Only one word describes Dale McDowell’s 2022 season — emotional.
Less than a month after the Chickamauga, Georgia driver opened the season with a win at the Sunshine Nationals, he backed it up with another one Thursday night at Volusia Speedway Park in Barberville, Florida.
McDowell outran Devin Moran and Darrell Lanigan in the final 10 laps to earn his first Gator trophy since 2018. Tears fell from McDowell’s eyes in Victory Lane, at a loss for words for his recent accomplishments — including his triumph against cancer.
“We came down here in January to see if we were worthy of coming back, and it’s been a dream come true,” McDowell said.
The veteran driver earned a $10,000 check and his 14th career World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series win, tying him for 14th all-time with Tim Fuller.
Despite his success in 2022, it’s a position McDowell never thought he’d be in after his off-track battle.
“I’ve been through a lot, and I have a lot of help behind me and support,” McDowell said. “It’s pretty emotional because I’ve been through a good bit, but I’m just happy to be here.”
Moran crossed the line second, with Lanigan in third, Chris Madden in fourth and Tyler Bruening in fifth.
Mark Whitener, Hampton, Georgia’s Ashton Winger, Tanner English, Brandon Sheppard, and Kyle Bronson rounded out the top 10.
McDowell’s 2022 season has been an emotional ride he never expected, and he is taking things one race at a time, embracing every win as it comes.
“I’m just completely blessed,” McDowell said.
The World of Outlaws CASE Late Models return to Volusia Speedway Park on Friday for another day of action at DIRTcar Nationals. For more information, visit WorldofOutlaws.com.
World of Outlaws CASE Late Model Series
Volusia Speedway Park – Barberville, FL
DIRTcar Nationals – February 17, 2022
1. 17M-Dale McDowell
2. 9-Devin Moran
3. 29-Darrell Lanigan
4. 44-Chris Madden
5. 16-Tyler Bruening
6. 58-Mark Whitener
7. 89-Ashton Winger
8. 81E-Tanner English
9. 1-Brandon Sheppard
10. 40B-Kyle Bronson
11. 39-Tim McCreadie
12. 157-Mike Marlar
13. 28-Dennis Erb, Jr.
14. 111V-Max Blair
15. 20RT-Ricky Thornton, Jr.
16. 25-Shane Clanton
17. 18-Chase Junghans
18. 11H-Spencer Hughes
19. B1-Brent Larson
20. 1R-Josh Richards
21. 99B-Boom Briggs
22. 46-Earl Pearson, Jr.
23. 11-Gordy Gundaker
24. 8-Kyle Strickler
25. 19R-Ryan Gustin
26. 10-Garrett Smith
27. 45-Kyle Hammer
28. 76N-Blair Nothdurft
29. 32-Chris Simpson
30. 76-Brandon Overton
http://accesswdun.com/article/2022/2/1079333/mcdowell-scores-world-of-outlaws-lms-win-at-volusia