May 20, 2020 | By Lee Spencer

Axsom embarks on POWRi midget adventure with Petry Motorsports

Petry Motorsports has hired talented teenager Emerson Axsom to race the remainder of the POWRi Lucas Oil National Midget League schedule. 

Axsom will make his debut in the No. 15 Keizer Wheels midget this weekend at Valley Speedway in Grain Valley, Mo., when the POWRi tour picks up after a delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The 15-year-old Franklin, Indiana, native, who won the prestigious Driller with his 2020 Tulsa Shootout victory, will also compete in select USAC races this season. 

“I'm beyond excited and humbled that Scott Petry and Petry Motorsports chose me to be a part of their team and a part of his driver development program," Axsom said. "I am more than ready to take on this new challenge and can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the Keizer Wheels No. 15.

“I have been working for this moment my whole life, and I can’t thank Scott and sponsors enough for this opportunity.”

Axsom will rely on his veteran Petry teammates, Kevin Thomas Jr. and Tanner Carrick, to mentor him as he takes his next step up the motorsports ladder. Gray Auto, Competition Suspension, Keizer Wheels, as well as Petry Motorsports, will also support Axsom’s efforts.

“I’ve watched Emerson grow in his racing the last few years,” said team owner Scott Petry. “The midget is the next step in his growing career, and we are proud to be a part of the next chapter.”

WoO Doubleheader at I-55

The World of Outlaws returns to action this weekend with the Drydene Double Down Invitational at Federated Auto Parts Raceway at I-55 in Pevely, Mo.

After a memorable return to racing May 8, with David Gravel grabbing the win at Knoxville Raceway, the Outlaws will tackle the one-third-mile, high-banked clay oval this Friday and Saturday. 

Sheldon Haudenschild dominated the competition in last year’s Ironman 55 at the Ken Schrader-owned track. He led 45 of the 55 caution-free laps and finished 10.3 seconds ahead of Donny Schatz.

“I’m definitely excited to get back to Pevely,” Haudenschild said. “It always puts on a good show and is a blast to race at. Hopefully, we can pick up where we left off on our last visit.”

Sixty-two drivers are expected to compete for the $1,000 to start, $20,000 to win 40-lap feature on Saturday. Friday night’s 35-lap feature will reward $6,000 to the winner. 

Logan Schuchart set the track qualifying record last August with a speed of 118.517 mph (10.115-seconds). The DIRTVision.com broadcasts for both nights start at 6:00 p.m. CT with hot laps.