Ground-breaking event boasts $274,000 in posted prize money, paying $20,000-to-win and $1,000-to-start Friday and Saturday nights, for both Sprint Cars and Late Models — with portions simulcast LIVE on both CBS Sports Network and DIRTVision

NEW RICHMOND, WI — They come together to open and close the season, but for the first time in its storied history, the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Cars and World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Models will join together mid-season to celebrate Race Fans’ Independence Day on July 2-3-4 at Cedar Lake Speedway in the first major American sports event contested with a full crowd since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the sporting world.

The three-day mega event will include Qualifying and a pair of $3,000-to-win, 20-lap Showdowns for each series on Thursday night.  Friday and Saturday nights will consist of full race programs including Heat Races, Last Chance Showdowns, and — thanks to the support of great series and event sponsors — a pair of  $20,000-to-win, $1,000-to-start Features, 35 laps each for Sprint Cars and 50 laps for Late Models. 

“We’re excited to break through and welcome back full grandstands to celebrate Independence Day Weekend at Cedar Lake Speedway,” World of Outlaws CEO Brian Carter said. “We couldn’t think of a better way to thank our fans than by bringing both World of Outlaws Series together for a huge, mid-summer classic.”

Nestled between Cedar Lake and the St. Croix River on the eastern side of the Minnesota/Wisconsin border in New Richmond, WI — where COVID-19 incidence rates are far below national benchmarks — the 3/8-mile high-banked clay oval is one of the most fan-friendly short tracks in the country. In a location perfect for enjoying camping and outdoor activities, fans can take in the fresh air and summer temps during the days throughout the holiday weekend while returning to the track each night for The Greatest Show on Dirt.

“I’m really looking forward to getting back to Cedar Lake. I really enjoy that race track,” said 2019 World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Series Champion and current points leader and driver of the NAPA Auto Parts #49, Brad Sweet, a winner last season at Cedar Lake. “I’ve had a lot of success there, so it gives me a lot of confidence going back. I’m also looking forward to racing in front of a full crowd; I think it’s really fitting that it’s happening on Independence Day weekend.”

Like Sweet, two-time World of Outlaws Morton Buildings Late Model Series Champion Brandon Sheppard and his Valvoline #1 are former visitors to Victory Lane at Cedar Lake Speedway.

“The atmosphere at Cedar Lake is always incredible, so I’m excited we’ll have the chance to race in front of full grandstands and try to pick up a few more wins,” Sheppard said. “Plus, with the Sprint Cars there, it’s definitely the best of the best, and I enjoy being able to watch those guys race when we’re off the track. It’s really rare to have both series come together, so this is pretty big for us and the fans.”

“The nature of motorsports competition has provided an advantage. As the smallest of the big and biggest of the small in racing, we have been uniquely positioned to take a leadership role in the sports landscape,” World of Outlaws CMO Ben Geisler said. “We will continue to follow procedures consistent with the best available thinking and local conditions and are humbled to be able to offer our fans the freedom of choice; freedom to buy a ticket, freedom to watch all three nights on DIRTVision, or watch Saturday night’s finale on CBS Sports Network, all on Independence Day.”

On-track action will begin at 7 pm CT Thursday, 6:30 pm CT on Friday and 5:00 pm CT on Saturday. Both Saturday features will air LIVE on CBS Sports Network, in a 2-hour CBS Sports Spectacular from 9-11 pm ET (8-10 pm CT). As always, every lap of all three nights will also be broadcast live on DIRTVision.

Tickets and camping are available at CedarLakeSpeedway.com. A three-day advance reserved ticket is $119; a two-day advance reserved ticket is $99. Single-day walk-up tickets will start at just $29 for Thursday and $49 for Friday and Saturday on a first-come, first-served basis. Kids 12-and-under are FREE in general admission.

Camping is $60 for the weekend, no matter how many days a camper stays.

Pit access will be $35 on Thursday, $55 on Friday and Saturday. Three-day pit access is $130, or $110 for DIRTcar members. Fans can upgrade their tickets for behind-the-scenes and close-up access to World of Outlaws cars and stars for just $5/day/

Stay tuned to WorldofOutlaws.com and World of Outlaws social channels for more information as the event approaches.