on the Outlaws of the World.
The "Reaper" Ryan Gustin is an Iowa native. Gustin has a storied USMTS career sitting 3rd all time on the win list with several national championships. He has dabbled several times on the MLRA regional tour. He started out 2020 gunning for the MLRA championship but mechanical woes caused him to drop off the tour. He is a hard charger and now in his 30's is expected to give these other candidates some stiff competition as he becomes a full-time dirt late model pilot.
Ryan Scott from Pennsylvania will round out the field of rookies. He has run nearly two dozen Woo shows when they visit the eastern part of the U.S.. He hopes to take that knowledge and apply it as Woo tackles a very ambitious slate of events in this upcoming calendar year. Pics courtesy Derik Bobik Photos and Ryan Scott.