Daniel Hilsabeck is making his return to the World of Outlaws Late Models in 2025, determined to complete his rookie season after a wrist injury sidelined him in 2024.

The Earlham, Iowa native's 2024 rookie campaign was cut short after a crash at Brownstown Speedway in June. Following surgery and two months of recovery, Hilsabeck is now focused on competing for the 2025 Rookie of the Year Award.

During his recovery period, Hilsabeck returned to racing in fall 2024, securing four top 10 finishes with MLRA and placing sixth at the Late Model Knoxville Nationals. This success has boosted his confidence heading into the new season.

The 2025 season will begin at Volusia Speedway Park with two major events:

• DIRTcar Sunshine Nationals (January 22-25)
• Federated Auto Parts DIRTcar Nationals (February 13-15)

While Hilsabeck faced challenges during his first visit to Volusia's "World's Fastest Half Mile," he's gained valuable experience about the track's unique surface conditions. "The dirt threw me for a loop last year," Hilsabeck said. "Back home, that black would be slick, but it rubbered fast enough that I didn't keep up with the surface."

Looking ahead, Hilsabeck is particularly excited about visiting new tracks, including Smoky Mountain, the Kansas tracks (Humboldt and 81), and the North Dakota circuit. His team's improved preparation and understanding of national-level competition has him feeling more confident than ever for the upcoming season.

Related Articles

Previous Articles