Chris Madden Announces Step Back From Full-Time Competition After 2024

Smokey will move to a 6-10 race part-time dirt Late Model schedule in 2025

CONCORD, NC (June 4, 2024) – Chris Madden, of Gray Court, SC, announced he will be stepping back from full-time dirt Late Model competition at the end of 2024.

His 29-year career in dirt Late Model racing saw “Smokey” win over 250 Feature races, including nine total championships among series such as the Xtreme DIRTcar Series, Southern Nationals Series and Southern All-Star Dirt Racing Series.

Through his 304 starts, so far, with the World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Models, the Carolinian has collected 38 Feature wins – tied sixth all-time with Rick Eckert – 160 top-five finishes and 231 top 10s. He’s also finished runner-up in points in 2021 and 2023.

Madden cemented his legendary status in dirt Late Model racing with marquee triumphs at events like Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals – where he’s the 2018 Big Gator champion – National 100, Blue-Gray 100, USA Nationals, NAPA Gopher 50 and World of Outlaws World Finals.

Before he takes a step back, Madden is still in contention for the 2024 World of Outlaws title. He’s picked up two Series wins with his No. 44 Late Model, so far – dominating all 40 laps at Raceway 7 and making a 21st-to-first charge at Marion Center Raceway. He currently sits fourth in points – 60 points behind Nick Hoffman.

He’ll continue his championship chase when the Series resumes with its Summer Sizzler – eight races in 10 days, June 20-June 29, starting with Thunderhill Raceway on Thursday, June 20.

For more information on the event information and tickets, CLICK HERE.

If you can’t make it to the tracks, you can watch every World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model race live on DIRTVision.

The World of Outlaws CASE Construction Equipment Late Model Series is brought to fans across the country by many important sponsors and partners, including: CASE Construction Equipment (Official Construction Equipment), DIRTVision (Official Live Broadcast Partner), Hoosier Racing Tire (Official Tire), iRacing (Official Online Racing Game), Racing Electronics (Official Radio Supplier), Simpson Performance Products (Preferred Safety Gear Partner), SIS Insurance (Official Insurance Provider), Toyota (Official Vehicle), and VP Racing (Official Racing Fuel). Contingency sponsors include: Arizona Sport Shirts/Gotta Race, ARP (Automotive Racing Products), Cometic Gasket, COMP Cams, Evolve Transporters, Fox Factory (Hard Charger Award), MD3, MSD, Penske Racing Shocks, Quarter Master, Swift Springs, WELD Racing, and Wieland Metal Services (Exclusive Racing Aluminum); along with manufacturer sponsors, including, Behrent’s Performance Warehouse, Bilstein, Capital Race Cars, Dirt King Simulators, FAST 1 Speed Shop, FIREBULL, Gorsuch Performance, Integra Shocks, Intercomp, Reliable Painting, Rocket Chassis, and Sea Foam.

Founded in 1978, the World of Outlaws®, based in Concord, NC, is the premier national touring series for dirt track racing in North America, featuring the most powerful cars on dirt, the World of Outlaws NOS® Energy Drink Sprint Car Series and the World of Outlaws Late Model Series. Annually, the two series race nearly 140 times at tracks across the United States and Canada. CBS Sports Network is the official broadcast partner of the World of Outlaws. DIRTVision® also broadcasts World of Outlaws events over the Internet to fans around the world. Learn more about the World of Outlaws.