21-year-old Emerson Axsom earned his first career World of Outlaws NOS Energy Drink Sprint Car Series win Sunday night at Huset's Speedway, capturing the L.G. Everist Huset's Shootout finale and a $25,000 payday. Racing full-time with the Series for the first time in 2026 alongside his father Joe as crew chief on the Klaasmeyer/Petry Motorsports No. 27, Axsom led 40 laps, surviving a fierce battle with Carson Macedo and holding off David Gravel and Michael "Buddy" Kofoid through late restarts.
An emotional Axsom credited his small team and car owners Dale Klaasmeyer and Scott Petry for believing in him, calling the win especially meaningful given how competitive and difficult the Series is—noting the team sits 12th in points despite the victory.
Axsom becomes the 160th different winner in World of Outlaws history and the fifth first-time winner this season, joining Kasey Kahne, Bryce Lucius, Chris Windom, and Garet Williamson. He's also the 21st different race winner in 2026, putting the season within four wins of tying the all-time record of 25 set in 2004. The Franklin, Indiana native becomes the 13th "Hoosier" driver to win a World of Outlaws race, joining a list that includes Steve Kinser, Tony Stewart, and Tyler Courtney.
