Dominant Volusia Drive Leads Haudenschild to First Win with KCP Racing

There's no denying that 2026 didn't start the way Sheldon Haudenschild would have liked.

A new beginning brought optimism. The 32-year-old joined KCP Racing for his 10th year with the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars. His longtime crew chief accompanied him to embark on this new chapter after a successful period at Stenhouse Jr./Marshall Racing.

However, the new partnership got off to a rocky start. Haudenschild's best finish in three nights at February's Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals was 11th, with an average result of 16.33.

A few weeks off allowed the KCP team to regroup, and they returned with vigor as the tour resumed at Volusia Speedway Park Sunday night for the Bike Week Jamboree. Haudenschild started strong and maintained his momentum. He secured the pole for the 25-lap Feature and never looked back once the green flag was waved. Lapped traffic posed some challenges, but nothing could stop Haudenschild from reaching Victory Lane.

"It's just rewarding, honestly," Haudenschild said. "(Kyle) Ripper and Adam (Clark), they put in the work this winter. These are the nicest race cars I've ever driven. From every nut and bolt to every component on that car, it's top-notch and well-assembled. I cannot thank Ripper, Adam, and Dauson (Heitritter) enough. That was Ripper's win right there. The car was perfectly tuned and performed well. It's a huge win to start with a new team."

"It feels so good to get this win out of the way this week. I'm motivated. My next 10 to 15 years of racing are what I need to capitalize on."

Haudenschild now has 47 career victories with The Greatest Show on Dirt. Four of those wins have been at Volusia, making it the second most successful track on his record, only behind Beaver Dam Raceway. The Wooster, OH native becomes the third different driver to win a World of Outlaws race with KCP Racing, joining Giovanni Scelzi (eight wins) and Ian Madsen (four wins).

David Gravel achieved his third consecutive runner-up finish as he and Big Game Motorsports took the lead. Carson Macedo finished third with the Jason Johnson Racing No. 41, remaining the only competitor to stand on the podium in all four races of 2026.

Michael "Buddy" Kofoid and Daison Pursley rounded out the top five.

Sheldon Haudenschild driving the KCP Racing No. 18 at Volusia Speedway Park