CONCORD, N.C. When the dirt late model world has been asked who will be next to score their first win at the national level, one name that has consistently come to mind is Tyler Bruening.

In 2025, the Decorah, Iowa, driver will be back for his third full season with the World of Outlaws Late Models and said he believes this could be the year he finally rolls into victory lane to end the doubt once and for all.

Im really optimistic about the season and running the tour, Bruening said. I feel like were really prepared, I feel like the team is as strong as its ever been. And with the few little addition pieces sponsorship-wise, help-wise, I feel confident that were in contention to win races and to compete for a championship. Thats why were going to do it.

It would be one thing to prepare in the same way you always have and expect better results, but that is far from the case with Bruening. This offseason, hes placed a renewed focus on bringing the best-possible version of himself to Volusia Speedway Park to start the season, which has translated into his confidence level rising to an all-time high.

I feel like me personally, Im more prepared, Bruening said. I feel like Im the most prepared Ive ever been for a season physically and mentally. Really concentrating this offseason about my physical health, eating right, working out. Mental health, getting prepared for the grind and the season, the tour, being able to know what to expect and kind of feel more confident and comfortable going in and tackling the series.

Bruening has reasons to be optimistic, as he has done nearly everything except win a race in his two previous seasons. His rookie campaign in 2021 included 12 top-five finishes highlighted by a career-best second at Lavonia Speedway good enough for third in the standings and the Rookie of the Year Award.

Upon returning to the Outlaws in 2024, Bruening picked up where he left off with a fifth-place run in the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals finale, his first of six top fives last year.

It also marked Bruenings first season with 2018 World of Outlaws champion Mike Marlar as a teammate in the Skyline Motorsports camp. Bruening said having someone of Marlars caliber to lean on has not only been an invaluable asset as he continues to develop as a driver, but also in helping Skyline become one of the top teams in the sport.

Anytime you can have a veteran driver like Mikey is, it just accelerates the whole program, Bruening said. It expands your notebook three-fold, it allows me as a driver to concentrate a little bit more on driving and preparing myself. And then knowing and having confidence that any questions, concerns, setup tips or anything that I can think of, I can just turn to him and get that good, confident, solid answer.

With the 2025 season set to commence in less than two weeks at DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals (Jan. 22-25), Bruening feels good about his chances of starting the season on a high note. He proved his ability to contend at Volusia a year ago, as two of his three top fives at the track came last season.

But the season-opening trip to Florida is special for many reasons aside from his on-track performance, as it marks the continuation of a family tradition that started long before Bruening ever ripped a Late Model around the Worlds Fastest Half Mile.

Growing up as a kid, me and my dad would come down to Florida and go to the 500 and do the NASCAR deal, Bruening said. Floridas more of a special place to me than normal people, I guess. Growing up, the history with me and my dad going down, Ive just always held a special place in my heart for Florida.

And I do really like Volusia, I do like racing at bigger tracks. I feel like it takes a different set of tools in your toolbox to race well at a big track. Volusias been a little bit of a curveball the past few years with some new dirt, and its been a little bit uncharacteristic from what I remember years ago. But in the same sense, I think theyve made a lot of really positive changes over the offseason, and Im really excited about racing there.