Revisiting the Gumout Support Series

*Article has been updated to reflect that the Gumout Series was a 410 sprint car series, not a 360 series* For more information, check out this link from the World of Outlaws.

It’s not even March and the sprint car rumors are firing on all cylinders for the 2024 season. A new rumor has popped up that World Racing Group (WRG) is in talks to buy the American Sprint Car Series (ASCS). While there is no validity to this rumor at the moment, it has sprint car fans talking about what this could look like. ASCS is known for sanctioning 360 sprint cars across many states. They have a 410 series as well, but 360 racing is their most popular form of racing.

Currently, High Limit Racing is getting most of the 410 sprint car attention early in the season. One could argue that their only miscue was getting rid of the All Star Circuit of Champions. That seemed to be the one thing that really upset a lot of people, and the World of Outlaws and WRG surely took notice. But would WRG even consider trying to buy a dominant 360 sprint car series after the Outlaws already failed in doing something similar back in 2000?

While it may seem very similar, I think WRG learned from their mistakes and could be looking at a much different business model. In 2000, the World of Outlaws started the “Gumout Support Series” that would feature 410 sprint car racing. The goal was to grow the standard World of Outlaws field so that more interest would be invested into the sport for cable TV ratings. It was tiring for some seeing the same 10-15 cars race against each other every night. They needed a spark and the Gumout Series was created to compete with the All Stars at the time (matching their 50k championship).

The series attracted drivers such as Tyler Walker, Daryn Pittman, Shane Stewart, Craig Dollansky, Jason Meyers, and Jeff Sheppard. Dollansky won the first ever Gumout race over Paul McMahan at Lernerville. Car counts were very impressive, as Lernerville standout Ed Lynch Jr. was a DNQ for the night.

One of the main issues with the Gumout Series was that it wasn’t exactly regional. In it’s short existence, the series held 72 races at 36 tracks in 18 states. That’s essentially a full season with the modern day Outlaws. Ultimately, the series ended in 2002, with Tyler Walker officially (or unofficially) as the final champion. Dollansky won the inaugural championship and Pittman was the champion in 2001.

Gumout Series Overview

Time Period: 2000-2002

Car Type: 410 Sprint Cars

Most Wins: 11 – Tyler Walker

Races: 72

Driver Count: 513

Champions: Tyler Walker, Daryn Pittman, Craig Dollansky

In recent years, the All Stars served as the “regional” 410 sprint car series. Since they were purchased by High Limit Racing, a regional void was created. A regional void that was talked about nonstop during the offseason and one that was not ignored by WRG CEO Brian Carter. In an early interview after the High Limit news was announced, Carter mentioned the possibility of a regional series being in the cards for WRG.

Those comments are now coming full circle with these new rumors. WRG is well-aware of the mistakes made from 2000-2002 and they won’t make those mistakes again. If they were to start a regional “feeder” series, it would most likely not be visiting 18 different states. It would likely be more focused on 410 sprint cars, while still having something for the 360’s. Carter and WRG know where the void is and they know where the most sprint cars in the country exist. Time will tell if there is any validity to these rumors, but don’t be surprised if something like this does end up happening.