May 5, 2020 | By Lee Spencer

Larson, Kahne return to action with World of Outlaws at Knoxville

The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series’ “Return to Racing” Campaign will continue through the Show Me State, with races at Federated Auto Parts Raceway (May 22-23) and Lake Ozark Speedway (May 29-30).

And speaking of returning to racing, Kyle Larson will be strapped in and ready to compete when the series jump-starts its season at Knoxville (IA) Raceway on Friday, May 8.

The “behind-closed-doors” Invitational by McKay Insurance with Nationwide will be the first of nine newly scheduled races for the Sprint Car tour—and the first for Larson since he was released from Chip Ganassi Racing on April 14 after using a racial slur during an iRacing event.

"Kyle Larson has met the requirements put forth by the World of Outlaws and was offered an invitation to race on May 8 in the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series event at Knoxville Raceway,” said a WoO spokesperson. 

The Outlaws confirmed Larson has accepted the invitation—as has Kasey Kahne. The WoO championship owner’s start at Knoxville will mark the first time Kahne has raced since his horrific wreck at Williams Grove in March, 2019. Kahne, who turned 40 last month, retired from NASCAR competition in 2018 and has focused on the team owner's side of racing ever since.

“Looking forward to getting back in a sprint car,” Kahne said. “It’s been 13-and-a-half months since I’ve been in one, so we’re just looking for a solid showing and to have a lot of fun.”

Although Larson, Kahne and the rest of the Outlaws will race sans fans at the Sprint Car Capital of the World, DIRTVision will cover the action this Friday night starting with hot laps at 7:30 pm ET.

The spectator status will change when the Greatest Show on Dirt rolls south down to I-55 to Pevely, Mo. Federated Auto Parts Raceway will feature limited opportunities for fans, socially distanced throughout the stands. A $6,000 purse will be distributed on Friday. The kitty jumps to $10,000 for Saturday’s events.

As the caravan continues to Eldon, Missouri’s Lake Ozark Speedway, fans will also be allowed to witness the Outlaws race for a $6,000/$10,000 purse for the Friday and Saturday shows. The Jason Johnson Classic, previously scheduled at Lake Ozark Speedway for May 29, will be run at a later date.

The June 5 and 6 races at River Cities Speedway in Grand Forks, N.D., and Granite City Speedway in Sauk Rapids, Minn., respectively, remain on the calendar subject to approval. The Outlaws then return to Knoxville on June 12 and 13.