Winchester, Ind. – The high banks of Winchester Speedway are ready for one of the most prestigious events in all of short track racing, the 54th running of the Winchester 400 presented by Vore’s Welding and Steel, set for Sunday, October 12.
As anticipation builds for one of the sport’s true bucket-list races, here’s a look at some of the key storylines to follow heading into the weekend:
The Defending Winner Returns
Cole Butcher comes into Winchester as the defending Winchester 400 Champion and the current ASA STARS National Tour point leader. The Nova Scotia native has been the class of the field all season long, with four wins in ten races, including triumphs at Five Flags Speedway, Dominion Raceway, Slinger Speedway and Anderson Speedway. Butcher now looks to join an elite group of back-to-back winners and cap off his championship run in style.
Majeski’s Championship Pedigree
The defending NASCAR Truck Series Champion, 2023 ASA STARS National Tour Champion, and five-time ASA Midwest Tour Champion returns to the Winchester 400 looking to add another crown jewel to his incredible record. After finishing second in last year’s race, Majeski is determined to finish one spot higher and capture his first Winchester Rifle.
Sutton on a Hot Streak
Few drivers enter the 400 with more momentum than Dawson Sutton. The Tennessee driver has been on fire, winning the Glass City 200 at Toledo Speedway just weeks ago and following it up with a Southern Super Series victory at Five Flags Speedway. Add in past wins like the Masters of the Pros 150 and the Father’s Day 100 at the Milwaukee Mile, and Sutton has quickly established himself in premier events.
Midwest Stars Aim to Shine
Regional standouts and fan favorites are ready to defend home turf. Austin Nason, winner of the Joe Shear Classic, Howie Lettow Classic, and National Short Track Championships returns as one of the Midwest’s most consistent front-runners. Blake Rowe, the defending CRA JEGS All Star Tour Champion and former Glass City 200 winner, looks to continue his success at Winchester, while Billy VanMeter, the current JEGS Tour point leader and three-time CRA Late Model Sportsman winner at Winchester, brings plenty of local experience.
Nasse Hunts for Third Winchester Rifle
Few drivers in short track racing have a resume that rivals Stephen Nasse when it comes to crown jewel events. The Pinellas Park, Florida native is a two-time winner of the Winchester 400 and a two-time Southern Super Series Champion. Nasse’s career also includes victories in some of the sport’s most prestigious races, including the All American 400, the Florida Governor’s Cup, and the Clyde Hart Memorial. With two Winchester Rifles already to his name, Nasse returns to the high banks in pursuit of a historic third victory and another defining moment in his accomplished career.
A Full Weekend of Racing
The Winchester 400 Weekend kicks off Friday, October 10 with a triple-header featuring the CRA JEGS All Star Tour, the Vore’s Compact Touring Series, and the Thunder Roadsters. On Saturday, October 11, the action continues with the Modifieds Run for the Gun 50, along with the CRA Late Model Sportsman and CRA Street Stocks. The weekend culminates on Sunday, October 12 with the 54th running of the Winchester 400 presented by Vore’s Welding and Steel, with the green flag set to wave at 1:00 PM ET.
