EASTABOGA, Ala. — The World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series rolls into Alabama on Friday night for the “Dega Duel” at Talladega Short Track, bringing one of dirt racing’s premier tours to the famed bullring known as the “Hornet’s Nest.”
Located just across the road from Talladega Superspeedway, the 0.28-mile clay oval will host a full night of sprint car action capped by a 35-lap feature paying $12,000 to win.
The event marks the series’ only stop in Alabama during the 2026 season and kicks off the southern portion of the schedule before the tour heads to Magnolia Motor Speedway in Mississippi on Saturday.
A strong field of Outlaws is expected, including championship contenders David Gravel, Donny Schatz, Sheldon Haudenschild, and Logan Schuchart, all looking to claim an early-season victory on the tight and demanding oval.
Gravel enters the weekend as a driver to watch. The two-time and defending series champion scored the first World of Outlaws victory of his career at Talladega back in 2011 and currently carries momentum into the weekend with a streak of podium finishes.
Meanwhile, defending Talladega race winner Bill Balog returns hoping to repeat after last year’s dramatic victory at the track.
Friday’s program will include qualifying, heat races, and a dash to set the lineup for the main event, with gates opening in the afternoon and hot laps beginning in the evening before the feature under the lights.
With a stacked lineup and one of the most intense short tracks in the South, the Dega Duel promises a high-intensity night as the “Greatest Show on Dirt” battles for bragging rights in East Alabama.
