(Eastaboga, AL - February 10, 2025) – For the first time in Crate Racin' USA Winter Shootout Series history, the mini-series is making its way to Sweetwater, TN, for a thrilling weekend of racing at the I-75 Raceway. The 7th Annual Sweetheart event, paying $3,000 to win, will serve as the third weekend of the Winter Shootout and set the stage for the highly anticipated championship weekend next week in Clewiston, FL.
The Sweetheart has been a staple event at the now-closed 4-11 Motor Speedway, but with the closure of that venue, I-75 Raceway has stepped up to carry on the tradition. With only 62 miles separating the two tracks, fans can look forward to the same level of excitement and intensity that the Sweetheart has delivered for years. The National tour will return to I-75 later in the year for the $10,000-to-win J.T. Kerr Memorial in June, as the track continues to honor the region's racing history.
Championship Battle Heating Up:
Heading into the Sweetheart, Sam Seawright (Fort Payne, AL) holds a slim 12-point lead over two-time national champion Jimmy Thomas (Phenix City, AL), and a 32-point advantage over Hayden Cardwell (Knoxville, TN). Cardwell, a former Sweetheart winner in 2022 at 4-11 Motor Speedway, is looking to reignite his title push with a strong performance at a track that’s been good to him in recent years, including a win just days ago. With the championship race heating up, the Sweetheart will serve as a critical race in the series' final stretch.
Current Points Standings (After Volusia):
1-Sam Seawright – Fort Payne, AL | 274 points
2-Jimmy Thomas – Phenix City, AL | 262 points (-12)
3-Hayden Cardwell – Knoxville, TN | 242 points (-32)
4-Wil Herrington – Hawkinsville, GA | 236 points (-38)
5-Jake Rainey – Powder Springs, GA | 212 points (-62)
6-Koulten Herbert – Locust Grove, GA | 212 points (-62)
7-Austin Yarbrough – Little River, SC | 210 points (-64)
8-Payton Stevenson – Locust Grove, GA | 204 points (-70)
9-Mark Whitener – Middleburg, FL | 196 points (-78)
10-Ethan Wilson – Fayetteville, NC | 194 points (-80)
A Full Weekend of Action:
In addition to the Winter Shootout Series, fans can expect to see action from other divisions, including Sportsman, 602 Late Models, Street Stock, B-Sportsman, and Front Wheel Drive classes. The event is being promoted by High Line Promotions and will be broadcast live on Crate Racin' USA TV, giving fans the chance to catch all the action from home.
For more information, including rules and race details, visit www.crateracinusa.com or email crateracinusa@gmail.com.
Crate Racin' USA extends its gratitude to its marketing partners, including:
Rogers Dabbs Performance Parts, Chevrolet Performance, Hoosier Racing Tire, VP Racing Fuels, VP Racing Lubricants, KRC Power Steering, Knowles Race Parts and Bodies, Willy's Carb & Dyno Shop, LLC, Competition Racing Equipment, Cruise with the Champions, Savage Chassis, BMF Race Cars, Velocita by Melissa Markewitz, Eagle Racing Engines, Hickman Manufacturing, ATC Bolts & Fasteners, and Sin City Bail Bonds.
We look forward to seeing you at I-75 Raceway for an unforgettable Sweetheart!