CELEBRATING IN MISSOURI: PHILIP DIETZ AND THE JASON JOHNSON RACING (JJR) TEAM STAYED CLOSER TO HOME ON FRIDAY NIGHT TO COMPETE AT US 36 RACEWAY COLLECTING THEIR FIRST WIN OF THE SEASON IN THE KC CLASSIC

OSBORN, MISSOURI (March 27, 2026) – As the days of the calendar moved closer to the end of March, owner Philip Dietz guided the JJR #41 team over to US 36 Raceway to start the weekend of racing in their home state of Missouri at the KC Classic. US 36 Raceway is an action packed quarter mile dirt oval that demands a lot from both the crews and the driver as the car must be set up correctly and the driver must be at the top of their game. Any gap on either side and the delta certainly will be exposed. These gaps magnified as rain the night before combined with cold temperatures would make track preparation more challenging which resulted in a cowboy up type racing surface all night for the drivers. It was a magnificent day though for racing in the Midwest, albeit very windy and cold, with the sun shining throughout the day against a brilliant blue sky background as the fans started to make their way through the gates to their seats in the grandstands. There were 28 stout race teams registered to battle in the KC Classic at US 36 Raceway in winter jacket weather.

The teams and drivers were ready to get down to business to start the night during Honest Abe Roofing Qualifying. The concept in time trials seems so simple: One driver for two laps to produce the best lap time based on speed. Oh, if only it was that easy though. There are many moving parts before these cars fire that contribute to producing expected or exceptional results and that is even before the driver or track conditions are factored into the equation. Nonetheless, these professional speed athletes and teams make it look easy. When the time trial order was posted, following the random pill draw process, Carson was set to be the 12th driver out on the track in the Mesilla Valley Transportation (MVT)/Xtreme Body & Paint/CS Productions #41 Maxim. He hopped on the accelerator and was making speed enroute to the green flag to start his speed session. Upon arrival, the numbers on the stopwatch began to roll as the driver’s elbows came up. He was hustling the first time around stopping the clock in 11.257 seconds. Carson continued to make speed the next time around looking to stop the clock quicker than the first time. When the numbers for lap two popped up on the scoreboard they read 11.209 seconds. The quicker of the Californian’s two time trial attempts was 7th quick overall with David Gravel in the Big Game Motorsports #2 earning the Simpson Quick Time Award after circling US 36 Raceway in 10.959 seconds.

When the starting lineups for the three Heat races posted, Carson would get the Albaugh – Your Alternative #41 started from the third position in NOS Energy Drink Heat Race #1. Joining him in row two was Scott Bogucki #51. David Gravel, quick timer for the night, was on the pole in the Huset’s Speedway #2 with Shark Racing’s Logan Schuchart Drydene #1s beside him on the front row. Row three found Chris Windom in the Sides Motorsports #7s and Bill Balog in the Anderson’s Pure Maple Syrup #17B side by side with Bryce Lucius #32 and Ricky Peterson #98 together in row four. Filling in the fifth and final row was Kasey Jedrzejek #6 and Tyler Drueke #95T.

Each driver had 8 laps to battle for the six transfer positions up that were up for grabs in each of the qualifying races. The safety lights around US 36 Raceway turned off as the field made their way towards turn four. They went green but before they could not get a lap completed before the yellow flag flew for Tyler Drueke who spun on the frontstretch after slight contact with Jedrzejek.

The drivers would try again to get the race started and this time David Gravel was hammer down as he drove into the lead. Carson wheeled the forty-one into second place on the opening lap with Bogucki and Schuchart behind him as they cross the stripe for the first time.

The next time around though the action paused for Ricky Peterson who slowed to a stop after a wild and bumpy ride entering turn one after getting up over the cushion. He amazingly kept the car on all fours and restarted at the back of the field. David Gravel fired off again into the lead with Macedo, Bogucki, Schuchart, and Windom chasing the black and orange 410 cubic inch bullet.

On lap 3, things came to an abrupt stop as things got even worse for Peterson during this go ‘round as Kasey Jedrzejek was off the pace in the Bill Rose #6 entering turn one resulting in Peterson getting up over his rear tire and flipping. With the accident scene cleared, the engines began to refire for the last five laps of the race.

When the green lights turned back on it was Gravel out in front of the pack with Carson trying to stay close in the Albaugh – Your Alternative #41. The defending and two-time World of Outlaws champion would stay in the lowest numbered position the entire race as he collected the Heat race victory by 1.285 seconds over Carson who finished in the runner-up position. The next four drivers in the finishing order locked into the feature after securing the remaining transfer spots. Those drivers were Scott Bogucki, Logan Schuchart, Chris Windom, and Kasey Jedrzejek.

After drawing numbers for their starting positions in the 6-lap Toyota Dash, the Macedo brothers – Carson and Cole – were paired together on the front row with Buddy Kofoid and Emerson Axsom in row two as Sheldon Haudenschild and David Gravel paced in row three. Carso earned the SPA Technique #1 Redraw Award. The competitors in the Dash were racing for their starting positions in the feature event. When the green flag came out it was Cole Macedo in the TwoC Racing entry driving into the lead with his older brother trying to stay close so he could attempt to steal the top spot back. Cole had one fast hotrod though and raced clean lines lap after lap with everyone else trying to keep up with him. He led from the drop of the green flag until the checkers waved to earn the pole position for the feature with Carson coming home in second place. Buddy Kofoid was third followed by Sheldon Haudenschild, David Gravel, and Emerson Axsom.

The action to this point of the night set the stage for the 30-lap KC Classic feature at US 36 Raceway. This is where the teams make their money. It was now showtime in the “Show Me State” of Missouri for the World of Outlaws for the first time in 2026. The track had a lot of character, and the drivers were poised to put on a great show. Cole Macedo #2c and Carson Macedo #41 would again lead the impressive field of competitors from the front row followed by Buddy Kofoid #83 and Sheldon Haudenschild #18 and David Gravel #2 and Emerson Axsom #27 in rows two and three, respectively.

Prepared to start from the outside of the front row, Carson climbed into his Fibreworks Composites carbon fiber seat with a custom fitted Sharp Advantage insert as he buckled into his Crow Enterprizes safety belts. He was ready to get rolling aboard the Albaugh – Your Alternative/Durst Inc./Sander Engineering #41 Maxim alongside his brother Cole.

There was excitement brimming in the air as the driver anxiously awaited the signal to get this thing started. When the front row starters peeked out of turn four they were given the signal to let ‘er rip. Cole led Carson on the opening lap with the two Lemoore, California natives showing speed and expertise early. Another Californian, Buddy Kofoid, held down the third position with Haudenschild and Gravel rounding out the top five.

Cole Macedo was running a terrific race over the first 10 laps as he navigated through traffic, but Carson was closing quickly on the leader. Additionally, Buddy Kofoid was closing in on both as the three California stars were nose-to-tail at the line. Things were getting interesting. Carson raced by Cole to take the lead with Kofoid stalking on the low side. Buddy then moved by Cole the next time around into the runner-up position as the front nose wing of Macedo’s #2c was maligned.

Carson was doing a tremendous job making speed as he weaved through slower traffic as the Roth Motorsports driver continued to race right behind him. With 10 laps to go the running order found Carson Macedo leading Buddy Kofoid with David Gravel moving into the third spot with his elbows up.

On lap 21, the yellow flag was out for Ryan Timms #10 who spun to a stop over in turn two. It would be a single file restart with Carson Macedo leading Buddy Kofoid, David Gravel, Sheldon Haudenschild, and Emerson Axsom who all looking for an opportunity to move forward in the running order.

The green flag was out again with Carson jumping into what seemed to be a comfortable lead in clean air ahead of Kofoid. But the Toyota Racing Development (TRD)/Mobil One #83 driver was fast and kept Macedo close enough to make it tense and exciting. Buddy Kofoid caught the driver of the Albaugh – Your Alternative #41 and the two leaders were mired in slower traffic but needed to keep their speed up to make their way by the maintain track position. With two laps to go, Kofoid inched ahead of the forty-one into the lead out of turn two before Carson wrestled it back to stay on top of the leaderboard . . . for now.

When the flagman unleashed the checkered flag it was Carson Macedo Holding off Buddy Kofoid to collect his first win of the 2026 racing season for the Jason Johnson Racing (JJR) team. Wins are always special as you never know if you will get another one. This victory was also a special win because it was Carson’s 59th career World of Outlaws victory tying him with fellow Californian and friend Jason Meyers on the all-time World of Outlaws wins list. Carson won the race by 0.277 seconds over Buddy Kofoid #83 with David Gravel racing home third as Sheldon Haudenschild #18 and Emerson Axsom #27 completed the top five at US 36 Raceway in the KC Classic.

Carson sighed with relief before he started talking with Conner Wade in victory lane. He explained, “I was in big trouble there. I looked over with about five to go, and I was down a cylinder. It sounded like a tractor.” The winner continued, “I was like man, I don’t know what we’re going to do. I felt really down on power with the way the track was. That was not in my favor at all. I could see Buddy, and I was getting worse and worse. I was just trying to block all I could.” A little luck always is welcomed, and sometimes needed, in this sport and Carson and the team were grateful they received some much needed luck on this night as they enjoyed their first victory of the season together.

After celebrating the win, the crew lifted and locked the back trailer door following the action at US 36 Raceway. Philip (Dietz), Robby (McQuinn), Adam (Zimmerman), and Carson (Macedo) prepared to continue their weekend success as they trucked onward to Kansas for some more fun and speed scheduled for Saturday night in the Tallgrass Tussle at 81 Speedway. Make plans to join the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series teams at the track or tune in on DIRTVision so you do not miss any of the exciting and high speed action.

Cooking Up Some Speed as Macedo Drives to Victory in the KC Classic at US 36 Raceway! Photo Credit: Tyler Carr

JJR’s Valued Sponsorship Partners for 2026: Albaugh, LLC; Mesilla Valley Transportation (MVT); Border International; Scott Boyd Family; Saich Family; Tarlton and Son Inc.; Complete Parts & Equipment Solutions; Durst Inc.; High Performance Lubricants, LLC; Kistler Racing Engines; Maxim Racing; Sander Engineering; Bandy & Associates Accountancy Corporation; Boltz Family; Pro Powder Coating (PPC); Team Jack Foundation; Mark Burch Motorsports; T-FAB Custom Metal Fabrication; Xtreme Body and Paint; All Pro Aluminum Cylinder Heads; AutoMeter; Bell Helmets; Ben Cook Race Car Products; BlackBeard LTD; BMRS (Brown & Miller Racing Solutions); BR Motorsports; CASM Safety Products; Crow Enterprizes; CS Productions; Dale “Mickey” Snyder; Engler Machine & Tool, Inc.; Factory Kahne (FK Shocks); Fibreworks Composites; FK Rod Ends; Greber Racing Components (GRC); Hoosier Racing Tire; ISC Racers Tape; Jansen Transportation; K1 Race Gear; KSE Racing Products; LogoDaddy; Motor State Distributing; Mr. Jim’s Racing; Prime Composite Innovations; PWR Advanced Cooling Technology; Saldana Racing Products; Sam I Am; Schoenfeld Headers; Smiley’s Racing Products; Smith TI; Vortex Racing Products; Walker Performance Filtration; Wilwood Racing; and Winters Performance Products.

To stay connected with Jason Johnson Racing (JJR) and Carson Macedo go to www.jasonjohnsonracing.com.

Go to ShopJJR.com to look at all our offerings and buy your new JJR and Carson Macedo gear and merchandise.