Jake Swanson wasted no time securing his first USAC National Sprint Car victory of 2026, capturing the spotlight at Volusia Speedway Park during the Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals. The Anaheim, California native seized the lead by the sixth lap and maintained a commanding pace to finish well ahead of his competitors.
Swanson, who took a significant step last year by fielding his own team, Daming Swanson Motorsports No. 5T, showed marked improvement after overcoming early challenges in building his organization. His breakthrough in 2025 came late in the season, at the 47th race, when he triumphed at Route 66 Motor Speedway in Amarillo, Texas. This year, his victory arrived swiftly, reflecting his team’s evolution into a strong contender on the USAC circuit.
Swanson Reflects on Team’s Dedication and Progress
The 32-year-old’s dominating performance was not only a testament to his driving skill but also highlighted the hard work poured into developing his race program. Swanson’s lead swelled to over seven seconds as he skillfully navigated through traffic, ultimately securing a hard-earned $12,000 first-place prize at what is known as the “World’s Fastest Half Mile.”
“I’ve put my life into this race team, this program, building this stuff,”
Swanson shared with emotion.
“There’s a lot of good people I’m doing it with. I’m confident. I know I can do it. I know I can build a race car that can do it. I’m just glad that it’s paying off. It’s finally here. I’m doing what I set out to do, and I couldn’t be happier to do it with the group I’m doing it with.”
– Jake Swanson
Logan Seavey Secures DIRTcar Nationals Title with Consistent Performance
Logan Seavey, who finished second behind Swanson in Tuesday’s feature, combined that result with his win on Monday to clinch the overall 2026 DIRTcar Nationals championship with USAC. Hailing from Sutter, California, Seavey also added the 2024 Big Gator trophy to his accolades, becoming the first driver to claim two notable USAC trophies in the same season.
Since partnering with Abacus Racing, Seavey has maintained exceptional consistency at Volusia Speedway Park, finishing either first or second in five of his six starts at the event. His steady performance confirms his status as one of the top contenders in the sport.
“Overall, it was a great few days here at Volusia,”
Seavey remarked.
“I love coming here. It’s a place that’s treated me well.”
– Logan Seavey
Other Standout Drivers and Race Details
Rounding out the podium was Kevin Thomas Jr., followed by Justin Grant and Briggs Danner, who completed the top five. The full feature race comprised 24 drivers competing over 30 laps, with Swanson’s commanding victory as a highlight of the evening’s action.
The Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals are set to continue on Wednesday, February 11, featuring the Super DIRTcar Series Big Block Modifieds alongside the DIRTcar Late Models at Volusia Speedway Park. The race series draws top drivers and significant attention from racing fans nationwide.
Implications for the Season and Future Races
Swanson’s early triumph signals his team’s arrival as a serious force in the USAC National Sprint Car ranks, while Seavey’s title win underscores his growing dominance across multiple prestigious events. The intense competition at Volusia Speedway Park serves as a key proving ground for drivers aiming to establish themselves in the 2026 season.
As the DIRTcar Nationals proceed, fans can anticipate further gripping contests and potential shifts in the leaderboard, especially with the inclusion of Big Block Modifieds and Late Model racing. Coverage of each race is available live on DIRTVision, offering a front-row experience for enthusiasts following the action.
