OCALA, Fla. — Chase Elliott’s dirt-track education hit high gear during the 35th Lucas Oil Chili Bowl Nationals last month. It will continue as the USAC National Midget Series opens its season this weekend at Bubba Raceway Park.

Elliott, the defending NASCAR Cup Series champion, will head to Florida one week early and compete for CB Industries during the Feb. 5-6 Winter Dirt Games at the three-eighths-mile Florida dirt track.

It will mark Elliott’s USAC national midget debut and only his fifth and sixth competitive appearances behind the wheel of a dirt midget.

The 25-year-old from Dawsonville, Ga., will be a teammate to defending USAC National Midget Series champion Chris Windom, giving team owner Chad Boat a two-pronged attack to open the outdoor season.

“Adding Chase, I think, is definitely a huge complement to our program and everything that we’ve got going on,” Boat noted. “I think it works out well that, as an organization, we’re going to be hitting a lot of different races this year to where it allows some opportunity for him to run if it makes sense with his schedule.

“Obviously, he’s very busy on the NASCAR side, but we’re excited to get him some more laps and it’s pretty cool that he’s this into building on his Chili Bowl run and improving and getting more seat time,” Boat continued. “It’s been something we’ve worked on for a little while, but it just kind of fell into place these last couple of weeks.”

Elliott’s No. 84 entry will carry sponsorship from NAPA Auto Parts, the primary supporter of his Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series, as well as longtime CB Industries backers Pristine Auction and K&C Drywall.

Elliott began his foray into dirt midget racing with a pair of top-four finishes at North Carolina’s Millbridge Speedway in December, then narrowly missed his preliminary-night feature at the Chili Bowl in January before concluding the Super Bowl of Midget Racing with an F Main finish in the Saturday finale.

However, Boat’s connection with Elliott runs deeper than just a love of dirt racing, as the duo competed against one another in the former NASCAR K&N Pro Series East (now the ARCA Menards Series East) in 2011-’12.

Their friendship renewed when Elliott stepped into midget competition and Boat was eager to lend a hand in finding a way for Elliott to get more time behind the wheel of a midget.

“I’ve been talking to Chase ever since he started doing a little bit of midget stuff,” Boat explained. “After Chili Bowl, he was looking to do a little bit more. … I think it just made sense with us being down here close to what he’s doing for his other work.

“It just made sense for him that it would be a good place for him to come over and do it.”

While Boat admits he hasn’t kept an eagle eye on Elliott’s on-track exploits so far in midget racing, he believes that Elliott has been a quick study and will continue to do so in his equipment.

“It’s hard for me to grade him, just because I haven’t really paid super close attention to him,” Boat said. “I mean, I’ve watched him some, but I haven’t watched him with that intent eye, mainly just because I’ve been worrying about my own cars. But he’s obviously a skilled enough driver to do this and he has enough people in his corner that he’ll be able to figure out what he needs. I think the biggest thing is just continuing to get him more comfortable in the car and helping him adjust once he gets comfortable.

“Once he’s able to start running as hard as he to run it and learns where that line for success is, I think it’ll kind of fall in place for him and he’ll be just fine.”

Boat noted that there isn’t an official schedule for Elliott with his team; no additional races are confirmed for the pairing beyond this weekend’s two nights at Bubba Raceway Park.

But Boat did tip that the goal of Elliott’s program with CB Industries — whatever that might look like through the year — is to prepare the pavement ace for a return to the Chili Bowl next January.

“Everything he’s doing now (on dirt) … it’s all building towards the Chili Bowl in 2022,” Boat said. “He wants to give that an absolute max effort, essentially, with what he can do time-wise. He knows that the more laps he gets, the better prepared he’s going to be for that when it comes back around.”

Elliott’s outing with Boat will wrap up a diverse offseason during which he’s raced an asphalt super late model during the Snowball Derby and a Cadillac DPi sports car at the Rolex 24 at Daytona in addition to his dirt midget endeavors.

Following his weekend at Bubba Raceway Park, Elliott will turn his attention to his NASCAR Cup Series duties at Daytona Int’l Speedway, headlined by the non-points Busch Clash on Feb. 9 and the 63rd running of the Daytona 500 on Feb. 14.

The returns of Alex Morgan and Christen Press highlight the U.S. women's national team roster for the SheBelieves Cup.

U.S. manager Vlatko Andonovski named 23 players to his squad. The most notable omissions were Manchester United forward Tobin Heath, who is injured, as well as the Orlando Pride duo of goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris and defender Ali Krieger. Both Harris and Krieger were involved in the January camp, though Krieger played in just one of two friendlies against Colombia. Harris was replaced on the roster by North Carolina Courage goalkeeper Casey Murphy.

- Alex Morgan back with Orlando Pride after COVID-19 scare
- Japan withdraws from SheBelieves Cup, replaced by Argentina
- USWNT's Tobin Heath out 10-12 weeks after suffering ankle injury

Both Morgan and Press missed the team's training camp in January due to illness, with Morgan announcing she had contracted COVID-19. Press' illness was not COVID-related. With rosters for this summer's Olympic games limited to 18 players, the competition for spots will be intense, and the matches will reveal much about the current form of players.

"I think we made a lot of progress on and off the field during the January camp and games, so we'll be looking to build on that for these three matches and we want to continue to test different players in tough environments," Andonovski said. "Each game will present its own unique challenges and the matches are not only a step up in competition from January, but as I've said before, are extremely valuable as a test run for group play at the Olympics."

The U.S. roster features 17 players playing in the National Women's Soccer League and six playing in Europe. For training purposes, Andonovski has also called up three non-rostered players who will practice with the team for the first week of camp before departing. That trio includes Racing Louisville's defender Emily Fox, Florida State midfielder Jaelin Howell and Chicago Red Stars forward Mallory Pugh.

Of the overseas players, Lyon forward Catarina Macario will arrive in Orlando with most of the roster on Feb. 8, while Paris Saint-Germain defender Alana Cook is expected to arrive shortly thereafter. The squad's England-based players are scheduled to arrive on Feb. 13.

The tournament, set to be held from Feb. 18-24 at Exploria Stadium in Orlando, Fla. will feature Brazil, Canada and Argentina. The Argentines were a late replacement for Japan, who pulled out of the tournament because of the status of the COVID-19 pandemic in their country. The U.S. will face Canada on Feb. 18, Brazil on Feb. 21 and Argentina on Feb. 24. Canada and Brazil are tied for eighth in the latest FIFA rankings while Argentina is tied for 31st.

Full SheBelieves Cup squad:

GOALKEEPERS (3): Jane Campbell (Houston Dash; 4), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage; 0), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars; 65)

DEFENDERS (8): Alana Cook (Paris Saint-Germain, FRA; 2/0), Abby Dahlkemper (Manchester City, ENG; 63/0), Tierna Davidson (Chicago Red Stars; 27/1), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns FC; 107/24), Kelley O'Hara (Washington Spirit; 133/2), Margaret Purce (Sky Blue FC; 4/1), Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns FC; 179/0), Emily Sonnett (Washington Spirit; 48/0)

MIDFIELDERS (6): Julie Ertz (Chicago Red Stars; 105/20), Lindsey Horan (Portland Thorns FC;88/20), Rose Lavelle (Manchester City, ENG; 48/13), Catarina Macario (Olympique Lyonnaise, FRA; 2/1), Kristie Mewis (Houston Dash; 18/3), Samantha Mewis (Manchester City, ENG; 70/21)

FORWARDS (6): Carli Lloyd (Sky Blue FC; 296/123), Alex Morgan (Orlando Pride; 170/107), Christen Press (Manchester United, ENG; 139/58), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign; 170/54), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC; 1/0), Lynn Williams (North Carolina Courage; 31/10).

DAVIE, Fla. -- Tua Tagovailoa believes he can be the Miami Dolphins' franchise quarterback but knows he has to prove it with better play in Year 2.

Tagovailoa is coming off a rookie season where he went 6-3 with a 64.1% completion rate, 14 total touchdowns and five interceptions. But the former Alabama star was replaced twice in the fourth quarter by veteran Ryan Fitzpatrick and struggled at times to throw the ball effectively downfield.

With the Dolphins in the thick of offseason quarterback speculation for the second consecutive year, Tagovailoa was asked whether he is convinced that Miami is all-in on him as the franchise quarterback.

"In my mind and in my heart, I would hope so," Tagovailoa said Monday during an interview with Sirius Mad Dog Radio. "With the way things went last year, you always have to prove yourself to do better, and I want to do better."

Dolphins coach Brian Flores told ESPN last month that he's "excited about the future with Tagovailoa," and the Dolphins believe in him. Dolphins general manager Chris Grier also said last month that Tagovailoa is their starting quarterback and they are happy with his development.

This offseason will prove if the Dolphins' strong public commitment to Tagovailoa matches their actions, with multiple options potentially available, including unhappy Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson.

ESPN's Adam Schefter recently reported that Watson has requested a trade, while ESPN's Chris Mortenson reported that Watson has Miami high on his preferred trade destination list. The Dolphins are one of the few teams with the draft capital to potentially entice a Watson trade.

Tagovailoa told Sirius Mad Dog Radio that he hadn't heard the Watson trade rumors until his agent told him about them, but "that's something that would be out of my control regardless."

"That would be a decision of the Dolphins organization," he said. "I have to control what I can control -- work hard and do well next season."

Tagovailoa was also honest in his evaluation of his 2020 season, saying he "would describe my rookie season as below average. This past season wasn't up to the expectation that I have for myself."

If the Dolphins do move forward with Tagovailoa, as is their current plan, the focus would be on his Year 2 improvement. He told the Dan Patrick Show that there's a "big difference" in his health this offseason compared to last year, when he was coming off serious hip surgery, and he can focus this year on improving mental elements of his game.

The Dolphins have already made it a focus to build around Tagovailoa early in the 2021 offseason, including hiring his former Elite 11 high school camp coach Charlie Frye as the their quarterbacks coach. They also spent significant time at the Senior Bowl getting to know Alabama star receiver DeVonta Smith and running back Najee Harris; both are fits for the Dolphins' offensive needs, have a great relationship with Tagovailoa and could be options for Miami to select with each of their first-round draft picks (Nos. 3 and 18).

When asked by Sirius Mad Dog Radio about reuniting with Smith, Tagovailoa admitted the two have already talked about rekindling their Crimson Tide magic a couple of times this offseason. He noted it would be "very special" and "very exciting," citing their chemistry.

KENT, Wash. -- Former Seattle Seahawks offensive tackle Chad Wheeler has pleaded not guilty to criminal charges of first-degree domestic violence assault, domestic violence unlawful imprisonment and resisting arrest.

Wheeler entered the plea Monday morning during an arraignment at King County's Maleng Regional Justice Center. He was ordered to remain in Washington as a condition of his pre-trial release.

Wheeler was arrested Jan. 22 after his girlfriend accused him of twice strangling her into unconsciousness while he was experiencing what both called a "manic episode." According to a police report and charging documents obtained by ESPN, the woman said that when she regained consciousness for the second time, Wheeler verbally expressed his surprise that she was still alive. When asked by police if she thought she was going to die, she responded: "I thought I already had."

The police report states that when police forced entry into the apartment shared by Wheeler and the woman, she was crying in pain, with her face covered in blood and her left arm swollen and limp against her body. She also had noticeable fingerprints on both sides of her neck, according to the report.

Scans revealed a fractured humerus and dislocated elbow in the woman's arm, according to the charging documents. They stated that a scan of the woman's chest showed indications that she had aspirated fluid and that she vomited large amounts of blood the next day. She also reported a sore throat, difficulty swallowing and eating, headache and neck pain.

The charging documents state that the 6-foot-7, 310-pound Wheeler did not comply with officers' commands and that at least one Taser application was made directly to his body "with little effect."

The woman told police that Wheeler, whom she has been dating for about six months, has bipolar disorder and that he had not been taking his medication recently. She said Wheeler had a "manic episode" that was not provoked by any sort of argument but rather began when he suddenly "snapped into a dark place" and told her to stand up and bow to him. He grabbed her by the neck and threw her onto the bed when she refused, the woman said.

According to the charging documents, Wheeler texted the woman a picture of himself with a shaved head earlier in the day of the incident, which concerned the woman given that long hair is his "thing."

Wheeler has been ordered to have no contact with the woman and to surrender any weapons.

The Seahawks waived the 27-year-old Wheeler in the wake of his arrest. He was formally charged Wednesday.

In a series of tweets the same day, Wheeler wrote that, "Events happened over the weekend that transpired from a manic episode. I am deeply sorry for the pain and suffering that I have caused to [the woman] and her family. I apologize profusely for the turmoil that I have caused to my family, teammates, fans and those closest to me. The most important thing right now is that [the woman] gets the care she needs and I get help. Both are happening.

"It is time for me to walk away from football and get the help I need to never again pose a threat to another. I cannot express my sorrow or remorse enough. I am truly ashamed."

The Seahawks released a statement last week saying that the team is "saddened by the details emerging against Chad Wheeler and strongly condemn this act of domestic violence. Our thoughts and support are with the victim. Chad is a free agent and no longer with the team."

The team's statement also said, "We encourage Chad to get the help he needs" and asked anyone experiencing domestic violence or mental illness to seek help.

An NFL spokesperson told ESPN that the matter is under review of the league's personal conduct policy. ESPN has reached out to both Wheeler's agent and attorney for comment.

First-degree domestic violence assault is a Class A felony in Washington, while domestic violence unlawful imprisonment is a Class C felony. If convicted, Wheeler could be sentenced to eight to 12 years in prison, according to prosecutors.

GREEN BAY, Wis. -- Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said he doesn't feel the need to reassure Aaron Rodgers that he will be their quarterback in 2021 and beyond, but then used Monday's news conference to reiterate their commitment to him.

"I don't think I have to do a lot of assuring him because I think obviously his play speaks for itself," Gutekunst said Monday in his first public comments since Rodgers openly questioned his future in Green Bay following the NFC Championship Game loss to the Buccaneers eight days earlier.

"I will say this: We're really excited not only for next year but the years to come. He's playing at such a high level that he always has, and I think this year was a special team. It didn't finish like we wanted to finish, but I think everybody's purely motivated to get back and I think, like I said, I don't think there's anything that we have to do. He's our quarterback, and he's our leader."

Coach Matt LaFleur offered an equally strong commitment when asked if he's confident Rodgers will be his quarterback in 2021 and beyond.

"Is that a trick question?" LaFleur said. "Absolutely. There's no doubt about it. You're talking about the guy that's going to win the MVP of the league. We're not in this position without him. I couldn't be happier with just not only his performance but how he led our football team, all the little things he does within that locker room to ensure that everybody is locked in, focused and ready to go. Absolutely he will be here for a long time. I know I've said that before, but a long time."

Gutekunst said he would "absolutely not" trade Rodgers this season and refuted a report that the Los Angeles Rams made a run at Rodgers before they acquired Matthew Stafford in a trade with the Lions on Saturday.

Rodgers is coming off perhaps his best season with 48 touchdowns and five interceptions. He led the Packers to their second straight 13-3 season and NFC title game appearance in as many years under LaFleur, and he is expected to be named the NFL's MVP for the third time in his career Saturday.

"I think that he is arguably the best player that I've ever seen or been around," Gutekunst said. "The chances he gives us week in and week out are significant, so he's going to be part of our future and we look forward to all the runs we're going to try to make here over the next few years."

The Packers threw Rodgers' future into question when Gutekunst traded up to draft quarterback Jordan Love in the first round last year.

They have Rodgers under contract through 2023, but he has no more guaranteed money left on the $134 million extension he signed in 2018. They have reached the point where they could move on and begin to gain salary-cap relief, although that number would be only about $6 million this year.

Gutekunst wouldn't say whether the team would restructure Rodgers' deal, but doing so could not only add guaranteed money to the current years but also provide a modicum of salary-cap space.

In other news from Monday's sessions with Gutekunst and LaFleur:

• When asked if Gutekunst still views Love, who was inactive as the third-string quarterback all last season, as the Packers' next franchise quarterback, he was noncommittal: "I view Jordan as a very talented prospect that we're really excited about developing. I know that maybe that's not the norm to have quarterbacks sit for a long time but we certainly believe in that. ... This probably won't be the first time we draft a quarterback and try to develop him, because we just think it's such an important part of the game ... We're excited to continue down that road and get him in some preseason games, at the same time while we're competing for championships with Aaron."

• LaFleur admitted there was a miscommunication on the defensive playcall that led to Tom Brady's 39-yard touchdown pass to Scotty Miller with 1 second left in the first half of the NFC title game. A report in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said LaFleur called for one coverage but defensive coordinator Mike Pettine called another.

"That was just a flat-out miscommunication and ultimately, anytime something like that occurs, that 100% falls squarely on my shoulders," LaFleur said. "I've got to make sure that I'm crystal clear with our communication and those mistakes cannot happen, especially when the stakes are so big, in particular, we pride ourselves on being great in situations. Bottom line is all calls go through me. So, I don't care who makes the call, it's all my fault. Bottom line. I'm responsible for every playcall, offense, defense, special teams. And that every call goes through me. So, if I'm ever unhappy with a call, I have the ability to do something about it. And that's all I'm going to really say about that."

Pettine was at the end of the his contract, and LaFleur let him go last week. Sources said he has interviewed or will interview Joe Barry (Chargers defensive passing game coordinator), Chris Harris (Washington defensive backs coach) and Ejiro Evero (Rams safeties coach). Former Cowboys defensive coordinator Kris Richard also has reportedly been contacted. At least one internal candidate, likely defensive backs coach Jerry Gray, also will be considered.

• LaFleur stood by his decision to kick a field goal on fourth-and-goal from the 8-yard line with just over 2 minutes left against the Bucs.

"If I had to do it again, if it's fourth-and-goal from the 8-yard line, we're kicking a field goal," LaFleur said. "If it's fourth-and-goal from the 5, I think we have a different discussion. You've got to play the percentages. We had three shots at it, gained no yards. That's how it is. Some people will agree. Some people will disagree. It in my heart, that's what I felt like was the best decision for us. Unfortunately, it didn't work out."

LaFleur said he should have better communicated to Rodgers what he would've needed on third down in order to go for it. Rodgers had a chance to scramble and perhaps get inside the 5-yard line.

As for communication, LaFleur said he would considering handing over playcalling duties to offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett if it meant better communication across the board but added that he doesn't have immediate plans to do so.

Worcester have signed forward Jack Owlett from Premiership side Wasps.

Owlett is scheduled to arrive in the summer to become Warriors' second signing for next season to follow Scotland wing Duhan van der Merwe.

The ex-Exeter University student moved to Wasps from Exeter in 2019, having also played on a dual registration with Cornish Pirates in the Championship.

"Jack has had a solid grounding at Exeter Chiefs and been able to continue his Premiership experience at Wasps," said Warriors director of rugby Alan Solomons.

"He is now ideally placed to make his mark here at Sixways under the expert tutelage of Mark Irish, our scrum coach."

Worcester are currently second from bottom in the Premiership following Saturday's narrow defeat by Exeter, having not won since the opening weekend of the season.

Warriors, who are away to Leicester this Saturday, have lost their last six games in all competitions and are only kept off the foot of the table by the four points awarded for their Covid-cancelled home game with Harlequins on New Year's Day.

MOORESVILLE, N.C. – Officials from the CARS Tour have revealed that competitors utilizing sealed crate engines will have an opportunity to earn extra bonus money during five CARS Super Late Model Tour events this year.

The Cash for Crates program will be utilized to attract pro late model competitors who want to compete on the CARS Super Late Model Tour this year.

The three highest finishing sealed crate engines in any position will receive a bonuses of $750, $500, and $250, respectively, during five races. The bonus money will be available at both Hickory events (March 20 and July 31), Motor Mile (Aug. 28), Tri-County (Sept. 11), and South Boston (Oct. 16).

All competitors that utilize a crate engine must follow the rules outlined in the CARS Tour rulebook, such as the 50 pound weight break, that addresses crate engines as well as the Sealed Engine Alliance Leaders (S.E.A.L.) for crate engine specifications.

“Allowing the crate engines to compete equally with the CARS Super Late Model Tour package is nothing new for us. It is something that has been in our rulebook for a number of years now, just this year we wanted to be more vocal about it so we came up with some bonus money to give back to those competitors who come out and race with a crate engine,” said CARS Tour owner Jack McNelly. “We’ve had guys that’s won races with crate motors in the past, the biggest one that comes to mind is Chris Dilbeck a few year ago. So not only will this money be up for grabs to compete, but to win races as well. Hopefully it will lead to a few more cars racing with us on a regular basis too.”

Additional bonuses for all competitors during those five events will be announced at a later date.

SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. — With the smoke barely settled from the guns fired in Hoker Trucking Victory Lane during the 15th edition of the Keyser Manufacturing Wild West Shootout presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts at FK Rod Ends Arizona Speedway, officials are already preparing for the 2022 miniseries.

In fact, the dates for the 16th edition of the miniseries have been set for Jan. 8-9, Jan. 12, and Jan. 14-16, 2022 at the three-eighths-mile oval located just outside of Phoenix.

“Despite having to battle through unprecedented challenges, we had the biggest year in the history of the Wild West Shootout in 2021. The support and cooperation from the racers, fans, and sponsors was nothing short of amazing. For all of this we are extremely grateful,” event promoter Chris Kearns said. “We have now turned our focus to the 2022 edition of the miniseries. Our staff is already evaluating every possible thing we can do to make the event a bigger and better experience for fans and racers.”

More than $250,000 in prize money will be on the line during the 16th Annual Keyser Manufacturing Wild West Shootout presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts. The event includes six complete programs for three divisions.

Each night finds the Dirt Track Bank Super Late Models presented by Black Diamond Race Cars, Mesilla Valley Transportation/ Border Tire Modifieds presented by Arizona Differential, and RHRSwag.com X-Mods presented by Barnett Harley Davidson competing in action.

Additionally, an open practice session is slated for both Jan. 7 and Jan. 11.

Each division will compete for a miniseries point’s championship and accompanying point fund.

“Pandemic restrictions unfortunately kept some of our loyal supporters from being able to attend in 2021, so we are definitely looking forward to returning to normalcy in 2022. Each year, more and more fans and racers enjoy the Wild West Shootout as an opportunity to take a racing vacation. There’s so much to see and do in the greater Phoenix area and typically the weather is fantastic,” Kearns continued. “The event is truly a homecoming for fans and drivers from across North America, and we couldn’t be more appreciative of all of the support that we get.”

CONCORD, N.C. – Kasey Kahne’s No. 9 sprint car is returning to the World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car tour full-time this year with James McFadden as the primary driver.

The five-time Australian World Series Sprintcars champion, of Warrnambool, Australia, will look to bring his Down Under dominance to the United States, as he competes in his first full-time season with the series.

“Ah, mate, I’m really excited about this opportunity to run with the Outlaws full-time,” McFadden said. “I’m very grateful to Kasey (Kahne) for putting me in the Karavan No. 9 car and for giving me this chance. We’ve had great success already and I think we can have a competitive year.”

He’s already proven his potential in the states, claiming two World of Outlaws victories – his first at Williams Grove Speedway in 2017 and his most recent at Lake Ozark Speedway with Kasey Kahne Racing last year. McFadden has run part-time with the World of Outlaws since 2012 – the last two years in KKR’s No. 9 machine. In that time, he’s also claimed the 2019 360 Knoxville Nationals.

The KKR No. 9 car has been a threatening bullet ever since joining the tour full-time in 2006 with Joey Saldana behind the wheel. From 2006 to 2012, Saldana won 68 series features – including a 20-win season in 2009. Then, when Pittman took over the No. 9 ride in 2013, he brought KKR its first World of Outlaws championship. He piloted the ride from 2013 to 2018 and collected 47 wins in his six years driving the car.

Kahne then took the No. 9 off the road full-time and ran it himself on a limited schedule in the early half of 2019. When he decided to step out of the seat, his first choice to fill it was McFadden.

“We’d always known James and he raced for my cousin Willie for a little bit,” Kahne said. “We had a friendship there and I had always been a fan of his driving and the things he did on the race track. And who he is. He’s a good guy. He fits in really well with our group. We just want to race together. We’ve won a lot of races together and enjoyed that. But I think the Outlaws is where it’s at with Sprint Cars and we want to give James a shot on the full Outlaw tour.”

He also wants to see his two cars running full-time again.

“I personally, have always enjoyed having two cars out there,” Kahne said. “We haven’t had that the last couple of years since I got out of NASCAR. We want to have that again now.”

Making a two-car team succeed takes having the right people, Kahne said. The drivers need to work well together and the teams need to do the same. From what he’s seen the past two years with the way two-time defending champion Brad Sweet and McFadden work together and the way crew chiefs Eric Prutzman – with the No. 49 car – and Justin Adams – with the No. 9 car – work together, he’s confident he has the right people in place.

“When you have the right guys working on the cars, the right drivers that can race each other the right way and work together off the track, then, yeah, you can get help from each other,” Kahne said. “When you have one guy that is a little off on that stuff, then it doesn’t benefit you a whole lot. With the drivers we have right now, our group works well together.”

Due to extenuating circumstances that are keeping McFadden in Australia, he’ll miss the season-opening events at Volusia Speedway Park during the 50th DIRTcar Nationals and possibly a couple of races after. Until he’s able to make it over to the states, Kahne will drive the Karavan No. 9 car. Due to the circumstances, McFadden will get show-up points for the races he misses.

When the Aussie makes his continental leap, he’ll become the 16th member of the elite class of drivers for the season and join a stout Rookie of the Year contending group – including Aaron Reutzel, Brock Zearfoss and Parker Price-Miller.

Until then, Kahne will enjoy some seat time and try to give the No. 9 team a good start in the team points. He has one win at Volusia – in 2002 with the All Star Circuit of Champions – and made his last start at the track with the Series in 2019. Last year, McFadden brought the No. 9 team to a runner-up finish in the Big Gator championship.

PENNGROVE, Calif. – Chase Johnson will make his maiden trip to Florida this month to tackle the season-opening tripleheader for the USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car Series.

Johnson has been selected to drive for Goodnight Racing Feb. 11-13 at Bubba Raceway Park in Ocala. It will be his first time traveling to the state, let alone visiting the unique three-eighths-mile dirt oval.

“I’m not really sure what to expect,” he said. “I think there will be a lot of cars there so to be in the A Main and to run up front is the goal. I’m going there with no expectations. I’ve never been to Florida and I’ve ran with Goodnight Racing a limited number of times, but I do feel confident.”

Johnson made two starts for the team last year, recording results of 13th at Gas City I-69 Speedway in Gas City, Ind., and 19th at Kokomo Speedway in Kokomo, Ind.

“It went really well,” he said. “We had good speed right out of the box. I’ve worked with Scott Benic in the past. We’ve been able to work well together. To keep building on what we’ve accomplished in the past is exciting. They are a great group of guys so it’s a good opportunity.

“I want to thank Scott Benic and Matt Goodnight for the opportunity to go to Florida.”

Johnson has limited starts with the USAC AMSOIL National Sprint Car Series over the last couple of years, tackling the Oval Nationals and Indiana Sprint Week, as well as the weekend behind the wheel of the Goodnight Racing non-wing sprint car.

“I feel like I’ve been able to turn some heads and show what I can do on the national level,” he said. “The people on the West Coast are more familiar, but with the Oval Nationals and Indiana Sprint Week starts, we’ve been able to race against the best in the sport.

“I’m looking forward to doing that again in Ocala.”